title: National identity and environmentalism: Why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts

authors: Cislak, Aleksandra

subjects: collective narcissism

abstract: The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.

text: National identity and environmentalism: Why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.

year: 2024

title: Off-grid Energy Monitoring

authors: Alahmari, Mohammed Mushabab

subjects: monitoring

abstract: A range of circumstances and physical conditions exist in New Zealand that strongly motivates the adoption of off-grid electricity systems. However, there is scant detailed knowledge and understanding of many aspects of their use, including their effectiveness and economics. Moreover, the availability of detailed data on their use, which could produce this knowledge and potentially help to more effectively control these systems, is likewise lacking. Along with an interest in such systems in New Zealand, attention on the developing world, particularly the Pacific region, is also evident.
This research first involves a review of off-grid systems in New Zealand, particularly in terms of scale and form, along with related monitoring work performed within and outside the country, and the monitoring hardware and software used for that task. Second, the installation of precision monitoring equipment and associated communications are evaluated in terms of available off-grid residential systems of genuine off-grid systems, full-time permanently occupied residencies, and non-grid connections. Third, the commissioning and testing of the above-related equipment, and the storing of the data in a database, is conducted. Fourth, the development of real-time monitoring dashboards and data analysis techniques that provide short-, medium-, and long-term information on installation operations is performed. Finally, opportunities for improvement, including controls leading to improvement, are identified.

text: Off-grid Energy Monitoring A range of circumstances and physical conditions exist in New Zealand that strongly motivates the adoption of off-grid electricity systems. However, there is scant detailed knowledge and understanding of many aspects of their use, including their effectiveness and economics. Moreover, the availability of detailed data on their use, which could produce this knowledge and potentially help to more effectively control these systems, is likewise lacking. Along with an interest in such systems in New Zealand, attention on the developing world, particularly the Pacific region, is also evident.
This research first involves a review of off-grid systems in New Zealand, particularly in terms of scale and form, along with related monitoring work performed within and outside the country, and the monitoring hardware and software used for that task. Second, the installation of precision monitoring equipment and associated communications are evaluated in terms of available off-grid residential systems of genuine off-grid systems, full-time permanently occupied residencies, and non-grid connections. Third, the commissioning and testing of the above-related equipment, and the storing of the data in a database, is conducted. Fourth, the development of real-time monitoring dashboards and data analysis techniques that provide short-, medium-, and long-term information on installation operations is performed. Finally, opportunities for improvement, including controls leading to improvement, are identified.

year: 2013

title: Claiming spaces: Prioritising Maaori worldview

authors: Penehira, Mera

subjects: Maori

abstract: Ohomairangi Trust was established as a provider of early intervention services in February 2002. It is funded and accredited by the Ministry of Education, and is the first Kaupapa Maaori based early intervention service to be accredited by the Ministry of Education. Essentially Ohomairangi was developed because of a need in the community for a service that could focus on developing and providing early intervention in a uniquely Maaori way, without the constraints of a crown agency. The Ohomairangi early intervention team has a commitment to supporting both the positive developments for Maaori within the Ministry of Education, and the continued independent research and development of Kaupapa Maaori services. The primary purpose of Ohomairangi is to develop and provide a Kaupapa Maaori based early intervention service across Taamaki Makaurau, which meets recommended practice guidelines. This evolves from a starting point of Kaupapa Maaori theory.

text: Claiming spaces: Prioritising Maaori worldview Ohomairangi Trust was established as a provider of early intervention services in February 2002. It is funded and accredited by the Ministry of Education, and is the first Kaupapa Maaori based early intervention service to be accredited by the Ministry of Education. Essentially Ohomairangi was developed because of a need in the community for a service that could focus on developing and providing early intervention in a uniquely Maaori way, without the constraints of a crown agency. The Ohomairangi early intervention team has a commitment to supporting both the positive developments for Maaori within the Ministry of Education, and the continued independent research and development of Kaupapa Maaori services. The primary purpose of Ohomairangi is to develop and provide a Kaupapa Maaori based early intervention service across Taamaki Makaurau, which meets recommended practice guidelines. This evolves from a starting point of Kaupapa Maaori theory.

year: 2008