Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time, and this theme examines the living and social conditions of future generations - people who are not yet born but will be affected by our decisions. This theme brings together researchers in economics, sociology, psychology, philosophy, demography and political science - including researchers affiliated with the IPCC.
There is already an extensive scientific literature on different emission scenarios and the possible climate changes they can cause, but although this research is an excellent basis for planning what needs to be done. well-founded action requires that we take much greater account of results in humanities and social science research concerning things like values, behaviors and institutions.
Humans are conservative in terms of living standard, why should the welfare level of our time be maintained? Science's methods for measuring human and societal success are dated, what do the new ones look like? The number of non-human animals greatly exceed that of humans, what moral weight do they have?
This theme includes:
- climate ethics
- sustainable development
- green growth
- climate and health
- obstacles to climate action
- social dilemmas
- artistic research on climate change
Research leaders: Gustaf Arrhenius and Krister Bykvist
