Environmental Literacy in Science and Society: From Knowledge to DecisionsIn an era where humans affect virtually all of the earth's processes, questions arise about whether we have sufficient knowledge of human-environment interactions. How can we sustain the Earth's ecosystems to prevent collapses and what roles should practitioners and scientists play in this process? These are the issues central to the concept of environmental literacy. This unique book provides a comprehensive review and analysis of environmental literacy within the context of environmental science and sustainable development. Approaching the topic from multiple perspectives, it explores the development of human understanding of the environment and human-environment interactions in the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, economics and industrial ecology. The discussion emphasises the importance of knowledge integration and transdisciplinary processes as key strategies for understanding complex human-environment systems (HES). In addition, the author defines the HES framework as a template for investigating sustainably coupled human-environment systems in the 21st century. |
Contents
1 | |
II History of mind of biological knowledge | 43 |
III Contributions of psychology | 135 |
IV Contributions of sociology | 213 |
V Contributions of economics | 255 |
VI Contributions of industrial ecology | 305 |
VII Beyond disciplines and sciences | 339 |
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Environmental Literacy in Science and Society: From Knowledge to Decisions Roland W. Scholz No preview available - 2011 |
Common terms and phrases
action adaptation agents analysis animals anthropocenic approach basic behavior bioethanol biofuel biological biomass biophysical biosemiotics cells Chapter cognitive complementarity complex concept considered coping cultural cycles decision defined disciplines drivers ecological economics economic ecosystem effects emerged energy envir environment environmental awareness environmental economics environmental impacts environmental literacy environmental psychology environmental sociology environmental systems example factors feedback loops Figure framework functions game theory global goals hierarchy human and environmental human systems human-environment idea immune system individual industrial ecology instance institutions integration interactions interdisciplinarity issue Key messages knowledge learning linked material flows material-biophysical ment natural resources norms onmental organism pandemics perspective phosphorus plants Postulate problems production rationales refers risk role scenario analysis Scholz scientific scientists secondary feedback loops social society sociology species strategies structure sustainability Swissmetro system dynamics theory tion transdisciplinary processes types understanding utility variables