The research articles in chapters 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have been published in international peerrevie... more The research articles in chapters 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have been published in international peerreviewed journals. Copyright of the text and the illustrations is with the author or the authors of the respective chapter. The publishers own the exclusive right to publish to use the text and illustrations for their purposes. Reprint of any part of this dissertation thesis requires permission of the copyright holders.
Power mechanisms and structures shape climate change adaptation outcomes, the measures adopted, a... more Power mechanisms and structures shape climate change adaptation outcomes, the measures adopted, and who is identified as requiring adaptation support. But to what extent does research recognize such power-adaptation linkages? Based on a systematic literature review, we enquire if and how the framing of power matters for adaptation research and what the implications may be for practice. Our enquiry is predicated on the relationship between the researcher and the research focus being itself a relationship of power. Since power is complex and a single definition is not desirable, different actor-orientated frames of power were used for the data analysis. The results show that authors are more likely to work with issues of power to (i.e., agency), power over, and empowerment, rather than resistance or disempowerment. Demonstrating the effect of such frames, these proportions change according to whether the research focuses on equity, effectiveness, or participation. For instance, power to is strongly associated with effectiveness, while disempowerment is associated more with equity. Together with other identified patterns, our review shows that researchers frame power in adaptation in ways that constitute biases and blind spots. Attention to particular frames of power can limit attention to important dynamics within adaptation processes. Both the content and context to which the identified frames are applied suggest structural trends in adaptation research that require increased attention. Since researchers' frames of power influence both research outcomes and broader adaptation-power relations, the results indicate that reflexivity is needed to improve both adaptation research and practice.
Change and Adaptation in Socio-Ecological Systems, 2018
Transformation, transition and regime shift are increasingly applied concepts in the academic lit... more Transformation, transition and regime shift are increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem services represent one framework that includes the implicit aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified 258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our results show that transformation was mentioned most often (197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped in their use. Moreover, most papers descr...
The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model high... more The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model highlighting importance of nature for human well-being to a framework for studying how the appropriation of specific ecological structures or processes influences that well-being. As the ecosystem service concept increasingly becomes an operational tool there is a need to account for the complexity of the relations between production and appropriation of ecosystem services. To date there has been a considerable focus on the spatial patterns of ecosystem services provision and appropriation. We propose a new way of categorizing them according to their temporal dynamics. We differentiate between linear and non-linear dynamics in both the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services. Based on our classification we suggest how temporal dynamics can be better integrated into ecosystem services research in four steps. These include setting the appropriate temporal boundaries of the system, identifying key types of dynamics of the ecosystem, assessing the spatial scale on which the dynamics play out in the system and developing measures for assessing these dynamics. Considering temporal dynamics of ecosystem services by following these steps has the potential to enable better planning of ecosystem services management and therefore, to enhance human well-being.
Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science-an effective way to merge ... more Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science-an effective way to merge research and teaching,
Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towa... more Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towards sustainability. Urban areas are human-environment systems that depend fundamentally on ecosystems, and thus require an understanding of the management of urban ecosystem services to ensure sustainable urban planning. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of urban ecosystems services research, which addresses the combined domain of ecosystem services and urban development. We examined emerging trends and gaps in how urban ecosystem services are conceptualized in peer-reviewed case study literature, including the geographical distribution of research, the development and use of the urban ecosystem services concept, and the involvement of stakeholders. We highlight six challenges aimed at strengthening the concept's potential to facilitate meaningful inter-and transdisciplinary work for ecosystem services research and planning. Achieving a cohesive conceptual approach in the research field will address (i) the need for more extensive spatial and contextual coverage, (ii) continual clarification of definitions, (iii) recognition of limited data transferability, (iv) more comprehensive stakeholder involvement, (v) more integrated research efforts, and (vi) translation of scientific findings into actionable knowledge, feeding information back into planning and management. We conclude with recommendations for conducting further research while incorporating these challenges.
Temporal aspects of ecosystem services have gained surprisingly little attention given that ecosy... more Temporal aspects of ecosystem services have gained surprisingly little attention given that ecosystem service flows are not static but change over time. We present the first systematic review to describe and establish how studies have assessed temporal patterns in supply and demand of ecosystem services. 295 studies, 2% of all studies engaging with the ecosystem service concept, considered changes in ecosystem services over time. Changes were mainly characterised as monotonic and linear (81%), rather than non-linear or through system shocks. Further, a lack of focus of changing ecosystem service demand (rather than supply) hampers our understanding of the temporal patterns of ecosystem services provision and use. Future studies on changes in ecosystem services over time should (1) more explicitly study temporal patterns, (2) analyse trade-offs and synergies between services over time, and (3) integrate changes in supply and demand and involve and empower stakeholders in temporal ecosystem services research.
In order to understand the role of wild bees in both social and ecological systems, we conducted ... more In order to understand the role of wild bees in both social and ecological systems, we conducted a quantitative and qualitative review of publications dealing with wild bees and the benefits they provide in social contexts. We classified publications according to several attributes such as services and benefits derived from wild bees, types of bee-human interactions, recipients of direct benefits, social contexts where wild bees are found, and sources of changes to the bee-human system. We found that most of the services and benefits from wild bees are related to food, medicine, and pollination. We also found that wild bees directly provide benefits to communities to a greater extent than individuals. In the social contexts where they are found, wild bees occupy a central role. Several drivers of change affect bee-human systems, ranging from environmental to political drivers. These are the areas where we recommend making interventions for conserving the bee-human system.
Transformation, transition and regime shift are
increasingly applied concepts in the academic li... more Transformation, transition and regime shift are
increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to
describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem
services represent one framework that includes the implicit
aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable
system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on
the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research
are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature
review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts
and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified
258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our
results show that transformation was mentioned most often
(197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime
shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of
these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for
the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped
in their use. Moreover, most papers described changes that
happened in the past (73%). We conclude that research
would benefit from being directed towards the future rather
than evaluating what has happened in the past. Based on our
results, we present: i) clear definitions for the three concepts;
and ii) a framework highlighting the interlinkages between
the ecosystem services cascade and the concepts of change.
The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model high... more The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model highlighting importance of nature for human well-being to a framework for studying how the appropriation of specific ecological structures or processes influences that well-being. As the ecosystem service concept increasingly becomes an operational tool there is a need to account for the complexity of the relations between production and appropriation of ecosystem services. To date there has been a considerable focus on the spatial patterns of ecosystem services provision and appropriation. We propose a new way of categorizing them according to their temporal dynamics. We differentiate between linear and non-linear dynamics in both the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services. Based on our classification we suggest how temporal dynamics can be better integrated into ecosystem services research in four steps. These include setting the appropriate temporal boundaries of the system, identifying key types of dynamics of the ecosystem, assessing the spatial scale on which the dynamics play out in the system and developing measures for assessing these dynamics. Considering temporal dynamics of ecosystem services by following these steps has the potential to enable better planning of ecosystem services management and therefore, to enhance human well-being.
Sustainability science has gained momentum in recent years, with a rising number of publications ... more Sustainability science has gained momentum in recent years, with a rising number of publications and degree programs focusing on sustainability. However, sustainability research and sustainability education are often considered as two independent activities within Universities. In this paper we present an educational research approach for integrating teaching and learning settings into academic research. Based on our experience in international research education projects, we present a detailed description of how to empower students to conduct student-driven cutting-edge research that contributes to sustainability science. We established international research education projects with students to jointly conduct, draft and publish systematic literature reviews in sustainability science. Here we present an iterative review procedure for examining qualitative and quantitative data and organizing student-driven research projects. We discuss the demands and limitations of systematic literature reviews in sustainability science and elaborate on the benefits and key challenges from student-driven education research projects. Thus, the paper offers comprehensive guidance to the research community for actively engaging students and junior researchers in collaborative projects to effectively merge research and teaching. In conclusion, we call for stronger integration of students into sustainability research including jointly framing of research projects and collaboratively publishing of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Climate change impacts increase pressure on challenges to sustainability and the developmental ne... more Climate change impacts increase pressure on challenges to sustainability and the developmental needs of cities. Conventional, “hard” adaptation measures are often associated with high costs, inflexibility and conflicting interests related to the dense urban fabric, and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) has emerged as a potentially cost-efficient, comprehensive, and multifunctional approach. This paper reviews and systematises research on urban EbA. We propose an analytical framework that draws on theory from ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and sustainability science. It conceptualises EbA in terms of five linked components: ecological structures, ecological functions, adaptation benefits, valuation, and ecosystem management practices.Our review identified 110 articles, reporting on 112 cities, and analysed them using both quantitative statistical and qualitative content analysis. We found that EbA research in an urban context is fragmented due to different disciplinary approaches and concepts. Most articles focus on heat or flooding, and the most studied ecological structures for reducing the risk of such hazards are green space, wetlands, trees and parks. EbA is usually evaluated in bio-geophysical terms and the use of economic or social valuations are rare. While most articles do not mention specific practices for managing ecological structures, those that do imply that urban EbA strategies are increasingly being integrated into institutional structures. Few articles considered issues of equity or stakeholder participation in EbA.We identified the following challenges for future EbA research. First, while the large amount of data generated by isolated case studies contributes to systems knowledge, there is a lack of systems perspectives that position EbA in relation to the wider socio-economic and bio-geophysical context. Second, normative and ethical aspects of EbA require more thought, such as who are the winners and losers, especially in relation to processes that put people at risk from climate-related hazards. Third, there is room for more forward-looking EbA research, including consideration of future scenarios, experimentation in the creation of new ecological structures and the role of EbA in transformative adaptation.
Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towa... more Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towards sustainability. Urban areas are human-environment systems that depend fundamentally on ecosystems, and thus require an understanding of the management of urban ecosystem services to ensure sustainable urban planning. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of urban ecosystems services research, which addresses the combined domain of ecosystem services and urban development. We examined emerging trends and gaps in how urban ecosystem services are conceptualized in peer-reviewed case study literature, including the geographical distribution of research, the development and use of the urban ecosystem services concept, and the involvement of stakeholders. We highlight six challenges aimed at strengthening the concept's potential to facilitate meaningful inter- and transdisciplinary work for ecosystem services research and planning. Achieving a cohesive conceptual approach in the research field will address (i) the need for more extensive spatial and contextual coverage, (ii) continual clarification of definitions, (iii) recognition of limited data transferability, (iv) more comprehensive stakeholder involvement, (v) more integrated research efforts, and (vi) translation of scientific findings into actionable knowledge, feeding information back into planning and management. We conclude with recommendations for conducting further research while incorporating these challenges.
The research articles in chapters 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have been published in international peerrevie... more The research articles in chapters 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have been published in international peerreviewed journals. Copyright of the text and the illustrations is with the author or the authors of the respective chapter. The publishers own the exclusive right to publish to use the text and illustrations for their purposes. Reprint of any part of this dissertation thesis requires permission of the copyright holders.
Power mechanisms and structures shape climate change adaptation outcomes, the measures adopted, a... more Power mechanisms and structures shape climate change adaptation outcomes, the measures adopted, and who is identified as requiring adaptation support. But to what extent does research recognize such power-adaptation linkages? Based on a systematic literature review, we enquire if and how the framing of power matters for adaptation research and what the implications may be for practice. Our enquiry is predicated on the relationship between the researcher and the research focus being itself a relationship of power. Since power is complex and a single definition is not desirable, different actor-orientated frames of power were used for the data analysis. The results show that authors are more likely to work with issues of power to (i.e., agency), power over, and empowerment, rather than resistance or disempowerment. Demonstrating the effect of such frames, these proportions change according to whether the research focuses on equity, effectiveness, or participation. For instance, power to is strongly associated with effectiveness, while disempowerment is associated more with equity. Together with other identified patterns, our review shows that researchers frame power in adaptation in ways that constitute biases and blind spots. Attention to particular frames of power can limit attention to important dynamics within adaptation processes. Both the content and context to which the identified frames are applied suggest structural trends in adaptation research that require increased attention. Since researchers' frames of power influence both research outcomes and broader adaptation-power relations, the results indicate that reflexivity is needed to improve both adaptation research and practice.
Change and Adaptation in Socio-Ecological Systems, 2018
Transformation, transition and regime shift are increasingly applied concepts in the academic lit... more Transformation, transition and regime shift are increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem services represent one framework that includes the implicit aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified 258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our results show that transformation was mentioned most often (197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped in their use. Moreover, most papers descr...
The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model high... more The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model highlighting importance of nature for human well-being to a framework for studying how the appropriation of specific ecological structures or processes influences that well-being. As the ecosystem service concept increasingly becomes an operational tool there is a need to account for the complexity of the relations between production and appropriation of ecosystem services. To date there has been a considerable focus on the spatial patterns of ecosystem services provision and appropriation. We propose a new way of categorizing them according to their temporal dynamics. We differentiate between linear and non-linear dynamics in both the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services. Based on our classification we suggest how temporal dynamics can be better integrated into ecosystem services research in four steps. These include setting the appropriate temporal boundaries of the system, identifying key types of dynamics of the ecosystem, assessing the spatial scale on which the dynamics play out in the system and developing measures for assessing these dynamics. Considering temporal dynamics of ecosystem services by following these steps has the potential to enable better planning of ecosystem services management and therefore, to enhance human well-being.
Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science-an effective way to merge ... more Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science-an effective way to merge research and teaching,
Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towa... more Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towards sustainability. Urban areas are human-environment systems that depend fundamentally on ecosystems, and thus require an understanding of the management of urban ecosystem services to ensure sustainable urban planning. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of urban ecosystems services research, which addresses the combined domain of ecosystem services and urban development. We examined emerging trends and gaps in how urban ecosystem services are conceptualized in peer-reviewed case study literature, including the geographical distribution of research, the development and use of the urban ecosystem services concept, and the involvement of stakeholders. We highlight six challenges aimed at strengthening the concept's potential to facilitate meaningful inter-and transdisciplinary work for ecosystem services research and planning. Achieving a cohesive conceptual approach in the research field will address (i) the need for more extensive spatial and contextual coverage, (ii) continual clarification of definitions, (iii) recognition of limited data transferability, (iv) more comprehensive stakeholder involvement, (v) more integrated research efforts, and (vi) translation of scientific findings into actionable knowledge, feeding information back into planning and management. We conclude with recommendations for conducting further research while incorporating these challenges.
Temporal aspects of ecosystem services have gained surprisingly little attention given that ecosy... more Temporal aspects of ecosystem services have gained surprisingly little attention given that ecosystem service flows are not static but change over time. We present the first systematic review to describe and establish how studies have assessed temporal patterns in supply and demand of ecosystem services. 295 studies, 2% of all studies engaging with the ecosystem service concept, considered changes in ecosystem services over time. Changes were mainly characterised as monotonic and linear (81%), rather than non-linear or through system shocks. Further, a lack of focus of changing ecosystem service demand (rather than supply) hampers our understanding of the temporal patterns of ecosystem services provision and use. Future studies on changes in ecosystem services over time should (1) more explicitly study temporal patterns, (2) analyse trade-offs and synergies between services over time, and (3) integrate changes in supply and demand and involve and empower stakeholders in temporal ecosystem services research.
In order to understand the role of wild bees in both social and ecological systems, we conducted ... more In order to understand the role of wild bees in both social and ecological systems, we conducted a quantitative and qualitative review of publications dealing with wild bees and the benefits they provide in social contexts. We classified publications according to several attributes such as services and benefits derived from wild bees, types of bee-human interactions, recipients of direct benefits, social contexts where wild bees are found, and sources of changes to the bee-human system. We found that most of the services and benefits from wild bees are related to food, medicine, and pollination. We also found that wild bees directly provide benefits to communities to a greater extent than individuals. In the social contexts where they are found, wild bees occupy a central role. Several drivers of change affect bee-human systems, ranging from environmental to political drivers. These are the areas where we recommend making interventions for conserving the bee-human system.
Transformation, transition and regime shift are
increasingly applied concepts in the academic li... more Transformation, transition and regime shift are
increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to
describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem
services represent one framework that includes the implicit
aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable
system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on
the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research
are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature
review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts
and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified
258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our
results show that transformation was mentioned most often
(197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime
shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of
these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for
the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped
in their use. Moreover, most papers described changes that
happened in the past (73%). We conclude that research
would benefit from being directed towards the future rather
than evaluating what has happened in the past. Based on our
results, we present: i) clear definitions for the three concepts;
and ii) a framework highlighting the interlinkages between
the ecosystem services cascade and the concepts of change.
The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model high... more The ecosystem services concept evolved over the last 30 years from a general heuristic model highlighting importance of nature for human well-being to a framework for studying how the appropriation of specific ecological structures or processes influences that well-being. As the ecosystem service concept increasingly becomes an operational tool there is a need to account for the complexity of the relations between production and appropriation of ecosystem services. To date there has been a considerable focus on the spatial patterns of ecosystem services provision and appropriation. We propose a new way of categorizing them according to their temporal dynamics. We differentiate between linear and non-linear dynamics in both the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services. Based on our classification we suggest how temporal dynamics can be better integrated into ecosystem services research in four steps. These include setting the appropriate temporal boundaries of the system, identifying key types of dynamics of the ecosystem, assessing the spatial scale on which the dynamics play out in the system and developing measures for assessing these dynamics. Considering temporal dynamics of ecosystem services by following these steps has the potential to enable better planning of ecosystem services management and therefore, to enhance human well-being.
Sustainability science has gained momentum in recent years, with a rising number of publications ... more Sustainability science has gained momentum in recent years, with a rising number of publications and degree programs focusing on sustainability. However, sustainability research and sustainability education are often considered as two independent activities within Universities. In this paper we present an educational research approach for integrating teaching and learning settings into academic research. Based on our experience in international research education projects, we present a detailed description of how to empower students to conduct student-driven cutting-edge research that contributes to sustainability science. We established international research education projects with students to jointly conduct, draft and publish systematic literature reviews in sustainability science. Here we present an iterative review procedure for examining qualitative and quantitative data and organizing student-driven research projects. We discuss the demands and limitations of systematic literature reviews in sustainability science and elaborate on the benefits and key challenges from student-driven education research projects. Thus, the paper offers comprehensive guidance to the research community for actively engaging students and junior researchers in collaborative projects to effectively merge research and teaching. In conclusion, we call for stronger integration of students into sustainability research including jointly framing of research projects and collaboratively publishing of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Climate change impacts increase pressure on challenges to sustainability and the developmental ne... more Climate change impacts increase pressure on challenges to sustainability and the developmental needs of cities. Conventional, “hard” adaptation measures are often associated with high costs, inflexibility and conflicting interests related to the dense urban fabric, and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) has emerged as a potentially cost-efficient, comprehensive, and multifunctional approach. This paper reviews and systematises research on urban EbA. We propose an analytical framework that draws on theory from ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and sustainability science. It conceptualises EbA in terms of five linked components: ecological structures, ecological functions, adaptation benefits, valuation, and ecosystem management practices.Our review identified 110 articles, reporting on 112 cities, and analysed them using both quantitative statistical and qualitative content analysis. We found that EbA research in an urban context is fragmented due to different disciplinary approaches and concepts. Most articles focus on heat or flooding, and the most studied ecological structures for reducing the risk of such hazards are green space, wetlands, trees and parks. EbA is usually evaluated in bio-geophysical terms and the use of economic or social valuations are rare. While most articles do not mention specific practices for managing ecological structures, those that do imply that urban EbA strategies are increasingly being integrated into institutional structures. Few articles considered issues of equity or stakeholder participation in EbA.We identified the following challenges for future EbA research. First, while the large amount of data generated by isolated case studies contributes to systems knowledge, there is a lack of systems perspectives that position EbA in relation to the wider socio-economic and bio-geophysical context. Second, normative and ethical aspects of EbA require more thought, such as who are the winners and losers, especially in relation to processes that put people at risk from climate-related hazards. Third, there is room for more forward-looking EbA research, including consideration of future scenarios, experimentation in the creation of new ecological structures and the role of EbA in transformative adaptation.
Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towa... more Global urbanization creates opportunities and challenges for human well-being and transition towards sustainability. Urban areas are human-environment systems that depend fundamentally on ecosystems, and thus require an understanding of the management of urban ecosystem services to ensure sustainable urban planning. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of urban ecosystems services research, which addresses the combined domain of ecosystem services and urban development. We examined emerging trends and gaps in how urban ecosystem services are conceptualized in peer-reviewed case study literature, including the geographical distribution of research, the development and use of the urban ecosystem services concept, and the involvement of stakeholders. We highlight six challenges aimed at strengthening the concept's potential to facilitate meaningful inter- and transdisciplinary work for ecosystem services research and planning. Achieving a cohesive conceptual approach in the research field will address (i) the need for more extensive spatial and contextual coverage, (ii) continual clarification of definitions, (iii) recognition of limited data transferability, (iv) more comprehensive stakeholder involvement, (v) more integrated research efforts, and (vi) translation of scientific findings into actionable knowledge, feeding information back into planning and management. We conclude with recommendations for conducting further research while incorporating these challenges.
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Papers by Anna-Lena Rau
increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to
describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem
services represent one framework that includes the implicit
aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable
system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on
the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research
are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature
review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts
and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified
258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our
results show that transformation was mentioned most often
(197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime
shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of
these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for
the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped
in their use. Moreover, most papers described changes that
happened in the past (73%). We conclude that research
would benefit from being directed towards the future rather
than evaluating what has happened in the past. Based on our
results, we present: i) clear definitions for the three concepts;
and ii) a framework highlighting the interlinkages between
the ecosystem services cascade and the concepts of change.
Free Download: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1X47B3Hb~0Ejsj
increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to
describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem
services represent one framework that includes the implicit
aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable
system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on
the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research
are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature
review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts
and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified
258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our
results show that transformation was mentioned most often
(197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime
shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of
these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for
the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped
in their use. Moreover, most papers described changes that
happened in the past (73%). We conclude that research
would benefit from being directed towards the future rather
than evaluating what has happened in the past. Based on our
results, we present: i) clear definitions for the three concepts;
and ii) a framework highlighting the interlinkages between
the ecosystem services cascade and the concepts of change.
Free Download: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1X47B3Hb~0Ejsj