Future trends in society and technology: implications for wilderness research and management

Abstract

Judging the impact of social and technological trends on the future of wilderness is complex. Declining public trust, growing demands for scrutiny, a need to recognize the link between biophysical and socioeconomic systems, and the need for criteria to select among alternative futures challenge us. A burgeoning global population will increase resource impacts, but more critically, the growing gap between haves and have-nots will aggravate equity concerns. Future technological changes are problematic; they will enhance understanding of wilderness but also make it more accessible. We lack ethical frameworks for resolving such dilemmas; what we can do will almost always outpace our ability to decide what we should do.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 1: Changing perspectives and future directions; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Stankey, George H. 2000. Future trends in society and technology: implications for wilderness research and management. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Freimund, Wayne A.; O''Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 1: Changing perspectives and future directions; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-1. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 10-23