The DECIPHER Project continued addressing the complexities of climate change, sustainability, and policy integration through three transformative workshops in November and December 2024. Experts from diverse domains explored cutting-edge research and shared critical insights on wetland ecosystem service evaluation, empirical policy evaluation and sustainability in University Curricula. These workshops delved into three pivotal areas, each addressing distinct yet interconnected dimensions of sustainability and climate action. Each workshop showcased the power of cross-sector dialogue and methodologies to address the complex challenges of our time, as it follows in the next brief presentation:
Workshop 1: Coastal Wetlands and Ecosystem Service Evaluation
The first workshop spotlighted the intricate interplay between economic and physical systems, with a focus on coastal wetlands. Sebastiano Bacca, a researcher from the Global Climate Forum, presented advanced modeling research (DIVA Model) that evaluated the ecosystem services provided by wetlands. Participants delved into the crucial role these ecosystems play in mitigating climate change impacts while supporting biodiversity. Key highlights included:
- A large-scale approach to valuing coastal wetlands and their ecosystem services.
- Modeling coastal wetlands as effective nature-based solutions for mitigating sea-level rise.
The ensuing discussion revolved around questions of economic valuation, effective data-gathering methods, and improving modeling approaches to bolster policy development and advocacy. Participants explored how scientific insights can drive decision-making in coastal restoration initiatives, underlining the importance of integrating economic perspectives with environmental priorities.
Workshop 2: Empirical Policy Evaluation for Climate Action
The second workshop unfolded in two dynamic segments: Stephan Huber (Technical University of Delft) and Nihit Goyal (Assistant Professor, Policy Innovation, Technical University of Delft) led the first segment, concentrating on the decarbonization of buildings. They explored how economic modeling enhances ex-ante climate policy appraisal, evaluating policy based on forecasts rather than results. The second segment, led by Marco Duenas (CLIMAFIN), presented an ex-post evaluation of climate policy effectiveness, evaluating policy after it has been implemented, using structural funds and reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a case study. Therefore, the discussion centered on the role and effectiveness of Structural Funds in advancing climate policy across Europe.
Both sessions culminated in moderated discussions with experts, emphasizing the practical application of economic modeling to shape more effective and equitable climate policies.
Workshop 3: Sustainability competences in University Curricula
The third workshop turned the lens on education, with Aitziber Mugarra and Oxana Soimu from Deusto University leading discussions on integrating sustainability competencies into university curricula. The workshop brought together academics representatives to discuss the sustainability competencies needed for future policy makers and challenges of embedding sustainability in higher education. Key themes included overcoming institutional barriers, identifying best practices, and fostering future policymakers’ capabilities to address global challenges. During the discussion, the participants emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in shaping education systems to better align with sustainability goals.
These three workshops, while diverse in focus (from safeguarding ecosystems to refining policy frameworks and reshaping educational paradigms) on the one hand, have laid the groundwork for actionable insights and cross-sector collaboration, and on the other hand underline the DECIPHER Project’s holistic approach to tackling climate and sustainability challenges. Additionally, the outcomes of the workshops may guide the Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) to inform policy and foster a more sustainable and resilient future. As a whole, DECIPHER Project is demonstrating that the path to sustainability lies in interconnected efforts throughout disciplines, stakeholders, and sectors.
Stay tuned to our channels for more information on an additional three workshops shall be hosted in February 2025. The topics of these workshop include i) innovative economy modelling techniques, ii) risk and resilience in policymaking, and iii) demonstrating the DECIPHER stakeholder engagement tool.