Society-nature coevolution: interdisciplinary concept for sustainability

In English A brief historical background to the currently ascend- ing interest in evolutionary and coevolutionary theory is sketched, and the concept of society–nature coevolution is positioned in this broader field. The significance of society–nature coevolution- ary pathways for transition to sustainability is highlighted with Schellnhuber’s heuristic ‘theater world’ for representing paradigms of sustainable development. Geography’s recent re-engagement in the geographical experiment of keeping society and nature under one conceptual umbrella is exemplified in the works of Hägerstrand and Harvey. This special issue’s four contributions to developing society–nature coevolutionary theory are presented. The outlook these articles provide suggests that research into society–nature co- evolution should play a key role in identifying physically, biologi- cally and socially accessible pathways to sustainability. In order to keep the future accessible and navigable, we will need enhanced understanding of society–nature coevolution.