Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy
How to reduce the threat of dangerous climate change by embracing uncertainty and failure
By Robert Chris | Publisher: Taylor and Francis
About the book
Even by the scientists most closely associated with it, geoengineering – the deliberate intervention in the climate at global scale to mitigate the effects of climate change – is perceived to be risky. For all its potential benefits, there are robust differences of opinion over the wisdom of such an intervention.
Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy is the first book to theorise geoengineering in terms of complex adaptive systems theory and to argue for the theoretical imperative of adaptive management as the default methodology for an effective low risk means of confronting the inescapable uncertainty and surprise that characterise potential climate futures. The book illustrates how a shift from the conventional Enlightenment paradigm of linear reductionist thinking, in favour of systems thinking, would promote policies that are robust against the widest range of plausible futures rather than optimal only for the most likely, and also unlock the policy paralysis caused by making long term predictions of policy outcomes a prior condition for policy formulation. It also offers some systems driven reflections on a global governance network for geoengineering.
This book is a valuable resource for all those with an interest in climate change policy, geoengineering, and CAS theory, including academics, under- and postgraduate students and policymakers.
Editions of Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy
- EBook
- ISBN 9781317554875
- PDF
- ISBN 9781317554882
Read an Excerpt
Even by the scientists most closely associated with it, geoengineering – the deliberate intervention in the climate at global scale to mitigate the effects of climate change – is perceived to be risky. For all its potential benefits, there are robust differences of opinion over the wisdom of such an intervention.
Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy is the first book to theorise geoengineering in terms of complex adaptive systems theory and to argue for the theoretical imperative of adaptive management as the default methodology for an effective low risk means of confronting the inescapable uncertainty and surprise that characterise potential climate futures. The book illustrates how a shift from the conventional Enlightenment paradigm of linear reductionist thinking, in favour of systems thinking, would promote policies that are robust against the widest range of plausible futures rather than optimal only for the most likely, and also unlock the policy paralysis caused by making long term predictions of policy outcomes a prior condition for policy formulation. It also offers some systems driven reflections on a global governance network for geoengineering.
This book is a valuable resource for all those with an interest in climate change policy, geoengineering, and CAS theory, including academics, under- and postgraduate students and policymakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy about?
Even by the scientists most closely associated with it, geoengineering – the deliberate intervention in the climate at global scale to mitigate the effects of climate change – is perceived to be risky. For all its potential benefits, there are robust differences of opinion over the wisdom of such an intervention.
Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy is the first book to theorise geoengineering in terms of complex adaptive systems theory and to argue for the theoretical imperative of adaptive management as the default methodology for an effective low risk means of confronting the inescapable uncertainty and surprise that characterise potential climate futures. The book illustrates how a shift from the conventional Enlightenment paradigm of linear reductionist thinking, in favour of systems thinking, would promote policies that are robust against the widest range of plausible futures rather than optimal only for the most likely, and also unlock the policy paralysis caused by making long term predictions of policy outcomes a prior condition for policy formulation. It also offers some systems driven reflections on a global governance network for geoengineering.
This book is a valuable resource for all those with an interest in climate change policy, geoengineering, and CAS theory, including academics, under- and postgraduate students and policymakers.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy?
Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > The environment > Pollution and threats to the environment > Climate change
Where can I read a sample of Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781317554875
Is Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The Earthscan Science in Society Series
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy?
Robert Chris
Who is the Publisher of the book Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy?
Taylor and Francis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Systems Thinking for Geoengineering Policy is available as ebook(ISBN 9781317554875) and pdf(ISBN 9781317554882)