Collaboration between the natural, social and human sciences in Global Change Research

Abstract

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Humanities for the Environment 2018 Report—Ways to Here, Ways Forward

“…Little concludes that grappling with this internal complexity serves to sharpen the focus on disciplinary strengths and weaknesses, and thus clarify the contribution that the humanities can make to societal challenges such as the transition to renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change. Holm et al (2013) join other scholars (e.g., Billing et al 2017;Brennan, forthcoming;Castree et al 2014;Kitch 2017;Nightingale 2014) in arguing for opening up the ways in which 'natural' environments are framed by acknowledging how human value systems, practices, imaginations and identities have shaped them. Yet, the dominant narrative in the environmental policy sphere tends to treat humans and nature as essentially separate by assuming that other-than-human nature can be defined separately from human culture (Billing et al 2017;Brechin et al 2002;Peterson et al 2010).…”

“…They show how human value systems, practices, imaginations and identities can shape how 'natural' environments are framed (Holm et al 2013). For example, while a large body of research since the 1990s has explored the positive role religious values can play in addressing climate change, Ronan (2017) illustrates how American evangelicals have curbed energetic evangelical faith-based environmentalism within their ranks with increased anti-science rhetoric and staunch denials of human-made climate change.…”

Connecting Environmental Humanities: Developing Interdisciplinary Collaborative Method

“…For while STEM and social science disciplines can develop understanding of the natural environment, new technologies and social policy, confronting issues such as climate change, sustainability or moving to a low-carbon future requires massive cultural shifts. In consequence, there is a pressing need for the humanities to bring together and explore important cultural influences and factors in order for science, social science, policy-makers and society to understand and address them better and more effectively (Rose et al 2012;Sörlin 2012Sörlin , 2013Griffiths 2007;Palsson et al 2013;Holm et al 2013;Little 2016a, pp. 64-69).…”

Water Shortage in MENA Region: An Interdisciplinary Overview and a Suite of Practical Solutions

“…Interdisciplinary studies draw on disciplinary perspectives and integrate their insights through construction of a more comprehensive perspective and coherent research [11][12][13]. The water shortage and conflicts in MENA region are too complex to be adequately addressed by a single discipline or profession, therefore, the main objectives of this synthesis is to deploy an interdisciplinary approach to target a number of principle issues that, directly and indirectly, influence water balance and potentially create or intensify conflicts in MENA region.…”

“…Today's problems are very complex and global (such as climate change, poverty, and population growth), thus a better understanding requires new epistemological frameworks and methodological practices that exceed any one discipline [11]. Interdisciplinary studies draw on disciplinary perspectives and integrate their insights through construction of a more comprehensive perspective and coherent research [11][12][13].…”