Theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions are solicited in (but not limited to) the following topics:

· Sustainable low-carbon futures
· Goals and objectives for sustainable development
· Measuring sustainable development
· Beyond conventional growth paradigms: Neo-growth, green growth and de-growth
· Transformations, transitions & sustainability pathways
· Eco-innovations and clean tech
· Climate change adaptation
· Climate change mitigation
· Climate governance and changing north-south dynamics
· National and regional climate policies
· Alternative energy futures
· Futures studies methodologies

The 16th International Conference organised by Finland Futures Research Centre will deal with the different dimensions of Sustainable Futures in a Changing Climate. The United Nations Rio +20 summit in 2012 and the commitments of governments to create universal Sustainable Development Goals have generated new and fresh debate on sustainability challenges and how to best pursue environmental sustainability with social equity. At the same time it has become globally acknowledged that sustainable development cannot be thought of without reference to climate change – and vice versa.

Sustainable development and climate change are themes which operate on local, regional and global scales and require multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral research and cooperation. Environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development as well as successful climate change adaptation and mitigation can be achieved only by encouraging knowledge sharing and cooperation between various sectors and decision-makers. The methods of futures studies include tools for describing possible, probable and desirable variations of the present and drafting possible images of the future. By looking at the variety of different possibilities, we can come closer to shaping the future – rather than predicting it. Future studies offer valuable tools to understand and shape the development of our societies.

The conference will bring together the best experts from the fields of Futures Studies, Climate Change and Sustainable Development and enhance interaction and cooperation between the scientific community, policymakers and representatives of companies. By developing images of alternative futures, the goal of the conference is to present current academic research and give new viewpoints and novel ideas to decision-makers to assist them towards more feasible decisions for sustainable development.

Key audiences:

o Academics and researchers
o Research and development managers
o Representatives of governmental and municipal sectors
o Strategic planners

Keynote speakers:

The following key note speakers have confirmed their participation:
- Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of IPCC
- Prof. Ying Chen, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
- Prof. Joyeeta Gupta, Governance and Inclusive Development (GID), Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam
- Dr. Louis Lebel, Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Chiang Mai University
- Prof. Sohail Inayatullah, Tamkang University & University of Sunshine Coast

- President Tarja Halonen, co-chaired the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (to be confirmed)