Through our programs, we wish to develop ideas for systemic change within our societies that ultimately enable us to mitigate the threat posed to humankind by the ecological crisis. While we do not engage in scientific measurement of climate research itself, each of our programs addresses different aspects of the change that is needed. Paying attention to the interfaces between the programs will be crucial for THE NEW INSTITUTE, in particular with a view to contributions to societal change. Taken together, our programs strive to create a and actionable approach to what systemic change might look like and how it can be achieved.
2023/24
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Governing the Planetary Commons
How are the planetary commons to be governed in an ecologically responsible, just, democratic, and resilient way?
The program "Governing the Planetary Commons: a Focus on the Amazon" examines how to responsibly and sustainably govern crucial Earth systems, using the Amazon Rainforest as an example, and explores different governance models that could work in an ecologically sound, democratic, and resilient way. -
Depolarizing Public Debates
How can we depolarize public debates on socio-ecological transformations?
The aim of the program „Depolarizing Public Debates“ is to develop tools for reducing polarization in public discussions about socio-ecological issues, engaging with practitioners from journalism, digital platforms, and civil society. -
Conceptions of Human Flourishing
How does a non-materialist conception of human flourishing inform the reformulation of the SDGs in 2030?
The program „Conceptions of Human Flourishing” explores how different cultures conceive of human flourishing, how the current materialist approach may limit it, and how to redesign the SDGs with a broader, more inclusive view of what human flourishing means.
2021/22
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The Human Condition in the 21st Century
How can we create a sustainable value-system for the 21st century?
This foundational program asks what it means to be human in the 21st century and how to create a sustainable value system for our interconnected world. The program examines the relationships between humans and nature, freedom, morality, growth, animals, and technology, and seeks to turn insights from philosophy and social science into actionable projects. -
The Future of Democracy
How can we transition to an ecologically responsible and democratically resilient future?
The program “The Future of Democracy” places its main focus on the prospects for comprehensive ecological democratization. The guiding rationale is that social transformations require a collective imaginary of a future worth striving for. -
Socio-Economic Transformation
How can the economy serve social well-being within planetary boundaries?
Our economy must serve our social needs and respect planetary boundaries. But this is currently not the case: we are on an unsustainable path. Our economic activities have contributed to societies growing more unequal across various dimensions, depriving some of meeting their basic human needs and putting political systems under stress. -
The New Hanse Project
How can cities use data to become more democratic and sustainable?
The program “The New Hanse” investigates the relationship between urban digital infrastructures, data justice, and sustainability, supporting the city of Hamburg’s transformation towards climate neutrality with tangible data-driven pilot projects.
FELLOWS
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Carole Bloch
PRAESA and University of the Western Cape, South Africa
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Báyò Akómoláfé
University of California, Berkeley; Pacifica Graduate Institute
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