by Vigdis Teigen -

#10 A Summary

Throughout my research, I have explored the complexity of the climate and biodiversity crises, uncovering both their vast scope and the challenges in addressing them. These crises are deeply interconnected, involving a multitude of factors such as land use, policy decisions, economic structures, and environmental conservation efforts. Understanding this complexity has been essential in identifying viable solutions. Given the broad nature of the problem, I needed a structured approach to navigate my inquiry, which led me to adopt a design-oriented perspective. By framing my research through the lens of design solutions, I had something to navigate by throughout the process.

I began by examining the role of major international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). These institutions play a critical role in shaping global responses to environmental challenges, setting policy frameworks, and guiding conservation efforts. However, despite their influence, many of the strategies implemented at the international level struggle with enforcement and accountability, often relying on voluntary commitments from nations and industries and a lot of financial support. This highlighted the need for systemic changes that go beyond policy declarations and focus on tangible, enforceable actions.

A significant focus of my research has been the political dimensions of the climate and biodiversity crises. While various policies have been enacted to curb environmental degradation, gaps remain in implementation, enforcement, and long-term commitment. Many policies prioritise economic growth over ecological stability, leading to continued environmental harm. The issue of land use exemplifies this challenge. Land-use change is currently the greatest driver of biodiversity loss, yet responsibility for managing and protecting nature is often diffuse and difficult to assign. This lack of clear accountability makes it difficult to implement lasting solutions, as economic and infrastructural interests frequently take precedence over conservation.

In seeking potential solutions, I explored alternative approaches such as the permaculture movement and regenerative agriculture. Both emphasize sustainable land management practices that restore ecosystems rather than deplete them. Permaculture focuses on designing agricultural and social systems that work in harmony with nature, while regenerative agriculture seeks to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and create resilient farming practices. These methods demonstrate the potential for human activities to coexist with and even enhance natural systems. However, while promising, they require widespread adoption, supportive policies, and systemic shifts in agricultural practices to have a large-scale impact.

One of the most intriguing topics I have explored is speculative design and future-thinking as a means of addressing environmental challenges.

Large societal transformations are only possible if humanity gets better at imagining and envisioning positive futures

(Corc, et. al., 2023)

Unlike conventional solutions that react to existing problems, speculative design allows for the exploration of potential futures, considering how societies might evolve in response to climate change and biodiversity loss. Future-thinking integrates interdisciplinary knowledge, systems thinking, and design methodologies to anticipate long-term outcomes and create visionary solutions.

Future-thinking offers several advantages in tackling environmental crises. First, it enables proactive rather than reactive decision-making, allowing policymakers, designers, and communities to plan for multiple scenarios. Second, it encourages holistic solutions that consider ecological, social, and technological dimensions simultaneously. Finally, it fosters creativity and adaptability, which are crucial for addressing the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

Another factor that makes this method superior, is that scenario based future-thinking, can create such immersive and strong future-scenarios that can impact and appeal to the audience in a much stronger degree than other methods. An since value-change and understanding from the audience is what true transformation needs, it is a important factor to take into account.

A company called Superflux, makes immersive, real built scenario exhibitions about the future – which allows the audience to use all their senses and truly feel what the future can bring

In a TED Talk “Why We Need To Imagine Different Futures”, the CEO Anab Jain says (Superflux, 2009, 6:30):

One of the most powerful tools for driving change is allowing people to experience the future consequences of their actions today

Anab Jain, CEO of Superflux

From a design perspective, future-thinking is particularly compelling because it provides a framework through which I can contribute meaningfully. Rather than being confined to mitigating existing damage, I can use design to imagine and construct sustainable futures. This might involve creating resilient urban environments that incorporate nature, developing innovative materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact, or designing policies and infrastructures that prioritize ecological health. By merging speculative design with real-world applications, future-thinking allows for the integration of visionary ideas with practical implementation.

As I conclude this phase of my research, I recognise that future-thinking is the most promising and encompassing solution I have encountered. It not only addresses the immediate and long-term challenges of climate and biodiversity crises but also provides a structured, design-oriented methodology that aligns with my expertise. However, this realisation is only the beginning. Moving forward, I intend to dive deeper into the field of future-thinking, exploring its applications in environmental policy, urban planning, and ecological restoration. By continuing this research, I hope to contribute to the development of innovative strategies that bridge the gap between imagination and action, ultimately shaping a future where nature and human progress coexist harmoniously.

Sources:

Cork, S., Alexandra, C., Alvarez-Romero, J.G., Bennet, E.M., Berbés-Blásquez, M., Bohensky, E., Bok, B., Constanza, R., Hashimoto, S., Hill, R., Inayatullah, S., Kok, K., Kuiper, J.J., Moglia, M., Pereira, L., Peterson, G., Weeks, R. & Wyborn, C. (2023). Exploring Alternative Futures in the Anthropocene. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 48, 25-54. Swinburne University of Technology. Retrieved from https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-environ-112321-095011

Superflux. (2017, 19. juni). TED Talk: Why We Need To Imagine Different Futures [Video] Superflux. Retrieved from https://superflux.in/index.php/ted-2017-the-future-you/#

by Vigdis Teigen -

#05 Challenges in Implementing Environmental Policies

While international agreements set the necessary frameworks, their implementation on national and local levels presents challenges. OECDs Climate Action Monitor from 2023 show how many OECD countries have pledged a net-zero target, but only a few of them have made it into law. In 2022, countries slowed down their climate efforts, even bactracking some of the climate action. This was due to geopolitical and macroeconomic shocks from the energy crisis – which also led to countries increasing fossil fuel support to new record levels (OECD, 2023).

In Norway, the government is still working on how they will adhere to the COP15 agreement (regjeringen.no, 2023). However, until formal legislation is in place, actually adhering to the agreement remains voluntary. The municipality of Trondheim in Norway has initiated efforts to implement the agreement. Although a challenge with voluntary follow-up is that it does not guarantee effectiveness, as each municipality makes independent decisions— for example, an industrial company that is denied permission in one municipality may simply establish itself in a neighbouring municipality instead (NTNU Event, 2022, 22:40). Therefore, experts argue that effective engagement and grassroots action are crucial for fostering political commitment and ensuring long-term sustainability (Hundere, 2024).

Another example of visible challenges in implementing environmental policies, is the ongoing Norwegian government crisis. It caused by one of Labor Party´s proposal of implementing 3 of the directives from EU´s 4th clean energy package – to show EU cooperation in these scary times. The Centre Party is very against this, due to the consequenses this may have for Norwegian sovereinity. The leader of Senterungdommen, Nils Forren argues: “Norway is an important energy supplier to Europe and should not approach the bureaucrats in Brussels cap in hand. We must prioritise Norwegian interests first and not give away more sovereignty“.

Centre Party-EXIT: Behind closed doors, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum has made it clear that the Centre Party will under no circumstances accept that the Labour/Centre Party government implements the three EU directives under his leadership.
Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB

This fear of implementing the 4th energy package from the EU, is not irrational. The previous year have shown both Norway and the entire EU how high electricity prices feel like. Many of the Norwegian citizens have blamed our EEA cooperation for the reason of the high electricity prices in Norway – since we are fundamentally self sufficient with waterpower. The criticism of implementing the directives from EU is also regarding our lessened autonomy of our own nature. The fear is that Norway is forced to build solar and wind energy to support the constant higher demand of energy in Europe, sacrificing our nature and biodiversity.

On the other side, with the increasing tensions in the world with Russia waging war, and China and USA waging trade war, the labour party argues that we need to stay close to and strengthen the EU – and that these kind of sacrifices has to be made for the greater good.

How can design help drive political change?

Design can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and action. A design-driven approach can provide ways to communicate complex policies, engage stakeholders, and foster a shared sense of responsibility. For example, the UN encourages cultural influencers and storytellers to participate in the #GenerationRestoration movement, recognising the power of storytelling to drive behavioural change (United Nations, 2019).

Design can help visualise the intrinsic value of nature, promote sustainable lifestyles, and facilitate local community engagement. Even small-scale initiatives that embrace an ecocentric perspective can inspire broader societal shifts.

Conclusion

Political change is crucial for addressing the environmental crises, but it requires persistent efforts at all levels. International agreements like COP15 and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration provide a solid foundation, but their success depends on effective implementation and sufficient public engagement. A for design as a tool, I belive it can act as a powerful mechanism in shaping public perception, influencing policy decisions, and fostering a more sustainable future. The remaining question then is… how exactly?

Sources:

Hundere, T. (2024, February 2). Engasjement kan redusere tap av natur og løse naturkrisen. Naturviterne. Retrieved from https://www.naturviterne.no/naturviterpodden/engasjement-kan-redusere-tap-av-natur-og-lose-naturkrisen

NTNU Event (2022, 16. august). Hvem bestemmer over norsk natur? – Arendalsuka 2022 [Video].  Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j16EJiCrxSA

OECD. (2023). The Climate Action Monitor 2023. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2023/11/the-climate-action-monitor-2023_d9ee6e77.html

Regjeringen.no. (2023). Det globale Kunming-Montreal-rammeverket for naturmangfold (Naturavtalen). Retrieved from https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/klima-og-miljo/naturmangfold/innsiktsartikler-naturmangfold/det-globale-kunming-montreal-rammeverket-for-naturmangfold-naturavtalen/id2987476/

United Nations. (2019). Strategy of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Retrieved from https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/strategy

by Vigdis Teigen -

#03 Understanding the bigger picture

In my research journey, it is essential to take a step back and examine the broader environmental challenges we face today. Reports from key organisations such as WWF, the United Nations (UN), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) provide good and reliable insights into the state of our planet and the actions needed to reverse the damage. In this post, I will summarise key findings from these sources and identify potential areas where design can play a transformative role.

Key Insights from WWF, UN, and IPBES Reports

The WWF Living Planet Report 2022 highlights a 69% decline in monitored wildlife populations between 1970 and 2018, emphasising the urgent need for systemic change (Almond et al., 2022). It identifies biodiversity loss and climate change as interconnected crises, stressing that addressing one requires tackling the other simultaneously. WWF proposes transformative solutions in conservation, food systems, energy, and finance to mitigate these issues.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2019-2030) aims to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide (United Nations, 2019). The strategy emphasise the importance of cultural engagement and empowering future generations. These aspects align closely with the potential of design to foster behavioural change and community engagement.

IPBES identifies “changed land use” as the most significant threat to biodiversity, with habitat destruction being a primary driver of species decline (NTNU Event, 2022).

The IPBES conceptual framework underscores the complex interplay between natural systems and human societies, highlighting the need for integrated approaches that bridge ecological and social dimensions (IPBES, 2015).

Pressing Environmental Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Key challenges identified by these reports include:

  • Land Use Changes: Urban expansion, deforestation, and industrial activities continue to fragment ecosystems and degrade habitats (NTNU Event, 2024).
  • Food Systems: Intensive agriculture contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, necessitating a shift toward sustainable practices such as regenerative farming (Almond et al., 2022).
  • Energy Transition: While renewable energy is crucial, infrastructure development must minimize ecological harm (Det Norske Vitenskaps-Akademi, 2023).
  • Public Awareness and Engagement: Reports stress the importance of mobilising public support and creating awareness through storytelling and education to drive political and behavioural change (Hundere, 2024).

Where Design Can Play a Transformative Role

Design holds the potential to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public engagement by:

  • Communication and Storytelling: Utilizing speculative design and behavioral science to create compelling narratives that inspire action, such as visual campaigns and immersive experiences.
  • Urban Planning and Land Use: Implementing nature-positive design principles in urban environments to balance human needs with ecological preservation. This also intertwines with sustainable architecture.
  • Sustainable Product and System Design: Developing solutions that align with regenerative agricultural practices and circular economy models to reduce environmental footprints.

In conclusion, understanding the bigger picture is crucial for identifying where design can contribute to addressing environmental challenges. By getting insights from leading environmental organisations, I can lean on their key findings to quicker understand the most important and pressing issues and solutions to these. This is also how I plan to create a more narrow and tangible area for me to research in.

Sources:

Almond, R.E.A., Grooten, M., Juffe Bignoli, D. & Petersen, T. (Eds). WWF, Gland, Switzerland. (2022). Living Planet Report 2022 – Building a nature-positive society. Retrieved from https://media.wwf.no/assets/attachments/lpr_2022_full_report_2023-02-09-115529_ahtx.pdf

Det Norske Videnskaps-Akademi. (2023). Hvorfor kan vi ikke ofre naturen for det grønne skiftet? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOa2GFtmfu8

Hundere, Torbjørn (2024, 02. februar). Engasjement kan redusere tap av natur og løse naturkrisen. Naturviterne. Retrieved from https://www.naturviterne.no/naturviterpodden/engasjement-kan-redusere-tap-av-natur-og-lose-naturkrisen

IPBES´s Journal Articles (2015). The IPBES Conceptual Framework – connecting nature and people. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Retrieved from https://www.ipbes.net/resources/journal-articles

NTNU Event. (2022). Naturen som forsvinner – hva betyr det? Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srRhPF8JLK0

United Nations. (2019). Strategy of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Retrieved from https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/strategy

by Vigdis Teigen -

#02 Methodology – how can design contribute

As I continue my research into ecocentric solutions to combat environmental crises, I’m realizing the critical importance of methodology. The scale and complexity of these interconnected issues make it very difficult for me to keep my ground and navigate through it all. I am also a person who finds it very hard to close doors on topics that I find relevant or of importance. In this case – I would need years to cover everything of relevance. Another factor that can become an issue is that I am very personally invested in this topic, which can also make me loose structure. Therefore I see it very necessary to create some guidelines for myself on how to keep a red thread throughout my research journey.

A design-centric approach provides the framework I need to navigate this vast topic, as if I am researching the nature and climate crisis with a set of “design-glasses”. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the enormity of climate change and biodiversity loss, I can focus on how design as a discipline contributes to systemic change of all the sub-topics I pass by. Design is not just about creating objects or visuals; it’s about solving problems through innovative thinking and human-centered approaches. By keeping this perspective at the core of my work, I aim to explore where and how design can address the root causes of these crises, rather than simply reacting to the symptoms.

Methodology also helps me set clear goals and define boundaries for my research. It’s tempting to explore every avenue—politics, agriculture, conservation, energy systems—but a design lens keeps me grounded. It reminds me to ask: how can design principles or interventions make a tangible difference here? For example, I am particularly interested in speculative design and behavioral science, both of which have immense potential to influence societal values and inspire change. These methods allow me to imagine and communicate alternative futures, bridging the gap between ecological ideals and practical action.

Moreover, having a structured methodology gives me the guidelines I need to evaluate my findings and ensure consistency. It helps me stay connected to my central research question: how can ecocentric design foster coexistence with nature? By focusing on design as both a process and an outcome, I can turn broad, systemic problems into manageable, design-driven challenges.

In essence, this methodology is my compass. It keeps me from feeling lost amidst the enormity of the issues, ensuring that my work remains coherent, purposeful, and ultimately impactful. With this foundation, I hope to uncover meaningful ways for design to contribute to a more sustainable and ecocentric world.

Speculative Design is a design practice that involves creating hypothetical artifacts and immersive scenarios to explore and critique potential future developments. This approach is a form of critical design, and encourages reflection on the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of emerging technologies and systems (Neeley, 2024).

Behavioral science is an interdisciplinary field that studies human actions, often seeking to generalize about human behavior in society. It encompasses disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, aiming to understand and predict human behavior through systematic observation and experimentation (Augustyn, 2020).

Sources:

Neeley, J. Paul (19th June, 2024). What is Speculative Design?. School of Critical Design. Retrieved 10.01.25 from https://www.critical.design/post/what-is-speculative-design

Augustyn, Adam (31st Jan., 2020). Behavioural Science. Britannica. Retrieved 10.01.25. from https://www.britannica.com/science/behavioral-science?utm_source=chatgpt.com

by Vigdis Teigen -

#01 How ecocentric design can help us coexist with nature

Topic and objective

This research is about the need for systemic change to combat environmental crises, emphasising that functioning ecosystems are essential for life and climate resilience. The research seeks to investigate how ecocentric philosophies, particularly those rooted in sustainable land use, can inspire innovative design interventions that support large-scale ecological restoration.

This investigation objective is to propose an analysis on the role design can play in addressing the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. I also want to explore how ecocentric design principles can foster coexistence with nature by integrating approaches like permaculture and regenerative farming into scalable solutions.

Background

Today we stand in front of a huge task of saving the world. We are currently in the midst of a nature and climate crisis. Since 1970, two-thirds of the world’s wildlife populations have declined, and there has never been a more urgent need to restore damaged ecosystems than now (Almond et.al. 2022). We know that functioning ecosystems are essential for all life on Earth, since nature acts as a buffer against climate change.

We are less resilient to climate changes the less intact nature we have. Though trying to combat both these crisises, we see that they are intertwined in ways that makes change very difficult (Det Norske Vitenskapsakademi, 12:04). UN´s nature panel, IPBES range “changed areal usage” as the biggest threat to the biological diversity (NTNU Event, 2022, 7:50).

Why biodiversity is important – with Sir David Attenborough explaines some of the fundamentals on why we need to protect our nature.

Ecocentrism:

A worldview that sees all of nature as having inherent value, and is centred on nature rather than on humans. Also known as biocentrism. See anthropocentrism.

Research question: How ecocentric design can help us coexist with nature

The central research question driving the work is how ecocentric design principles can be used to promote coexistence with nature? This inquiry aims to bridge the gap between ecological theory and design strategies that empower individuals and communities to live in harmony with their environments.

How to solve it?

Trying to come up with solutions to these global problems is a tough job. It seems that we need deeprooted value change among the entire population. WWF writes in the Living Planet report 2022 that

It’s not too late for nature to recover, but we need big, bold solutions. Restoring nature will require unprecedented conservation efforts that meet the scale of the nature loss crisis, and an urgent transformation of our food, energy and finance systems. (Almond et.al. 2022)

WWF also lists these actions as the main solutions to these crisises:

  • TRANSFORMING CONSERVATION
  • TRANSFORMING OUR FOOD SYSTEM
  • TRANSFORMING OUR ENERGY SYSTEM
  • TRANSFORMING FINANCE

These are of course some very big systematical changes that I alone cannot take on by myself. Nevertheless, I aim to learn how I as a designer can contribute to these already existing movements.

When trying to explore some solutions on my own I have gotten an interest in topics like permaculture, regenerative farming, and sustainable land use. These are some of the more important areas that I think is crucial so learn about if I am to understand the interconnected problems.

Looking at possible solutions in the start, there are many different roads to go. For example, I could aim for an implementation framework that outlines actionable steps for integrating ecocentric practices into broader societal contexts. This solution is a very broad and vague one, but which also allows me to get the broad aspect early on, so I can dive deeper into a smaller and more defined area later in my anctual thesis.

Another possible solution is to explore how integrating approaches like permaculture and regenerative farming into scalable solutions. This could be looking at existing small-scale solutions (for example small sustainable communities) and see what can we learn from these and how to scale this up to be accessible for the greater societies.

Another way to go is to look in to existing methodology being used by cooperations with similar intentions on how to battle these huge societal problems. This could be to see how for example Green Peace, WWF, UN, NGOs, the different nations and even how political parties work with communication, value change, spreading knowledge and actually making a positive impact. This approach to my researching could help me navigate in this very broad theme – as well as giving me tools to learn more and more efficient.

The road and challenges ahead

As described above, my motivation for this theme is my personal desire to work against the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss – and learn as much as possible about what can be done. I believe that design is a powerful tool that can play a big part in the solution. This is what I aim to find out in this research.

The main challenges ahead that I can see is that I tend to go extremely broad in framing the problem – making the research task a very difficult one. Because of my desire to “save the whole world”, I find it difficult to close doors on themes and problems I find important. But since this topic is a very large and interconnected one – my main task in the start will be to narrow it down to a tangible amount I can work with. Another challenge is to work alone, whereas I have found working in groups much better – where I can spar and discuss with others.

If enough people realise that we have influence and can make an impact in this very big world, we can make actual change. Though I must admit that I also feel lost, scared and hopeless when facing such a wicked problem, I hope that through this research, I will be able to gain more knowledge and confidence – and restore hope that we will be able to turn our course to a better one.

Sources

Almond, R.E.A., Grooten, M., Juffe Bignoli, D. & Petersen, T. (Eds). WWF, Gland, Switzerland. (2022). Living Planet Report 2022 – Building a nature- positive society. WWF https://media.wwf.no/assets/attachments/lpr_2022_full_report_2023-02-09-115529_ahtx.pdf?_gl=1*16u778x*_up*MQ.._gaNjA1MTQ4ODUxLjE3MTQ2NTM5MTQ._ga_BB7Z1P8XYMMTcxNDY1MzkxNC4xLjAuMTcxNDY1MzkxNC4wLjAuMA

Det Norske Vitenskapsakademi (12:04) Dag O. Hessen [Video]. Youtube. Hvorfor kan vi ikke ofre naturen for det grønne skiftet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOa2GFtmfu8

NTNU Event (2022, 16th of August). Hvem bestemmer over norsk natur? – Arendalsuka 2022 [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j16EJiCrxSA

Permaculture Research Institute (2024) What is Permaculture? https://www.permaculturenews.org/what-is-permaculture/

The Royal Society (11th Oct., 2021) Why is biodiversity important – with Sir David Attenborough. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlWNuzrqe7U&t=5s