This is a groundbreaking and innovative project. It raises plenty of issues about how problems are framed and socially constructed, the values that are called upon when making choices and the interdependencies between individual and collective levels of analysis in addressing environmental problems.’
Patrick Devine Wright
Professor in Human Geography
Editor of Renewable Energy and the Public [external link] - From NIMBY to Participation
I really support this project - clearly the links between energy and climate policy and the rate of mitigation open up all sorts of big inter-disciplinary question around individuals rights, food, water, the role of governments and markets, the type of (global) society we want for the future, security, how to stimulate innovation and the role of universities.
Professor Catherine Mitchell
Professor Energy Policy
Coauthor of IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation [external link]
The speed of environmental change that we are experiences at the moment is a great threat to society and economy as we know it. Complex challenges need innovative solutions. I was pleased to be invited to participate in this initiative that breaks the mould of traditional disciplinary approaches to problem solving and to work with students from a range of disciplines during my time at the University of Exeter.
Professor Michael Finus
Chair in Environmental Economics
University of Bath
Author of International Environmental Agreements under Uncertainty: Does the Veil of Uncertainty Help?
Forthcoming Oxford Economic Papers (with P Pintassilgo).
The Big Dilemmas project is a big step forward for the University in tackling complex sustainability issues. There is clearly not a straightforward answer to address the challenges of climate change and loss of biological diversity, but it is encouraging to see that the brightest students and lead academics are working hard towards solutions.
Nick Baker
Broadcaster and Naturalist
When I was a student at this University 30 years ago, I was an angry environmentalist, painting 'doom and gloom' scenarios and pointing my finger accusingly at people who wouldn't take action.
But if the last three decades have shown us anything, it's that sending people on guilt trips just doesn't work. If we want to move towards a sustainable society, we need to win hearts and minds. We need to change the narrative and promote optimism, entrepreneurship and innovation. The students who are participating in this project are doing just that.
Martin Wright
Associate Director of Forum for the Future [external link]
Editor in Chief of Green Futures [external link]
