Foundations for Sustainability: A Coherent Framework of Life–Environment Relations

Foundations for Sustainability challenges current assumptions when studying environmental issues and lays the groundwork for a new paradigm. This paradigm shift can bring the greater understanding needed help move forward to an environmentally and economically sustainable future, which to date has been an uphill battle as opposed to an obvious choice.

This book presents the case for a paradigm based on a multi-model of life as organism PLUS life as ecosystem and life as biosphere, as opposed to the singular assumption that life can be viewed just as an organism.

All backed with well cited research from top investigators from around the world. This is a must-have book for anyone working in ecology, environmental science or sustainability.

Introduces holistic and systemic approach and methods; synthesis of a systemic root cause underlying many "surface symptoms" that are individual environmental problems (climate, water, energy, etc.)Complements current piecemeal approaches in order to solve many interconnected environmental problems which share root causesProvides tests and thought experiments to challenge current views on sustainability, leveraging the power of critical thinking to find new solutionsGives insight as to how to find solutions, by blending interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary focuses with disciplinary specialization in ecology and ecosystem scienceBridges concepts and methods from math to ecology to human development

1. To Solve a Difficult Problem, Enlarge It 2. Life as the Basis of Value 3. Holistic Science of Life-Environment – Mutualistic Interfaces 4. Life: From Origins to Humans 5. Reforming Reductionism with Six Core Principles 6. Life Science Lessons from Ecological Networks and Systems Ecology 7. A Bridge Not Too Far: Spanning Theory to Science to Application 8. Technology and Applications in the Context of Holistic Life-Environment 9. Sustainability: A Goal for All