One Earth + One Health: An Agile, Evolutionary, System-of-Systems Convergence Paradigm

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Earth system science
• Systems theory

Background:

• Human activities have profoundly altered Earth systems, creating complex interdependencies.
• The Anthropocene is characterized by accelerating cultural and technological evolution.
• A holistic approach is needed for One Earth and One Health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an agile, evolutionary, system-of-systems paradigm.
• To provide a scientifically falsifiable theoretical framework for analyzing complex systems.
• To integrate geophysical, biophysical, sociocultural, and sociotechnical systems.

Main Methods:

• Systematic identification, decomposition, and characterization of nested systems.
• Application of a paradigm divided into somatic (external) and visceral (internal) realms.
• Integration of niche construction within a global meta-ecosystem.

Main Results:

• The paradigm enables analysis across scales from global to molecular.
• It incorporates the evolutionary history of all Anthropocene systems.
• It facilitates understanding of organismal niche construction.

Conclusions:

• A causally coherent evolutionary framework is essential.
• Cross-scale, modular, and hierarchical models with a common language are required.
• Agile computational frameworks, decision-support systems, and educational pedagogy are necessary for implementation.