The digital transformations of the 21st century have led to a remarkable expansion of the platform-based economy. However, as our world shrinks virtually through advancements in communication technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital consumerism, digital platforms are increasing their grip on the value generated in the platform economy and raising barriers for competition in their sector. Anti-monopoly authorities are facing the imminent challenge of reviving competition; however, their current policy toolkit cannot grasp the intricacies of a highly interconnected platform economy.
Can we lift people out of energy poverty while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions? 2021 Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) participant Camille Belmin tried to tackle this seemingly contradictory issue by including fertility in the equation and estimating the conditions where an increase in energy access would reduce demand through decreasing population sizes.
How effective is the promotion of low-meat diets at reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to carbon pricing when the effectiveness of mitigation policies is measured against methane’s long-term behavior? An international team of researchers explored how focusing either on the short- or long-term warming effects of methane can affect climate mitigation policies and dietary transitions in agriculture.
Access to electricity and modern cooking fuels, especially for women in the Global South, leads to time savings in the home, improved health, and better access to information, which in turn increase the wellbeing of women and allow them to make informed reproductive choices, according to a new study just published in Nature Sustainability.
We need more basic sciences to achieve Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is the message sent to the world by the United Nations General Assembly on 2 December 2021 when Member States approved the resolution promulgating 2022 as the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD2022).
IIASA takes pride in supporting policymakers in working towards sustainable, equitable solutions to global problems. Alongside the combined impacts of their science and other engagement activities, IIASA staff members are frequently recognized for their individual contributions in the form of numerous honors, awards, and prizes.