Evolution, variability and sustainable development

Sustainable development is a global challenge to science and society. In politics and economics the concepts for establishing a sustainable society are numerous, nonetheless necessary interdisciplinary approaches are still marginalised. Trying to foster a deeper communication between biology and soc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sustainable development and world ecology 2002-12, Vol.9 (4), p.301-313
Main Authors: Rammel, Christian, Staudinger, Markus
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation
evolution
risk minimisation
selection
short-term optimisation
sustainable development
variability
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Summary:Sustainable development is a global challenge to science and society. In politics and economics the concepts for establishing a sustainable society are numerous, nonetheless necessary interdisciplinary approaches are still marginalised. Trying to foster a deeper communication between biology and social science, an evolutionary perspective on sustainable development is offered. Subsequently, the role of variability and diversity in evolution is highlighted. Hereby, special attention is devoted, among other things, to the links between variability and stability in the long term. Next, selection and variability are emphasised in the cultural context. This is followed by general implications for sustainability. In contrast to strategies aiming at short-term optimisation and economic efficiency, we argue that the conditions and circumstances maintaining variability and momentary sub-optimal alternatives are highly relevant for a socio-economic system that is heading for sustainable development.
ISSN:1350-4509
1745-2627
DOI:10.1080/13504500209470126