EU set to become global leader in sustainability

According to the EU-funded GLOBIS (Globalisation informed by sustainable development) project, globalisation should be promoted, but it should also be adjusted in relation to sustainable development. For this reason, experts are looking at whether policies related to trade, agriculture and food, energy, transport, technology and innovation, and tourism need reforming.

Work began with the creation of a theoretical foundation by synthesising scholarly literature on globalisation, development and sustainable development. Researchers found that more focus needs to be put on the wider socio-cultural, economic and political features of globalisation in order to better understand it.

A typology of sustainable development was elaborated that outlines weak, strong, critical and human development approaches. This led to a final report on globalisation that supports an overall need to achieve fundamental change in the global social-ecological system by replacing weak structures and means that cause unsustainability with more sustainable ones.

Four thematic case studies yielded key findings for the energy, transport, eco-innovation, and food and agriculture industries concerning globalisation and sustainable development practices. Using the case study outcomes as a basis, a high-profile international conference was organised that attracted researchers, policymakers, private actors and civil society representatives. EU policy on globalisation and sustainable development was discussed. Participants contributed to EU policy development and integration, with an emphasis on continuing policy dialogue within the EU. A series of policy briefs were also published that deal with the case study themes.

A web portal was created that makes a policy assessment tool available to all users, in addition to various project resources and accumulated knowledge.

GLOBIS helped shape a long-term European strategy to reconcile globalisation and sustainable development. This will boost the EU vision of assuming a world-leading role in sustainability with respect to the environment and climate change.