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Sustainability science: accounting for nonlinear dynamics in policy and social-ecological systems
Citation:
Garmestani, A. S. Sustainability science: accounting for nonlinear dynamics in policy and social-ecological systems. CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY. Springer Berlin-Heidelberg, , Germany, 16(4):731-738, (2014).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Resilience is an emergent property of complex systems. Understanding resilience is critical for sustainability science, as linked social-ecological systems and the policy process that governs them are characterized by non-linear dynamics. Non-linear dynamics in these systems means that there is an inherent degree of uncertainty in social-ecological systems and the policy process. Abrupt, non-linear change (e.g., “surprise”) creates tremendous challenges for environmental management. Thus, it is necessary to improve environmental management via a suite of policy instruments, including: adaptive management, adaptive governance, adaptive capacity, leading indicators, legislation, scenario planning and others (e.g., command and control; market mechanisms).
