New paper defines environmental social science and strengthens the case for putting people at the heart of environmental action

A new paper published in Environmental Science & Policy; ‘Defining environmental social sciences for interdisciplinary research, policy and practice‘, brings together experts from universities, government bodies and environmental organisations to establish a shared understanding of environmental social science (ESS) and its contribution to research, policy and practice.

The paper emerges from the ACCESS project (Advancing Capacity for Climate and Environment Social Science), a five-year programme funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) that aims to champion environmental social science across the UK and strengthen its impact on environmental decision-making.

Why environmental social science matters

“Environmental social sciences are often perceived to have less impact than other scientific perspectives. To help make a case for its value and importance it is essential that those working in the field develop and hold a shared understanding of the field that captures its breath and depth. Having a definition of ESS that is sensitive of disciplinary tensions and boundaries is vital to help demonstrate if, when and how the field can help understand and tackle people-environment challenges.” Birgitta Gatersleben, ACCESS Co-Director, University of Surrey.

Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation are often framed as scientific or technical challenges. Yet the decisions, behaviours, institutions and systems that drive these issues are fundamentally social. The authors argue that understanding how people interact with the natural world is essential if society is to develop effective and equitable solutions.

As the paper highlights, environmental problems are ultimately social problems: they are shaped by human actions, values and institutions, and their solutions depend on people, communities and governance systems.

Despite this, ESS is often less well understood than natural sciences or engineering, and its contribution can be overlooked in research programmes and policymaking processes. The new study seeks to address this challenge by providing a clear and comprehensive framework for understanding what ESS is, who practises it and how it can contribute to societal change.

A shared definition for a growing field

Working with academics and practitioners from across the UK, the authors developed a definition of ESS through literature reviews, workshops and collaborative dialogue. The resulting framework defines ESS as the systematic study of the relationships between three interconnected components:

• People
• The social environment
• The non-human natural environment

These relationships are dynamic and operate across multiple scales, from individuals and communities to institutions, nations and global systems.

The paper also identifies three broad types of knowledge that ESS can provide:

• Diagnostic and evaluative knowledge, helping to explain environmental challenges and social processes;
• Instrumental knowledge, supporting practical interventions, policy design and implementation; and
• Critical and innovative knowledge, challenging assumptions and generating new visions for sustainable futures.

The role of ACCESS

The research reflects a core objective of the ACCESS programme: building recognition of the value of ESS and supporting stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers and practitioners. The work was developed through extensive engagement with members of the ACCESS network, bringing together expertise from academia, government and environmental organisations.

By creating a shared language around ESS, the authors hope to make it easier for organisations to integrate social science expertise throughout environmental projects, from problem definition and policy design through to implementation and evaluation.

Looking ahead

The authors argue that ESS should not be viewed as an optional addition to environmental research. Instead, it is a fundamental part of understanding environmental change and achieving lasting solutions.

As environmental challenges become increasingly urgent and complex, the paper provides an important foundation for strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring that people, societies and institutions are placed at the heart of environmental action.

Read the research paper: Defining environmental social sciences for interdisciplinary research, policy and practice, published in Environmental Science & Policy