Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss jointly
Climate change and biodiversity loss pose threats to humankind. As these two crises are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, they also need to be tackled jointly. This requires multiple coordinated approaches as well as systemic thinking and action. Measures to combat climate change and biodiversity loss can be mutually supportive; however, if they are not coordinated, there is a risk that the crises may be intensified as a result of unintended effects and conflicts arising from competing goals. The most effective measures are those which address the root cause of both crises – our unsustainable way of life – and involve a fundamental shift towards sustainable resource consumption that respects planetary boundaries. Both at home and abroad, Switzerland is a higher-than-average contributor to both of these crises – but it is also significantly affected by the impacts. In addition to having a major international responsibility, it is therefore very much in Switzerland’s own interest to play a pioneering role in efforts to protect the climate and biodiversity.
Ismail SA, Geschke J, Kohli M et al. (2021) Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss jointly. Swiss Academies Factsheet 16 (3). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5145162
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education
Science-society dialogue is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. One important avenue for strengthening this link, in an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, is teaching formats that encourage students to engage in the public sphere. However, an illustrative collection of best practices in Swiss higher education has been lacking so far. This practice-driven report draws on a non-exhaustive stocktake of existing courses in Switzerland and participatory workshops among lecturers. It features illustrative examples from Swiss higher education institutions and introduces a new typology of science-society teaching formats, offering educators a structured way to design and analyze courses across six dimensions. In addition, the publication discusses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such teaching formats. To further advance science-society education, the report identifies three priority areas for action.
Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Strategy for natural history collections in Switzerland
Thirty-seven institutions, take a decisive step towards unlocking the full potential of natural history collections in Switzerland. Together, they publish and endorse a strategy based on 6 pillars and 52 key activities to better preserve collections, ensure their accessibility and promote their use for science and society.
