Bringing social science perspectives to climate policy
While COP30 focuses global attention on climate commitments and implementation, CIVICA researchers are examining the human, political, and economic dimensions that determine their success. Within the alliance’s thematic priority “Societies in Transition, Crises of Earth,” scholars from across Europe explore how societies adapt to environmental change, and how policy can balance sustainability with fairness and inclusion.
One CIVICA-funded project investigates the political economy of the green transition, analysing how decarbonisation affects employment, voting behaviour and public support for climate policies. By mapping the distribution of “green” and “brown” jobs across Europe, examining green voting patterns, and surveying opinions on land use and compensation mechanisms, the project seeks to inform policymakers and improve understanding of the social dimensions of climate transitions.
Another collaborative project, is examining vested interests in EU climate policymaking. The team is building a cross-institutional dataset on lobbying activities and environmental policy outcomes across European institutions. This work aims to bring greater transparency to how interests shape EU decision-making and to support evidence-based reforms that strengthen the integrity of the European climate agenda.
Educating future leaders in sustainability
CIVICA’s commitment to sustainability also extends to education. The alliance’s multi-campus course, The Road to the Green Transition, brings together master’s students to examine how governance, economics and policy intersect in the pursuit of a sustainable future. Through joint teaching and exchange, students develop the analytical and interdisciplinary skills needed to navigate the complexities of climate policy and social transformation.
Collaboration for evidence and impact
These initiatives illustrate how CIVICA fosters collaboration across borders and disciplines to advance knowledge on global challenges. By connecting researchers, sharing data and producing comparative insights, the alliance contributes to Europe’s broader understanding of sustainability, governance and social change.
As the international community reflects on progress at COP30, CIVICA’s universities demonstrate how the social sciences enrich the climate debate, providing evidence, perspective and policy-relevant insights that support a just and effective green transition.