Transformation of social and ecological systems

Autores/as

  • Emilio F. Moran Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7984.2011v10n19p11

Resumen

The evolution of social ecological systems is characterized by a lengthy process of steady of slow population growth, appropriation of natural resources, and ever growing complexity. From hunter gatherers first, to extensive and then intensive farmers, to urban industrial aggregations has taken place worldwide in episodic and highly differentiated geographical distribution. It is in the last 50 years that this process has begun to go exponential and to have planetary significance. What used to be episodic periods of regional growth and expansion in the use of resources has grown into a cumulative process that now threatens the planet through the emission of global warming gases, climatic change, and the loss of cultural and biological diversity. The paper identifies some of the changes needed to begin to address this conundrum.

Biografía del autor/a

Emilio F. Moran, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America.

Professor of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America. Email: moran@indiana.edu

Publicado

2011-10-29

Número

Sección

Dossiê Temático