The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America: Looking back, moving forward

Rafael D'Almeida Martins; Leila da Costa Ferreira

doi:10.1108/17568691011063042

Login

Welcome:
Guest

Search for:

Browse:

Product Information:

Resources:

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management

ISSN: 1756-8692

Online from: 2009

Subject Area: Environmental Management/Environment

Content: Latest Issue | Latest Issue RSS | Previous Issues

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America: Looking back, moving forward

Document Information:
Title:	The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America: Looking back, moving forward
Author(s):	Rafael D'Almeida Martins, (Center for Environmental Studies (NEPAM), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil), Leila da Costa Ferreira, (Center for Environmental Studies (NEPAM), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil)
Citation:	Rafael D'Almeida Martins, Leila da Costa Ferreira, (2010) "The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America: Looking back, moving forward", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 2 Iss: 3, pp.264 - 280
Keywords:	Environmental management, Environmental studies, Global warming, Latin America, Society
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/17568691011063042 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	The authors acknowledge financial support received from the São Paulo Research Foundation and the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education. They also thank the Department of Environmental Policy Analysis, Institute for Environmental Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands for the hospitality provided during visiting fellowship of one of the authors, as well as useful comments received from an anonymous reviewer.
Abstract:	Purpose – Environmental studies have developed slowly within social sciences in Latin America. This paper seeks to assess and systematize the contribution of social sciences in the research on the human dimensions of global environmental change (HDGEC) in the region outlining its state of the art and process of development. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken is the organization of a manual compilation and systematic review of publications on topics related to the HDGEC in order to investigate major research topics covering the period between 2001 and 2008. Findings – Although it is possible to identify an emergent body of the literature and scholarship in the region, the involvement of Latin American social science in the HDGEC research is still timid and tentative and not yet institutionalized. The evidence from this compilation has shown that this literature is fragmented bringing difficulties for the homogenization of criteria for analysis and assessment. Originality/value – The paper is one of the very few attempts to assess and analyze the research on HDGEC in Latin America through an international perspective. It provides an overview of its development building upon the progress of environmental studies in the region and looks to its challenges ahead in order to call for more involvement of social sciences in these research activities.