Complexity of coupled human and natural systems.
Integrated studies of coupled human and natural systems reveal new and complex patterns and processes not evident when studied by social or natural scientists separately. Synthesis of six case studies from around the world shows that couplings between human and natural systems vary across space, time, and organizational units. They also exhibit nonlinear dynamics with thresholds, reciprocal feedback loops, time lags, resilience, heterogeneity, and surprises. Furthermore, past couplings have legacy effects on present conditions and future possibilities.
Liu
Jianguo
J
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. jliu@panda.msu.edu
Dietz
Thomas
T
Carpenter
Stephen R
SR
Alberti
Marina
M
Folke
Carl
C
Moran
Emilio
E
Pell
Alice N
AN
Deadman
Peter
P
Kratz
Timothy
T
Lubchenco
Jane
J
Ostrom
Elinor
E
Ouyang
Zhiyun
Z
Provencher
William
W
Redman
Charles L
CL
Schneider
Stephen H
SH
Taylor
William W
WW
D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001938:Brazil; D002681:China; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004463:Ecology; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D012961:Sociology; D013548:Sweden; D014481:United States