Research

MACSUR SciPolNet is a follow-up project of the MACSUR SciPol pilot project and will build on previous results, continue and promote the network, deepen specific topics and create a basis for long-term exchange. The focus of the project is on building a science-policy network for evidence-based policy support of greenhouse gas mitigation strategies in the agricultural sector. The overall objective is to facilitate and improve the science-policy communication process for the strategic design of climate policy at farm level and to accelerate the implementation of climate change mitigation measures in the FACCE-JPI member countries. MACSUR SciPolNet thus contributes to Core Theme 1 "An agricultural sector that contributes to climate neutrality" of the FACCE-JPI strategic research agenda. At international level, climate change has increasingly come into focus, e.g. at the COP28 climate conference, where the Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action (COP28-UAE) was presented and has so far been signed by 159 countries. On the other hand, the protests of many farmers in Europe and other industrialized countries where agriculture plays a crucial economic role (e.g. New Zealand) show the political difficulties in implementing ambitious environmental measures. One of the main focal points of the scientific-political workshops is therefore the consideration of political realities when examining recommendations and the resulting activities. Following on from the work of the MACSUR SciPol pilot project, MACSUR SciPolNet focuses on: 1. analyzing and structuring science-policy communication, transnational cooperation, knowledge exchange and discussions related to climate change mitigation. 2. evaluating policies and measures aimed at reducing agricultural GHG emissions at farm level, with a particular focus on - trade-offs and synergies between GHG reduction and other policy objectives (e.g. biodiversity, water quality) - (marginal) abatement costs - Global reduction targets taking into account carbon leakage effects 3. a concept for the integration of existing models for forecasting agricultural GHG emissions.

The uneven distribution of benefits of globalisation and the weakened ability of commodity chains to respond to external shocks, such as economic crises or the Covid-19 pandemic, have challenged the current globalised commodity chains. As a consequence, individuals, communities and companies are developing new models of globalised commodity chains that claim to be more environmentally sustainable, promote social welfare, create transparency and increase democratic control. However, there is no scientific evidence on whether they contribute to an alternative, democratic vision of sustainability or rather follow an agenda of eco-authoritarianism. To address this gap, this research project aims to gain a deeper understanding of new forms of governance to address global challenges, using alternative global food chains as an example. The project conceptualises alternative global food chains as Trans-Local Food Coalitions (TLFCs), representing alternative models of globalisation that consider democratic and sustainability implications. The research combines different approaches of empirical social research, including mapping, survey, and qualitative case studies, in a comparative perspective. The main results from this empirical study will provide a typology of TLFCs, a consolidated conceptual framework of governance, democracy and sustainability in TLFCs, a comparative analysis of TLFCs, and practical, individual case study analyses for each TLFC. By focusing on TLFCs and their trans-local dynamics, this research aims to contribute to advance knowledge in sustainability transformation by exploring how trans-local trade networks can promote a democratic vision of long-term sustainability despite geographical distances and varying local contexts. In summary, this research project intents not only to deepen theoretical understandings of transformative governance but also to offer practical insights that can inform policy and practice in global trade networks. By studying TLFCs in the German-Swiss-Austrian region, the project seeks to path the way for more democratic and sustainable global trade practices in the face of contemporary challenges.

The City of Vienna has set itself the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040. Compared to other Austrian provinces, Vienna already has a high share of climate-friendly forms of mobility (public transport, cycling, walking) of 74%; at the same time, private motorized transport has stagnated for years, and cycling is also increasing only slightly. Measures to promote low GHG mobility, such as expanding the infrastructure for cycling and public transport, are doubtlessly necessary, but they do not develop a sufficient transformative effect to achieve the goal of climate neutrality. A fundamental and methodically newly developed understanding of the motives and motivations that influence the everyday mobility behavior of people in Vienna can help to support the necessary changes in behavior and habits. The inter- and transdisciplinary research project MOVE2MOVE - Understanding Motives to Change Mobility - addresses these challenges and analyses the com- plexity of use and the socio-psychological approaches to using different forms of mobility in Vienna. With the help of a Q-study, the project explores the questions of which motives influence the choice of mobility options used by the Viennese, what role their relationship to the natural environment plays in this, and which urban mobility profiles can be identified. In a subsequent representative survey, the socio-demographic characteristics and the actual choice of means of transport of these urban mobility profiles will be collected. Finally, in a participatory workshop, recommendations for an inclusive mobility transformation in Vienna will be developed based on the results, and exem- plary measures will be derived that meet the previously identified mobility profiles as inclusively as possible.