Why solving environmental crises requires more than just a scientific formula
In short: Scientists often approach environmental issues with a linear methodology: identify the problem, collect data, and test solutions against legislation. But for many of our world's most pressing ecological challenges, this logical progression fails to account for the messy, human complexities of power, economics, and shifting perspectives.
Professor Carolyn Roberts, a hydrologist and environmental consultant, distinguishes between standard scientific problems and what she terms 'wicked' problems. While a typical scientific approach involves analyzing data to find a remedy that fits within current environmental legislation—such as water management or carbon reduction targets—wicked problems are characterized by their complexity. They are intractable issues that grow in scope, pop up in unexpected places, and embody conflicting views on the exercise of power. Roberts describes these issues as problems that can drive people to distraction because they embody different views on power. She uses the metaphor of meerkats to illustrate how these challenges can slip out of grasp and appear in unexpected locations.
In the context of 'greenness' in business and the city, these complexities are evident in how industrial developers navigate the landscape. Developers must balance the pursuit of profitable projects with strict compliance regarding protected species and water management. While some global corporations and UK small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are leading by example to improve environmental sustainability, the transition is not a simple linear path. It involves navigating the diverse perspectives of various stakeholders who may have competing interests. The lecture highlights that some leading global corporations and UK SMEs have actually preceded government action in adopting green practices. These businesses must navigate specific legal requirements concerning water management and the protection of various species.
According to Roberts, the intricate nature of such issues means that scientific methods alone are insufficient for their resolution. They demand new ways of thinking that can address the 'wicked' nature of the challenges. By moving beyond a purely technical lens, we can better understand how industrial stakeholders and businesses can actually implement meaningful environmental improvements in a world where every solution carries its own set of unintended consequences. Roberts draws on her professional experience as a consultant for specific industrial stakeholders to explore these dynamics. She emphasizes that addressing these problems requires understanding the unique perspectives of a wide range of people involved in environmental domains.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Greenness in Business and the City - Professor Carolyn Roberts
- Also: Greenness in Business and the City
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