“To Expand Sustainability Ownership, We Need to Meet People Where They Are”

Johannes Klement is an experienced researcher in the field of economics and sustainability and has co-founded sustainability civil society organisations (CSOs) in the past. With a PhD in theoretical economics, he tries to reconcile theory and practice and explores innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to economic and sustainability challenges. Learn more about him and his new journey as part of the CSCP team.

At the CSCP, our vision is to enable a good life for all. In the context of sustainability research, how would you define a ‘good life’? What tentative frameworks or key principles could guide this definition?

In the context of sustainability, a good life for me means harmonising individual development with ecological balance and social justice. A good life means physical, mental, emotional and social health and the opportunity to be fulfilled in all areas of life. To me, this is the foundation of sustainability. Without this idea, it makes no sense to think about how we can grow better potatoes or generate cleaner energy.

While there is abundant research on sustainability, the biggest hurdle remains bridging the gap between theory and implementation. How can we effectively translate sustainability research into actionable policies and practices?

I believe that there are two main problems. First, environmental and economic issues such as climate change or international cooperation and trade are intricate by nature. Unfortunately, science and politics have not really managed to make these complex interrelationships understandable for people outside of science or the sustainability circle.

Second, for many people, sustainability in the political discourse does not mean an improvement in their lives and is associated with additional costs or perceived restrictions on their own freedom. I think we have an awareness-raising mission here and need to do a much better job in communicating sustainability and what it really means for random people. Be it in economic, ecological or social terms, we need to bring sustainability within reach and do so by encouraging and enabling ownership.

You talk about bringing sustainability within reach and expanding ownership, can you explain in more detail how we can make this happen?

To make sustainability more inclusive and actionable, we need to change the way we engage with different groups in society. We need to create accessible entry points that correspond to people’s everyday lives and priorities. We can strengthen personal responsibility by meeting people where they are—for example in the workplace and in their social networks. To do this, we need to translate sustainability concepts into tangible and understandable measures that tie in with existing values and routines. By emphasising both the long-term and immediate benefits, we can make sustainable decisions more convincing. To involve everyone, we need to actively break down barriers to participation. For example, by speaking a clear language and creating safe spaces for dialog. Above all, we need to make the voices that are traditionally underrepresented in the sustainability debate heard. Sustainability means inclusion, and true inclusion also means recognising that different groups have different views, needs, and starting points. Solutions must be adaptable and scalable and allow for different levels of engagement without losing impact.

How do you see the work of the CSCP in closing this gap through our collaborative, inclusive, and holistic approach?

The CSCP bridges implementation gaps through several key approaches. The collaborative approach focuses on bringing together different stakeholders from policy, business, civil society and research, facilitating dialogue and knowledge sharing between different sectors as well as building partnerships to develop and disseminate solutions. The inclusive methodology ensures that all relevant voices are heard in sustainable transition processes, considering social equity and making sustainable choices accessible to all groups in society. In particular, the Sustainable Infrastructure, Products, and Services (SIPS) team, of which I am now a member, addresses sustainability challenges along the entire value chain, integrating environmental, social and economic aspects into a holistic approach. And I believe that this is the right way to implement sustainability and good living in society in the long run.

Outside office life, what other topics you are especially passionate about?

Learning and growing is very important to me. I strive to know and understand more every day than I did yesterday, be it through books, scientific publications, the media or through exchanges with others. I am also involved in social causes because I believe that empathy and positive contributions give our lives meaning and purpose. I find balance by singing in a choir, playing badminton and basketball. For me, these activities combine creative development with sporting competition. I appreciate the harmonious togetherness in the choir, while I enjoy the competition in sport.

For further questions, please contact Johannes Klement.