Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations

Linda Rosengren,Leila Chakroun,Aracely Burgos-Ayala,Maximilian M. Muhr,Claudia Bieling,Irene Pérez-Ramírez,Simon West,Jacqueline Loos,Thomas J.M. Mattijssen,Maraja Riechers,Marina García-Llorente,Miles Richardson,Sakshi Rana,Ágnes Balázsi,Kaisa J. Raatikainen

doi:10.1080/26395916.2021.1912829

Abstract

ABSTRACT This perspective paper synthesises the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’. Based on the articles in this special issue, we aim to foster the operationalisation of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations to enable sustainability transformations. Specifically, we draw on four key advantages of the leverage points perspective: (i) the explicit recognition of deep leverage points; (ii) the ability to examine the interactions between shallow and deep system changes; (iii) the combination of causal and teleological modes of research; and (iv) the ability to function as a methodological boundary object. The contributions to this special issue revealed three deep leverage points addressing paradigm shifts in research and beyond: relational thinking and values, stewardship philosophy and shifting the economic growth paradigm to focus on human well-being. We highlight interlinkages between leverage points to further strengthen the transformative potential of interventions that aim at triggering shifts in our understanding about human-nature relations. Further, we show a way to bridge causal and teleological approaches by envisioning desired futures. Lastly, we emphasise the potential of arts-based methodologies, including participatory, transdisciplinary research to foster sustainability transformation and how this can be combined within the leverage points perspective.

Highlights

Many years of effort towards averting the unsustain able trajectory of our worlds development prove that technological and short-term policy strategies are insufficient to achieve the internationally agreed sus tainable development goals (Rockström et al 2009; UN 2015; Steffen et al 2018)
By including other and potentially non-scientific types of knowledge, leverage points addressing human-nature relations may spark novel and powerful pathways towards sus tainability transformation. This synthesis of the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’ reveals insights about human-nature relations based on the key advantages of the leverage points perspective
As we show by our emphasis on specific aspects of each contribution, there seems to be a general need for a paradigm shift from utilitarian to relational interactions, which is represented by a shift away from the prior conceptualisation of human-nature connectedness to a more overarching term

Summary

Introduction

Many years of effort towards averting the unsustain able trajectory of our worlds development prove that technological and short-term policy strategies are insufficient to achieve the internationally agreed sus tainable development goals (Rockström et al 2009; UN 2015; Steffen et al 2018). Key deep lever age points were: an alternative economic paradigm (see above), new governmental structures and institu tions to improve justice and inclusive planning and management These deep leverage points related directly to ongoing debates in the sustainability lit erature on which pathways and interventions are required to achieve a better future for humanity and the planet, and show how articulating positive visions of the future can help reaching them. In the realm of human-nature relations in which multiple demands, values and emotions are integrated, new methodologies are helpful for developing more encompassing analyses One such collection of methodologies mentioned by authors of this special issue are arts-based approaches, which can serve as pos sible methodological additions to strengthen the connec tions humans have with their surrounding nature (Muhr 2020; Raatikainen et al 2020; Richardson et al 2020). By including other and potentially non-scientific types of knowledge, leverage points addressing human-nature relations may spark novel and powerful pathways towards sus tainability transformation

Summary

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