Social-ecological Research

Social-ecological Research aims to develop strategies in order to solve social sustainability issues connecting ecological transformation of the society with social justice and economic demands.

Since 1999 the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been funding Social-ecological Research (SÖF). This research programme develops strategies for solving precise societal sustainability issues: e.g. strategies for implementing the German policy of an "agricultural turnaround" (policy measures towards an organic food market), for improving the nutrition of the population, for liberalizing net-related supply and disposal systems (e.g. water, energy) and for trading with emissions. This kind of research requires the cooperation between natural and social scientists and involves social players (e.g. consumers, local authorities, businesses and NGOs). The aim of the research programme is to promote sustainable development, that is, ecological transformation of the society, without losing sight of social justice and economic concerns.

• 

  BMBF-Brochure "Climate Protection Demands Action"

  Climate change impacts not only the environment, people and their living conditions, it also affects their options for the future. The brochure "Climate Protection Demands Action" outlines the input, ideas and impetus provided by Social-Ecological Research programme. more (URL: http://www.sozial-oekologische-forschung.org/en/1384.php)
   
• 

  From Knowledge to Action - New Paths towards Sustainable Consumption

  Despite considerable knowledge regarding the necessity of sustainable consumption patterns and a broad range of measures in the field of consumer information there cannot be recognized a general trend towards sustainable consumption within the society. Since 2008 the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has been funding ten research projects focusing on this complex issue. more (URL: http://www.sozial-oekologische-forschung.org/en/947.php)
   
• 

  Strategies for Coping with Systemic Risks

  Since 2006 the funding programme Social-Ecological Research has been focusing on strategies for coping with systemic risks. Five projects selected by an expert committee deal with explosive issues such as overweight and obesity in teenagers or drinking water contamination through pharmaceuticals. Since 2008 the research projects have been expanding their focuses either within the original projects or by starting a completely new project. more (URL: http://www.sozial-oekologische-forschung.org/en/626.php)