Harald Heinrichs · Pim Martens Gerd Michelsen · Arnim Wiek Editors

4 
Conclusions 
The sustainable fi nance approach connects sustainability with fi nancial issues. It is 
beyond dispute that capital is needed to enable sustainable development. The world 
has become painfully aware of how strong the infl uence of the fi nancial industry is 
on all aspects of the economy and society during the recent fi nancial crisis. However, 
the industry is able to channel capital into activities that benefi t society as well. 
Therefore, the integration of the fi nancial industry and the fi nancial market into the 
sustainable development discussion will be crucial for the success of sustainable 
development. 
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More broadly, the presented perspective throws fi nancial and economic aspects 
into sustainability science. These aspects, though essential for sustainable develop-
ment, have not been taken into consideration in sustainability science so far.
• Task : Analyze the sustainability science literature, for instance, papers pub-
lished in Sustainability Science, with respect to the integration of fi nancial issues.
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