Top Curr Chem (Z) (2018) 376:3
1 Introduction Currently, it can be observed that global sustainability challenges are all closely interconnected, such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, energy, and food security. As stated by Liu et al. [1], only holistic and disruptive approaches integrating various components of human and natural systems are effective in iden- tifying and proposing suitable solutions for these challenges, especially those related to research, development, and innovation (RD&I) in interdisciplinary and transdisci- plinary studies. To exemplify this systemic view, Fig. 1 illustrates the Earth surface that, based on the “Dymaxion map” (the Fuller Projection Map), shows the planet as a continuum without splitting any continents, seas, and oceans, where cycles are integrated through flows of matter, energy, and information [1, 2]. Here, Bra- zil, China, the Caribbean, and Africa interact across space, time, and organizational levels in many ways. For instance, the expansion of soybean production aggravates deforestation in Brazil, but also provides food and feedstock to China. The food trade between both countries also affects other areas, including the Caribbean and Africa. Dust particles from the Sahara Desert, also increased due to unbalanced agricultural practices, can reach the Caribbean and have an impact on coral reefs and soil fertility, diminishing tourism in this region. In addition, nutrient-rich particles from Africa can reach Brazil, improving its forest productivity. According to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations [3], after years of progress, world hunger has increased since 2015. Around 60% of the world’s starving people are from countries affected by conflict and climate change, including northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen with 20 million people, often suffering extreme climatic events such as droughts and floods. Not surprisingly, some of the FAO’s top priorities for the next
Fig. 1 Representation of an integrated planetary flow system based on the Dymaxion map, emphasizing some coupled cycles related to food production and socio-environmental impacts among (1) Brazil, (2) China, (3) the Caribbean, and (4) the Sahara Desert. Adapted from [1]
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