1. science

7–8 April 2011 Helsinki
Why does society need
environmental research?
Report
1
Contents
Foreword 3
Knowing so much, doing so little 4
Sustainable development in the global politics with the
reflections to local: An example of Baltic Sea
7
The Science of climate change: The challenges for humanity 9
Social and ecological systems interacting : historical and
future transitions
11
Climate Change - world´s problem number 1 ? 14
Climate Change: Comment by Professor Markku Kulmala 16
Climate Change: Comment by Professor Jyri Seppälä 17
Baltic Sea - Challenges for science and politics 18
Baltic Sea: Comment by Ilkka Herlin 20
Baltic Sea: Comment by Executive Secretary Anne
Christine Brusendorff
21
Sustainable Society and Environmental Challenges:
How the private sector adapts ?
22
Sustainable Society:
Comment by Professor Lassi Linnanen 24
Sustainable Society: Comment by Dr Liisa Rohweder 26
Environmental Learning: Insights
from research into the student experience 28
Interdisciplinarity in environmental teaching:
How to do it ? 30
Making environmental research sustainable 34
Interdisciplinary Environmental
36
Research - Best Practices 2
Foreword
HENVI Science Days 2011 focused on interdisciplinary environmental research and teaching. The
question tackled was ‘Why does society need environmental research?’ The topic was approached
through three environmental themes: Baltic Sea, climate change and sustainability and key-note presentations and commentary speeches were heard from various professionals from different fields.
You can familiarise with the program and the presentation abstracts in the Abstract Volume. The
Sciences Days succeeded in attracting over 200 participants from research, public sector, decisionmaking, NGOs and business. The first keynote speech on Thursday 7th April was given by the President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen who is the co-chair of the UN High-level Panel of
Global Sustainability. Her presentation gave an excellent start for the event and highlighted the importance of collaboration of different stakeholders and disciplines in the work towards the global
sustainability. The importance of interdisciplinarity in research and teaching was discussed in the
workshops on Friday 8th April and the conclusions of the discussions and recommendations are published in this report on pages 30-37.
This report is mainly the outcome of the valuable work of our HENVI students. All the presentation
summaries in this publication are produced by our students who participated in the HENVI Special
Course sharing the theme of the Science Days. In addition to writing the summaries published here,
our students prepared during an intensive working period of three weeks reports on the following
topics: 1) Evaluating policies to mitigate climate change, 2) Environmental Decision Making - Lessons
learned from the business world and 3) Society-nature interactions in sustainable cities: Helsinki as
a case study. We are grateful to our invited speakers Professor Donald Wuebbles, Professor Lassi
Linnanen and Professor Marina Fischer-Kowalski, who acted as visiting teachers in the HENVI Special Course and shared their thoughts and ideas about the topics, answered questions posed by the
students and evaluated the reports with an encouraging attitude. The student reports are accessible
at http://www.helsinki.fi/henvi/teaching/80123Why_Env_Res.htm
We hope that all participants experienced the HENVI Science Days as an interactive forum for science and society. We aim at developing this event towards a regular arena where the latest environmental research can meet the users of scientific knowledge. As HENVI is committed to integrating
environmental research and teaching we are planning to give the floor to our HENVI student also in
the next HENVI Science Days where students will have their own presentations in a poster session.
In the future, we also plan to publish a “statement” of the theme of the HENVI Science Days in order
to sharpen the message of the speeches and make the results of the discussions more applicable for
the societal use.
We wish that you will find this report of the summaries useful and we wish you welcome to the HENVI Science Days 2012 next April!
Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki, Coordinator of
environmental research
Janna Pietikäinen, University lecturer in environmental
studies
3
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Conclusion comments on HENVI
Science Days
Knowing so much, doing so
little
Professor Janne I. Hukkinen, University of Helsinki
Four anecdotes summarize the
take-home message of HENVI Science Days 2011
Recall the aftermath of the financial crisis. Wit-
ventive action in the face of serious environmen-
hin a few months measures were taken with
tal threats, we need to focus on the cognitive and
cost implications in the trillions of dollars; the
behavioral aspects of sustainability.
financial behavior of hundreds of millions of
individuals was strictly controlled; the comp-
Cognitive sciences teach us, against the as-
lexity of the challenges faced were beyond the
sumptions of most disciplines, that we are not
comprehension of any single individual, as An-
consciously calculating rational beings. Instead,
drew Ross Sorkin so well describes in his book
cognition is mostly unconscious, emotional and
Too Big To Fail, yet this incomprehension did
based on pattern recognition. In an evolutio-
not stop urgent action; the actions taken caused
nary sense, we still perform best during rapid
serious structural changes in society, so vivid-
recognition of vital patterns, the way our hun-
ly conveyed for example by recent photographs
ter-gatherer ancestors did. Linearly proceeding
from the rapidly dilapidated infrastructure of
rationalizations of the world are a very recent
the city of Detroit. Yet people did not turn up in
phenomenon in our cultural evolution. They are
the streets to resist change. None of the expla-
slow, too.
nations offered for inaction in climate change
applied during the financial crisis.
We should begin to draw from the findings of
cognitive sciences, behavioral economics and
Lassi Linnanen reminded us of IBG, or “I’ll be
I think we should take very seriously – as an
gone” – the saying used by Wall Street bankers
empirical behavioral fact – the observation that
With some great challenges, it appears, quick
related scientific traditions when crafting novel
to characterize the atmosphere preceding the
scientific knowledge does not always lead to po-
actions appear perfectly natural to us. Why does
environmental policies. Behavioral economics,
financial crash of 2008. Having said so, they
licy change. Many speakers of the HENVI Scien-
a looming economic recession trigger imme-
for example, teaches us that unlike the domi-
continued business as usual.
ce Days recognized this and offered several ex-
diate action while a looming climate catastrophe
nant economic thought today assumes, human
planations for people’s reluctance to take action
does not?
beings are only occasionally selfish utility maximizers. Most of the time we are altruistic and
A member of the audience recalled how eve-
despite sound knowledge. First, the measures
rybody in the 1970s knew full well how badly
required may be expensive. Second, people hate
I suspect the answer lies in the perceived imme-
cooperative. Interestingly, research on human
things would turn out with the Baltic Sea if we
the control that comes with major action. Third,
diacy and concreteness of the threat involved.
cultural evolution has revealed that our closest
continued polluting it the way we did. Then we
environmental challenges, such as climate
Many people have very recent and painful me-
primate relatives, chimpanzees, best fulfill the
continued the way we did.
change, are very complex phenomena that elude
mories of the last economic recession, the con-
criterion of a selfish utility maximizer with little
simple measures. Fourth, many actions imply
sequences of which are part of today’s cultural
consideration for the other. In a behavioral sen-
Don Wuebbles pointed out how much good cli-
difficult structural changes in society. And fifth,
iconography. No living person has experienced
se, then, we should put in practice the call for
mate science is out there. Then he lamented how
people simply resist change.
the consequences of a global climate catastrophe
cooperation between different stakeholders of
and there are few cultural artifacts to remind us
environmental policy that was heard in several
In principle, these explanations sound right to
of past climate catastrophes. From the point of
presentations during the HENVI Science Days.
Marina Fischer-Kowalski ended her presen-
me. In practice, however, I am puzzled by the
view of lived human experience, climate change
We should begin crafting environmental poli-
tation with an optimistic quote from Barack
fact that they do not work as explanations in
does not exist.
cies on the cooperative behavioral foundations
Obama: “Yes we can!” But she concluded: “The
another global challenge of major proportions –
trouble is we don’t do it.”
the financial crisis of 2008.
little climate action there is.
4
of human beings.
If we wish to advance from knowledge to pre-
5
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
The President of the Republic of
Finland Tarja Halonen
Another important piece of advice comes from
the research tradition in embodied cognition,
which emphasizes the intimate cognitive connection between our sensorimotor experience
(such as grasping an object) and subjective
experience (such as understanding an idea).
Might this immediate linkage be used to facilitate rapid feedback from ecosystem state to
individual behavior? We already use some of
these embodied signals in regulating behavior,
Sustainable development in the
global politics with the reflections to local: An example of
Baltic Sea
for example in traffic lights: red is the universal embodied signal to alert a human being. In
Summary written by Tähti Pohjanmies
a similar vein, automatically dimming lights
would be a much more embodied and immediate feedback of energy scarcity than an
abstract numerical electricity bill that comes
6
several months after the acute electricity shor-
The concept of sustainable development has
three dimensions of sustainability: ecological,
tage.
existed some 20 years, since its introduction by
social and economic. Often solutions to global
the so-called Brundtland Commission in 1987
problems are looked for with a sectoral approa-
We are in desperate need of quick embodied
and wide acceptance in global politics in the Rio
ch, which tends to lead to over-emphasis of one
regulatory signals to prepare ourselves for the
Summit, the United Nations Conference on En-
of the three dimensions and neglect of the other
coming drama with the climate system.
vironment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de
two. It is ingrained in the concept of sustainable
Janeiro in 1992. The UN is currently preparing
development, however, that all three dimen-
the Rio +20 Conference, which will be held next
sions are to be simultaneously fulfilled. For the
year in Rio de Janeiro, marking the 20th anni-
past 20 years the social dimension in particular
versary of the Rio Summit. More than 20 years
has too often been pushed to the back. Women’s
after its introduction, the concept of sustainable
rights and job creation are among the elements
development is still topical and does not need to
of the social dimension that are crucial to imp-
be redefined. The remaining challenge is still its
roved equality, enhanced social justice, and true
implementation.
sustainability.
The UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainabi-
Another easily overlooked aspect of sustainable
lity was set up by the UN Secretary-General to
development is its applications at the local level.
produce fresh ideas of effective implementation
Global sustainability cannot be achieved wit-
of the principles of sustainable development for
hout sustainability in the local and nation state
the Rio +20 conference and beyond. One of the
level. They should not be ignored in the “globa-
aims of the panel is to seek balance between the
lization hype”.
7
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Professor Don Wuebbles
Whether pursuing sustainable development in
Action Group. Encouraging achievements have
the global or local level, an important tool is co-
already risen out of this cross-sectoral co-opera-
operation between actors of different scales and
tion, the least significant not being the finished
across different sectors of society. Sustainability
waste water management system in St. Peters-
efforts are affected by changes in production
burg and the planned system in Kaliningrad.
and consumption manners that are substantial
Some major challenges still remain, the biggest
and rapid. Governments alone are too slow to
of them being nutrient runoffs caused by agri-
react to these changes.
culture. It would also be important to examine
The Science of climate change:
The challenges for humanity
Summary written by Tuomo Nieminen
why some of the Baltic Sea commitments are not
The Baltic Sea Action process is a good example
successfully realized.
of different actors coming together in efforts to
find sustainable solutions to a multidimensional
In the Baltic Sea conservation efforts as well as
problem: the deteriorating state of the Baltic
efforts to implement the principles of sustai-
Sea. From the joint initiative of the Baltic Sea
nable development in other parts of the world
Action Group, the Finnish Government and the
co-operation between different actors is neces-
President of the Republic of Finland Baltic Sea
sary, and this co-operation may be facilitated
countries, cities, businesses and NGOs were in-
by interdisciplinary research. Achievements of
During the past 50 years the scientific com-
pected from the effects of human related emissi-
vited to work together to find ways to conserve
economics, social sciences and natural sciences
munity has become increasingly worried about
ons of gases and particles based on studies from
the vulnerable sea and secure its services to the
need to be put together in the search for balan-
the changes occurring in our climate system
global models of the Earth’s climate system
people of its coastal states. The actors influen-
ce between the economic, social and ecological
throughout the world. This change has a very
(atmosphere-oceans-land-biosphere). Human
cing the state of the Baltic Sea and therefore nee-
dimension of sustainable development. When
high probability to be largely human driven.
related emissions of carbon dioxide are especi-
ded in its conservation range from international
pursuing sustainable development it is essen-
Even though analyses of indirect climate re-
ally important to this. Even though globally the
and EU level organizations to communities and
tial to build bridges between different sectors
cords indicate that there have been changes in
temperatures are rising, the warming is not uni-
businesses of different sizes and individual ac-
of society as well as different disciplines of the
the global temperatures during the historical
form, nor is it expected to be. This means that
tivists, farmers, and private citizens. None of
scientific community.
times before human influence, the rate at which
in some areas of the world the consequences of
them alone have the means to save the sea; their
the climate is currently changing is unprece-
the warming are much more pronounced than
co-operation is vital. This is the starting point of
dented in human history. And this rapid change,
in other areas. High latitudes, e.g, the Arctic
the Baltic Sea Action process.
and the likelihood for much larger changes over
areas, are warming the fastest. For example,
the coming decades, is making the need for ur-
in Finland the annual mean temperature of the
gent actions ever more necessary.
first decade of the 21st century was over 1 degree
To support the process Finland organized the
higher than in the first decade of 1900. In the
Baltic Sea Action Summit in 2010 in which representatives from all the coastal states and se-
Global temperature records since 1900 show
Arctic areas, where nature has adapted to extre-
veral cities, businesses and NGOs participated
that mean temperatures have risen about 0.8
me conditions, the effects of the climate change
and made concrete commitments of actions to
degrees, with almost all of the warmest years
can be particularly harmful on ecosystems.
improve the state of the sea. Since the Summit
on record appearing in the last 20 years. These
more commitments have been made and their
observed trends of increasing global temperatu-
The effects of the changing climate have been
number currently reaches 170. Execution of the
res are very well correlated with the effects ex-
observed in many areas. Rising temperatures
commitments is monitored by the Baltic Sea
8
9
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Professor Marina Fischer-Kowalski
are causing major melting of glaciers in mountaino-
During this century, the global mean temperatu-
us areas (more than 90% of the glaciers in the world
res are projected to increase at an unprecedented
are decreasing) and thawing of permafrost in arctic
rate compared to all direct and indirect historical
areas. The extent of the ice cover on the northern
temperature records over the last two thousand
seas has been observed to decrease over the past 50
years. Many wide-spread climate-related impacts
years. Climate change is also altering precipitation
are likely. Most of these will be negative because
patterns, and increasing the likelihood for heavy
both human and natural systems are long adapted
downpours, with increased potential for societal
to the climate they have been used to over many
and infrastructure damage. Rise in the sea-level
centuries. Potential impacts include effects on wa-
is also expected as a result of the warming oceans,
ter-resources (too little in some places, too much in
along with melting of glaciers and other land-based
others), on demand for energy supply and use, on
ice sheets. As a substantial number of the largest ci-
food-production , and on health. The strongly ar-
ties in the world are located on coastal areas, even
ticulated advice from the scientific community to
small changes in sea-level can cause major prob-
policy makers is to start adapting to climate change
lems to humanity.level.
as soon as possible and start actions on reducing
Social and ecological systems
interacting: historical and future
transitions
Summary written by Gerald Krebs
Social Metabolism
anthropogenic emissions of the radiatively-imporNatural factors that could cause changes in the glo-
tant gases. Major economic analyses all show that
Human society maintains itself, both culturally
tion growth, for example) resulted in scarcity.
bal temperatures are variations in the Earth’s orbit
the benefits of strong and early enough actions on
and biophysically. Whereas cultural perpetuati-
The industrial metabolism works in a similar
(distance from and orientation relative to the Sun)
climate change will far outweigh their costs. There
on describes the flow of communication, digesti-
manner, but is extended by the use of additional
and in the amount of energy received from the Sun.
are a number of possible solutions already availab-
on, and interpretation, biophysical maintenance
resources from outside of biospherical cycles
Also large volcanic eruptions or chaotic interactions
le: conservation of energy, increasing efficiency in
is the continuous flow of energy and materials
(such as fossil fuels or metals). The remains of
in the Earth’s climate system could affect the global
energy production and development of renewable
from and to the natural environment and the
these are deleted into the biosphere and result
temperatures. Non-natural (that is, human caused)
energy sources and improving fuel efficiency of
mutual modifications between nature and so-
in pollution. Beyond these socio-metabolic
mechanisms affecting the climate system are inc-
vehicles. As important as mitigating the effects of
ciety. The use of resources and associated chan-
exchanges with the environment, and often in
reases in concentrations of radiatively important
climate change is to start planning for adaptation
ge in nature, combined with the feedback by na-
order to facilitate them, human societies also
gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) and
measures – we will not be able to fully prevent furt-
ture enhancing further modifications is defined
engage in colonizing natural systems. Coloni-
aerosol particles, and changes in reflectivity of
her changes to climate, although we can prevent the
as the social metabolism.
zing interventions intend to change ecological
the Earth’s surface as a result of land-use changes.
worst of the potential impacts through mitigation
When both the natural and human-caused changes
actions. An important part in achieving both of
The socio-metabolic approach can be exp-
example: transform a forest into a cornfield).
are taken into account, there is strong evidence that
these goals is making major efforts into developing
lained using the pre-industrial metabolism in
Colonization has intended and also uninten-
the current climate change is primarily human in-
new innovations in energy technologies.
comparison with the industrial metabolism.
ded effects on natural systems which may lead
duced. For example, the natural processes cannot
Pre-industrial society used natural sources
to a need to intervene ever more to prevent un-
account for the observed global warming since the
as available, returned their remains to nature
wanted damage (risk spiral).
1960s.
after consumption and, thereafter, these re-
systems to enhance their utility for society (for
mains were reconverted by natural processes
into becoming potential resources again. The
case of overconsumption (because of popula-
10
11
Regime Transitions
share of the population. The regime ended with
ce consumption at the level of 2000, while
women, enhanced by the seeking for equality,
Socio-metabolic regimes and related historical
the oil crisis in the early 1970’s at the peak of oil
developing countries catch-up to the same rates
both in industrial and developing countries.
transitions can be seen in the Neolithic revolu-
consumption in the US, leading to a latency pe-
by the year 2050, leads to a tripling of annual
Urbanization as a challenge in a lot of respects,
tion, transforming the societies of hunters and
riod. The search for new energy sources resulted
global resource extraction. Apart from the ques-
also offers the possibilities to reduce resource
gatherers to agrarian societies, and the indust-
in nuclear power, proving to be an expensive
tion whether there are so many resources on our
consumption through densification. Scarcity
rial revolution, transforming agrarian to indust-
and risky solution. The exploitation of natural
planet to be extracted, this is completely incom-
and high cost of resources forces businesses to
rial societies, involving the extensive use of fos-
resources increasingly failed to fulfil human
patible with the IPCC climate protection targets.
change their production cycles and materials.
sil resources. The resulting society transformed
needs and as a result, wages stagnated, labour
If industrial countries reduce their metabolic
Furthermore the increasing share of high edu-
by the current / upcoming sustainability tran-
time increased, and welfare services were redu-
rates by the factor two and developing count-
cated population supports the awareness for en-
sitions remains to be seen, but historical tran-
ced. The development over the last decade can
ries would catch-up to these reducesd rates, the
vironmental issues and makes political denial of
sitions show, that similar transitions were part
be described as the catch-up period in which
moderate IPCC climate protection targets could
needed structural change more difficult.
of human evolution and will also be in future.
emerging economies, emulating the earlier
possibly be met.
industrialized countries, boost their resource
The regimes induced by the industrial revolu-
consumption
tion can be distinguished as the coal regime
The ability of our society to learn and adapt can
The interpretation of current observations and
be seen from the dependency of life expectan-
past trends shows that another major meta-
cy on national income and the relation between
(~1800-1930), the oil regime (~1930-1973), a la-
In 2000, the 20% of world population living in
bolic transition is required, with concomitant
human development and carbon emissions.
tency period (~1973-2000), and a catch up phase
industrial core countries used half of the world’s
changes in economy, technology, and society.
Whereas the national income required for a
(~2000-today).
resources, per capita twice as much as the world
Whether the changes will be brought by reason
life expectancy of 80 years was almost 600 US
average inhabitant. Emerging economies, such
and insight, or will be forced upon us, or a likely
dollars in the 1930’s, less than half the income
as China and India, are now going through si-
combination of both, remains to be seen.
was needed in 1960’s to gain the same life expec-
The transition to the coal regime started from
milar transitions as the industrialized countries
the UK in the 17th century and was mostly
did, partly even based on coal. Even though this
unwelcome for people. Besides economic and
development is of great concern, industrialized
The role of social sciences
technological developments, as the steam engi-
countries have to accept that the problems as-
Besides the search for technological solutions
ced from almost five tons per capita in 1975 to a
ne, railroads, and wage labor, the regime redu-
sociated with the carbon intensive society place
toward a metabolic transition, it becomes inc-
little more than one ton in 2005. These values
ced earlier constraints on urban growth and the
originate from them in the first place. and chan-
reasingly
and historical transitions show that our society
enhanced mobility allowed industrial societies
ges in metabolic rates cannot be promoted to de-
obvious that the solution for our carbon intensi-
can adapt and change if required.
to use large parts of the world as their agricul-
veloping countries, without changing their own
ve way of living will be a very different structure
tural hinterland, via colonial expansions. After
metabolic rates, if not more, then at least to act
of society. Thus interdisciplinary research bet-
the end of the coal regime, marked by a world
as a good example.
ween technology, natural sciences, and social
tancy at birth. Investigation of carbon emissions
shows, that for the same human development
index of 0.85, the carbon emissions were redu-
sciences is required for guidance toward a trans-
economic crisis and two world wars, the oil regime originated from the US, and was more wel-
Projections of future scenarios related to IPCC
formation of our society. Given the metabolism
comed by people. The regime was accompanied
(Intergovernmental panel on climate change)
explained earlier, structural support toward
by a change in population dynamics towards
climate
increased sustainability is derived also from
low fertility, democratic governance spread in
protection targets show the importance of mo-
ecological and society changes. Growth of world
the industrial core countries, and education and
difications in resource use. The scenario assu-
population has slowed down and is expected
knowledge became available to an increasing
ming industrial countries to freeze their resour-
to inverse toward the end of the century. This
progress is also supported by empowerment of
12
13
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Environment Councellor Jaakko Ojala
Climate Change - world´s
problem number 1 ?
drought, wildfires, sea level can rise, ecosystems
mitigate the climate change. Everyone wants to
can be damaged, coral reefs can be destructed
ensure that there are no free riders. Because the
and several extreme weather events may occur.
impacts the climate change are uncertain, the
roved equality, enhanced social justice, and true
mitigating policies are very important. Mitiga-
sustainability.
tion policies can also bring some possibilities
Summary written by Viivi Wanhalinna
Evidence of climate change can already be seen;
for trade and economy. Possibilities can be, for
example, eco-innovations and green technology.
Arctic sea ice losses, risen temperature and sea
level and decreased snow cover, for example.
EU has taken a leading role in mitigating the cli-
Food production is already affected in some
mate change. EU has adopted Kyoto GHG reduc-
areas, and climate-related conflicts caused by
tions targets, made financial commitments and
e.g. scarce water resourses are a serious risk
made integrated climate policy package. EU has
in parts of Africa and Asia. The impacts of cli-
also created and published a “Roadmap for mo-
mate change and their difficult predictability
ving to a competitive low-carbon economy in
make the situation even more complex. Human
2050”, where European Commission sets a plan
beings are likely responsible for most of the ob-
how to reduce domestic emissions by 80-95 %
Environment councellor Jaakko Ojala from the
industrialized countries, and also China and In-
served increase in global mean temperature and
by 2050. EU also helps developing countries
Ministry of Environment of Finland presented
dia were needed to participate in the agreement.
this requires actions in all crucial sectors like in
through financial and technological commit-
energy production, traffic, agriculture, waste
ments. Finland has managed its international
management and built environment.
commitments well and currently stands well be-
the Ministry’s view on climate change at HENVI science days. First, Ojala described the time
Ojala stated that IPCC has made very impor-
when climate change came into the political
tant work by monitoring physical and ecologi-
agenda, and when the first impact evaluations
cal processes and their changes through time
The measures taken to mitigate the climate
One reason for this is the increased share of re-
and agreements concerning it, were made. Cli-
and space, and by reporting and publishing
change have to be very effective. The aim should
newable energy sources in our energy mix.
mate change was on agenda already in 1988,
Impact Assessment Reports
on the conse-
be that the temperature wouldn´t rise more than
when it was recognized that human induced
quences of climate change. Ojala presented
two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.
The climate change is a huge political challen-
greenhouse gas emissions had impact on envi-
the three most important dimension ofsustai-
According to a recent study by UNEP, current
ge and also the challenge number one. Global
ronment.
Policymakers established Intergo-
nable development, and discussed the impacts
worldwide pledges on cutting emissions are not
comprehensive, binding climate regime is the
vernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) and
of climate change to each dimensions. Human
enough to achieve this target and would result in
answer and we have to engage with it. Invest-
it published its first report in 1990. The climate
health problems, infectious diseases, water and
a temperature rise of more than 2,5-5 degrees.
ments are needed but these investments should
change became a permanent part of global po-
food security, instability, climate refugees and
The climate change will have global effects on
be seen as at the same time as investments for
litical agenda in 1992 when the UN Framework
possible conflicts can affect to social dimensi-
food security, on the world´s economy and tra-
the future. We also have to give signals that eve-
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was
on. From the economical point of view, clima-
de, on social equity and global security. That is
ryone needs to play their part. It is still possible
established. The UNFCCC is an international
te change can affect energy availability, trade
why ambitious and binding treaty is needed.
to avoid the most severe impacts of the climate
framework agreement which aims to address
and agriculture, it can increase the overall risk
The key questions in making the international
change and reduce GHG emissions to meet the
climate change and stabilize greenhouse gas
for economic instability or make damages to
agreements are adaptation to climate chan-
targets. But the actions are needed now!
emissions to a level that is not dangerous to our
infrastructure. From the environmental point
ge, financing for developing countries, needed
climate system. It became apparent that all the
of view, climate change can increase floods,
technology and a shared long term vision to
14
low the Kyoto Protocol emission commitment.
15
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Climate Change: Comment by
Professor Markku Kulmala
Climate Change: Comment by
Professor Jyri Seppälä
Summary written by Reija Mikkola
Summary written by Reija Mikkola
Professor Jyri Seppälä from the Finnish En-
acting in the HINKU project don’t necessarily
vironment Insititute presented a project that
think so. Instead their reasons to act are cost
aims towards carbon neutrality in five Finnish
reductions, belief in ecofriendliness as a good
Professor Markku Kulmala from the University
Then he speculated on how to meet the research
municipalities. With this he wanted to bring in
investment, possibility to promote local resour-
of Helsinki gave comments on the presentation
and innovation needs. Kulmala stated that there
local and practical aspects to mitigating climate
ces. According to the town manager Kari Koski
by Environment Councellor Jaakko Ojala. Oja-
has to be a strong and ambitious vision, which is
change.
the benefits for Uusikaupunki, which has been
la speculated on whether climate change is the
shared by the experts. Empirical, experimental
problem number one that society faces today.
and theoretical research should all be integrated
The project that is called HINKU, started in
been numerous. Uusikaupunki has gained
As an expert in biosphere-atmosphere physics,
to meet the need for scientific knowledge from
2008 and it involves five Finnish municipa-
publicity and good reputation, it attracts more
Kulmala brought in the point of view of science.
the microscale to the global scale.. Basic science
lities i.e. Kuhmoinen, Padasjoki, Mynämäki,
investments and residents, the cost-efficiency
should be closely connected to answering global
Parikkala and Uusikaupunki. It was initiated
has increased and there is more co-operation
First he argued that sustainable development
questions. Accordint to Kulmala the Station for
by seven business managers and is coordinated
between actors.
needs to have four dimensions instead of the
Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations
by the Finnish Environment Insititute. The
tradional three i.e. society, economy and envi-
(SMEAR) in Hyytiälä is a succesful example of
municipalities act as laboratories in reducing
The important message from Seppälä was that
ronment. The new, fourth dimension, would be
this
greenhouse gas emissions faster than required
the bottom-up approach has been very succesful
in the European Union. The bigger scale goal is
in providing new practices and innovative me-
science, knowledge and innovations. According
the most succesful of the municipalities, have
to Kulmala this is needed, because of the comp-
In the end of his presentation Kulmala raised
carbon neutrality, which means emission cuts of
asures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In
lexity of the environmental systems. Understan-
the question that are the actions taken during
80 % by 2020 to 30. The actors of the project
his opinion there can be a ”win-win-win” situ-
ding the interactions within the climate system
the last ten years sufficient to mitigate climate
are among others municipal governments, local
ation within the economic, environmental and
is very important. For this reason science needs
change. He showed us that there is great resis-
companies, national companies, residents and
social aspects of sustainable development. To
to be integrated as an aspect of sustainability.
tance to change among people. However, people
research institutions.
this Seppälä added that climate change mitiga-
are capable of taking action to solve environ-
Seppälä speculated on the question that Ojala
tion is now an essential part of the economies of
mental problems. The message was clear, accor-
posed about climate change being the number
these municipalities.
ding to Kulmala a positive change is possible.
one problem today. He claimed that the people
16
17
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Professor Markku Ollikainen
Baltic Sea - Challenges for science
and politics
Summary written by Eeva Huttunen
ve the problem high level of cooperation is needed.
also the abatement costs per capita considering
There is asymmetry between the polluters, since ef-
the country’s GDP are in Poland, Russia and the
forts to decrease emissions have varied very much
Baltic states higher than in Nordic Countries. Ol-
in different countries in time.
likainen states that to increase cost-efficiency the
costs should be shared more evenly between count-
Ollikainen has studied with Honkatukia how the
ries, but BSAP does not provide economic or social
countries’ roles as polluters and victims differ be-
mechanisms to do this. He suggests the use of side
cause of the nutrient flows to other countries. He
payments: those who relatively benefit more pay to
presents a table that shows how much of the nut-
those bearing high costs. Basically this means that
rients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that countries
other countries pay to Poland, since its abatement
have polluted actually stay in the domestic marine
costs are the highest, and richer countries have
areas, and in turn how much of others’ nutrient
higher payments.
loads they receive. For example, of Finland’s own
phosphorus pollution only 31 % remains in the
Ollikainen presents a following procedure to appro-
domestic marine areas. Therefore it is not only the
ach the problem. First, the transfer of nutrients is
The Baltic Sea is a brackish-water ecosystem
ficient. The Baltic Sea is indeed suffering from
country’s own decisions to increase or decrease
described. This improves understanding and sha-
that is severely polluted. Nutrient loads from
multiple diseases: eutrofication, marine bio-
emissions that affect their own marine areas. If Po-
ring information. Second stage is measurement of
all coastal countries have led to eutrofication,
diversity degradation, accident risks and toxic
land increases emissions, a certain part of it flows to
abatement costs, where the costs in poorer count-
which in turn affects the amount of oxygen in
pollutants. Climate change is an additional mo-
Lithuania. If Lithuania wishes to decrease its own
ries and possibilities to change the agricultural
seabed and changes species composition. This
difying factor, that must be taken into account.
emissions in order to annul the increased nutrient
practices are assessed. Increasing research and
of course reflects back to social systems for
Another easily overlooked aspect of sustainable
load from Poland in its marine areas, it must take
commitment are important. Third, the possible
example as reduced fish stocks and recreation
development is its applications at the local level.
into consideration that 42 % of nutrients reliesed by
policy responses of multiple private agents are
possibilities. Although nutrient emissions have
Global sustainability cannot be achieved wit-
Lithuania flow to other countries’ waters. Therefore
studied, for example nutrient trading and nutrient
been reduced, the condition of Baltic Sea has not
hout sustainability in the local and nation state
to compensate for the increased flow from Poland,
taxes. Fourth, the value of marine environment
improved as expected. This is mainly because of
level. They should not be ignored in the “globa-
Lithuania must decrease own emissions much
should be brought to light. There are ecological, ae-
the vicious cycle of internal loading: oxygen dep-
lization hype”.
more than the amount that comes from Poland.
sthetic, economic and cultural values that must be
Ollikainen brings up two factors that are the ba-
The Baltic Sea Action Plan has set reduction targets
sis of the problem and frame the international
for countries. Poland has the strictest reduction tar-
Professor Markku Ollikainen from the Universi-
policies. First, the role of hydrography in the
gets (66 % of all P reduction and 49 % of all N reduc-
Improving the condition of the Baltic Sea is a great
ty of Helsinki started the presentation with two
Baltic Sea is very important. Compared to other
tion). Poland, Russia and the Baltic states together
challenge and requires long-term cooperation and
different approaches to the Baltic Sea issue. One
seas, the Baltic Sea has low amount of water and
are required to make the greatest contributions
commitment. Ollikainen also brings up, that the
states that the Baltic Sea is “an excellent examp-
little water exchange through Danish Straits to
in reducing emissions (95 % of P and 66 % of N).
Baltic Sea is an extremely fascinating study topic
le of cooperation” and the other, that the sea is
North Sea and Atlantic, which makes it more
Denmark and Sweden have high nitrogen reduction
and can offer useful information about policy me-
like “an ill man suffering from multiple disea-
vulnerable to nutrient loads. Nutrient flows do
targets.
asures for marine protection.
ses”. Ollikainen says that these two views that
not follow any borders and some areas are more
could be seen as contradictory are both true,
vulnerable than others. Second, he emphasizes
Asymmetry between abatement costs also brings
since there has been a great amount of work and
the role of international social institution. The
challenges to cooperation. For example, Poland
cooperation already, but the policies are inef-
sea is a common property resource and to sol-
causes a large amount of nutrient emissions, but
taken into account. Emphasizing these values could
letion increases the release of phosphorus from
sediment and accelerates algae growth.
18
improve the commitment to protective measures.
19
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Baltic Sea: Comment by Ilkka
Herlin
Baltic Sea: Comment by Executive
Secretary Anne Christine Brusendorff
Summary written by Theresa Willerstorfer
Summary written by Theresa Willerstorfer
Referring to Professor Ollikainen’s explanation
Instead of dividing the countries on the coastline of
tic Sea, through calculating the cost effectiveness of
how to manage the asymmetric allocation of
the Baltic Sea into polluters and receivers of nutrient
alternative actions.
polluters and pollutants of the Baltic Sea, Ilkka
loads, Anne Christine Brusendorff would rather refer
Herlin pointed out that basic economic assump-
to a 40 years’ long environmental cooperation bet-
The main source giving rise to eutrophication is leach-
tions are imperfect. Countries like Russia and
ween the nine coastal states, which used to be divided
es from agriculture, but also air pollution from ship-
Poland have already invested a high amount of
into West and East, poor and rich, or highly develo-
ping, and inadequate wastewater treatment contri-
money to cope with eutrophication e.g. by buil-
ped and developing. The main issue of the Baltic Sea
bute. Therefore different actions must be/have already
ding wastewater treatment plants. The Euro-
is the accumulation of phosphorus and nitrogen from
been taken: reduction of nitrogen emissions, national
pean Union has a strong contribution in these
anthropogenic sources in the watershed. Hence, focus
implementation programmes for agricultural issues
investments. Since the main source of eutrophi-
should be on the cause of these extensive nutrient lo-
and the removal of phosphorus from sewage or its ban
cation is agriculture, agricultural policy plays an
ads. 30 years ago there were only limited regulations
in detergents. The majority of the measures to reduce
important role. All countries on the coastline of
outside territorial waters and the equal right of pollu-
the nutrient input to the Baltic are to be taken on land.
the Baltic Sea except Russia are part of the Eu-
tion was an appropriate phrase to use. However, with
ropean Union. Hence investments and decisions
the increasing international regime, this is no longer
Many countries have made extensive studies, of the
of the European Union are very important.
the case. On top of this the Baltic Sea in 2004 became
probable measures and their nutrient reduction po-
a so-called “internal EU sea” with 8 out of nine of the
tential as well as cost-effectiveness. In Finland, TEHO
Baltic coastal states being EU Member States. With
and TEHO plus are projects for agricultural water
the EU Membership arose not only extended rights but
protection issues. In general experience exchange
also obligations to follow EU law. Major investments
between countries and the implementation of projects
have been made in the newest EU countries and these
are needed to cope with the problem of pollution and
investments now start to show in achieved reductions
improve the water quality of the Baltic Sea. One should
of phosphorus and nitrogen to the Baltic Sea.
not forget either that for the efficient development of
new projects, the challenge remain regarding the ad-
The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) Baltic Sea Acti-
ministrative capacity to prepare ‘pipelines’ of projects
on Plan has three starting points: 1) a full implemen-
and to manage the use of EU funds. High attention to
tation of existing legislation, and a top-on approach
these issues is essential for maximising the utilisation
where more strict approaches are needed for the Bal-
of the EU funds for the marine environment protecti-
tic, 2) information on actual loads of nutrients coming
on and should be seen as a priority.
from the catchment areas and 3) unit abatement costs,
i.e. the cost per unit nutrient reduced input to the Bal-
20
21
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Chairman of Cleantech Business Forum Tapani Järvinen
Sustainable Society and Environmental Challenges: How the private sector adapts ?
Competition in the growing green markets is in-
Concluding Remarks
tense. For businesses operating in these markets
To respond better to modern-day’s environmen-
it is important to co-operate with universities
tal challenges, society and all of its functions
and research institutes in order to improve the
must ”go green”. Companies working in the
green know-how. At the same time, to ensure an
market have a decisive role by both improving
optimal space for eco-innovations, the entrepre-
environmental performance of their operations
neurial skills are equally important.
and by offering green solutions for consumers
and citizens This could be done together with
Finnish Cleantech Strengholds
Summary written by Tuomas Autio
the increasing competitiveness. . Green knowhow, eco-innovations and multidisciplinary
Natural resources have traditionally been a st-
networks, play also a key role in searching the
rength for the Finnish economy. This has led to
solutions for the future’s green society.
high level of environmental know-how in many
Finnish companies. Today some 4000 Finnish
What are the main challenges
from private sector´s point of view?
companies are in cleantech business. Some hundred of them are internationally competitive. A
Reaching a low carbon and resource efficient
a business. For example cleantech solutions can
Finnish metal and mining engineering compa-
society by the year 2050 is a great challenge. In
improve competitiveness through better reliabi-
ny Outotec is a good example of a competitive
order to achieve this ambitious goal the whole
lity, availability, maintainability and safety for
company operating in green markets. Some 63
society must ”go green” including food produc-
business operations. Hence, profitability and
% of its technologies belong to , by OECD defini-
tion, living arrangements as well as industries
sustainability do not exclude each other.
tions ”environmental goods or services”. A definition for such a product is that it reduces both
and businesses. Private sector is playing a major
role in achieving the goal. By taking into account
For a producer, inclusion of environmental
the need of natural resources and energy as well
environmental issues, businesses can simulta-
thinking into the business can provide com-
as negative environmental impacts. In order to
neously reduce their negative impact on the en-
petitiveness through more effective use of raw
promote Finnish environmental expertise, two
vironment and improve their competitiveness
materials, lower energy costs and better public
tools has been created:
in the market.
reputation and employee safety. For a technology supplier, adapting cleaner production met-
Finnish companies have been taking into ac-
hods can offer new business opportunities. For
count environmental issues already for decades,
a technology supplier it is especially important
which. means that green thinking and envi-
to be proactive in order to ensure comparative
ronmental issues have been included into their
advantage in expanding cleantech markets now
corporate strategies being an integral part of
and in future. In general, breaking up in the
business operations. Widening opportunities in
green market still have the requirements as in
the green markets is making the green thinking
normal business: expertise, market opportunity
more and more important. It has become an im-
and competitiveness.
Cleantech Finland Business Forum (ymparistofoorumi.fi)
Cleantech Finland Brand (cleantechfinland.com)
portant part of ensuring the competitiveness of
22
23
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Sustainable Society: Comment
by Professor Lassi Linnanen
Summary written by Nguyen Ton Nu Quynh Anh
of both crises that professor Linnanen mentio-
and at community scope, we try to optimize the
ned is the situation that we do not seriously sol-
environmental impacts for the whole communi-
ve the problems in the environment although we
ty. Linnanen stressed that the ultimate goal is
see them. This is the same as in finance sector
to act at planetary boundaries scope and com-
with the popular attitude of Wall Street people
panies are active in responding climate change
called IBG- I Be Gone, which means that they
problems as early as possible.
only focus on the short-term profit today and
do not care about the future, then when the
Finally, he concluded that we are not yet doing
system went wrong and collapsed, it is IBG. The
enough in incorporating environmental issues
last similarity is that we socialize environment
into business. The goal is to achieve a solution
to people and future generation the same way
for green business at global level and bringing
as the economic sector tried to gain profit by
clean technologies to global problem solving is
privatizing as much as possible their business
one way to do that. The best scenario is from
operations.
solving environmental problems, we can make
business out of it.
The main comment of professor Linnanen on
In the HENVI Science Days on Interdisciplina-
activities with three referring elements: scope,
the previous presentation of the day is that what
ry Environemental Research and Teaching in
business drive and time.
we have done to reduce the environmental impacts of business activities by applying green
January 2011, professor Linnanen from Lappenranta University of Technololy presented
First, to compare environmental crisis and fi-
and clean technologies is not enough for the
his comments on the topic “cleantech business”
nancial crisis, Linnanen started with the state-
effort to respond to climate change of human
from the scientific and technical point of view in
ment that there are similarities between the two
being. To illustrate his remark, he discussed dif-
response to the presentation of Tapani Jävinen.
crises and it could be learnt from the economic
ferent levels of adapting to environmental issues
crisis which is somewhat still going on for the so-
of companies. When it comes to business related
In general, Linnanen expressed his support with
lutions of this global environmental issues. First
environment, there are for motives or drivers for
Jävinen that it is important to incorporate clean
off, the current environmental instability is si-
companies to adopt environmental strategies
technologies into business operations in order
milar to the financial crisis in a way that people
in their business plans including compliance,
to reduce environmental impacts and improve
whose activities are mostly interacted with envi-
eco-efficiency, integrated strategy and purpo-
eco-efficiency. He also pointed out some simi-
ronment and cause impacts on it do not interna-
se. Together with the “business driver” is “time
larities between the so-called environmental
lize the external costs such as the environment
horizon” with treatment and prevention stages.
crisis today and the financial crisis which hap-
cost in their activities. In other words, they do
Paralleling with this are four levels of impact
pened some years ago in the world and at cer-
not count the environmental costs into the
“scope”: planetary boundaries, community, site
tain levels is still going today. The latter and also
overall cost of their business and the problem
and unit process. In which, eco-efficiency driver
the main part of the presentation focuses on the
here lies at accounting which is ignored. Conse-
is aimed at lowering both economic cost and en-
analysis of the model “From cleantech to Global
quently, the environmental problems may end
vironmental cost and in the scope vertical, unit
Problem Solving” which demonstrates different
up badly the same as the economic crisis when
process is meant to control emissions within
levels of cleantech incorporation in business
the “bubble” explodes. The other same situation
companies areas, site is meant for a larger area
24
25
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Sustainable Society: Comment
by Dr Liisa Rohweder
Summary written by Nguyen Ton Nu Quynh Anh
Second, Dr Rohweder commented on the point
However, when talking about the point “com-
“Society at large and its function must go green”
panies are becoming greener and provide green
that it is not totally true. To be able to reach it, we
solutions”, Dr Rohweder agreed that it is shifting
have to try hard for this goal. The fact is that we
toward the direction but they are not yet in the
have consumed the natural resources up to 1,5
state of green. It has not happened but there is a
planet every year, the OECD countries even con-
need to make it happen and still there are a lot of
sume three planets of natural resource per year
things to do to be greener companies. In general,
while 43 African footprint consumers equal 1
we have to start combining ecological thinking
American consumer. For the mass and unequal
with social thinking which will then the deter-
consumption of human being at the moment,
minant of companies’ competitiveness, sustai-
the carbon dioxide in the environment is very
nability, ecological footprint minimization and
high and to be able to achieve the goal as sug-
so on. Therefore, the integration between envi-
gested in Jävinen’s presentation that the whole
ronment and business is crucial for the changes
society at large must “go green”, one scenario
and steps for the change could be environment
Dr Liisa Rohweder, in her comment for the
ses for the decline is the activity of deforestation
may happen is when the proportion between
education and interdiscipline studies should be
presentation on “Sustainable society and envi-
by human. In addition, if comparing the living
carbon and cropland is vice versa, which means
carried out in the future.
ronmental challenges: How the private sector
planet index between developing and developed
if at the current state, carbon account for most of
adapts?” by Tapani Jävinen highlighted four
countries, we can see the decline in biodiversity
the ecological footprint, then in 2050, this situa-
In conclusion, Dr Rohweder included a drawing
points which include her opinions on previous
in developing countries is more dramatic than
tion should be reversed with 95% are renewable
by a kid about their dreams for the future. It
statements of Jävinen in his presentation such
in developed countries because of the fact that
energy with a large amount is from cropland
shows their vision for the future but is also very
as “Sustainable and efficient use of natural
the more developed countries have been taking
and carbon take a very small percentage in the
close to the future that we have been talking
resoursces”, “Society at large and its function
natural resources from developing countries.
total footprint. This model presented by Dr Roh-
about.
must “go green””, “Carbon dioxide emission near
Moreover, the ecological footprint has increased
weder is to suggest how society and its function
zero” and “companies are becoming greener and
in double since 1996 to 2007 according to the
can “go green”.
provide green solutions.”.
global ecological footprint graph shown in the
presentation. Overall, the fall in global biodi-
Dr Rohweder agreed with Jävinen that it is pos-
For the first statement of “Sustainable and
versiverty and the inequality in the use of natu-
sible to achieve the goal of “carbon dioxide emis-
efficient use of natural resources”, Dr Rohwe-
ral resources are to show the fact which is not
sion near to zero”. The future of low carbon is
der expressed her worry about the use of na-
similar with the claim in Jävinen’s presentation
feasible when the global energy supply changes
tural resource in unsustainable ways by giving
that the goal of sustainable society by 2050 is
the proportions of its components. For instan-
evidences showing the negative impacts on
to achieve the state of “sustainable and efficient
ce, by 2050, the proportion of using wind, so-
environment caused by human activities. For
use of natural resources”. Dr Rohweder expres-
lar power and bio fuel could replace almost the
instance, the Living Planet Report graph 2010
sed her skepticism of this goal when showing the
amount of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear power
shows the decline of 30% in the global biodiver-
contemporary unsustainably use of the natural
as energy supply. Therefore, it was concluded
sity from 1970 to 2010, in which, one of the cau-
resources in the first comment.
that low carbon future is possible and necessary.
26
27
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Professor Cecilia Lundholm
Environmental Learning: Insights
from research into the student
experience
Summary written by Lisa Gawriyski
As stark as it may sound, the students go
ly choose to do less. Why would you not go on a
through a cost-benefit-analysis for any given
trip, when others are going? Why buy the more
subject they are taught. All of this affects the
expensive organic carrots, when others are bu-
overall effectiveness of education and the lear-
ying the normal ones? Knowledge, values and
ning process and shouldn’t be ignored when
goals and intertwined. Knowing what to do or
planning for future education.
how to do it is not enough, unless you feel it’s
the right thing to do and it is in your best in-
The role and purpose of environmental education
terest.
Nature, society (government and business),
and the individual are interconnected. Envi-
There are two myths of change that are rele-
ronmental education targets the connections
vant to environmental education. The first
between these aspects. It attempts to find ans-
is the hope that environmental education
wers to the questions: What are the norms and
Professor Cecilia Lundholm, Professor Mark
and what is controversial, what is opinion and
increases knowledge, which in turn leads to
values currently prevalent in society and how
Rickinson, and Professor Nick Hopwood, have
what is fact, and what is subjective and what is
greater awareness and a change in attitudes,
do they affect the way we do things, and can
recently published a book on student learning of
objective. A student will question the relevan-
and in the end results in pro-environmental
we alter them? Education can help change the
environmental matters. It was a wide, empirical
ce of the subject taught to them. They will ask
behavior. The second myth is that the sum of
understanding of these issues. For example,
study, done on secondary school and university
themselves why they would like to put effort into
small individual actions sum up to collective
students with a greater understanding of eco-
students. Prof. Lundholm studied undergradua-
learning; does it have some relevance to them in
action and big change. The problem with these
nomics are more likely to appreciate longer-
te/graduate student’s environmental learning in
the present or in the future? Is it somehow rele-
are that there is no linear and causal links bet-
run implications of economic policy. We can
civil engineering, biology, and economics. Three
vant in a curricular context? These viewpoints
ween knowledge, ability and behavior and that
encourage small individual change that sup-
main aspects of the results of the study were
present a challenge to environmental teaching
individuals are subject to the sucker-effect and
ports collective change through education, by
raised: i) values and emotions, ii) questioning
and learning, also because the issues involved
the prisoner’s dilemma, which will result in an
helping people understand the role and effect
relevance, and iii) negotiating viewpoints.
can be very close to one’s heart and absolutely
individual not acting.
of altruistic goals. There is a need for envi-
meaningless to others. These issues of perceived
ronmental education that puts collaboration
differences of viewpoints between students and
A social dilemma is the tendency of individuals
between the natural and social sciences at the
teachers very rarely get surfaced within the lear-
to place their own interests ahead of the inter-
forefront, acknowledging the necessity of te-
Values, feelings, and emotions direct our at-
ning situation, even though it might have great
ests of the larger group. Another concept of re-
aching both eco systems (services) understan-
tention, focus and ability to learn. A subject,
impact on the nature and extent of students’
levance when looking at individual actions in
ding (and why we as humans need them), and
however well it might be taught, if not interes-
learning. Students might be afraid to tell their
the wider context is the sucker-effect. An en-
how the society and individual works.
ting to us on a personal level, will not capture
true opinions, because they’re afraid they’ll be
vironmentally friendly choice, such as staying
our attention. Teachers and students might have
graded worse or they feel that there is simply no
home instead of traveling abroad, might result
very different perspectives on what is topical
use in arguing with the teacher.
in the sucker-effect, which means that others
Emotions, values and relevance
are slacking (traveling), and you end up being
the only person staying home with the intent
of cutting your CO2 emissions. Naturally, this
might lead to you putting less effort, and simp-
28
29
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Parallel thematic session of best practices on
interdisciplinary environmental teaching
Interdisciplinarity in environmental teaching: How to do it ?
Janna Pietikäinen, University lecturer in environmental teaching,
Helsinki University Centre for Environment, HENVI
School of Social Science. However, Kjell Anders-
The importance of having a specific theme when
son emphasized that their interdisciplinary envi-
organising interdisciplinary environmental teach-
ronmental teaching is based on only a few , quite
ing is examplified by QCWA, which is a pan-Euro-
close disciplines, with wider perspective being
pean Master’s Degree in Quality of continental wa-
brought in by visiting professionals. The teaching
ter systems, where he has been one of the planning
method of environmental block is regarded as an-
parters. This programme is strictly connected to
noyingly complicated by the students as it breaks
the European Water Quality Framework Directive,
the familiar. However, it has been tested and used
which shapes the planning and implementation of
for so long that it is proven to work fine. Interdis-
the program. The aim of the program is well defin-
ciplinarity at SSKH is carried out both with a light
ed, which is reflected clearly in the expected lear-
and a strong approach. The former includes e.g.
ning outcomes of the program. And accordingly
using in-house teachers of near related disciplines,
the learning outcomes dictate the disciplines and
while the latter includes inviting external lectu-
the substance of teaching (e.g. environmental law,
rers, writing reviews of scientific articles within
ecological risk assessment, chemical monitoring,
non-related disciplines and student excursions to
environmental informatics). On the other hand
various places ranging from organic hippie farms
MURE is an example of fruitful disintegration.
to nuclear power plants.
Here the topic of the program i.e. urban environ-
HENVI Science Days on Friday 8 April 2011
Environmental study block combiens
social sciences, political sciences and
law
by Professor Cecilia Lundholm, University of
Kjell Andersson from the Swedish School of So-
University lecturer and ecotoxicologist Olli-Pekka
and fragmentation of the environment as well as
Stockholm and Janna Pietikäinen, university
cial Science (SSKH) described the interdiscipli-
Penttinen from the Dept. of Environmental Scien-
social issues. The role of research is superior and
lecturer at HENVI. The workshop attracted
nary environmental study module established
ces represented natural sciences in the introduc-
latest research knowledge is used in the teaching.
ca. 20-30 participants. We were lucky to have
already in the 1980’s. In its current shape this
tory presentations of the workshop. He is one of
Students in these wide-topic programs need good
also a large group of university students parti-
environmental study block (“Miljöblocket” in
the teachers and planners of the newly established
support and up-to-date high quality teaching. In
cipating, as the students are the best experts for
Swedish) dates back to year 1998. This block is
Master’s Degree Programme in Multidisciplinary
conclusion Olli-Pekka Penttinen listed the issues
giving feedback and suggestions for developing
an overaching construction to organise envi-
Studies on Urban Environmental Issues (MURE).
that are the basic requirements for interdispinary
interdisciplinary teaching.
We the worshop
ronmental teaching within the majors sociology,
According to his own experience building multi-
teaching at the university level. The primary issue
with introductory presentations given by ex-
political science and law. The block is organised
disciplinary study modules including a large set
is ‘BIG SCIENCE’ by which he ment that perfor-
perienced university lecturers Kjell Andersson,
annually using a specific theme, e.g. Baltic Sea
of individual courses is quite easy and straight-
ming high quality research and integrating stu-
Olli-Pekka Penttinen and Mikko Saikk from the
this year. The working methods include stu-
forward, but on the contrary forming disciplinary
dents to research work is the basis for teaching.
University of Helsinki.
dents’ lecture diaries, seminar presentations,
integrated courses or programmes is extremely
Doing big science creates issue Number 2, i.e. BIG
book exams and home essays. Several indivi-
challenging. He showed us two examples which
FUN, which in turn makes teaching and learning
dual courses (up to three) may be taken within
highlighted this phenomenom.
easy and rewarding. Interdisciplinary teaching
The workshop for interdisciplinary environmental teaching was organized as a part of the
Big science makes also interdisciplinary
teaching easy
ment is more wide and the students need to learn
to understand the complexity of the problems
related to infrastructure, pollution, destruction
this teaching block. This environmental block
units MURE and HENVI were also part of the pic-
may be incorporated in the enviromental mi-
ture of basic issues!
nor subject, which is also offered by the Swedish
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31
If the teaching is lacking a clear focus this is ref-
Research of North American environmental history in focus
Round table
In the round table discussion after the introduc-
Teachers remind that interdisciplinarity
can be rewarding
Mikko Saikku from the Department of World
tory presentations several points to develop and
Teachers remind that the different backgrounds of
cure evaluation of students’ learning. The teacher
Cultures shared with us his experiences of inter-
improve interdisciplinary teaching were raised.
the students can be utilized in the teaching met-
comes up with the question of what to measure. It
disciplinary teaching at the North American Stu-
The implementation of interdisciplinarity has
hods. By using multidisciplinary groups students
is utmost important to define the expected lear-
dies Program. North American studies as a field
viewed both from the teachers’and from the stu-
benefit from each other’s different backgrounds,
ning outcomes also in interdisciplinary teaching in
of study is an interdisciplinary and multimetho-
dents’ perspective. Both perspectives take notice
they learn working in teams and learn to com-
order to enable evaluation of the learning outcomes
dological approach to the histories, cultures and
of the fact that in interdisciplinary teaching stu-
municate and work towards a common target of
is such a way which helps the students to improve
societies of Canada and the United States. Mikko
dents have different backgrounds and different
the group. Each student may bring his or her own
their performance in the interdisciplinary know-
Saikku’s own research focuses on environmental
levels of previous knowledge in e.g. research met-
expertise to the group project so that the group
how.
history in the North American context. First he
hods and use of statistics . This situation is seen
reaches its target. However, when choosing the
illustrated the different approaches to environ-
both as a challenge and a possibility.
teaching methods teachers are encouraged to
mental history with a clarifying graph. Rese-
adapt to the students and take into account the
arch in environmental history may be conducted
need for complementary studies for students rep-
through different approaches, which include the
lected in defining the expected learning outcomes.
If the learning outcomes are unclear it leeds to obs-
resenting non-neighbouring disciplines. Teachers
Conclusions
should bear in mind that different environmental
Interdisciplinary teaching benefits from defined
issues are in the research focus in natural and in
and clear focus. The focus may be used to frame the
production and the environment, history of envi-
Students emphasize interaction and
need for time
ronmental policies, ecological history, and histo-
Students emphasized the need for mutual inte-
social sciences. In addition, the research methods
disciplines and knowledge to be integrated. The
ry of human ideas on the environment.
raction between students and teachers. Under-
and data processing differ drastically. In natural
focus may be e.g. on a regional basis (Baltic Sea
standing complex and often global environmental
sciences the focus of environmental research is in
research, North American environmental history)
Mikko Saikku described the interdisciplinary
problems requires discussions, and possibilities
functions, feedbacks and relationships between
or on a process basis (climate change, eutrofication,
approaches he has used on his HENVI lecture
to ask questions and get answers to them. When
abiotic and biotic factors and processes while in
risk assessment). Interdisciplinary teaching must
series on the history of North American nature
the students need to jump over the border of na-
social sciences focus is on the interplay between
use up-to-date teaching methods, combining dis-
conservation and environmental policies. The
tural and social sciences, time is needed in order
human society and nature and the controlling
cussions, interaction between students and teach-
lecture series has its disciplinary base in the hu-
to practise and process the knowledge of the new
mechanisms of the interplay e.g. decision making,
ers. Mixing students with different backgrounds
manities and social sciences, but combines these
field. Students found the consideration of many
regulation of the use of natural resources. Eluci-
helps the students develop their role as experts and
with the natural sciences (e.g., ecology, physical
perspectives somewhat confusing. Creating a
dating this difference is important and teachers
encourages them to cooperate and work towards a
geography, paleontology) and applied sciences,
holistic picture of the environmental problems is
should be very clear in their teaching, communica-
common goal.
including agriculture and forestry. Themes like
needed to overcome this. Concentrating on cer-
tion and providing definitions.
environmental justice, the constantly evolving
tain professional or practical working life skills
relationship between humans and nature, and
can be used to create a holistic picture of certain
livelihoods like whaling and fishing, forestry, and
fields of interdisciplinary studies, as was shown
food production are discussed during the cour-
by Olli-Pekka Penttinen in the QCWA program,
se. While the course’s focus is on the U.S. and
which has its base in the EU Water Quality Fra-
Canada, comparisons to the Nordic experience
mework Directive.
history of interaction between human modes of
have proven enlightening for the students.
32
33
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Professor Robert Frodeman
Making environmental research
sustainable
Summary written by Odenna Sagizbaeva
confused. The more we know about climate
into account other factors: economical situati-
change, the more we have questions, uncertain-
on, political situation. Professor Frodeman ar-
ty, and problems. More knowledge compels us
gues that “linear” model (see Pielke and Byerly,
to do more complex solutions. And then there
1998) does not work anymore in modern life.
is the problem of overcrowding of information
In this case not disciplinary science but inter-
that we are not able to perceive. Frodeman ci-
disciplinary science would be more productive.
tes statistics on the number of published scien-
Instead of adding one more discipline, the inter-
tific articles and books. He gives the argument
action between existing branches of present re-
against such a quantity of information - “the
search aspects (environmental science, ethics,
loss of sense of the whole”. As well the increase
and policy) will give proper decision.
of research requires more resources from the
state. And then the professor introduces the
So, as a conclusion Frodeman claims that we
concept of the “Sustainability of Knowledge
need the interdisciplinary research that recog-
Production”. “In an age of infinite information,
nizes limits (research itself, people’s capacity for
we need to focus to the question on how to make
understanding, time and money, etc.) to make
the environmental science sustainable.
The second day of the HENVI Science Days
because through them we now know much of
knowledge about environmental sustainability
on Interdisciplinary Environmental Research
the damage caused to nature by humans and
itself sustainable.”
2011: Why Does Society Need Environmental
theirs technological achievements. Thanks to
Research started with the presentation of the
environmental research, we now know about ir-
As the example of unsustainable science Fro-
Professor of Philosophy Robert Frodeman. R.
reversible changes, such as climate change and
deman mentions disciplinary knowledge pro-
Frodeman is Director of the Center for the Study
the Antarctic ozone hole. Through the merits of
duction. It “overwhelms our limited capacity
of Interdisciplinarity at the University of North
environmental science we were able to articula-
to process information, ignores the holistic and
Texas.
te priority issues and set the right problems in
imbricates nature of reality, creates unrealistic
order to find ways to resolve them. As examples
expectations of expertise, and separates in-
As a philosopher he is most interested in the
Frodeman note our insights into species loss
novations of discoveries from the whole”. He
questions that people ask themselves, arguing
or air and water pollution. He notes that envi-
claims that it is more sustainable to apply the
about the environment and science. Even when
ronmental research raised many other questi-
knowledge we already have that doing more
the topic of this conference sounds like “Why
ons that otherwise perhaps we would not have
research.
Does Society Need Environmental Research?”
thought to ask.
- his philosopher’s mind asks another question:
“Does society need environmental research?”
Ideally, the facts uncovered by scientists about
Still, the question arises about the future
the world will lead people to “adjust their values,
science. “Future science is another matter.”
political or otherwise”, but in reality this does
Of course, given the past achievements of the
Frodeman’s question is: will not be a further
not work this way. Sometimes the additional
environmental research, Frodeman’s answer
environmental research “at risk of becoming a
scientific knowledge only fuels controversy. To-
is an unequivocal ”Yes”. He is not downplaying
fool’s errand”? The more we know means more
day, science cannot exist by itself; it must take
the insights made by environmental science,
insights. But at the same time we become more
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35
HENVI SCIENCE DAYS 7-8th april
Proceedings
Parallel thematic session of best practices on
interdisciplinary environmental research
in multidisciplinary research programs? 2) What
Interdisciplinary Environmental
Research - Best Practices
Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki, Coordinator of environmental research
Helsinki University Centre for Environment, HENVI
are success factors and the “bottlenecks” in interdisciplinary environmental research?
3) What
What are success factors and the
”bottlenecks” in interdisciplinary environmental research?
are the problems and possibilities of interdiscip-
Interdisciplinarity is a path - moving from where
linarity in scientific publishing and what are the
you were to somewhere else. Interdisciplinarity is
experiences of funding procedures concerning the
a learning process in which the common language
interdisciplinary research?
in communication between the disciplines will be
developed through time. Learning could be facili-
How to achieve interdisciplinarity in
multidisciplinary research programs?
tated by using analogies which could have key role
in understanding the way of thinking in other discipline.
First of all, it is necessary to define a mutually
This working group was led by Prof. Robert
recognized ”issue”. Then, the issue needs to be
One of the success factors to achieve interdiscipli-
translated into ”a problem”. The study questions
narity is to organise the integration of disciplines
(problems) have to be defined in a way that they ap-
from the beginning of the program by applying a
peal to several disciplines as well as are formulated
joint set of hypotheses, share methods, ensure the
in such a way that they challenge traditional dis-
continuous discussion between disciplines and
ciplines. The interdisciplinary research theme may
combine the results. This should be done through
Frodeman (Univeristy of North Texas) and the
Introduction
presentations by three researchers, Professor.
Interdisciplinarity as a word is widely used in
arise from “new” environmental problems that
the program: It is important to define the role of
Marja Järvelä (University of Jyväskylä), Profes-
research proposals to highlight innovativeness
need to be solved or alternatively, the focus can be
each discipline at different phases of the research
sor Mikael Hilden(Finnish Environment Insti-
and novelty of the proposed research. New
on reframing the old problems. However, the focus
program.
tute) and Dr. Susanna Lehvävirta (University of
ideas and solution are seen to be born in cross-
of the study should be carefully designed from the
perspective of all participating disciplines.
Helsinki, HENVI), all experienced in interdis-
cutting areas of different disciplines. Particular-
ciplinary research, were giving presentations in
ly, in a context of environmental research, inter-
the beginning. The working group consisted of
disciplinarity is seen as a way to find and achieve
From the theoretical perspective, different discip-
ration and search for joint sites, facilitate the inter-
around 60 people: professors, researchers and
sustainable solutions to the world’s top environ-
lines have different theories that may be difficult to
disciplinary research. Planning joint syntheses of
students from the various fields, all involved or
mental problems. However, a sound dialog bet-
integrate. Selected key concepts are more likely to
findings, could be time consuming and sometimes
interested in interdisciplinary research. After
ween the disciplines is not straightforward, and
be shared as well as models of change. Shared mo-
frustrating, but very useful.
the presentations, the audience was divided into
problems in communicating and combining the
dels may lead to both transition strategies and new
In practical terms, regular meetings with clear targets, e.g. joint planning of field work and data gene-
smaller groups (6-8 people) which discussed
traditions, methods and principles of research,
theory. Methods may be strongly related to theo-
It is also important to define the right size of the re-
the questions addressed in the working group
between the disciplines easily emerge. This wor-
retical approach and could be difficult to integrate
search group, it should not include all the possible
description. The ideas from the groups were
king group was devoted to seek solutions and
with the ones from different disciplines. However,
researchers and fields but those needed to seek the
collected and discussed. Dr. Kaisa Korhonen-
discuss the problems of interdisciplinary re-
combinations of different methods may be feasible.
solution for the common problem. If a research
Kurki acted as a secretary for the whole working
search, as well as share the experiences of best
Experts from different fields using similar method
group grows too big it may become time consu-
group. The following text is a concluding sum-
practices achieved in different interdisciplinary
may communicate more fluently than those app-
ming apparatus that frustrate the researchers. This
mary of the ideas presented both in presenta-
research groups. The discussion and presenta-
lying different methodological approach.
applies particularly to forced consortiums.
tions (by Järvelä, Hilden and Lehvävirta), and
tions in a group was divided into following three
the discussions from the smaller groups.
questions: 1) How to achieve interdisciplinarity
36
37
The key factor is also to develop an atmosphere
that highly values ignorant questions: interdiscip-
Conclusions
age and method gaps should be seen as source of
What are the problems of and posibilities of interdisciplinarity in scientific
publishing and what are the experiences of funding procedures concerning the interdisciplinary research?
inspiration, not as weaknesses.
Disciplinary publications are to some extent con-
minate the academic world. However, the world
servative as concerns theory and method, and
outside of academia needs interdisciplinary
Courage is needed to step into new fields, theories
there may be difficulties in publishing interdis-
people and the environmental problems cannot
and practices and to stop looking through fami-
ciplinary research papers as interdisciplinary
be solved without the combination of different
liar lenses. Interdisciplinarity is not for everyone,
research results may be regarded not qualified
disciplines. The important question pointed out
it also depends on a person, “ego” and personal
for high ranking journals. However, new more
in the group draws back to the main question
characteristics. Interdisciplinarity is to take a risk
problem orientated journals have been establis-
of the Science Days: even interdisciplinarity is
in possible marginalization and loosing your aca-
hed. Many of these journals emphasize interdis-
achieved in the academic research, it is not yet
demic influence and identity. Interdisciplinarity
ciplinary approach and practical applications and
solved how to transform this knowledge into
could be between the experts but also in one per-
they may also have a wider readership. It could
society and communities? Interdisciplinary
son. One solution could be the establishment of
be said that the journal may advertise itself as an
research may have more frequent involvement
the interdisciplinary academic positions such as
interdisciplinary one, but in the reality the papers
with non-academic stakeholders and have more
ID professor, ID lecturer etc for the interdiscipli-
with the interdisciplinary focus may easily be
societal relevance. However, interdisciplinary
nary “persons”.
turned down. This may be a result of the similar
research still has a path to go – legitimate its
reason as found out in evaluation of interdiscip-
presence inside the academia and find the ways
As this is not (yet?) a reality, one can ask if young
linary research proposals: who are those experts
to play its part in contributing the grand chal-
researchers with interdisciplinary background
that evaluate the papers and proposals, and what
lenges of the humanity.
can make a decent academic career? Senior estab-
kind of disciplinary backgrounds they have?
linarity can be achieved in a democratic learning
culture. Participants from each discipline should
be open for new ideas and ready to spend time to
discuss, listen, and learn from each other. Langu-
It was concluded in the working group, that interdisciplinarity is a huge resource which has
not been utilized in a way it could be. Structures
of the traditional disciplines are strong and do-
lished researchers have “a chance” to be interdisciplinary as they do not have to compete anymore
In designing the interdisciplinary research pro-
to achieve academic positions which are still de-
posal, research entities easily become too large
fined through disciplines.
and expensive from the point of view of the funder. Interdisciplinarity can be heard in speeches
The key for the interdisciplinarity is a real de-
and visions as a word, but in the moment of fun-
mand – it should contribute to grand challenges
ding decisions those principles do not realize
of humanity. It was also mentioned that it might
in practice. It also seems that when regarding
also happen that one turns to be interdisciplina-
to funding organizations, interdisciplinarity as
ry because he or she is not good enough in his/
such, seems to come and go in fashion.
her own field – being interdisciplinary could be
easier?
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