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http://www.ihdp.unu.edu/article/read/social-scientists-call-for-more-research-on-human-dimensions

Social scientists call for more research on human dimensions of global change

Scientists across all disciplines share great concern that our planet is in the process of crossing dangerous biophysical tipping points. The results of a new large-scale global survey among 1,276 scholars from the social sciences and humanities demonstrate that the human dimensions of the problem are equally important but severely under-addressed.

The survey, conducted by the IHDP Secretariat (UNU-IHDP) in collaboration with UNESCO and the International Social Science Council(ISSC), identifies the following as highest priority research areas:

(1) equity/equality and wealth/resource distribution;

(2) policy, political systems/governance, and political economy;

(3) economic systems, economic costs and incentives; 

(4) globalization, social and cultural transitions.

Over 80% call for additional funding and opportunities for such research. 90% of the survey respondents are in favor of an assessment of social sciences and humanities research findings applicable to global environmental change.

Please see the full survey report here.UNU-IHDP Survey Results 09 2011.pdf

Tangible scientific results soon available

The organizers of the Planet under Pressure conference, to be held in March 2010 in London, will soon publish a series of White Papers and Policy Briefs that show important aspects of what the survey respondents are calling for.

Based on current research, the Policy Briefs will provide recommendations for decision-makers on Human Well-Being, Green Economy, Transforming Governance and Institutions, Interconnected Risks and Challenges, Water Security, Food Security, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and Energy Security. The first set of Policy Briefs will be released within the next few weeks and published on our website.

The Planet under Pressure conference will most likely be the biggest gathering of global environmental change scientists of all times, with 3,750 abstracts submitted for the conference sessions alone. The conference is co-organized by IHDP, IGBP, DIVERSITAS, WCRP, ESSP andICSU.

If you have questions, please contact us at secretariat@ihdp.unu.edu