Social Innovations for Improving the Environment

Abstract

Over the past few decades, it has become more and more evident that the growing pressure on natural ecosystems may have detrimental short- and long-term repercussions on humanity. Consequently, this has prompted a reevaluation of innovation's place in the framework of sustainable development. Thus, the objective of this chapter centered on how social innovation can be used to attain environmental sustainability within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors discuss social innovation in terms of its origins, concept and main element. They delve into environmental components and contemporary environmental issues; and with the alignment of social innovations with environmental sustainability. Conclusively, it was opined that global society must both draw inspiration from and collaborate with natural systems in order to address the enormous and frequently existential environmental difficulties. In light of this, a socio-ecological transition is suggested as the foundation for future sustainable communities and development