Transformations of the twenty-first century:transitions to greater sustainability

摘要

In considering any very complex system, we tend to break it up into more manageable parts or aspects and to study these more or less separately. For example, when looking at the longer-term human future, we might divide the various issues into military and diplomatic issues (some might say security and foreign affairs); political issues, including domestic politics in each country or region; ideological issues; environmental issues, including those related to water, air, energy and biological diversity; human health and wellness issues; family issues; demographic issues; economic issues, including the crucial socioeconomic challenge of relieving extreme poverty; technology issues; scientific research issues; institutional or governance issues; issues of democracy and human rights; and so forth.