Leibniz Lab Systemic Sustainability

The rapid loss of biodiversity and ongoing climate change are also the result of intensive agriculture. At the same time, they jeopardize agriculture and food security. The Leibniz Lab "Systemic Sustainability" brings together relevant knowledge in science and society on this fundamental challenge in order to promote the development and implementation of systemic solutions.
Leibniz Association, 2024-2027

Team

Dr. Anette Ruml

Research Fellow

Cooperation Partners

Head

Prof. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Global Orders and Foreign Policies"

Research Questions

By pooling the expertise of 41 Leibniz research institutions and 11 research clusters Leibniz Lab "Systemic Sustainability" is creating a central knowledge and advice hub on issues relating to biodiversity, climate, agriculture and nutrition.

Contribution to International Research

The current socio-ecological crisis reveals a clear conflict between biodiversity and climate change on the one hand and agriculture and food on the other. The intensification of global agriculture is accelerating the loss of biodiversity and climate change. Conversely, this increases the risks for agriculture and food security as well as the need for adaptation. The achievement of existential goals for sustainable development is thus jeopardized, and several planetary boundaries have already been exceeded. There is an urgent need for a more systemic and action-oriented approach in science and an in-depth dialogue with society in order to arrive at transformative solutions.

Research Design and Methods

The Leibniz Lab addresses this need by integrating scientific findings in the field of "Biodiversity, Climate, Agriculture and Food" and identifying innovations. In pilot areas in different parts of the world, the Lab addresses regional requirements. It links these with global developments in order to understand the complex interrelationships from a holistic perspective and identify appropriate solutions. The Lab acts as a link between the relevant scientific communities and promotes dialogue between science and society.

With its expertise in comparative regional research, the social sciences, and policy advice, the GIGA is a key contributor to the Lab. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen is a member of the network’s steering group and a co-spokesperson for the work package “Dialogue between Leibniz Lab ‘Systemic Sustainability’ and Social Actors.”