Inaugural lecture: Professor Daniela C. A. Pigosso

Towards Design for Absolute Sustainability

Abstract:
The latest major paradigm shift within design for sustainability occurred in the 1990s, with the groundbreaking view of the need for life cycle thinking, as opposed to the dominant focus on cleaner production (1980s) and end-of-pipe-solutions (1970s).   Nevertheless, society’s most well-intended efforts towards sustainability have not yet achieved the expected benefits. Six out of nine planetary boundaries (i.e., absolute limits for a safe operating space for humanity) have already been surpassed, and the global sustainability challenges (e.g., climate change, biodiversity loss, toxicity, resource depletion) have never been greater.  There is a fundamental need to design innovative and transformative production and consumption systems capable of meeting current and future needs, while staying within the carrying capacity of the Earth System. A paradigm shift towards Design for Absolute Sustainability is key for humanity to thrive within the planetary boundaries. In this lecture, Professor Daniela Pigosso will share the key research findings that led to her vision of establishing Design for Absolute Sustainability as a prominent interdisciplinary research field at DTU and beyond.

The lecture will be followed by a reception, offering an opportunity to network and celebrate Daniela's professorship. 
To confirm your attendance, kindly register by 1 March 2025 - places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Read Daniela's CV and abstract here.