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Science for Global Sustainability: Toward a New Paradigm

Author

Listed:
  • William C. Clark
  • Paul J. Crutzen
  • Hans J. Schnellnhuber

Abstract

This paper provides a context for the Dahlem Workshop on “Earth System Analysis for Sustainability.” The authors begin by characterizing the contemporary epoch of Earth history in which humanity has emerged as a major—and uniquely self-reflexive—geological force. They turn next to the extraordinary revolution in our understanding of the Earth system that is now underway, pointing out how it has built on and qualitatively extended the approaches that have served science and society so well since the first Copernican revolution. The authors then discuss the novel challenges posed by the urgent need to harness science and other forms of knowledge in promoting a worldwide sustainability transition that enhances human prosperity while protecting the Earth’s life-support systems and reducing hunger and poverty. Finally, the authors provide an overview of how the contributions to this Dahlem Workshop addressed the themes and challenges outlined in this introductory chapter.

Suggested Citation

  • William C. Clark & Paul J. Crutzen & Hans J. Schnellnhuber, 2005. "Science for Global Sustainability: Toward a New Paradigm," CID Working Papers 120, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cid:wpfacu:120
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    File URL: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/cid/files/publications/faculty-working-papers/120.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    2. Paul J. Crutzen, 2002. "Geology of mankind," Nature, Nature, vol. 415(6867), pages 23-23, January.
    3. Dasgupta, Partha, 2001. "Human Well-Being and the Natural Environment," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199247882.
    4. James Lovelock, 2003. "Gaia: The living Earth," Nature, Nature, vol. 426(6968), pages 769-770, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Hong & Jin, Gui & Zhang, Zhengyu, 2021. "Coupling system of carbon emission and social economy: A review," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    2. Michael J. Albert, 2020. "Capitalism and Earth System Governance: An Ecological Marxist Approach," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 20(2), pages 37-56, May.
    3. Phillips, Jason, 2010. "Evaluating the level and nature of sustainable development for a geothermal power plant," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(8), pages 2414-2425, October.
    4. Okechukwu Okorie & Konstantinos Salonitis & Fiona Charnley & Mariale Moreno & Christopher Turner & Ashutosh Tiwari, 2018. "Digitisation and the Circular Economy: A Review of Current Research and Future Trends," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-31, November.
    5. Luks, Fred & Siebenhuner, Bernd, 2007. "Transdisciplinarity for social learning? The contribution of the German socio-ecological research initiative to sustainability governance," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(2-3), pages 418-426, August.
    6. Siebenhüner, Bernd, 2018. "Conflicts in Transdisciplinary Research: Reviewing Literature and Analysing a Case of Climate Adaptation in Northwestern Germany," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 117-127.
    7. Steve J. Bickley & Alison Macintyre & Benno Torgler, 2021. "Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Sustainable Entrepreneurship," CREMA Working Paper Series 2021-11, Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts (CREMA).
    8. Yu Ding & Jian Peng, 2018. "Impacts of Urbanization of Mountainous Areas on Resources and Environment: Based on Ecological Footprint Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, March.
    9. Reis, J. & Stojanovic, T. & Smith, H., 2014. "Relevance of systems approaches for implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management principles in Europe," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 3-12.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dahlem Workshop; sustainability science; sustainable development; sustainability transition; Earth system analysis; Earth system science; integrated systems; global environmental change; science and technology; Wissenschaft; adaptive management; social le;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • H87 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - International Fiscal Issues; International Public Goods
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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