Achieving the sustainable development goals : theoretical insights and case studies for making sustainability governance more integrative

It is widely recognized that governance is a vital condition for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Japan and elsewhere. However, we can see that prevailing forms of governance seem unable to address unsustainability effectively. Therefore, the main research question in this report is: What can be some theoretical insights that can provide guidance for governing the implementation of the SDGs? The findings together form the basis for a new approach to sustainability governance: Integrative Sustainability Governance (ISG). The ensuing ISG framework includes indicator frames within the theoretical pillars of power, knowledge and norms. Other main findings are that the transformation of crisis into transitions needs to find a place in risk management; that systems thinking can be helpful for addressing wicked problems; and that insights from behavioural science can play a crucial role in successful transitions. Finally, three case studies on key topics in development research are discussed to illustrate these ideas: one on energy efficiency and the SDGs, one on the water-energyfood nexus, and one on trade and the SDGs

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Addressing the trade-climate change-energy nexus: China's explorations in a global governance landscape

We have arrived at a critical juncture when it comes to understanding the numerous ways in which trade interacts with climate change and energy (trade-climate-energy nexus). Trade remains crucial for the sustainable development of the world's greatest trading nation: China. After clarifying the linkages within the trade, climate change and energy nexus, this article delves into China's specific needs and interests related to trade, climate change and energy. Then it explores the ways in which trade can contribute to China's needs, to sustainable energy development and to the goals of the global climate agreement that is under negotiation. One main findings are China is a key participant in negotiations on trade liberalization of environmental technologies and services. These negotiations are in China's interests in terms of innovative industries, technological upgrading, employment and public health. China could stand up for the interests of other emerging and developing countries and serve as an example in terms of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Beyond trade barriers issues of domestic (energy) regulation such as fossil-fuel subsidies as well as investment, competition-policy, trade-facilitation and transit issues related to clean energy need to be addressed. Building trust between relevant actors across sectors and national borders will be of the essence in order to foster long-term cooperation on technological innovation. As a way forward, different approaches towards the governance of trade and climate change will be highlighted. Besides discussing the specific aspects of Chinese participation in global trade and climate change governance, this paper aims at offering broader insights into the nexus between trade, energy and climate governance in China

Addressing the trade-climate change-energy nexus: Chinas explorations in a global governance landscape

We have arrived at a critical juncture when it comes to understanding the numerous ways in which trade interacts with climate change and energy (trade-climate-energy nexus). Trade remains crucial for the sustainable development of the worlds greatest trading nation: China. After clarifying the linkages within the trade, climate change and energy nexus, this article delves into Chinas specific needs and interests related to trade, climate change and energy. Then it explores the ways in which trade can contribute to Chinas needs, to sustainable energy development and to the goals of the global climate agreement that is under negotiation. One main findings are China is a key participant in negotiations on trade liberalization of environmental technologies and services. These negotiations are in Chinas interests in terms of innovative industries, technological upgrading, employment and public health. China could stand up for the interests of other emerging and developing countries and serve as an example in terms of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Beyond trade barriers issues of domestic (energy) regulation such as fossil-fuel subsidies as well as investment, competition-policy, trade-facilitation and transit issues related to clean energy need to be addressed. Building trust between relevant actors across sectors and national borders will be of the essence in order to foster long-term cooperation on technological innovation. As a way forward, different approaches towards the governance of trade and climate change will be highlighted. Besides discussing the specific aspects of Chinese participation in global trade and climate change governance, this paper aims at offering broader insights into the nexus between trade, energy and climate governance in China

Global change, sustainability, governance: constructing an integrative framework for steering transitions

The main research question in this research project is: What are the essential elements and the organizing logic of an integrative framework that is suitable for analysing sustainability governance from a global perspective and for implementing the related transitions? This transdisciplinary research approaches this question from three main avenues. First, the research is based on the premise that applying a combination of innovative governance theories is needed in order to improve the analysis of sustainability governance. Secondly, this research explores the interests of core actors in one ‘lay of the land' study on climate governance and in two unique case studies on ‘globalisation of sustainable energy technologies' and ‘aviation and climate change'. Thirdly, the research draws inferences on some areas in which the study and practice of sustainability governance need to be expanded. The findings together form the basis for a new approach to sustainability governance: Integrative Sustainability Governance (ISG). The ensuing ISG framework includes indicator frames within the theoretical pillars of power, knowledge and norms. Other main findings are that the transformation of crisis into transitions needs to find a place in risk management; that systems deliberation can complement democracy in addressing wicked problems; and that insights from behavioural science can play a crucial role in successful transitions. This dissertation concludes by demonstrating the applicability of the findings to ‘SDG Hubs' or innovative platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development