The most recent report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), which was published today, focuses on the concept of "transformative resilience" and its role in guiding the EU's sustainability transitions during multiple crises. The EU is confronted with a variety of challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, as well as political, economic, and social challenges. These concurrent crises, collectively referred to as the "polycrisis," have a significant impact on the EU's sustainability strategies and policies.

The report emphasizes the importance of transformative resilience in addressing the polycrisis and ensuring that sustainability transitions remain robust and forward-thinking. It explores this concept through the lens of managing shocks and uncertainties, while also emphasizing the need for innovation and transformation in the face of crisis.

Three key policy areas are highlighted in the report: the energy transition towards decarbonizing the economy, the shift towards a circular economy, and the just transition. The report proposes innovative ideas and governance approaches to support resilient and transformative transitions within these sectors.

In terms of methodology, the report uses desk research and the integrated participatory foresight approach to anticipate uncertainties and map future opportunities. It incorporates insights from diverse experts and stakeholders, including the European Environment Agency's Scientific Committee, the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet), EU institutions, the OECD, and academia.

The report concludes by addressing governance challenges at the EU level and proposing steps to enhance transformative resilience in sustainability transitions. It emphasizes the importance of integrating foresight tools and participatory governance, as well as building regionally and locally grounded capacities for transformative resilience to enhance the effectiveness of the EU's sustainability transitions.

You can download the full report from the here.