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Wicked Environmental Problems

Managing Uncertainty and Conflict

  • Book
  • © 2011

Overview

  • Factors characterizing wicked problems—long-term, large-scale, entrenched interests, compounding risks and uncertainties—are part of many environmental problems; learning to address these dilemmas is an essential skill for environmental problem-solvers
  • Authors explore the use of learning networks as a way to address uncertainties and conflicts inherent in wicked problems; the book offers practical guidance and resources
  • Offers real experience and therefore is valuable to students and practitioners

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

Keywords

About this book

This new book examines past experience and future directions in the management of so-called "wicked" environmental problems-those characterized by large-scale, long-term policy dilemmas and contentious political stalemates. Most important, the book reviews current thinking on the way forward, focusing on the implementation of "learning networks," in which public managers, technical experts, and public stakeholders collaborate in decision-making processes that are analytic, iterative, and deliberative.

Wicked Environmental Problems offers new approaches for managing environmental conflicts and shows how managers could apply these approaches within common, real-world statutory decision-making frameworks. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with managing environmental problems.

About the authors

Peter J. Balint is an associate professor of environmental policy in the Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University. Ronald E. Stewart spent thirty years with the USDA Forest Service as Deputy Chief for Programs and Legislation and five years on the faculty of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University. Anand Desai is a Professor at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University, in Columbus. Lawrence C. Walters is Stewart Grow Professor of Public Policy and Management in the Romney Institute, Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.

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