This Unit supports global and regional efforts toward climate neutrality, sustainability, and equity by aligning its work on economics and finance with key frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. It develops dynamic equilibrium models (e.g. CGE) with direct links to the work of Units of the Energy and Physical Systems Modelling. It includes the analysis of SDG indicators, the provision of just policies, novel financial instruments and labour market reforms, based on models (e.g. GTAP, GLOBIOM, ECM3), and participatory processes, also using AI-driven tools for assessing risks, devising adaptive planning strategies. Thus, it fosters holistic assessments of the interplay between the physical and socio-economic layers (of e.g. decarbonization policies), offering tailored, equitable strategies for achieving the SDGs. Emphasis is placed on transformative actions across sectors, guided by the Six UN SDSN transformation areas.
The Unit also supports the implementation of the European Green Deal, promoting cross-sectoral policy integration to foster sustainable industry, clean energy, and inclusive growth, reinforcing global climate and development objectives.
HORIZON EU | SMARTER: Systemic Transformation Towards Local and Regional Climate Resilience
PI, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, “Athena” Research and Innovation Center
HORIZON EU | CARMINE: Climate-Resilient Development Pathways in Metropolitan Regions of Europe
PI, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, “Athena” Research and Innovation Center
Horizon EU | Pathways2Resilience: Co-developing Pathways Towards Climate Resilient Regions in Europe
PI, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business
PI, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, “Athena” Research and Innovation Center
SDSN European Green Deal Senior Working Group
SDSN Europe has gathered a Senior Working Group, consisting of top-level academics and stakeholders, to mobilize expertise for the successful implementation of this transformative regulatory framework. SDSN Europe is ideally placed to provide evidence-based advice to European policy-makers, through the expertise and scientific knowledge of ten networks and over 360 member organisations across the continent.
SDSN’s European Green Deal Senior Working Group is led by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, both world-renowned economists and global leaders in sustainable development.
The Paris Agreement asks all countries to prepare by 2020 low-emission development strategies that chart out how emissions will fall through to 2050. SDSN has played an instrumental role in developing and popularizing the concept of long-term pathways through the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP). The Paris Agreement also emphasizes the central role of advances in low-emission technologies and their diffusion. The annual Zero Emissions Solutions Conference (formerly the Low-Emissions Solutions Conference) spearheaded by SDSN, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability was launched at COP22 in Morocco and aims to advance the pace of development for key technologies. As scientist and engineers have demonstrated, we have the technologies and means to decarbonize our economy, it’s up to nations, businesses, and cities to set on a course today for a carbon neutral tomorrow.
Koundouri, P., Landis, C., Dellis, K., & Plataniotis, A. (2024). Integrating SDGs in ESGs and the Sustainability Transformation of the EU Business Sector. Link
Halkos, G., Koundouri, P., Aslanidis, P., & Plataniotis, A. (2024). Safeguarding Cultural Heritage, Fostering Sustainable Development: The Threats of Climate Change and Acid Rain. Link
Halkos, G., Aslanidis, P., Plataniotis, A., & Koundouri, P. (2024). Global Insights on Sustainable Development Goal 14: Reviewing Willingness-to-Pay Levels for Marine Ecosystem Protection and Conservation. Link
Halkos, G., Aslanidis, P., Landis, C., Papadaki, L., & Koundouri, P. (2024). A Review on Primary and Cascading Hazards by Exploring Individuals’ Willingness-to-Pay for Urban Sustainability Policies. Link
Halkos, G., Zisiadou, A., Aslanidis, P., & Koundouri, P. (2024). Valuation of Marine Ecosystem Services in the Black Sea. Link
Halkos, G., Aslanidis, P., Plataniotis, A., & Koundouri, P. (2024). Evaluating the Tangible and Intangible Parameters of Cultural Heritage: An Economic Meta-Analysis in a Global Context. Link
Alamanos, A., & Koundouri, P. (2024). Monitoring and Mapping the Sustainable Life on Land (SDG15) Changes in Europe with Freely Available Data and Tools. Link
Halkos, G., Aslanidis, P., Plataniotis, A., & Koundouri, P. (2023). Ecosystem Services Valuation for Supporting Sustainable Life Below Water. Link
Koundouri, P., Halkos, G., Landis, C., Dellis, K., Stratopoulou, A., Plataniotis, A., & Chioattoa, A. (2023). Valuation of Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Development Goals. Link
Akinsete, E., Velias, C., & Koundouri, P. (2023). Integrating Experimental Economics and Living Labs in Water Resource Management. Link
Koundouri, P., Hammer, C., Kuhl, L., & Velias, C. (2022). Behavioral and Neuroeconomics of Environmental Values. Link