Quantifying Qualitative Transformation Pathways towards Climate-friendly Living

Q2-PATHWAYS is a collaborative three-year research initiative led by the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) in partnership with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), funded through the Austrian Climate Research Programme. The project aims to enhance climate change assessments in Austria, aligning with the Second Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change due for release in 2025. Recognizing the limitations of current climate policies, which often prioritize either feasibility or effectiveness, Q2-PATHWAYS seeks to bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative approaches in climate research. By integrating both perspectives, the project aims to develop comprehensive climate action plans that address socio-economic and socioecological concerns. The initiative involves refining qualitative transformation pathways through collaboration between practitioners and researchers, integrating practitioner insights into quantitative models, and iteratively developing comprehensive transformation pathways. Ultimately, Q2-PATHWAYS aims to empower decision-makers, practitioners, and researchers with enhanced understanding and actionable insights to navigate complex climate challenges.