Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Christian Kimmich, Melf-Hinrich Ehlers, Elke Kellner, Christoph Oberlack, Andreas Thiel, Sergio Villamayor-Tomas
Summary: This special feature summarizes the research using the Network of Action Situations (NAS) approach to study decision-making and agency in social-ecological systems. The article emphasizes the value of accurately reconstructing relations using NAS and maintaining consistency in analysis methods. Key themes discussed include complementarity and disconnects between situations, temporality of NAS, and the analysis of power in SES. Further suggestions are made to expand on the relational turn, develop NAS archetypes, and study polycentric governance using NAS.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Meyfroidt, Ariane de Bremond, Casey M. Ryan, Emma Archer, Richard Aspinall, Abha Chhabra, Gilberto Camara, Esteve Corbera, Ruth DeFries, Sandra Diaz, Jinwei Dong, Erle C. Ellis, Karl-Heinz Erb, Janet A. Fisher, Rachael D. Garrett, Nancy E. Golubiewski, H. Ricardo Grau, J. Morgan Grove, Helmut Haberl, Andreas Heinimann, Patrick Hostert, Esteban G. Jobbagy, Suzi Kerr, Tobias Kuemmerle, Eric F. Lambin, Sandra Lavorel, Sharachandra Lele, Ole Mertz, Peter Messerli, Graciela Metternicht, Darla K. Munroe, Harini Nagendra, Jonas Ostergaard Nielsen, Dennis S. Ojima, Dawn Cassandra Parker, Unai Pascual, John R. Porter, Navin Ramankutty, Anette Reenberg, Rinku Roy Chowdhury, Karen C. Seto, Verena Seufert, Hideaki Shibata, Allison Thomson, Billie L. Turner Ii, Jotaro Urabe, Tom Veldkamp, Peter H. Verburg, Gete Zeleke, Erasmus K. H. J. zu Ermgassen
Summary: The paper synthesizes 10 important truths in land use, which help explain the challenges of achieving sustainability in land use and point toward solutions. These facts have important implications for guiding scientists, policymakers, and practitioners in meeting sustainability challenges in land use.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yanzi Wang, Chunming Wu, Yongfeng Gong, Zhen Zhu
Summary: The study introduces a theoretical framework to outline the driving mechanism of adaptive governance by focusing on its impact on ecosystem service delivery. Empirical evidence from northwestern China shows that both ecosystem governance and social system governance play a key role in promoting SES coupling, with social system governance being particularly effective in mitigating the effects of resource-dependence on SES coupling.
Article
Oceanography
Arthur Omondi Tuda, Salit Kark, Alice Newton
Summary: This study examined marine co-management systems in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania to understand how institutions may limit or enable adaptive governance. The research found that Tanzania's co-management network has more autonomous decision units, providing stronger support for polycentricity, while Kenya shows a strong government centrality that may hinder adaptive governance. Enhancing cross-sectoral integration and creating opportunities for multi-stakeholder bridging will be necessary to foster adaptive governance of the Kenya-Tanzania transboundary marine SES.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Geography
Vivian H. Y. Chu, Wai-Fung Lam, Jessica M. Williams
Summary: Collaborative governance can foster co-creative solutions to rural issues. By building institutions to support and convey collaborative processes, rural areas can be revitalized and made robust in the face of unexpected shocks and disturbances. This is important for the robustness of rural social-ecological systems.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Economics
Thomas Skuzinski, David Weinreich, Carolina Velandia Hernandez
Summary: The lack of reliable and valid measures to assess the polycentricity of public transportation systems hinders our understanding of its impact on key system performance indicators. To address this issue, we propose an index of concentration based on providers' policymaking zones, using data from four U.S. metropolitan regions. We discuss the validity and reliability of the proposed measure and its potential application in exploring efficiency and equity outcomes of transit operations, both nationally and internationally.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Elena Andriollo, Alberto Caimo, Laura Secco, Elena Pisani
Summary: This study identifies conditions under which collaborations in environmentally sustainable projects are effective for the adaptive governance of SES, emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary approach and strengthening communication, equity, foresight, and respect. Multiplicity in visions and approaches should be seen as a resource to stimulate creativity in social arrangements and environmental practices for the effectiveness of adaptive governance of SES.
Article
Geography
Eirini Skrimizea, Melanie Bakema, Philip McCann, Constanza Parra
Summary: This paper examines the importance of 'good disaster governance' by empirically capturing the institutional dimensions and dynamics related to social-ecological change and disasters. Through comparative case studies in three locations, the study reveals the critical role institutions play in disasters, challenges hindering institutional adaptiveness, and the lock-in effects of institutional logics leading to maladaptation. The analysis sheds light on under-theorized aspects of adaptive governance and institutions, providing a basis for a nuanced approach to disaster governance.
Article
Biology
Ahjond Garmestani, Craig R. Allen, David G. Angeler, Lance Gunderson, J. B. Ruhl
Summary: Adaptive management is an approach for managing social-ecological systems in uncertain and controllable environments. Considering spatial and temporal scales is important to regulate the effects of management actions. Combining multiscale adaptive management with the panarchy model can improve the management of social-ecological systems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kristof Van Assche, Monica Gruezmacher, Raoul Beunen
Summary: This paper presents a framework for analyzing shock and conflict in social-ecological systems and explores its implications for environmental governance and its evolutionary patterns and drivers. The distinction between shock and conflict is highlighted, and the potential consequences of shock and conflict in governance are discussed. The paper also reflects on the interpretation of adaptive governance in social-ecological systems.
Article
Political Science
Mario Angst, Martin Nicola Huber
Summary: Sustainability governance in polycentric systems should ensure both effectiveness and procedural justice, which are closely linked to power dynamics. Understanding different types, sources, and effects of power is crucial for assessing polycentric sustainability governance. This study investigates the role of network-derived bonding and bridging social capital as specific sources of power, and explores the relationship between power and satisfaction with inclusion in governance processes. The findings suggest that bonding social capital is a significant source of power for actors, and both network-derived and non-network-derived power contribute to satisfaction with inclusion.
POLICY STUDIES JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abigail Sullivan, Abigail M. York
Summary: The study focused on how community members in Chitwan, Nepal manage rapid environmental change caused by an invasive plant species (Mikania micrantha), highlighting risk perceptions, reliance on forest resources, perceptions of forest safety, and the abundance of the invasive species as the most influential factors driving collective action. The findings suggest that the impact of the invasive species on collective action varies across spatial scales, emphasizing the importance of considering social and biophysical factors across space and time to effectively address environmental change-related collective action issues.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elke Kellner
Summary: Reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply during dry periods by temporarily storing water in wet periods, but can indirectly lead to unintended consequences such as water scarcity and increased vulnerability if not properly managed. Understanding the complex interactions between reservoirs and socio-political factors, as well as promoting interdisciplinary research, are essential to studying the long-term impacts of reservoirs and advancing socio-hydrology research.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-WATER
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Priya Priyadarshini, Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
Summary: This article discusses the concept of imagining HEIs as Complex Adaptive Systems and how they can contribute to sustainability through governance and policy changes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian-Chun Tan, Ling-Si Kong, Bai-He Gu, An Zeng, Miao-Miao Niu
Summary: This study investigates the emergence and structure of polycentric climate governance, and finds that the polycentric system can complement the deficits of carbon neutrality governance by international regime and state government. Moreover, the coordination among multiple actors at multiple levels can effectively address critical issues related to carbon neutrality.
ADVANCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pranietha Mudliar, Laura O'Brien
Summary: Polycentric governance is important in addressing complex environmental challenges through multiple decision centers, but interactions between these centers can lead to conflicts and power struggles. In Lake Victoria’s fisheries, overlaps between higher and lower-level authorities drive out lower-level involvement in management, despite challenges like resource scarcities and bureaucracy hindering information-sharing. Cooperative overlaps between higher-level authorities increase oversight over lower-level authorities, impacting policy development and implementation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Laura O'Brien, Praneeta Mudaliar
Summary: Many higher education institutions have benefited from the violent dispossession of Indigenous Land and marginalized Indigenous and non-Eurocentric knowledge. The inclusion of local and Indigenous knowledge in land management has implications for fostering resilience and decolonization. However, there is a lack of research on the knowledge systems included in land management by higher education institutions.
JOURNAL OF LAND USE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tomas M. Koontz
Summary: Collaborative environmental management relies on diverse information sources to inform policy. This study examines the use of evidence in salmon recovery plans in Puget Sound, USA. Results show that government agencies are the most frequently cited source of information, followed by peer reviewed journal articles and scientific books.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Praneeta Mudaliar
Summary: This paper examines the conditions under which authority, information, and resources foster or hinder interactions among overlapping decision centers in polycentric systems. The findings suggest that despite overlaps, factors such as opposing agendas, lack of clarity over authority, perception of a threat to authority, distrust, and intentionally withholding information and resources can lead to conflicts and dysfunctionality.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Praneeta Mudaliar, Meaghan McElroy, Jacob C. Brenner
Summary: The study found that while students are concerned about systemic issues like climate change and the government-corporate nexus, their actions are mostly one-time, individualistic, and incremental. Only a small percentage of students are taking meaningful systemic change actions, with the majority recognizing self-efficacy and community as barriers to engaging in transformative activities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Pranietha Mudliar, Tomas M. Koontz
Summary: Power dynamics in managing common-pool resources are complex, and non-dominant actors may respond to domination through building capabilities and forming solidarities. Negative aspects of power may not necessarily result in overt conflict, but rather through non-participation and silence of non-dominant actors. This study highlights the importance of understanding power asymmetries and interdependencies for achieving socially just and environmentally sustainable outcomes.
SOCIETY & NATURAL RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Pranietha Mudliar
Summary: Research challenges the normative assumptions about polycentric governance, finding that different types of power can constrain the functionality of polycentric systems. While design power can potentially promote power-sharing between decision centers, pragmatic and framing power erodes power from lower authorities, leading to power concentration at the center.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
(2021)
Article
Political Science
Kimberly A. Horndeski, Tomas M. Koontz
POLICY STUDIES JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Development Studies
Tomas M. Koontz, Nicolas W. Jager, Jens Newig
SOCIETY & NATURAL RESOURCES
(2020)
Article
Political Science
Tomas M. Koontz
REVIEW OF POLICY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Development Studies
Divya Gupta, Tomas M. Koontz
Article
Environmental Studies
Pranietha Mudliar, Tomas Koontz
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMONS
(2018)
Article
Environmental Studies
Pranay Ranjan, Tomas M. Koontz
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMONS
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Boon, Jurian Vincent Meijering, Robbert Biesbroek, Fulco Ludwig
Summary: This article introduces a global Delphi study, which presents a widely supported definition for successful climate services. The definition emphasizes the importance of user satisfaction and highlights the need for climate service developers to consider climate change uncertainties, build trust and capacity with users, and tailor interactions based on user needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiqi Zhang, Xiangyu Jia, Zeren Gongbu, Dingling He, Wenjun Li
Summary: This study conducted research in two villages on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China and found that the village with interactive and supportive government involvement achieved better outcomes compared to the village with forceful government intervention. This highlights the importance of congruence between government actions and community demands in developing self-governance institutions for natural resource management.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yolanda L. Waters, Kerrie A. Wilson, Angela J. Dean
Summary: This study found that climate messages centered around the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are more effective in strengthening intentions to adopt energy reduction behaviors. However, they are limited in motivating more impactful civic and social behaviors, including those seeking to influence climate policy support. Messages emphasizing collective efficacy can enhance message effect and influence the uptake of a broader range of behaviors. Emotions related to distress played a significant role in this effect. This research offers an alternative for expanding beyond traditional climate communication strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel A. Potts, Emma J. S. Ferranti, Joshua D. Vande Hey
Summary: This study investigates the barriers to integrating satellite data into air quality management and proposes the creation of a network of experts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between scientific research and air quality management.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amber W. Datta, Carina Wyborn, Brian C. Chaffin, Michele L. Barnes
Summary: Extreme climate events are changing social-ecological systems and challenging environmental governance paradigms. This study explores governance actors' perspectives on the future of reef management after a crisis and finds that multiple and conflicting visions are shaping the trajectory of coral reef governance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ranjan Datta, Prarthona Datta
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of learning climate change solutions from the activities of cross-cultural children, and introduces reflective learning, Indigenous Elders land-based teaching, music and arts learning, and positive interactions with cross-cultural children in a cross-cultural community garden.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julie Lydia Stounberg, Karen Timmerman, Karsten Dahl, Maurizio Pinna, Jon C. Svendsen
Summary: To combat biodiversity loss, the European Union established the Natura 2000 network. However, some sites are still not mapped, and habitats remain undefined. This study compared the definitions of blue mussel reefs in different EU member states and identified significant variations in parameters and limits used for reef identification. The study also highlighted the need for compatible and justified habitat definitions to ensure a consistent level of protection.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shilpi Kundu, Edward A. Morgan, James C. R. Smart
Summary: Climate change impacts in low lying coastal areas, like Bangladesh, are negatively affecting food and livelihood security, necessitating adaptation measures to build resilience. However, the effective implementation of these measures is hindered by a lack of local-level knowledge.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theodore Tallent, Aiora Zabala
Summary: This study explores how pluralism and social equity are incorporated into the governance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the field of conservation. Using a conceptual framework of social equity, the researchers analyze five exemplary cases to understand how practitioners assimilate these principles into their practices and governance processes. The findings highlight a strong commitment to participation and involvement of local communities, along with practices that aim to foster actor participation, build local capacity, and strengthen ownership. The study emphasizes the importance of considering diverse voices, perspectives, and forms of knowledge in conservation governance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalie Sampson, Carmel Price, Melanie Sampson, Mary Bradshaw, Bianca Freeman
Summary: The Title V program of the Clean Air Act provides opportunities for public participation in permit-related decisionmaking, but there is a lack of substantive changes prioritizing environmental justice in overburdened communities. Increasing the use of plain language can improve public participation by enhancing access, transparency, and accountability. Analysis of public notices revealed poor writing quality and a lack of attention to writing strategies for improved understanding and addressing environmental health and justice. Suggestions for improving public notices are provided, emphasizing the need for plain language and environmental health literacy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karabi Bezboruah, Amruta Sakalker, Michelle Hummel, Oswald Jenewein, Kathryn Masten, Yonghe Liu
Summary: This study examines the role of a rural, community-based nonprofit organization in addressing coastal flooding. Through an analysis of the Ingleside on the Bay Coastal Watch Association (IOBCWA) in Texas, the study finds that the organization has improved the community's adaptive capacity through activities such as community organizing, advocacy, data collection, resident capacity building, and regional communication networks. However, more policies, partnerships, and inclusion of socially vulnerable groups are needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heli Saarikoski, Suvi Vikstrom, Lasse Peltonen
Summary: This paper examines the cormorant conflict in Finland, highlighting the frame conflict resulting from different scales of analysis. The study finds that knowledge co-production processes have the potential to address environmental conflicts and generate practical and contextually appropriate knowledge. Key factors include participants' control over information and third-party facilitation of dialogue.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naomi Terry, Azucena Castro, Bwalya Chibwe, Geci Karuri-Sebina, Codruta Savu, Laura Pereira
Summary: The practice of envisioning the future has deep roots in African traditions, but is not widely used in conventional futuring methodologies. To achieve a decolonial approach to futuring, it is important to consider diverse pasts and storytelling forms. Stories can serve as mechanisms of power, healing, and diversification, leading to more just and ecologically sustainable futures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Priya Chetri, Upasna Sharma, P. Vigneswara Ilavarasan
Summary: Previous studies have overlooked the role of information in farmers' capacity to adapt to weather and climate variability. This paper examines the relationship between farmers' access to weather information and the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies, and highlights the potential of information in improving farmers' adaptive capacity. The paper also emphasizes the moderating effect of farmers' social ecosystem on this relationship.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baker Matovu, Floor Brouwer, Raimund Bleischwitz, Firas Aljanabi, Meltem Alkoyak-Yildiz
Summary: This paper proposes a novel framework for sustainable sand mining based on Ecosystem Service Assessment. It analyzes the case of Kerala, India to demonstrate the impacts of sand mining on local ecosystems and livelihoods. The article also highlights seven key steps that can guide sustainable sand mining and promote integrated governance systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2024)