Sustainability
How do we create a sustainable future for our world?
Securing a sustainable future for people and the planet
For centuries humankind has extracted the planet’s gifts with insufficient concern that nature’s bounty might have limits. Even though we now know the catastrophic consequences of excessive extraction and consumption, the world has continued following an unsustainable path.
The forms of energy that nations use to power their economies, how we live, and how we eat, have transformed the earth’s greenhouse from one that supports the precious balance of nature to one wreaking havoc on critical natural systems. The world vitally needs sustainable development and sustainable energy solutions, but any transition to a sustainable and more equitable and prosperous future must explicitly consider, minimise, and mitigate, potential new problems and trade-offs, such as threats to natural habitats and species, and dislocation of workers, communities, and economies.
We recognise that most people care deeply about climate change and the natural world. Yet still states subsidise fossil fuels, lower-income countries struggle to access finance for investing in low-carbon energy sources, and firms’ fiduciary duty to their shareholders can preclude actions that are long-term sustainable.
And all the while, through insufficient investment in adaptation and resilience compounded by poverty, people in lower and higher-income countries are already bearing the increasing costs of climate change, as manifested in flood damage, heat stress, destruction of buildings, and compromised food security.
Generating sustainable growth and development, and creating new ways for humankind to live in harmony with nature requires the mobilisation of political, legal and governance systems, that incentivise green innovation, crowd in green finance, and reward business models that enhance people’s lives and the natural resource base. These are social science challenges; these are LSE.
If you would like to discuss how you could partner with us to shape our work on sustainability, contact us at shapingtheworld@lse.ac.uk.
Driving a just transition to a low-carbon economy
How do we ensure a transition to a low carbon economy that prioritises people? This is the kind of question LSE’s Just Transition Finance Lab attempts to answer. The Lab is funded by corporate partners and philanthropic foundations and looks at the financial solutions needed for a sustainable economy.
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Advancing our knowledge about climate change
LSE’s Grantham Research Institute for Climate Change and the Environment (GRI) is making critical contributions to our understanding of global environmental challenges, and shaping the legislative and economic responses we need to build a more sustainable future. A major grant will enable the Institute to continue with its crucial and innovative work through to 2035.
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Helping to build a more sustainable world
Three alumni from LSE’s Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Policy discuss their backgrounds coming from India, the Pacific Islands and Germany respectively. They examine how they have brought their experience to bear on their work in the sustainability sector and the impact that they are having on the world.
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Shaping ideas for impact
Invest in new thinking that mobilises political, legal and governance systems to build a more sustainable future for our world.
Shaping transformative learning
Nurture the brightest minds to find fair and sustainable ways for humans to live in greater harmony with nature.
Shaping our community
Our global LSE community working together to bring about change.