I recently returned from the 7th Open Meeting of the International Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change research community in Bonn, Germany. The meeting's theme was the "Social Challenges of Global Change," and indeed, many challenges were outlined. My several days of attendance were both inspiring and frustrating.
On inspiration, there is much important work underway by environmental social scientists that sheds light on social causes and consequences of environmental change – with a particular focus on climate vulnerability and adaptation. Still, much work remains to be done.
On frustrating, given the urgency of the social-environmental crises facing our planet, the social science community lacks the organization required to answer critical policy questions. In my opinion, too much time and money continues to be spent on academic exercises that offer interesting intellectual puzzles but are too far removed from questions that need to be answered – and now. How might we reduce vulnerability to environmental change – particularly for those with already fragile livelihoods. What particular mitigation and/or adaptation strategies appear best suited for certain geographic areas and/or populations? How can we encourage cultural valuation of environmental goods such that behaviors and choices are characterized by social and environmental responsibility?
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