Sustainability Science

'Technical and accessible are generally seen as dichotomous. De Vries proves the opposite is true with this masterful introduction to the essential building blocks of sustainability science. The book goes well beyond its promise of methodological pluralism by providing mathematical, biophysical, economic, social and cultural lenses to help us understand and respond to the ecological and climate crisis.' Piotr Magnuszewski, Scientific Director, Centre for Systems Solutions, Wrocław

'Sustainability science is the means by which a fractured and unequal world of 8+ billion people can map the systemic challenges of the Anthropocene, to bring together the transformational actions that will help us navigate the twenty-first century. Bert de Vries' seminal text provides us the worldviews, values and methods to chart these transitions to a better, more equal and sustainable world.' Aromar Revi, Director, IIHS Bangalore City Campus

'Stewarding our planet towards a safe and just future requires nothing less than a deep scientific understanding of the functioning of our Earth system, and a truly holistic view of how nature, humanity and the physical world share a common fate. This book propagates this message in a unique way, offering scholars and students a first step towards informed agency.' Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK); Professor of Earth System Science, University of Potsdam; Chief Scientist, Conservation International

'Bert de Vries reveals the secret to making the world sustainable. And no, it's not technology. It is our adoption of alternate worldviews that reflect our values and beliefs, such as individualism, collectivism, consumerism, or frugality. These shape our choices and actions for the planet, and determine whether we help or harm sustainability. This book is essential for anyone who wants to foster sustainability.' Anupam Saraph, Sustainability and Systems Leadership Mentor

'Sustainability science has evolved over decades to address a fundamental challenge: the decline and collapse of socio-ecosystems driven by a political economy too narrowly defined by goals and policies of only one or a few disciplines. Bert de Vries ably succeeds in showing how to expand the range of enquiry to embrace perspectives from many disciplines, as well as from the wider world of enterprise and governance. But he further offers a unique perspective that makes this edition of his text invaluable in showing how to look below the transdisciplinary layer that defines trends, causal mechanisms and policies to see the worldviews and paradigms that generate and sustain them. Using systems science to integrate horizontally across disciplines, and vertically from trends down to mental models, offers the reader the most comprehensive set of analytical tools in the sustainability field. Essential reading.' Jan Sendzimir, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

'Sustainability Science by Bert de Vries presents a truly transdisciplinary and pluralistic approach to understanding human–environment interactions for improving and maintaining human well-being. Guided by worldview frameworks and systems thinking, this book impressively integrates the myriad parts of geography, ecology, philosophy, epistemology, history, culture, ethics and religion into the whole of sustainability. It is remarkably comprehensive, insightful and thought-provoking.' Jianguo (Jingle) Wu, Dean's Distinguished Professor of Sustainability Science, Arizona State University; Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Ecology