Mind the sustainability gap.
Despite increasing efforts to reach sustainability, key global biophysical indicators such as climate change and biodiversity loss continue to deteriorate rather than improve. Ongoing failure to move towards sustainability calls into question the focus of current research and policy. We recommend two strategies for progress. First, sustainability must be conceptualized as a hierarchy of considerations, with the biophysical limits of the Earth setting the ultimate boundaries within which social and economic goals must be achieved. Second, transdisciplinary research programs must confront key normative questions facing modern consumer societies. The humanities should have a key role in such programs. Assisted by these strategies, ambitious targets that realistically reflect the biophysical limits of the life-support system of the Earth must be set and relentlessly worked towards.
Fischer
Joern
J
The Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. joern.fischer@anu.edu.au
Manning
Adrian D
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Steffen
Will
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Rose
Deborah B
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Daniell
Katherine
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Felton
Adam
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Garnett
Stephen
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Gilna
Ben
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Heinsohn
Rob
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Lindenmayer
David B
DB
Macdonald
Ben
B
Mills
Frank
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Newell
Barry
B
Reid
Julian
J
Robin
Libby
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Sherren
Kate
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Wade
Alan
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D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D011640:Public Policy; D012106:Research