What Kind of System of Science (and Technology) Is Needed to Support the Quest for Sustainable Development?

This chapter concentrates on the role of science and technology in humankind's efforts to change course toward sustainable development, in the context of deep transformations intensifying as globalization interweaves and clashes with ecological interdependence. Nine fundamental (“nodal”) issues, which should be addressed by a scientific and technological system better able to support good global stewardship, are discussed in terms of their strategic implications for global sustainability. These include the basic unit of analysis for Earth system science, integration of research, the criteria of truth, inclusion of qualitative variables, dealing with uncertainty, incorporation of other knowledges, interparadigmatic dialogues, science-policy interface, and stakeholder involvement.

The adaptive management approach, often proposed as a preferred strategy for the use of science and technology for global sustainability, is discussed. Finally, a resulting glimpse of some of the strategic traits of the scientific and technological system for global sustainability is presented, including the possibility of scientific holistic forms of understanding of the Earth system.