NMBU Sustainability Arena: Embedding planetary boundaries in science, policy and education

We pursue three specific objectives, oriented respectively to contribute to embed planetary boundaries in i) science, ii) policy, and iii) education.

• Objective 1: Developing interdisciplinary concepts, theories and frameworks for understanding limits and their practical relevance.

Focus will be on mutual learning and cross-fertilization, fostering dialogue among disciplines, mapping areas of disagreement and synergy, and developing an interdisciplinary synthesis. We will assess uncertainties involved in measuring limits, analyze their political dimensions, and their cross-scale interactions. Case studies will include debates on limits to growth, green growth, and degrowth, and applicability in n e.g. mountainous and tropical ecosystems.
Outputs: three papers covering limits and interdisciplinarity (lead EGB), tipping points in the Amazon (lead TH), and mountainous ecosystems (lead ACS), one edited Virtual Forum in the journal Political Geography (lead TAB). We also expect other spinoff products in terms of other publications, and that the ideas of the project will influence the research of project members.

• Objective 2: Foster the implementation of environmental limits in economic and policy instruments for promoting the green shift.

We will examine how notions of limits can be articulated in general policy making, economic instruments, legal structures, and cultural norms for promoting sustainability. Emphasis will be on how physical limits (e.g. tipping points) can inform the definition of regulatory limits (e.g. pollution caps and safe minimum standards).
Outputs: One book chapter (lead EGB), one paper on limits in economic policy instruments (lead AA), and four policy briefs, newspaper articles or blogs (lead TAB, TH).

• Objective 3: Disseminate knowledge on environmental limits across educational programs.

We will integrate knowledge from SO1 and SO2 into relevant courses and education programs at NMBU. This will be done either cross-sectionally or through specific lectures, modules and courses in relevant programs and courses in the bachelor, MSc and PhD levels.
Outputs: Collaborative PhD course and six seminars (lead TAB); an MSc within Faculty’s portfolio (lead EGB, AA); one training course for scientists in the Global South (lead ACS).
Knowledge will be disseminated to scientists (papers in highly profiled interdisciplinary journals, book chapters, conferences, and workshops), students (seminars and courses, e.g. EDS303, EDS306, EDS330, ECOL 3030, EDS104, EDS 130), decision makers (policy briefs), and the general public (newspaper articles, videos, blogs and webpage).

We will produce important knowledge for green shift policies and for SDGs 4, 8 and 12-15, and increase awareness on limits among students, policy makers and the public. We will contribute to the international profiling of NMBU as a leading academic institution in the field of sustainability through our participation in IPBES, IPCC, and other international networks, and by applying for a Center of Excellence status or a larger interdisciplinary project (e.g. ERC).