The publication of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 was the expression of a global consensus to follow a pathway to a better future. The 17 goals and the 169 targets indicate areas where progress is needed and show a way forward for researchers, policy-makers and practitioners.
However, how do these goals and targets interconnect, and what are the trade-offs and synergies that need to be resolved to avoid unintended consequences? Do we need to redesign our economic approach to one that foregoes the conventional goal of growth? Can putting a monetary value on nature and our natural capital halt the degradation of our land and loss of biodiversity? These questions will be at the heart of the 39th T.B. Macaulay Lecture, to be given by world-leading authority Professor Robert Costanza, on Thursday October 13 at Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
Professor Costanza holds a Chair in Public Policy at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. He has authored or co-authored over 500 scientific papers and 27 books, including the influential paper “The value of world’s ecosystem services and natural capital” published in Nature (1997) and cited over 15,000 times. His work has been cited in more than 17,000 scientific articles and he has been named as one of ISI’s Highly Cited Researchers since 2004. More than 300 interviews and reports on his work have appeared in various popular media.
The T.B. Macaulay Lecture is organised by the Trustees of the Macaulay Development Trust and the James Hutton Institute to support debate about the sustainable management of land and natural resources.
Professor Colin Campbell, chief executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are deeply honoured that Professor Costanza can deliver this year’s lecture. He is a leading thinker on new ways to look at our long-term sustainability. Scotland has embraced the concept of Natural Capital in our economic strategy and has leading policies on land use and climate change, so this lecture will spark further debate and spur us on to lead both thinking and action on sustainable development.
“Professor Costanza’s understanding of how ecosystem services and natural capital are critical for sustainable development is at the very heart of what we are trying to achieve through our research.”
On behalf of the Macaulay Development Trust, Eric Baird added: “The Trust is delighted to invite Professor Costanza to stimulate the new thinking that is needed. We also welcome the hosting, by Our Dynamic Earth, of this year's lecture. It promises to be an occasion where science, policy, and practice can meet.”