Research

Currently, cities consume 75% of the world’s energy and produce 80% of its greenhouse gases. Water resources are under pressure and water quality is at risk. Environmental noise pollution caused by traffic, construction, industrial, as well as some recreational activities, can aggravate serious direct as well as indirect health effects. By 2030, it is estimated that 5 billion people, representing 60% of the world’s population, will live in urban areas. Never has it been more pressing that solutions are developed to enable cities to grow in a sustainable way, which will optimise how our resources are used while improving the quality of life for all citizens.

The Centre’s research adopts a range of creative and analytical approaches to complex sustainability challenges faced by different people in diverse places. Current topics include matters related to equality, health, housing, food, climate change, energy, water, waste, mobility and non-human nature. Insights from historical perspectives, as well as those from artistic, literary, and cultural traditions, intersect with those from social science and STEM disciplines to co-design pathways for sustainability transitions.