In light of these pressing global ecological challenges, there is a compelling need to develop ecological theories and applied technologies for understanding, managing, and conserving macroecological systems at regional to global scales. Such efforts are essential to safeguarding natural resource environments, maintaining ecosystem stability, and ensuring the sustainability of human societies.
In this paper of
Macrosystems ecology: A new engine and frontier in contemporary ecosystem science, the research team led by Prof. Guirui Yu develops an integrated theoretical, epistemological, engineering, and technological framework which builds on the foundational ecological principles of macroecosystem science to advance the frontiers of contemporary ecosystem science.
Highlights:
Key propositions shaping contemporary ecosystem science are summarized.
Ecological theory provides essential guidance for regional ecosystem observations.
Ecosystem principles underpin the rise of macrosystems ecology.
Ecological monitoring and governance guide pathways to sustainability.
Core content:
Amid accelerating globalization, environmental challenges, the systematization of scientific knowledge, and the convergence of interdisciplinary fields, contemporary ecosystem science is entering a new era. Macroecosystem science is rapidly emerging as both a driving force and a frontier domain in advancing ecological research and innovation. Elucidating the logical relationships among the foundational theories, research methodologies, and applied technologies of macroecosystem science across “multiple disciplinary dimensions, application objectives, spatial scales, and technological integration” represents a grand challenge and central mission for the contemporary scientific community. Building on the ecological principles underpinning macroecosystem science, this study proposes a preliminary theoretical framework structured based on “scientific axioms and principles, core theories, ecological knowledge, and engineering technologies”.
Here, we (1) provide a comprehensive synthesis of the origins, mission, core scientific questions, and practical applications of macroecosystem science; (2) elaborate its research objects, paradigms, and methodological systems; and (3) distill its multidisciplinary governing laws, cognitive systems, and technical foundations. We anticipate that this study will advance the development of ecosystem science, foster new frontiers in macroecosystem research, and provide conceptual and methodological guidance for disciplinary development, academic inquiry, and practical application.
- Origins and scientific mission of macroecosystem science, including its historical context and evolution, core scientific questions and applied practices.
- Research objects and methodological framework of macroecosystem science research, including its spatiotemporal scales and target systems, new research paradigm and methodological framework.
- Multidisciplinary principles and scientific knowledge systems in macroecosystem science research, including its multidisciplinary principles, multidisciplinary knowledge system and axiomatic scientific cognition system.
Outlook: The applied goals of macroecosystem science encompass a wide spectrum of societal needs: conserving biodiversity and maintaining life-support system integrity, addressing global environmental change and enhancing disaster resilience, managing regional pollution and building livable environments, supporting bio-industries and advancing ecological economies, and governing natural resources to sustain long-term ecosystem services and ecological civilization. With such broad application potential and disciplinary depth, macroecosystem science is expected to contribute meaningful solutions to pressing regional and global challenges in resource management, environmental governance, and ecological security.
DOI:
10.1016/j.geosus.2025.100334