Prof. Dr Xiaomeng Shen expands ideas on sustainability

The best path to knowledge

Prof. Dr Xiaomeng Shen conducts research on sustainability, humannature relationships and risk perception and communication. The Vice Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) in Europe and Director of the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security in Bonn has been an honorary professor at the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) at Hochschule Bonn-RheinSieg since 2021.

What do you mean by a culture of sustainability?

Dr Shen Xiaomeng: A culture of sustainability is a human-nature relationship that does not see humans as separate from nature, but rather as a component of nature. The interconnectedness of all living beings and also of humans with our planet stands in the foreground in the culture of sustainability. Alexander von Humboldt already expressed this 200 years ago: Everything is interaction.

Why is this topic important?

Xiaomeng: The entire ecosystem of the earth is on the verge of collapse – due to climate change and loss of biodiversity, among other things – and will collapse if we do nothing about it. By 2048, for instance, the waters of the Asia-Pacific region could be fished dry. We urgently need a paradigm shift in our thinking. That’s why a culture of sustainability is indispensable for humanity to thrive.

How do you want to develop your ideas for a sustainable humannature relationship at the IZNE?

Xiaomeng: I’ll communicate ideas and findings from the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security in dialogue with the researchers and students at the IZNE. Developing new ideas together, through forums, discussions and events is the right didactic approach. Scientific discourse is the best path to the best knowledge.