Ten principles for thinking about the future: a primer for environmental professionals

David N. Bengston

doi:10.2737/NRS-GTR-175

Treesearch

Ten principles for thinking about the future: a primer for environmental professionals

Formally Refereed

Authors:

David N. Bengston

Year:

2017

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-175

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-175. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 28 p.

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Download (PDF 1.18 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/55548.pdf

Abstract

Every decision we make is about the future, but most of us are never taught how to think critically about it. This guide addresses this issue by identifying and reviewing 10 principles for thinking about the future, along with related strategies for improving environmental foresight. The principles and strategies are drawn from the transdisciplinary field of futures studies. Taken together, these principles and strategies can help guide environmental planners, managers, and policy makers toward well-considered expectations for the future.

Keywords

foresight, futures, strategies, futures research, futures studies

Citation

Bengston, David N. 2017. Ten principles for thinking about the future: a primer for environmental professionals. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-175. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 28 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-175.