Enabling an urgent transformation to Sustainable Consumption and Production systems is needed, respecting the Earth system’s finite resource availability and resilience.

With the Earth’s finite resource availability and resilience, current patterns of global development based on the continuous extraction of natural resources and people’s exploitation are not sustainable. A fundamental restructuring of production, distribution, and consumption systems is indispensable to accommodate world demographic growth and rising levels of consumption while advancing well-being for all in a just and equitable manner on a finite planet.

Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly apparent that focusing mainly on science and technology is not sufficient for achieving the types and magnitudes of reductions in material and energy demand necessary to prevent social and ecological crises. Equal consideration must be given to end-user consumption and the social structures that drive it upward. Satisfying this more ambitious objective entails policy measures that limit volumes of production and consumption. It also raises critical questions about social and economic equity, continued economic growth, and individual and societal well-being.

The Systems of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SSCP) Knowledge-Action Network (KAN) is a global network of researchers and practitioners interested in ways that sustainable consumption and production systems can be created, nurtured, and contribute to a more sustainable world. The SSCP KAN aims to contribute to enhancing global equity, reducing unequal access to resources, and enabling all people on the planet to lead flourishing lives within biophysical constraints. To achieve its lofty aims, the SSCP KAN works to advance a more systemic SCP approach, encouraging and enabling an urgent transformation in theory and practice to SCP systems.

Key Contacts

Ria Lambino

Deputy Director, Japan Hub

Steven R. McGreevy

Co-Chair, Future Earth SSCP KAN; Assistant Professor of Institutional Rurban Sustainability Studies, University of Twente; Visiting Associate Professor, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

Georgina Guillen-Hanson

Co-Chair, Future Earth SSCP KAN, Researcher, Gamification Group - Tampere University

    Systems of Sustainable Consumption and Production Contact

    Knowledge-Action Network (SSCP KAN)

    SSCP KAN Online Conference 2022:TRANSITIONING TO SYSTEMS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION: FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION

    8 – 17 November 2022

    Displayed solution-examples kindly provided by forum-via.org with the help of canva.com

    Working Groups

    To address a specific issue of significance to the mission of the network, the SSCP KAN has identified six focal themes as below. These Working Groups will collaboratively design studies, generate knowledge, and initiate other activities.

    Research and Engagement Plan

    Download the Research and Engagement Plan to learn more about the field of SCP, working groups, the history of KAN, and how we hope the KAN will develop in the future.

    Who We Are

    Management Team

    Magnus Bengtsson
    Maurie Cohen
    Charlotte Louise Jensen
    Sylvia Lorek
    Hein Mallee
    Steven R. McGreevy
    Patrick Schröder

    Steering Committee

    Eva Alfredsson
    Kartika Anggraeni
    Magnus Bengtsson
    Karla Brollier
    (Anthony) Shun Fung Chiu
    Ashley Colby
    Leonie Dendler
    Paul Dewick
    Felix Donkor
    Georgina Guillen-Hanson
    Glenda Kasonde
    Charlotte Louise Jensen
    Sylvia Lorek
    Morakane Madiba
    Manu V. Mathai
    Tebogo Mashifana
    Steven R. McGreevy
    Shruti Neelakantan
    Jaco Quist
    Thomas Anton Reuter
    Leida Rijnhout
    Daigee Shaw
    Renuka Thakore