Humanity is facing many grand challenges at unprecedented rates, nearly everywhere, and
at all levels. Yet virtually all these challenges can be traced back to the decision and …

In the first two decades of the 21st century, 79 global big cities have suffered extensively
from drought disaster. Meanwhile, climate change has magnified urban drought in both …

The natural environmental degradation is specifically challenging in rapid urbanization
areas where social economic development needs to swallow large amounts of resources …

The devastating civil war that began in Syria in March 2011 is the result of complex
interrelated factors. The focus of the conflict is regime change, but the triggers include a …

Highlights•The concept of social–ecological systems highlights the interlinked dynamics of
environmental and societal change.•Further mainstreaming this concept promises major …

Simultaneous environmental changes challenge biodiversity persistence and human
wellbeing. The science and practice of restoration ecology, in collaboration with other …

China's rapid urbanization has produced problems of excessive resource use and
environmental pollution, threatening the country's sustainable development. Previous …

Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) are complex, dynamic, interconnected
systems with feedback across social and environmental dimensions. This feedback leads to …

The emerging academic field focused on sustainability has been engaged in a rich and
converging debate to define what key competencies are considered critical for graduating …

Efforts to reduce suffering have habitually focused on control and repair of individual bodies.
The social origins of suffering and distress, including poverty and discrimination, even if …