WEBVTT 00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:04.580 So, it is worth mentioning that it is not easy 00:00:04.580 --> 00:00:08.339 to separate science from politics. This is because 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:11.599 science is often used as a tool to support certain 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:15.619 political and economic agendas and certain legislative 00:00:15.619 --> 00:00:19.920 decisions and policies. This is because scientific 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:23.359 research is often funded by governments and thus, 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:26.500 the results of the research may be biased in 00:00:26.500 --> 00:00:29.500 favor of certain political ideologies or economic 00:00:29.500 --> 00:00:33.799 interests. Furthermore, the results of the research 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:36.679 may be interpreted differently, depending on 00:00:36.679 --> 00:00:40.219 the user's political and economic views. Even 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:42.799 if the more radical claims are valid, such as 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:45.759 the idea that governments should intervene in 00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:49.280 the free market to reduce carbon emissions, or 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:52.060 that renewable energy sources should be sped 00:00:52.060 --> 00:00:56.340 up despite the economic implications, there is 00:00:56.340 --> 00:00:59.840 no straightforward solution as one takes initiatives 00:01:00.090 --> 00:01:03.310 because of the predictions on climate change. 00:01:04.269 --> 00:01:08.010 These types of predictions and expectations are 00:01:08.010 --> 00:01:11.150 questionable to begin with. Even if these types 00:01:11.150 --> 00:01:14.189 of solutions were implemented, it is difficult 00:01:14.189 --> 00:01:16.969 to know how effective they would be in the long 00:01:16.969 --> 00:01:32.840 term. the intersection of wicked problems and 00:01:32.840 --> 00:01:36.459 systems thinking. This is part one of our discussion 00:01:36.459 --> 00:01:39.540 where we explore the complexity of wicked issues, 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:42.579 their cross -cutting and transnational nature, 00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:46.000 and how systems thinking offers a lens to better 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:49.180 understand and address these monumental challenges. 00:01:51.599 --> 00:01:54.500 The complexity of climate change and the uncertainty 00:01:54.500 --> 00:01:57.359 about the future make it challenging to make 00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:00.219 precise predictions about the impact of any given 00:02:00.219 --> 00:02:04.060 policy. This uncertainty and complexity will 00:02:04.060 --> 00:02:07.620 accumulate errors over time, as new data and 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:10.400 findings are discovered that contradict previous 00:02:10.400 --> 00:02:14.180 beliefs. This could lead to policies being implemented 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:17.979 that are not effective, or worse, could even 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:21.340 have a negative impact on the environment. As 00:02:21.340 --> 00:02:23.900 such, it is important to consider the potential 00:02:23.900 --> 00:02:27.460 risks and benefits of any given policy, especially 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:31.219 when it comes to climate change. Due to errors 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:34.819 accumulating over time, inconsistencies in measurement 00:02:34.819 --> 00:02:37.860 can become more noticeable as the measurement 00:02:37.860 --> 00:02:41.759 progresses. Therefore, even 50 years from now, 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:45.280 there will still be a large error bar around 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:48.509 the projections. This means we won't be able 00:02:48.509 --> 00:02:51.289 to measure the positive or negative effects of 00:02:51.289 --> 00:02:54.689 anything we do right now. So how can you solve 00:02:54.689 --> 00:02:57.710 a problem when you can't measure the consequences 00:02:57.710 --> 00:03:03.250 of your actions? And what is the solution? Systems 00:03:03.250 --> 00:03:06.689 thinking is all about looking at how different 00:03:06.689 --> 00:03:09.969 parts of a system interact and influence one 00:03:09.969 --> 00:03:12.909 another. When you take a step back and look at 00:03:12.909 --> 00:03:16.069 the whole system rather than isolated elements, 00:03:16.349 --> 00:03:19.689 we can uncover root causes, identify patterns, 00:03:20.129 --> 00:03:23.409 and develop strategies that address complex challenges 00:03:23.409 --> 00:03:28.150 effectively. A system's perspective recognizes 00:03:28.150 --> 00:03:31.189 that a system is comprised of interconnected 00:03:31.189 --> 00:03:33.909 parts that work together to achieve a common 00:03:33.909 --> 00:03:37.969 purpose or goal. It examines relationships, patterns, 00:03:38.250 --> 00:03:40.810 and feedback loops to understand how the system 00:03:40.810 --> 00:03:44.550 works. It also looks at how small changes can 00:03:44.550 --> 00:03:48.479 have a big impact. A feedback loop is a process 00:03:48.479 --> 00:03:51.939 in which the output of a system is used as an 00:03:51.939 --> 00:03:57.000 input to the same system. A feedback loop can 00:03:57.000 --> 00:04:00.479 be negative or positive, depending on whether 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:03.699 the output of the system serves to reduce or 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:08.419 increase the input. Negative feedback loops serve 00:04:08.419 --> 00:04:12.000 to reduce the output of the system, while positive 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:15.400 feedback loops serve to increase the output. 00:04:15.710 --> 00:04:19.589 Utilizing systems thinking or a systems perspective 00:04:19.589 --> 00:04:22.230 method is essential because it helps to better 00:04:22.230 --> 00:04:25.949 understand what might help or impede developmental 00:04:25.949 --> 00:04:30.350 sustainability. Meaning, we can gain better insights 00:04:30.350 --> 00:04:33.529 into the underlying structures and patterns that 00:04:33.529 --> 00:04:36.350 influence the behavior of a system. It helps 00:04:36.350 --> 00:04:39.290 to identify the root causes of problems and find 00:04:39.290 --> 00:04:42.129 effective solutions by considering the broader 00:04:42.129 --> 00:04:45.370 context and understanding the relationships between 00:04:45.370 --> 00:04:50.029 different elements. Applying a system's perspective 00:04:50.029 --> 00:04:54.209 can be beneficial in many domains, such as organizational 00:04:54.209 --> 00:04:57.670 management, environmental sustainability, public 00:04:57.670 --> 00:05:01.170 policy, and healthcare to name a few. This is 00:05:01.170 --> 00:05:04.350 regarding the emergence of similar issues such 00:05:04.350 --> 00:05:07.550 as the racial wealth gap and health issues such 00:05:07.550 --> 00:05:10.889 as obesity. The system's perspective enables 00:05:10.889 --> 00:05:13.529 a more comprehensive understanding of complex 00:05:13.529 --> 00:05:16.870 situations and supports the development of strategies 00:05:16.870 --> 00:05:20.310 that consider the interactions and interdependencies 00:05:20.310 --> 00:05:23.610 within the system. Using this approach, planners 00:05:23.610 --> 00:05:26.029 hope to improve the health of the population. 00:05:26.629 --> 00:05:30.189 But what can really be expected from it? The 00:05:30.189 --> 00:05:32.680 program should be designed to promote systemic 00:05:32.680 --> 00:05:35.439 change by addressing the underlying causes of 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:38.759 the issue. This means that policymakers should 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.980 focus on developing solutions that can be sustained 00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:46.839 over the long term, not short -term fixes. Additionally, 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:49.920 the program should focus on creating equitable 00:05:49.920 --> 00:05:53.240 outcomes for all people, regardless of race or 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:57.920 socioeconomic status. You've got all kinds of 00:05:57.920 --> 00:06:01.319 systems to think about. natural systems, like 00:06:01.319 --> 00:06:05.120 ecosystems, social systems, such as families 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:08.980 and institutions, technological systems, such 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:12.279 as communications networks, economic systems, 00:06:12.639 --> 00:06:16.040 like markets and supply chains, and organizational 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:20.399 systems, like companies or governments. Understanding 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:24.160 these types helps us better analyze their interconnections. 00:06:25.779 --> 00:06:29.420 So, natural systems are systems that occur In 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:32.399 the natural world, such as ecosystems, weather 00:06:32.399 --> 00:06:36.220 patterns, or biological organisms, natural systems 00:06:36.220 --> 00:06:39.839 often have complex interdependencies and feedback 00:06:39.839 --> 00:06:44.480 loops. Social systems are systems that involve 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:47.579 human interactions and relationships, such as 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:51.199 families, communities, organizations, or societies. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:55.300 Social systems can include components like individuals, 00:06:55.740 --> 00:07:00.660 groups, institutions, and cultural norms. Technological 00:07:00.660 --> 00:07:03.540 systems are systems that involve the design, 00:07:03.839 --> 00:07:06.759 development, and operation of technology, such 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:09.639 as computer systems, transportation networks, 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:13.680 or communication systems. Technological systems 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:17.279 often consist of various interconnected components 00:07:17.279 --> 00:07:22.480 and processes. Ecological systems are systems 00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:25.220 that involve the relationships between organisms 00:07:25.220 --> 00:07:28.839 and their environment. Ecological systems can 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:32.720 include ecosystems, food webs, or the interactions 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:37.279 between different species. Economic systems are 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:40.259 systems that involve the production, distribution, 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:43.480 and consumptions of goods and services within 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:47.199 a society. Economic systems can include factors 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:50.680 such as the market dynamics, supply chains, or 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:54.740 economic policies. And lastly, organizational 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:58.379 systems. Organizational systems are systems that 00:07:58.379 --> 00:08:02.160 involve the structure, processes, and relationships 00:08:02.160 --> 00:08:05.660 within an organization, such as a company or 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:09.060 government agency. Organizational systems can 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:12.980 include components like departments, teams, workflows, 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:17.500 and communications channels. And so with that, 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:20.100 it's important to note that these types of systems 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:23.810 are not mutually exclusive. and many real -world 00:08:23.810 --> 00:08:26.509 systems can exhibit characteristics of multiple 00:08:26.509 --> 00:08:29.589 types. Additionally, different disciplines and 00:08:29.589 --> 00:08:32.769 fields may define and categorize systems differently 00:08:32.769 --> 00:08:36.070 based on their specific focus and objectives. 00:08:38.129 --> 00:08:40.850 Systems thinkers believe that only viewing one 00:08:40.850 --> 00:08:43.809 part of a method, process, or plan of action 00:08:43.809 --> 00:08:46.889 can isolate other functioning variables around 00:08:46.889 --> 00:08:49.870 the entirety of the system can disregard other 00:08:49.870 --> 00:08:52.250 variables that might influence its potential 00:08:52.250 --> 00:08:55.389 for positive impact. By considering the system 00:08:55.389 --> 00:08:58.289 as a whole, with all its interconnected components, 00:08:58.850 --> 00:09:01.870 it's possible to understand how different variables 00:09:01.870 --> 00:09:04.830 interact with one another and how changes in 00:09:04.830 --> 00:09:07.470 one area might affect the system as a whole. 00:09:08.590 --> 00:09:11.690 This helps to identify potential problems before 00:09:11.690 --> 00:09:15.350 they arise and to plan for more effective solutions. 00:09:16.090 --> 00:09:19.139 As with the case of obesity, It is a complex 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:21.840 phenomenon that combines a variety of factors 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:25.179 such as improper institutional reforms, social 00:09:25.179 --> 00:09:29.700 media, physiological, psychological, socioeconomic, 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:34.200 as well as environmental factors. There is a 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:36.960 strong interaction between all these variables. 00:09:37.940 --> 00:09:41.779 Individual concerns such as physiology, exercise 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:46.230 habits, dietary choices, and occupation are all 00:09:46.230 --> 00:09:49.409 factors that impact our health. There are many 00:09:49.409 --> 00:09:52.190 other factors at play in addition to the individual, 00:09:52.809 --> 00:09:56.149 such as the locally built environment, the accessibility 00:09:56.149 --> 00:09:59.610 of junk food that is readily available, and the 00:09:59.610 --> 00:10:02.830 practices of the larger food industry, including 00:10:02.830 --> 00:10:06.830 trends, portion sizes, sugar content, and fat 00:10:06.830 --> 00:10:11.110 content. All of these influences interact mutually 00:10:11.110 --> 00:10:14.820 with one another. making obesity a complex system 00:10:14.820 --> 00:10:18.159 in terms of the reciprocal relationships between 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:23.340 them. As a result of disregarding a systems thinking 00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:27.059 approach, merely relying on basic linear cause 00:10:27.059 --> 00:10:30.460 and effect solutions for one method can neglect 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:33.460 other reciprocal relationships and lead to failure. 00:10:33.659 --> 00:10:37.139 This is because most programs are directed to 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:40.100 think only within the boundaries of the programs 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:43.740 they are a part of. Systems thinking allows you 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:47.039 to zoom out and consider other factors outside 00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:49.960 of a program's conventional boundaries, both 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:53.659 in and outside of the organization, which might 00:10:53.659 --> 00:10:57.919 impact the program's success. One can deliberately 00:10:57.919 --> 00:11:02.019 assess differing standards, ethics, and viewpoints 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:05.500 by looking at the broader system of interventions, 00:11:06.299 --> 00:11:12.149 policies, structures, patterns, and norms. Moreover, 00:11:12.470 --> 00:11:15.529 one can assess the interrelationships between 00:11:15.529 --> 00:11:19.669 them that might impact the disparities. Thus, 00:11:20.009 --> 00:11:22.830 it's possible to identify more powerful leverage 00:11:22.830 --> 00:11:25.669 points outside the program that can help with 00:11:25.669 --> 00:11:31.149 obesity. So, this is where leverage points can 00:11:31.149 --> 00:11:34.230 be found in a system. These are places within 00:11:34.230 --> 00:11:37.289 a system where changes can be made to sustain 00:11:37.289 --> 00:11:40.470 a more meaningful impact. If one were to look 00:11:40.470 --> 00:11:43.129 at some behaviors and actions that one might 00:11:43.129 --> 00:11:46.289 adopt with a team to increase the community's 00:11:46.289 --> 00:11:48.629 access to physical activity and social welfare, 00:11:48.649 --> 00:11:52.490 for instance, what might those behaviors or actions 00:11:52.490 --> 00:11:56.409 be? It is true that some leverage points are 00:11:56.409 --> 00:11:58.970 within the scope of a person's ability to change, 00:11:59.649 --> 00:12:03.090 but others are outside their scope as well. Some 00:12:03.090 --> 00:12:06.110 examples of behaviors and actions that could 00:12:06.110 --> 00:12:09.110 be adopted to increase access to physical activity 00:12:09.110 --> 00:12:12.730 and social welfare are providing access to affordable 00:12:12.730 --> 00:12:16.169 and safe recreational facilities, as well as 00:12:16.169 --> 00:12:19.210 increasing public transportation options and 00:12:19.210 --> 00:12:21.929 advocating for policy changes that would benefit 00:12:21.929 --> 00:12:26.090 the community. Leverage points within a person's 00:12:26.090 --> 00:12:28.389 scope could include encouraging others to get 00:12:28.389 --> 00:12:31.330 involved in activities, volunteering with local 00:12:31.330 --> 00:12:34.610 organizations, or speaking up at public meetings. 00:12:35.269 --> 00:12:37.889 Leverage points outside of a person's scope would 00:12:37.889 --> 00:12:40.230 include those that require a larger platform 00:12:40.230 --> 00:12:43.690 or resources, such as working with local or state 00:12:43.690 --> 00:12:47.529 governments to pass laws or regulations. As a 00:12:47.529 --> 00:12:49.990 result, it would still be useful to be aware 00:12:49.990 --> 00:12:52.929 of these as a program is being planned, even 00:12:52.929 --> 00:12:58.860 if they are minor items. It might not shift the 00:12:58.860 --> 00:13:02.220 peripheries of a particular plan, but it will 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:06.279 expand the edges. Even the smallest details can 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:09.259 help to create a more comprehensive plan of action. 00:13:09.700 --> 00:13:11.860 The more attention that is paid to the smaller 00:13:11.860 --> 00:13:14.879 details, the more informed decisions can be made 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:17.759 about the overall program. This will help to 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:20.179 ensure that the program is more effective and 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:24.110 efficient. To ensure the evaluation capitalizes 00:13:24.110 --> 00:13:27.450 on the indispensable boundaries, diverse perspectives, 00:13:27.889 --> 00:13:31.090 and interrelationships of the system as pivotal 00:13:31.090 --> 00:13:34.149 leverage points, it is necessary to acknowledge 00:13:34.149 --> 00:13:37.649 the implications of varying viewpoints and principles 00:13:37.649 --> 00:13:42.029 from outside the program, as well as the interrelationships 00:13:42.029 --> 00:13:46.389 throughout the entire system. There's no way 00:13:46.389 --> 00:13:49.389 one can evaluate the whole system on a budget. 00:13:50.090 --> 00:13:53.639 In spite of that, a commissioned assessment will 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:57.279 offer more strategic insights into how to manage 00:13:57.279 --> 00:14:01.480 obesity and other partisanship. Besides proposing 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:04.720 ways to improve the program, the evaluation findings 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:08.440 could lead to new collaborations or outside political 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:11.080 developments in a society where infrastructure 00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:14.019 is an obstacle and where we can advocate for 00:14:14.019 --> 00:14:19.159 sustainable development together. So taking a 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:22.009 systems approach, helps you spot hidden patterns 00:14:22.009 --> 00:14:25.990 and interactions in societal challenges. Whether 00:14:25.990 --> 00:14:29.509 it's tackling obesity, inequality, or public 00:14:29.509 --> 00:14:32.710 health, considering multiple variables lets us 00:14:32.710 --> 00:14:35.570 come up with better, long -lasting solutions. 00:14:38.169 --> 00:14:41.809 And with that, recognizing personal shortcomings 00:14:41.809 --> 00:14:45.529 and areas for growth can contribute to personal 00:14:45.529 --> 00:14:48.750 development and career expansion. By leveraging 00:14:48.750 --> 00:14:51.789 this self -awareness, individuals can develop 00:14:51.789 --> 00:14:55.149 into influential leaders. This evolution of career 00:14:55.149 --> 00:14:58.230 and competence empowers them to make more informed 00:14:58.230 --> 00:15:01.769 collective decisions as well as fostering wisdom 00:15:01.769 --> 00:15:06.409 -driven choices. In essence, it cautions that 00:15:06.409 --> 00:15:10.049 individuals who haven't addressed their own matters 00:15:10.049 --> 00:15:13.250 should approach global changes with caution. 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:17.340 In line with this strategic problem solving, 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:21.539 it's worth noting that certain challenges, often 00:15:21.539 --> 00:15:24.779 referred to as wicked issues, share traits of 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:28.679 complexity, lack of resolution, global implications, 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:33.460 and scientific foundations. These issues, such 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:36.740 as climate change and human security, exemplify 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:40.559 the intricate nature of modern societal dilemmas. 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:45.690 So what characterizes a wicked issue? These multifaceted 00:15:45.690 --> 00:15:49.350 challenges possess far -reaching influence spanning 00:15:49.350 --> 00:15:53.169 diverse dimensions. Wicked problems are cross 00:15:53.169 --> 00:15:57.210 -cutting, unresolved, transnational, and science 00:15:57.210 --> 00:16:01.190 -based. For instance, climate change encompasses 00:16:01.190 --> 00:16:04.909 the economy, environment, and energy sectors, 00:16:05.610 --> 00:16:08.809 illustrating its comprehensive impact. These 00:16:08.809 --> 00:16:13.100 problems resist simple solutions. grappling with 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:16.220 intricacies that elevate them to problem status. 00:16:16.940 --> 00:16:20.200 While unresolved though, it's important to recognize 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:23.080 their potential for resolution despite their 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:27.240 current unsettled state. Furthermore, their transnational 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:30.620 scope disregards borders with matters like human 00:16:30.620 --> 00:16:34.019 security, transcending national boundaries, and 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:37.299 directly affecting people's well -being. Moreover, 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:40.360 these challenges are deeply intertwined with 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:43.620 scientific foundations rooted in intricate relationships 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:48.840 that drive their complexities. Big messy problems 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:52.500 like climate change, global health, and poverty 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:56.279 are complex and interconnected. They touch on 00:16:56.279 --> 00:17:00.240 so many areas, making it difficult to reach straightforward 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:04.819 solutions. Tackling these problems means collaboration, 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:08.319 long -term strategies and global cooperation. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:14.839 The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an international 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:18.480 agreement between 190 countries that aims to 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:21.099 reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. 00:17:21.940 --> 00:17:24.380 The agreement outlines a framework for countries 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:27.099 to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:30.400 and provide financial support to countries most 00:17:30.400 --> 00:17:33.759 severely affected by climate change. The difficult 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:37.460 decisions that countries must make include setting 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:40.799 emissions targets, investing in green technology, 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:44.380 and transitioning their economies away from fossil 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:48.319 fuels. These decisions often require a tremendous 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:51.700 amount of political commitment, as well as a 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:55.599 sizable number of resources. Furthermore, these 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:58.740 decisions can be pricey, in both financial and 00:17:58.740 --> 00:18:03.450 political terms. The United Nations Sustainable 00:18:03.450 --> 00:18:06.829 Development Goals require countries to make difficult 00:18:06.829 --> 00:18:10.250 decisions, such as investing in green technology, 00:18:10.809 --> 00:18:12.990 transitioning their economies away from fossil 00:18:12.990 --> 00:18:16.829 fuels, and setting emissions targets. One of 00:18:16.829 --> 00:18:20.670 the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, is 00:18:20.670 --> 00:18:25.920 Goal 13, Climate Action. This goal focuses on 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:28.619 strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:31.680 to climate -related hazards and natural disasters, 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:34.799 as well as integrating climate change measures 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:39.019 into national policies and implementing the Paris 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:43.519 Agreement on Climate Change. Political determination 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:47.119 and resources are necessary for these decisions, 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:51.140 which can be expensive both financially and politically. 00:18:51.450 --> 00:18:54.970 Countries have to make complex decisions that 00:18:54.970 --> 00:18:58.009 often require a significant number of resources. 00:18:58.369 --> 00:19:01.789 And these decisions can be unpopular with certain 00:19:01.789 --> 00:19:05.569 groups or sectors of the population. Therefore, 00:19:05.970 --> 00:19:08.769 the leaders of these countries have to make tough 00:19:08.769 --> 00:19:11.869 decisions that require a strong political will 00:19:11.869 --> 00:19:15.289 to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated 00:19:15.289 --> 00:19:20.690 to achieve the SDGs. Global health is also a 00:19:20.690 --> 00:19:23.589 cross -cutting issue, as it affects all countries 00:19:23.589 --> 00:19:26.650 regardless of their level of development and 00:19:26.650 --> 00:19:29.630 is influenced by various factors, including the 00:19:29.630 --> 00:19:32.450 environment, economic development, and cultural 00:19:32.450 --> 00:19:35.910 practices. It is an issue particularly relevant 00:19:35.910 --> 00:19:38.650 to sustainable development, as a healthy population 00:19:38.650 --> 00:19:42.230 is necessary for economic growth and social progress. 00:19:42.890 --> 00:19:45.250 Additionally, global health is an issue that 00:19:45.250 --> 00:19:48.630 affects all countries. as the spread of infectious 00:19:48.630 --> 00:19:54.029 diseases knows no borders. The World Health Organization's 00:19:54.029 --> 00:19:56.890 Global Targets for Non -Communicable Diseases 00:19:56.890 --> 00:20:00.029 is an example of a global health agreement that 00:20:00.029 --> 00:20:03.109 requires countries to make difficult decisions 00:20:03.109 --> 00:20:06.609 to ensure that all citizens have access to quality 00:20:06.609 --> 00:20:10.430 healthcare. This agreement highlights the need 00:20:10.430 --> 00:20:13.630 for international cooperation in addressing global 00:20:13.630 --> 00:20:16.859 health issues. It also highlights the need for 00:20:16.859 --> 00:20:20.019 countries to make difficult decisions to ensure 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:23.240 that the necessary resources are allocated to 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:27.980 achieve the targets. Unresolved problems are 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:30.859 wicked because they initially appear challenging. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:34.339 We've seen them as problems because they're so 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:37.720 complicated. There's no resolution. But that 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:40.859 doesn't mean they're impossible to fix. Just 00:20:40.859 --> 00:20:45.799 that they are not resolved yet. Examples of unresolved 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:49.319 or complex issues include, as mentioned above, 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:52.619 climate change, global health, poverty, food 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:56.079 security, access to education, natural resource 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:59.000 management, migration, and gender inequality. 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:02.720 These issues are all complex and interconnected, 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:05.539 making it difficult to develop a comprehensive 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:08.769 solution. In the case of climate change, the 00:21:08.769 --> 00:21:11.829 lack of consensus and clarity has led to a lack 00:21:11.829 --> 00:21:14.269 of agreement on how to best address the issue. 00:21:14.849 --> 00:21:17.809 While poverty is often a result of systemic economic 00:21:17.809 --> 00:21:20.849 inequality, and access to education is limited 00:21:20.849 --> 00:21:24.529 in many parts of the world due to a lack of resources. 00:21:25.349 --> 00:21:29.529 Similarly, migration is often a result of geopolitical 00:21:29.529 --> 00:21:33.089 instability or economic disparities, and gender 00:21:33.089 --> 00:21:37.009 inequality is a result of both cultural and structural 00:21:37.009 --> 00:21:40.660 barriers. All of these issues require a multi 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:43.839 -faceted approach with both short -term and long 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:48.700 -term strategies to be resolved. So let's look 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:52.539 at a country as a case study. Yemen is one of 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:55.680 the poorest countries in the world and is facing 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:58.980 extreme poverty. Nearly half of the country's 00:21:58.980 --> 00:22:02.259 population lives below the poverty line and over 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:05.400 20 million people need humanitarian assistance. 00:22:05.710 --> 00:22:08.730 Yemen's economy has been devastated by years 00:22:08.730 --> 00:22:12.210 of conflict, leading to a sharp decline in living 00:22:12.210 --> 00:22:15.390 standards and widespread food insecurity. The 00:22:15.390 --> 00:22:17.490 conflict has also resulted in the displacement 00:22:17.490 --> 00:22:20.230 of millions of people and the destruction of 00:22:20.230 --> 00:22:23.490 vital infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, 00:22:23.890 --> 00:22:27.230 and water systems. Poverty is a major factor 00:22:27.230 --> 00:22:29.829 in the spread of disease and malnutrition, and 00:22:29.829 --> 00:22:31.990 the country currently has one of the highest 00:22:31.990 --> 00:22:35.130 rates of malnutrition in the world. All of these 00:22:35.130 --> 00:22:38.309 factors, combined with a lack of access to healthcare 00:22:38.309 --> 00:22:41.430 and education, have created a dire situation 00:22:41.430 --> 00:22:45.150 in Yemen, one that requires an urgent and collaborative 00:22:45.150 --> 00:22:48.630 response. Solving the problems mentioned above 00:22:48.630 --> 00:22:52.490 is difficult, due to the complexity and interconnected 00:22:52.490 --> 00:22:56.230 nature of the issues. To resolve these issues, 00:22:56.549 --> 00:22:59.869 a multi -faceted approach must be taken. This 00:22:59.869 --> 00:23:03.609 approach should involve both short -term and 00:23:03.609 --> 00:23:06.970 long -term strategies. In the short term, it 00:23:06.970 --> 00:23:10.210 is crucial to provide immediate aid to those 00:23:10.210 --> 00:23:13.410 affected by the issues mentioned, including food 00:23:13.410 --> 00:23:16.869 and medical assistance. Long -term strategies 00:23:16.869 --> 00:23:19.769 should focus on creating sustainable solutions 00:23:19.769 --> 00:23:23.089 such as providing access to education and health 00:23:23.089 --> 00:23:26.309 care, as well as creating economic opportunities 00:23:26.309 --> 00:23:30.500 for those living in poverty. Additionally, efforts 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:33.920 should be made to create more stable political 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:37.339 and economic environments and to address systemic 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:40.920 inequality, meaning we have to improve their 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:44.519 political institutions. Finally, collaboration 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:48.059 between governments, organizations, and individuals 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:51.400 is key in order to develop comprehensive solutions 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:57.460 to these issues. These big issues like migration, 00:23:57.740 --> 00:24:01.640 pandemics and climate change transcend national 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:04.720 boundaries. They affect people across regions 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:08.299 requiring international collaboration and coordinated 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:12.299 efforts. The COVID -19 pandemic is a prime example 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:15.579 of how interconnected these challenges can be. 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:20.980 The Syrian refugee crisis is also a transnational 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:24.859 issue, since it has been ongoing since the start 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:28.529 of the Syrian civil war in 2011. This is a wicked 00:24:28.529 --> 00:24:31.849 problem due to the complex and intertwined nature 00:24:31.849 --> 00:24:35.210 of the issue, as it involves multiple actors 00:24:35.210 --> 00:24:38.569 and stakeholders. The conflict has resulted in 00:24:38.569 --> 00:24:41.130 millions of people being displaced, with many 00:24:41.130 --> 00:24:44.349 of them seeking refuge outside of Syria. This 00:24:44.349 --> 00:24:47.349 has put a tremendous strain on countries in the 00:24:47.349 --> 00:24:50.210 region as well as countries that are hosting 00:24:50.210 --> 00:24:53.750 refugees. This is a transnational issue as it 00:24:53.750 --> 00:24:57.009 affects countries beyond Syria and requires collaboration 00:24:57.009 --> 00:25:00.710 among multiple countries to be effectively addressed. 00:25:01.009 --> 00:25:03.869 Attempts to resolve this issue include providing 00:25:03.869 --> 00:25:07.109 financial aid and humanitarian assistance to 00:25:07.109 --> 00:25:09.809 countries in the region, as well as accepting 00:25:09.809 --> 00:25:12.990 refugees into countries in the West and working 00:25:12.990 --> 00:25:17.609 towards a ceasefire in Syria. Lastly, wicked 00:25:17.609 --> 00:25:21.329 problems have a science -based component. meaning 00:25:21.329 --> 00:25:24.789 they do have a scientific component when it comes 00:25:24.789 --> 00:25:27.769 to solving them. In addition to these measures, 00:25:28.390 --> 00:25:30.589 scientific research is needed to gain a better 00:25:30.589 --> 00:25:33.990 understanding of the situation so that more effective 00:25:33.990 --> 00:25:37.190 solutions can be developed. This includes studying 00:25:37.190 --> 00:25:39.509 the underlying factors that have contributed 00:25:39.509 --> 00:25:43.130 to the conflict, as well as possible solutions, 00:25:43.589 --> 00:25:46.730 such as improving the economic and social conditions 00:25:46.730 --> 00:25:50.380 in the region. For example, The outbreak of the 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:53.359 Zika virus is an example of a wicked problem 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:57.079 with science -based component. Zika is a mosquito 00:25:57.079 --> 00:26:00.099 -borne virus that can cause a range of symptoms 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:04.119 including fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:07.599 It can also cause severe birth defects in babies 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:10.640 born to women who have been infected during pregnancy. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:13.460 Countries around the world have worked together 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:16.279 to develop effective strategies to prevent and 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:19.720 control its spread. This includes vector control 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:23.099 measures such as using insecticides to control 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:26.440 mosquito populations, as well as education campaigns 00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:29.720 to raise awareness about the virus and its effects. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:33.460 Additionally, scientists and researchers have 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:36.279 worked together to obtain a better understanding 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:39.720 of the virus, its transmission, and its effects 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:42.640 in order to develop more effective treatments 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:48.460 and preventative measures. Given the encompassing 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:51.660 nature of wicked issues, the question emerges. 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:56.700 How can foreign ministries and diplomats effectively 00:26:56.700 --> 00:27:01.980 engage with them? Enter science diplomacy. This 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:05.660 approach hinges on the developing expertise in 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:09.099 scientific domains such as physics, chemistry, 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:12.980 or biology, which enables interactions within 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:16.339 the scientific community. Such as physics, chemistry, 00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:19.940 or biology, which enables interactions with the 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:23.000 scientific community. This nuanced understanding 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:26.640 helps diplomats process and manage these intricate 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:30.759 matters, addressing a deficiency that has persisted 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:35.880 thus far. Historically, foreign ministries and 00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:39.220 diplomats center their attention on territorial 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:42.880 and ideological concerns during the Cold War. 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:45.960 However, the challenges of the 21st century, 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:49.180 specifically the interconnected and globalized 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:52.680 wicked problems, are underscored by significant 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:56.359 scientific and technological components. As a 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:59.619 countermeasure, institutions must bolster their 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:02.829 capacity to manage these complexities. This entails 00:28:02.829 --> 00:28:06.269 integrating scientific expertise within foreign 00:28:06.269 --> 00:28:09.369 ministries and diplomats while simultaneously 00:28:09.369 --> 00:28:13.710 immersing diplomatic entities in academic, research, 00:28:14.210 --> 00:28:18.869 and technological realms. By merging external 00:28:18.869 --> 00:28:22.130 knowledge with internal diplomatic efforts, not 00:28:22.130 --> 00:28:25.970 only are traditionally bureaucratic spaces invigorated, 00:28:26.349 --> 00:28:29.569 but also capacity is substantially enhanced. 00:28:29.789 --> 00:28:32.849 This augmentation enables more effective engagement 00:28:32.849 --> 00:28:36.970 with these intricate, wicked problems, fostering 00:28:36.970 --> 00:28:41.869 a more adept approach to their resolution. A 00:28:41.869 --> 00:28:45.190 wicked problem is an intricate social problem, 00:28:45.529 --> 00:28:48.289 some of which are more serious than others. They 00:28:48.289 --> 00:28:51.109 are difficult to solve since there is insufficient 00:28:51.109 --> 00:28:54.329 knowledge and too many opinions involved. They 00:28:54.329 --> 00:28:57.329 are interrelated with other problems, withstand 00:28:57.329 --> 00:29:00.490 settlement, and can be a significant economic 00:29:00.490 --> 00:29:04.509 strain. Wicked problems lack precise solutions. 00:29:04.970 --> 00:29:07.609 They bleed into each other, and there is always 00:29:07.609 --> 00:29:10.809 more than one interpretation. Solving one problem 00:29:10.809 --> 00:29:14.450 can reveal or even create another. Moreover, 00:29:14.769 --> 00:29:18.569 each explication is a one -time tint, so trial 00:29:18.569 --> 00:29:22.450 and error are not possible. Wicked problems are 00:29:22.450 --> 00:29:26.339 too complex to fix. However, they can be reduced, 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:30.880 persuaded, protrude, and oriented through design 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:37.380 thinking. So in this first part, we unraveled 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:40.460 the intricate web of wicked problems characterized 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:44.079 by their global, science -based, and interconnected 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:47.420 nature. From climate change and poverty to health 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:51.069 crises and transnational migration, we've highlighted 00:29:51.069 --> 00:29:55.569 how these challenges defy simple solutions. Additionally, 00:29:55.970 --> 00:29:58.329 we introduced systems thinking as a valuable 00:29:58.329 --> 00:30:01.410 approach to dissecting these complexities, emphasizing 00:30:01.410 --> 00:30:03.990 the need for a holistic perspective and long 00:30:03.990 --> 00:30:07.609 -term strategies. Please stick around for part 00:30:07.609 --> 00:30:10.329 two, where we'll dive deeper into how science 00:30:10.329 --> 00:30:13.450 diplomacy and systems perspectives can bridge 00:30:13.450 --> 00:30:17.069 the gap between science and policymaking. Together, 00:30:17.230 --> 00:30:20.589 We'll explore actionable insights and strategic 00:30:20.589 --> 00:30:23.630 frameworks to navigate these multifaceted issues 00:30:23.630 --> 00:30:27.410 effectively. Make sure to like, subscribe, and 00:30:27.410 --> 00:30:29.250 follow for updates on Part 2.