Promoting sustainable development worldwide in the metacoupled anthropocene

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sustainability Science
• Systems Analysis

Background:

• Global sustainable development necessitates integrated approaches across interconnected systems.
• Existing frameworks often lack a holistic lens for analyzing complex human-nature interactions.
• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires integrated knowledge and cross-system strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and operationalize the integrated metacoupling framework for sustainability analysis.
• To provide a practical toolkit for researchers and policymakers.
• To advance the analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) interactions, progress, and pathways.

Main Methods:

• Development of a six-step operationalization process for the metacoupling framework.
• Application of the framework for analyzing human-nature interactions within and between systems.
• Focus on SDG interaction analysis, progress assessment, and pathway modeling.

Main Results:

• The integrated metacoupling framework offers a holistic lens for sustainability analysis.
• The proposed six steps provide a practical toolkit for interdisciplinary researchers.
• The framework supports policymakers in developing synergistic cross-system strategies for sustainable development.

Conclusions:

• The integrated metacoupling framework facilitates a comprehensive understanding of human-nature interactions.
• Operationalizing the framework aids in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the "Leave No One Behind" principle.
• This approach enhances collaborative efforts for sustainable development at all scales.