Viikki Sustainability Research Seminar: Economics in Sustainability Transitions

The economic pillar is one of the interconnected and interdependent foundations of sustainability. Despite its importance, the economic dimension has often been overshadowed by the environment in the sustainability discourse. Natural sciences lead the analyses of pathways to sustainability, and the incomplete engagement of economists in research collaboration leads to gaps in understanding the complex systems and their interactions. Economics lies at the core when we seek answers to e.g. how to allocate scarce resources to meet the desired sustainable development goals. Economics addresses the key drivers of global development, namely production, distribution and consumption, which are simultaneously the main causes of accelerating changes in climate and environmental systems.

The autumn session of the Viikki Sustainability Research Seminar co-organized by University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) examines how economic research can support sustainability transitions. Three professors from these organizations will present different perspectives of economics (environmental, business and degrowth) to foster discussion on the role of economics in interdisciplinary collaboration and what is needed from research in the future. The presentations are followed by small group discussions that reflect on their contents to broaden the perspectives.

Come to discuss and learn together!

What? A joint sustainability research seminar for researchers in UH, Syke and Luke and beyond

When and where? 2.12.2025 at 14-16, Viikin kokoustamo A-talo, Tiimi A4, (Latokartanonkaari 9) and MS Teams