Dynamic adaptive futures requires managing tradeoffs and synergies across constituent technological (energy, transport), societal (population, health, economy), natural (watersheds, wetlands, forests, coasts) and managed (agriculture, forestry) systems. Understanding and projecting the dynamic interaction of these systems, and inherent systematic risks, is a grand scientific challenge that requires integration of concepts, data, methods, and insights from many divergent fields. The field of Multisector Dynamics (MSD) aims to advance our understanding of the co-evolution of human and natural systems in response to environmental, technical and societal changes and shocks; and to build the next generation of tools that bridge across sectors, scales, and disciplines.

This Union Session will provide an overview of MSD research and examples of how MSD has informed management strategies and advanced science discoveries. Scientific sessions focused on specific methodological and topical “MultiSector Dynamics” challenges will follow.