Learning from a Climate Improvement Initiative: A Co-constructed Autoethnographic Exploration of Tensions in a Cross-Sector Collaboration

Abstract

Large-scale climate initiatives are fraught with challenges and often fall short of their ambitions. To better understand such efforts, we use a co-constructed autoethnography to explore the lived experience of an ambitious climate-focused project. We draw on our experience of bringing together a group of leaders from government, business and academia to help transition New Zealand to an emission’s neutral economy. We use paradox theory to reflexively explore the tensions we experienced during the project, articulated in a narrative description of our experience. Our exploration reveals the practical challenges that accompany complex cross-sector collaborations, specifically in relation to navigating tensions between tangible, timely progress and an appropriately ambitious vision for the climate initiative.