Research under this theme explores the diverse ways in which people interact with the environment and the impacts that these relations can have. This includes the wellbeing, livelihood and development impacts that nature can have on people across a range of international contexts, with particular attention to differentials. It also involves understanding the decision-making processes that underpin how people interact with nature.
Our research looks at instances of conflict, both human-human and human-nature, often connected to the different ways in which nature is valued and understood. We also evaluate the efficacy and rationales underpinning different governance approaches.
Finally, we look at the ways in which people are acting to address and adapt to environmental change. This research applies a combination of methods from across the environmental social sciences, humanities, conservation and environmental economics, including both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.