Beyond the sustainability Drama: Transformative response-ability and relational dynamics in transdisciplinary processes - T. Bruhn; M. Fang (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Efforts toward sustainability transformations increasingly rely on effective collaboration among diverse actors. Yet such collaborative processes are frequently undermined by recurring interaction patterns that impede shared responsibility, learning, and effective problem-solving. Drawing on the Drama Triangle from transactional analysis, this article conceptualizes these patterns as a Sustainability Drama, characterized by relational roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer that stabilize blame, dependency, and over-responsibility in sustainability-related discourse and practice. While existing scholarship has either focused on diagnosing such dysfunctional dynamics or on promoting empowerment-oriented models of collaboration, less attention has been paid to how these dynamics coexist and are navigated in real-world sustainability contexts. In response, this article introduces Transformative Response-Ability (TRA) as a relational and processual capacity that enables individuals and groups to remain constructively engaged in the presence of Drama dynamics without reproducing them or suppressing conflict. Transformative Response-Ability is conceptualized not as an individual mindset or skill, but as a relational field quality that recalibrates responsibility and power toward shared, situated agency. Rather than depicting a linear transition from Drama to empowerment, the article emphasizes the ongoing tension between these dynamics and articulates how TRA supports collective orientation toward more empowering patterns of interaction under conditions of uncertainty, urgency, and moral pressure. By integrating psychodynamic insights with sustainability science, this conceptual contribution advances understanding of why collaborative sustainability efforts so often become stuck and how transformative spaces can support response-able engagement without denying the persistence of conflict. It offers a theoretically grounded framework for rethinking collaboration, facilitation, and collective agency in sustainability transformations.

Editorial: Operationalizing the nature futures framework to catalyze the development of nature-future scenarios - Shizuka Hashimoto; Jan J. Kuiper; Garry D. Peterson; Laura Pereira; Mekuria Argaw Denboba; Carolyn Lundquist (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Global biodiversity scenarios have long struggled to capture the diversity of ways people value and relate to nature, favoring instrumental, growth-oriented framings over relational and intrinsic perspectives. The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) was developed to address this gap, offering a pluralistic, target-seeking approach to imagining nature-positive futures. This Special Feature brings together contributions that advance the operationalization of the NFF across methods, geographies, and thematic domains—from visioning, narrative development and participatory co-creation to quantitative modeling and governance design. Drawing on these papers, we identify three cross-cutting lessons: the NFF functions best as a boundary object for negotiating plural values rather than a fixed typology; its operationalization depends on combining narratives, indicators, models, deliberation, and institutional design rather than any single method; and its next frontier lies in implementation, linking NFF-based scenarios to the policy instruments and governance institutions such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We highlight the NFF’s strengths in fostering value pluralism, expanding the scope of possible futures, and identifying trade-offs and synergies among competing priorities. However, we also acknowledge the following persistent challenges: translating qualitative, place-based values into quantitative models, preventing the standardization of relational values, and navigating the normative and political tensions involved in defining “desirable” futures. In closing, we outline a research agenda centered on developing pluralistic indicators, strengthening integrated social-ecological modeling, exploring alternative economic paradigms, and deepening inclusive co-production. As global biodiversity governance shifts toward implementation, we argue that the NFF is now well positioned to move from concept to practice.

Reviving traditional crafts and intergenerational knowledge in the age of circular economy: a narrative literature review - Dalma Bódizs; Gergely Zoltán Macher (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The circular economy (abbreviation: CE) has become a dominant policy and research paradigm in recent years, emphasizing sustainability through waste minimization, repair, reuse, and the extension of product lifecycles. While the technical and systemic dimensions of CE have been extensively studied, its social and cultural implications, particularly regarding labour, heritage, and intergenerational knowledge, remain underexplored. This narrative literature review investigates how the transition to a CE creates renewed relevance for traditional crafts and the role of older generations in knowledge preservation and economic participation. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship across sustainability studies, economic geography, gerontology, and cultural heritage research, the review identifies three converging dynamics: (i) the resurgence of manual, repair-oriented professions aligned with circular principles; (ii) the reintegration of older craftspeople as active contributors to local economies and knowledge ecosystems; and (iii) emerging models of intergenerational learning that facilitate the transfer of tacit, experience-based knowledge. The findings suggest that traditional craft skills constitute a critical but undervalued resource in CE strategies and that older workers and craftspeople could serve as a bridge between historical sustainability practices and contemporary innovation. However, the review also identifies significant institutional, educational, and economic barriers to realizing this potential. Overall, the paper contributes to the conceptual expansion of CE by framing it not only as a material and technological transition, but also as a socio-cultural transformation rooted in knowledge continuity, vocational reinvention, and intergenerational learning.

Towards inclusion of local ecological knowledge in ecohydrological modeling of high Andean peatlands - Nataleigh Perez; Julio C. Postigo; Julie Loisel; Nilton Montoya; Maxwell Rado (Sustainability Science, 2026)
High-Andean peatlands (bofedales) are part of a social-ecological system managed and used by pastoralists as forage for their livestock and a water source during the dry season. Maintaining healthy bofedales is important for pastoralist communities as well as critical zone function (watershed management, including water flow regulation and soil carbon sequestration). In our study region, bofedales are found near the headwaters of the Vilcanota-Urubamba River, which eventually flows into the Amazon River, influencing millions of people and ecosystems. The scientific data needed to develop predictive, process-based ecohydrological models of bofedales remain sparse. In contrast, local pastoralists have a narrative of changing environmental conditions effect on those ecosystems and a deep understanding of bofedal functioning. We performed semi-structured interviews in four local communities on the north and south sides of the Cordillera Vilcanota, Peru. Interview results are intended to inform the development of a bofedal ecohydrological model and develop model outputs that may be of use for local communities. The most frequently discussed topics were the effects of drought on bofedal health and associated need for bofedal maintenance through irrigation suggesting human management of critical zone processes. We note that irrigation — despite its omnipresence across the study region — is seldom mentioned in ecohydrological studies of bofedales. Our study begins to address this knowledge gap; we present a landscape-scale bofedal conceptual model that emphasizes hydrological complexity and includes irrigation. By integrating local knowledge into a process-based model, we provide outputs that may be socially meaningful and trusted by local management actors.

From compliance to stewardship: a responsibility-centred framework for water governance and policy drawing on the Bhagavad Gita - Basant Maheshwari (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Water governance has grown more sophisticated over the past half-century, yet many water systems remain under severe stress. Aquifers continue to decline, rivers and wetlands continue to degrade, and irrigation and urban water systems face growing pressure from competing demands, pollution and climate variability. This article argues that the paradox reflects a structural imbalance. Contemporary governance is highly developed in instruments of external control, such as licensing, pricing, monitoring and enforcement, but comparatively weak in cultivating the internalised sense of duty, restraint and stewardship that sustains responsible water use when external pressure is absent. As a conceptual and perspective contribution, the article develops a responsibility-centred framework for closing the gap between compliance and stewardship. It draws on four principles from the Bhagavad Gita, read analytically as moral philosophy rather than religious teaching: Dharma as ecological and intergenerational duty; Karma Yoga as collective service and co-responsibility; Sattva as restraint and sufficiency; and Jnana as reflective wisdom and adaptive ethical judgement. Each principle is translated into a concrete institutional design feature: ecological obligation encoded in law, participatory monitoring with formal standing, sufficiency-based extraction thresholds, and professional cultures oriented toward stewardship. Drawing on participatory groundwater management in India, with supporting examples from Bali, the Whanganui settlement in New Zealand, and the johad revival in Rajasthan, the article illustrates that this logic already operates in diverse cultural and legal settings, while making clear that these cases are illustrative rather than causal proof. Groundwater provides the main worked example, but the framework is intended for wider application across community-managed, state-operated and transboundary water systems. It is presented as a complement to, not a substitute for, regulation, incentives and enforcement, and its effectiveness depends on institutional context and enabling conditions. Its central proposal is that the deliberate cultivation of internalised responsibility can be treated as a structural feature of governance and policy design rather than left to individual character.

Specialized and generalized non-material Nature’s Contributions to People: insights from tourists at Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - M. Eugenia Degano; Katrin Böhning-Gaese; Neema Robert Kinabo; Lisa Lehnen; Berta Martín-López; Matthias Schleuning; Thomas Mueller; Ugo Arbieu (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Nature contributes to our quality of life through a wide range of non-material Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP), including aesthetic enjoyment, restorative experiences and recreational opportunities. However, quantifying and managing the supply of non-material NCP requires a mechanistic understanding of how they are associated with the entities of nature that support them across different ecological contexts. We characterized such associations using network path theory, which allowed us to distinguish between specialized and generalized NCP. For this, we leveraged social media data from tourists to construct networks between perceived non-material NCP and associated entities of nature across six habitats on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and compared patterns at local (habitat networks) and regional (entire mountain network) scales. Our findings reveal that specialized NCP (e.g., learning) are more frequently linked to specific species or abiotic features, confined to certain habitats, whereas generalized NCP (e.g., recreation) are primarily associated with landscape and habitat features, occurring throughout all habitats. Some NCP (e.g., aesthetic experiences) were generalized at the regional scale, but relied on particular entities in certain habitats (i.e., specialized). With this analysis, we propose a new way to quantify non-material NCP and their relationships to nature, which can aid vulnerability assessments and long-term monitoring of non-material NCP, and inform decision-making.

Keeping humans at the heart of sustainability - Lars Dietrich (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Sustainability is not a fact to be read off from ecosystems, but an evaluative framework shaped by human judgements about what should be sustained, for whom, and at what cost. Posthuman and more-than-human approaches, which seek to decentre the human by foregrounding ecological interdependence and the agency of nonhuman actors, offer an important corrective to crude anthropocentrism, but they risk obscuring human normative agency when decentring the human is treated as sustainability’s self-evident direction. This commentary argues that sustainability cannot and should not escape its human normative centre, and proposes ecologically informed humanism, a position that keeps this centre explicit while holding it ethically, politically, and ecologically accountable. Implications follow for sustainability research, governance, and education.

Unbounded problems in a bounded world: using the core features of wicked problems to understand and manage the dilemmas that arise in cross-sector collaborations around complex societal problems - Merritt Polk; Henrietta Palmer; Elena Raviola (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Contemporary societal planning is increasingly confronted with urgent and interdependent challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, segregation, and organized crime. These issues are frequently described as wicked problems —a concept used to capture the multifaceted, multilayered, and often resistant nature of complex societal challenges. This paper aims to deepen understanding of the dilemmas that arise within collaborative arenas—here conceptualized as boundary spaces—where multiple actors collaborate to address such problems. Our contribution proceeds in two steps. First, through a literature review, we argue that the defining feature of wicked problems is their spatial and temporal boundlessness. The tension between this boundlessness and the inherently bounded realities of organizations and practices provides the basis of our analytical approach. Second, we use this conceptualization to analyze five boundary spaces in Sweden engaged in addressing different wicked societal problems as part of a transdisciplinary research project. In this project, we developed a spatially and temporally situated framework identifying core dilemmas encountered in practice. We then examine if and how our refined understanding of wicked problems helps clarify the underlying causes of these dilemmas. The analysis leads to three main conclusions that include the importance of making temporal issues explicit, and the need to address both persistent organizational barriers and the challenges that arise for the involved individuals. Overall, analyzing wicked problems from their core feature of spatial and temporal unboundedness increases our ability to better understand and manage the consequences and challenges they have on solving complex societal problems in practice.

Investigating values of forests in Australia through the Nature Futures Framework - Ming Hui Choy; Sarah Clement; Steven Cork; Peter Kanowski (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Incorporating diverse values of nature into decision-making is essential for achieving sustainability, particularly in contested policy arenas. Decision-making about forests is highly contested in Australia due to historical legacies, ongoing discourses and emerging challenges. We investigate values that participants from diverse stakeholder groups nationally have of forests in Australia through semi-structured interviews, guided by the Nature Futures Framework (NFF). Results reveal a plurality of values for forests in Australia—the three values most commonly identified were biodiversity and wildlife habitat, cultural and spiritual connections, and wood production, representing one of each of the three NFF value perspectives—respectively, Forests for Nature (FN), Forests as Culture (FC), and Forests for Society (FS). Overlapping values, embodying more than one value perspective, were also evident. First Nations Australians participants expressed predominantly the relational FC value perspective, while others expressed primarily the instrumental FS and intrinsic FN value perspectives. Contestations about the value of wood production remain apparent, but our results challenge the binary narratives that are commonly used to characterise ‘forestry’ and ‘conservation’ interests. Our study demonstrates the potential of using the NFF to guide the exploration of values held by individuals of forests and advances the use of the NFF to facilitate decision-making about forest policy and management. The insights from this paper enhance understanding of the values of forests in Australia and reveal commonalities and differences that can inform more inclusive decision processes about Australian forests. Our results suggest that it is important that these processes incorporate diverse stakeholder voices and embrace a multiplicity of values, including recognising non-Western ways of valuing nature, to facilitate transformative change for sustainability.

Exploring desirable urban nature futures: a Q study on local planners’ perspectives in Germany - Philip Harms; Christoph Woiwode; Martina Artmann (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Positive future visions for cities are fundamental to transformative change in times of social polarisation against the backdrop of deep-rooted social-ecological crises. Our study examines the views and underlying values regarding desirable futures held by local planners working for the public administration in Dresden (Germany). We employed the Urban Nature Futures Framework as a heuristic to engage in pluralistic valuation of nature. Using the Q-method, we explored the subjective perspectives of 20 planners and identified three archetypes on desirable urban nature futures: the pragmatic advocate of nature’s benefits, the responsible steward of nature’s inherent worth, and the strategic navigator of nature’s diverse benefits. The identified archetypes highlight that, from the planners’ point of view, desirable urban futures are tied to a multi-layered and nuanced network of instrumental, intrinsic, and relational values. Nevertheless, our findings show that utilitarian and anthropocentric ethics continue to play a major role within a Western cultural context when valuing urban nature. Our study expands knowledge about individual inner experience of sustainable futures from a first-person perspective and demonstrates how subjective viewpoints can be used to derive collective archetypes of desirable futures. Moving forward, we outline ways to strengthen non-anthropocentric and relational approaches, such as through closer dialogue with the Global South, in order to broaden the scope of nature’s valuation and values, particularly within Western planning cultures.

Leveraging change: a soft systems approach to transforming the EU food system - Anke Brons; Erik Mathijs; Tom Kiel; Jeroen J. L. Candel (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The unsustainability of the EU food system calls for a shift toward more sustainable and healthy consumption patterns. However, the system’s complexity—marked by multiple loosely coupled subsystems and interacting drivers—poses a major challenge to identifying effective interventions. To locate leverage points for policy action, we develop a high-level systems map that captures the core dynamics of the EU food system using a soft systems methodology. The analysis unfolds in three steps: (1) identifying and analysing key trends within the EU food system, (2) validating a stylized systems map through expert interviews, and (3) conducting focus groups to identify leverage points and systemic solutions. The resulting system pattern reveals that short-term economic motivations are a dominant force shaping food system outcomes. From the focus groups, five promising solution areas emerged: true cost accounting, financial incentives to promote ecosystem services, broad societal revaluation of food, alternative proteins, and community-based initiatives targeting socio-economic and environmental challenges. Each of these solutions is linked to specific leverage points and highlights the importance of embedding social equity considerations in any policy strategy. Achieving deep, structural transformation of the EU food system will require normative change, cross-sectoral coordination, and long-term commitment. Methodologically, the study highlights a central tension in systems analysis: the need to embrace complexity while maintaining practical relevance for policy and governance. This approach offers a foundational step toward more coherent and effective food system reform in the EU.

Urban sustainability and the governance of heterogeneous energy systems - Jochen Monstadt; Kei Otsuki; Shaun Smith (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This special feature brings into dialogue debates that have evolved mainly separately: scholarship on infrastructural heterogeneity in Southern cities and research on distributed and decentralized energy transitions in the North. Drawing on empirical cases from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America, the contributions show that heterogeneity is no longer an exception but a defining feature of contemporary urban energy landscapes, characterized by varied technological configurations and diverse forms of (co-)provision and energy use. While acknowledging the fundamental differences between these contexts, urban energy landscapes reveal striking commonalities from which we draw key lessons: the contributions to this special feature show how heterogeneous energy systems emerge from diverse context-specific drivers, create new governance and spatial planning challenges, and are increasingly accompanied by processes of digital re-homogenization and coordination. The papers also demonstrate that heterogeneous energy systems yield uneven sustainability outcomes, raising critical questions about equity, accountability, and the distribution of costs and benefits. By moving beyond simplistic North–South binaries, this special issue advances a comparative and cross-contextual perspective on the governance of heterogeneous energy systems. Ultimately, we argue that heterogeneous energy systems have become a shared global condition whose governance requires comparative, context-sensitive approaches that explicitly confront coordination challenges, power asymmetries, and sustainability trade-offs across diverse urban settings.

Co-creating conservation opportunities: a participatory framework for nature-based solutions and enterprise development in East Africa - Annika Schlemm; Ernest Ronoh; Afnan Agramont; Analy Baltodano Martínez; Floran Clopin; Lien De Trift; Mark Mulligan; Maria Theresa Nakkazi; John Maina Nyongesa; Douglas Nyolei; Beryl Atieno Omollo; Carlos Andres Rogéliz-Prada; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Bridging perspectives: utilizing the CCA worldview map to unlock potential for transformation - Torbjørn Selseng (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Collaboration across the ‘siloes’ of government is key to unlocking a transformative paradigm shift in climate change adaptation (CCA), yet such ‘mainstreaming’ efforts have been unsuccessful to date. This paper argues that these shortcomings are rooted primarily in the mainstreaming literature’s neglect of people’s worldviews as an integral component of successful collaboration. For an individual’s internal dimensions to be recognized alongside disciplinary knowledge requires inclusiveness and expansiveness in both organizational spaces and in people. This paper presents a novel framework aiming to facilitate inclusiveness and expansiveness in both areas: the CCA Worldview Map. The CCA Worldview Map unpacks the idea of transformation into five dimensions, each with three levels of complexity, which represent distinct phases of the public planning process: When and What, relating to the input; Who, relating to the process; How, relating to the output; and Why, relating to the outcomes and impact. Using interview data from sixteen managers and practitioners at the local government level across Norway, I show how the CCA Worldview Map can be used to map understandings of CCA, unearthing a plurality of worldviews within Norwegian public administration. I discuss the framework’s utility along three lines: as a vocabulary for articulating differing interpretations of CCA and their relationships, thus identifying complementarity instead of conflict; as a tool that consolidates a breadth of ideas from the CCA literature into a single framework; and as an aid in uncovering cognitive dissonance and expanding personal transformative awareness.

Anticipatory governance for climate migration in Asia: thinking in systems for future policy pathways - Atmaja Gohain Baruah; Grace Ng; Navarun Varma; Cininthya Audori Fathin; Erda Rindrasih; Ario Wicaksono (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Navigating rural digital transition: lessons from innovation ecosystems in practice - Carlo Giua; Brigida Marovelli; Michele Moretti; Gianluca Brunori (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Rural areas, encompassing 80% of the EU’s territory and nearly 30% of its population, face complex socio-ecological challenges. EU rural policies put significant emphasis on the role of (digital) innovation to address issues such as employment opportunities, service accessibility, and infrastructure management. Yet the transition from analog to digital is accompanied by tensions and conflicts among the diverse actors engaged in rural innovation ecosystems (RIEs), including local administrators, technology providers and rural communities negotiating their needs, interests and values. Such frictions are visible in small municipalities, even when collaborative design processes are adopted. This paper contributes to the debate on rural sustainable digital transitions on three levels. First, it advances RIE as both a theoretical and analytical lens. While the innovation ecosystem concept has gained traction in the EU rural innovation policy, its implications remain underexplored for rural settings. Secondly, it operationalizes the RIE conceptual framework to analyse the co-creation of digital solutions in three different rural areas, proving that this lens is particularly useful for understanding the conflictual dynamics underpinning digital transitions in rural contexts, by leveraging their transformative potential. Thirdly, by foregrounding conflict as an inherent dimension of digital transitions, this paper demonstrates how RIEs can both expose and mediate competing logics in rural innovation. The proposed framework contributes conceptually to the contextualisation of innovation ecosystems in rural sustainability studies, while empirically offering insights into the contested pathways through which digitalisation unfolds. Ultimately, it highlights how conflict-sensitive approaches can support more just and inclusive rural digital futures.

Navigating tensions in sufficiency-oriented businesses: coping strategies from a paradox theory perspective - Laura Beyeler; Laura Niessen-Wade; Lisa S. Walsleben; Maike Gossen (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Sufficiency calls for an absolute reduction of production and consumption volumes in affluent societies and is seen by many sustainability scholars as a fundamental strategy for businesses to tackle environmental and social crises. Existing literature emphasizes challenges that businesses experience when implementing sufficiency. However, the complex and paradoxical nature of implementing sufficiency has so far hindered scholars from giving a broad overview and description of challenges and conflicts that impede sufficiency-oriented businesses. This study applies a paradox approach to identify and systematize tensions in sufficiency-oriented businesses and solutions used to cope with them. Thirteen expert interviews with German-speaking sufficiency-oriented frontrunner businesses revealed eight paradoxes, which consist of tensions between the intentions of sufficiency-oriented frontrunners and opposing dominant structural aspects. For example, sufficiency practices are conflicting with consumerist culture, pressure for time and cost efficiency, or with neoliberal government objectives. The creativity and intrinsic motivation of the employees and management, however, help these sufficiency-oriented frontrunners to find solutions to the paradoxes and continue to prioritize sufficiency in spite of paradoxical situations. Collaboration with other stakeholders appears as an essential resolution strategy to cope with the tensions. With the help of paradox theory, this study systematizes for the first time the variety of paradoxical tensions and situations that sufficiency-oriented businesses face and helps future practitioners and researchers navigate these tensions. It gives an overview of the complex reality of implementing practices that oppose the status quo and illustrates the necessity of coping mechanisms and perseverance strategies for creating long-lasting and sustainable impact.

Conflict, legitimacy, and gendered power in European agroecology: towards a conflict-sensitive feminist analytical perspective - J. C. Young; E. Skrimizea (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Agroecology in Europe is increasingly framed as a transformative response to environmental, social, and economic pressures in contemporary agriculture. Although agroecological initiatives remain unevenly distributed and far from mainstream, current efforts to scale up and scale out are intensifying debates around legitimacy, governance, and sustainability. This paper provides a critical and conceptual interpretive framework through which agroecological transformations in Europe can be explored, focusing on how gendered power relations shape conflict, empowerment, and sustainability as agroecology becomes more visible and institutionalised. Drawing on a critical and interpretive review of interdisciplinary agroecology scholarship, feminist political ecology, and widely used empowerment and sustainability evaluation frameworks, we develop a conceptual lens that brings together gender, power, and conflict. The analysis identifies two interrelated blind spots in existing research. First, gendered power relations remain marginal in analyses of conflict and legitimacy in agroecological transformations, leading to depoliticised interpretations of struggles over authority, recognition, and participation, particularly under conditions of scaling. Second, prevailing approaches to evaluating women’s empowerment and agroecological sustainability rely on static and exogenous measures that obscure relational power dynamics, conflict, and long-term change. Building on conflict transformation theory, we argue that conflicts accompanying agroecological scaling are constitutive processes through which legitimacy, empowerment, and sustainability are negotiated across spatial, governance, and temporal scales. By centring women’s endogenous perceptions of empowerment, this paper reframes agroecological scaling as an ongoing process of legitimacy-making rather than linear expansion, contributing a theoretically grounded perspective for analysing sustainability transformations in European agroecology.

Integrating evidence of the health benefits of nature-based solutions into urban climate policies: the case of Kawasaki, Japan - Tetsuro Yoshida; Eric Zusman (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Unpacking knowledge systems for collective action towards sustainability: a social network perspective - Cristina I. Apetrei; Nicolas Jager; Daniel J. Lang (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Achieving sustainability requires collective action by diverse stakeholders, facilitated by knowledge systems that integrate scientific, policy, and locally tested, place-based practical insights. As collective action and knowledge systems are usually analyzed separately, this paper explicitly examines this relationship, assessing the role of knowledge in shaping collective action within a network of 32 sustainability initiatives in Southern Transylvania, Romania. Using social network analysis (SNA), we explore the interplay between 12 types of knowledge- and action-related collaborative activities, while also drawing on complementary data on organizational knowledge and decision-making processes to contextualize our findings. Our results suggest that knowledge relationships serve as structural entry points for further types of collaboration, functioning as necessary relational preconditions, while strategic action for deeper societal change may depend on the development of informal relationships. We propose a working hypothesis on how network collaborations evolve from low to high-risk actions and from coordination to cooperation, as suggested by the hierarchical structure of collaborative engagement we observed.

Actionable knowledge for agroecological transformation: a critical realist analysis of co-innovation in a transdisciplinary project - Stephen Leitheiser; Darleen van Dam; Jonas Egmose; Cecilia Zagaria; Henrik Hauggaard-Nielsen; Yanka Kazakova; Raquel Luján Soto; Bertrand Dumont; Carla Barlagne; Linn N. Schaan; Julie Duval; Walter A. H. Rossing (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Transdisciplinarity and the production of actionable knowledge with and for societal actors is a central feature of sustainability science. Yet questions remain about whether such efforts genuinely challenge the structural roots of unsustainability or inadvertently reinforce them in pursuit of proximate impacts. This paper responds to calls for more critical monitoring and evaluation by evaluating a transdisciplinary Horizon Europe project, Agroecology-TRANSECT. We employ a critical realist approach to analyze qualitative data from project work with 11 territorially-rooted European networks focused on agroecological transition (called ‘innovation hubs’(IHs). This analysis was developed as a part of the project’s co-innovation approach, with iterative reflection and validation embedded throughout the research process. Our analysis sought to explain how observed actionable knowledge outcomes came about (or did not) by examining multi-level contextual factors. Societal effects were assessed using a conforming-transforming distinction informed by political agroecology. We found that the project’s co-innovation approach has resulted in many instances of actionable knowledge production among IHs, including new conceptual and strategic developments, and providing legitimacy and resources for instrumental gains like policy change. While the project served to amplify the agency of IHs, the extent to which this resulted in transformative societal effects varied. Effects were largely shaped by the IHs’ pre-existing strategic orientation (i.e. whether they already worked to challenge, alter, or replace dominant institutional structures and reconfigure their power relations). For some IHs, structural constraints – namely, market dependency, social acceleration, and state mediation of capital accumulation – limited the extent to which their network could generate transformative effects. We conclude that co-innovation’s complex-adaptive systems approach should widen its scope of system boundaries, integrating social structural analysis to reveal root causes of blockages and enhance agential effectiveness. For actionable knowledge to achieve societal effects that are both proximate and transformative, transdisciplinary research should prioritize involvement of partners with pre-existing transformative strategies, and devote creative focus to building enabling societal contexts.

Blue Justice: diverging perceptions between coastal planners and fishers in the blue economy - Sigrid Engen; Georgina Gurney; Else Grete Broderstad; Per Fauchald; Vera Helene Hausner; Jannike Falk-Andersson (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Growth in blue industries require heightened attention to justice in coastal governance. However, our understanding of different societal groups’ perceptions of justice in the context of the blue economy and coastal governance is limited. To address this gap, we developed a survey instrument to assess justice perceptions for local fisheries and subsequently used this instrument to elicit justice perceptions among coastal planners and three groups of fishers (Indigenous Sami, the Kven national minority and other non-Indigenous). Specifically, we examined perceptions about coastal zone use and decision-making with respect to three key dimensions of justice: distribution (how costs and benefits are distributed), procedure (how decisions are made), and recognition (whether sociocultural diversity is recognised and respected). Based on data from 705 fishers from the three groups and 41 planners across 69 coastal municipalities in Northern Norway, we found significant differences in perceptions of justice between planners and fishers, while the groups of fishers had relatively similar perceptions. Overall, planners tended to have more favorable justice evaluations than fishers. Moreover, planners report knowledge gaps pertaining to how changes in the use of the coastal zone have impacted local fisheries. Our quantitative analysis shows that fishers’ perceptions of injustice are widespread and extend well beyond what is often dismissed as anecdotal evidence – such as injustice claims by individual fishers. Our results highlight the importance of examining local actors’ perceptions of justice, particularly in the case of local fishers, who are facing increasing pressures with the rise of the blue economy.

Fostering local sustainability: How higher education institutions advance SDGs through community engagement - Ha Vien; Edoardo Eichberg; Andrea Cuesta-Claros; Aurelie Charles (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Dietary transitions and sustainability: current patterns and future trajectories - Alexandros Gasparatos (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Conceptions of social sustainability in the context of education: a systematic literature review - Anne-Kathrin Peters; Silvia Edling; Guadalupe Francia (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Social sustainability is a crucial yet underexplored dimension of sustainability. Although often referenced alongside environmental and economic sustainability, its meaning remains ambiguous. Given that education is frequently seen as a key driver of sustainability transitions, this review examines how social sustainability is conceptualised in educational research. We analyse journal articles that address social sustainability and education with a view to understanding (1) the extent to which social sustainability has been conceptualised, (2) the societal challenges or predicaments these conceptualisations respond to and (3) the different ways in which social sustainability is framed. Out of the 98 journal articles we examined, 38 provided an explicit definition of social sustainability. We analyse the extent to which these conceptualisations are shaped by geographical, educational and disciplinary contexts, as well as the challenges they address. Further, we identify five key foci: (1) equity and belonging, (2) diversity, (3) life quality, (4) basic needs, and (5) growing together beyond the human species. The latter focus introduces a more-than-human perspective and expands traditional definitions by addressing anthropocentrism as a sustainability challenge. This review contributes a set of dimensions that shape how social sustainability is conceptualised as a context-dependent concept within education. Crucially, definitions should be grounded in the challenges or predicaments they seek to address; a connection that is often missing in the existing literature. By identifying how current studies situate social sustainability in relation to such predicaments, this review highlights opportunities to strengthen this connection in future work.

Mental models for transition to conservation agriculture: the case of Mediterranean pioneer farmers - Emmeline Topp; Cristina Quintas-Soriano; Harun Cicek; Mohamed Zied Dhraief; Oussama El Gharras; Katrin Prager; Jordi Puig Roca; Laura Rueda; Meriem Oueslati Zlaoui; Tobias Plieninger (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Conservation agriculture is a promising approach to address the sustainability challenge of soil degradation facing Mediterranean farming systems. We documented the collective mental model of pioneering conservation agriculture farmers in Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia, including their motivations, perceived benefits, and how they overcome barriers in implementation. We find that pioneer farmers identify interlinked benefits including improved soil health and diversified farm incomes, and are motivated and aided in implementation by social factors that vary across spatial and temporal scales, ranging from individual agency to national policies. We discuss the implications of these factors for facilitating societal transition to conservation agriculture.

Correction: Navigating the winds of change: strategic foresight and the power of weak signals - Jason Jabbour; Debra J Davidson; Henrik Carlsen; Nicholas King; Simone Lucatello; Salvatore Aricò; Fang Lee Cooke; Ranjan Datta; Peter Gluckman; Edgar E. Gutierrez-Espeleta; Andrea Hinwood; Gensuo Jia; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The elusive sustainability paradox: a critical review of transdisciplinary research integration - Jeison H Rosero-Toro; Luz P Romero-Duque; Felipe Ruan-Soto; Eréndira J Cano-Contreras (Sustainability Science, 2026)
While transdisciplinary sustainability research increasingly emphasizes epistemological hybridization and participatory methodologies, the coherence between integrative discourse and actual research practices in sustainability-traditional knowledge intersections requires critical examination. A systematic review of 52 articles (1999–2023) from 35 countries was conducted, examining the intersections between the sustainability of indigenous/traditional/local knowledge and territorial management. Using PRISMA 2020 protocols with epistemological analysis, a novel framework characterizing methodological gradients and integration levels was developed. Five systematic patterns contradict integrative discourse: (1) Epistemological fragmentation – local, indigenous and traditional knowledge form distinct conceptual clusters without connections; (2) Extractive methodological dominance—31.4% employ purely extractive approaches versus 7–8% genuinely collaborative, despite 73.1% using participatory rhetoric; (3) Deficient integration-only 19.6% explicitly evaluate sustainability-appears in 100% of articles but receives direct evaluation in 0%, functioning as a justificatory “umbrella concept”. The field exhibits fundamental incoherence between programmatic discourses and practices, maintaining extractive structures while superficially adopting decolonial rhetoric. This cover epistemological coloniality perpetuates the elusive sustainability, omnipresent in discourses yet conceptually absent in evaluation. Transformation requires rigorous operationalization of sustainability with Indigenous, Traditional and Local Knowledge-defined criteria, genuine methodological democratization, and authentic post-dualist frameworks. The rare exemplary cases demonstrate that epistemologically coherent research is achievable when tensions are explicitly confronted.

Towards inclusive nature-based solutions: insights from a systematic review of European urban contexts - Cristina-Gabriela Mitincu; Constantina-Alina Hossu; Ioan-Cristian Iojă; Mihai-Răzvan Niţă; Alexandra-Maria Calotă; Andreea Niţă; Jannes J. Willems; Junxiang Li (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to address pressing environmental challenges (e.g., the biodiversity and climate crisis) while simultaneously providing multiple socio-cultural and economic benefits. While injustices, such as unequal access to NbS benefits, displacement through green gentrification, or lack of community participation, are increasingly mapped, few studies have systematically identified approaches towards more inclusive NbS. This persistent gap underscores the need to identify and understand the key parameters of inclusive NbS. This study conducts a systematic literature review on cases of European NbS to define the characteristics that contribute to inclusive NbS. To this end, 280 scientific publications have been assessed through a network analysis approach. Our results highlight the importance of tailoring NbS to the site-specific characteristics and knowledge systems of local communities, while aligning them with broader urban policy frameworks to ensure integrated and equitable socio-economic and ecological outcomes. We found that to design inclusive NbS, it is essential to engage and properly address stakeholders’ needs, requirements, and values. This could help prevent the uneven enhancement of new green infrastructure initiatives or the unequal distribution of NbS benefits and enhance co-creation and accessibility to NbS for all. Particular attention should be directed towards ensuring that vulnerable groups are equitably represented in the decision-making processes. Our findings provide valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the integration of inclusive NbS into future research agendas, policy and governance frameworks, participatory citizen engagement strategies, and targeted interventions to address the needs of specific vulnerable groups.

Towards greater clarity of the science-policy-practice interface: a framework to address environmental challenges - Dinh Cong Huynh; Anna Hurlimann; Judy Bush (Sustainability Science, 2026)
There are recurrent calls for stronger partnerships between science and society to address numerous global environmental challenges. Underpinning many responses to such calls is an increased focus on the science-policy-practice interface (SPPI) concept. However, this concept remains unclear, with divergent interpretations, and confusion between it and similar concepts (e.g. science-policy or science-practice interface). This paper aims to address these limitations through a systematic review of SPPI studies, to create clarity and consistency for the concept, and to build a new conceptual framework for the SPPI. In the new framework, the SPPI is not only about the multi-dimensional interactions between science, policy and practice actors, but also between the processes of knowledge generation, policymaking and implementation. It extends beyond the actors’ interactions and the linear flow ‘from knowledge to policymaking to implementation’, highlighting the multi-directional interactions of the processes, including the monitoring and feedback loop ‘from implementation to knowledge and policymaking’. The review finds that this is often overlooked in SPPI literature, yet it is necessary to advance the quality and relevance of science and policy outputs to their practical applications. The paper then outlines barriers and facilitators found in the literature that affect an effective interface in real-world contexts. Additionally, research and knowledge gaps were identified, which can guide future research directions in SPPI. Through a greater understanding of the SPPI and insights from the new conceptual framework, the paper provides practical guidance to facilitate transdisciplinary collaborations in addressing environmental challenges.

Climate change mitigation policies in agrifood systems: a scoping review of effectiveness, accessibility, adoption, and sustainability among underserved farmers - Emmanuel C. Okolo; Laxmi Prasanna Kandi; David Hubbard; Rafael Landaverde (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Climate change is a pressing challenge, increasingly threatening global agrifood systems, especially in vulnerable agricultural regions. There is a critical need to assess how mitigation policies deliver measurable benefits to underserved farmers. In this light, this scoping review examines the effectiveness, accessibility, adoption, sustainability, and institutional support of climate change mitigation policies, focusing mainly on underserved populations. This review synthesizes empirical evidence on mitigation policy outcomes for underserved farmers, highlighting barriers such as educational and technological literacy. Among 1659 articles identified, 15 studies were included, examining interventions like weather-index insurance, climate-smart agriculture, and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus across diverse global contexts. In the studies examined, policies show potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing agricultural resilience, among other benefits. Their adoption remains limited due to weak dissemination strategies, low literacy levels, and institutional shortcomings. However, programs that integrated community training, participatory planning, and strong institutional support demonstrated significantly higher uptake and sustainability. Notably, studies from the Global South highlighted persistent challenges such as poor policy visibility and digital exclusion, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive, stakeholder-driven approaches, multilevel coordination, and long-term impact evaluations to strengthen climate resilience in agriculture.

How future design can deepen the temporal reach of citizen deliberation: a commentary on Daw et al. (2026) - Tatsuyoshi Saijo (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Towards stable regenerative systems by acknowledging and navigating degenerative attractors - Pearce Jones; Isaac Dekker; Kristian L. Dubrawski (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Synergizing transition frameworks: advancing a meta-coordinated pathway for sustainability transitions - Na Liang; Jordi Segalas (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Green grabbing implications for human rights, equity and the ecological transition - Clara Esteve-Jordà; Arnim Scheidel (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The CiFoS game: a serious game to redesign food systems for human and planetary health - F. Andreotti; D. J. A. Hordijk; A. Frehner; A. Muller; D. Mason-D’Croz; M. Herrero; S. Celiberti; S. Tzanavaris; H. H. E. van Zanten (Sustainability Science, 2026)

A decade of degrowth discourse in written news media: quantitative indicators and thematic composition of the coverage - Robert Skrzypczyński; Mateusz Karolak (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Decoupling wellbeing from consumption: exploring quality time as a satisfier of human needs for sustainable living - Fatemeh Jouzi; Jarkko Levänen; Mirja Mikkilä; Lassi Linnanen (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Mapping and quantifying nature’s contributions to people underpinning international food trade: the case of the Brazilian coffee and soy supply-chains - Gabriela Rabeschini; Antonio J. Castro; Abhishek Chaudhary; María R. Felipe-Lucia; Thomas Koellner; Kira Lancker; Alexandra Marques; Stephan Pfister; Catharina J. E. Schulp; Louise Willemen; Thomas Kastner (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Integrating multiple teaching strategies in marine law enforcement education: action research toward SDG 4 and SDG 14 - Rui-Hsin Kao; Nein-Tsu Chiang; Pang-Chien Liu (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Overshoot and procreative ethics: at an ecological crossroads - William E. Rees; Konrad Szocik (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The need for speed: mapping a conceptual typology for accelerating transitions toward sustainability - Kejia Yang; Allan Dahl Andersen; Benjamin K. Sovacool (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Applying marine spatial planning to challenges in areas beyond national jurisdiction: insights from the Southwest Atlantic - Juliana Socrate; Eleonora Verón; Miriam von Thenen; Germán García (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Valuation of changes in ecosystems based on their impact on quality of life - Sjerp de Vries; Roy P. Remme; Marjolein E. Lof (Sustainability Science, 2026)

From attitudes to behaviour: evaluating science communication interventions for biodiversity in out-of-home catering settings - Nora Delvendahl; Lynn Wagner; Eva Müller; Britta Kutz; Anita Menzel; Julia Heinz; Melanie Speck; Nina Langen (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Complementary interactional contexts facilitate learning about the environment in everyday life - Nicole M. Ardoin; Rachelle K. Gould; Deborah Wojcik; Mele Wheaton (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Science-policy integration for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: comparative governance frameworks and a pathway for South Asia - Gowhar Meraj; Shizuka Hashimoto; Shruti Kanga; Pankaj Kumar; Suraj Kumar Singh; Haider Mahmood; Ram Avtar (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Transforming dichotomous thinking: a dialectical approach to human–nature connectedness and sustainability conflicts - Leena Helenius (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Navigating the winds of change: strategic foresight and the power of weak signals - Jason Jabbour; Debra J Davidson; Henrik Carlsen; Nicholas King; Simone Lucatello; Salvatore Aricò; Fang Lee Cooke; Ranjan Datta; Peter Gluckman; Edgar E. Gutierrez-Espeleta; Andrea Hinwood; Gensuo Jia; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
In an era of increased complexity, interdependence, uncertainty and rapidly advancing technology, the ability to identify and swiftly adapt to current and future trends is key to progressing sustainability. Intersecting drivers and stressors are converging to destabilize socioecological systems and reshape national, regional and global outlooks. The intersecting and converging crises of the 21st century have exposed the limits of planning that relies too heavily on linear extrapolations from well-known global/mega-trends. This study explores whether a limited number of emerging trends that only manifest as weak signals today serve as central conduits (super-nodes) for amplifying and accelerating systemic disruption. Using an exploratory mixed-methods design, a global Delphi survey ( N = 790, 132 countries) generated 1200 horizon-scan items, inductively coded into 29 clusters. Scenario stress-testing distilled the findings into 280 candidate weak signals—ranked by likelihood, impact, and timing—from which 20 were shortlisted and mapped onto a 20 × 20 influence matrix through structured expert debate. Weighted degree centralities and a 10,000-run bootstrap test identified statistically significant hubs. Results suggest that anticipatory governance can be strengthened by prioritizing high-centrality signals and institutionalizing ongoing weak-signal scanning alongside transparent, multi-source decision-making to avoid cascading risks across planetary-health, economic, and technological systems. At the midpoint of a decade dominated by disruption–climate change, pandemic, geopolitical upheaval, widening inequality, war, misinformation and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence–we posit that strategic foresight and informed anticipation is a critical imperative in the pursuit of a global common good and a resilient future.

Exploring the migration and development nexus in the Kumaon hills of the Indian Himalayan region: applying the social–ecological systems framework within a challenge-based learning environment - Qing Heng Tan; Navarun Varma; Ramnarayan Kalyanaraman (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Sustainability values orientation, minimalism, and happiness - Güngör Karakaş (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Towards sustainable school meals: integrating environmental and cost implications for nutritious diets through optimisation modelling - Mara Petruzzelli; Laura García-Herrero; Fabio De Menna; Matteo Vittuari (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Diet change and sustainability in Indigenous areas: characteristics, drivers, and impacts of diet change in Gunayala, Panama - Rodolfo Dam Lam; Lam T. M. Huynh; Denise P. Lozano Lazo; Alexandros Gasparatos (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Dietary change and land use change: assessing preventable climate and biodiversity damage due to meat consumption in Germany - Moritz Hentschl; Amelie Michalke; Maximilian Pieper; Tobias Gaugler; Susanne Stoll-Kleemann (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Land use change (LUC) is responsible for a large share of the emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) and is a major driver of global biodiversity loss. Although much of the global LUC-related CO 2 emissions and biodiversity loss occur in tropical countries, the actual drivers of this LUC can be located in the global North, particularly through the import of large quantities of agricultural commodities. The aim of this study is to quantify and monetize the LUC-related impacts of the consumption of animal-based food products in Germany and subsequently explore the potential benefits of transitioning to diets with lower dependence on animal-based products. We calculate the LUC-related impacts of consumption of animal-based products in Germany through a modeling approach that combines models for land balance, emissions, and physical trade. We determine the LUC-related CO 2 emissions of this consumption, as well as the deforested area and associated impacts on biodiversity loss. Following the true cost accounting approach (TCA), the LUC-related impacts are monetized to estimate the external costs of the German consumption of animal-based products. Our results show that the consumption of these products is responsible for the deforestation of 16.4 kha annually in the period between 2013 and 2016. Out of the six analyzed animal-based product groups, the largest shares of deforestation are associated with milk (35%) and pork (33%) consumption. However, beef meat consumption has the highest relative LUC-related CO 2 emissions at 0.75 tCO 2 per ton. The LUC-related externalities of the German meat-based product consumption incur annually societal costs of EUR 1.1 billion (plus EUR 0.5 billion for biodiversity loss). The results also show that the animal-based products imported in Germany have only slightly higher LUC-related CO 2 emissions than those produced within Germany. Overall, there is a great urgency for policy measures and shifts in consumer behavior to ensure that the consumption of animal-based products in Germany does not have unacceptably high negative sustainability impacts.

The elephant in the room is really a cow: using consumption corridors to define sustainable meat consumption in the European Union - Miriam Cué Rio; Bernice Bovenkerk; Jean-Christophe Castella; Daniel Fischer; Richard Fuchs; Minna Kanerva; Mark D. A. Rounsevell; Nicolas Salliou; Eric O. Verger; Elin Röös (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Implementing the European Green Deal requires a consistent food systems’ policy that involves not only targeting the supply side but also conducting extensive changes in diets at the consumer level. Reducing meat consumption is an obvious strategy to put the European food system on track to meet the Green Deal’s goals. This cannot be achieved by focusing solely on consumer choice and individual responsibility. Stronger governance is required to reduce the scale of meat consumption to sustainable levels. Such governance needs to be informed by a holistic definition of “sustainable meat consumption”, designed to ensure that important sustainability priorities are not neglected, and to account for all emissions associated with EU consumption, regardless of where production takes place. This article presents a conceptual framework to define “sustainable meat consumption” based on the concept of consumption corridors (CCs). A CC is the space between a minimum (the floor) and maximum (the ceiling) consumption level, which allows everybody to satisfy their needs without compromising others’ ability to meet their own. Embedded in a powerful set of principles (recognizing universal needs; tackling both over and under-consumption; framing food as a common good; promoting public participation; and addressing environmental justice and planetary sustainability), CCs are attuned to the Green Deal’s ambition to “leave no one behind”, in the EU and beyond. CCs provide a demand-side solution encompassing a more equitable alternative to discuss what is actually a “fair share” of the world’s limited resources when it comes to meat consumption.

From Ampesie to French fries: systematising the characteristics, drivers and impacts of diet change in rapidly urbanising Accra - Abubakari Ahmed; Denise P. Lozano Lazo; Kennedy A. Alatinga; Alexandros Gasparatos (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Leveraging the potential of wild food for healthy, sustainable, and equitable local food systems: learning from a transformation lab in the Western Cape region - Laura M. Pereira; Sandra Boatemaa Kushitor; Carolyn Cramer; Scott Drimie; Moenieba Isaacs; Rhoda Malgas; Ethel Phiri; Chimwemwe Tembo; Jenny Willis (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Food insecurity and diet-related diseases do not only have detrimental effects to human health, but are also underpinned by food systems that are environmentally unsustainable and culturally disconnected. Ensuring access to a healthy, affordable, and sustainable diet is one of the greatest challenges facing many low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. These challenges in accessing a diverse diet often persist despite biocultural richness. For example, South Africa is globally recognised for its rich biodiversity, an ecologically unrivalled coastline, and a rich body of traditional knowledge amongst wild-food users. In this paper, we explore the potential that coastal wild foods as neglected and underutilised species (NUS) can play in local food systems in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Following a previously established transformation lab (T-Lab) method, here we report the observations and outcomes emerging from a two-day workshop held in May 2019 with a group of 40 actors involved in the local food system in diverse ways. Farmers, small-scale fishers, indigenous knowledge holders, representatives from non-profit organisations, chefs, bartenders, academics, activists, conservationists, and government officials were brought together with the aim of strengthening an emerging coalition of coastal wild food actors. Findings highlighted the existence of a fledgling economy for coastal wild foods, driven by high-end chefs. The T-Lab was essentially a tool of knowledge co-production around food system transformation and helped to surface deeply embedded issues on land, race, history, and culture that warrant engagement if a better food system is to emerge. In a country that is drought prone and vulnerable to climate change, a more resilient and sustainable food system is a necessity. But defining alternative governance systems to shift towards a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food system will require concerted effort across all stakeholders.

The health, environmental, and economic dimensions of future dietary transitions in Argentina - Ezequiel M. Arrieta; Carlos González Fischer; Sebastian Aguiar; Milva Geri; Roberto J. Fernández; Julia Becaria Coquet; Carlos M. Scavuzzo; Andres Rieznik; Alberto León; Alejandro D. González; Esteban G. Jobbágy (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Sustaining scenarios: researcher-practitioner reflections on extending research beyond project boundaries - Chelsea Wentworth; Rafael Lembi; Amarachi Wachuku; Miles McNall; Jennifer Hodbod; Kelly McClelland; Samantha Farah; Lottie Ferguson; Robert E. Brown; Damon Ross (Sustainability Science, 2026)
We evaluate the results of a food system scenarios workshop in Flint, Michigan designed to co-create actionable pathways toward desirable futures in the medium-term (20 years), alongside analysis from practitioners one year post workshop. The goal of the scenario planning process is to support the translation and usability of research findings beyond project boundaries through the engagement of diverse voices and perspectives, combining research with lived experience to outline steps towards preferred futures. However, for research to create meaningful change, community partners need the ability to revisit data to adapt to community needs, and researchers need to understand the effects of scenario planning. Bridging research and action is essential to sustainable solutions, yet few examples exist documenting research effects beyond the duration of the project or with analysis from community partners. Our research results—the initial scenarios and qualitative data on how community leaders engage with the scenarios one year later—illustrate how scenario workshops facilitate the broader structural changes required for partnership support. We identify two direct effects (outcomes) of our scenarios workshops: enhanced capacity and expanded networks. Cascading effects (impacts) occur beyond the project boundaries, yet are essential to document and evaluate. For researchers working with futures-oriented, community-engaged research, we call for pluralizing how impacts and outcomes are understood and emphasize that they need to be evaluated from the perspective of community partners and in local context. While we illustrate results from food systems research, the long-term evaluation of scenarios workshops can be applied to a range of sustainability topics.

From land competition to reactivation: governing agrivoltaics in depopulating Japan - Yugo Tanaka; Fernando Ortiz-Moya (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Advancing key transdisciplinary principles: enabling co-production in integrated assessment modelling for sustainable development - Stephanie Briers; Bianca Vienni-Baptista (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Mind the gap: evaluating implementation of urban climate plans in three Indian cities - Minal Pathak; Shaurya Patel; Nupur Joshi (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Arts-led co-creation in contested coastal futures - Diego Galafassi; Shane Akoni Palact-Nelsen; Krista Johnson; Charles Kealoha Leslie; Mahenaz Chowdhury; Pascale Terra Deau; Margaréta Pintér; Manoel de Souza Ramos; Sara Kollberg; Leidiane Aranha do Nascimento Alves; Samiya Selim; Adina Paytan; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Coastal social-ecological systems face intensifying pressures from climate change, extractive industries, and competing claims to space and resources. These conflicts carry profound justice dimensions about who benefits from coastal resources and whose knowledge counts in decision-making. Beyond technical management challenges, we can view these as contested futures where different groups envision fundamentally different possibilities for places and communities. While sustainability science has increasingly turned to arts-based approaches, important gaps persist in understanding how artistic engagement actually operates in practice. Most studies analyze creative outputs while leaving the generative process itself under examined. Through reflexive analysis of arts-led co-creation in three contested coastal settings—embroidery workshops with displaced women in Bangladesh, stop-motion animation with fishing communities in Brazil, and documentary filmmaking with Indigenous cultural practitioners in Hawaii—we identify three interwoven orientations that characterized our work: relational co-creation, pluriversal attunement, and collective imagination. We discuss these as cultivable sensibilities that shaped how we navigated collaboration in contested contexts. Our analysis reveals how these orientations unfolded through specific practices, what they enabled, and where they met limits. By opening the co-creative process as a site of inquiry, we contribute practice-based evidence of how arts-led work actually unfolds in contested coastal contexts.

The intergenerational transmission of instrumental, relational, and intrinsic environmental values - Xiaobin Lou; Weiwei Xia; Liman Man Wai Li (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Operationalizing vulnerability and resilience interdependencies in drought risk management - Abdullah Konak; Nazmiye Balta-Ozkan; Elisabeth Shrimpton; Michael Jacobson; Daniel Winstead; Adelaide Cassia Nardocci; Tanaya Sarmah; Eduardo Mario Mendiondo (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Droughts, exacerbated by climate change, pose increasingly complex challenges for social-ecological systems worldwide. Traditional index-based methodologies capture vulnerability and resilience at an aggregate level but often overlook the nuanced ways in which these two constructs interact. To address this gap, this study introduces the Matrix-Based Drought Indicator System (MADIS) framework that operationalizes the interdependence between vulnerability and resilience at the indicator level. By distinguishing between coping, adaptive, and transformative capacities, the MADIS framework supports a more detailed assessment of how specific resilience indicators can mitigate different vulnerability factors. Two studies, online workshops with global drought experts and collaborative workshops focusing on small-scale farming communities in Pennsylvania, demonstrate how participatory methods can be used to identify and validate these interdependencies. Findings suggest that integrating indicator-level interdependencies leads to more refined risk categorizations, facilitates stakeholder consensus, and better informs targeted policy interventions. These case studies also reveal the drawbacks and implementation challenges of the MADIS framework. Ultimately, the MADIS framework contributes to a more dynamic view of resilience and social-technical-ecological systems analysis of climate change-related risk assessment. Future work will expand upon this approach by incorporating continuous temporal feedback, additional hazard indicators, and integration with social-technical-ecological systems analysis.

Scientists and their monsters: China’s carbon neutrality imaginary - Adrian Julius Herzberg; G. C. S. Kanarp; Jianhua Xu (Sustainability Science, 2026)
China’s approaches to climate change are becoming increasingly important and influential. While previous studies have found that the Chinese approach to climate governance has been shaped by the ecological civilisation policy framework, the underlying assumptions and reasoning shaping climate policy in China have received less attention. To address this gap, we examine climate imaginaries and their monsters reproduced by Chinese scientists at elite institutions. Scientists are influential actors and provide insights into underlying reasoning. Climate imaginaries are collectively-held visions of desirable futures that reveal the values and assumptions shaping climate knowledge production. Climate imaginaries are particularly distinctive in their problem definitions, which we conceptualise as monsters. Building on 44 survey responses and 17 interviews, we identify one fully-fledged climate imaginary (Carbon Neutrality Imaginary) and two elemental imaginaries (Harmony and Human Well-Being Elemental Imaginaries). The hegemonic Carbon Neutrality Imaginary’s monster problematises emissions and relies on market tools and technology to achieve carbon neutrality. The Carbon Neutrality Imaginary is complemented by the Harmony and the Human Well-Being Elemental Imaginaries, which offer the ideological framework and represent the cultural context. The three (elemental) imaginaries are paired with widespread confidence and optimism in China’s capacity to address climate change. We argue that scientists’ monsters do not fear survival or dystopia, and that they are mainly divided over the priorities guiding society’s development. Finally, this study critically engages with the monsters and their normative assumptions, and draws conclusions from the relationship between (elemental) imaginaries and policy developments.

Navigating four junctions: a framework to design context- and format-sensitive transdisciplinary research - Nina Maria Frölich; Regina Rhodius; Lena Jauer; Melanie Mbah; Annika Weiser; Daniel J. Lang (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Transdisciplinary research (TDR) is increasingly recognized as an essential approach for addressing complex challenges, particularly in sustainability science. While existing research has explored both the contextual embeddedness of TDR and the diverse formats and methods that structure its processes, the dynamic interplay between these elements is still under-examined. This paper investigates the mutual interdependencies of context as well as research formats and methods in TDR by working with the concept of junctions—critical points where contextual factors and methodological choices co-evolve and shape research processes. In particular, we ask: Which junctions can we identify where active design choices can be made throughout the research process and directed toward specific outcomes? Drawing on qualitative data from interviews and workshops, we identify four junctions: adaptivity, hierarchy, inclusiveness, and trust. Our findings demonstrate that these junctions are not static, but dynamic spaces where researchers and practice partners continuously reflect and adjust their approaches in response to evolving contextual settings and methodological demands. The four junctions constitute active points of reflection in which research processes can iteratively be re-designed or adapted to specific circumstances. By conceptualising junctions as a spectrum of interactions, we offer a novel analytical framework that enhances understanding of how context-sensitive TDR can be designed and implemented by the choice and adaptation of formats and methods. This framework offers practical and analytical guidance, including reflective questions derived from our analysis, as well as insights into transferability and scaling across diverse research contexts to foster rigorous, effective, inclusive, and transformative transdisciplinary collaborations.

Perception of interconnectedness: a new typology and tools across disciplines - Maura C. Muldoon; Gillian L. Galford; Rachelle K. Gould (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Are beach visitors willing to pay for coastal conservation efforts to combat climate change? The case study of Fuengirola (southern Spain) - Alfonso Expósito; Vanessa Berbegal-Zaragoza (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Climate change (CC) is increasingly threatening the conservation of coastal areas worldwide, intensifying pressures from erosion, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. This study assesses visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP) for beach conservation in Fuengirola (Spain), a high-density tourist destination on the Mediterranean Costa del Sol whose economy is strongly dependent on beach-based tourism. Using a contingent valuation method, the study estimates visitors’ WTP for beach conservation while considering socio-economic and attitudinal factors that influence payment preferences. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of beach visitors are willing to financially support conservation efforts, with variations based on factors such as nationality, visit characteristics, and CC awareness. Additionally, the results support the economic feasibility of implementing user-based funding into coastal conservation strategies, highlighting the role of visitor contributions in strengthening long-term coastal resilience and sustainable tourism in Mediterranean urban environments. This study enriches the broader literature on sustainable tourism and climate adaptation finance by providing empirical evidence from an urban coastal destination, where pressures from human activity intersect with rising climate vulnerabilities.

Comparative governance and fishing practices in swimming crab fisheries in the Philippines and Japan: inputs toward sustainable management - Angelo C. Macario; Denis Dyvee R. Errabo; Lawrence M. Liao; Satra J. Sailadjan; Takeshi Tomiyama (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Pathways to EU decarbonization: the role of green investment and R&D activity - Aleksy Kwilinski; Oleksii Lyulyov; Tetyana Pimonenko (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The European Union faces persistent disparities in its progress toward climate neutrality, despite unified policy frameworks under the Green Deal and Fit for 55. A key unresolved policy challenge is understanding why investment support and R&D efforts accelerate decarbonization in some countries but produce weaker outcomes in others. Existing research offers fragmented insights and rarely evaluates whether investment and innovation effects depend on institutional conditions or nonlinear thresholds. This creates a critical gap: the EU still lacks evidence on the mechanisms through which investment capacity, innovation activity, and governance jointly shape national decarbonization pathways. To address this gap, the study examines how green investment (proxied by greenfield FDI) and R&D influence renewable energy development and CO₂ emissions in 26 EU member states from 2004 to 2023. Fixed-effects regressions, moderation models, and panel threshold techniques are applied to capture both institutional conditioning and potential nonlinearities in the decarbonization process. The empirical results show that both green investment and R&D activity contribute to decarbonization, promoting renewable energy expansion and reducing CO₂ emissions. Green investment displays an inverted U-shaped relationship with emissions, indicating the presence of a threshold beyond which financial flows become more effective. Institutional quality significantly amplifies the effects of both investment and R&D, strengthening their contribution to the energy transition. These findings reveal that investment and innovation do not generate uniform outcomes across the EU; instead, their impact depends on reaching critical investment levels and on the strength of national governance systems. By identifying the structural and institutional mechanisms that shape decarbonization pathways, the study provides actionable evidence for designing differentiated, country-specific climate and investment policies within the EU.

Past trends, alternative futures, and energy demand scenarios for Bangladesh - Joyashree Roy; Hasan Mahmud; Firuz Ahamed Nahid (Sustainability Science, 2026)
In developing countries like Bangladesh, demand for energy services is expected to grow with the expansion of economic activity and population. Reliance on fossil fuels with a less diversified fuel mix poses challenges to sustainable energy sector growth. Studies indicate that there are feasible options for increasing the share of clean fuel in the energy mix if efforts are started without delay. Energy intensity is very slowly declining. Expediting access to efficient, modern technologies in all sectors can reduce wasteful energy use in service provision. There is a need for absolute growth in energy consumption to achieve a decent living standard (DLS) for all, and to support the aspiration level of the people of Bangladesh for a good life with higher wellbeing, urbanization, and access to modern appliances and infrastructure. This paper examines how alternative future scenarios, shaped by structural and demographic change, shifts in the fuel mix, technological innovation, and, above all, GDP growth aimed at enhancing human wellbeing, could influence energy demand pathways over time. We developed the SPINE (Service Provision Imagined with No Emissions) model, based on a decomposition approach for energy use, and applied it to generate alternative pathways to achieve Bangladesh’s nationally determined contributions (NDC) and energy demand consistent with the IPCC’s low energy demand (LED) scenario.

From fragmented to integrated sustainability in lithium extraction? Political measurements and critical minerals in times of sociotechnical transition in Chile - Iván Ojeda-Pereira; Sebastián Herrera-León; Fernando Campos-Medina; Caroina Rojas Córdova (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Lithium, a critical mineral for the global energy transition, has positioned Chile as one of the world’s leading producers through brine-based extraction. From this case, we identify a broader dynamic that we named “fragmented sustainability”, in which researchers and policymakers assess the lithium extraction through isolated environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions. This fragmentation limits the capacity of sustainability science to address the complexity of critical mineral extraction. We argue for the need to move toward integrated sustainability as both a research and political challenge. Drawing on Science and Technology Studies (STS), we conceptualize measurement practices as political acts that not only describe but also participate in constructing socio-technical realities. From this perspective, advancing sustainability requires rethinking how extraction is measured and governed. We call for integrated measurement frameworks that connect environmental, economic, social and cultural indicators, while also incorporating diverse scientific, local, and ancestral knowledges. Such plural and situated approaches can transform sustainability from a fragmented ideal into a grounded practice, enabling more just and context-sensitive transitions in the governance of critical minerals.

Learn to listen and listen to learn: reflections from a co-production process between researchers and composers - Carolin Seiferth; Agnes B. Olin; Konstantinos-Marios Vaziourakis; Sriharsha Bhat; Åsa N. Austin; Christina Lin; Sampo Kasurinen; Zacharias Ehnvall; Mioko Yokoyama; Maya Miro Johnson; Anna Berg; David Tudén; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
As platforms for dialogue, art-science collaborations hold the potential to cross disciplinary boundaries to better understand and engage the public in addressing sustainability challenges. Moving beyond documenting outcomes, this study details how researchers and composers combined science communication and artistic expression to co-produce performances as part of the Baltic Sea Festival Science Lab. Drawing on insights from a joint reflection process, we recount our motivations for participation, provide insights on the co-production processes of six researcher-composer pairs, and share our experiences of the performances. We highlight openness to other ways of working, different perspectives and opinions, and emergence as well as collaborative skills, including listening, communication, and problem-solving skills, as key enablers for crossing disciplinary boundaries in art-science collaborations. As answers to the question on how, why, and in what ways platforms for dialogue can turn into platforms for learning, we discuss opportunities for designing safe-enough spaces, working towards a shared goal while embracing the unfolding nature of a process, and engaging in reflection to follow up on and make sense of one’s learning. Through this study, we hope to provide guidance for those who wish to engage in art-science collaborations to co-produce pathways towards sustainable futures together.

Energy transitions in peripheral territories: integrating Multi-level Perspective and Three Horizons approaches in Chilean Patagonia - Trace Gale; José Barrena; Luz Stella Cardona; Sebastian Ibarra (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Energy transitions in peripheral territories face unique challenges requiring place-based frameworks that integrate local knowledge with analytical rigor. This research examines energy transition dynamics in Chile’s Aysén region through an integrated methodology combining Multi-level Perspective analysis with Three Horizons participatory visioning, advancing a novel theoretical-methodological framework for sustainability science. Using directed content analysis of 96 documents and Three Horizons during a three-round Delphi study with 54 regional stakeholders, this study characterized the current socio-technical regime, examined transformation imperatives, and co-created locally grounded visions of sustainable energy futures. Findings reveal a socio-technical regime characterized by institutional concentration, geographic isolation, and resistance to technological change, dominated by diesel dependency and firewood use despite environmental consequences. The methodological integration uncovered a capacity recognition paradox where existing local capabilities remain invisible within formal planning frameworks designed for core regions, while stakeholders demonstrated sophisticated understanding of transition pathways, envisioning Aysén as a regional energy laboratory emphasizing distributed solutions and community energy autonomy. This integrated Multi-level Perspective-Three Horizons approach addresses fundamental limitations in energy transition theory by revealing how peripheralization operates through both material and epistemic marginalization. The framework transcends centralized versus distributed energy development debates, demonstrating how peripheral territories can serve as laboratories for alternative development pathways. This research contributes to sustainability science methodology by showing how place-based approaches can bridge analytical rigor with participatory knowledge production while uncovering transformative potential invisible within top-down planning frameworks, with implications for energy transition research in marginalized contexts globally.

Reimagining the Sustainable Development Goals: Centering Nature’s rights for a more-than-human future - Stacy-ann Robinson; Jonathon Keats; Caitlin Bracken; Mina Ekstrom; Angela Lin; Alexis McCauley-Pearl; Margot Supple (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Rethinking development: an SDG17-driven research-action approach in the Senegalese drylands - Amadou Hamath Diallo; Hanna Sinare; Claire Stragier; Deborah Goffner (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It defines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are integrated and indivisible. While the goals are set at the global scale, the necessary actions to achieve them are implemented at more local scales and must be aligned with each country’s national laws and regulatory frameworks. In order to reach the SDGs by 2030 there is an urgent need to design SDG implementation processes that take the indivisible nature of the SDGs seriously and acknowledge that human-nature relationships are intertwined with inherent complexities across scales. Therefore, multiscale participation in implementation processes is fundamental to achieve the SDGs. In this paper, we describe a participatory process for the identification of development pathways towards sustainable and just futures aligned with the SDGs. The multiscale process was carried out in Senegal in three contrasted localities, in collaboration with local administrators, elected officials, members of civil society, and national level decision makers and researchers. The process is broken down into 17 concrete steps, in resonance with the 17 SDG goals and goal 17.17 on multi-stakeholder partnerships, spanning the highly critical first step which sets up the governance of the full process to the ultimate 17th step which defines a long-term lobbying strategy aimed at influencing policy-making and development investments. We conclude that the bottom-up nature of the process with emphasis on the local articulation of problems and solutions, albeit incorporating expert input for technical and institutional feasibility, and the connection of a broad range of stakeholders across scales, constitute the key strengths of the process.

The human–nature relationship across two centuries: macro factor insights from a machine learning model - Miles Richardson (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The human–nature relationship (HNR) has evolved profoundly over the past two centuries, shaped by socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors. Despite cross-sectional studies identifying key influences, their longitudinal effects remain underexplored. This study models HNR trends from 1810 to 2020 using word frequency data as a proxy for the HNR and seven macro-level factors: natural disasters, scientific advancement, religiosity, industrialisation, humanism, urbanisation, and economic development. These data were analysed using a machine learning approach combining grid search and gradient descent-optimised weighted linear combination model, achieving excellent precision (RMSE = 0.0184). Urbanisation and economics emerged as dominant drivers of a HNR decline of 51.3% since 1850. While industrialisation’s importance diminished over time. The rise of humanism was identified as an increasingly significant influence, whereas science, natural disasters, and religiosity had relatively modest impacts. External validation using a modern dataset of nature connectedness across 52 nations demonstrated robust generalisability and utility across diverse contexts. The cross-validation of temporal consistency suggested utility for exploratory modelling of future scenarios of the HNR to 2050. The on-trend and recovery scenarios and factor weights highlight the importance of nature rich urbanisation and moderating increasingly human-centred values to ensure a closer HNR, thereby informing strategies that target the underlying causes of the environmental crises.

When digital innovation misaligns: feedback processes across social, ecological, and technological domains in urban water governance - Yuxi Zhang; Yu-Ting Tang; Linjun Xie (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Defining growth dependence - Anja Janischewski; Katharina Bohnenberger; Matthias Kranke; Tobias Vogel; Riwan Driouich; Tobias Froese; Stefanie Gerold; Raphael Kaufmann; Lorenz Keyßer; Jannis Niethammer; Christopher Olk; Matthias Schmelzer; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Many socio-economic systems require positive economic growth rates to function properly. These growth dependencies pose serious challenges given uncertainty about future growth rates and the role of economic growth as a driver of environmental crises. Thus, identifying and transforming s ocio-economic systems that currently rely on growth for their adequate functioning is a crucial step towards effective sustainability transformations. To facilitate conceptual clarity, we propose a general definition and framework for operationalizing the concept of “growth dependence” through four elements: (1) the system under investigation, (2) the unit of growth measurement, (3) the meaning of “growth”, and (4) the functions or properties of the system relevant for human well-being. We illustrate the impact of varieties in definitions on assessment outcomes by applying the framework to areas widely seen as growth-dependent: labor markets, social insurance and public finance. Our framework helps researchers to develop a more coherent understanding of growth dependence, a prerequisite for assessing policy options towards growth independence.

Interplays between nature’s contributions to people, values of nature, and emotions expressed by smallholder farmers in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: insights for inclusive conservation - John Sanya; Jasmine Pearson; Tuyeni H. Mwampamba; Jennifer K. Sesabo; Berta Martín-López (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Recent literature suggests considering plural ways people relate with nature to make conservation inclusive. Yet, there is little empirical evidence of the complex interplays between nature’s contributions to people (NCP), values of nature, and emotions, which are three essential layers for understanding people’s motivations to connect with nature. We applied the photovoice method to understand how smallholder farmers in Kilimanjaro benefit from, value, and emotionally connect with nature. Through content analysis and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), we found three types of associations between NCP, values of nature, and emotions: (1) the association between unpleasant emotions, several materials and regulating NCP, intrinsic values, and the relational values of stewardship, responsibility, and aesthetics was expressed by smallholder farmers below the border of the national park; (2) the association between pleasant emotions, non-material NCP, and several relational values, such as sense of place and cultural heritage was expressed by smallholder farmers in their homegardens; and (3) the association between instrumental values, relational values, and NCP of social cohesion and social relations was expressed by all smallholder farmers from the lowland to the upland. These three types of associations suggest that, in the spirit of inclusive conservation, we need; (1) to consider the multiple ways smallholder farmers relate with nature, (2) to reduce access restrictions of local actors to protected areas to avoid eroding meaningful human-nature relations, and (3) to expand conservation-related benefit-sharing mechanisms beyond instrumental thinking and consider non-material NCP, relational values, and emotions.

Accounting for what matters: a review of true cost accounting as a transformative framework - Henri Contor; Erika De Keyser; Molla Tigabu Kasaw; Erik Mathijs (Sustainability Science, 2026)

What role for deliberative minipublics in sustainability transformations? An emerging topic for sustainability science - Tim M. Daw; Simon West; Andrea Downing; Naghmeh Nasiritousi; Marina Lindell; Thomas Hahn; Mikael Karlsson; Tord Snäll; Daniel Lindvall (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Democracies struggle to translate sustainability science, and public concern into sufficiently transformative actions. Ongoing polarization, politicization and disinformation extenuate this challenge. Some scholars suggest that deliberative democratic innovations can help to bridge science, public understanding and will formation, and policy implementation in the face of vested interests. In light of these challenges, we introduce deliberative mini-publics (DMPs), and why they are of interest to sustainability scientists. DMPs are distinguished from participatory methods more familiar to sustainability scientists by their random and stratified selection of ‘ordinary citizens’. An emphasis is also placed on facilitated deliberation, access to information and learning. Evidence shows that the particular conditions of DMPs can support more deliberative and informed reasoning and offer a considered public voice for decision-makers, fellow citizens and sustainability scientists. However, evidence of their wider effect on society and sustainability is mixed and warrants further examination. We draw on examples from emerging research and experience of DMPs to conceptualize three broad mechanisms for how they could potentially enhance the relationship between sustainability science, publics and politics. These differ based on whether they are primarily aiming to (1) inform policy-makers, (2) support public discourse, or (3) enhance transdisciplinary science. We also explore whether DMPs can challenge unsustainable systems and contribute to transformation through visioning, strategizing transitions, and scrutinizing the decisions of public agencies. We encourage experimentation and critical research on DMPs for sustainability transformations to test and better understand their potential.

Creating protected spaces for regenerative development: lessons from the swimmable Birrarung/ Yarra river initiative, Melbourne, Australia - Loretta Bellato; Niki Frantzeskaki; Christian Andi Nygaard (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Rivers are increasingly becoming sites of sustainability transformation. In some cases, legal mechanisms recognise them as legal persons and living entities. Consequently, new niches are being created that can address the health of rivers and their communities. However, niche creation requires protected spaces to nurture and strengthen new ways of doing, thinking, and organising. In urban settings, this translates to reversing existing regime selection outcomes in practice. This paper analyses how regenerative thinking contributed to conceptualising and developing a protected space and guided the development of an envisioned river system transformation. Regenerative development approaches recognise rivers as living beings and active agents in the transformations of social-ecological systems. Few regenerative initiatives have been applied to urban contexts, and even fewer have been empirically studied. Action research and case study methodologies are applied to the Swimmable Birrarung / Yarra River by 2030 (SB20130) initiative, located in Melbourne, Australia. The ways that the regenerative paradigm can support niche creation for conceptualising urban river system transformations are discussed. The study found that new narratives, capabilities and partnerships are needed to apply regenerative approaches to niche creation. We demonstrate that when centring on place and embracing the regenerative approach, the river (Birrarung) itself, as a shield, was instrumental in establishing a protected space. Place also provides a means of bridging Indigenous, sustainability and regenerative theories and practice approaches. A framework is proposed for creating and evolving niches from a regenerative paradigm perspective.

Does Human Depopulation Reduce Resource Consumption? Evidence from Anthropocene Japan - Anass Barrahmoune; Peter Matanle; Jiyoung Kim (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Humanity’s deepening strain on Earth systems has sparked widespread discussion of an “Anthropocene crisis,” often attributed to overpopulation. This raises the question: if overpopulation underpins the crisis, does its resolution lie in depopulation? Here, we examine the effects of Japan’s ongoing depopulation on the nexus of population, economy, cropland use, food, water, and energy. We take a systematic Bayesian approach to examine changes in the strength and direction of causality among these variables and explore plausible future pathways under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. We find that, while depopulation has led to reductions in resource demand, notably for water and energy, impacts on the food system are more complex due to interdependencies with economic and other factors beyond population change. In conclusion, we argue that it will take longer than predicted for depopulation dividends to materialize at a scale that could meaningfully contribute to addressing the crisis, and that proactive efforts to reshape consumption patterns and restructure economic systems, from a model predicated on perpetual growth to one oriented toward sufficiency, are necessary to capitalize on the potential dividends offered by this demographic shift.

Navigating lock-ins for adaptation: A case study of grid capacity planning in the Dutch energy transition - Hazal Deniz Kaya; Martijn Leijten; Daan Schraven; Paul W. Chan (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Lock-ins are typically seen as barriers to sustainability transitions, particularly in the energy sector, where they can impede the radical changes needed for decarbonization. This study, however, argues that lock-ins can also act as catalysts for innovation within grid operators’ operational practices. Focusing on a Distribution System Operator (DSO) in Central-North Netherlands, the research explores how material, behavioural, and institutional lock-ins influence grid capacity planning for energy transition. Using a qualitative system dynamics methodology, the study reveals how these lock-ins contribute to grid congestion and delayed infrastructure development, but they also create pressure for adaptive change through three key mechanisms: (i) reframing questions, (ii) reorienting synergies between actors, and (iii) rediscovering solutions. These efforts have shifted the organization’s focus from reliability to flexibility, restructured internal operations to manage congestion, and enhanced collaboration with customers, regional authorities, and other energy system actors. However, challenges remain, including the need for a more innovation-driven organizational culture, stronger cooperation between regional and national grid operators, and greater public engagement in congestion management. By framing these findings within the tactical level of sustainability transition management—where strategy meets operations—this study demonstrates how electricity infrastructure can respond to lock-in conditions through adaptive strategies that turn systemic constraints into drivers for innovation, fostering more sustainable and resilient energy systems.

The water-energy-food nexus, its relationship with ecosystems, and its role in supporting society - Janez Sušnik; Tamara Avellán; Stefania Munaretto; Isabelle La Jeunesse; Graham Jewitt (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Participatory community mapping to include sociocultural dimensions in ocean governance - Mia Strand; Nina Rivers; Tegan Carpenter-Kling; Anne Lemahieu; Amanda T. Lombard; Chilo Loyolah Nonyane; Fanelesibonge Magwaza; Hannah Truter; Bernadette Snow (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Methods to include sociocultural dimensions in ocean governance are important, but not well developed. Here we provide a methodology for participatory community mapping of sociocultural dimensions attached to the ocean and coast. The research adapted a mapping methodology with 65 local coastal community members as co-researchers in three focus areas of South Africa, embracing deep and careful work to contextualise the process. Specifically, we propose a seven-step process; (1) scoping, (2) learning, (3) categorising, (4) mapping, (5) digitising, (6) validating, and (7) integrating. Results show that this process is able to identify a mosaic of sociocultural dimensions that should be better accounted for in ocean governance processes and highlights the importance of mapping both the past and the future. We discuss the lessons we learned from the participatory mapping process, as well as the limitations and opportunities in attempting to map something as complex and dynamic as people’s sociocultural connections to the ocean and coast. Of critical importance is the opportunity for communities to self-identify and co-develop the mapping categories and legends, particularly in contexts where coastal communities have been and continue to be excluded and forcibly removed from the coast. Our methods provide an important first step to ensure that local communities’ sociocultural priorities, knowledges and interests inform ocean governance processes such as marine spatial planning and marine protected area design and management, not only in South Africa, but also at regional and global scales.

Values, emotions and views of the future: democratic deliberation as pathway to inner transformation - Angelika Zimmermann; Jasper O. Kenter; Peter Wood (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Visons of the future are fundamental for achieving transformational socio-environmental change. Whilst a host of methods have been developed for creating future visions and reflecting on underlying values of nature, we examine under-researched aspects of future creation and value reflection. We explore how deliberative democratic processes, illustrated by a case study of citizen panels deliberating on treescapes in three United Kingdom cities, can serve to influence people’s subjective views of the future, with particular attention to the role of values and emotions. The deliberation on values and visions was guided by the IPBES Life Framework. Our findings suggest that these workshops influence the richness and degree of optimism and concern in participants’ views of the future through several mechanisms, including the reinforcement of relevant values and emotions. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of future making, its motivational consequences, and the importance of citizen workshops as a pathway to inner transformation.

Developing a collaborative tool to foster communication in sustainability research - Nina Hunter; Noëlle-Laetitia Perret; Martin Klepal (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Climate change necessitates urgent responses based on knowledge produced by teams that transcend disciplinary boundaries, and with members whose work focuses on the generation of knowledge and on the application of knowledge, with some integrating both. Almost a third of Europe’s building stock consists of heritage buildings requiring renovation that is ideally sustainable as part of an energy transition response. The European transdisciplinary CALECHE study team with use-cases in France, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland aims to support decision-making on the sustainable renovation of heritage buildings, via research that employs co-design. However, team members are from various disciplines, with different skillsets and experience, and most are not English first language speakers, therefore various interpretations of project vocabulary could detract from finding solutions. The article focuses on the innovative integration of AI tools with participatory methods to build consensus around language use and shared definitions across cultures. Study-team members were surveyed on proposed term definitions and GPT-4o derived consensual definitions based on respondent agreement and suggestions across four languages, and a multi-stage validation process by first-language team members was undertaken. The result is a co-constructed multiple-language lexicon which has practical relevance for real collaboration challenges, for study members to use as a reference in the research and to facilitate communication. Local participation in developing solutions is fundamental to addressing global challenges, and relevant lexicon terms were also provided to use-case stakeholders to facilitate understanding in the subsequent research. The methodology provides a replicable framework for similar challenges in collaborative research. (248 words)

Contribution of natural capital to quality of life of urban-to-rural migrants in Japan: structural equation modelling using nation-wide survey and public geospatial data - Yasuo Takahashi; Takahiro Yoshida; Brian Alan Johnson; Sawako Shigeto; Yoshiki Yamagata (Sustainability Science, 2026)

More than a buzzword? Mapping interpretations of the ‘polycrisis’ - Louis Delannoy; Jean-Charles Leveugle; Sofia Maniatakou; Peter Søgaard Jørgensen (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The concept of ‘polycrisis’ leapt from Davos into everyday policy talk, yet its meaning remains fluid and sometimes contradictory. To take stock, we asked fifty experts to sort key related statements, and carried out a Q-methodology analysis to reveal four distinct framings. All experts agree that polycrisis spills across sectors and borders and reject the view that polycrisis is a mere buzzword. They diverge, however, on how much faith to place in current knowledge systems and on polycrisis’ drivers. Connecting these insights with Edgar Morin’s crisis theory ( crisiology ) suggests that polycrisis is best understood as a metamorphic hinge where breakdown and transformation unfold together. We argue that advancing this agenda requires drawing on sustainability science: tracing feedbacks and power, embracing plural knowledges, and situating crises in relational, historical, and reflexive perspectives. Rather than a passing label, polycrisis emerges as a generative lens for navigating the turbulence of planetary upheaval and, as such, a compass for steering pathways of transformation.

Towards advancing theorization of knowledge exchange processes: unpacking linkages and sequences among concepts via tacit-explicit knowledge conversion notion - Yanyan Huang; Obakeng A. Sethamo; Benita C. Odii; Marie K. Harder (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Operationalizing enabling conditions: a social-ecological perspective on marine conservation success - Jessica Salaün; Mohsen Kayal; Jean Wencélius; Pauline Fabre; Lauric Thiault; Mehdi Adjeroud; Tamatoa Bambridge; Sébastien Galliot; Malika René-Trouillefou; Joachim Claudet (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Researchers’ roles in the (dis)empowerment of societal actors: a reflexive framework applied during a transition towards climate neutrality in the Swiss alps - Felix Poelsma; Stephanie Moser; Susanne Wymann von Dach; Thomas Breu (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Sustainability researchers increasingly guide and/or actively participate in transdisciplinary sustainability transition processes. Their concrete roles and activities create an empowering or disempowering context for the societal actors with whom they collaborate. Reflecting on these effects is essential, as in the end the societal actors are responsible for successfully implementing sustainability transitions in practice. This article proposes a reflexive framework for investigating how the roles and activities of researchers can serve to empower or disempower the societal actors involved. We illustrate an application of the framework in a transition management process towards climate neutrality in the Swiss Alps. We present several illustrative examples showing how ongoing reflection helps researchers adjust their activities to enhance empowering effects and minimize disempowering ones, ultimately enabling desirable progress towards sustainability transitions. A better understanding of (dis)empowering effects of researchers’ roles and activities can help to make the value of transition management more tangible. This is especially relevant for project partners, funding bodies, or home institutions that may have limited experience with this kind of transdisciplinary research and are uncertain about how to assess its added value.

Expanding infrastructure resilience horizons: safe-to-fail and social-ecological-technological dynamics for requisite variety - Mattheus Porto; Mikhail Chester; Yeowon Kim; Giuseppe Mascaro; Nehal Ansh Srivastava (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Injustice flows along Itaya River: capabilities from living with river rhythmicity in Bajo Belén, Iquitos, Peru - H. D. Mendoza; A. F. Van Loon; J. K. L. Koehler; M. Rohse; B. G. Tuesta Cartagena; P. F. S. Diaz; C. P. A. Vasquez; C. J. A. Souza; E. A. V. Izaguirre (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Unstable bridges—exploring the possibilities for “in between” spaces amidst divergent narratives in environmental governance - Blanca González-Mon; Violeta Cabello; Amanda Jiménez-Aceituno; María Mancilla García; Antonio J. Castro; María D. López-Rodríguez; Michele-Lee Moore; Maja Schlüter (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Social-ecological systems increasingly face polarization dynamics that challenge environmental governance. Such polarization implies the development of opposing narratives with limited interaction, each framing environmental problems and solutions in distinct ways. In this study, we analyze a case of narrative polarization around the eutrophication crises of the Mar Menor lagoon in Spain, focusing on how proposed solutions are narrated to address this complex environmental puzzle. We use a mixed-method approach that combines social network analysis and an analysis of narrative practices in interview situations, to investigate whether and how potential solutions to eutrophication in the Mar Menor can be understood as bridging spaces that create opportunities for interaction between divergent societal narratives. Our three-step analysis includes: (a) a network analysis of reports proposing solutions to identify solutions with a bridging role (i.e., those linking reports that otherwise have little overlap in the solutions proposed); (b) a thematic narrative analysis to investigate the solutions proposed by diverse actors; and (c) an analysis of narrative practices around selected bridging solutions to explore if they constitute new spaces where narratives can interact and confront positions - what we call bridging spaces. We suggest this mixed methods approach allows for the identification of potential bridging spaces to mediate polarization and outline directions for future research on both the case study specifically, and on polarization in environmental governance more generally.

Have Japan’s climate citizens’ assemblies produced valuable recommendations? Two case studies under different governance models - Tomoko Ishikawa; Kenji Asakawa; Hideyuki Mori (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Place identity and place dependence: two-fold roles of place attachment on domestic water saving - Guolunan Yang; Ziying Li; Masahiro Sato (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Place-based contexts play a significant role in addressing water-related issues. However, the effect of place attachment on domestic water saving remains fully underexplored. This study thereby aims to investigate the impact of place attachment on domestic water-saving intention by differentiating between its emotional and functional aspects, namely, place identity and place dependence, and incorporating them into a behavioral model based on the theory of planned behavior. The study analyzed approximately 400 permanent residents in Jinan City, North China, using a street survey. Estimation of the partial least squares structural equation model revealed that place identity and place dependence exert distinct impacts on domestic water-saving intention for the first time. While the former directly and indirectly exerts a positive influence by attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, the latter exerts a negative direct effect and a positive indirect effect through subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. The findings imply that policies should promote collective memories of success and exhibit the city’s historic architecture and unique cold-spring utilization system to strengthen emotional bonds with local water environments through festival activities and educational campaigns. Moreover, to facilitate domestic water-saving intention, policymakers should influence residents’ attitudes, create a social atmosphere, and popularize water-saving skills through practical activities and water authority website.

Advancing stakeholder engagement in climate adaptation: a systematic review of structural barriers and operational enablers - Enora Bruley; Anna Scolobig; Marta Ellena; Sam Pickard; Mathilda Englund; Eulàlia Baulenas; Dmitry Erokhin; Sukaina Bharwani; Marina Mattera; Madeline Baldelli; Lucia Moreno; Judith Bielsa; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)

From sustainability perception to action in higher education: a study of faculty and staff - Tuija Veintie; Milja Heikkinen; Paavo Kettunen; Janne Salovaara; Ilona Södervik; Rami Ratvio; Tarja Tuononen; Janna Pietikäinen (Sustainability Science, 2026)
In the face of global sustainability challenges, society expects higher education to produce talent of the future to solve current and future problems. Little research exists on sustainability perceptions of all personnel in higher education institutions and their capacity to promote sustainability transition. This study explores sustainability perceptions among the university’s entire personnel, including faculty and staff, and how they perceive their possibilities to integrate sustainability into their work. Survey data was gathered in one university located in Finland. Personnel most often identified ecological dimensions when describing their perceptions of sustainability and often also discussed social and economic dimensions. Securing wellbeing for future generations appears in many responses, while only a few referred to strong sustainability, systemic thinking or holistic and transformative visions of sustainability. Additionally, they perceive limited opportunities to integrate sustainability with their work beyond small-impact environmental behaviour. The study suggests that universities aiming to act as a force for the sustainability transformation should take concrete measures to foster comprehensive sustainability perceptions and actions among their personnel and leaders.

Assessing the clean air and health co-benefits of net zero transitions in Hachinohe and Niigata, Japan - Mingqun Huo; Mohammad Arif; Ken Yamashita; Meihua Zhu; Kayo Ueda; Xerxes Seposo; Kaoru Akahoshi; Eric Zusman (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Transitions towards the pluriverse: place, difference, alliances and autonomy in two Latin American ecovillages - Rebeca Roysen; Masiel Melissa Pereira Prado; Nadine Bruehwiler; Lasse Kos; Jens Koehrsen (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This article proposes an alternative analytical framework to sustainability transitions research (STR) by drawing on critical scholarship on grassroots innovations and post-development studies. Breaking with the fixation of STR on scalable innovations and socio-technical regime change, this alternative framework conceptualizes sustainability transitions as transitions towards the pluriverse (TTP). TTP offers a bottom-up, decolonial and context-sensitive approach to transitions that acknowledges the diversity of transition pathways and places local communities and grassroots innovations at the center of transition efforts. Our framework consists of four analytical dimensions: place, difference, alliances and autonomy. We apply this framework to two case studies of ecovillages in Latin America, and answer the following research question: In what ways do ecovillages promote (or fail to promote) TTP in Latin America? We compare the two ecovillages in relation to the four dimensions and analyze the challenges they face in promoting TTP. The results show that socio-economic differences between place-based groups create power asymmetries that shape local transition pathways. The specificity of each place influences the range of strategies available for grassroots initiatives to form alliances with other actors. Recognition of their role within local power dynamics and a commitment to social justice are crucial elements for building horizontal collaborations and fostering autonomy. This article contributes to a theory of change for TTP by reflecting on the role of ‘modern’ individuals, the state and the market in the creation of the pluriverse.

Lessons learned from an assessment of the planetary health diet in Japan: dietary and supply gaps, self-sufficiency, and environmental impacts - Yota Tsujii; Mirei Nagasaka; Chihiro Haga; Takanori Matsui; Fumi Hayashi; Masaharu Motoshita; Shizuka Hashimoto; Kazuaki Tsuchiya; Keiko Hori; Atsushi Watabe; Jules Pretty; Osamu Saito (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Stakeholders’ perspectives on credible certification schemes and labels for a sustainable EU bioeconomy - Maulidia Khairani; Li Shen; Birka Wicke; Michele Mutchek; Silvia Seixas Lopes; Martin Junginger (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Certification schemes and labels (CSLs) are essential instruments for promoting sustainability across borders and managing risks in biomass supply chains. Their relevance in the EU bioeconomy is growing, yet concerns regarding their credibility and functioning persist. Existing studies on these issues are often fragmented and case-specific. The experiences and views of stakeholders across various biobased value chains regarding the credibility and performance of CSL are rarely reported. This study examined stakeholder perspectives across the bio-based value chain to identify critical factors influencing CSLs’ credibility and functioning via an online survey (58–82 responses per survey question), followed by seven in-depth expert interviews. Credibility and functioning of CSLs were assessed using the ISEAL credibility principles. Most respondents consider CSLs essential for providing sustainability assurance. However, they raised crucial concerns that are perceived to undermine CSL functioning and credibility: proliferation of CSLs, weak assurance systems, impartiality of the system, limited value creation and inadequate impact demonstration. The findings show that perceptions of CSL credibility differ across stakeholder groups and between CSLs in general and specific schemes. Our study identified interrelated factors on which CSLs could act to address the concerns raised: (1) imbalances in stakeholder representation; (2) conflict of interest, particularly dependencies between auditors, CSL owners, and certificate holders; (3) lack of transparency in the certification process; (4) lack of collaboration amongst CSLs and value chain actors; (5) limited scope and low ambition; (6) limited demonstration of measurable progress; and (7) limited value creation for producers. By examining these perspectives, our findings highlight opportunities for targeted improvements for CSLs and greater collaboration among stakeholders.

Climate change and mediterranean mountain livelihoods: insights from multi-stakeholder fuzzy cognitive mapping in portuguese highlands - Elena Todorova; Ana Margarida Silva; Antonio T. Monteiro (Sustainability Science, 2026)

How to achieve impacts with sustainability science? Insights from 20 years of work in five biosphere reserves in Europe - Valentin Fiala; Florian Knaus; Katharina Gugerell (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Sustainability science aims not only to understand pressing challenges but also to generate positive effects that drive sustainable transitions. However, little is known regarding how well this field achieves the latter goal. To address this gap, we explore the sustainability effects of research projects that have been conducted over 20 years in five biosphere reserves (BRs). Document analysis and expert interviews with BR managers and researchers were conducted to answer: (i) To what extent have BR become model sites in which transdisciplinary sustainable science is implemented systematically to induce sustainability effects? (ii) What factors enable or hinder the creation of positive research effects? Findings reveal that transdisciplinary research is still uncommon in BR but that disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and other smaller projects can also have positive effects. At first glance, this diverse portfolio of effective research types appears surprising because, according to the interviewed experts, key research criteria/principles which promote research effects reflect core aspects of transdisciplinarity, such as the coarticulation of research interests or the involvement of practice partners. These contradictions encourage to rethink sustainability science in BR, thus highlighting the fact that effective science is embedded in productive, short- to long-term science–society interactions that must be established and maintained to systematically generate impacts. Although in larger projects, these interactions can be established within their project framework, for smaller projects, they must be facilitated by a generally beneficial socioscientific environment. BR are important for fostering these environments, thereby serving as long-term intermediaries and knowledge brokers between science and society.

Common entry points and trade-offs for inclusive governance: balancing actor traits and policy in decision-making on forest restoration strategies - Vianny Ahimbisibwe; Richard Fischer; Habtemariam Kassa; Sven Günter (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Forest and Landscape Restoration faces governance challenges due to social heterogeneity and a complex policy environment, creating a Gordian knot of contrasting needs and strategies. Scholars propose common entry points for inclusive governance and reconciling restoration strategies, but empirical evidence is scarce. The study addresses this gap by exploring common entry points from actor clusters and trade-offs for inclusive governance, and by identifying how actor traits and policy components are associated with FLR strategy decisions. It utilizes data from 269 actor interviews in Ethiopia, including actor categories, internal traits (deep core values, ecosystem service value, beliefs, and norms), restoration strategies, and the status of the policy environment. The analysis is based on the Agency-Structure framework using ordination and rank-ordered probit regression. Results reveal significant trade-offs between timber-pole production versus culture, NTFP versus soil vitality services, food versus microclimate services, biodiversity and water regulation versus carbon sequestration. Based on the preference scores, we identified five possible FLR groups: Nature-Norm Stewards (cluster 1), Food-security stewards (cluster 2), Market-driven utilitarians (cluster 3), Livelihood-oriented stewards (cluster 4), and sustainable timber and NTFP stewards (cluster 5). With possible entry points coming from Nature-Norm Stewards and Market-driven utilitarians. Reconciliation of assisted-natural-regeneration (ANR) strategies requires a focus on the bio-normative dimension, including biodiversity and cultural services, with coherent policies. Active strategies (plantations) necessitate the eco-timber dimension with policy clarity. Agroforestry requires a focus on the NTFP-oriented “soil-averse”, eco-timber, and biodiversity “eco-carbon” dimensions, along with coherent and inclusive policies. However, for sustainability and permanence, both nature-based and livelihood-based traits need to be considered simultaneously. Thus, calling for a more integrated landscape with numerous strategies. Actors perceive the policy environment as insufficient in clarity and inclusiveness, and as partly incoherent. Policy clarity and inclusiveness limit ANR decisions, whereas coherence limits decisions on active strategies. Thus, successfully implementing national and international FLR targets and ensuring sustainability requires establishing policy instruments to bridge the contrasting value-beliefs among actors. Our theory-based framework for identifying common practical entry points for inclusive governance and decision-making for FLR strategy has proven applicable and is recommended for further use.

Tipping dynamics of consumer lifestyle change: an integrative analysis considering the role of intergenerational inequality - Jeroen Struben (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Successfully transforming our societies towards a desirable sustainable future requires finding alternative strategies to currently favored but insufficient and often unjust supply-side and technology-based solutions. I examine this problem focusing on consumer lifestyle changes considering the role of intergenerational inequalities, using a process of integrative conceptual modeling, followed by computational modeling and simulation to analyze how different interventions affect transformation dynamics. Characterizing key mechanisms, involving factors as population-segment specific willingness to change lifestyle, social influence, and capital for lifestyle supporting infrastructure, yields a system of multiple positive feedback loops giving rise to tipping points in lifestyles. Simulation results show that single pronged efforts targeting sustainable lifestyles directly, such as those aiming to galvanize social influence among the younger populations have limited impact as long as ongoing capital deployments—mostly controlled by older populations—do not support these lifestyles. However, granting younger populations greater control over capital deployment decisions powerfully complements such efforts. Taken together, my findings demonstrate that facilitating and accelerating just sustainability transformations requires multi-pronged interventions that combine behavioral and systems levers and that are firmly grounded in an understanding of the complex dynamics resulting from deeply intertwined and multilevel demand-, supply-, and inequality-related realms. Methodologically, this paper offers an approach for analyzing the multiple-equilibria nature of sustainability transformations, and social tipping points specifically. Such approaches are critical for identifying pathways through which more-affected populations can better shape a sustainable future in their terms and for addressing deeply rooted inequalities integral to societal unsustainability.

Correction: Engagement of citizens in energy governance: unravelling participatory capital for energy sufficiency in France and the Netherlands - Adrien Chanteloup; Lea Diestelmeier; Goda Perlaviciute (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Harnessing agrivoltaics for healthy net-zero transition in Nagpur, India: geospatial suitability and co-benefits assessment - Shreya Joshi; Vibhas Sukhwani; Bijon Kumer Mitra; Sameer M. Deshkar; Mohamed Saad Suliman; Mehran Moradi; Alphonce Mulumba; Eric Zusman; Hooman Farzaneh (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The imperative for a new integrated sustainability index in aquatic food systems: towards a post-SDGs future - Rohit Ramachandran; Rodolfo Dam Lam; Shin-ichi Ito; Fenjie Chen; Rumana Akter; Michio Kondoh; Cristiano Rossignoli; Osamu Saito (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Fostering sustainability skills in communities: a co-creation-oriented capacity-building workshop on climate services in Posadas, Misiones, Argentina - Anna Boqué-Ciurana; Jon Xavier Olano Pozo; Caterina Cimolai; Oriana Cherini; Irene Sacco; Federico Miravet; Catalina Achilli; Camila Cella; Diego Dalena; Enric Aguilar (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This article describes a capacity-building initiative in Posadas, Misiones, Argentina, focused on training non-meteorological agents for co-creating climate services. Through a comprehensive training course in 2024 for multisectoral actors, participants gained knowledge about sustainability and learned to develop indicators tailored to local realities. Leveraging the expertise of researchers, the project applied WMO’s Competency Frameworks for providing Climate Services to various territorial actors, ensuring tailored solutions. The initiative fostered a dynamic space for stakeholder exchange, facilitating collaboration and innovative approaches to addressing climate challenges. Insights from this dual-purpose initiative, a capacity-building workshop and an early co-creation stage shed light on the importance of grassroots engagement, community involvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of climate variability and change. The research results highlight how meteorological and climatic conditions impact various sectors, providing insights into sector-specific vulnerabilities and challenges. Additionally, the study identifies adaptation measures across different time scales, addressing both short-term responses and long-term strategies to enhance resilience.

The need for a systems approach to better understand the linkages between natural resources and human (im)mobility - Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson; Ilan Kelman; Gemma Hayward; Noam Levin; Kopo V. Oromeng; Caroline Zickgraf; Saleem H. Ali; Dominic Kniveton (Sustainability Science, 2026)
To date, much of the climate change literature express alarmist and groundless narratives. This includes simple linkages between natural resource loss, forced migration and violent conflict mediated through climate change, or attribution of natural resource decline to climate change, that rather relates to mismanagement, governance, and politics. There is also a mobility-bias where natural resource impacts upon immobile or ‘trapped’ people often get overlooked. More systems approach studies could widen our understanding of how the natural environment ties into people’s decisions to move or stay. In this article, we build on case study examples to propose how a systems approach can be a way forward to investigate the relationship between natural resources and human (im)mobility. We believe that the value of a systems lens is that it serves as a flexible, holistic, and effective way to identify policy interventions points and existing research gaps.

Food security in a time of climate–food–water–energy convergence - Jim Falk; Misuzu Asari; Faten Bahar; Swadhin Behera; Joachim von Braun; Thierry Caquet; Rita Colwell; Richard Damania; Kristie Ebi; Adel El Sayed Tawfik El-Beltagy; Ismahane Elouafi; Masayoshi Honma; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Reforming African universities for climate action - Walter Leal Filho; Johannes M. Lütz; Newton Matandirotya; Jokastah W. Kalungu; Adama Boua Doumbia (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This Commentary explores the responses of African universities to the challenges posed by climate change, focusing on their roles as centers of research, education, and community engagement. Given the continent’s vulnerability to climate impacts, African universities are increasingly integrating climate change into their curricula, promoting sustainability initiatives, and conducting region-specific research. The Commentary identifies key strategies employed by these institutions, including interdisciplinary approaches to climate education, partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations, and initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience in local communities. It also addresses the barriers faced by universities, such as funding limitations and political instability, which hinder effective climate action. The article also highlights the innovative solutions and best practices adopted by African universities, offering insights into how they can further contribute to global climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. It concludes with recommendations for enhancing institutional capacities, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to advance climate action across the continent.

Natural capital accounting for sustainable cities - Shunsuke Managi; Moinul Islam; Dayong Zhang; Younes Ben Zaied; Osamu Saito (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Drivers and barriers to energy-saving behaviour formation and retention in response to extreme events: insights from the energy crisis - Yechennan Peng; Christian A. Klöckner (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This study investigates the medium-term effects of the European energy crisis on household energy-saving behaviours, using two-wave longitudinal survey data from Norwegian households collected in May ( N = 3,514) and November 2023 ( N = 2,289). Challenging prior claims that external cues trigger only short-lived behavioural change, we found that 88% of the households were actively engaged in at least one behaviour-based energy-saving measure by May 2023, and 65% of those continued these behaviours six months later. By tracing how crisis-driven awareness translates into motivation, actual behaviour, and retention, we identify the demographic, social, and contextual cues that shape each stage. Older respondents, longer housing tenure, and residence in northern regions increased the likelihood of converting awareness into motivation; age and bill-payer status influenced the translation into behaviour; and female respondents as well as those adopting new heating systems were more likely to sustain changes over time. Methodologically, the longitudinal design enables a rare test of behaviour retention in real-world crisis conditions, advancing behavioural theory on cue-driven change. Substantively, the findings offer policy-relevant insights on how to support long-term household engagement with energy saving beyond immediate crises.

Can market-based social and environmental due diligence drive development? Examining local development challenges and responsible sourcing among agri-food businesses in low-and-middle-income economies - Tomislav Ivančić; Claire Bright (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Embedding futures studies in an applied water research program - Geertje J. Pronk; Andrew J. Segrave; Stefania Munaretto (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The transition to a future-proof water system requires timely development of knowledge and innovation. Futures studies is essential for research programs to identify new opportunities and threats and allow for timely agenda setting. We present a case study where the approach of futures studies was embedded in an applied research program (Waterwijs) for drinking water utilities in the Netherlands and Flanders. Futures studies was organized in a structured program component called ‘exploratory research’ that combined concepts of foresight and horizon scanning, the knowledge pyramid, and a theory of change approach. The outcomes show that futures research was valuable for the research program and the drinking water utilities who are its clients. It enabled the achievement of long-term program goals such as the development of new technologies, fast response to emerging issues and informed the strategy of water utilities. Recommendations for the adoption of futures studies in Waterwijs and similar programs based on the experiences from this case include developing a culture of co-creation and trust, a clear structure and management, and a good strategy for stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer.

Sequencing sustainability and climate solutions: a systems view of implementation - Jose DiBella; Sarah Burch (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Effects of short videos on engaging citizens in disaster communications with the government on social media - Jun Guo; Lei Sun; Chao Fan (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Triggers of food transition in Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: a global scale review - Daiane Soares Xavier da Rosa; João Afonso Baptista; Patrícia Carvalho Rosa; Cristina Branquinho (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Symptomatic of the social change brought by late globalization, the dietary patterns of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) worldwide are changing, bringing consequences for people’s health and well-being. In this review we focused on food transition (FT) and the driving forces behind these changes. We aimed to diagnose, analyse, and quantify the key factors influencing FT in IPLC worldwide. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review to analyse scientific discourse and synthesize key insights. We analysed 36 papers published between 1996 and 2022. The key factors leading FT (151) were identified in the papers and clustered by similarity into 21 categories. These categories were then grouped according to their: spatial scale: household, community, regional, national, and global; typology: driver (external to the system), fast and slow variables (internal to the system); and social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first diagnostic-orientated review of the key factors leading FT in IPLC. The categories with the highest number of key factors were those associated with the economic dimension. According to our review, economic key factors are the primary drivers of changes in community dynamics at household level, while social key factors, as a response to economic changes, contribute to transformations in lifestyle and dietary patterns. The environment plays also a central role in FT in IPLCs, determined by the availability of wild natural resources used as food. Drivers acting regionally are among the most frequent triggers of FT. We highlight the importance of identifying and monitoring key factors triggering FT to support and provide insights for further research, as well as propose effective public policies that guarantee food diversity, food security, and life quality for IPLC.

Student perceptions of an online course on climate change co-designed and co-delivered over 20 years by universities in the Asia Pacific region - Brendan F.D. Barrett; Subhashni Raj; Ariunaa Enkhtur; Jeffrey Fine; Hiroshi Ohta; Faainuseiamalie Latu; Felipe Sandoval; Yuquan Zhang (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Mindfulness and sustainability at the crossroads: towards mindfulness curricula for human and planetary wellbeing and transformation - Christine Wamsler; Liane Stephan; Margaret Fletcher; Jamie Bristow (Sustainability Science, 2026)
In light of the escalating global polycrisis—a convergence of environmental, social, and mental health crises—this paper explores the potential of mindfulness-based approaches for fostering human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability. We specifically investigate the linkages between Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and sustainability, and how they can be strengthened to support transformative education. Drawing on interviews with key informants and in-depth case studies of innovative courses, we assess historical connections and current developments, as well as the needs, gaps, and opportunities for adapting existing approaches to sustainability contexts. What is the curriculum of the present moment, in a situation where the whole world has become the hospital? Based on our findings, we identify possibilities and principles for modifying, expanding, upscaling, and transforming mindfulness-based practices, interventions, and curricula—offering pathways that other training institutions can draw on. We synthesize our results into a “taxonomy of mindfulness-sustainability integration,” outlining key features and ethical considerations at different levels. Finally, we caution against protocolizing mindfulness and instead emphasize its non-instrumental dimensions—embodiment, emergence, and relationality—for finding a path of hope, joyful engagement, and meaningful transformation towards sustainability that is grounded in the inextricable connection between our inner lives and the living planet.

Are religious organizations becoming green? Faith communities’ role in advancing environmental sustainability in Switzerland - Jens Koehrsen; Ann-Lea Buzzi; Adam Hearn (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Scholarship increasingly regards religion as a crucial factor for transitions towards environmentally more sustainable societies. Despite the rising interest in religion, little is known about the environmental activities of religious organizations. This study explores in what ways religious organizations are becoming environmentally engaged and contribute to broader societal change. In order to address this question, a survey with 1,395 religious organizations from different faith traditions and additional in-depth interviews were conducted in Switzerland. The results show that religious organizations increasingly engage in environmental activities and, thereby, contribute to advancing environmental sustainability in society at large. Over a third of the congregations in the survey (36.5%) reported that there had been a process leading to more environmental awareness in the congregation. The vast majority of the studied congregations (86%) undertake environmental activities. The engagement concentrates on recycling (68% of congregations) and receiving “green” electricity (49%), while 40% of congregations state that they have organized at least one celebration with a focus on the environment in the last 24 months. However, the stimulus for this religious engagement often comes from society. Religious organizations path-follow societal developments and focus mostly on technological change. Assuming a path-following role, they provide pioneering impulses in wider society only to a minor extent. These insights nuance claims about the innovative role and the “greening” of religions.

An evolutionary governance framework for the sustainable management of urban wetlands: integrating theoretical perspectives and practical applications - Benfeng Yu; Zixin Zhang; Majing Jiang; Juan Wang; Khai Ern Lee; Sharina Abdul Halim; Xuelian Zheng (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Regeneration, sufficiency and degrowth: an integrative review of organising in a strong sustainability era - Lotte Levelt; Nicolas Chevrollier; Aikaterini Argyrou (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Given the transgression of planetary boundaries, ever-rising resource consumption and failure to provide social foundations globally, the call for alternative organising is louder than ever. The sustainable production field must engage with strong sustainability scholarship, that focuses on systemic change. Here, emerging approaches like degrowth, sufficiency and regenerative organising, informed by systems thinking, ecological economics and indigenous knowledges, have surfaced. However, we observe varying interpretations of the concepts (e.g. in some cases used interchangeably while in others juxtaposed) and there has been no comprehensive analysis of their commonalities, divergences and potential tensions. Therefore, we examine the following question: How may degrowth, sufficiency and regeneration, three concepts in strongly sustainable organising, be integrated? We present an integrative review of 78 articles, focused on the organization-level, based on (1) Definitions, (2) Identified problem, (3) Principles, (4) Agents of change, and (5) Trade-offs. Our study reveals that the concepts share many commonalities, but whereas sufficiency and degrowth portray a capitalist critique and limits discourse, regeneration appears less unified. Further, we identify three tensions: Firstly, the use of research perspectives which do not match with strong sustainability (and corresponding risks of conceptual flexibility). Secondly, differentiated importance attributed to profit and ownership. Thirdly, the tension between ideal-type concepts and the broader economic context, which encompasses strategic considerations. We conclude that although the three concepts share a common foundation in strong sustainability, their divergent practical application precludes integration. Finally, we propose a future research agenda related to the identified tensions, to inspire careful cross-fertilization among strong sustainability researchers.

Synergies: understandings in a complex world - Eugyen Suzanne Om; Ioan Fazey; Rebecca Newman; Anthony Hodgson; Mick Cooper; Esther Carmen; Ali Hodgson; Gideon Baffoe; Lee Eyre; Juan P. Cordero (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The leverage points framework enhanced by an unconscious perspective - Byong Ki Lee; Yongseok Seo (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Many sustainability transformation studies use the leverage points framework (LPF) to point to deep levers such as paradigms and worldviews, but rarely explain how those levers move. We propose an extended unconscious (EU) perspective to address what LPF leaves unspecified, arguing that deep understanding of unconscious dynamics is crucial. In our use, the EU perspective synthesizes diverse recent mind science accounts of the unconscious into an approach tailored to sustainability and connects that approach to LPF. By synthesizing evidence and comparing cases, we show how unconscious processes and emotion shape attention, habits, and institutional change, and we outline practical design principles for working with deep levers in everyday projects. Our main finding is that transformation is not linear; it grows through repeating cycles in which feeling, action, and rules reinforce each other—clarifying why information alone often fails and how small, shared experiences can unlock broader shifts. The contribution is a simple vocabulary and design logic that complement LPF’s structural map and can be tested and adapted across contexts.

Underwater virtual reality for awe, ocean connectedness, and pro-environmental behavior: a randomized controlled trial - Anaïs Voşki; Gustav Bøg Petersen; Felix Steinbrecher; Gabrielle Wong-Parodi; Géraldine Fauville (Sustainability Science, 2026)
As the ocean’s capacity to sustain human and planetary health is increasingly jeopardized by anthropogenic stressors, there is an urgent need for the widespread adoption of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) to protect the marine ecosystems upon which all life on Earth depends. Underwater virtual reality (UVR)—i.e., wearing a waterproof VR headset while immersed in water—is a novel immersive technology offering realistic underwater experiences that may reduce visceral distance and thus enable greater psychological access to the marine world. This pre-registered study constitutes the first empirical investigation of UVR’s potential as an intervention tool for ocean conservation. Participants ( N = 214) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions with increasing levels of immersion (PC, VR, UVR) and watched two 5-minute 360-degree videos depicting underwater dives and encounters with charismatic megafauna. Psychological and behavioral responses were assessed through surveys immediately before, after, and one month post-intervention. Results show UVR’s significant effects on presence (vs. PC/VR); cybersickness, awe (time and physiological dimensions), ocean connectedness (vs. VR); and donations to a marine environmental cause (vs. PC). No effects were found on short-term behavioral intentions and long-term PEBs. Significant gender differences were found in most outcomes and presence predicted awe and ocean connectedness. Results indicate UVR’s unique ability to induce ocean connectedness more than nature connectedness; further empirical, theoretical, and practical implications, as well as limitations and future research directions, are discussed. Findings underscore UVR’s potential to induce significant psychological and behavioral responses to the marine environment that outperform less immersive media, thus advancing our understanding of its intervention potential for ocean conservation.

Seven questions on agency in sustainability transformations research: insights from a systematic-narrative review - Daniel Schürer (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The conceptualization of agency for the purpose of sustainability transformations research remains a pivotal yet elusive subject, requiring to capture the inherent interactive complexity of the agent’s individual attributes and their socio-material embeddedness while providing enough clarity for empirical applicability. While significant advancements have been made in conceptualizing agency in recent years, the discourse has been characterized as scattered, using inconsistent terminology and drawing on ambiguous analytical lenses. This paper addresses these issues by providing a systematic-narrative review of the literature up to the year 2023 around concepts of agency in sustainability transformations research. On the basis of 157 included articles, three central conceptual claims are made to bring the debate forward: First , seven questions on agency are put forward as a theoretical tool to structure both past and future debate on agency, discussing the state of the art of definition, source of agency, relationships to transformative change, structure, power, determinants of actions’ qualitative characteristics as well as theoretical foundations. Second , a typology of prototypical perspectives on agency is proposed, distinguishing between singular, embedded, and relational/emergent agency approaches. Third , drawing on insights from the systematic literature review as well as from discussions in sociology, it is suggested to bring particularly singular and embedded agency perspectives constructively together by conceptualizing agency as the situated capability of an agent to perform intentional action (as a result of some reflective deliberation) with/within specific spatio-temporal contexts.

Living Landscape (LiLa) framework: participatory socio-ecological assessment framework for sustainable agricultural landscapes - Isabella L. M. Selin-Norén; E. Bulten; M. Siegmund-Schultze; J. Westerink; J. Dekker; H. R. J. van Kernebeek; F. Meulman; R. Michels; A. L. Wortel; E. Knol; S. A. M. van Rooij; M. P. Vijn (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Impacts of low-carbon transition on human capital and future sustainability via electricity market: a framework based on inclusive wealth analysis at the regional level in China - Bo Shi; Qiuhui Jiang; Minjun Shi; Shunsuke Managi (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Factors affecting relational values of nature: a case of the Nagara River, Japan - Yuno Tajima; Tomomi Saito; Rajarshi Dasgupta; Mrittika Basu; Maiko Nishi; Shizuka Hashimoto (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Relational values contribute to the pluralistic valuation of nature by providing a unique perspective beyond the dichotomy of intrinsic and instrumental values. This study examines how the Nagara River Basin in central Japan is relationally valued by locals and the factors influencing their evaluation. The Nagara River Basin is home to approximately 830,000 people and deeply connected to the local economy and culture. We subjected data from an online survey of 2031 respondents living in the river basin to exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to explore the factors that impact the level of relational values. We found that the residents of the basin valued the river in two relational ways: their own self-identity and well-being (RV-self), and the community or the social relationships that are built around the river (RV-others). Structural equation modeling revealed that RV-self was significantly correlated with the number of activities that the respondents engaged in around the river, and special knowledge of the traditional interactions between people and the Nagara River. Furthermore, RV-others was significantly correlated with the number of activities engaged in by the respondents around the river, childhood experiences in nature, social interactions around the river, and general knowledge regarding the Nagara River. These findings provide insight into how relational values can be developed, suggesting a direction for future research on how these factors can be used to develop pro-environmental behavior and promote the well-being of local communities.

Prospects for integration of carbon and biodiversity credits: an Australian case study review - Jeremy Webb; Hidemichi Fujii; David Rowlings; Peter Grace; Sagadevan Mundree; Shunsuke Managi; Clevo Wilson (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Biodiversity and happiness: exploring the value of nature - Yue Zhang; Yuan Xue; Kun Guo; Qiang Ji; Dayong Zhang (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Tracing the evolution of natural capital in global sustainability metrics: the advance of inclusive wealth - Shuning Chen; Shunsuke Managi (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Can green finance promote inclusive development? Empirical evidence from China - Kangyin Dong; Congyu Zhao; Xiucheng Dong; Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Human–nature connectedness is positively correlated with the perceived value of nature regardless of urbanization levels - Shun Kageyama; Tomomi Saito; Yuno Tajima; Shizuka Hashimoto (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Urbanization has affected the economy, ecosystem, and human health. In addition to these direct and physical impacts, urbanization is suggested to affect our preferences and valuation with respect to nature, including people’s perceived values of nature and human–nature connectedness (HNC). Perceived values of nature and HNC are essential for constructing and maintaining sustainable cities. However, the relationship between urbanization, HNC, and perceived values of nature has not been sufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to quantitatively examine this relationship and to generate new insights into methods for enhancing people’s perceived values of nature. The study focused on the following research questions: (1) How different is residents’ HNC under varying urbanization levels? (2) How different is the relationship between HNC and the perceived values of nature under varying urbanization levels? This study categorized perceived values of nature into “relational values” and “instrumental values”. A questionnaire was administered to the residential population in three study areas in Nagareyama City, Japan, each representing a rural, urbanizing, and urban area. The data were subjected to factor analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and multi-group SEM. The results indicate that residents’ HNC is weaker in urbanizing and urban areas than in rural areas. The findings also suggest that HNC positively correlates with the perceived values of nature, regardless of urbanization levels. These results indicate that considering HNC is crucial in nature management to understand people’s value perceptions and conservation attitudes as well as to enhance their value perceptions toward surrounding nature under varying urbanization levels.

A policy-relevant research agenda to support accelerated industrial decarbonisation in the UK - Peter Taylor; Imogen Rattle (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This paper outlines a policy-relevant research agenda to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in the UK. It highlights recent policy progress, which has largely focused on energy-intensive industrial clusters, and briefly reviews existing research on technologies, sectors, policies, and economic and social dimensions. Four priority areas are proposed for future research: decarbonising dispersed industrial sites, enabling electrification, developing markets for low-carbon products, and advancing resource efficiency. The agenda emphasises the need for integrated technical, economic, and social research to support policy evolution and industry readiness. By addressing these gaps, the UK can foster a just, cost-effective transition to a low carbon industrial sector, ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

Diverse values of nature can drive transformative change in the WEFE nexus governance in Mediterranean countries - Enrica Garau; Gabriela de Abreu; Irene Perez-Ramirez; Nora Schütze; Yasmine A. Farhat; Jessica Loureiro; Hala El Moussaoui; Olfa Mahjoub; Hacib Amami; Serena Sandri; Nooh Alshyab; Pietro Drei; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus has emerged as a useful concept to describe and address complex interdependencies in natural resource governance. However, most existing research predominantly emphasizes biophysical and economic dimensions, overlooking the social and cultural dimensions of the nexus and how communities perceive and value these interconnections at diverse local scales. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating the Diverse Values of Nature framework (IPBES) and the Human–Nature Connectedness (HNC) framework into WEFE nexus research, to explore how communities relate to WEFE systems and how these relations influence and shape the perception of well-being and sustainable natural resources governance. We conducted 110 semi-structured interviews across seven Mediterranean case studies (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Italy), focusing on agricultural actors. The interviews were analyzed to identify value types (instrumental, intrinsic, and relational), HNC dimensions (material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical), and links to diverse components of human well-being, which local actors associated with their WEFE nexus systems across the seven case studies. Results reveal that instrumental values dominate across the analyzed case studies, while intrinsic and relational values also play a crucial role in shaping governance priorities. In addition, the emotional and philosophical dimension of HNC emerged as key leverage points for governance transformations of the WEFE nexus. Additionally, case-specific contrasts and variations (e.g., varying levels of emotional bonds attached to diverse WEFE nexus systems) highlight the important need for applying context-sensitive and place-based approaches. Based on these findings, we argue that integrating non-monetary values, context-sensitive approaches, and human–nature relationships into WEFE governance could be essential for recognizing and supporting diverse worldviews, local knowledge systems, and cultural identities. This study contributes to advancing nexus thinking by demonstrating how social values and human–nature connections, not just monetary or biophysical trade-offs, in systems can inform transformative changes in WEFE nexus approaches and natural resource governance. This study advances nexus thinking beyond technical efficiency, advocating for inclusive, adaptive, and equity-centered approach.

The promise and pitfalls of energy commons: the paradox of municipality-led civic solar programs in Taipei - Chihsin Chiu; Su-Ting Wu; Chiung-Ting Chen (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Dinner is served: how climate change interferes with olive oil production - Walter Leal Filho; Johannes M. Luetz; Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis; Gustavo J. Nagy (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The Mediterranean region accounts for nearly 95% of global olive oil production. However, climate change—manifesting in intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and increased pest prevalence—is undermining both the quantity and quality of yields. These disruptions threaten the livelihoods of rural producers and destabilize international markets. This article examines the complexities facing growers and outlines targeted mitigation strategies, highlighting the broader implications of climate change for a staple commodity relied upon daily by millions around the world. The analysis highlights interconnected climate impacts on agriculture, trade, and gastronomy, and identifies opportunities to enhance resilience through policy, agronomic innovation, and sustainable practices. It advances an integrated approach to Mediterranean food sustainability, linking agricultural adaptation with culinary heritage. Graphical abstract

Gold mining in the Colombian Amazon: empirical insights on the links between sustainability, equity, and power - Paula Andrea Sanchez-García; Barbara Schröter; Torsten Krause; Wiebren Johannes Boonstra; Jonas Østergaard Nielsen; Lasse Loft (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Gold mining is widespread in the Colombian Amazon and negatively impacts biodiversity, climate, and social equity. While some claim that sustainable gold mining can address these issues, we have analyzed different narratives of sustainable gold mining, focusing on equity and power dimensions. Our research, conducted through participatory observation and interviews across scales between 2022 and 2023, involved local miners, Indigenous representatives, community members, academic experts, NGOs, and government officials at regional, national, and international levels. We found diverging perspectives on sustainable mining leading to conflicts and occasional violence. While the greening of mining involves a corporate focus on distributive equity, traditional and artisanal miners seek support and recognition of their mining rights. Indigenous and other ethnic minorities aim to emancipate themselves from historical epistemic domination and exclusion. We conclude that resolving the conflicts arising from these differences requires questioning the role of corporate mining, and considering diverse values related to the sustainability of gold mining in decision-making processes.

European bioeconomy strategies could better integrate sustainability agendas - Anne Warchold; Jing Li; Prajal Pradhan (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The bioeconomy is increasingly seen as a key national development strategy for sustainable economic growth, environmental restoration, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous countries have introduced strategies to outline their bioeconomy visions, aiming to transition from fossil fuel-dependent systems to bioeconomies that address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Despite this potential, the bioeconomy is not inherently sustainable nor circular, and policymakers pursue bioeconomies to different extents, facing challenges in balancing synergies and trade-offs with the SDGs. This study examined bioeconomy strategies presented in 29 policy documents from 14 European countries and the European Union. Using text analyzing techniques, we evaluate the extent to which bioeconomy strategies determine the salience of sustainability. Our analysis shows that most bioeconomy strategies emphasize opportunities aligned with SDGs 6 and 12–15, focusing on environmental objectives within the planet pillar of the 2030 Agenda. However, these strategies often neglect the principles of “equitable” and “fair & inclusive” transition and fail to consider potential unintended consequences or trade-offs for sustainability. This disconnection is further reflected by a significant divide between evidence on bioeconomy–SDG interactions and the narratives presented in policy documents. The concepts of sustainability and circularity are theoretically integrated into bioeconomy strategies but often remain lethargic, focusing on narratives rather than evidence on existing trade-offs at the expense of human needs and ecosystems. To prevent the risk of unsustainable transitions, bioeconomy strategies should evolve toward systemic approaches that emphasize resilience, equity, and ecological regeneration. Future research should explore practical mechanisms for aligning bioeconomy development with global sustainability goals.

Mapping megatrends shaping European forests - Jakob Langenbacher; Alex Levering; Peter H. Verburg (Sustainability Science, 2026)
European forests are changing rapidly due to environmental pressures and human actions, making it essential to understand the drivers and their potential impacts for informing management and policy. We quantify and map six megatrends affecting European forests: (1) climate change, (2) fire, (3) pests and pathogens, (4) forest cover and felling intensity change, (5) harvesting, and (6) pollution and nutrient enrichment. Our mapping indicates that megatrends act heterogeneously across Europe. Hotspots of negative trends are found in the Nordic and mountainous regions. These correspond to the megatrend combination clusters: (1) the warming North with an intensified felling trend and (2) the bark beetle-affected temperate Europe. The maps show that business as usual is unlikely for most European forests, and the diverse archetypical megatrend combinations highlight the need for region-specific management. Our mapping helps prioritize interventions and tailor adaptation strategies to the combination of pressures.

Building a conceptual spatial framework: using spatial agency to enhance the transformative aspects of TD research - Henrietta Palmer (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Transdisciplinary (TD) research is a relational and transformative practice. Furthermore, it is a spatial practice. In fact, the concept of space plays an important role in TD research in that spatial concepts are used to describe the conditions, processes and outcomes of TD research. What is missing, however, is a perspective on space itself as a relational and becoming phenomenon and how such an understanding of space corresponds to the relationality of TD research as well as to its transformative capacity. This is the focus here. From a narrative review of spatial concepts commonly deployed with TD research, this article identifies three dimensions of space, which describe three distinct spatial ideals occurring within TD research. Differentiating the dimensions from theories of spatial agency, each one is then detailed based on what a mutual relationship between space and actors looks like. The three dimensions constitute a typology that is developed into a conceptual framework for space in TD research. The findings include, first the three dimensions, described as symbolic , functional and relational spaces, which together form a typology. This typology categorizes the many and interchangeably used spatial concepts within TD research and serves both an analytical and designerly purpose, identifying the productive relationship of space and actors in a TD process. Second, transformative spatial capacities are identified within the dimensions: enabling collaboration , enhancing collective ability and dealing with difference . Third, crucial spatial qualities that afford transformation are highlighted for each dimension, as sustaining contingency , being dynamic, and allowing for paradoxes . In summary, the conceptual framework allows us to understand spatial capacities and qualities that enhance the transformative aspects of TD research.

Drama as a transformational capability of sustainability science - Tony Wall; Eva Österlind; Anna Lehtonen; Oleksandra Khalaim; Julia Fries; Eva Hallgren; Shelley Piasecka (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a foundational aspect of the transformatory capability of sustainability science at the individual and group levels. Despite international frameworks to promote and monitor the development of sustainability competences, evidence of the efficacy of ESD remains limited and even challenging. This article proposes drama-based educational approaches, as part of an increasing body of arts-based methods used in sustainability science, which materially impact a wide range of sustainability competences. Drama is a practice-based approach that intentionally uses carefully designed educational activities involving body, story, interaction, and collaboration to generate sustainability awareness, knowledge, mindsets, and action taking for individuals and groups within higher education. Examples of applied drama practices can include various forms of role play, forum play (playing out roles and pausing/fast-forwarding/reversing to explore possible solutions), and legislative theatre (where participants collaborate with lawmakers to address local issues). This article draws on an international project applying drama methods across disciplinary areas, and outlines how drama methods may contribute to sustainability competences applied in practice. As a result of this, we propose further research to inform future high-impact practices of applied drama for the field of ESD.

Operational principles for fostering transformative qualities and capacities in higher education sustainability science and practice - Nora Fagerholm; Neil Coles; Thomas Beery; Mario Torralba; Viola Hakkarainen; Christian Albert; Erik Andersson; Ryan Bergström; Claudia Bieling; Sandra Gentin; Carolin Klonner; Anton Stahl Olafsson; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Education for sustainability is widely recognised as a critical pathway for driving the transformations needed to address today’s polycrisis. Despite growing theoretical and conceptual advancements in sustainability education, current approaches have not achieved the deep systemic changes required. While university networks and individual institutions increasingly integrate sustainability into their education, concerns persist that transformative learning agendas often remain superficial. In particular, they frequently fail to equip learners with the emotional resilience and skills necessary to engage effectively with complex global challenges, as well as educators with the pedagogical framework to facilitate such learning. This article emphasises the need to advance transformative learning in sustainability science and practice in higher education by addressing the inner dimensions of sustainability: our individual and collective values, beliefs, worldviews, and associated transformative qualities and capacities. This means targeting deep leverage points and meaningful change by supporting more relational approaches, including an integrated inner–outer change in being, thinking, and acting. We provide seven operational principles for supporting the inner–outer transformation towards sustainability in learning and teaching sustainability science and practice, especially in geography and related fields. These principles highlight the importance of nurturing five clusters of transformative qualities and capacities—awareness, connection, insight, purpose, and agency—guided by relational approaches required to support profound and integrative learning experiences. We provide concrete examples of how to implement these principles. The proposed principles aim to inspire educators and learners to deeply engage with sustainability challenges to contribute to transformative change across individual, collective, and system levels.

Transition as the navigation of dilemmas: observing trade-offs and recognizing contradictions on the path to a bioeconomy - Kristof Van Assche; Jan Börner; Thomas Dietz; Janosch Förster; Sascha Stark (Sustainability Science, 2026)

The transformative potential of European mineral extraction: scratching the surface or digging deep for the sustainability transformation? - Andreas Endl; Marie-Theres Kügerl; Michael Tost; Mariana Kovacic-Lukic; Katharina Gugerell (Sustainability Science, 2026)
While there is a clear call for transformative change towards sustainability in different sectors, an ongoing and strong critique about the inability to initiate this change prevails in the mineral extraction sector. Although there are singular approaches to deciding how the extractive sector can progress towards transformative change, we lack systematic investigations to assess this sector’s performance. Therefore, this paper aims to illustrate the current situation and the potential to generate transformative change in the European extractive sector, using the leverage point approach (LPA) by Donella Meadows. We conducted desk research on European research projects and industry reports, complemented by a survey of extractive sector experts. Overall, our results indicate that the European extractive sector cannot reflect a transformative approach. First, extractive practices do not equally address the LPA spectrum required for initiating a fundamental systemic change. Second, the predominance of industry actors may hamper the effective implementation of extractive practices across the LP spectrum. We conclude that, for a transformative approach, the extractive sector needs to consider fundamental changes in the system’s intent (i.e. objectives, values and worldviews). Actors need to move beyond conceptions of supply provisions, targeting and incorporating the demand side and the need to substantially lower mineral resource consumption at the individual (behaviour change) and societal level (societal change).

Intermediary objects in transdisciplinary research: a podcast to foster alternative grain-to-bread chains in Wallonia - Lou Chaussebourg; Noémie Maughan; Marjolein Visser; Kevin Maréchal (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Reflecting stakeholder values in urban green space planning: a case study of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area in Ghana - Isaac Nevis Fianoo; Maiko Nishi (Sustainability Science, 2026)

A regenerative systems framework for sustainable management of natural resources: integrating ecosystem resilience with intergenerational wellbeing - Iain Brown (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Achieving transformative progress on sustainability goals is dependent on synergistic actions across multiple policy domains. This identifies requirements for more coherent and integrated approaches to sustainable management of natural resource (SMNR) across land and sea, including air, water, soil, and geological resources. The challenge is further emphasised by severity and cross-cutting dimensions of nature loss and climate change crises. To help address this challenge, a general systems-based framework for SMNR was developed to facilitate co-ordinated knowledge exchange across the science–policy interface. Inspiration was provided by the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in Wales, which obligates major policy innovation to sustain intergenerational wellbeing at a level beyond the current UN SDGs, including robust formulation of target outcomes and indicators. The SMNR framework, therefore, aimed to cross-reference primary outcomes for ecosystem resilience, natural resource management, and human wellbeing. Outcomes were linked through a circular reinforcing systems loop emphasising both ‘nature’s contributions to people’ relationships (including ecosystem services) and adaptive regenerative actions working with natural processes. Candidate indicators representing key concepts were also defined. The framework was applied in Wales through systems mapping to show relationships across policy domains. This highlighted added value of linked headline indicators with hierarchical components, exemplified by resource footprint metrics. Key issues from stakeholder engagement included long-term ‘reference conditions’, cross-scale integration, and inclusivity through multiple values. Major knowledge gaps exist regarding diverse relationships between nature and wellbeing, together with associated behaviours and actions, and hence efficacy of different actions for regenerating both natural and social systems. These issues highlight the need for flexibility, ongoing learning and adaptive capacity as integral to regenerative systems design.

Field robots for weed control? Analyzing socio-technical change by looking at farming practices - Anna Baatz; Katrien Van Poeck (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The digitalization of agriculture is bringing about far-reaching socio-technical changes. This article analyzes these changes by looking at farming habits. Transactional theory of learning is introduced as an analytical perspective for investigating farmers’ consideration processes and experimentation with potential habit changes related to the use of digital technologies. The analytical perspective is applied to a case study of robotic weed control in sugar beet cultivation in northeastern Germany. The study shows how prevalent habits are crucial anchor points in farmers’ careful considerations of whether to use a field robot: habitual beliefs such as an excitement for robots, as well as professional and private habits and resulting free and committed capacities are included in these considerations. Experiences with technology use and weather-related uncertainties, furthermore, led to a habitual risk assessment and anticipatory solution seeking as an overarching element in the formation of new habits. In addition to the empirical study, the article aims to make a methodological and conceptual contribution to advance much-needed research on change of (agricultural) practices and the role of technologies in it. In this regard, the use of transactional theory of learning is discussed by reflecting on the kind of knowledge that can be produced with this type of analysis and how it can benefit research on practice change and broader (agricultural) transition processes.

Unveiling the role of higher education institutions in regional sustainability transitions: a systematic literature review and research agenda - Ines Hinterleitner; Gesa Pflitsch; Marianne Penker; Sabine Sedlacek; Verena Radinger-Peer (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Due to pressing sustainability challenges, our society is in urgent need for innovations and new knowledge. Higher education institutions (HEIs) as institutions of education and knowledge production are attributed a leading role in the sustainability endeavor. In recent years, the topic of the contributions of HEIs to regional sustainability transitions (RST) has received increasing attention, resulting in rising numbers of literature published. However, due to its position at the interface of different research fields, the knowledge on the role of HEIs in RST is heterogeneous and scattered. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on HEIs’ role in RST from 2007 onwards. The purpose of the paper is to identify how this role is conceptualized and empirically investigated and to understand better which challenges HEIs are facing and what kinds of drivers enable them to take over this role. The results are aligned along with role characteristics (actors, activities, drivers, challenges, and impacts), which provide in-depth insights into how this role is conceptualized. The authors deduced one role of HEIs in RST with three dimensions from the existing literature: Sustainable Regional Operations, Community Empowerment, and Regional Sustainability Policy. HEI students, faculty, leadership and management as well as a diverse range of regional actors are engaged in the enactment of this role and its three dimensions through educational, research, and outreach activities. However, these activities are rarely institutionalized and therefore depend on the engagement of individuals and the support of the HEI leadership. Based on these results, the authors propose further avenues of research which have the potential to better characterize the role of HEIs in RST including the perspective of who decides within HEIs on the role and the evolution of this role over time.

Grounding critical minerals in values-centred approaches for just sustainability transitions - Rebecca Anne Riggs; James Douglas Langston; Tira Foran; Nicola Grigg; Fideline Awasiri Mboringong; Claudia Munera-Roldan; Sabrina Chakori (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Growing demand for critical minerals to accelerate a global energy transition presents new challenges and opportunities for responsible mine exploration and mine development. Social innovations have not kept pace with investment in mineral development, putting the wellbeing and rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities at risk. Historical and ongoing injustices mean that without pro-active attention to these issues, critical mineral development may cause social and environmental harm and exacerbate existing inequalities. The 2022 Values Assessment conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-VA) shows that transitions towards just and sustainable futures depend on recognising and embedding diverse values into decision-making processes across all domains, including mining. Values-centred approaches seek to identify diverse and under-represented values and activate values-centred leverage points to overcome barriers, shift power, and explore alternative pathways towards justice and sustainability. In this paper, we argue that the governance of critical mineral development can learn from values-centred approaches to inform responsible and inclusive mining and exploration. We outline how values-centred approaches might help to address current shortfalls in mineral resource governance, and identify promising examples of activating values-centred leverage-points drawing from global examples. We critically advance values-centred approaches by considering power, knowledge, and capabilities, while also acknowledging the need for pragmatism in improving mineral resource governance. We identify potential change mechanisms for integrating values into policy and practice and call for more attention to plural values in the exploration and development of critical minerals for just transitions.

Estimating scope 3 emissions in the global investment network - Cristian Mejia; Yuya Kajikawa (Sustainability Science, 2026)
This study presents a network-based approach to measure investment-related scope 3 emissions at a global scale, revealing overlooked patterns of carbon accountability. Traditional accounting methods typically assign emissions based on direct ownership shares, yet these fail to capture the extensive chains of influence that characterize modern financial systems. Building on our earlier analysis of the Japanese market, we expand to a dataset of over 6.4 million firms worldwide, tracing how investment flows link financial institutions to carbon-intensive activities across multiple industries and countries. Our findings show that conventional methods significantly underestimate the investment-derived scope 3 emissions of financial intermediaries. Large asset managers and trust banks, for instance, emerge as central nodes with far higher investment-derived emissions than previously reported. At the same time, industrial firms, traditionally viewed as principal emitters, see their attributed emissions decrease once network effects are considered. These results suggest that focusing on direct emitters alone overlooks key leverage points in the financial sector that can drive systemic emissions reductions. By uncovering how carbon accountability propagates through global investment networks, this work offers a more accurate foundation for regulators, investors, and policymakers seeking to align financial flows with net-zero objectives.

Intermediation and digitalisation in sustainability transitions: a case report from the Australian agrifood sector - Gillian Cornish; Emma Jakku; Cara Stitzlein; Kirsten Maclean; Simon Fielke (Sustainability Science, 2026)
In the context of increasing digitalisation in sustainability transitions, intermediaries play critical roles in building legitimacy and trust in socio-technical tools and technologies. Understanding their contributions is essential to enabling system-level change. This study examines the roles of niche, process, and user intermediaries in advancing digital technologies for knowledge and information exchange in sustainability transitions. Using qualitative research methods, we interviewed 31 intermediaries involved in developing a digital tool within the Australian agrifood sector. We developed a conceptual framework to analyse how intermediaries’ broker and configure knowledge between actor groups. The framework considers how their intermediation work is influenced by broader systemic directions in sustainability transitions and shaped by the demands of an increasingly digitised context. We found that digitalisation added complexity to intermediary work by requiring greater attention to users’ digital literacy and contextual needs, influencing how intermediaries interpret and communicate information. The intermediaries also focussed on building trust amid past scepticism toward new technologies. Viewing niche, process, and user intermediaries as an interconnected cohort revealed how collaboration across these types strengthened their collective impact. Together, they facilitated the development, promotion, and uptake of digital tools supporting drought resilience. This study contributes empirical and conceptual insights into how digitalisation shapes intermediaries’ activities in sustainability transitions.

Integrating social measures into land sector carbon abatement investment decisions - Nikki P. Dumbrell; Catherine J. Robinson; Danilo Urzedo; Lisa Walker; Katie D. Ricketts; Larelle McMillan (Sustainability Science, 2026)
With growing demand for land sector carbon abatement to support multiple objectives, there are calls to improve how social measures can be applied to inform investment decisions. Yet, limitations exist in using social measures to inform land-use investment and valuation frameworks. This study focuses on how social measures can inform the alignment of land sector investment priorities with regional social contexts. In partnership with Australia’s Queensland Government, we curated, visualised, and analysed how socio-economic datasets could be translated into useable social measures to help inform investment decisions with an emphasis on project risk and delivery criteria. We identified five social measures, to inform investments: (i) regional access to economic resources and services; (ii) socio-economic (dis)advantage; (iii) workforce specialisation and skills; (iv) regional aspirations and concerns; and (v) access to local institutions and expertise. Mapping existing carbon abatement project locations against these measures, we show that investments in land sector carbon abatement projects in Queensland, Australia are located in different areas when investments consider least cost carbon abatement compared to when they also consider social contexts and potential co-benefits. This research acknowledges the complexities of integrating social measures in investment decisions and highlights the importance of science–policy collaborations to support the identification and use of social measures to inform investments under carbon abatement initiatives.

Ecological decline degrades non-material values—but resistance and resilience complicate the story - Alison Adams; Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen; Rachelle K. Gould (Sustainability Science, 2026)

Using a systems thinking approach to assess the complex interplay between sustainable development goals, climate change, and humanitarian operations - Raissa Zurli Bittencourt Bravo; Luiza Ribeiro Alves Cunha; Brenda Cardoso; Beatriz Sarges; Cristiano Barros; Vinicius Rodrigues; Adriana Leiras (Sustainability Science, 2026)

A method to identify positive tipping points to accelerate low-carbon transitions and actions to trigger them - Timothy M. Lenton; Thomas W. R. Powell; Steven R. Smith; Frank W. Geels; Floor Alkemade; Martina Ayoub; Pete Barbrook-Johnson; Scarlett Benson; Fenna Blomsma; Chris A. Boulton; Joshua E. Buxton; Sara M. Constantino; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Meeting the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to “well below 2 °C” requires a radical acceleration of action, as the global economy is decarbonising at least five times too slowly. Tipping points, where low-carbon transitions become self-propelling, could be key to achieving the necessary acceleration. We deem these normatively ‘positive’, because they can limit considerable, inequitable harms from global warming and help achieve sustainability. Some positive tipping points, such as the UK’s elimination of coal power, have already been reached at national and sectoral scales. The challenge now is to credibly identify further potential positive tipping points, and the actions that can bring them forward, whilst avoiding wishful thinking about their existence, or oversimplification of their nature, drivers, and impacts. Hence, we propose a methodology for identifying potential positive tipping points, assessing their proximity, identifying the factors that can influence them, and the actions that can trigger them. Building on relevant research, this ‘identifying positive tipping points’ (IPTiP) methodology aims to establish a common framework that we invite fellow researchers to help refine, and practitioners to apply. To that end, we offer suggestions for further work to improve it and make it more applicable.

Framing energy cultures: materiality and motivators of household energy transition in Nepal - Dianne Kok; Sara Brogaard; Mine Islar; Sudhindra Sharma; Rabina Thapa (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Nepal has made major progress in expanding its national electricity grid, creating the potential for a double transition as increased access to electricity benefits the energy-poor while setting the infrastructural ground for a transition to renewable energy sources. However, despite increased access, many households in Nepalcontinue to rely on traditional and transition fuels such as firewood and gas. This can be problematic as without the actual adoption of modern energy sources, energy development may be limited in relation to socioeconomic progress and transition toward an environmentally sustainable energy system. Informed by qualitative semi-structured interviews, this article applies the Energy Cultures Framework to model the materiality, motivators, and activities of household energy consumption in Nepal. This method and framework allow for reflection on the drivers and barriers around energy transition as perceived by households themselves. We find that although many households are satisfied with the convenience of gas and electricity, major barriers to modern energy use, such as income, knowledge, habits, and unreliable supply, remain. Future change is mostly motivated by households’ desire to live a convenient and healthy life and relies on locally informed policy that is conscious of urban and rural energy wants and needs.

Differentiated characteristics, sustainability performance and preferences among small-scale aquaculture producers: implications for sustainable intensification - Eric Brako Dompreh; Quanli Wang; Jie Su; Rodolfo Dam Lam; Benoy Kumar Barman; Cristiano M. Rossignoli; Alexandros Gasparatos (Sustainability Science, 2026)
Inland aquaculture is becoming an important source of animal-based protein in many low- and middle-income countries of Asia. In several of these countries such as Bangladesh the inland aquaculture sector is dominated by small-scale producers that rely on unimproved production practices. However, the heterogeneity of these producers is not well understood, leading to assumptions of low variability in both the underlying characteristics of aquaculture production systems, as well as their sustainability performance. This in turn can lead to the ineffective design and implementation of interventions and policies for the sustainable intensification of the sector. This study explores the differentiated characteristics, sustainability performance and preferences among carp producers in Bangladesh. We focus on Bangladesh as it is the 5th largest inland aquaculture producer globally, with the sector contributing significantly to livelihoods and food security. We undertake comprehensive in person surveys with 4540 carp producers across 54 regions of the country. We use 18 production variables to develop a nuanced typology of carp production systems using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Approach (HCA). We then assess whether these production systems have significantly different sustainability performance across eight socioeconomic and environmental indicators. Finally, we elicit the preferences of producers for improved carp species through three choice experiments. Overall, we identify four major types of carp production systems, characterized by very different production characteristics, sustainability performance and preferences for improved fish species attributes. Collectively, our results provide a nuanced picture of the carp aquaculture sector in Bangladesh, which moves beyond simple binaries (e.g., commercial vs. subsistence; intensive vs. extensive; large-scale vs. small-scale). This information can inform the development and implementation of fit-for-purpose interventions for the sustainable intensification of the sector.

The urgency of the Lancet Planetary Health–Earth Commission’s report and IPBES transformations versus the ongoing Z transformation: the need to soften the human sustainability boundaries - Filipe Duarte Santos; Tim O’Riordan; Miguel Rocha de Sousa; Jiesper Tristan Strandsbjerg Pedersen (Sustainability Science, 2026)
The Lancet Planetary Health–Earth Commission’s report proposes the translation of safe and just Earth-system boundaries across scales, transitions and transformations as being necessary to create a durable pathway to sustainability. Here we address the willingness and engagement of individual people to understand, feel the value, and implement the totality of its recommended transformations. We adopt an approach based on inner dimensions of sustainability. This depends on seven human critical determinants that we believe can act as human sustainability boundaries (HSB), but can be suitably softened. We conclude that the required softening of HSBs is unlikely to be successful without phasing down the current counter-sustainability Z transformation. This is an heir of the Neolithic and Industrial Revolutions, but has acquired its own powerful identity, and is apparently unable to deliver sustainability.

Engagement of citizens in energy governance: unravelling participatory capital for energy sufficiency in France and the Netherlands - Adrien Chanteloup; Lea Diestelmeier; Goda Perlaviciute (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Energy governance, the process through which rules are set and enforced regarding the ways energy is produced, distributed, and consumed, is, to a large extent, controlled by states and (trans)national energy corporations. Hence, current democracies are ill-equipped to incorporate citizen’s perspectives in decision-making effectively. Increasing citizens’ influence in energy governance through public participation could help bring democratic answers to the interrelated energy and democracy crises. Conversely, people feeling excluded from decision-making are more likely to resist energy policies. While public involvement in energy governance has been advocated, little is known about whether and when people themselves want to engage in energy policy-making. This article explores citizens’ perspectives on their role regarding the (governance of) production, distribution and consumption of energy. We develop the “Participatory Capital Framework” to illustrate the willingness and ability of citizens to participate in energy decision-making and stimulate energy efficiency and sufficiency strategies. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 participants (21 in France and 18 in the Netherlands) living in areas distant from their national governments, recruited door-to-door. Following a thematic analysis, we identified three categories of factors that influence citizens’ willingness to get involved in energy governance, namely individual, collective and contextual factors. Sub-components explaining citizens’ (dis)engagement in energy governance are unfolded in each category, such as egoistic and biospheric values, collective efficacy, and (dis)satisfaction with current decision-making structures, respectively. The complexity of factors explaining citizen (a)motivation to engage in energy governance remains opaque. Nonetheless, the Participatory Capital Framework unravels the complexity of factors that scientists, policy-makers and energy stakeholders should consider when engaging the public in energy governance effectively.

Estimating the impact of acclimatization on heat-related illnesses under various representative concentration pathways among three Japanese cities in 2030s and 2050s - Xerxes Seposo; Kayo Ueda; Kaoru Akahoshi; Eric Zusman (Sustainability Science, 2025)

“Paris at 50 degrees Celsius”: How can Paris adapt to heatwaves? - Mikiko Kainuma; Tomoko Ishikawa; Satoko Kawarasaki; Aska Blanchard; Kyoko Take; Hideyuki Mori (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Recognizing our authors - Kazuhiko Takeuchi (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Post-conflict forest landscape restoration: sustainability pathways for socio-ecological recovery and resilience - Marine Elbakidze; John Parrotta; Stefan Peters (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Call text for the special feature: integrating socio-ecological and critical zone perspectives for sustainable land use management - Philippe Le Coent; Timothy S. White; Herlin Chien; Cécile Herivaux; Jr-Chuan Huang; Maddalena Pennisi; Osamu Saito; Lisa Sella; Janet K. Swim (Sustainability Science, 2025)

An interdisciplinary framework for managing communities in sustainability transitions: insights from agroecological transitions - Gwen Christiansen; Rachel Levy; Mikaël Akimowicz; Camille Berrier; Nadia Cancian; Fanny Chrétien; Isabelle Faurie; Marie Dervillé; Nathalie Girard; Nicolas Giraud; Aurélie Javelle; Geoffroy Labrouche; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Holistic grazing management as a scalable niche? A systems perspective on transitions to increased sustainability in beef cattle grazing - Rudolf Messner; Carol Richards; Elizabeth Ransom; Elaine Mitchell; David Rowlings (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Extensive cattle properties have become focal points for examining climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. This is largely due to their dual role as sites that both release and potentially sequester carbon, depending on management activities. Many global regions have extensive cattle production systems, including the US, South America and Australia. In this qualitative social science research, the Australian beef cattle grazing industry provides a valuable study site for sustainability transitions as it occupies around half of the entire land-use of a continent renowned for its vast and exposed landscapes and extreme climate variability. Through a qualitative study consisting of interviews with 31 cattle graziers, this paper examines cattle and land management practices from producers’ perspectives to evaluate whether a broader adoption of the currently niche Holistic Grazing Management (HGM) approach is desirable or possible. Based on biomimicry, HGM has been claimed as a pathway to more sustainable beef production, including increased soil carbon sequestration and its co-benefits of increased biodiversity, water infiltration, soil fertility, and landscape regeneration. This paper draws upon socio-technical transitions theory to evaluate the scalability of HGM as a regenerative practice. The findings indicate substantial barriers to niche scalability related to its strong reliance and alignment with dominant industry practice and lack of policy resources, which makes profound industry transformation unlikely without a significant change of guiding vision. However, this system-level analysis does reveal tangible points of intervention for wider diffusion and adoption of sustainable grazing and land management in Australia and other geographic regions with extensive grazing systems.

Advancing eco-social strategic management: a whole systems lens - Sandra Waddock (Sustainability Science, 2025)
This conceptual paper builds on understandings of social–ecological systems to advance a systems-based, holistic eco-social (ecological and social or social–ecological, SES) lens for the field of strategic management by taking a whole systems perspective that adds to the field’s currently dominant corporate centric orientation. It particularly focuses on how core strategic management frameworks need to shift to accommodate such a whole systems perspective moving beyond the field’s current firm-centric orientation. The paper examines the ways in which eco-socially informed core strategy frameworks, including SWOT analysis, the five forces framework, the resource-based view of the firm and dynamic capabilities framework, balanced scorecard, and PEST(LE) analysis, need to and can take a whole systems approach and encompass eco-social not just profitability, market share, and competitive advantage considerations, to ensure the wellbeing of all humans and the rest of nature.

From soils to guts: exploring the narratives about the microbiome’s potential to integrate agrifood and healthcare systems - Shana L. Hepping; Gerard Breeman; Eefje Cuppen (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The microbiome represents a promising avenue for integrating agrifood and healthcare systems, offering the potential to address interconnected challenges such as environmental sustainability, food security, and public health. This study investigates the microbiome as an emerging discourse and explores its capacity to integrate these sectors, fostering systemic transformations through a systems-thinking lens. Using qualitative interviews with farmers, researchers, dietitians, and healthcare practitioners, and employing narrative analysis, the research identifies how stakeholders perceive the microbiome’s potential for integration. Findings reveal that the microbiome is increasingly recognized for its critical role in human health with narratives such as Food as Medicine and Farmer as Doctor gaining traction. This research examines the potential of the microbiome as a concept that bridges agrifood and healthcare systems, highlighting both opportunities and barriers. Narratives like Farmer as Doctor and Food as Medicine promote integration by emphasizing microbial diversity and ecosystem health, but remain siloed within their respective sectors. The resulting disconnect impedes collaboration and transformative change. By reframing health through an ecosystemic perspective that links soil, food, and human well-being, the microbiome challenges traditional paradigms. However, unlocking its integrative potential requires systemic changes, shared narratives, and cross-sectoral collaboration to align diverse stakeholders around a vision of sustainability and health. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on leveraging the microbiome as a concept linking sustainability and health, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to move from conceptual discussions to actionable solutions. By addressing these systemic barriers, the microbiome could catalyze a broader shift toward integrative, sustainable practices across agrifood and healthcare systems.

Mission-oriented agrifood innovation systems in the making: a transdisciplinary approach to identify context-specific drivers of change - Alexandra Frangenheim; Marie Louise Schneider; Cornelia Fischer; Susanne Waiblinger; Stefan Hörtenhuber; Verena Radinger-Peer; Marianne Penker (Sustainability Science, 2025)
A new generation of transformative policies has recently led to conceptual advances that map and evaluate agrifood innovation dynamics that contribute to the fulfillment of a societal mission within clearly defined time frames. In the context of the “European Green Deal”, national policies are being implemented with varying levels of government ambition and rigor, which is not yet reflected in these concepts. This article provides a framework and a methodology to help multi- and transdisciplinary teams to operationalize the transformation of an agrifood innovation system (AIS) into a mission-oriented agrifood innovation system (MAIS) in the absence of clear policy goals and objectives, i.e., where policymakers do not provide for the development of a mission. Within the safe space of a transdisciplinary research project, researchers and practitioners aim to understand where to start a sustainability transformation by examining subsectoral, transformative and directable drivers of change (DoC) in Austrian beef and dairy. To gather and integrate knowledge from different scientific and societal perspectives on how to transform this specific subsector, they established and facilitated a policy-independent, transdisciplinary mission arena. Besides context-specific results related to Austrian beef and dairy supply, we discuss the contribution of our transdisciplinary research to identify transformative and directable DoC as leverage points for transforming an AIS into a MAIS. Moreover, we explore the potentials, challenges and limitations of a policy-independent, transdisciplinary mission arena to provide orientation in the absence of national sustainability goals and objectives. Our conclusion includes a brief outlook for further research.

A systematic literature review of time-use effects from increased ICT adoption and its consequences for lifestyle climate implications - Matthias Lehner (Sustainability Science, 2025)
This systematic literature review assesses the current state of knowledge on how increased ICT use affects individual time-use patterns and the associated implications for lifestyle climate implications. While the environmental impacts of ICT have been widely debated in terms of direct energy consumption, there has been limited focus on the indirect time-use effects. The review draws on 101 articles selected from an initial set of 2402, with data coded in Nvivo and analysed across 25 thematic categories. Key findings are that increased ICT use has significant effects on mobility and housing-related time-use patterns, best documented for the case of teleworking. These changes have the potential to reduce carbon emissions in the short term, but might also entail a shift to more carbon-intensive practices in the long term. Additionally, screen time often displaces low-carbon activities such as sleep, physical activity, and socializing. The review concludes with recommendations for policymakers and future research, particularly into contextual moderating factors and underexplored areas.

Enabling nature’s participation in research: an experiment in empathy - Suzanne Vallance; Melissa Robson-Williams; Flo van Noppen; Ronlyn Duncan (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The sustainable development construct has failed to arrest environmental decline, mitigate species extinction, slow climate change and reduce enormous global waste streams. Many argue this is because sustainable development retains and reinforces society–nature binaries and configures that relationship primarily for our human benefit. A good partner in a reciprocal, respectful and empathetic relationship would act very differently. The research we present here explores whether it is possible to promote different relationships with Nature within a constrained budget and limited timeframe. Our “experiment in empathy ( as Nature)” was conducted to test the hypothesis that “If Nature set our research strategy, we would do different research and/or do research for different reasons”. We invited selected participants to a retreat to re-write a research strategy as elements of Nature. A comparison of the before and after strategy developed by air, water, soil, landscape, plants and birds shows it is possible to promote more empathetic relationships with the natural environment and that giving Nature a say over our research may result in some intriguing changes to research practice.

Leveraging digitization, fintech, and environmental patents for a sustainable future: advancing carbon reduction strategies in G5 nations - Xiaolu Wu; Runguo Xu (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Factors influencing public support for individual low-carbon behavior reward system in China: role of climate change perceptions and macroeconomic expectations - Zeyu Ji; Jianchi Tian; Yuanchao Gong; Yang Li; Yan Sun (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Correction: Participatory modelling and scenario exploration to address the air pollution challenge in Thailand and Laos - Cameron Allen; Matteo Pedercini; Carla Assuad; Vadim Nuñez Pawlowsky; Christine Wellington-Moore (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Landscape change and its environmental justice implications for Indigenous and local communities in Tubará, Colombia - Carrol Gomez de la Rosa; Kristiina A. Vogt; Juanita Aldana-Dominguez; Jason J. Scullion (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The Tubará municipality, a forested landscape historically occupied by Indigenous communities, is located at the frontier of imminent and significant regional landscape transformations driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and cattle farming. These landscape processes have impacted nature’s capacity to deliver survival resources for local people and the adaptive capacity of human–nature systems to deal with land use and climate change. Eighteen semi-structured interviews explored perceptions of local landscape change in Tubará and its associated potential environmental justice problems. Three themes emerged after using the content analysis method: (1) cascading effects of forest cover loss; (2) degradation of traditional food systems; and (3) exclusion from participation and a lack of recognition underlie distributive injustices. Narrative accounts also unveiled various forms of community resistance to these land structural and functional changes. Our study makes a valuable contribution to socio-ecological systems research by advancing the inquiry of environmental justice matters and shedding light on the role of knowledge and power in determining the environmental and social outcomes of human–nature interactions.

Exploring global climate intervention experiments: sociotechnical promises, innovation dynamics, and perceived co-impacts across 20 projects and pilots - Benjamin K. Sovacool; Chad M. Baum; Livia Fritz; Sean Low (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Using techniques commonly applied in participatory action research and ethnography, we examine 20 specific cases of experimentation for a selection of carbon removal and solar radiation modification interventions. These experiments include engineering-based approaches such as stratospheric aerosol injection, cloud brightening, carbon–neutral cement, biochar, direct air capture, and enhanced rock weathering alongside ecosystems-based approaches such as afforestation, seagrass restoration, and coral reef protection. Based on extensive original research of these 20 experimental projects—including 118 semi-structured research interviews and naturalistic site-based observation—we explore four questions. Firstly, what are the actor coalitions surrounding each experiment? Secondly, what promises and expectations do those actors generate? Thirdly, what innovation dynamics and styles are emergent and evident here? Finally, what perceived co-impacts are expected (by actors) to occur with widespread prospective deployment? Answering these questions in our empirical study offers insights into energy, climate, and climate intervention research, given that these experiments involve some of the most powerful and dominant actor coalitions, are supported by large amounts of climate finance investment, and will undoubtedly shape future deliberations over climate policy and technology deployment.

A systematic review of Nature’s Contributions to People: impacts on science, policy, and sustainability - Miguel Moreira; Joana Alves; Luciana Frazão; António C. Gouveia; Helena Freitas (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The conceptual framework of the Intergovernmental Science–Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) for natural resources management and conservation was materialised in the Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) approach in 2018. Since then, the application of the NCP framework has expanded significantly across diverse scales and case studies. In this systematic review, we assessed how the NCP approach has contributed to the scientific and policy fields, focusing on natural resource management, human–nature relationships, or social–ecological aspects. We identified the main strengths of the NCP approach, especially the relational values that emphasise the mutual benefits and co-production between humans and nature, and the applicability and communication of the NCP approach across different spatial scales, contexts, and audiences. Furthermore, we explore the integration of the NCP approach with the ecosystem services (ES) concept and the co-production perspective. While the NCP framework enriches scientific and societal engagement in nature conservation, its limited focus on abiotic (non-living) ecosystem components and processes presents a gap. These elements are critical for ecosystem functionality and the delivery of Nature’s Contributions to People. To address this, we propose complementing the NCP approach with frameworks that explicitly incorporate ES typologies, fostering a more comprehensive and holistic perspective. Lastly, we present insights into the key topics that arose from our review, proposing further research and future developments that could be developed and framed within the NCP methodological approach.

Water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus: how to frame and how to govern - Caro Eline Mooren; Stefania Munaretto; Isabelle La Jeunesse; Eva Sievers; Dries Leonardus Theodora Hegger; Petrus Paulus Joseph Driessen; Frank Hüesker; Claudia Cirelli; Ingrid Canovas; Kaoutar Mounir; Jonatan Godinez Madrigal (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The food, energy, and water domains are strongly interrelated. The body of literature investigating these interlinkages developed into water–energy–food and, more recently, ecosystem (WEFE) nexus thinking. The WEFE nexus is concerned with cross-sectoral resource management requiring dedicated WEFE governance approaches. Among the existing WEFE nexus conceptualizations, the one that places the ecosystem at the center emphasizes the importance of ecosystem services for human well-being and as the basis for the functioning of the water, energy, and food domains. Such conceptualization, however, lacks clear definition and explanation of implications for WEFE nexus governance as well as practical tools for implementation. Accordingly, based on an in-depth analysis of WEFE nexus interlinkages, associated governance challenges, and practical experience, we propose the WEFE Nexus Governance Approach as an operationalization of the ecosystem-centric WEFE nexus conceptual framework. This approach takes policy coherence and stakeholder co-creation at its core, integrated with quantitative modeling of WEFE nexus interlinkages, and is organized in four steps: problem identification; formulation of substantive ambitions through stakeholder dialogue; embedding of ambitions and action into a stakeholder agreement; and implementation of actions. The approach is oriented to practical application and can be implemented by any actor (e.g., research institutes, governments, non-governmental organizations) having the ambition to initiate a stakeholders co-creation process toward nexus governance in a specific context. Furthermore, it can be applied to different scales and nexus domains depending on the identified nexus problems, while accounting for the vital role of ecosystem services. The approach’s applicability and needs for future research are discussed. Graphical abstract

Correction: Artists-in-residence to foster more reflective modelling practices - Lisette van Beek (Sustainability Science, 2025)

How and why do actors in polycentric water governance coordinate or not? Two case studies on the modernization of irrigation in Spain - Nora Schütze (Sustainability Science, 2025)
To deal with water scarcity in agriculture, large amounts of public funds worldwide have been invested in more efficient irrigation systems with the overarching aim to save water. However, in many cases, water consumption has rather increased than decreased. One way to avoid these rebound effects is a reduction in water rights of farmers that receive subsidies for more efficient irrigation infrastructure. Close coordination between water and agricultural administration is paramount in this context, but often lacking. This paper analyses the determinants of different forms of coordination, namely hierarchy and cooperation, and non-coordination between the water and agricultural sectors in the context of the “modernization of irrigation” in two Spanish river basin districts. This study shows that depending on the respective problem to be addressed, actors coordinate differently. Furthermore, narratives of actors and biophysical characteristics influence the type of coordination, and ultimately policy outcomes. Empirically, this study reveals significant shortcomings in Spanish and European Union water and agricultural legislations. These legislations do not incentivize public administrations in either sector to enforce reduced agricultural water consumption, and address underlying distributional issues.

Toward adaptive climate communication and an expanded frame theory: lessons from environmental organizations - Madelyn Rawlyk; Chelsea Willness (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Breaking the Sisyphus curse: consumers’ intentions and factors associated with package-free shopping - Chiung-Ting Chang; Ming-Feng Hung; Ying-Yu Huang (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Sustainability and the science–policy–practice interface: advancing embedded research at the national government level in South Africa - Mapula Tshangela; Mark Swilling (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Addressing societal challenges such as climate change requires researchers to produce policy-relevant knowledge and the government actors to shift policies towards sustainable practices. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role and methodological stances of embedded researchers. Drawing from the broader literature on participant-observer and embedded research, this study examines the contribution of a completely embedded researcher-bureaucrat to the generation and use of policy-relevant knowledge. In this context, an embedded researcher-bureaucrat is a permanent government policy participant who is active in a policymaking institution before intentionally becoming a researcher and who is active in multiple roles simultaneously over time. We focus on an individual case study at the level of the national government in South Africa. The two authors of this study used a single case based on a PhD project of the first author and their public policy experiences. Insider researchers can contribute subtle details to the embedded researcher literature on the evidence‒policy interface, momentous event observations, lived experiences, fostering trust, and methodological criticisms. An embedded researcher-bureaucrat may enjoy exclusive knowledge generation and use in real-world policy dynamics. This reveals the importance of embedded research in government sustainability policy processes. Continued research is necessary on the theory and practice of the embedded researcher-bureaucrat.

Involvement matters: navigating the value–action gap in business students’ sustainability transformation expectations—a cross-country Kano study - Guido Grunwald; Ali Kara; John E. Spillan (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The value–action gap (VAG) refers to the disparity between individuals’ expressed beliefs and their actual behaviors in sustainability contexts. While previous research has focused on past or present evaluations of sustainable consumer behavior, this study aims to investigate the VAG among business students regarding their future-oriented sustainability expectations from Higher Education Institutions. Specifically, this study examines (1) the VAG in these students’ expectations, (2) the role of their interest in or involvement with sustainability in shaping the VAG, and (3) potential differences in the VAG based on students’ expectations of basic, performance, and excitement sustainability requirements. Data for the study were collected through an online survey of 239 business students in the USA and Germany. The Theory of Attractive Quality framework and the Kano analysis were used to identify students’ sustainability expectations, categorizing requirements based on non-linear and qualitative assessments. Our findings reveal larger VAGs in the German context across all sustainability attributes examined. Increased student involvement correlates with a smaller VAG, irrespective of the country. The VAG varies across different types of expectations, with the smallest observed for basic needs. Monitoring students’ sustainability expectations, analyzing their interest in and engagement with sustainability issues, and establishing realistic expectations are crucial for reducing the VAG. It is advisable to prioritize sustainability attributes that facilitate direct student participation, such as integrating sustainability concepts into student research. Future research on the VAG should explore variations in students’ personal, ethical, religious, social, demographic, and political orientations through segmentation.

“Fika in the Anthropocene”: leveraging food systems transformations through food cultures - Anne Charlotte Bunge; Michael Clark; Line J. Gordon (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The role of food cultures in food systems transformations is gaining prominence in scholarly discourse. However, several food cultures rely on products with substantial environmental and socio-economic impacts and risks, raising questions about their potential role in transformation processes toward more sustainable food systems. One such example constitutes the Swedish Fika , the daily practice of having coffee and pastries in company as an important social care institution. Based on ingredients like coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, it relies on products associated with high environmental and socio-economic impacts and risks. This paper draws on resilience theory and uses pathways as a conceptual approach to explore how Fika as an illustrative food cultures can be adapted to societal targets and anthropogenic challenges in order to preserve its deeper social value in the long term. We first outline the interlinked environmental and socio-economic impacts and threats associated with Fika ingredients. We then develop two distinct exemplary pathways, “less but better” and “innovated” Fika , to illustrate potential strategies that could mitigate adverse impacts while enhancing its resilience to anthropogenic challenges. Finally, we discuss the potential of these pathways to leverage wider dietary transitions by permeating throughout the food system. We propose that viewing individual food products within their cultural context ( the food cultural lens ) provides the opportunity for a paradigm shift, using food cultures as strategic entry points and levers for wider food system transformation. Further multi- and transdisciplinary research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these pathways as well as the broader potential of food cultures to leverage food system change.

Exploring the sustainability narratives of cultured meat - Hannah Floor; Aisa O. Manlosa-Kirk (Sustainability Science, 2025)
As global demand for meat rises, growth in the livestock industry is increasingly associated with concerns about the environment, human health, and animal welfare. Cultured meat (CM) emerges as a potential solution, promising to meet this demand efficiently, ethically, and in an environmentally friendly way. However, questions remain about the realizability of its proposed potential benefits. This article critically contributes to the discourse around CM by characterizing promissory and counter-narratives on its economic, environmental, and social sustainability, and by synthesizing these to lay out a future direction for this innovation. A systematic literature review was conducted on scientific articles published between 2015 and 2023 discussing CM's sustainability. The promissory narratives emphasize that CM can create new market opportunities, generate jobs with better working conditions, reduce the environmental impact of meat production, improve production ethics, enhance global food security, and mitigate health risks associated with meat production and consumption. In contrast, the counter-narratives point out potential risks, including livelihood disruption, increased economic inequality, consolidation of the meat industry, loss of livestock ecosystem services and cultural traditions, and ethical objections. We build on these narratives to identify underconsidered implications of widespread CM production to distill current research trends and propose foci for future research. The research directions can help anticipate drawbacks and work toward sustainability before CM hits the supermarket shelves.

Towards self-sufficiency: a socio-technical model to identify the transition pathways to flexible prosumers and the role of policy mixes - Mart van der Kam; Maria Lagomarsino; David Parra; Ulf J. J. Hahnel (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Prosumer households can play a pivotal role in advancing energy sufficiency, but their behaviours are shaped not only by individual motivation,s but also by macro-level factors such as policy mixes and the availability of specific technologies and business models. This structure–agency nexus becomes particularly apparent in the integration of decentralized energy sources, the reduction of overall demand, and the adoption of flexible consumption practices. Flexibility can be offered by electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and storage batteries, but fully exploiting the technologies environmental benefits requires adaptations in household consumer behaviour. However, energy models have so far focused on the adoption of single technologies in isolation, overlooking the interaction between individual preferences and contextual conditions. The present study addresses this gap by examining pathways towards energy self-sufficiency in prosumer households through co-adoption as well as flexible use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, EVs, heat pumps, and storage systems under different policy mixes. Using an agent-based model informed by discrete choice experiments with 1469 Swiss participants and a prosumer household energy flow model, we assess the impacts of individual motivations, policy mixes, and technology combinations on energy self-sufficiency from 2022 to 2050. Our findings reveal that environmentally motivated prosumers are more likely to adopt flexible practices, which in turn enhances long-term self-sufficiency. In contrast, financial incentives alone may drive adoption without supporting sustainable usage practices. The results show that while flexible technologies are increasingly adopted over time, their relative share diminishes. Early adopters provide energy flexibility by combining PV systems with EVs, heat pumps, home storage, and smart energy systems, whereas later adopters are less inclined to adopt this setup. These findings underscore the importance of policies that incentivize not only technology adoption, but also flexible usage to increase household self-sufficiency over time.

Pathway narratives towards a nature-positive European Union land system: operationalising the Nature Futures Framework for policy objectives - Joanna Raymond; Thomas M. Schmitt; Maximilian Tschol; Tristan R. M. Bakx; Lluís Brotons; Claire Brown; Robert Buitenwerf; Elizabeth Díaz-General; Anna Ferretto; Judith Kloibhofer; Tobias Laimer; Francisco Moreira; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2025)
The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) aims to open up space for plural perspectives on human–nature relationships and to identify visions for people to navigate towards desirable nature-positive futures. Operationalising the NFF offers a way to explore alternative pathways to reach these futures, but such applications are currently underdeveloped. Normative narratives can describe pathways towards nature-positive futures based on environmental policy objectives and the diverse values within and across societies. Here, we review the EU’s policy objectives for land systems, biodiversity, climate, and the environment, including the European Green Deal, to identify actions and create pathway narratives at the EU scale that lead to a nature-positive future. Specifically, we developed three pathway narratives along the three NFF value perspectives that are distinct in how they implement actions to achieve EU policy objectives. In Nature for Nature, the restoration of natural processes is prioritised, in Nature as Culture/One with Nature the connection of people with nature is emphasised, and in Nature for Society development focuses on safeguarding ecosystem services. Whilst clear differences in the valuation of nature between the pathway narratives may lead to trade-offs, we also see several potential synergies for meeting policy objectives. These narratives can inform models to quantify NFF-based scenarios to understand the trade-offs and synergies of achieving the EU’s policy objectives on land use, ecosystem provisioning, and quality of life. They can also serve as a basis for the creation of case study narratives within the EU through participatory processes.

Correction: Three perspectives to integrate animal interests into the global Sustainable Development Agenda - Natalie Herdoiza; Ernst Worrell; Floris van den Berg (Sustainability Science, 2025)

Core design principles for just sustainability transitions: a framework for transformative research - Alexander Herwix; Kristina Bogner; Michael P. Schlaile (Sustainability Science, 2025)
Transformative research is crucial for orienting, scaling, and accelerating just sustainability transitions (JUSTRAs), which have become a growing priority in sustainability science and policy. This paper addresses the challenge of organizing productive transformative research initiatives by adapting Elinor Ostrom’s Core Design Principles (CDPs) for organizing sustainable collective action. We present a modular framework that illustrates how the CDPs can be applied in the context of transformative research initiatives to support JUSTRAs. In particular, we argue that CDPs can function as boundary objects, fostering productive dialog between different perspectives. This framework offers both theoretical contributions to the field and practical guidance for researchers and practitioners engaged in transformative research initiatives on the ground. By bridging theory and practice, our work aims to make research efforts driving JUSTRAs more productive.