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From the Unity of Nature to Sustainability Science: Ideas and Practice

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  • Robert W. Kates

Abstract

The ideas of sustainability science are at least two centuries old; the practice is but a decade. This paper reviews some of those key ideas beginning with Humboldt and the unity of nature, and goes on to discuss just what is sustainability science. For its current practice, the author discusses three major tasks of sustainability science: fundamental research on use-directed problems; nurture of the next generations of sustainability scientists; and moving knowledge into action. The author illustrates each of these with some recent initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert W. Kates, 2011. "From the Unity of Nature to Sustainability Science: Ideas and Practice," CID Working Papers 218, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cid:wpfacu:218
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    File URL: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/cid/files/publications/faculty-working-papers/218.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    2. Hermann Lotze-Campen, 2008. "The role of modelling tools in Integrated Sustainability Assessment (ISA)," International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 3(1/2), pages 70-92.
    3. Robert W. Kates, 2010. "Readings in Sustainability Science and Technology," CID Working Papers 213, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Chad S. Boda & Turaj Faran, 2018. "Paradigm Found? Immanent Critique to Tackle Interdisciplinarity and Normativity in Science for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-28, October.
    2. Lorena Peña & Beatriz Fernández de Manuel & Leire Méndez-Fernández & María Viota & Ibone Ametzaga-Arregi & Miren Onaindia, 2020. "Co-Creation of Knowledge for Ecosystem Services Approach to Spatial Planning in the Basque Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Stanley D. Brunn, 2014. "Cyberspace Knowledge Gaps and Boundaries in Sustainability Science: Topics, Regions, Editorial Teams and Journals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-28, September.
    4. Hendrik Davi & Laetitia Tuffery & Emanuel Garbolino & Bernard Prévosto & Bruno Fady, 2020. "Using socioeconomic system analysis to define scientific needs: a reverse engineering method applied to the conversion of a coal-fired to a wood biomass power plant," Post-Print hal-03010363, HAL.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sustainability Science; Sustainability Science Research; Sustainable Development; Sustainability Education; Environment and Development; Sustainability Solutions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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