The interaction of environmental systems and human development in a time of wild cards. A big data enhanced foresight study

J Environ Manage. 2022 Aug 15:316:115169. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115169. Epub 2022 May 12.

Abstract

The article contributes to the research discussion around the human-natural and social-ecological systems by identification of a comprehensive list of global trends related to integrated interaction between environmental systems and human development, including climate change, pollution, new quality of economic growth, and challenges for education and healthcare. The foresight study behind it encompasses a combination of quantitative (big data ) and qualitative (expert) methods. This approach allows for a systemic vision of structural shifts, assessing their probability and impact. The outcomes of the study include the list of global environmental and human development trends and factors classified by STEEPV categories, their effects that split into opportunities and threats, and an assessment of their inter-relation and mutual impact. Policy implications focus on possible areas of intervention for sustainable growth.

Keywords: Environmental systems; Foresight; Green growth; Human capital; Human rights; Natural resources; Sustainable development; Trend monitoring.

MeSH terms

  • Big Data*
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Economic Development
  • Ecosystem*
  • Humans