University of Kassel involved in IPBES report on transformative change
Image: k. friedrichIPBES, which is comparable to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), advises political decision-makers on the basis of scientific findings. The most recent report, the "Thematic Assessment on Transformative Change", was adopted by the IPBES contracting states in Windhoek (Namibia). Over a period of three years, more than 100 scientists from 42 countries worked on identifying key factors influencing sustainable change and developing concrete options for action that combine ecological, social and economic goals.
Plieninger led the chapter on the challenges of transformative change and, together with international colleagues, analyzed political and social barriers to sustainable change. The barriers identified include colonial thinking, environmentally harmful subsidies, unsustainable production and consumption patterns and unequal access to knowledge and technologies. "Although these factors are deeply rooted, there are numerous historical examples of how such barriers can be overcome," explains Plieninger. For example, a transformation of economic systems towards more natural and social justice as well as the promotion of nature-friendly technologies and interdisciplinary cooperation - for example in the agricultural, forestry and energy sectors or in the health sector - could accelerate change. Indigenous knowledge systems also play a crucial role in the development of sustainable strategies.
Given the urgency of taking decisive action, Plieninger adds: "Transformation must take place particularly in the sectors that bear the greatest responsibility for the destruction of nature. Transformative change requires courage - but many societies are fatigued by current crises." At the same time, he notes a discrepancy between the obvious need for change and the hesitant political implementation.
Despite these challenges, Plieninger remains optimistic: "Our report shows that far-reaching changes are possible. Social progress has always been based on transformation - sustainable development can significantly improve the quality of life." Plieninger therefore sees the report as an important impetus for political measures. "Thanks to IPBES, the biodiversity crisis has been recognized as one of the key issues of our time. The task now is to identify concrete ways to drive change."
Further information on Prof. Dr. Tobias Plieninger and his research:
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