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Speaker: Armin Scheidel, Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Historically, social struggles have been important drivers of progressive change, but what role do they play in shaping current sustainability transformations? In this talk, Arnim Scheidel explores how civil society, grassroots resistances, and socio-environmental movements shape transformative change towards more just and sustainable futures. Drawing on recent research, the lecture examines environmental conflicts not merely as spaces of tension and violence, but also as dynamic arenas of transformation where affected people mobilize, community concerns are voiced, unsustainable projects are contested and alternative visions of development emerge. From the creation of new imaginaries and concepts to address socio-environmental concerns, to tangible impacts on biodiversity conservation worldwide, the presentation will share research findings on the diverse roles, contributions as well as limitations of bottom-up social mobilizations in transformative change processes.
Related articles:
Walter, M., A. Scheidel, C. Vadez, D. Del Bene, L. Temper, E. Fanari, V. Reyes-García. (2026). Social movements are transformative agents for biodiversity conservation. 2026. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 123 (e2513327123). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2513327123.