Paper short abstract:

Twenty-two years ago, the late ecological anthropologist Roy Rappaport called for an “anthropology of trouble,” by which he meant an engaged, action-oriented anthropology focused on complex, contemporary societal problems and structural disorders. His proposal seems as relevant and important today, as epitomized by the mounting threats of climate change and resource depletion driven by contemporary production and consumption patterns. The threats are overwhelming in their scope, pace and complexity, and societal responses remain insufficient despite decades of scientific forecasts. This suggests the need to rethink assumptions about the science-policy interface along with research agendas and related institutions. After two decades as an anthropologist in global environmental change research institutions, I reflect on what this means for anthropology. I suggest that the environmental social sciences and humanities are equipped to provide vitally needed contributions towards transformations to sustainability, but that achieving this potential requires overcoming obstacles both external and internal to our community.