The main topics of discussion turned out to be the new UN goals for sustainable development, adopted as recently as last Friday, and the best way forward on how to implement them. We discussed the importance of integrating climate in a broader development agenda, but also the need for increased knowledge and its improved distribution as a key to a broader sympathy for and commitment to these issues. Without knowledge, there is no will for action.

As a Vice-Chancellor, I often open conferences and then leave when the fun starts. It was stimulating this time to have both the opportunity to listen to a series of presentations, and to take part in discussions on environmental science in a broader sense, which to a high degree also has a bearing on many parts of our work at Stockholm University.