Handling complexity in environmental policy

Environmental systems are complex, yet policy conversations often gravitate towards simplicity. Ultimately, we can't hide from complexity when we make decisions about how to address environmental challenges.

With that in mind, our latest IES policy panel discussion tackled the idea of complexity head on. We held a panel of three experts who gave their perspectives on how to handle complexity in environmental policy, with insights into the sciences of complexity, integrated approaches to tackling issues like clean air and climate change, and how to make a complex issue like historic land contamination accessible to non-expert decision makers.

If you want to learn more about how to handle complexity, don't worry: the full recording is now available to watch on-demand. The event had something for everyone, from expert policy influencers looking to hone their skills, all the way to early career professionals taking their first voyage into the world of complex environmental outcomes or policy engagement.

Speakers on the panel

• Gary Kass, Visiting Professor at Imperial College and the University of Nottingham
• Adam Brighty, postdoctoral research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
• Ellie Savage, Policy Lead at the IES and Coordinator for the Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC)

For an deeper look at the world of complexity, Professor Gary Kass produced a 'quick start' guide to complexity in policy ahead of the event.

If you want to support the work of the IES to stand up for the voice of environmental science, consider becoming an Affiliate or joining the IES.

Header image credit: © Venko | Adobe Stock