2.2.4: Apply sociological research to the advancement of sustainability.
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Research and the Advancement of Sustainability
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sustainability , the idea that current and future generations should have equal or greater access to social, economic, and environmental resources, is a local, national, and international issue. Sociologists and other trained researchers who work for government entities, nonprofit organizations, and corporations are strengthening the connections between scientific research, technological development, and decision making to improve the well-being of people and our planet. The GlobeScan-SustainAbility Survey on the Progress of Sustainable Development Goals was based on 454 qualified sustainability experts from 74 countries completing an online questionnaire (GlobeScan-Sustainability 2019). As shown in Figure 2.1.2: GlobeScan-SustainAbility, the results of the survey indicate that sustainability experts around the world rate our progress toward sustainable development goals as poor in areas such as responsible consumption and production, climate action, no poverty, life on land, reduced inequalities, and life below water.
Figure 2.1.2: GlobeScan SustainAbility: The experts reported seeing more positive progress on the above goals in comparison to progress in 2017, except in the area of climate change. NGOs, United Nations, and social entrepreneurs are viewed as leading the progress and the private sector and national governments continue to be seen as failing to drive adequate progress.
At the national level, research is conducted that provides insight into how Americans are dependent on the use of automobiles rather than other options that can be healthier for people and our planet. Transportation accounts for 28 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change. Data compiled from the General Social Survey (GSS), a national survey on contemporary American society in order to monitor and explain trends and constants in attitudes, behaviors, and attributes, can be useful in helping us understand how Americans are heavily dependent on the automobile largely due to the design and structure of cities and suburbs. Both of these examples are related to international and national research related to sustainability, although there is a tremendous amount of research being done at local colleges and universities.
Students just like you are actually conducting applied research in the area of sustainability. At Oberlin College, five undergraduates researched how to engage the campus in ways to create a culture of sustainability. They conducted surveys, focus groups, and observations of students, faculty, and staff to determine how to decrease barriers and increase motivation for sustainable behavior (Kozloff et al. 2013). Bailey Rowland, University of Pennsylvania, used existing data, surveys, and interviews to assess and improve the university’s Green Living Certification Program, which certifies and rewards residents living on-campus for making day-to-day choices that reduce their environmental impact (Rowland 2014). Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability encourages undergraduate students to participate in research in areas such as biodiversity, business, food systems, and social and behavioral change. There are numerous ways you too can get involved in sustainability research at your college or university through a variety of departments on campus. This type of research can make a significant contribution to greening your campus and enhancing the culture of sustainability for today’s students and those in the future.
Photo: In 2016, the National Science Foundation funded the Sustainability Research Networks (SRN) competition to bring together multidisciplinary teams of researchers, educators, managers, policymakers and other stakeholders to conduct collaborative research to address fundamental challenges in the area of urban sustainability (National Science Foundation 2016). Researchers can study this sustainable urban building design in Sydney, Australia. What topic or area of sustainability would you choose to research?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][Call_to_Action_SY action_icon=”SYlvia” text_next_to_name=”” action_link_title=”EARN a BADGE and 50 POINTS” action_link_url=””]Are you ready to learn about the next learning strategy? You probably have not thought about having to learn to learn, but it will pay off! The second technique is elaboration or stating a term or theory in your own words. This sounds simple and research indicates it is more effective than memorizing a definition. If you have accumulated 150 points, you will unlock the chapter study guide with answers. Enjoy the video!
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Summary of Learning Objective
2.2.4: Apply sociological research to the advancement of sustainability.
Sustainable development is a concept that has become a global focus and research is being conducted at the local, national, and international levels. GlobeScan’s 2019 Global survey is an example of research utilizing surveys of experts in 74 countries to explore the progress of sustainable development goals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation both promote research in this area to find ways to mitigate climate change and develop sustainable cities. Research is being conducted on every college and university campus on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students are addressing the culture of sustainability on campus and how to develop programs to advance sustainability now and in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]