Promoting sustainable development worldwide in the metacoupled anthropocene

Nature Communications 2026 Open access

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Authors: Qutu Jiang, Zhenci Xu, Nishan Bhattarai, Yinyi Lin, Huijuan Xiao, Jingzheng Ren, Markus Pahlow, Zhimeng Jiang, Yali Liu, Xutong Wu, Guanqiong Ye, Hongsheng Zhang
+7 more Jinbao Li, Peng Zhu, Shunlin Liang, Yuanzheng Cui, Chuan Liao, Liang Dong, Jianguo Liu
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-68653-4
Cited by: 3
References: 108

Abstract

Promoting sustainable development worldwide requires collaborative efforts across interconnected systems under integrated frameworks. Here, we illustrate the integrated metacoupling framework as a holistic lens for analyzing human-nature interactions within and between systems to advance integrated sustainability analysis. We propose six interrelated steps to operationalize the framework for Sustainable Development Goals' interaction analysis, progress assessment, and pathway modeling, contributing to the integration of knowledge for the 2030 Agenda and emphasizing "Leave No One Behind". We demonstrate that the framework offers interdisciplinary researchers a practical toolkit and supports policymakers in developing synergistic cross-system strategies for sustainable development across local to global scales.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sustainability and Climate Change Governance Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Publication details

Journal / source
Nature Communications
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
17
Issue
1
Pages
1491–1491
Publication date
2 February 2026
Language
EN