During a recent SPES project consortium meeting, Elisa Omodei took part in a workshop that focused on the synergies and trade-offs in sustainability transition processes. The workshop fostered a discussion about the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental policies, and social needs. A central topic of the workshop was the double trade-off in sustainability transitions, namely the challenge of reconciling short-term economic impacts with long-term climate mitigation goals, as well as the need to address human and social needs without exceeding planetary boundaries.
The use of an agent-based, stock-flow consistent model that integrated Kate Raworth's 'safe and just space' framework from doughnut economics was put forward. This model highlighted the importance of economies prioritising sustainability and inclusivity over mere GDP maximisation.
Omodei also joined a debate held at the Hungarian Parliament titled 'Synergies and Trade-offs of the Sustainable Transition'. This event gathered environmental academics, policymakers, and NGOs such as WWF Hungary and the Green Policy Centre to discuss challenges and opportunities connected to Hungary's sustainable transition.
"There is an increased need for collaboration accross disciplines, networks and stakeholders for a more informed policy-making", commented Omodei after the meeting.
Elisa Omodei, Assistant Professor in the Department of Network and Data Science at Central European University (CEU), is CEU’s representative in the 'Societies in Transition, Crises of Earth' CIVICA thematic group. She participated in the fifth consortium meeting of the Horizon Europe project SPES (Sustainability Performances, Evidence, and Scenarios), which took place in Budapest on 28 and 29 November 2024. Her involvement marks the first collaboration between the SPES project and CIVICA, an alliance of ten leading European higher education institutions in the social sciences. Both focus on sustainability and systemic societal change.
The EUI, particularly the Florence School of Regulation Climate Area led by Professor Simone Borghesi and represented in Budapest by EUI researcher Jacopo Cammeo, is one of twelve partners involved in the SPES project. Funded by Horizon Europe, this project examines the connections between sustainability, social change, and environmental impact using evidence-based approaches and scenario-building. In the same spirit as CIVICA, SPES aims to incorporate interdisciplinary research to address complex global challenges.