The Problem of Climate Change: The Field of Convergence and Interaction between Natural Sciences and the Sociohumanities

The relationship and interaction between natural science and sociohumanities knowledge and methods of studying global and regional climate changes and their socioeconomic consequences are analyzed. It is argued that the methodological and instrumental basis of the interaction above involve risk theory and modeling. The key results include a comprehensive assessment and forecast of climatic risks of socioeconomic development, which make up the basis of the development of effective strategies for sustainable long-term development. Ephasized is the counterproductiveness of a straightforward approach to the climate change problem which implies as the main goal of sustainable development the radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The necessity and effectiveness of a systematic approach that provides for the priority of institutional, structural, and technological transformations in society and the economy are emphasized. An important result of these transformations should involve the reduction of anthropogenic impact on the environment, including its climate formation factors, and adaptation to its climate change.