This book is a collection of cutting-edge and cross-disciplinary studies on natural, human-made, and coupled human-natural systems, addressing the challenge of developing integrated knowledge from multiple disciplines. The authors explore the structure, function, and dynamic mechanisms of various systems, both natural and human-made, as well as analyze their reciprocal interactions under the concept of “coupled human-natural systems.” These interactions are used to understand feedback, nonlinearities, thresholds, time lags, legacy effects, and path dependencies, emerging across multiple spatial, temporal, and organizational scales. In other words, this book is a collection of advanced research on unique properties of natural and human-made systems, as well as human-environment dynamics, reciprocal relationships, and cross-scale interactions. The authors outline prospects on building a holistic view of social development and coherent sustainability. Among the topics covered are the following: human networks research; adaptation of local people to social and environmental challenges; coupled dynamics of socioeconomic and environmental systems; critical issues in social science climate change research; education for greater sustainability; peace, justice, and strong institutions; advances in cultural traditions and strategies for social stability; innovative development and barriers to sustainable development; economic systems in the age of digital changes and unstable external environments. The scholars analyze how more effective technologies can enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability, and minimize human impacts on natural systems, taking into consideration critical thresholds to prevent harmful feedback to human systems. The authors grasp the complexity of systems by integrating knowledge of constituent subsystems and their interactions. The framework developed by the authors is used to integrate human and natural systems for achieving greater sustainability, covering critical threats, challenges, and best governance approaches and practices. The research results obtained from studies on coupled human-natural systems are stronger, the authors argue, if compared with traditional (discipline) approaches.

This book enables readers to develop a multidisciplinary understanding of natural, human-made, and coupled human-natural systems. The authors explore the structure, function, and dynamic mechanisms of various systems, both natural and human-made, as well as analyze their reciprocal interactions under the concept of “coupled human-natural systems.” The chapters challenge traditional planning and management assumptions and strategies for natural resources, human-altered systems, and the environment. Acknowledging the critical role of effective regulations, policies, and governance structures, the authors analyze advanced research and practices on policy design for managing natural, human-made, and coupled human-natural systems. They conduct impact evaluation and integrative ecosystems assessment, as well as discuss policy interventions and decision-making strategies. They acknowledge the localization of policy design, considering regional and global dynamics that shape responses of local human-made and coupled human-natural systems. A special collection of chapters analyzes legal foundations for sustainable development and strong institution. The authors explore models from both natural and social sciences to obtain and present significant research results. The book is a dispensable source of sustainability research and practice in human-made, natural, and coupled human-natural systems. It is for the scholars, practitioners, and advanced graduate students interested in systems theories, methodologies, and applications.

This book is a unique collection of advanced research on natural, human-made, and coupled human–natural systems. The contributors analyze the current state of knowledge, address methodological challenges, and explore engaging cases. The chapters demonstrate the balanced disciplinary strength and discuss interdisciplinary perspectives. The authors undertake a holistic and spatially integrative analysis to understand the sustainability of environmental, economic, and social systems, emphasizing the coupled nature of such systems. In particular, the chapters explore biodiversity conservation and natural resources, the sustainability of natural and human-altered ecosystems, sustainability–vulnerability issues in coupled human–natural systems, mechanisms to foster sustainable environmental practices, eventually accumulating sustainability research and practice in various fields. More than that, the challenges of educational and economic systems are studied closely. The authors rely on unique data, develop regional and local knowledge, and explore global trends at local scales. A separate focus is devoted to human health and well-being. The book has seven sections: (1) Advances in Natural and Coupled Human–Natural Systems Research; (2) Economic Systems in the Age of Digital Changes and Unstable Environments; (3) Sustainable Social Systems, Migration Flows, and Social Cohesion; (4) Taking Action for Greater Security and Effective Partnerships for Sustainable Development; (5) Systemic Challenges and Changes in Education Systems in Russia and Around the Globe; (6) Advances in Cultural Traditions and Innovation, Development Barriers, and Social Stability; (7) Human Health and Well-being: Taking Action for Sustainable Development. Written by scholars and practitioners from multiple fields of knowledge, the book is designed for a broader audience interested in the following research areas: systems research and thinking, sustainability research and thinking, system dynamics, management of complexity, decision analysis, organization theory, governance, natural resources, environmental studies, economic development, social policies, cleaner production, innovation, cultural studies, and sustainable practices.

This groundbreaking work is an attempt at providing a conceptual framework to synthesize urban and ecological dynamics into a common framework. The greatest challenge for urban ecologists in the next few decades is to understand the role humans play in urban ecosystems. The development of an integrated urban ecological approach is crucial to advance ecological research and to help planners and managers solve complex urban environmental issues. This book is a major step forward.

Why do we behave the way we do? Biologist Paul Ehrlich suggests that although people share a common genetic code, these genes "do not shout commands at us...at the very most, they whisper suggestions." He argues that human nature is not so much result of genetic coding; rather, it is heavily influenced by cultural conditioning and environmental factors. With personal anecdotes, a well-written narrative, and clear examples, Human Natures is a major work of synthesis and scholarship as well as a valuable primer on genetics and evolution that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to lay readers.

Part I. Empirical and theoretical foundations -- Part II. Model coupled human and natural system -- Part III. Across local to global coupled human and natural systems -- Part IV. Perspectives

The theme of this volume is to discuss Eco-evolutionary Dynamics. - Updates and informs the reader on the latest research findings - Written by leading experts in the field - Highlights areas for future investigation

'Seeing the Forest and the Trees' examines changes in land cover & land use in forested regions as major contributors to global environmental change.

Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for-and in many cases is already affecting-a broad range of human and natural systems. The compelling case for these conclusions is provided in Advancing the Science of Climate Change, part of a congressionally requested suite of studies known as America's Climate Choices. While noting that there is always more to learn and that the scientific process is never closed, the book shows that hypotheses about climate change are supported by multiple lines of evidence and have stood firm in the face of serious debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations. As decision makers respond to these risks, the nation's scientific enterprise can contribute through research that improves understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change and also is useful to decision makers at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The book identifies decisions being made in 12 sectors, ranging from agriculture to transportation, to identify decisions being made in response to climate change. Advancing the Science of Climate Change calls for a single federal entity or program to coordinate a national, multidisciplinary research effort aimed at improving both understanding and responses to climate change. Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified to support this scientific enterprise. In addition, leaders of federal climate research should redouble efforts to deploy a comprehensive climate observing system, improve climate models and other analytical tools, invest in human capital, and improve linkages between research and decisions by forming partnerships with action-oriented programs.

Reissued on the tenth anniversary of its publication, this classic work on our environmental crisis features a new introduction by the author, reviewing both the progress and ground lost in the fight to save the earth. This impassioned plea for radical and life-renewing change is today still considered a groundbreaking work in environmental studies. McKibben's argument that the survival of the globe is dependent on a fundamental, philosophical shift in the way we relate to nature is more relevant than ever. McKibben writes of our earth's environmental cataclysm, addressing such core issues as the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and the depletion of the ozone layer. His new introduction addresses some of the latest environmental issues that have risen during the 1990s. The book also includes an invaluable new appendix of facts and figures that surveys the progress of the environmental movement. More than simply a handbook for survival or a doomsday catalog of scientific prediction, this classic, soulful lament on Nature is required reading for nature enthusiasts, activists, and concerned citizens alike.