Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

Inspiring sustainable futures

CDE is Switzerland’s centre of excellence for sustainable development. One of the University of Bern’s strategic research centres, we are tasked with mainstreaming sustainability throughout the university’s research and teaching. We conduct research and teaching on behalf of a more sustainable world, combining sound research with inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. Our research agenda is created within long-standing partnerships spanning the global North and South.

NEWS

On the path to transformation

In autumn 2024, after years of preparation, it was finally time: the new CDE Master’s programme in Sustainability Transformations officially kicked off. Now, we take a moment to look back on an intense period – as well as to briefly look ahead. Read the story about our Master’s programme, Episode 1.

Colombiculture in Cappadocia: Awakening a fairy tale

Visit our new online exhibition by Edit Elif Tibet

“Sustainability initiatives are important forces for change”

We often feel helpless and overwhelmed in the face of current world crises. Now a new book by CDE scientists shows how civil society sustainability initiatives can provide a counterbalance. They’re a “step towards a more resource-efficient life,” says Stephanie Moser, one of the book’s authors. Read the interview.

Interview with Stephanie Moser

SCIENCE4POLICY

Do we really need to “step on the gas” for the transport transition?

Accidents, environmental harm, noise, and use of space: there’s hardly a form of mobility that causes higher economic costs than private motorized transport. Achieving change in this sector will also require a change in how we talk about transport. This was demonstrated by a linguistic discourse analysis of more than 1,000 transport-related documents from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. “Whether the transport transition succeeds will depend, among other things, on whether we can view roads as multifunctional spaces,” says project manager Hugo Caviola of CDE in our interview (in German).

Cities have a key role in promoting sustainable food

How can cities promote more sustainable food systems? A research project of CDE and BFH-HAFL shows that approaches range widely, from climate-friendly institutional catering to anti-food-waste campaigns. A conference on 4 March showcased the results, including a “White Paper on Urban Food Policy” by CDE researchers. Several cities have also launched the “Sustainable Food and Nutrition” charter. Read more in German

Media release (in German)

Survey: Swiss dairy market system draws criticism from producers

More and more Swiss farmers are giving up milk production. The main reason is that many farms are no longer able to produce profitably at current milk prices. A new, comprehensive study by CDE reveals how producers perceive the challenges and mechanisms of the Swiss dairy market – and what their main points of criticism are. Read more in German or French.

Media release (in German and French)

Contact

University of Bern
Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

Mittelstrasse 43
3012 Bern

Phone: +41 31 684 88 22
info.cde@unibe.ch