The decade of science for sustainability: The post-2030 agenda
Dr Daniel Muth, National Champion of Hungary presents his keynote "How Can We Design Environmentally Effective and Politically Appealing Carbon Pricing Policies?" at the ISC Global Knowledge Dialogue, in Muscat, Oman.
A discussion at the International Science Council Global Dialogue
The partnership between the Frontiers Planet Prize and the International Science Council underscores a shared commitment to advancing scientific solutions for global sustainability. The UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) presents a crucial opportunity to sharpen the role of science in this mission. This decade serves as a bridge between the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals and future global frameworks, emphasizing the need for actionable, solutions-oriented research that can drive meaningful change.
Setting the stage
During a dedicated session at the International Science Council’s Global Knowledge Dialogue, held on January 28th in Muscat, Oman, experts explored how the scientific community can contribute to this vision and highlighted the power of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. The discussion was enriched by the insights and on-the-ground contributions of key members from the Frontiers Planet Prize community —Daniel Muth, 2nd edition National Champion of Hungary, and Mia Strand, 2nd edition National Champion of South Africa—who demonstrated how cutting-edge research can shape the sustainability agenda.
Panelists:
Lidia Brito, UNESCO, Assistant Director General
Silvina Ponce Dawson, President, International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP)
Daniel Muth, Research Associate, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Frontiers Planet Prize, National Champion of Hungary
Mia Strand, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Nelson Mandela University, and Frontiers Planet Prize, National Champion of South Africa
Nathalie Lemarchand, President, International Geographical Union (IGU)
Keynote highlights
Integrating political economy with climate policy research
In the opening keynote, Daniel Muth emphasized the importance of integrating political economy with climate policy research to develop more effective and socially acceptable environmental strategies. He addressed the complexities of carbon pricing, noting that while it is widely considered a cost-effective tool, its political feasibility hinges on careful revenue allocation. Countries that use these revenues to support affected communities and fund climate initiatives have seen greater success in implementing high carbon prices, even in challenging economic conditions. Muth underscored the need for localized, inclusive solutions, advocating for collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to design policies that are both equitable and practical.
Transdisciplinarity in sustainability science
Joining the discussion virtually, Mia Strand brought a vital perspective on the need for transdisciplinarity in sustainability science. An expert in equitable ocean governance, and recently admitted into the ISC’s Ocean expert group, she argued that true sustainability research must extend beyond academic disciplines to include the lived experiences and knowledge systems of underrepresented communities. By engaging in knowledge co-production, where non-academic actors are treated as equal contributors, research becomes more impactful and responsive to real-world needs. Strand also highlighted the importance of addressing power imbalances in scientific research, challenging extractive approaches that often exclude local and Indigenous knowledge holders. Building trust and fostering long-term relationships with these communities, she stressed, is key to ensuring that sustainability science is both inclusive and transformative.
Panel discussion themes
The keynote presentations were then followed by an engaging discussion with the panelists, where the following key elements were explored:
Transformation of scientific culture: A shift from competition to cooperation is needed, with co-designed, transdisciplinary approaches becoming the norm. Breaking traditional academic silos will be essential to effectively address global sustainability challenges.
Science as a public good & science diplomacy: Science must be accessible and beneficial to all, with science diplomacy playing a crucial role in overcoming geopolitical barriers. Ensuring global inclusivity in scientific research will be vital for sustainability efforts, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
Engaging society & policy for real-world impact: Science must be communicated effectively to policymakers and society. Public engagement, trust-building, and integrating scientific literacy into education systems are fundamental to ensuring that scientific solutions—such as climate policies—are not only effective but also perceived as fair and legitimate by the communities they aim to serve.
Driving meaningful change
By showcasing the work of the Frontiers Planet Prize National Champions and the broader scientific community, this session reinforced the urgency of rethinking how science is conducted, shared, and applied to drive meaningful change in the decade ahead.
Follow the full discussion here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-NSmmj2V04
