Cultural evolution as a driver of human global dominance: Systemic analysis of adaptation and expansion
Original framing: “How humans took over the planet: The role of cultural evolution” — Phys.org
Marginalised voices, particularly from indigenous and local communities, provide critical insights into sustainable cultural practices and environmental stewardship. Their perspectives are often excluded from mainstream scientific narratives, despite their relevance to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Human cultural evolution is a complex interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors that has enabled global expansion.
However, this process has often come at the expense of ecological balance and social equity. Indigenous knowledge systems offer alternative models of sustainable development that emphasize harmony with nature and community well-being. By integrating these perspectives with scientific research and cross-cultural dialogue, we can develop more holistic and equitable approaches to global challenges. Historical analysis reveals that human success has been both a product of innovation and a source of ecological disruption, underscoring the need for systemic change in how we understand and practice cultural evolution.