Towards a critical study of temporalities in sustainability transitions: speed, duration, acceleration, and timescapes

Accelerating sustainability transitions is essential for tackling complex sustainability challenges, particularly in light of the ambitious climate targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. This chapter explores the multifaceted relationship between time and sociotechnical change within sustainability transitions, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action across energy systems, agriculture, and manufacturing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The analysis demonstrates that accelerating transitions not only addresses climate change but also fosters innovation, social equity, and economic resilience. However, the implications of time—characterised by pace, speed, and acceleration—demand critical examination, as they can lead to unequal resource allocation and the marginalisation of vulnerable populations. The chapter discusses how different stakeholders advocate for varying timescales and technologies based on their interests, underscoring the political nature of sustainability transitions. It also introduces the concept of timescapes, which reflects the dynamic interplay of temporal dimensions that influence transition processes. Furthermore, the chapter reviews historical energy transitions to illustrate the complexities of speed, duration, and acceleration, emphasising the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understand these temporalities. By addressing the political underpinnings and social dynamics of sustainability transitions, the chapter aims to foster transparency, equity, and justice in climate action. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the integration of diverse methodologies and the critical examination of temporal frameworks within sustainability transition studies, ultimately contributing to more effective and inclusive policies for sustainable futures.