Changing the intellectual climate

Noel Castree, William M. Adams, John Barry, Daniel Brockington, Bram Büscher, Esteve Corbera, David Demeritt, Rosaleen Duffy, Ulrike Felt, Katja Neves, Peter Newell, Luigi Pellizzoni, Kate Rigby, Paul Robbins, Libby Robin, Deborah Bird Rose, Andrew Ross, David Schlosberg, Sverker Sörlin, Paige WestMark Whitehead, Brian Wynne

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Calls for more broad-based, integrated, useful knowledge now abound in the world of global environmental change science. They evidence many scientists' desire to help humanity confront the momentous biophysical implications of its own actions. But they also reveal a limited conception of social science and virtually ignore the humanities. They thereby endorse a stunted conception of 'human dimensions' at a time when the challenges posed by global environmental change are increasing in magnitude, scale and scope. Here, we make the case for a richer conception predicated on broader intellectual engagement and identify some preconditions for its practical fulfilment. Interdisciplinary dialogue, we suggest, should engender plural representations of Earth's present and future that are reflective of divergent human values and aspirations. In turn, this might insure publics and decision-makers against overly narrow conceptions of what is possible and desirable as they consider the profound questions raised by global environmental change.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)763-768
    Number of pages6
    JournalNature Climate Change
    Volume4
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Sep 11 2014

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
    • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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