Sustainable and Resilient Futures

A changing climate poses significant risks to societies, non-human species and their habitats, the environment, and the economy. Recent events are a stark reminder that these systems should adapt to become more resilient to cope with climate risks. Understanding climate risks, evaluating the resilience of vulnerable systems and devising adaptation and mitigation strategies are research and consultancy areas covered under this theme. 

Using resources responsibly to ensure they are available in the future is a critical aspect of sustainability. However, scarce resources have been depleted faster than they can be replaced or replenished. Alternative models for equitable sharing and effective use of finite resources are needed to reverse this situation. This theme also covers human and non-human access to resources; understanding the complex interactions between humans and wildlife; environmental and social impact assessment; and resource use.

Cities & infrastructure are part of both the solution and the problem in building sustainable & resilient futures. For example, cities generate 60% of the Global GDP and 70% of the GHG emissions. Infrastructure either directly or indirectly influences the achievement of the SGDs. Our research aims to utilise the potential cities & infrastructure offer in reducing the impact of climate change and enhancing health and well-being. Finding alternative, sustainable and resilient solutions to developing, operating, maintaining, reusing and disposing of these assets, is a key area of activity. 

Societies across the Globe will need to transform their means of production and consumption for a sustainable and resilient future, in which every member is justly treated in economic, environmental, social and cultural terms. Sustainability goals cannot be fully realised without addressing the deep inequalities embedded within the global systems. This transformation relies heavily on substantial behavioural change at individual, organisational & institutional levels. Research and knowledge exchange under this theme includes theories of behavioural change, the role of institutions, e.g. religious, on their adherents’ behavioral commitments to protecting the environment, environmental and social justice, and conflict and climate change. 

Good governance is a necessary pillar of sustainable development. It ensures appropriate structures of decision making are present and that decision-makers are accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. Our members are concerned with facilitating decision making across multiple sectors and scales; the trade-offs between equity, justice and fairness in decision-making, and ensuring that mechanisms exist to hold actors to account regarding decision-making, investment, action, and outcomes. 

Learners of all ages need to develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to develop and implement solutions to complex and interconnected global challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, poverty and inequality. Research and practice in this area follows the principles of UN’s Futures Literacy capability. They focus on empowering individuals, communities and societies to transform their current realities such that their futures are sustainable and resilient through education and skills development.