Sustainability Science

Thoroughly updated, integrated, transdisciplinary approach to sustainable development for advanced students, researchers, and policymakers.

Bert J. M. de Vries (Author)

9781009300193, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 December 2023

663 pages
26 x 18.4 x 3.3 cm, 1.49 kg

'Sustainability Science by Bert de Vries presents a truly transdisciplinary and pluralistic approach to understanding human–environment interactions for improving and maintaining human well-being. Guided by worldview frameworks and systems thinking, this book impressively integrates the myriad parts of geography, ecology, philosophy, epistemology, history, culture, ethics and religion into the whole of sustainability. It is remarkably comprehensive, insightful and thought-provoking.' Jianguo (Jingle) Wu, Dean's Distinguished Professor of Sustainability Science, Arizona State University; Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Ecology

The fully updated second edition of this innovative textbook provides a system analysis approach to sustainability for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. To an extent unparalleled in other textbooks, the latest scientific data and insights are integrated into a broad and deep transdisciplinary framework. Readers are encouraged to explore and engage with sustainability issues through the lenses of a cultural and methodological pluralism which promotes dialogue and alliances in the search for a (more) sustainable future. Ideal for students and their teachers in sustainable development, environmental science and policy, ecology, conservation, natural resources and geopolitics, the book will also appeal to interested citizens, activists, and policymakers, exposing them to the variety of perspectives on sustainability issues. Review questions and exercises provide the opportunity for consolidation and reflection. Online resources include appendices with more advanced mathematical material, model answers, and a wealth of recommended additional sources.

Foreword
Preface
List of acronyms and abbreviations
List of units
Part I. Setting the Stage: 1. Sustainable development: a personal and societal aspiration
2. Sustainable science: context and content
Part II. The State We're In and How We Got There: 3. Early states and civilisations
4. Industrialisation: the great acceleration
5. Modernity: the idea of progress
Part III. Engagement through Worldviews: 6. The worldview framework
7. Worldviews: values, beliefs, ethics
Part IV. Understanding Sustainable Development: 8. Understanding, modelling, managing complexity
9. Modelling sustainable development
Part V. Sustainability Themes: 10. Concepts, methods and indicators
11. Population: humans and their habitat
12. Pillars of development: health, education and mobility
13. Nature: the life-support system
14. Renewable resources: fisheries and forests
15. Land and agro-food systems
16. Water: the precious resource
17. Energy: to a carbon-free supply
18. Materials: towards a circular economy
19. The economy
Part VI. Closure: 20. Stories about the future
Glossary
References
Index.

Subject Areas: International environmental law [LBBP]