Evolution and Sustainability
As the Anthropocene presents unprecedented challenges, the integration of evolution and sustainability emerges as a key exploration. Our research delves into the intricate interplay between human cultural evolution and the pressing global challenges we face today. By adapting the concept of evolutionary traps and bridging social-ecological systems research, we investigate the potential pitfalls of human behavior, akin to nature's traps. Our aim is to uncover hidden trajectories that may lead to undesired outcomes, and to leverage cultural evolution's potential for sustainable paths. By mapping Anthropocene traps and integrating the concept of evolvability, we strive to guide societies toward resilient trajectories for global wellbeing.
This research topic explores the intricate connections between human cultural evolution and the challenges of our modern world. By adapting the concept of evolutionary traps, we examine how human societies might unknowingly face undesirable trajectories akin to those observed in nature. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we investigate the potential traps our species might encounter due to interconnected ecological, social, economic, and technological crises.
Anthropocene Traps
In the face of rapid and unprecedented Earth system changes, the Anthropocene era challenges us with urgent sustainability concerns. This topic bridges the realms of social-ecological systems (SES) research and evolutionary theory to comprehend better the complex interplay between humans, their environments, and the global future. While SES research provides insights into these intricate dynamics, incorporating evolutionary theory remains a novel approach. By mapping the convergence of these fields, we pave the way for collaborative exploration.