Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

A problem is “wicked” when we cannot fully comprehend the problem’s scope and possible solutions (Rittel & Webber, 1973). The climate crisis is a “super” wicked problem because of four characteristics: (1) time is running out, (2) those who cause the problem are seeking to provide a solution, (3) the central authority needed to address the problem is weak or non-existent, and (4) irrational discounting pushes responses into the future (Levin et al., 2012, p. 123). These characteristics and the UN Agenda 2030 serve as the framework for this analysis of humanity’s efforts to mitigate climate change and promote climate justice. For example, one characteristic of climate change as a super wicked problem is the need for “central authority” in global affairs. The UN is maturing as a “central authority”—a global leader—in humanity’s efforts to mitigate climate change and justice. The UN Climate Change Conference (COP27, 2022) announced an agreement on a “Loss and Damage Fund” for vulnerable countries. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also plays a supporting role. On March 29, 2023, the Republic of Vanuatu and 132 co-sponsoring countries received UN General Assembly support calling for an advisory opinion by the ICJ to determine if countries can be sued under international law for their role in climate change (https://www.vanuatuicj.com/). This example illustrates the UN’s important role in humanity’s efforts to mitigate harm and restore relationships among nations. These actions and others are discussed as reasons for optimism.