Existing consumption and production systems have long been known to be unsustainable. The depletion of natural resources to meet societal needs for food, shelter, energy, and health is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. While researchers from various disciplines have endeavored to investigate ways to make these systems more sustainable, it is now crucial for scientists from socio-technical and socio-environmental research communities to collaborate. This collaboration aims to synthesize and apply research on sustainability transitions, which has made significant progress over the past decade. In this article, we will explore a new special feature published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), which provides valuable insights and findings about transitions in electricity, food, and mobility systems.
The special feature, guest edited by researchers from The University of Manchester, the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), and Harvard University, presents 15 articles that shed light on transitions to a wider audience in sustainability science, as well as policymakers and practitioners. These articles focus on sustainability goals, targets, and real-world change processes that can help achieve those targets. The research in this special feature emphasizes the importance of multi-level interactions, solutions (innovation), and a more thorough analysis of the processes of change.
The papers in this special feature delve into transitions in the electricity, mobility, and food systems. They examine the changes happening within these systems, including the destabilization of existing systems, the role of shocks, and the governance of transitions. It is intriguing to note that these transitions are unfolding at different speeds and depths. The electricity system has made the most progress, while the (auto)mobility system is just beginning to unfold. In contrast, food systems appear to be in the early stages of transition.
The papers highlight that sustainability transition processes are multi-dimensional and cannot be easily explained through technological or economic factors alone. Instead, understanding these processes requires acknowledging their multi-level and systemic nature. They are incomplete and contested, with innovation playing a crucial role shaped by social, political, economic, and cultural developments. It is important to recognize that transitions often involve reconfigurations rather than substitutions of existing systems. The depth and speed of change also present challenges, as deeper changes tend to be more difficult and slower to implement. Additionally, the governance of transitions is highly political and can become highly politicized, with winners and losers in the process.
While grasping the complexities of sustainability transitions is crucial, the special feature also showcases ways in which these processes can be accelerated and steered towards more sustainable directions. By understanding the multi-level interactions, fostering innovation, and addressing the tension between depth and speed of change, it becomes possible to facilitate more effective transition processes. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these processes are not without challenges and consequences. Transition processes can create winners and losers, and the governance of these processes requires careful consideration.
The pursuit of sustainable development necessitates significant changes in consumption-production systems. The special feature in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers valuable insights into the dynamics of transitions in electricity, food, and mobility systems. By understanding the multi-dimensional nature of these transitions, the role of innovation, and the complexities of governance, it becomes possible to accelerate and steer transition processes towards sustainability. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and considerate of the challenges and implications that arise in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
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