Global Transformations Toward Sustainable Futures

Nakicenovic, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7176-4604 (2012). Global Transformations Toward Sustainable Futures. In: Worlds Within Reach: From Science To Policy - IIASA 40th Anniversary Conference, 24-26 October, 2012, Hofburg Congress Center, Vienna and IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria.

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Abstract

Fundamental, game-changing transformations are needed for a shift toward more sustainable development pathways. The first fundamental transformation was the emergence of the Neolithic revolution that brought agriculture and permanent settlements some ten thousand years ago. The second started more than two centuries ago and is referred to as the Industrial Revolution that is still characterized by explosive, exponential growth that is encroaching planetary boundaries. The next fundamental transformation is already present in embryonic form and promoted by pioneers of change: individuals, firms, institutions, novel technologies, new preferences and behavioral patterns. The impact of these change agents is however blocked by the lock-in into the business-as-usual practices, policies, and infrastructures. The ever more evident crisis of the “old” development patterns is an opportunity for the “new” ones to emerge and diffuse resulting in the transformative change of the “sustainability revolution”. The presentation will outline some salient historical transformations with examples ranging from energy, water and food to mobility, information and new forms of governance. Based on dynamics of these transformations and drawing on the rich scenario literature, possible future developments will be outlined and conclusions for future research challenges and enhanced policy needs made.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	IIASA 40th Anniversary Conference
Research Programs:	Transitions to New Technologies (TNT)
Depositing User:	Michaela Rossini
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2016 12:13
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 17:26
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/12183

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