Human-Environment Complexity Lab

Please note that some of the research projects or publications featured on this site were undertaken by Johanna Yletyinen prior to the establishment of this research group. They are included here to provide context and continuity for ongoing work, and to reflect the foundations upon which this group’s research is built.

Significant new funding for studying failing sustainability transformations

Johanna Yletyinen has secured significant funding from the Research Council of Finland to study failing sustainability initiatives. The project, titled ‘Turning away from the brink of a failing sustainability transition: recognizing and managing failure in sustainability initiatives‘, will investigate how adverse environmental and social outcomes may arise from sustainability initiatives and how they can be better managed.

Abstract:

Transformative actions towards sustainability are currently unfolding on an unprecedented scale and at significant costs worldwide. However, the pursuit of sustainability has, in some instances, led to adverse environmental and social outcomes. These include costly yet unsuccessful nature conservation efforts and an increase in social inequality. This research project will investigate how such failures arise from sustainability initiatives and how they can be better managed. We will explore these research questions within the context of natural resource systems (forests). Our approach will involve the use of social-ecological system modelling, which views human systems as inseparable from nature, and multidisciplinary data on human-environment relations. The project will provide solutions for swift responses to negative outcomes arising from sustainability initiatives. It will enhance our capacity to transition to sustainable natural resource management as safely as possible.