Rethinking academia in a time of climate crisis

Abstract

Addressing the climate crisis requires radical and urgent action at all levels of society. Universities are ideally positioned to lead such action but are largely failing to do so. At the same time, many academic scientists find their work impeded by bureaucracy, excessive competitiveness, and a loss of academic freedom. Here, drawing on the framework of “Doughnut Economics,” developed by Kate Raworth, we suggest seven new principles for rethinking the norms of scientific practice. Based on these, we propose a call to action, and encourage academics to take concrete steps towards the creation of a flourishing scientific enterprise that is fit for the challenges of the 21st century.

Performance analysis of solution-processed nanosheet strain sensors—a systematic review of graphene and MXene wearable devices

“…Though good research process is being made overall, there is also quite a large shortcoming with regards to sustainable methodologies in the field. The climate crisis is something that affects us all and consideration for how nanocomposite research will contribute to the issue needs to be considered now [224]. Essentially, we must use horizontal principles for sustainable development and consider not only what the effect a commercial nanocomposite material will have on healthcare globally, but how the mass production of these polymer-based devices will also effect society.…”

Leveraging capacity for transformative sustainability science: a theory of change from the Future Earth Pathways Initiative

“…Social sciences and the humanities play a key role in shaping the goals of societal transformation processes and formulating narratives and strategies to meet them (ibid.). In addition, social sciences contribute to a better understanding of how societies and governance bodies mobilize knowledge and shape policymaking (Urai & Kelly, 2023).…”

Shifting institutional culture to develop climate solutions with Open Science

“…This call to action by Drs. Johnson and Wilkinson is part of a mosaic of voices sharing tangible progress within the climate movement 1,2 . This call speaks to us as environmental and Earth scientists motivated by the urgency of climate change and social inequity and who contribute to finding science-driven climate solutions as part of our daily jobs.…”