26. – 27. Juni 2025
GLS Campus Berlin
Excessive change? New departures and old contradictions in socio-ecological transformation
Is the “Great Transformation” faltering before it has even begun? Many believe that the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral society is happening too slowly. However, even limited efforts are currently facing a massive backlash. Transitions in transport, construction, heating and energy sectors as well as the “Green Deal” more broadly are the subject of intense discussions.
Political decision-makers are exposed to lobbying interests, misinformation and increasing political radicalisation. People who drive the transformation forward in their communities and regions and implement innovative projects are exposed to numerous constraints, emotional debates and protests, and even violent attacks. Yet regions, cities and municipalities are crucial arenas for what is referred to as the “Great Transformation”. This great change can only succeed if many local and regional individual initiatives come together.
This raises a critical question: how can we create new momentum for transformation, both at the local level and on a larger scale?
We want to explore this question in keynote speeches and workshops. We invite experts from academia, political leaders in local, state and federal governments, administrators, planners, members of initiatives, journalists and anyone else who is concerned with change to participate.
The event will be held in German and English.
Keynote Speakers
- Andreas Novy, Professor of Socioeconomics, Vienna University of Economics and Business
- Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency
- Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor / City Councillor in Bologna
You can view the program via this link: RWK 2025-Program
Registration via this website. Registration ends on May 18, 2025.
The Spatial Science Colloquium is organised by the Leibniz Research Network “Spatial Knowledge for Society and the Environment – Leibniz R”.