Options Magazine, Winter 2020: Addressing impacts and harnessing opportunities for a more sustainable post-COVID world.

In this special COVID-19 issue of Options, we showcase IIASA researchers’ involvement in addressing emerging issues and supporting policymakers on the road to a more sustainable post-COVID world. The lockdown measures instituted during the pandemic has caused the international research community to move its activities online almost overnight. We explore what this has meant for IIASA and the institute’s ability to produce and communicate research. In these times of rapid change, IIASA is also on the verge of embarking on a bold new strategy. Read how the new strategy will ensure that IIASA continues to provide independent, systems science-based insights to global and universal challenges over the next decade.

Magazine articles

25 November 2020

COVID-19: A shock to the global system

Options Winter 2020: Systems science is ideally positioned to address global impacts and harness opportunities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. IIASA is actively involved in addressing emerging issues and supporting policymakers on the road to a more sustainable post-COVID world.
Abstract illustration of a city on a covid virus particle

24 November 2020

A roadmap for the future of systems science at IIASA

Options Winter 2020: A bold new research strategy will ensure that IIASA continues to fulfill its mandate of providing independent, systems science-based insights to global and universal challenges over the next decade.
IIASA strategy diagram

23 November 2020

The post-COVID digital workplace

Options Winter 2020: Practically overnight, COVID-19 lockdowns have caused the international research community to move its activities online. What has this meant for IIASA and our ability to produce and communicate research?
open options magazine

22 November 2020

Interview: Collaborating for a sustainable post-pandemic world

Options Winter 2020: Q&A with Heide Hackmann, CEO of the International Science Council and IIASA Distinguished Visiting Fellow.
people collaborating around drawing of a globe

21 November 2020

Opinion: Steering a course to sanity

Options Winter 2020: HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan (RSS) explains the importance of science in building a global society that takes responsibility for both our planet and ourselves.
wooden figures standing around a globe

20 November 2020

In pursuit of more equitable and just societies

Options Winter 2020: Raya Muttarak joined the institute in September 2011 and is currently the IIASA World Population Deputy Program Director. She has been appointed Population and Just Societies Program Director as of 1 January 2021.
the word equity made out of cubes with letters

19 November 2020

Where are they now: Arame Tall

Options Winter 2020: Arame Tall was a participant of the 2010 IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP). She is currently supporting the implementation of the World Bank’s Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience.
sprout in cracked land

18 November 2020

How effective are social impact assessments in Mexico's renewable energy sector?

Options Winter 2020: IIASA researchers explored the effectiveness of social impact assessments in overcoming local opposition to the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Mexican landscape with windmills and cows

17 November 2020

The impacts of climate change on Brazilian agriculture

Options Winter 2020: A recent IIASA study highlighted the importance of considering the impacts of changes in temperature and precipitation in the development of Brazilian agribusiness.
Soybean plant in Brazil

16 November 2020

Determining the relationship between rainfall and child stunting in India

Options Winter 2020: Research shows that policy interventions targeting particularly vulnerable populations are needed to curb the effects of changing weather patterns on the health of at risk children in India and elsewhere.
flooded street in India

16 November 2020

COVID-19: A shock to the global system

Options Magazine, Winter 2020: Addressing impacts and harnessing opportunities for a more sustainable post-COVID world.
Opened options magazine

15 November 2020

Integrated management of food-energy-water-land for sustainable development

Options Winter 2020: A joint project between IIASA and the National Academy of Science Ukraine has provided valuable input to Ukrainian policies based on the principles of sustainable development.
wheat field

14 November 2020

Using technology to solve the challenges of increased water demand in China

Options Winter 2020: A detailed picture of water use in China can help to identify key drivers and mechanisms behind changing water use patterns, enabling more reliable future projections and better policies.
rice terraces