Structuring and advancing solution-oriented research for sustainability This article belongs to Ambio's50th Anniversary Collection. Theme: Solutions-oriented research

The sustainability challenges the world faces today call for concerted and immediate action. Complementing problem-oriented, descriptive-analytical research with solution-oriented research could strengthen sustainability science's contribution to address these challenges. We introduce different types of solution-oriented sustainability research to structure the discourse, outline opportunities to advance this research trajectory, and close with recommendations on how to support particularly students and early career researchers in getting involved with solution-oriented sustainability research.

Automated summary

Addressing the sustainability challenges of today requires immediate and concerted action. Combining problem-oriented research with solution-oriented research can enhance the contribution of sustainability science. Advancing solution-oriented sustainability research offers opportunities for the future, and supporting students and early career researchers in this field is important.