Coupling climate-social system for effective climate governance

Abstract

Climate and social systems are intrinsically coupled. While this interconnectedness is widely recognized theoretically, operational frameworks in research and governance frequently compartmentalize them. This disconnection obscures critical feedback loops and impedes effective climate action. To address this, we introduce the Möbius-based Coupling Climate-Social System, which is structured around three core principles: human-Earth coupling, telecoupling, and strategic coupling. Effective climate governance requires the active integration of these three coupling dimensions. This entails fostering a balance between human activities and the environment, promoting cross-scale climate-social governance, and ensuring strategic coupling through the coordination of policies, planning, and actions.

Keywords

Climate governance / Climate–social system / Möbius strip / Telecoupling / Policy integration

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