Wicked problems and a 'wicked' solution

Area of Science:

• Environmental Law
• Public Health Policy
• Climate Change Litigation

Background:

• Complex global issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, obesity, and food insecurity are termed 'wicked problems'.
• Despite understanding solutions for these challenges, a 'tipping point' for effective action remains elusive.
• Urgent action is necessary due to the significant risks associated with inaction on these critical issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of judicial strategies in addressing 'wicked problems', specifically climate change.
• To analyze the implications of a landmark court ruling on government climate policy.
• To assess the replicability and impact of legal interventions in driving regulatory change.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 2015 court ruling in The Hague concerning the Dutch government's climate change policies.
• Examination of the legal basis for the lawsuit, including human rights and climate treaties.
• Assessment of the ruling's potential to inspire civil movements and serve as a template for other 'wicked problems'.

Main Results:

• A Dutch court ruled the government's climate change stance illegal, ordering a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (relative to 1990 levels).
• The lawsuit was filed by 886 citizens alleging violations of human rights and climate treaties.
• The ruling has the potential to serve as a model for addressing other intractable environmental and social issues.

Conclusions:

• Judicial strategies, while not a panacea, can be a 'game-changer' for domestic regulatory reform.
• The Dutch court case provides a replicable model for addressing 'wicked problems' in other jurisdictions.
• This legal approach exemplifies an innovative strategy for tackling seemingly intractable global challenges.