So, it is worth mentioning that it is not easy
to separate science from politics. This is because
science is often used as a tool to support certain
political and economic agendas and certain legislative
decisions and policies. This is because scientific
research is often funded by governments and thus,
the results of the research may be biased in
favor of certain political ideologies or economic
interests. Furthermore, the results of the research
may be interpreted differently, depending on
the user's political and economic views. Even
if the more radical claims are valid, such as
the idea that governments should intervene in
the free market to reduce carbon emissions, or
that renewable energy sources should be sped
up despite the economic implications, there is
no straightforward solution as one takes initiatives
because of the predictions on climate change.
These types of predictions and expectations are
questionable to begin with. Even if these types
of solutions were implemented, it is difficult
to know how effective they would be in the long
term. the intersection of wicked problems and
systems thinking. This is part one of our discussion
where we explore the complexity of wicked issues,
their cross -cutting and transnational nature,
and how systems thinking offers a lens to better
understand and address these monumental challenges.
The complexity of climate change and the uncertainty
about the future make it challenging to make
precise predictions about the impact of any given
policy. This uncertainty and complexity will
accumulate errors over time, as new data and
findings are discovered that contradict previous
beliefs. This could lead to policies being implemented
that are not effective, or worse, could even
have a negative impact on the environment. As
such, it is important to consider the potential
risks and benefits of any given policy, especially
when it comes to climate change. Due to errors
accumulating over time, inconsistencies in measurement
can become more noticeable as the measurement
progresses. Therefore, even 50 years from now,
there will still be a large error bar around
the projections. This means we won't be able
to measure the positive or negative effects of
anything we do right now. So how can you solve
a problem when you can't measure the consequences
of your actions? And what is the solution? Systems
thinking is all about looking at how different
parts of a system interact and influence one
another. When you take a step back and look at
the whole system rather than isolated elements,
we can uncover root causes, identify patterns,
and develop strategies that address complex challenges
effectively. A system's perspective recognizes
that a system is comprised of interconnected
parts that work together to achieve a common
purpose or goal. It examines relationships, patterns,
and feedback loops to understand how the system
works. It also looks at how small changes can
have a big impact. A feedback loop is a process
in which the output of a system is used as an
input to the same system. A feedback loop can
be negative or positive, depending on whether
the output of the system serves to reduce or
increase the input. Negative feedback loops serve
to reduce the output of the system, while positive
feedback loops serve to increase the output.
Utilizing systems thinking or a systems perspective
method is essential because it helps to better
understand what might help or impede developmental
sustainability. Meaning, we can gain better insights
into the underlying structures and patterns that
influence the behavior of a system. It helps
to identify the root causes of problems and find
effective solutions by considering the broader
context and understanding the relationships between
different elements. Applying a system's perspective
can be beneficial in many domains, such as organizational
management, environmental sustainability, public
policy, and healthcare to name a few. This is
regarding the emergence of similar issues such
as the racial wealth gap and health issues such
as obesity. The system's perspective enables
a more comprehensive understanding of complex
situations and supports the development of strategies
that consider the interactions and interdependencies
within the system. Using this approach, planners
hope to improve the health of the population.
But what can really be expected from it? The
program should be designed to promote systemic
change by addressing the underlying causes of
the issue. This means that policymakers should
focus on developing solutions that can be sustained
over the long term, not short -term fixes. Additionally,
the program should focus on creating equitable
outcomes for all people, regardless of race or
socioeconomic status. You've got all kinds of
systems to think about. natural systems, like
ecosystems, social systems, such as families
and institutions, technological systems, such
as communications networks, economic systems,
like markets and supply chains, and organizational
systems, like companies or governments. Understanding
these types helps us better analyze their interconnections.
So, natural systems are systems that occur In
the natural world, such as ecosystems, weather
patterns, or biological organisms, natural systems
often have complex interdependencies and feedback
loops. Social systems are systems that involve
human interactions and relationships, such as
families, communities, organizations, or societies.
Social systems can include components like individuals,
groups, institutions, and cultural norms. Technological
systems are systems that involve the design,
development, and operation of technology, such
as computer systems, transportation networks,
or communication systems. Technological systems
often consist of various interconnected components
and processes. Ecological systems are systems
that involve the relationships between organisms
and their environment. Ecological systems can
include ecosystems, food webs, or the interactions
between different species. Economic systems are
systems that involve the production, distribution,
and consumptions of goods and services within
a society. Economic systems can include factors
such as the market dynamics, supply chains, or
economic policies. And lastly, organizational
systems. Organizational systems are systems that
involve the structure, processes, and relationships
within an organization, such as a company or
government agency. Organizational systems can
include components like departments, teams, workflows,
and communications channels. And so with that,
it's important to note that these types of systems
are not mutually exclusive. and many real -world
systems can exhibit characteristics of multiple
types. Additionally, different disciplines and
fields may define and categorize systems differently
based on their specific focus and objectives.
Systems thinkers believe that only viewing one
part of a method, process, or plan of action
can isolate other functioning variables around
the entirety of the system can disregard other
variables that might influence its potential
for positive impact. By considering the system
as a whole, with all its interconnected components,
it's possible to understand how different variables
interact with one another and how changes in
one area might affect the system as a whole.
This helps to identify potential problems before
they arise and to plan for more effective solutions.
As with the case of obesity, It is a complex
phenomenon that combines a variety of factors
such as improper institutional reforms, social
media, physiological, psychological, socioeconomic,
as well as environmental factors. There is a
strong interaction between all these variables.
Individual concerns such as physiology, exercise
habits, dietary choices, and occupation are all
factors that impact our health. There are many
other factors at play in addition to the individual,
such as the locally built environment, the accessibility
of junk food that is readily available, and the
practices of the larger food industry, including
trends, portion sizes, sugar content, and fat
content. All of these influences interact mutually
with one another. making obesity a complex system
in terms of the reciprocal relationships between
them. As a result of disregarding a systems thinking
approach, merely relying on basic linear cause
and effect solutions for one method can neglect
other reciprocal relationships and lead to failure.
This is because most programs are directed to
think only within the boundaries of the programs
they are a part of. Systems thinking allows you
to zoom out and consider other factors outside
of a program's conventional boundaries, both
in and outside of the organization, which might
impact the program's success. One can deliberately
assess differing standards, ethics, and viewpoints
by looking at the broader system of interventions,
policies, structures, patterns, and norms. Moreover,
one can assess the interrelationships between
them that might impact the disparities. Thus,
it's possible to identify more powerful leverage
points outside the program that can help with
obesity. So, this is where leverage points can
be found in a system. These are places within
a system where changes can be made to sustain
a more meaningful impact. If one were to look
at some behaviors and actions that one might
adopt with a team to increase the community's
access to physical activity and social welfare,
for instance, what might those behaviors or actions
be? It is true that some leverage points are
within the scope of a person's ability to change,
but others are outside their scope as well. Some
examples of behaviors and actions that could
be adopted to increase access to physical activity
and social welfare are providing access to affordable
and safe recreational facilities, as well as
increasing public transportation options and
advocating for policy changes that would benefit
the community. Leverage points within a person's
scope could include encouraging others to get
involved in activities, volunteering with local
organizations, or speaking up at public meetings.
Leverage points outside of a person's scope would
include those that require a larger platform
or resources, such as working with local or state
governments to pass laws or regulations. As a
result, it would still be useful to be aware
of these as a program is being planned, even
if they are minor items. It might not shift the
peripheries of a particular plan, but it will
expand the edges. Even the smallest details can
help to create a more comprehensive plan of action.
The more attention that is paid to the smaller
details, the more informed decisions can be made
about the overall program. This will help to
ensure that the program is more effective and
efficient. To ensure the evaluation capitalizes
on the indispensable boundaries, diverse perspectives,
and interrelationships of the system as pivotal
leverage points, it is necessary to acknowledge
the implications of varying viewpoints and principles
from outside the program, as well as the interrelationships
throughout the entire system. There's no way
one can evaluate the whole system on a budget.
In spite of that, a commissioned assessment will
offer more strategic insights into how to manage
obesity and other partisanship. Besides proposing
ways to improve the program, the evaluation findings
could lead to new collaborations or outside political
developments in a society where infrastructure
is an obstacle and where we can advocate for
sustainable development together. So taking a
systems approach, helps you spot hidden patterns
and interactions in societal challenges. Whether
it's tackling obesity, inequality, or public
health, considering multiple variables lets us
come up with better, long -lasting solutions.
And with that, recognizing personal shortcomings
and areas for growth can contribute to personal
development and career expansion. By leveraging
this self -awareness, individuals can develop
into influential leaders. This evolution of career
and competence empowers them to make more informed
collective decisions as well as fostering wisdom
-driven choices. In essence, it cautions that
individuals who haven't addressed their own matters
should approach global changes with caution.
In line with this strategic problem solving,
it's worth noting that certain challenges, often
referred to as wicked issues, share traits of
complexity, lack of resolution, global implications,
and scientific foundations. These issues, such
as climate change and human security, exemplify
the intricate nature of modern societal dilemmas.
So what characterizes a wicked issue? These multifaceted
challenges possess far -reaching influence spanning
diverse dimensions. Wicked problems are cross
-cutting, unresolved, transnational, and science
-based. For instance, climate change encompasses
the economy, environment, and energy sectors,
illustrating its comprehensive impact. These
problems resist simple solutions. grappling with
intricacies that elevate them to problem status.
While unresolved though, it's important to recognize
their potential for resolution despite their
current unsettled state. Furthermore, their transnational
scope disregards borders with matters like human
security, transcending national boundaries, and
directly affecting people's well -being. Moreover,
these challenges are deeply intertwined with
scientific foundations rooted in intricate relationships
that drive their complexities. Big messy problems
like climate change, global health, and poverty
are complex and interconnected. They touch on
so many areas, making it difficult to reach straightforward
solutions. Tackling these problems means collaboration,
long -term strategies and global cooperation.
The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an international
agreement between 190 countries that aims to
reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases.
The agreement outlines a framework for countries
to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change,
and provide financial support to countries most
severely affected by climate change. The difficult
decisions that countries must make include setting
emissions targets, investing in green technology,
and transitioning their economies away from fossil
fuels. These decisions often require a tremendous
amount of political commitment, as well as a
sizable number of resources. Furthermore, these
decisions can be pricey, in both financial and
political terms. The United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals require countries to make difficult
decisions, such as investing in green technology,
transitioning their economies away from fossil
fuels, and setting emissions targets. One of
the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, is
Goal 13, Climate Action. This goal focuses on
strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity
to climate -related hazards and natural disasters,
as well as integrating climate change measures
into national policies and implementing the Paris
Agreement on Climate Change. Political determination
and resources are necessary for these decisions,
which can be expensive both financially and politically.
Countries have to make complex decisions that
often require a significant number of resources.
And these decisions can be unpopular with certain
groups or sectors of the population. Therefore,
the leaders of these countries have to make tough
decisions that require a strong political will
to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated
to achieve the SDGs. Global health is also a
cross -cutting issue, as it affects all countries
regardless of their level of development and
is influenced by various factors, including the
environment, economic development, and cultural
practices. It is an issue particularly relevant
to sustainable development, as a healthy population
is necessary for economic growth and social progress.
Additionally, global health is an issue that
affects all countries. as the spread of infectious
diseases knows no borders. The World Health Organization's
Global Targets for Non -Communicable Diseases
is an example of a global health agreement that
requires countries to make difficult decisions
to ensure that all citizens have access to quality
healthcare. This agreement highlights the need
for international cooperation in addressing global
health issues. It also highlights the need for
countries to make difficult decisions to ensure
that the necessary resources are allocated to
achieve the targets. Unresolved problems are
wicked because they initially appear challenging.
We've seen them as problems because they're so
complicated. There's no resolution. But that
doesn't mean they're impossible to fix. Just
that they are not resolved yet. Examples of unresolved
or complex issues include, as mentioned above,
climate change, global health, poverty, food
security, access to education, natural resource
management, migration, and gender inequality.
These issues are all complex and interconnected,
making it difficult to develop a comprehensive
solution. In the case of climate change, the
lack of consensus and clarity has led to a lack
of agreement on how to best address the issue.
While poverty is often a result of systemic economic
inequality, and access to education is limited
in many parts of the world due to a lack of resources.
Similarly, migration is often a result of geopolitical
instability or economic disparities, and gender
inequality is a result of both cultural and structural
barriers. All of these issues require a multi
-faceted approach with both short -term and long
-term strategies to be resolved. So let's look
at a country as a case study. Yemen is one of
the poorest countries in the world and is facing
extreme poverty. Nearly half of the country's
population lives below the poverty line and over
20 million people need humanitarian assistance.
Yemen's economy has been devastated by years
of conflict, leading to a sharp decline in living
standards and widespread food insecurity. The
conflict has also resulted in the displacement
of millions of people and the destruction of
vital infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools,
and water systems. Poverty is a major factor
in the spread of disease and malnutrition, and
the country currently has one of the highest
rates of malnutrition in the world. All of these
factors, combined with a lack of access to healthcare
and education, have created a dire situation
in Yemen, one that requires an urgent and collaborative
response. Solving the problems mentioned above
is difficult, due to the complexity and interconnected
nature of the issues. To resolve these issues,
a multi -faceted approach must be taken. This
approach should involve both short -term and
long -term strategies. In the short term, it
is crucial to provide immediate aid to those
affected by the issues mentioned, including food
and medical assistance. Long -term strategies
should focus on creating sustainable solutions
such as providing access to education and health
care, as well as creating economic opportunities
for those living in poverty. Additionally, efforts
should be made to create more stable political
and economic environments and to address systemic
inequality, meaning we have to improve their
political institutions. Finally, collaboration
between governments, organizations, and individuals
is key in order to develop comprehensive solutions
to these issues. These big issues like migration,
pandemics and climate change transcend national
boundaries. They affect people across regions
requiring international collaboration and coordinated
efforts. The COVID -19 pandemic is a prime example
of how interconnected these challenges can be.
The Syrian refugee crisis is also a transnational
issue, since it has been ongoing since the start
of the Syrian civil war in 2011. This is a wicked
problem due to the complex and intertwined nature
of the issue, as it involves multiple actors
and stakeholders. The conflict has resulted in
millions of people being displaced, with many
of them seeking refuge outside of Syria. This
has put a tremendous strain on countries in the
region as well as countries that are hosting
refugees. This is a transnational issue as it
affects countries beyond Syria and requires collaboration
among multiple countries to be effectively addressed.
Attempts to resolve this issue include providing
financial aid and humanitarian assistance to
countries in the region, as well as accepting
refugees into countries in the West and working
towards a ceasefire in Syria. Lastly, wicked
problems have a science -based component. meaning
they do have a scientific component when it comes
to solving them. In addition to these measures,
scientific research is needed to gain a better
understanding of the situation so that more effective
solutions can be developed. This includes studying
the underlying factors that have contributed
to the conflict, as well as possible solutions,
such as improving the economic and social conditions
in the region. For example, The outbreak of the
Zika virus is an example of a wicked problem
with science -based component. Zika is a mosquito
-borne virus that can cause a range of symptoms
including fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
It can also cause severe birth defects in babies
born to women who have been infected during pregnancy.
Countries around the world have worked together
to develop effective strategies to prevent and
control its spread. This includes vector control
measures such as using insecticides to control
mosquito populations, as well as education campaigns
to raise awareness about the virus and its effects.
Additionally, scientists and researchers have
worked together to obtain a better understanding
of the virus, its transmission, and its effects
in order to develop more effective treatments
and preventative measures. Given the encompassing
nature of wicked issues, the question emerges.
How can foreign ministries and diplomats effectively
engage with them? Enter science diplomacy. This
approach hinges on the developing expertise in
scientific domains such as physics, chemistry,
or biology, which enables interactions within
the scientific community. Such as physics, chemistry,
or biology, which enables interactions with the
scientific community. This nuanced understanding
helps diplomats process and manage these intricate
matters, addressing a deficiency that has persisted
thus far. Historically, foreign ministries and
diplomats center their attention on territorial
and ideological concerns during the Cold War.
However, the challenges of the 21st century,
specifically the interconnected and globalized
wicked problems, are underscored by significant
scientific and technological components. As a
countermeasure, institutions must bolster their
capacity to manage these complexities. This entails
integrating scientific expertise within foreign
ministries and diplomats while simultaneously
immersing diplomatic entities in academic, research,
and technological realms. By merging external
knowledge with internal diplomatic efforts, not
only are traditionally bureaucratic spaces invigorated,
but also capacity is substantially enhanced.
This augmentation enables more effective engagement
with these intricate, wicked problems, fostering
a more adept approach to their resolution. A
wicked problem is an intricate social problem,
some of which are more serious than others. They
are difficult to solve since there is insufficient
knowledge and too many opinions involved. They
are interrelated with other problems, withstand
settlement, and can be a significant economic
strain. Wicked problems lack precise solutions.
They bleed into each other, and there is always
more than one interpretation. Solving one problem
can reveal or even create another. Moreover,
each explication is a one -time tint, so trial
and error are not possible. Wicked problems are
too complex to fix. However, they can be reduced,
persuaded, protrude, and oriented through design
thinking. So in this first part, we unraveled
the intricate web of wicked problems characterized
by their global, science -based, and interconnected
nature. From climate change and poverty to health
crises and transnational migration, we've highlighted
how these challenges defy simple solutions. Additionally,
we introduced systems thinking as a valuable
approach to dissecting these complexities, emphasizing
the need for a holistic perspective and long
-term strategies. Please stick around for part
two, where we'll dive deeper into how science
diplomacy and systems perspectives can bridge
the gap between science and policymaking. Together,
We'll explore actionable insights and strategic
frameworks to navigate these multifaceted issues
effectively. Make sure to like, subscribe, and
follow for updates on Part 2.