Sustainability starts with knowledge

Leading academics from the University of Cambridge and Lund University came together for an international research conference on “Knowledge for Sustainable Development: Breaking Barriers to Climate Solutions.” 

The event, held in Lund and online, attracted 277 participants from universities, government agencies, and industry to share insights and accelerate climate action. The conference was co-organised by Lund’s Sustainability Forum and Cambridge Zero.

A small delegation of academics from Cambridge travelled to Lund to participate in the conference in-person.

Setting the Stage for Change

The day opened with a keynote from Prof Lars J. Nilsson (Lund University), who outlined Europe’s deep decarbonisation pathways for carbon-intensive industries such as steel and cement production, and the petrochemical industry.

He highlighted the scale of structural changes required in these hard-to-decarbonise sectors, and the reliance on critical raw materials which are crucial for batteries and other technologies.

Stressing that incremental improvements will not suffice, Nilsson called for bold policy frameworks and technological innovation to drive the transition to net-zero emissions. He also championed the role of international bodies such as the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, which includes members from both Cambridge and Lund, to provide robust scientific advice for the achievement of the EU’s climate goals.

Asked about research priorities for joint collaborations between Cambridge and Lund, Nilsson listed the top three issues to tackle as: petrochemicals (including plastics), critical minerals, and future power systems for data centres.

 Law and Climate: A Double-Edged Sword

Cambridge’s Prof Harro van Asselt, Hatton Professor of Climate Law in the Department of Land Economy, delivered the second keynote on the evolving role of the law in strengthening climate action.

He explored how legal systems can both enable and obstruct progress on climate action. Law can be part of the solution, for example through legally binding emission targets, but can also be part of the problem, through outdated frameworks that lock in unsustainable practices. Van Asselt also pointed to difficulties in the UN climate negotiations, which are hampered by the consensus-based process and obstructionist behaviour, and struggle to deliver on implementation of mitigation and finance. He urged legal creativity and reform.

“Law is a double-edged sword in that it can hinder or facilitate the climate and energy transition. There is a need for legal imagination to reform unsustainable legal frameworks and strengthen the legal tools at our disposal to pursue deep decarbonisation and build climate resilience.”

Roundtable Discussions: Tackling Complex Challenges

The conference featured interactive roundtables jointly led by Cambridge and Lund academics, each addressing a critical dimension of sustainability. These roundtables followed an innovative design, where each pair of Cambridge-Lund academics had met in advance of the conference to discuss their shared research interests and set out common discussion topics for the roundtable.

The Energy Transition roundtable, co-chaired by Dr Ewa Marek (Cambridge, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology) and Prof Elna Heimdal Nilsson (Lund), explored how renewable energy and emerging technologies can transform the production of green chemicals and fuels. Discussions focused on how to transition the chemical industry away from reliance on petrochemicals, instead using bio-ethanol and other renewable feedstocks for green chemical production. The roundtable also considered whether it is possible to develop effective bio-fuels that are cost-effective and can work in traditional engines, such as for aviation.

The Climate and Biodiversity roundtable, led by Prof David Edwards (Cambridge, Plant Sciences) and Dr Claudia Ituarte-Lima (Lund), examined the interdependence of ecological and climate systems. Participants discussed strategies for conserving tropical forests, mitigating biodiversity loss, and integrating nature-based solutions into climate policy.

The Adaptation, Loss and Damage roundtable, facilitated by Prof Nazia M. Habib FRSA (Cambridge, Land Economy/Engineering) and Dr Åsa Knaggård (Lund), addressed how communities can build resilience in the face of climate impacts. Habib called for actionable research.

“As sustainability scholars, we must take intellectual risks in our own work and commit to producing usable knowledge that can immediately inform teaching and learning.”

In the afternoon, Dr Rekha Bhangaonkar (Cambridge, Land Economy) introduced the roundtable “No space to spare: balancing natural space and societal needs?”, focusing on land-use conflicts and strategies for managing future risks in a changing climate. She presented findings from her research into farmer participation in Agri-Environmental Schemes, sharing perspectives from farmers in the East Anglian Fens, the UK’s “breadbasket” which is home to some of the nation’s most fertile soil, and crucial for food production.

A Sustainable Future – At What Cost?

The afternoon panel discussion, chaired by Professor David Reiner (Cambridge Judge Business School), examined the social, economic, and political trade-offs of climate solutions. Reiner emphasized that achieving net-zero will require not only technological breakthroughs but also societal acceptance and robust governance. Panellists included Dr Ewa Marek (Cambridge), Prof David Edwards (Cambridge), Dr Fredrik NG Andersson (Lund), and Dr Moa Petersén (Lund). Together, and with engaged participation from the audience, they debated the costs of transitioning to low-carbon economies, the role of public trust in deploying new technologies, and the cultural dimensions and perceptions of different visions for a sustainable future.

Collaboration for Impact

Organised by Lund’s Research Board and Sustainability Forum in partnership with Cambridge Zero, the event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration on shared research challenges.

“This conference reflects a growing international collaboration between our universities to advance research on climate change, biodiversity loss, the energy transition, and adaptation,”  Dr Erik Mackie, Head of Research Engagement at Cambridge Zero.

Prof Per Mickwitz, Lund’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Sustainability, added that joint research is essential to maintain momentum on climate innovation and ensure that scientific insights translate into practical solutions.

 A Clear Message

As global emissions rise and political priorities shift, the conference delivered a powerful message: solving the climate crisis requires integrated approaches that combine science, technology, law, and social equity, as well as international collaboration. By breaking down disciplinary barriers and fostering international partnerships, Cambridge and Lund are helping to chart a path toward a sustainable future.