Resource sustainability requirements may shape the future of community and infrastructure development.

Social and Economic Sciences

Our science

CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems (CSE) Social and Economic Sciences undertakes cross-cutting research that draws on, and in some cases blends, methodologies from the physical, social and economic sciences.

Our research is based on a systems understanding of the problem, challenge or opportunity being addressed, and often uses:

• participatory processes
• empirical analyses
• non-linear and spatial modelling techniques
• explicit decision making frameworks and evaluation that addresses complex problems with a multi-criteria approach.

The regional character of many of these problems requires integrating key drivers and processes across scales and our approach is trans- and interdisciplinary.

Understanding resource sustainability

Sustainable development involves improving the living standards and quality of life of the current generation whilst also ensuring that the patterns of economic activity do not undermine the well-being or options of future generations.

To improve sustainability, we must consider major trends influencing and rapidly reshaping the world, such as:

• globalisation of markets and trade
• rapid urbanisation
• increasing demands for energy, water, food and materials
• enhanced climate change.

Timely adaptation by our society to external threats and opportunities, wise management of environmental and economic assets, and investment in human and social capital are crucial for sustained well-being.  

The sustainability and well-being of a community, region or nation also requires effective governance and management in (at least) the social, environmental and economic domains.

These domains need to be considered at several levels and with long term goals or outcomes in mind. 

The social domain includes attitudes and values, social structures, institutions and rules, and human skills, knowledge and labour.

The social domain is intimately linked with the economic domain which provides and consumes goods and services, including ecosystem goods and services.

Within the environmental domain there is a need to consider the integrity of the system and its ability to self-perpetuate and continue to provide goods and services. 

CSIRO’s Social and Economic Sciences program is providing the science capacity to undertake research that will provide options and strategies for communities, regions and nations to adapt successfully, manage risks, invest thoughtfully and thus sustain the benefits they currently receive from their use of resources.