A discussion with Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez

At this lunchtime event, Patricia presented her research on plastics pollution. In the video, Patricia discusses the links between plastics and Earth System Governance and Planetary Boundaries, as well as her ongoing work to try to understand the science-policy-society interfaces. Further, she considers the power dynamics of the Plastics Treaty through the lens of intersectionality and environmental justice.

The planetary boundaries framework (PBF) has become an influential framework and communications tool in academic research (both generating academic debate, and shaping research projects), the political arena (its recommendations are used in national and international policy), and corporate policy worldwide. However, Patricia argues that this framework is heavily technocratic-driven and made by dominant science views. Nonetheless, its popularity in the current international political arena can help leverage complex systemic environmental problems. Thus, her aim is to contribute to shifting the dominant science paradigm through a critical interrogation, using a feminist and intersectional approach when it comes to plastics pollution

Patricia's research is guided by the following questions:

• How can we re-frame our research within planetary boundaries from an anti-colonial point of view? How can obligations and accountability inform this research practice (Liboiron 2022)?
• How can global studies (Planetary boundaries) have a “we” that is not a misrepresentation? How can “we” and “for all” be presented in ways that are respectful and representative of more people in involved in the research process?
• What alternatives for policy are there outside of the fetishisation of quantification as 'saviour'?

This research was funded by the Ocean Born Foundation, with support from The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen)