Transition: whole transformation processes in which (sectors of) societies change in a
fundamental way over a time span of one generation or more.
Framework to look at historical, political and technological change.
Multi level perspective MLP: societal change occurring at multiple interrelating scales
(niche, regime, landscape, including a range of actors (civil society, market, state)
3 analytical levels:
- niches (locus for radical innovations)
- Regimes (locus of established practices and rules that stabilize the system)
- Landscape
Historical long term view on change - pathways of dependency and ‘lock in’ - past decisions
determine and shape current & future trajectories of development.
How can society transform into a sustainable society? 3 major sectors: energy, water and
food systems. Production and consumption. From historical, social/policy and tech
perspectives. Different visions, priorities and approaches.
Lecture 2 Sustainability Transitions: concepts, indicators, issues
Anthropocene: Humanity’s impact on the natural env. Increase of human impact on earth's
geology and ecosystems.
History of sustainability
- Since industrialisation
- 1960 & 1970: Emergence of new discourse of environmentalism and sustainability
- Increasing visibility of risks
- Rising concerns about nuclear weapons & energy, resource depletion, endangered
species
- Rising public interest
- Media & different claims: scientists, media, journalists, new technologies
- Sustainable development
Silent Spring, Rachel Carson. Turning point in linking practices and industry to env
destruction. Sparked env movement. Harmful effect of industrial development.
Maltusian approach: run out of resources, starve to death. Tipping point of increasing
population and then increase in deaths.
Stressing inequalities between different parts of the world > north and south.
Foundation of new env NGOs (e.g. greenpeace)
, 1980’s: First time use of sustainable development in the World Conservation Strategy
New environmental risks (of new technologies). Danger for society.
Sustainable development: balancing env, economical, societal sustainability. Decoupling
economic growth and env degradation. Needs of future generations.
Agenda 21: plan of action to tackle env problems at all levels of government.
Localization: Take the large plans and try to integrate them in local plans. Support local
government in implementing sus development.
Rio Declaration: the right of all nations to exploit resources, without damaging the env.
Differentiated responsibility to solving env problems. Balance historical imbalance
Missing: cultural impact, norms and
Core and contested ideas:
Environment + economy integration
- Are underdeveloped countries allowed to grow first? Allow them to catch up with the
more developed countries?
- Can economic growth and env protection be reconciled? Different types of growth?
Resource intensive growth or growths we want to promote (like education, cultural, to
increase QOL)
Futurity: explicit concern about future generations. People are concerned about future
generations but what about those populations already suffering from climate change?
Address the needs of non-existing people?
Environmental protection: efficient use of resources or recognizing intrinsic value of non-
human nature?
Dimensions of Equity: Meeting basic needs of the poor or between generations of the
future?
QOL: more than economic growth alone: how to measure variables like QOL?
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