Europe and Switzerland have a special responsibility to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – not just for historical reasons. Indeed, the continent’s current ecological footprint – including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and resource consumption – remains massive and must be addressed to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Similarly, interactions between Europe and the global South play a key role. These interactions have significant impacts on the environment and social well-being of both sides. In particular, it is important to analyse the differences between developments in the global North and South.
Europe must also do more to adapt to global warming. Especially in mountain areas and arid regions, there is a need for sustainable, innovative solutions that are also supported by affected local populations.
Research focuses
CDE research in Europe and Switzerland accordingly focuses on implementation of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a special emphasis on policy coherence and interactions between the different targets of the 2030 Agenda. Studies particularly examine:
- Linkages between ecological footprint reductions and aspects of sufficient lifestyles;
- Levers of global trade and their consequences for trading partner countries and their populations;
- The effects of different forms of transition on distinct population groups, as well as issues of equitability that arise in this respect;
- The development and optimization of agricultural practices that are sustainable in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and food systems – including particular emphasis on the involvement of concerned stakeholders.
