The Resource for a Social and Ecological Transformation (ReSET) is an online resource produced by Scientists for Future South Tyrol. It is a collation of existing knowledge which provides information and inspiration on potential ways to become more sustainable in all senses, including ecologically, socially and economically. Over 40 scientists working in South Tyrol have contributed to the ReSET which is divided into 7 thematic sections. Within each section you will find suggestions for concrete actions which can be taken by different stakeholders (public administration; citizens; private sector). These suggestions are supported by scientific evidence or practical examples from South Tyrol and elsewhere.
As Scientists for Future we are committed to making science accessible and usable for the general public in order to support open, informed debate. If you have comments or additions regarding the ReSET please write to us.
Mobility
The mobility and transportation sector is the most emitting sector in South Tyrol, amounting to 45% of the total emissions, therefore it is of highest priority to reduce the emissions in this sector.
Click here for the full resource on Mobility
Energy
Energy includes electricity and heating and as such forms the second largest emissions sector.
Improve energy efficiency
Analysing urban and regional systems from an energy saving perspective by redesigning those systems that cause induced energy consumption. Use KPIs that take into account induced energy consumption.
Check the consistency of the energy efficiency of all urban and regional systems (not just buildings) and address efficiency at a systemic level. Awareness campaign about energy efficiency in buildings and improve accessibility of buildings renovation for the most vulnerable population
Minimum soil consuming photovoltaic solutions
Highways like the A22 or other large roads can be covered with photovoltaics. A pilot project is being planned in Germany near Singen in Baden-Württemberg on the A81 highway by the Autobahn GmbH of the federal government and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. Switzerland is currently assessing which highway tracts are amenable to photovoltaic installations. Aside from solar roofs, photovoltaics can often also be installed on top of noise protection walls of highways or rail tracks.
Click here for the full resource on Energy
Agriculture
The third largest source of emissions of greenhouse gases in South Tyrol is the agricultural sector.
Enhance soil fertility
Soil fertility is fundamental to secure our food, particularly given the stress agricultural production will be experiencing due to climate change. Currently soil fertility is jeopardized by various factors including heavy use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Several actions can be taken to reverse the trend and move towards increased soil fertility: optimize fertilizer use, humification, leave plant residues on the fields.
Make agriculture a greenhouse gas sink
Instead of polluting, agriculture – as a practice of land stewardship – can be an invaluable force to mitigate climate change by becoming a net carbon sink. Some approaches are fixate tree-captured carbon for instance from apple orchards, intercropping techniques, restoration of peatland.
Leave plant residues on the field to fix carbon when residues are incorporated in the soil. In particular: When clearing apple orchards, tree wood must be shredded and left on the field or incorporated in the ground to fixate tree-captured carbon in the soil.
