Abstract
Taking into account that the multidimensional threat of climate change is particularly prominent in Kuwait, this paper aims to examine and analyze what appears to be a disparity in the political discourse on climate change and environmental concerns, and emerging socially and environmentally conscious entrepreneurship models in Kuwait. This apparent disconnection is crucial to examine, as it implies that voted representatives of the public in the National Assembly largely do not perceive or discuss climate change as a policy priority or a ‘popular’ issue to raise during election campaigns, despite the fact that there is evidence that suggests a large consumers base specifically concerned about climate change and environmental challenges.
Parliamentary candidates who raise environmental concerns seem to be less likely to gain traction in comparison to entrepreneurs whose business models are based on environmental and social responsibility. On the other hand, a significant number of local Kuwaiti businesses have emerged in recent years with the aim of introducing environmentally and socially conscious products to the market; unlike candidates who have raised environmental concerns, these local businesses were able to gain traction and successfully disseminate not only their products, but also the socially and environmentally responsible values and lifestyle behind them. By conducting interviews with these business owners on the motivation behind introducing such concepts in a market where these ideas had little consumer demand or engagement, as well as with some of their customers on how receptive they were to the concepts and products being marketed, this paper can compare and analyze the respective discourses of politicians versus entrepreneurs and the impact they have on the general public.
The key question then becomes, why would environmentally and socially responsible business models yield success for entrepreneurs, but not for politicians?
The paper argues that there is a gap in the nature of the rhetoric employed when being used by a politician versus a local business or entrepreneur, and this in turn impacts levels of receptiveness and engagement from their targeted audiences.
Drawing on secondary literature, interviews, and surveys, the paper reveals an increasing curiosity and commitment from consumers to environmentally and socially responsible consumer patterns and lifestyles, while simultaneously revealing a lack of engagement and concern from various voters bases on matters of climate change and environmental challenges at a policy-level. This paper aims to reconcile these two simultaneously legitimate realities.
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