Covid-19, changing social practices and the transition to sustainable production and consumption

Boons F, Browne A, Burgess M, Ehgartner U, Hirth S, Hodson M, Holmes H, Hoolohan C, MacGregor S, McMeekin A, Mylan J, Oncini F, Paterson M, Rödl M, Sharmina M, Warde A, Welch D, Wieser H, Yates L, Ye C

Abstract

There are times when the public task ofacademics is straightforward. This is certainly true for the present: the global Covid-19 pandemic that started at the end of 2019 is deeply affecting societies worldwide, and demands a strong response. A vital contribution of academics is toshapeimmediate actions to save livesand minimise the human suffering that a pandemic brings. Complementary to that, the way societies will come out of the pandemic will be affected by individual and collective choices based on an understanding of possible futures. Academics can help provide adequate evidenceto enhance that understanding.The virus threat has led to situations described as ‘lockdown’ in many countries, leading people to stay at home with all but essential activitiesclosed. For academics interested in sustainable production and consumption, this leads to immediate reflections on how the current coping strategies might feed in to the transition to sustainable societies.Helpingto understand the challenges and helping to facilitate this transition is an equally vital task.