2022 Annual Motto: Sustainability
2022’s Motto: Sustainability
Sustainability and climate protection, arguably the most important topics of the Anthropocene
Preserving or, in some cases, restoring our ecosystems is an epochal task that challenges all of humanity. In order for this to succeed, the way we live and operate must be understood and rethought. A university such as FAU can contribute to this in a special way. As an enterprise in the public service, it has particularly powerful levers for conserving resources. But above all through the universities’ core tasks of research and teaching, that are essential for acquiring knowledge and communicating it to coming generations. FAU’s annual motto for 2022 is focused on sustainability.
Innovation, diversity and a passion for sustainability
At FAU, many scientists conduct research on current issues relating to sustainability. Many research projects are focusing on how the future can be effectively designed for all generations, and courses of study are being created for access to new knowledge and practical solutions. Our university magazine, friedrich, covers the diversity of these efforts with an entire issue on sustainability: Green is not enough. The articles cover three important sectors of sustainability: environmental, economical and social issues. Climate and energy research are central to FAU’s research areas. An example of this is the increasingly precise exploration of climate data, whether at over 3000 meters in the Alps or in the Patagonian Ice Field, or the conversion of climate data into simulations. Researchers at FAU are involved in these efforts and partner closely with scientists from all over the world. Further, our researchers are also focusing on critical evaluations of chances and pitfalls of energy transformation as well as technological solutions. However, sustainability also raises social issues, such as how behavioral change can succeed, how generational justice can be achieved or how the international community can reach agreement on the distribution of vaccines. Economic factors also need to be addressed. Here, FAU research shows the energetic risks of digitalization and raises the question of a sustainable economic order. Our research magazine friedrich might not be able to cover all research projects at FAU. However, the range of topics opens up exciting new perspectives and shows the relevance of research at FAU. Further information on courses related to sustainability at FAU.