Science for Change? Sustainability between positive science and normative agenda

More about the book

The paper explores the evolving concept of sustainability over the past thirty years, highlighting its dual nature as both a scientific idea and a normative vision. It critiques the term's misuse by corporations like ExxonMobil and McDonald's, which apply it to practices that may not align with genuine sustainability. The discussion also touches on its application in ambitious initiatives like the UN's Agenda 2030, revealing how the term has become diluted in meaning, often serving as a catch-all for positive attributes rather than a clear standard.