From ecology to sustainability science: Integrating knowledge to solve problems in social-environmental systems

To help meet the needs of people today, and in the future, and to protect the life support systems of the planet, ecologists are increasingly creating and integrating their knowledge with that of other disciplines.  Breakthroughs in understanding the workings of complex and dynamic coupled social-environmental systems, with use of that understanding to help address sustainability challenges, is a hallmark of 21^st century ecology.  This talk will explore the challenges and opportunities of doing so, drawing on a few recent examples of social-ecological research efforts from around North America.