Climate Change as a Wicked Problem

Abstract

Understanding complexity suggests that some problems are more complex than others and defy conventional solutions. These wicked problems will not be solved by the same tools and processes that are complicit in creating them. Neither will they be resolved by approaches short on explicating the complex interconnections of the multiple causes, consequences, and cross-scale actors of the problem. Climate change is one such wicked problem confronting water management in Ghana with a dilemma. The physical consequences of climate change on Ghana's water resources are progressively worsening. At the same time, existing institutional arrangements demonstrate weak capacities to tackle climate change-related complexities in water management. Therefore, it warrants a dynamic approach imbued with complex and adaptive systems thinking, which also capitalizes on instrumental gains from prior existing institutions. Adaptive Co-Management offers such an opportunity for Ghana to adapt its water management system to climate change.

Clusters of water governance problems and their effects on policy delivery

“…Peters, 2017). A large number of studies have identified highly wicked or complex (environmental) problems, which are prone to failure (Cilliers et al, 2013;FritzGibbon & Mensah, 2012;Huntjens et al, 2012;Jentoft & Chuenpagdee, 2009;Metz & Ingold, 2014;Pahl-Wostl, Lebel, Knieper, & Nikitina, 2012;Patterson, Smith, & Bellamy, 2013). Many researchers analyse the effects of single dimensions of wickedness such as linear dynamics on solutions but do not combine various dimensions in one study design (e.g.…”

Assessing Adaptation Strategies to the Impacts of Climate Change: A Case Study of Pungu - Upper East Region, Ghana

“…Ghana is among countries where climate change is being experienced through the rise in temperatures and unpredictable rainfall across all ecological zones [6]. As far as water resources management and use are concerned, three climate change affiliated issues are relevant: extreme events brought about by changes in sea-level rise and variability, temperature regimes and rainfall [7]. Climate change remains an issue for the whole country, but climate variability is a major challenge, especially for rural areas that depend on natural resources and environmental factors/practices [8].…”

“…Climate change remains an issue for the whole country, but climate variability is a major challenge, especially for rural areas that depend on natural resources and environmental factors/practices [8]. For rural indigenes without piped water, irregularity and severe in weather patterns (droughts and floods) instantly influence water availability and access, placing additional stresses on their daily activities [7]. According to [8] there is no doubt that the climate in Ghana has changed significantly with impacts being felt in every part of the country.…”

“…According to [8] there is no doubt that the climate in Ghana has changed significantly with impacts being felt in every part of the country. Ghana is among countries where climate change is projected to create water stress by 2025 [7]. In northern Ghana, for instance, high temperatures that were previously recorded in March (peak of the dry season) are now being recorded also in January [9].…”

Partnering for Impact: Developing The McKnight Foundation’s Carbon Efficiency Strategy

“…There are no easy solutions to Wicked Problems, and though enormous progress can be made in alleviating them, they will remain with us. As John Fitzgibbon and Kenneth O. Mensah point out in Climate Change as a Wicked Problem, there is a "deficiency in our technical and social capabilities to be able to deal with a phenomenon with multiple sources, actors, stakeholders, cross-scale influences (externalities), and linkages" (Fitzgibbon & Mensah, 2012).…”