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

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.

Citation

D'Almeida Martins, R. and da Costa Ferreira, L. (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 No. 3, pp. 264-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/17568691011063042