Citation
Leal Filho, W. (2011), "Editorial", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 12 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe.2011.24912baa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Volume 12, Issue 2
Welcome to one more issue of International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. This issue entails a set of papers from Europe and North America and documents the excellent work being undertaken in the field of sustainability in a higher education context in both regions. This varies from university operations, to curriculum elements and research.
On this editorial, I would like to comment on a report produced by the UK Academy of Social Sciences and the British Psychological Society with a focus on sustainability. For several decades scientists have argued that the increasing demands being placed on the planet’s resources are in the long run unsustainable. The precise consequences of the growing global population for climate change remain uncertain in their timing and distribution but we are already observing declines in biodiversity, widespread destruction of forests, exhaustion of fisheries, soil erosion and environmental pollution. Add to this mix the threat of climate change linked to rising sea-levels, water shortages and more extreme weather events, and the outlook worsens.
This report* highlights that the work of social scientists is central to finding solutions since the causes and consequences of such environmental issues are broadly societal. There is a need for a better understanding of international geopolitics, environmental risks and vulnerability, consumer behaviour, energy security, and the delivery of policy. The case studies included in the report seek to demonstrate the extensive and continuing contribution of social research to the development of appropriate solutions through policy initiative and best practice at all scales of governance. It is a recommended reading from anyone interested on sustainability from a social sciences perspective.
Enjoy your reading!
*Available at: www.acss.org.uk/docs/Making%20the%20Case/INF176%20climate%20change_web.pdf
Walter Leal Filho