Hello, I am Markku Rummukainen. I'm professor in climatology at Lund University. I would like to share with you some reflections on why this course is relevant and important. I would also like to describe in general terms the frame we work in to achieve sustainable development and why we need interested people like you who are interested to engage in sustainability debate and efforts. Sustainable development is perhaps the most overarching ambition the world has today. Its different dimensions cover all societal aspects, including our own well-being today and in the future, and our stewardship of ecosystems that we both depend on and for which the fundamental value goes way beyond the human context. Sustainable development, however, is not a new endeavor. The concept has been around in different framings and different extents for several decades. For many, the clocks started in 1987 from the outcome of the Brundtland Commission, formerly known the World Commission on Environment and Development, that was tasked by the United Nations to formulate the global agenda for change by identifying sustainability problems worldwide, raising awareness, and suggesting solutions. This is when the concept of sustainable development was firmly coined. The commission's definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. Refers both the needs and constraints when it comes to development. This is something that will be discussed in more detail in forthcoming lessons and referenced to this definition we've made several times throughout the course. The definition cites economic growth , environmental protection, and social equity as three main dimensions which highlight the complexity of sustainable development, both as a concept to agree upon, and especially when actions are needed to make it happen. Over subsequent years, several frameworks were launched to advance the implementation of sustainable development. In 1992, Agenda 21, was adopted as a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally with the initial aim to raise global sustainable development by year 2000. The same year, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development known as the Earth Summit that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, gave rise to three key conventions. The Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD. These are known as the three Rio conventions and bring together the world's countries to deal with these key aspects of sustainable development. Another framework was the Millennium Development Goals , coined year 2000. These goals were adopted by world leaders with the target achievement data 2015. The Rio conventions work continues today, and although there has been progress, a lot remains to be done. The same can be said about the Millennium Development Goals. Work towards the targets made headway during the period, but also a lot more yet to be accomplished. At the national level, countries have also been developing their own way forward for the such and as contributions to global progress. In Sweden, for example, a key milestone has been the adoption of the National Environmental Quality Objectives in 1999. These serve as a basis for in mind the policy objectives and priorities in different social sectors, by defining what is meant with the state of environment equality for a wide range of areas and also setting concrete goals and assigning responsibilities to manage progress towards the goals. A range of different frameworks have been set up over time to guide action. Some more successful than others, but all aiming to reach part of, and collectively, the ultimate goal of sustainable development. The world is still not equitable and it has poverty, hunger, lack of health care, and education for many. Natural resources are still being depleted rapidly, spices are being lost as we speak, and by means of greenhouse gas, aerosol emissions, and land-use, we're experimenting with the global climate system without really understanding all the risks and consequences. The Agenda 2030 for sustainable development can be understood as a common framework for the continued push towards sustainable development in the world, the global framework we are in at the moment. Its universality and inclusivity provides a platform for collaboration across both countries and actors. It includes clear targets and indicators to measure and track the work to help us focus on common issues. What is also needed, of course, is to use the already existing institutions such as three Rio conventions on biodiversity, climate change, and desertification, and the ongoing processes, keeping in mind the ever evolving thinking on what constitutes development, growth, and quality of life. Collaboration between cities, actually on the private sector, and the civil society, as well as individual action is important alongside intergovernmental and government election. A system perspective is essential in sustainable development. A specific sustainable development goal is interconnected with all the other goals. Advancement of one goal can contribute to an advancement of another, which is a synergy, but can also counteract efforts in others, which is goal conflict. This signals that they are both possibilities and challenges for navigating through the Agenda 2030. Climate Change, which has its own sustainable development goal number 13 is a good example. There are clear links with pressures on, for example, ecosystems, water availability, food production of security, health, and even increased risk for human conflicts. Conversely, working on the goals on the creation of sustainable energy systems, sustainable production and consumption patterns, and improve urban planning can all lead to reductions of human impact on climate, as well as ecosystem conservation and restoration can contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation. As an example of possible conflict, on the other hand, large-scale land use for bioenergy to reduce fossil emissions could increase food prices and further reduce space with the natural environment. It is, therefore, a matter of understanding and balancing the synergies and trade-offs. A tremendous amount of work has been done already, but much more is needed to close the gap between where we are today, and what is defined in our great visions of a sustainable world. Further research can look into system complexities, conceptual understanding, and possible solutions. Boundary work, which is interactions between science and policy, can in turn help to provide scientific knowledge to practitioners and policy, and at the same time import understanding acknowledged needs to research processes. Many solutions are already available, but not being fully implemented. Implementation relates to more or less to everyone and every workplace, whether an enterprise, a governmental office, a university, a municipality, or some other. This is where the real difference is made. Indeed, there's a link to Agenda 2030 in all decisions we take on everyday basis if you just think about it. As you follow this course, take the time to really reflect on situations and examples that are pertinent to you and how you could perhaps see things or do things slightly differently to contribute positively to sustainable development.