Innovative systems transformation for sustainable interaction between nature-economy-society. Key takeaways from the UCT-UCR seminar
By Senani Mamba | WPE
This week's session of the Water Economics and Politics Seminar Series hosted Prof. Phoebe Koundouri from the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) and the University of Cambridge. With the topic "Innovative systems transformation for sustainable interaction between nature-economy-society", Prof. Koundouri discussed how a systems approach could be used to address what is labelled the "permanent multi-crisis" and solutions to this were presented.
Key takeaways:
- The discussion began by explaining the current permanent multi-crisis. From a Nature-Economy-Society perspective. Where biodiversity, water insecurity, and food security are Nature-challenges; slow growth rates and inflationary pressures are Economy-challenges; inequality, evidenced by the widening gap between the North and the South, income groups, geography and power dynamics, misinformation, and disinformation are social challenges.
- Prof. Koundoroui emphasised that addressing these challenges requires breaking silos and adopting systems-based, science-driven, and stakeholder co-designed pathways, supported by blended finance.
- Modelling approaches of baseline scenarios from GTAP and LEAP that capture land-agri food systems, energy, water and the economy were discussed where simulation on land uses and population growth were made to capture land and water needs were estimated.
Prof. Koundoroui highlighted that about 17% of the SDGs are on track, which reflects the work that still needs to be done. Moreover, she discussed the SDGs as a tool that can provide solutions. Where partnerships and collaborations are value-added for building solutions (SDG17). A global commons approach to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was discussed in depth, structured around three key steps. The first step focuses on continuous measurement and monitoring to track progress and identify emerging gaps. The second step emphasises the development of SDG and national commitment pathways, using systems science modelling that is co-designed with stakeholders to ensure relevance and inclusivity. The third step centres on financing the transition by aligning investment portfolios and transition policies with sustainability objectives.
This presentation is part of the UCT-UCR Seminar Series: Water Economics and Politics, a joint initiative between the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of California, Riverside (UCR). About this presentation: Systems transformations for sustainability transition: Impact-driven, science-based and stakeholders-validated pathways.