by ellen.dressler -

Mapping yoga practice for gestural control to externalise traumatic experiences

In the course of our interaction design class, I have been intensively studying an interesting paper by Sophie Rose, titled „CALM: Mapping yoga practice for gestural control to externalise traumatic experiences.“ Rose’s work delves into a realm of profound significance, where the fusion of artistic expression and therapeutic intent intersects. As I delved into the intricacies of her methodology, I found myself resonating deeply with her exploration of utilizing yoga practice as a means to externalize traumatic experiences.

Rose’s approach is commendable for its thoughtful consideration of the complexities surrounding trauma and its manifestations within the body. Her journey of refining the piece, shifting from traditional yoga poses to more abstracted forms focusing on seated poses and hand movements, showcases a meticulous process of adaptation tailored to the needs of trauma survivors. This emphasis on adaptability and sensitivity to individual experiences is crucial in the realm of trauma-informed therapies.

Moreover, Rose’s critical reflection on the intersection of yoga and trauma brings to light important considerations often overlooked in mainstream discourse. Her acknowledgment of the contrasting effects that yoga may have on individuals with sexual trauma underscores the necessity of nuanced approaches in therapeutic practices. By incorporating sound elements, including her own voice and pre-recorded scream samples, Rose effectively creates a multisensory experience that encapsulates the internal landscape of trauma.

I find Rose’s challenge to conventional notions of yoga as a panacea particularly poignant. Her emphasis on the importance of proper support and individual consideration resonates with my belief in the significance of holistic and personalized approaches to healing. It is imperative to recognize that what works for one person may not necessarily be beneficial for another, especially in the context of trauma recovery.

Furthermore, Rose’s exploration of the socio-political dimensions of performance adds another layer of depth to her work. Her critique of the silencing of female-bodied performers and her utilization of extended voice techniques serve as powerful means of reclaiming agency and challenging dominant narratives. This aspect of her work highlights the potential of art to serve as a platform for social commentary and cultural critique.

In essence, Sophie Rose’s project „CALM“ stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in navigating and transcending trauma. Her innovative approach not only sheds light on the complexities of trauma recovery but also opens up avenues for further exploration at the intersection of art, therapy, and social justice. As I reflect on her work, I am inspired by the potential for creative expression to serve as a catalyst for healing and empowerment.

References

Sophie Rose. 2023. CALM: Mapping yoga practice for gestural control to externalise traumatic experiences. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression.


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10 | Exploring Early Environmental Education

Since my research so far has been very broad and I have not pursued a very clear goal, it is important for me to sharpen my topic a little in my further research and to do more research in a specific direction. To this end, I would like to find out to what extent it would make sense to teach sustainability topics at a young age.
When looking at the various facets of sustainability, it became clear that this is not just a topic for adults.
Especially the interview with my friend led to the realization/assumption that a lot of knowledge can be imparted at an early age.

It is a dialog that needs to be initiated at a young age, as many habits and values are already established in this early phase of life. The earlier people become aware of the effects of their actions, the more profound and lasting the impact.

Sustainability does not have to be limited to textbooks and classroom lectures. It is a lifestyle, a way of thinking that influences every part of our lives. So the question is: how can this be seamlessly integrated into children’s lives? How can the topic become a part of their daily routine, their family discussions and their community interactions?

Children are curious creatures by nature. They question the world around them and soak up information like sponges. Harnessing this innate curiosity could be important and useful. Early sustainability education tends not to be about bombarding them with facts, but about nurturing their sense of sustainable action and encouraging them to explore and question the world they live in.

Static lessons and theoretical knowledge are probably not enough in this context. To make a real impact, sustainability education for young people needs to be dynamic, interactive and connectable. It’s about making learning a fun, engaging experience that sparks genuine interest. Whether through games, hands-on activities or simple experiments, the goal must be to make sustainability a part of their everyday lives.

Questions that need to be answered

At what age does it make sense to start sustainability education?
Is there a perfect age, or is it a gradual process? I want to address these questions by researching, perhaps talking to parents or teachers or interviewing experts to find out more about the receptivity of children at different ages.
It’s not just about teaching, but also about understanding children’s particular needs in relation to sustainability. What appeals to them? How can we ensure that the message is not lost in the teaching?

Staying realistic

When researching this area in depth, I want to take a realistic approach. It’s not about realizing an ideal, but about tangible, practical steps. What inspires children to learn about sustainability? Can it be as simple as a fascinating story, an engaging game or a hands-on project?

My conclusion after this first research phase

Shifting the focus to sustainability education at an early age seems to be a valid approach at the moment. Within this process, I hope to find out what resonates with young people in order to lay the foundations for a future where sustainability is not just a concept, but an integral part of the collective consciousness.
However, I do not rule out also moving a little in other directions and, if necessary, taking a closer look at the problems and needs of other potential target groups.

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09 | Neuroscientific impact of sustainability in CSR videos on millenials

During a university workshop where we were able to try out EEG devices for measuring brain waves, I came across an interesting study that looked at how various corporate social responsibility (CSR) videos affect the brain waves of millennials.
The study delved deep into the world of sustainability-focused corporate messaging. The exploration aims not only to unravel the reactions these videos trigger but, more importantly, to extract meaningful insights that will guide the path towards convincing individuals of the criticality of sustainable actions.

The Quest for Millennial Engagement in CSR Narratives

Intriguingly, the study’s findings unveiled a fascinating challenge: millennials‘ brains don’t engage as seamlessly as one might expect with CSR videos. Despite a prevailing consensus that this demographic places immense importance on corporate responsibility, especially regarding the environment, the current state of CSR communication seems to fall short in capturing their full attention. This realization shows that the way in which sustainability should be presented and communicated to this particular audience should be reconsidered.

Likability

Out of the seven CSR videos dissected, only a mere two succeeded in generating positive emotional responses. While females exhibited a more favorable disposition, males showcased fewer positive emotions but demonstrated a higher level of willingness to engage. This divergence in responses emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach that transcends initial negative reactions, tapping into the potential for long-term engagement.

Unraveling the Complexity of Information Processing

Peeling back the layers of brain activity, the study uncovered a significant mental effort required to grasp the messages embedded in CSR videos. The implications are profound; if viewers struggle to comprehend the content due to excessive cognitive load, the risk of message rejection looms large. This realization propels the imperative of simplifying CSR communication, making information more digestible for the millennial mind.

Navigating the Landscape of CSR Communication

In the larger context of CSR communication, these insights reverberate as a call for a new era—commonly referred to as CSR 2.0. The key lies not just in delivering information but in doing so through a lens that not only resonates emotionally but is also scientifically tailored to the audience. To convince the audience of the imperative of sustainable actions, the message must be more than just understandable; it needs to forge an emotional connection and be easily digestible.

For me these findings are important, to get a sense for how sustainability communication should work. Understanding that sustainability communication is not a one-size-fits-all paradigm, especially among millennials, emphasizes the need for tailored, neuro-aware strategies.
The study underscores the paramount importance of not just communicating but doing so in a manner that seeps into the essence of how millennials perceive and process information. With these insights, I am better equipped to decipher the subtleties of convincing people of the urgent need for sustainable action.

References

Janić, M., Ćirović, M., Dimitriadis, N., Jovanović Dimitriadis, N., & Alevizou, P. (2022). Neuroscience and CSR: Using EEG for Assessing the Effectiveness of Branded Videos Related to Environmental Issues. Sustainability, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031347

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08 | Exploring Sustainability Awareness: Insights from an In-Depth Interview

In my ongoing exploration of sustainability, I recently conducted a semi-structured guided interview with a friend deeply involved in environmental activism, particularly in the context of Fridays for Future. Studying Psychology with a focus on environmental psychology, she brought a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives to the conversation.

In my previous blog posts, I delved into defining sustainability and examining international agreements aimed at addressing its challenges. Recognizing the need for individual contributions alongside governmental efforts, I aimed to understand the current level of awareness and explore interactive educational approaches that could inspire sustainable action.

The interview aimed to provide insights into my friend’s experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding sustainability awareness. Structured as a guided conversation in German, the questions were designed to offer flexibility while maintaining the framework.

Insights from the Interview

Existing educational Efforts

My friend acknowledged the importance of education but expressed concerns about its effectiveness in promoting general sustainability awareness. She emphasized the need for clearer communication and a focus on positive future scenarios to counteract false balance in media representation.

Challenges in Communication

Addressing challenges in communication across age groups, she highlighted the prevalence of false balance in media, where a climate scientist might be juxtaposed with a climate denier, giving a misleading impression of a 50:50 debate. She stressed the importance of clearly stating the scientific consensus.

Role of Social Media

While recognizing the influence of social media, she also pointed out the trend towards superficiality and rapid content turnover. The success of influencers showcasing luxurious lifestyles might perpetuate a perception that sustainability means sacrifice.

Interactive Approaches

Regarding effective communication, she suggested exploring interactive approaches such as workshops, events, and campaigns that provide tangible experiences. She believed that the cool factor of sustainable living needed to be emphasized.

Governmental Role

Highlighting the importance of government involvement, she expressed concern about the perceived lack of effectiveness and social justice in current sustainability measures. She believed that well-executed, socially just initiatives could significantly increase public support.

Tailored Approaches

Recognizing the diversity of lifestyles and professions, she emphasized the potential effectiveness of individualized approaches. By addressing specific challenges related to mobility, food choices, and energy consumption, tailored solutions could resonate more deeply.

Motivations for Engagement

In terms of incentives, she highlighted intrinsic motivations tied to biospheric values, such as the desire for a better environment for future generations. The potential impact on one’s immediate surroundings, avoidance of negative consequences like flooding or water scarcity, and hedonistic enjoyment of sustainable practices were also mentioned.

This insightful interview offered valuable perspectives on sustainability awareness. It underscored the need for clearer communication, engaging and tailored educational approaches, and the pivotal role of governments in driving effective change. These insights will undoubtedly shape the direction of my research on this topic.

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07 | Transformation of urban spaces for a people-centered transport transition

While I was listening to various scientific podcast episodes of DDCAST for another university module, I came across a very interesting approach on how to ensure more sustainability within urban planning, both on an environmental and social level. In the interview, Janina Albrecht mentions various approaches to tackling the issue.

Urbanization has a significant impact on our lifestyle. Transport planning in urban areas in particular has a lasting impact on the quality of our life. But how could a redesign of urban transport infrastructures drive a future-oriented, people-centered transport transition?

Currently, car-centric cities dominate, primarily focused on accelerating car traffic while excluding other road users. A growing discussion on both an environmental and social level is striving for cities that offer more space for interaction, individual development and diverse lifestyles. The design of transportation infrastructure in cities therefore needs to be comprehensively rethought to create a more liveable environment for all.

The overall aim is to identify strategies for redesigning transportation infrastructure to create an inclusive and liveable urban environment. In the long term, this should lead to a sense of well-being, respect and an improved quality of experience for all residents.

The problem is, that current city design separates people from each other. Graphics such as the one by Donald Appleyard (1980) illustrate that a reduction in car traffic increases the likelihood of interaction and human encounters. On the other hand it also shows that the more car traffic there is on the streets, the less interaction happens between the citizens.

Human interactions depending on the traffic situation (2)

Way in the past, the street was a social hub, whereas today it mostly has a purely traffic-oriented function. A redesign of urban spaces should therefore restore opportunities for social interaction and encounter.

To develop solutions for effective redesign, a detailed analysis of existing urban spaces and consideration of the needs of different road users should be done. A low-threshold approach that visualizes new perspectives and gives people the opportunity to get actively involved is essential.

Therefore there should be created activities that arouse curiosity and create irritation and thus attention.

Janina Albrecht was also talking about the results of some public research that was conducted, which shows that public spaces are not quite designed for the human use. Whilst public spaces always have rectangular structures, the analysis of human behavior/traces shows, that they are round and smooth. This leads to a tension with reality.

She also is aware of the fact, that currently it is hardly possible to unite car and bicycle traffic, which is why the two are still separated most of the times.

But she also mentions that we already got strategies that work well for a car-centered city and that these exact strategies can be used to make cycling and walking more user-friendly.

Concluding it is important to be aware that a redistribution of urban spaces can improve the quality of life by promoting diverse use of transportation and increasing the safety and well-being of residents a lot. A long-term vision is to integrate all road users into the development of urban spaces in order to create a more harmonious coexistence.

Also the social acceptance of new concepts is a very important step. Solutions should take into account diverse perspectives and requirements and be implemented gradually, building on one another. Successful design includes the integration of green spaces, shaded areas, barrier-free paths and balanced access to different modes of transportation such as public transport and safe cycle paths.

References

(1) Albrecht, J., & Bertsch, G.-C. (o. J.). DDCAST 13—Janina Albrecht „Die Stadt vermenschlichen“ (13). https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CFljymuME6gznnWp23Ein?si=1d7ccea67f884786

(2) Appleyard, D. (1980). https://useruploads.cdn-decorrespondent.nl/image/o0-h4m0KqFUDWNpGddNKbIUATFU=/904×1528/dc-useruploads-images/e2a875cc44d44330ba75c44b6f32fe50.png

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06 | First interview guide

In my last blog posts, I provided some general insights into the topic of sustainability. In this context, I first defined the term more precisely and then took a look at governmental European and international agreements. However, as there are many challenges involved in achieving these, it is essential that not only the governments of all countries work together, but that we as individuals also play our part.

Therefore, it is necessary to find out to what extent people are aware of the sustainability issues, we are facing at the moment, and how an interactive educational approach could help to make the topic more present and show people with simple means how they can contribute to more sustainability.

But before I begin to expand my research into the topic of sustainability education to find out what systems and opportunities for personal education in this area already exist, what platforms, projects and initiatives are available for personal engagement, I would like to conduct a first interview to gain further insights into the topic.

For this purpose, I will interview a friend who has been intensively involved in Fridays for Future for many years and studies Psychology with focus on environmental psychology. Therefore she has a lot in-depth knowledge in this area, as she has also come into contact with many different people.

It will be a semi-structured guided interview in order to provide a rough framework of what the conversation should be about, but at the same time offer the necessary freedom to deviate from this and gain further interesting insights into the topic. The interview will be in German, but to make this blog post accessible to all, I have translated the questions into English.

Interview guide

Introductory questions:

  1. To what extent have you already dealt with the topic of sustainability and how are you involved in this area?
  2. You have certainly come into contact with many different people from different social groups in this context. What is your perception of the current level of education on sustainability issues and environmental awareness in society?
  3. What obstacles do you see with regard to people’s involvement and participation in the topic of sustainability?

Key questions:

  1. Do you think existing educational approaches are effective enough to promote general sustainability awareness?
  2. Do you see specific challenges or barriers in communicating sustainability issues to different age groups?
  3. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how to better communicate sustainability issues in different social and cultural contexts?
  4. What role could schools or universities play in promoting a deeper understanding of sustainability?
  5. What role do you think the media landscape plays in facilitating or inhibiting a comprehensive understanding of sustainability?
  6. What forms of communication could be particularly effective in raising awareness of the issue among the general public?
  7. How would you assess the role of government or other public institutions in promoting sustainability awareness?
  8. What types of interactive offers, activities or events could help to increase general public engagement in sustainability?
  9. Do you think an individualized approach to sustainability issues (e.g. adapting to different professions, lifestyles or age groups) could be more effective?
  10. Do you have any idea what incentives or motivations could encourage people to integrate sustainability more into their daily lives?

I’m very much looking forward to the outcomes of the interview and hoping to gain more insights into the topic from the perspective of someone who was involved in climate action a lot.

by ellen.dressler -

05 | Sustainability Challenges

In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the various European and international agreements, which I have examined in more detail in my last two blog posts, many challenges need to be overcome.
Environmental issues are inextricably linked to social and economic factors, as changes in one area will inevitably have a major impact on the others. (1)

Example of energy transition

The shift to renewable energy and the move away from fossil fuels are crucial to mitigating climate change. (2) However, this transition presents complex social and economic challenges. On the one hand, the energy transition promises a more sustainable future and a reduction in environmental impact through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower (3).
On the other hand, job losses and economic restructuring in fossil fuel-based sectors could lead to social unrest and economic turmoil (4).
The socio-economic transition associated with the energy transition raises questions about how to protect jobs and maintain livelihoods in fossil fuel-dependent regions. Job losses in the fossil fuel industry could severely impact entire communities and cause social tensions (4).
Economic transformation also requires investment in new technologies and the retraining of workers. In addition, policies and economic incentives need to be put in place to ensure a just transition and support affected communities (5).

The path to a sustainable energy future therefore requires a balanced approach that takes into account both environmental goals and the needs of society and the economy. The development of social safety nets, investment in new areas of work and a socially just and comprehensive transition plan are crucial to meet the social and economic challenges of the energy transition.

However, tackling the challenges for a more sustainable future requires much more than just political action. It is undeniable that political decisions and legislation play a key role in shaping sustainable change. But relying on them alone cannot fully bring about the much-needed change. Rather, a more sustainable future requires comprehensive individual commitment and collective responsibility to tackle the most urgent environmental problems.

Individual Behavior

Individual behavior and consumption patterns play a significant role in environmental pollution and climate change, but also bring with them many challenges.
Energy waste, excessive consumption of resources and environmentally harmful consumer habits are just some of the factors that have a negative impact on the environment.

When it comes to energy consumption, every individual can make a contribution by using renewable energy, using energy more sparingly at home and at work and choosing energy-efficient appliances. However, the high cost of purchasing these items can be a barrier. In addition, converting to environmentally friendly alternatives often requires technical know-how or infrastructural changes that not every private individual can carry out independently.

There are also challenges when it comes to the mobility transition. The promotion of environmentally friendly means of transportation such as electric cars can be problematic due to still limited charging stations and high acquisition costs. Furthermore, especially in regions with poor public transport connections, the use of a private car is often essential. Sensible alternatives must first be created before a complete change in this area can be realistically implemented.

Concerning our purchasing behavior, we should fall back on sustainable products whenever possible. This applies to both food and other consumer goods such as clothing, furniture or household appliances. However, these are currently usually offered at higher prices than less sustainable alternatives, which makes access more difficult for the wider population.

Furthermore, it is fundamentally difficult to reach the entire population equally and raise awareness of the aforementioned issues.
To sum up, it is to say that the responsibility for sustainable change lies heavily with individuals, but must be supported by commitment and change at corporate, community and government level. This requires political will and well-coordinated, long-term action.

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) Greenpeace. (2021). Kohleausstieg: Je schneller desto besser fürs Klima. Greenpeace. https://www.greenpeace.de/klimaschutz/energiewende/kohleausstieg

(3) Umweltbundestamt Österreich. (o. J.). Erneuerbare Energie. umweltbundesamt. https://www.umweltbundesamt.at/energie/erneuerbare-energie

(4) Lauro, I. (2022). Was bedeutet die Energiewende für die Zukunft der Arbeit? Schroders. https://www.schroders.com/de-at/at/finanzberater/insights/was-bedeutet-die-energiewende-fur-die-zukunft-der-arbeit/

(5) Europäischer Rechungshof. (2022). EU-Förderung für Kohleregionen: Begrenzte Ausrichtung auf den sozioökonomischen und energiewirtschaftlichen Übergang. https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR22_22/SR_coal_regions_DE.pdf

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04 | Overview of international agreements on sustainability

Although the goals of European environmental protection agreements such as the 2050 long-term strategy or the green deal are very important, achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 will only have a limited impact on mitigating climate change if other countries do not take similar measures. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, are key to global action. (1)

The Paris Agreement

On December 12, 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21). It represents a milestone in combating climate change and adapting to its effects, as it is recognized as binding by all states of the world (2)(3).

The Paris Agreement sets out long-term goals that represent a guideline for all nations:

  • Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
    – Limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
    – Continue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (2)
    – Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is only possible if greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 at the latest and fall by 43% by 2030 (3)
  • Evaluation of joint progress at regular intervals
  • Provision of financial resources for developing countries to
    – Mitigate climate change
    – Strengthen resilience
    – Improve the ability to adapt to climate impacts (2)

How it works

  • On a five-year cycle, countries are required to submit increasingly ambitious climate action plans, each known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2)
  • The NDCs serve as a document in which countries set out the measures they will take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, strengthen their resilience and adapt to the effects of climate change (3)

Mutual support between the countries

  • Funding
    – Industrialized countries are encouraged to provide financial support to countries with fewer resources
    – Support of voluntary contributions from other Parties
    – Need for substantial investments to significantly reduce emissions and adapt to the negative consequences of climate change
  • Technology
    – Development and transfer of technologies to improve resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    – Technology framework that accelerates the technology development and transfer mechanism through its policy and implementation arms
  • Capacity building
    – not all developing countries have sufficient capacity to address the challenges of climate change
    – Industrialized countries are called upon to increase support for climate-related capacity building measures in developing countries (3)

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a global agreement concluded in 2021 to counteract the ongoing loss of biodiversity and promote the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity.

  • The fundamental importance of biodiversity for human well-being and a healthy planet has been recognized
  • food, medicine, energy, clean air and water, safety from natural disasters, recreation and cultural inspiration are all based on biodiversity
  • Guidance for global policy and action on biodiversity in the next decade
  • Stakeholders: governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and scientific and academic institutions
  • Call on the United Nations General Assembly to monitor progress in implementing the Framework (4)

17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was recognized by all member states of the United Nations in 2015.

  • common concept for peace and prosperity
  • Urgent call for action as part of a global partnership to all industrialized and developing countries
  • they state that the eradication of poverty and other disadvantages must go hand in hand with strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality and boost economic growth
  • at the same time, climate change must be tackled and oceans and forests must be protected (5)

Figure 1 shows the each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals individually.

Figure 1: 17 SDGs (5)

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Action. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

(3) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

(4) UN environment programme. (2022). Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework. Convention On Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/e6d3/cd1d/daf663719a03902a9b116c34/cop-15-l-25-en.pdf

(5) United Nations. (o. J.). THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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03 | Overview of existing European sustainability agreements and initiatives

To achieve its ambitious environmental and climate goals through a socially just transition, Europe needs to radically change production and consumption systems such as food, energy and mobility systems. As we currently consume too much and in an unsustainable way, the transition is difficult and requires strong coordination within the international community (1).

2050 long term strategy

In this regard, in 2018, the European Commission presented the 2050 long-term strategy.
It states that the EU is pursuing the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050 and that the transition to a climate-neutral society represents both an urgent challenge and an opportunity to create a better future for everyone.
To achieve this, all parts of our society and all sectors of the economy must play their part (2).

“As Europeans, we want to leave a healthier planet behind for those that follow. We obviously cannot turn a blind eye to the climate challenge; we must look to the future.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, State of Union address September 2018 (3)

Figure 1 illustrates the envisaged path to a climate-neutral economy.
In addition to the complete decarbonization of the energy supply in order to reduce dependence on suppliers from third countries, the mobility sector is also to be comprehensively reformed. The focus here is on alternative means of transport, automated driving in conjunction with electric vehicles and the use of alternative fuels.
In addition, energy consumption is to be almost cut in half between 2005 and 2050 and a modern and intelligent network infrastructure is to be created.
Furthermore, natural carbon sinks are to be created through the development of more sustainable agriculture and remaining CO2 emissions are to be compensated for by creating negative emissions.
In addition, the modernization of industry should be the focus of a fully circular economy (3).

Figure 1: Road to climate neutral economy (3)

The 2050 long-term strategy thus forms the backbone of the European Green Deal.

European Green Deal

he European Green Deal is a comprehensive political initiative of the European Union to tackle climate change and environmental challenges while promoting a fair and prosperous society. The initiative aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy with zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
The European Green Deal also includes the following requirements:

  • Protection and improvement of the EU’s natural capital
  • Protection of the health and well-being of citizens from environmental risks
  • A just and inclusive transition that puts people at the center and takes into account the regions, sectors and employees that will face the greatest challenges (4) (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: The European Green Deal (4)

The objectives of the European Green Deal are also being implemented and supported as part of the EU’s 8th Environmental Action Program.

EU environment action programme to 2030

The long-term goal of the EU environment action program to 2030 is for all Europeans to live in a climate-neutral and healthy economy by 2050 at the latest. In this economy, there should be no waste, growth should be regenerative and inequalities should be significantly reduced.
Building on the European Green Deal, it aims to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient economy. It emphasizes that people’s well-being and prosperity depend on a healthy ecosystem.
The following are the six priority goals of the program:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050
  • Improve adaptability to climate change by strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change
  • Transition to a regenerative growth model, decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation, while accelerating the transition to a circular economy
  • Zero pollution of air, water and soil and protection of the health and well-being of Europeans
  • Protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity by improving the state of ecosystems and combating desertification and land degradation
  • Reducing the environmental and climate impact of production and consumption, particularly in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, mobility and food systems (5)

European Climate Pact

The European Climate Pact is part of the European Green Deal and aims to provide a vibrant space for the exchange of information, discussion and action on the climate crisis, as well as support for the growth of a European climate movement.
It offers people, communities and organizations the opportunity to participate in climate action across Europe, because the solutions outlined in the European Green Deal can only be successful if all people, communities and organizations are involved and take action.
Therefore it aims to make it easier to:

  • learn about climate change,
  • develop and implement solutions and
  • network with others and maximize the impact of these solutions.

It should also encourage Europeans who are willing to contribute in any way they can and reach those who have been less engaged so far.
Objectives:

  • Raise awareness of climate issues and EU action
  • Encourage climate action and promote engagement
  • Connect citizens and organizations working on climate and help them learn from each other (6)

To sum up, the European Union has a lot of goals aiming to create a more sustainable future for all. To be able to reach these, it is necessary that every individual, as well as every community, every organization and every company contributes their part.

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2)European Commission. (o. J.). Climate Action: 2050 long-term strategy. European Commission. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/climate-strategies-targets/2050-long-term-strategy_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20aims%20to%20be,action%20under%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%20.

(3) European Commission. (2018). Our Vision for A Clean Planet for All. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2018-11/vision_1_emissions_en.pdf

(4) Publications Office of the European Union. (2020). Communication from the Commission—The European Green Deal. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=COM:2019:640:FIN

(5) Publications Office of the European Union. (2022). EU environment action programme to 2030. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=CELEX:32022D0591

(6)European Union. (o. J.). European Climate Pact. European Union. https://climate-pact.europa.eu/index_en

by ellen.dressler -

02 | Definition of the term sustainability

Before I delve deeper into the various aspects of my major research topic of sustainability, it is important to first clearly define the term.

Etymologically speaking, the word „sustainable“ is a compound of „sustain“ + „able“. „To sustain“ means „to support“, „to maintain“ or „to bear“.
„Sustainable“ therefore is an adjective for something that can be sustained, i.e. something that is „bearable“ and „can be continued at a certain level“. So essentially, sustainability can be seen as a process by which something is maintained at a certain level (1).

Whilst the composition of the word already provides information about the meaning of it, it is also useful to take a closer look at its definition.
I noticed, that people often have too narrow a definition of the term sustainability. Whilst the environmental part of it is usually immediately associated with the topic, the Brundtland report of the world commission on environment and development from 1987 emphasizes that sustainability is a multifaceted concept that, in addition to environmental considerations, also encompasses social and economic concerns (2).

Figure 1 clearly shows the relationships between these three sectors.

Figure 1: corelation of social, economic and environmental sustainability (3)

In the Brundtland report it is stated that „sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs“ (p.41) (2). This still remains the commonly agreed on definition of sustainable development.
The report also notes that „environmental and economic problems are linked to many social and political factors“ and that „new approaches must involve programs of social development, particularly to improve the position of women in society, to protect vulnerable groups, and to promote local participation in decision making“ (p. 37) (2).

Overall it is important to note that in recent times, due to global environmental and social challenges, the term „sustainability“ is often used in a way where it primarily refers to practices and measures taken to prevent the depletion of natural resources, so an ecological balance is uphold, ensuring that the quality of life isn’t compromised.
This understanding of sustainability encompasses various facets:

  • preventing overexploitation of resources,
  • optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and pollution,
  • reevaluating product consumption patterns,
  • influencing investment strategies,
  • modifying citizen lifestyles,
  • shaping consumer habits,
  • advancing technology
  • and implementing changes in business and institutional frameworks.

Actions are considered sustainable when they minimize or avoid harming the natural environment, driven by the belief that safeguarding ecosystems will secure the quality of life for present-day societies (1).

References

(1) youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987) Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf

(3) Prokopowicz D. (2020). IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT AS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE PRO-ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS GREEN ECONOMY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY.DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.3558