Getting the message right on nature‐based solutions to climate change

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 27(8), P. 1518 - 1546

Published: Feb. 1, 2021

Abstract Nature‐based solutions (NbS)—solutions to societal challenges that involve working with nature—have recently gained popularity as an integrated approach can address climate change and biodiversity loss, while supporting sustainable development. Although well‐designed NbS deliver multiple benefits for people nature, much of the recent limelight has been on tree planting carbon sequestration. There are serious concerns this is distracting from need rapidly phase out use fossil fuels protect existing intact ecosystems. also expansion forestry framed a mitigation solution coming at cost rich biodiverse native ecosystems local resource rights. Here, we discuss promise pitfalls framing its current political traction, present recommendations how get message right. We urge policymakers, practitioners researchers consider synergies trade‐offs associated follow four guiding principles enable provide society: (1) not substitute rapid fuels; (2) wide range land in sea, just forests; (3) implemented full engagement consent Indigenous Peoples communities way respects their cultural ecological rights; (4) should be explicitly designed measurable biodiversity. Only by following these guidelines will design robust resilient urgent sustaining nature together, now into future.

Language: Английский

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Conceptualising transdisciplinary integration as a multidimensional interactive process

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 118, P. 18 - 26

Published: Jan. 24, 2021

Integration is a key process in transdisciplinary research and knowledge co-production. Nonetheless, it often used as buzzword without specifying what exactly means or actually happens during integration. We propose conceptualizing integration multidimensional interactive process. characterize an open-ended learning pre-determined outcomes. designates relations established throughout between elements that were not previously related. Those are participants the their thought-styles thought-collectives more specifically pieces of knowledge, ideas, practices from different well views individual researchers practitioners. can happen at manifold instances It take place among two, several, all be one-sided mutual. might include insights, practices, frameworks, concepts shared by participants. Consensus only one along with other ways retaining plurality seeing balance them remains subject to continuous revision. To analyse achieve effective integration, further dimensions beyond cognitive have taken into account including least emotional social-interactional dimension.

Language: Английский

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Societal effects of transdisciplinary sustainability research—How can they be strengthened during the research process?

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 101, P. 183 - 191

Published: Sept. 10, 2019

Transdisciplinary sustainability research aims to mitigate or solve complex societal problems and advance the production of scientific knowledge. Reflexive approaches transdisciplinary processes are outlined systematically strengthen potential for effectiveness. So far, it is rare find empirically based analyses links between quality process methods applied on one hand effects achieved other. This paper thus addresses issue heightening research. The objective explore ways consciously promoting effectiveness in We argue that these possibilities evolve at intersection general project framework an adaptive shaping processes. A reflexive approach this kind proactively considers dynamics interests concerns, roles responsibilities, collaboration culture within a project, connectivity context action addressed. Its deployment presupposes appreciation basic conditions, i.e. historical development respective problem, heterogeneity actors involved, environment and, finally, funding conditions.

Language: Английский

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A Research Agenda for the Future of Urban Water Management: Exploring the Potential of Nongrid, Small-Grid, and Hybrid Solutions

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 54(9), P. 5312 - 5322

Published: April 1, 2020

Recent developments in high- and middle-income countries have exhibited a shift from conventional urban water systems to alternative solutions that are more diverse source separation, decentralization, modularization. These include nongrid, small-grid, hybrid address such pressing global challenges as climate change, eutrophication, rapid urbanization. They close loops, recover valuable resources, adapt quickly changing boundary conditions population size. Moving requires both technical social innovations coevolve over time into integrated socio-technical systems. Current implementations of promising, but they also underline the need for research questions be addressed technical, social, transformative perspectives. Future should pursue transdisciplinary approach generating evidence through "lighthouse" projects apply at scale. Such leverage experiences these socio-economic contexts, identify their potentials limitations an perspective, share successes failures across sector.

Language: Английский

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Integrate the integrators! A call for establishing academic careers for integration experts

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(1)

Published: April 25, 2022

Abstract Integration is often considered the core challenge and defining characteristic of inter- trans-disciplinary (ITD) research. Given its importance, it surprising that current system higher education does not provide permanent positions for integration experts; i.e., experts who lead, administer, manage, monitor, assess, accompany, and/or advise others on within ITD projects or programs. Based empirical results an 2019 Conference Workshop entitled “Is there a new profession rise?” held in Gothenburg, Sweden, our own experience leading studying integration, present article sheds light overarching question, “What are experts?”, thus contributing to emerging literature expertise. We use direct quotes from participants substantiate workshop triangulate them with recent research as well Science Team (SciTS) Technology Studies (STS). conclude by discussing possible unintended consequences establishing academic careers experts, suggest four complementary ways support them, while mitigating potentially negative consequences: (a) international Community Practice (CoP) foster peer-to-peer exchange among create greater visibility, develop ideas transforming structures; (b) evidence “successful” examples disclose different related positions; (c) funding respective aligning metrics programs; (d) engaging collaborative dialog institutions agencies lessons learnt legitimating experts. If academia be serious about addressing most pressing environmental societal problems time, needs integrate integrators.

Language: Английский

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Transdisciplinary co-creation increases the utilization of knowledge from sustainable development research

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 129, P. 107 - 115

Published: Jan. 3, 2022

Our study aimed at understanding the utilization of research knowledge generated in sustainable development research. Drawing on a sample 54 recent projects, we investigated how and by whom was used, what changes were achieved, non-academic actors involved. As conceptual framework combined concept "stages utilization" with spiral model that co-creates three forms – systems knowledge, target transformation which spans from joint problem definition to concrete sustainability transformations. We analysed questionnaires 94 academic using cross-tabulation, chi-squared tests, qualitative content analysis. The early involvement key groups such as local enterprises positively related their diverse roles. However, only little has so far resulted policy practice, partly because transformations are larger societal processes. Utilization for cannot be achieved without employing transdisciplinary approach brings together setting enables discussions an even footing empowering who often not heard. In settings, researchers also part change rather than mere observers, additional factor came up our participatory results validation activities requires further For more influence policies active participation outset, when project contents defined.

Language: Английский

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The Role of Bioeconomy in the Future Energy Scenario: A State-of-the-Art Review

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 14(1), P. 560 - 560

Published: Jan. 5, 2022

The bioeconomy aims at decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, preventing or reducing climate change, eliminating insecurity, and efficiently using resources; however, fierce controversy exists conceivable pathways to accomplish these objectives. transport sector alone, which encompasses all other industrial sectors, has grown with regard its energy demand by 50% over the past 30 years. aim of this paper is promote a dialogue as whether an economy based biomass can be more sustainable than today’s existing economies, considering that needs expand boosted, while creating cascading recycling system. This semi-systematic review discusses four research questions findings from last 20 years: (i) What are crucial issues in ongoing debate development concept? (ii) Where major conflicting points focuses? (iii) How does follow current urbanization land-abandonment trends? (iv) will crisis linked COVID-19 pandemic change previous scenarios? As it not easy currently predict pathway most effective, one taken now specific novel pathway, article recommends following strategy diverse regarding approaches shaping further funding renewable sources, along involvement urban planning. In addition, conclusions validated through questionnaire completed 51 experts field.

Language: Английский

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Effective mission-oriented research: A new framework for systemic research impact assessment

Research Evaluation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 8, 2024

Abstract Mission-oriented research combines a wide array of natural and social science disciplines to offer solutions for complex multi-dimensional challenges such as climate change, loss biodiversity, scarcity resources. The utilization the outputs mission-oriented aims changes in behavior, policy practice resulting real world impacts. Systematically assessing impacts impact-generating processes is novel offers great potential plan impactful research. This article develops framework systemic impact assessment (RIA) on basis literature review taking resource management (NRM) an example. compiles analyzes 70 relevant RIA approaches. four components improving societal (1) integrated component enabling reflection all sustainability dimensions, (2) missions orienting toward goals ensure relevance, (3) inclusive participation legitimacy its impact, (4) strategic choose appropriate scales time dimensions effectiveness. We provide suitable examples we conclude with call increased use formative that incorporate participatory strategies priority setting well socially deliberated target systems (e.g. SDGs),

Language: Английский

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Transfer as a reciprocal process: How to foster receptivity to results of transdisciplinary research

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 104, P. 148 - 160

Published: Dec. 12, 2019

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) seeks to address real-world problems and aims be socially transformative. This normative objective extends beyond particular TDR projects, as are embedded in concrete contexts but, at the same time, also related wider societal challenges that not restricted one context. Therefore, generally entails transfer of knowledge results other contexts. However, discourse has mainly treated efforts from perspective scientific generalization, translation packaging knowledge. Within this understanding transfer, little attention been paid interplay between role new themselves. article is based on qualitative explorative four projects. Its were iteratively derived through project analysis, reflection insights literature discussions with experts. We propose a complex reciprocal process which different types provided transferred contexts, where adapted, enriched modified. In addition researchers, actors (pick-up) play an important for successful appropriation results. Generating potential within duration depends being aware pick-up To interdependent aspects (results, mediation, contexts), we present comprehensive model outlining processes. support projects seeking raise their more conscious manner, formulate three overarching recommendations: 1) adequately, 2) identify intermediaries and, 3) increase awareness Considering these recommendations while interdependence may Our conceptual acknowledges complexity non-linearity endeavors take advantage case-specifically gained or scales.

Language: Английский

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A question of dialogue? Reflections on how citizen science can enhance communication between science and society

Journal of Science Communication, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 20(03), P. A13 - A13

Published: May 10, 2021

Citizen science is a transdisciplinary approach that responds to the current policy agenda: in terms of supporting open science, and by using range communication instruments. In particular, it opens up scientific research processes involving citizens at different phases; this also creates opportunities for happen This article explores methodological practical characteristics citizen as form examining three case studies took approaches citizens' participation science. Through these, becomes clear ‘÷always’ an essential part “doing science”.

Language: Английский

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