A perspective on radical transformations to sustainability: resistances, movements, alternatives Leah Temper, Mariana Walter (corresponding author), Iokiñe Rodriguez, Ashish Kothari, Ethemcan Turhan Leah Temper, Phd Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA)Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)Barcelona Spain
[email protected] Mariana Walter, Phd (corresponding author) Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA)Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)Barcelona Spain
[email protected],
[email protected] Iokiñe Rodriguez, Phd School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich UK
[email protected] Ashish Kothari Kalpavriksh and Vikalp Sangam, India
[email protected] Ethemcan Turhan, Phd KTH Environmental Humanities Lab, Division of History of Science, Technology and Environment, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden
[email protected] Abstract: A transformation to sustainability calls for radical and systemic societal shifts. Yet what this entails in practice and who the agents of this radical transformation are requires further elaboration. This article recenters the role of environmental justice movements in transformations, arguing that the systemic, multi-dimensional and intersectional approach inherent in EJ activism is uniquely placed to contribute to the realization of equitable sustainable futures. Based on a perspective of conflict as productive, and a "conflict transformation" approach that can address the root issues of ecological conflicts and promote the emergence of alternatives, we lay out a conceptual framework for understanding transformations through a power analysis that aims to confront and subvert hegemonic power relations; that is multi-dimensional and intersectional; balancing ecological concerns with social, economic, cultural and democratic spheres; and is multi-scalar, and mindful of impacts across place and space.