Transformations to Sustainability
Date
2018-09-12Author
Scoones, Ian
Stirling, Andy
Abrol, Dinesh
Atela, Joanes
Charli-Joseph, Lakshmi
Eakin, Hallie
Ely, Adrian
Olsson, Per
Pereira, Laura
Priya, Ritu
van Zwanenberg, Patrick
Yang, Lichao
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Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight how transformations to sustainable economies and societies are a major global challenge. This Working Paper offers a brief overview of different conceptual approaches to transformation, and outlines a set of practical principles for effective research and action towards sustainability. We review three approaches to transformation, labelled: 'structural', 'systemic' and 'enabling'. We show how different ways of understanding what we mean by transformations can affect what actions follow. But these approaches are not mutually exclusive. We use global examples on low-carbon economy transformations, seed systems, wetland conservation and peri-urban development to show how they can be complementary and reinforcing. We describe three cross-cutting practical challenges and responses that must be taken seriously for effective transformations to sustainability: diverse knowledges, plural actors and the political nature of transformation. Realising the ambitions of the SDGs, we conclude, requires being clear about what we mean by transformation, and recognising these basic methodological principles for action.
Citation
Scoones, I., Stirling, A., Abrol, D., Atela, J., Charli-Joseph, L., Eakin, H., Ely, A., Olsson, P., Pereira, L., Priya, R., van Zwanenberg, P. and Yang, L. (2018) Transformations to Sustainability, STEPS Working Paper 104, Brighton: STEPS CentreIs part of series
STEPS Working Papers;104Rights holder
ESRC STEPS CentreRights details
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/Sponsor
This working paper is partly based on the research supported by the Transformations to Sustainability programme, which is coordinated by the International Science Council and funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and implemented in partnership with the National Research Foundation of South Africa. The Transformations to Sustainability Programme represents a contribution to Future Earth.Collections
- ESRC STEPS Centre [225]