Coupled human and natural systems.
Humans have continuously interacted with natural systems, resulting in the formation and development of coupled human and natural systems (CHANS). Recent studies reveal the complexity of organizational, spatial, and temporal couplings of CHANS. These couplings have evolved from direct to more indirect interactions, from adjacent to more distant linkages, from local to global scales, and from simple to complex patterns and processes. Untangling complexities, such as reciprocal effects and emergent properties, can lead to novel scientific discoveries and is essential to developing effective policies for ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. Opportunities for truly integrating various disciplines are emerging to address fundamental questions about CHANS and meet society's unprecedented challenges.
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
Folke
Carl
C
Alberti
Marina
M
Redman
Charles L
CL
Schneider
Stephen H
SH
Ostrom
Elinor
E
Pell
Alice N
AN
Lubchenco
Jane
J
Taylor
William W
WW
Ouyang
Zhiyun
Z
Deadman
Peter
P
Kratz
Timothy
T
Provencher
William
W
D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D011640:Public Policy