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

2021; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 17; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/26395916.2021.1912829

2639-5916

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

Environmental Philosophy and Ethics

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.