Economists and environmental researchers differ in their perceptions of the most relevant environmental issues and mitigation approaches
(2026) In Environmental Research Communications 8(1).- Abstract
Holistic approaches are needed to address environmental issues effectively and sustainably. Scientific insights that consider the interconnectedness of different environmental issues may stimulate innovation and policy responses that can increase Earth system stability. However, for this to occur, scientists need to be aware of different environmental issues beyond climate change and acknowledge their relevance. This study examines researchers’ perceptions of the relevance of various major environmental issues by surveying 2,365 researchers who publish in environmental or economic journals. Participants were asked to list up to nine of the most relevant environmental issues that humanity is facing today. Environmental researchers listed... (More)
Holistic approaches are needed to address environmental issues effectively and sustainably. Scientific insights that consider the interconnectedness of different environmental issues may stimulate innovation and policy responses that can increase Earth system stability. However, for this to occur, scientists need to be aware of different environmental issues beyond climate change and acknowledge their relevance. This study examines researchers’ perceptions of the relevance of various major environmental issues by surveying 2,365 researchers who publish in environmental or economic journals. Participants were asked to list up to nine of the most relevant environmental issues that humanity is facing today. Environmental researchers listed more environmental issue categories as most relevant than economic researchers. Listing more environmental issue categories was associated with a higher perceived potential for disruptive environmental mitigation approaches, suggesting a link between the perception of environmental issues and policy recommendations. The findings underscore the need for a heightened acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of various environmental issues across scientific fields. Combined with interdisciplinary research, this may foster more holistic approaches to enhance Earth system stability.
(Less)
- author
- Suter, Manuel LU ; Bundeli, Till ; Kaessner, Kaja ; Strahm, Noel ; Cologna, Viktoria and Berger, Sebastian
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026-01-01
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- earth system stability, economic researchers, environmental issues, environmental researchers, expert awareness, planetary boundaries
- in
- Environmental Research Communications
- volume
- 8
- issue
- 1
- article number
- 011012
- publisher
- IOP Publishing
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105031936872
- ISSN
- 2515-7620
- DOI
- 10.1088/2515-7620/ae3a49
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 6ae268dd-51d2-48d6-9614-30c50a64d608
- date added to LUP
- 2026-05-04 14:34:57
- date last changed
- 2026-05-04 14:36:04
@article{6ae268dd-51d2-48d6-9614-30c50a64d608,
abstract = {{<p>Holistic approaches are needed to address environmental issues effectively and sustainably. Scientific insights that consider the interconnectedness of different environmental issues may stimulate innovation and policy responses that can increase Earth system stability. However, for this to occur, scientists need to be aware of different environmental issues beyond climate change and acknowledge their relevance. This study examines researchers’ perceptions of the relevance of various major environmental issues by surveying 2,365 researchers who publish in environmental or economic journals. Participants were asked to list up to nine of the most relevant environmental issues that humanity is facing today. Environmental researchers listed more environmental issue categories as most relevant than economic researchers. Listing more environmental issue categories was associated with a higher perceived potential for disruptive environmental mitigation approaches, suggesting a link between the perception of environmental issues and policy recommendations. The findings underscore the need for a heightened acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of various environmental issues across scientific fields. Combined with interdisciplinary research, this may foster more holistic approaches to enhance Earth system stability.</p>}},
author = {{Suter, Manuel and Bundeli, Till and Kaessner, Kaja and Strahm, Noel and Cologna, Viktoria and Berger, Sebastian}},
issn = {{2515-7620}},
keywords = {{earth system stability; economic researchers; environmental issues; environmental researchers; expert awareness; planetary boundaries}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{01}},
number = {{1}},
publisher = {{IOP Publishing}},
series = {{Environmental Research Communications}},
title = {{Economists and environmental researchers differ in their perceptions of the most relevant environmental issues and mitigation approaches}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ae3a49}},
doi = {{10.1088/2515-7620/ae3a49}},
volume = {{8}},
year = {{2026}},
}