Concepts, Methods, and Models of ‘Integrative and Transformative Research on Earth & Societies’

Current observations of the global environment indicate an ongoing and rapid change of the Earth system. This change exceeds natural variability and is primarily attributable to pressures from human societies, thus being characteristic of the Anthropocene. As a consequence, more frequent and severe extreme events of the Earth system, as well as gradual alteration and depletion of natural resources are causing increasing societal impacts and risks around the globe. In response, research activities in the earth, environmental and social sciences have expanded. However, the growing volume of data and the complexity of the interrelated phenomena call for deeper integration of different research strands, combined with a stronger emphasis on sustainability transformations.

The working group (WG) synthesises existing concepts, methods, and models and develops novel approaches to advance research on the relationships between Earth and societies in pursuit of a sustainable future. Currently, this encompasses three core areas of research: (i) multi-systems approaches for analysing the heterogeneous and dynamic interlinkages between the Earth and societies across spatial and temporal scales and societal levels, considering multiple domains; (ii) system-based scientific rationales for societal agreement on planetary boundaries and societal goals for basic needs, as well as institutional arrangements for negotiation, implementation and monitoring of these boundaries and goals; and (iii) systemic innovations that foster the reduction of environmental pressures and the resilience of societies to Earth system impacts and risks, taking into account levers, perceptions and capacities. With these core research areas, the WG explicitly promotes the foundations of Integrative and Transformative Research on Earth & Societies.