While technological innovation is important, Loorbach emphasised that genuine change also requires addressing the deeper socio-economic structures driving climate issues. He explained that many technological and economic researchers are locked into a growth model. "A lot of what we now call sustainability revolves around finding ways to extend current practices with minor adjustments," he said. "This approach just sustains our unsustainable business as usual."
Social-Techno-Geo approach
Loorbach advocated for reversing the traditional approach in climate research, suggesting that social scientific insights should lead the way, with technological and economic innovations following. He referred to the Climate Centre’s ’geo-techno-social’ approach. "I think ’social’ should come first. It’s time for social research to take the lead. But to make that happen, social sciences themselves must also adapt."Currently, he noted, social sciences mainly provide interpretation and advice when they should be helping set the conditions needed to move beyond the growth model. "The Climate Centre’s integration of social sciences in its geo-techno-social approach is a great step forward," he said.
Loorbach used agriculture as an example of an industry trapped in the growth model. "There’s a significant investment in machinery to maximise output, yet organic farming receives little support for innovations like robotics," he explained. He stressed that such structural choices demand a genuine conversation about what sustainable production truly means.
Space for dialogue
To bring about such changes, it’s essential to create spaces for honest conversations. "The University of Twente’s Climate Centre provides room for dialogue, which is exactly what we need-to confront tensions and address them," he said. When Extinction Rebellion protested Tata Steel’s participation in the event due to its polluting practices, Loorbach noted that such tension adds value to the discussion. "It brings a necessary dynamic to the conversation, and the organisers handled it well," he added.Loorbach also emphasised that the necessary transition requires new forms of collaboration and a reimagined funding system that allows scientists the time to implement their knowledge without jeopardising their careers. "Within the Dutch Climate Research Initiative, we want to create this space for researchers, so they can engage in interand transdisciplinary partnerships and make a real impact on society," he said.
Climate Centre
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