GIS and Scenario data

Contains GIS shape and mxd files used for 7 Arizona Maricopa County cities (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and Gilbert) landscape distribution maps and landscape area calculations. Also contains a powerpoint file with value creation and ROI scenario figures with accompanying calculation spreadsheet data embedded

Reframing sustainability challenges

‘Framing’ is a key concept in the pathways approach which was developed and applied in the design and implementation of the project. This chapter draws on various hub case studies and explains how each of them contributes to our understanding of reframing as an element of transformations to sustainability. Referring specifically to the Argentina, Mexico and UK case studies, the chapter discusses how each of the T-lab processes helped to reframe understandings of the systems under investigation and their associated problems, reframe the values and meanings associated with those systems and reframe the solutions to the sustainability challenges that had been identified. The chapter discusses the interactions between reframing, alliance building and innovation and concludes by considering how cognitive lock-ins that resist transformative change can themselves be addressed by reframing processes.</p

Transformations to sustainability: combining structural, systemic and enabling approaches

The imperatives of environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and social justice (partially codified in the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs) call for ambitious societal transformations. As such, few aspects of actionable knowledge for sustainability are more crucial than those concerning the processes of transformation. This article offers a brief overview of different conceptualisations of transformation, and outlines a set of practical principles for effective research and action towards sustainability. We review three approaches to transformations, labelled: ‘structural’, ‘systemic’ and ‘enabling’. We show how different ways of understanding what we mean by transformations can affect what actions follow. But these approaches are not mutually exclusive. We use an international set of examples on low carbon economy transformations, seed systems, wetland conservation and peri-urban development to show how they can be complementary and reinforcing. We describe three cross-cutting practical considerations that must be taken seriously for effective transformations to sustainability: diverse knowledges, plural pathways and the essentially political nature of transformation. Realizing the ambitions of the SDGs, we conclude, requires being clear about what we mean by transformation, and recognizing these basic methodological principles for action.</p

Emerging insights and lessons for the future

This concluding chapter summarises the key findings of the ‘Pathways’ transformative knowledge network (TKN), its contributions to the ‘sustainability transformations’ literature and the lessons and implications for internationally networked, transdisciplinary research projects in the future. It revisits the theoretical anchors and methodological anchors introduced in Chapters 2–4, and draws on insights from the TKN from individual hubs in each of these areas, pointing to experiences both during the project and after its formal conclusion. It discusses the approaches used to foster cross-learning and evaluation in the project, and describes the single-, double- and triple-loop learning that this enabled. The chapter provides a deeper understanding of ‘transformative pathways to sustainability’ and the role that science and research can play in fostering them, not only through formal research outputs but also the tacit and experiential knowledge and the relationships that they can foster. The chapter closes by offering lessons and recommendations for researchers, funders, policy-makers, managers and practitioners with an interest in enhancing the contribution of social science and transdisciplinary research to the transformative agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals.</p