Double coupling: modeling subjectivity and asymmetric organization in social-ecological systems.

Social-ecological organization is a multidimensional phenomenon that combines material and symbolic processes. However, the coupling between social and ecological subsystem is often conceptualized as purely material, thus reducing the symbolic dimension to its behavioral and actionable expressions. In this paper I conceptualize social-ecological systems as doubly coupled. On the one hand, material expressions of socio-cultural processes affect and are affected by ecological dynamics. On the other hand, coupled social-ecological material dynamics are concurrently coupled with subjective dynamics via coding, decoding, personal experience, and human agency. This second coupling operates across two organizationally heterogeneous dimensions: material and symbolic. Although resilience thinking builds on the recognition of organizational asymmetry between living and nonliving systems, it has overlooked the equivalent asymmetry between ecological and socio-cultural subsystems. Three guiding concepts are proposed to formalize double coupling. The first one, social-ecological asymmetry, expands on past seminal work on ecological self-organization to incorporate reflexivity and subjectivity in social-ecological modeling. Organizational asymmetry is based in the distinction between social rules, which are symbolically produced and changed through human agents’ reflexivity and purpose, and biophysical rules, which are determined by functional relations between ecological components. The second guiding concept, conscious power, brings to the fore human agents’ distinctive capacity to produce our own subjective identity and the consequences of this capacity for social-ecological organization. The third concept, congruence between subjective and objective dynamics, redefines sustainability as contingent on congruent relations between material and symbolic processes. Social-ecological theories and analyses based on these three guiding concepts would support the integration of curren

FONA-Forum 2024

With the FONA Forum 2024, the BMBF deliberately moved away from the familiar event formats of lectures and panel discussions and turned listeners into genuine participants. The event was designed and implemented in collaboration with the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS).

Over three days, around 200 thought leaders from science, business, administration, politics, and civil society worked and discussed the following questions intensively in changing small groups.

– How can effective research for sustainability be achieved in a rapidly changing world?
– What does socially effective research mean?
– How does each individual’s research contribute to the sustainability transformation?

FONA-Forum 2024: Ein ko-kreativer Ansatz für Transformation

Das vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung geförderte FONA-Forum 2024 hat mit einem neuen Format experimentiert: Es lud die Teilnehmenden ein, aktiv mitzuwirken, und schuf einen ko-kreativen Raum für lösungsorientierte Diskussionen. In das Experiment sind Prinzipien und Erfahrungen aus der Gestaltung transformativer Räume und aus Dialogprozessen der inter- und transdisziplinären Forschung eingeflossen.

The Patterns of Aliveness Theory.

This chapter argues that approaches to navigating complex world making and transformative change for sustainability are more effective when they are anchored in a profound understanding of life processes. The chapter takes the concept of systems aliveness as a quality element of a pattern approach one step further. It advances 13 propositions regarding essential features of life enhancement in systems that can also inform a better understanding of enlivening human co-creation. The propositions lay the basis for the Patterns of Aliveness Theory, which shows how six essential organizing principles allow life to emerge, thrive, and re-create itself in natural as well as social systems. The chapter suggests that these principles must be taken into account in the practice of leading collectively and shows how they become the foundation of a conceptual architecture for stewarding sustainability transformations.

The systems view of life: A unifying vision.

Over the past thirty years, a new systemic conception of life has emerged at the forefront of science. New emphasis has been given to complexity, networks, and patterns of organisation, leading to a novel kind of ‘systemic’ thinking. This volume integrates the ideas, models, and theories underlying the systems view of life into a single coherent framework. Taking a broad sweep through history and across scientific disciplines, the authors examine the appearance of key concepts such as autopoiesis, dissipative structures, social networks, and a systemic understanding of evolution. The implications of the systems view of life for health care, management, and our global ecological and economic crises are also discussed. Written primarily for undergraduates, it is also essential reading for graduate students and researchers interested in understanding the new systemic conception of life and its implications for a broad range of professions – from economics and politics to medicine, psychology and law.

At home in the universe: The search for the laws of self-organization and complexity

We live in a world of stunning biological complexity. Molecules of all varieties join in a metabolic dance to make cells. Cells interact with cells to form organisms; organisms interact with organisms to form ecosystems, economies, societies. Where did this grand architecture come from? For more than a century, the only theory that science has offered to explain how this order arose is natural selection. As Darwin taught us, the order of the biological world evolves as natural selection sifts among random mutations for the rare, useful forms. In this view of the history of life, organisms are cobbled-together contraptions wrought by selection, the silent and opportunistic tinkerer. Science has left us as unaccountably improbable accidents against the cold, immense backdrop of space and time. Thirty years of research have convinced me that this dominant view of biology is incomplete. As I will argue in this book, natural selection is important, but it has not labored alone to craft the fine architectures of the biosphere, from cell to organism to ecosystem. Another source-self-organization-is the root source of order. The order of the biological world, I have come to believe, is not merely tinkered, but arises naturally and spontaneously because of these principles of selforganization-laws of complexity that we are just beginning to uncover and understand. The past three centuries of science have been predominantly reductionist, attempting to break complex systems into simple parts, and those parts, in turn, into simpler parts. The reductionist program has been spectacularly successful, and will continue to be so. But it has often left a vacuum: How do we use the information gleaned about the parts to build up a theory of the whole? The deep difficulty here lies in the fact that the complex whole may exhibit properties that are not readily explained by understanding the parts. The complex whole, in a completely nonmystical sense, can often exhibit collective properti

Systems Theory, Complexity Theory, and Radical Emergence

Systems theory, complexity theory, and emergence help biologists to understand the evolution of radical
novelty. Together they stretch traditional conceptions of science. This working group begins with the groundbreaking
contributions of Stuart Kauffman, who will be present. We examine these important resources in the biological sciences and
the new vision of the biosphere that they are producing.

Daring to Do Scientific Conferences Differently

In this blog, Thomas Bruhn reflects on the limitations of conventional scientific conferences and explores how alternative, highly interactive formats can foster deeper exchange, collaboration, and collective creativity. Drawing on his experience designing and co-creating the reimagined FONA Forum with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, he illustrates how conferences can move beyond information consumption toward genuine participation and community-building. The article invites researchers and organisers to experiment with bold, participatory formats that better support inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal challenges.

Safe Spaces in Unsafe Environments – Facilitating Dialogue and Reflection at the UN Climate Conference

This blog presents insights from designing and facilitating spaces for dialogue and reflection at UN Climate Conferences. Drawing on experiences from the Co-Creative Reflection and Dialogue Spaces (CCRDS) hosted at COPs, the authors show how relationship-building, embodied practices, and reflexive facilitation can foster trust, mutual learning, and constructive exchange across diverse stakeholder groups. The article offers practical lessons on transdisciplinary process knowledge and highlights the importance of relational and facilitative approaches for collaboration in politically contested and high-pressure settings.

COP28 in Dubai: Greenwashing or Genuine Ambitions?

This blog reflects on the tensions and contradictions experienced at COP28 in Dubai, asking whether the conference marked a genuine turning point in climate ambition or largely reproduced patterns of greenwashing. Drawing on participant observation, the authors examine the contrast between official commitments to climate action and the host country’s resource-intensive development model, as well as the ambivalent messages conveyed through the conference’s imagery and discourse. The article situates the COP28 agreement within broader debates on fossil fuel phase-out, innovation, and planetary boundaries, and argues for transparent, evidence-based approaches to assess the credibility of climate commitments and rebuild trust in global climate governance.

Fear and trust in UN climate policy at UNFCCC COP27

This blog explores the role of fear and trust as inner dimensions shaping communication, agency, and collaboration in UN climate policy, using COP27 as a case study. Drawing on research and practical experience from the Co-Creative Reflection and Dialogue Spaces (CCRDS), the authors examine how political spaces can be designed to consciously address emotions, values, and worldviews that are usually sidelined in formal negotiations. The article argues that engaging with fear and trust through reflective and dialogic formats can strengthen collective agency, improve the culture of communication at UN Climate Conferences, and support more transformative approaches to climate governance.

Confronting fears – Strengthening trust

This blog introduces the Co-Creative Reflection and Dialogue Space (CCRDS) at UN Climate Conferences as an experimental format to address fear, mistrust, and emotional overload in climate negotiations. Drawing on experiences from COP24–COP26 and preparing for COP27, the authors reflect on how consciously designed spaces for dialogue, reflection, and co-creation can strengthen trust, agency, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The article highlights the importance of engaging inner dimensions such as emotions, values, and mindsets to improve the culture of communication and support more transformative approaches to global climate action.

Mindfulness as a Pathway to Greater Climate-Sensitivity

This blog explores mindfulness as an inner pathway toward greater climate sensitivity and more sustainable lifestyles. Critically engaging with technological and efficiency-focused approaches to climate mitigation, the article argues that sustainability also requires a cultural shift toward sufficiency and value-based living. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and sustainability research, it shows how mindfulness practices can enhance self-awareness, reduce consumerist patterns, and help close the gap between environmental knowledge and everyday behaviour, thereby supporting deeper societal transformation in line with climate goals.

On the culture of untapped potential

This blog offers a critical reflection on the communication and working culture at UNFCCC COP23, based on participant observation in the Bonn Zone. The author describes a prevailing atmosphere of consumption, superficial networking, and one-way knowledge transfer that, in his view, leaves much of the conference’s collective potential untapped. At the same time, the article points to emerging alternatives—such as dialogic and participatory formats like the Talanoa Space—and argues for a fundamental shift toward more reflective, interactive, and co-creative modes of engagement to better address the challenges of climate change.

Mental Dispositions and Sustainability: An Interview with Gerald Hüther

This blog presents an interview with neuroscientist Gerald Hüther on the role of mental dispositions in fostering sustainability. Drawing on insights from neurobiology, Hüther links patterns of resource consumption to the quality of human relationships and argues that sustainability transformations depend less on changing behaviour directly than on enabling experiences that shape values, coherence, and well-being. The article highlights how cultivating supportive social environments and inner capacities can reduce surrogate needs, lower resource use, and contribute to a culture of cooperation and co-creation aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

The Dependence of Sustainability on the Degree of Fear and Aspiration: Q&A with David Mitchell

This blog presents a Q&A with atmospheric chemist and Vedic scholar David Mitchell, exploring how fear and aspiration shape human behaviour and influence pathways toward sustainability. Drawing on concepts from the Vedic tradition, the interview discusses how inner states of consciousness, spiritual practices, and the cultivation of aspiration can reduce fear-driven consumption and support more sustainable lifestyles. The article contributes to debates on sustainability transformation by linking inner development, awareness, and fulfilment to reduced resource use and long-term societal change.

Kassel Institute for Sustainability

The “Kassel Institute for Sustainability” bundles top sustainability-related expertise at the University of Kassel. Three core characteristics characterize the Institute’s work: Research at the Kassel Institute combines normative-critical research on the concept of sustainability with solution-oriented research in concrete areas of application. The Kassel Institute conducts holistic research into socio-ecological aspects of transformation. The Kassel Institute realizes the unity of research and teaching and develops new sustainability courses at the University of Kassel.

Heckel, Franziska

Franziska explores the interconnection between sustainability and inner transformation. As part of her M.Sc. in Global Change Management, her research focuses on how contemplative practices (in particular Isha Yoga) may influence pro-environmental engagement, applying a systems thinking perspective.

Grand Theory of Societal Advancement

Grand Theory of Societal Advancement
A comprehensive theory, a historic echo of our first version of civilization formed from the Neolithic package of upgrades. Comprised of specialized works from a broad spectrum of fields of study and independent researchers. The overarching goal of GTSA is to provide humanity with the necessary tools and systems for enhanced global cooperation, innovation, and unity, particularly in navigating the challenges of the 21st century and the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is a major adaptation in our evolutionary journey of civilization:
a. Civilization 1.0: Marked by the stability and developments of the Neolithic Package, representing the dawn of structured human society.
b. The Industrial Age: Characterized by significant technological and industrial advancements.
c. The Great Acceleration: A period of rapid development with both benefits and challenges, marking a significant leap in human capability and impact.
d. Civilization 1.95: Defined by persistent crises, highlighting the need for a significant shift in societal management.
e. Civilization 2.0: The ultimate goal of GTSA, aiming for enhanced societal functioning and problem-solving.

TES Academy – International Academy Environment and Sustainability

In order to shape a sustainable future, we need people on all levels from local to global who are capable of implementing transformation processes for the environment and sustainability. Also, developing structures and networks of such people that deal with sustainability challenges in different contexts and with different knowledge are essential.
The TES Academy addresses these actors and accompanies them to jointly identify and address topics of transformations that have a high potential to increase their implementation by international knowledge exchange and joint learning activities across countries.

Gaupp, Franziska

Dr. Franziska Gaupp is interested in food systems and food systems transformation. She has experience in systems analysis using quantitative and qualitative methods to foster transformative change towards a resilient future. Recently, she is interested in the topic of ‘multiple ways of knowing’ in transformative processes.

Center, Athena

We are a center bridging science, business, and “ancient wisdom” from different traditions to bring sustainability and equality to the (business) world.

Manuel-Navarrete, David

Titles

  • Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
  • Associate Professor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures
  • Affiliated Faculty, Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation

Biography

David Manuel-Navarrete applies an existential perspective to study deliberate transformations in social-ecological and technological systems, such as cities or coastal communities, including the subjective dimension of such transformations. His research aims at enhancing societies’ capacity to purposely deliver structural changes that simultaneously reduce inequality and sustain the planet’s web of life. As a sustainability scholar, he focuses on promoting climate change adaptation, and tourism sustainability. His most recent research explores adaptation, resilience and transformation of water infrastructures in Mexico City, and the promotion of indigenous languages to advance sustainability in the Amazon.

Professor Manuel-Navarrete worked as a consultant for the United Nations, and as a researcher at King’s College London and the Free University of Berlin. He has conducted sustainability research and assessments in Argentina, Brazil, Central America, and Mexico. He teaches international development and sustainability and sustainability science.

Education

  • PhD, Geography, University of Waterloo, 2004
  • MS, Ecological Economics, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 2000
  • BA, Environnmental Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 1998

Expertise

Taken from https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/person/david-manuel-navarrete/