Book of Proceedings : Planning as a Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crisis, 7-11th July 2025

Abstract

This volume contains the proceedings of the AESOP Conference Planning as a Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crisis, held from 7 to 11 July 2025. The conference brought together researchers, educators, practitioners, and early-career scholars from across the world to reflect on the role of planning in addressing the interconnected environmental, social, economic, and political challenges that characterize the contemporary planetary condition. The contributions collected in this volume explore how planning theory, research, education, and practice can support transformative action in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, social inequalities, housing crises, demographic change, digital transformation, and growing geopolitical uncertainty. The papers discuss innovative planning approaches, governance arrangements, participatory methods, spatial justice perspectives, sustainability transitions, and emerging forms of territorial and urban development. Particular attention is given to the capacity of planning to foster resilience, inclusiveness, and long-term sustainability while responding to rapidly changing local and global contexts. Reflecting the interdisciplinary character of AESOP, the proceedings encompass a broad range of thematic areas, methodological approaches, and geographical perspectives. Together, the contributions provide a comprehensive overview of current debates in planning scholarship and demonstrate how planning can act as a transformative force in addressing the complex challenges of an age increasingly defined by planetary crises.