Expanding the Discourse on Sustainability: Existential Sustainability

Authors: Ida Sandström, Johanna Gustafsson Lundberg, Lovisa Nyman

We've long focused on the green transition, discussing various systems emphasizing the technical aspects of transitioning our lives. Yet, as many people experience anxiety about climate change, other, more existential perspectives are rising to the surface. Questions such as What is a good life? becomes more pressing as we begin to feel the effects of climate change also in our part of the world. This shift in perspective has given rise to the concept of existential sustainability, independently coined in various contexts. Emerita Archbishop Antje Jackélen has referenced it, as has cultural anthropologist Mikael Kurkiala in his book "When the Soul Goes into Exile." (Our translation of: När själen går i exil).

The intersection of time, place, and identity

At the heart of existential sustainability lies the recognition of human beings as individuals in relation who seek to make sense of their lives. By exploring the intersection of time, place, and identity, existential sustainability illuminates the ways in which our environment shapes our experiences and contributes to our sense of belonging. Moreover, existential sustainability prompts us to critically reflect on the values and beliefs that underpin our approach to sustainability. It calls into question the prevailing narratives of progress and development, challenging us to consider alternative visions of the future that prioritize the well-being of both present and future generations.

Lund University is at the forefront of this work, serving as a hub for existential sustainability initiatives in research as well as teaching. Here the term has emerged from a desire to highlight aspects of sustainability that aren't fully encapsulated in the conventional three dimensions, emphasizing the existential aspects of both social and technical innovation. 

In autumn 2023, Lund University offered a doctoral course on Existential Sustainability. The course was collaborative effort between the Center for Theology and Religious Studies and the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at LTH. The course delved into the existential and religious perspectives on sustainability in relation to the built environment, aiming to broaden the conceptual framework of Agenda 2030. It was transdisciplinary by nature, and welcomed doctoral candidates from all university departments, provided their research aligns with the broad topic of sustainable development. 

To find purpose amidst great uncertainty

The course explored three sub-themes: time, place, and identity. One of the key insights gained by the students is the significance of narrative in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. Throughout the course we have addressed the challenge to navigate the complexities of contemporary existence, and find purpose amidst great uncertainty. The course also included a field trip to Råängen, an urban development project on Lund Cathedral's land, serving as a platform for discussions on land use and development from an existential perspective. By engaging with real-world examples such as the Råängen project in Brunnshög, they have gained a deeper appreciation for the role of the built environment in shaping human experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

Perhaps most importantly, the course has invited its students to critically reflect on their own research and its implications for sustainability. By integrating existential perspectives into their work, they have been able to uncover new insights and approaches that have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the broader discourse on sustainability. The course concludes with a student conference featuring paper presentations. During the course we noticed a growing interest for the topic of Existential Sustainability, why we have decided to make some of the texts available to a broader audience.

The topic of Existential Sustainability is explored in number of research projects, including 
Research Projects on Existential Sustainability - ht.lu.se

Practicing Existential Sustainability (PES) 
A project aimed at investigating existential sustainability within various professional practices such as palliative care, social services, architecture, and parish work. 

Space for Aging - Existential Perspectives for Improved Living Environments 
The project focuses on designing housing for the elderly that enhances their quality of life. By integrating existential needs, we aim to create environments that support well-being and meaningful everyday life.

Existential Sustainability: Developing a New Dimension of Agenda 2030’s Sustainability Goals
The project studies the conceptions of a good life inherent in the technological vision of a seamless life and the vision of inner transformation in the Inner Development Goals.