SGO2250 ¨C Sustainability Transitions, Innovation and Social Change

Course content

Societies must transform to reduce their dependence on carbon-based energy sources and protect the environment. Such transitions must be just to reduce social and geographical inequality on both national and global levels. Sustainability transition studies have emerged as a both relevant and influential approach to study ongoing social, technological and institutional change towards a more sustainable future. Research based knowledge inform ongoing debates on how to scale up necessary sustainable transitions. This includes key sectors responsible for most of the global CO2 emissions; energy, transportation, food and construction. Innovation is a key element in transition studies. Profit oriented and social innovations in response to problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use change will be critically assessed. How innovations and transitions are embedded in larger processes of social and geographical change are discussed.

The first module?outlines the need for deep seated sustainability transitions in a context of accelerating global climate and environmental change. Theories on sustainability transitions and innovation are presented. A distinction between traditional, social and sustainable innovations is introduced. The Multi-Level-Perspective, which analysis how niche innovations sometimes scale up and transforms larger sectors in the economy, is presented together with perspectives on power and geography.

The second module?discusses the role of wind energy in sustainability transitions. The potential for wind energy to reduce the use of fossil energy is huge. The history and current status of wind technology is emphasized. The preconditions and challenges connected with a further upscaling of wind energy are highlighted.

The third module?discusses the role of solar energy. According to the UN-IPCC, the replacement of fossil fuels by solar energy is the single most important measure to reduce global CO2 emissions. There are however huge differences at the country level in how far this replacement have come. Current institutional and policy potentials and barriers in the Global South and North towards a further upscaling of solar energy are discussed

The fourth module?presents and discusses the role of a more circular economy as part of sustainability transitions. A circular economy implies reduction, reuse and recycling of natural resources including metals, minerals, food and wood. Policy actors such as the EU have ambitious goals for a circular economy, but institutional inertia seems to hinder a fast uptake of circular practices on the ground. Such inertia is discussed together with potentials.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• A critical understanding of concepts and theories related to sustainability transitions, innovation, social and geographical change
• An understanding of new drivers of sustainability transitions in the context of global environmental challenges
• Recognition of the features and characteristics of both technological, social and sustainable innovation
• A critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable development.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to discuss diverse approaches to sustainability transitions
• Cr