NATURICE
Changing social and cultural values of nature: Exploring plural values of human-nature relationships in glacierized environments.
Toward an integrated research agenda for cryospheric change: a socio-glaciology approach
Overview
As glaciers retreat and, in some places, disappear entirely, the consequences extend far beyond physical changes to ice and water. This publication sets out a new interdisciplinary research agenda for understanding cryospheric change through a socio-glaciology approach. It brings together glaciology, hydrology, ecosystem services, political ecology and futures thinking to examine how glacier change reshapes ecosystems, livelihoods, cultures and power relations.
Rather than focusing only on economic impacts or biophysical indicators, the paper argues for a broader understanding of glaciers’ contributions to people. This includes health, mobility, cultural heritage, local knowledge, spiritual connections to place and the capacity of communities to adapt to rapid environmental change.
What You’ll Find
A clear introduction to socio-glaciology as an integrated framework for studying society–glacier relationships
An explanation of how plural valuation approaches can capture non-economic losses and gains linked to glacier retreat
A circular research design that combines local knowledge, qualitative methods and quantitative modelling
Reflections on power, justice and political ecology in glacier-affected regions
Practical insights for linking research to policy debates on loss and damage, adaptation and future planning
Why It Matters
Glacier change is a defining signal of climate change, but its social dimensions are often overlooked in research and decision-making. By foregrounding local experiences, diverse values and future aspirations, this publication offers a more just and meaningful basis for climate adaptation and loss and damage responses.
The socio-glaciology approach supports more inclusive science–policy processes and helps ensure that strategies for managing cryospheric change are grounded in what matters to the people who live with its impacts. In doing so, it aligns closely with global efforts to strengthen resilience, advance climate justice and reconnect people with changing mountain and polar environments.
Status: Completed
Type: Staff Publications
Author: Mine Islar, Emma Johansson, Anna Sinisalo and Erik Gómez-Baggethun
Year of publication: 2025
Publisher: Global Sustainability, Cambridge University Press
Place of publication: UK
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