Transcultural Perspectives on Sustainable Future(s)

This book is the result of a learning journey of the Transcultural Student Research Group 2024 of the Transcultural Caravan Network (TCN). The TCN is a project of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung, and it is an alliance of universities from different countries around the world that share the goal of facilitating multilateral research projects for students: Ten students from different countries and universities collaborated for several months during a research trip to South Africa, conducting studies on sustainability through a transcultural lens. The book emphasizes that transcultural dialogue across cultures, borders, and disciplines is essential to addressing climate change and co-creating sustainable futures. The book explores sustainability from four interconnected themes: Sustainability Governance and policy, Cultural and Social dynamics, technology and innovation, businesses & corporate practices. Contents I. Sustainability Governance & Policy This theme explores how cities can become more sustainable by drawing on insights from initiatives across the Transcultural Caravan Network. It also examines sustainable futures “beyond the grid,” taking a relational perspective on energy and communities with case studies from both the Global South and the Global North. II. Cultural & Social Dynamics The chapters in this section highlight the role of cultural integration and environmental education in shaping a sustainable future. They also analyze how national culture influences corporate social responsibility, with a focus on experiences from South Africa and Germany. III. Technology & Innovation This part of the book addresses how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to make a sustainable future more attainable, considering both its opportunities and challenges. IV. Business & Corporate Practices Finally, the book discusses sustainable hydrogen futures by comparing development pathways between the Global North and the Global South, shedding light on corporate initiatives for advancing sustainability.