Double Loop Learning and Local Governmental Efforts to Combat Global Warming
Double Loop Learning and Local Governmental Efforts to Combat Global Warming
It is often tempting to try to describe and explain things in terms of other, simpler, more fundamental components. Scientists have, as a rule, taken this “reductionistic” approach, and used it over time with great success. But reductionism does not work when it comes to understanding cities, or human societies more generally, and especially not when applied to the issue of global warming. When it comes to cities and global warming, the use of systems theory to describe and explain the complex relationships between human activities and the natural environment is far more efficacious.
Systems theory is particularly well suited as a basis from which to think about and decide on actions to combat global warming because one of its key insights is that systems are interconnected and that changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects throughout the entire system. For example, changes in the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere can have profound effects on the climate, which in turn can affect ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Paying explicit attention to the possibility of ripple effects reduces the likelihood of unanticipated consequences.
Systems theory does not prescribe a specific level in any given system that is suitable for action, as this depends on the context and goals under consideration. Rather, systems theory emphasizes the importance of first understanding the interrelationships and interactions between different levels of a system, including local, regional, and larger societal levels. This understanding can then help in identifying leverage points within the system where action is most likely to produce the desired change or outcome, hopefully without unintended consequences.
As Bob Gleeson pointed out in a recent essay in this newsletter, cities and local governments comprise one of the most important levels for actions to combat global warming. Agents at the local level are the best situated to identify and implement numerous sustainable local practices and policies that address the root causes of global warming.
One of the reasons for this is that local agents are especially well positioned to engage in double loop learning, which can play an important role in addressing global warming. Double loop learning is a process of questioning the underlying assumptions that shape one’s beliefs, values, and outcomes. It involves examining not only the external factors that contribute to the problem, but also the internal factors that influence how the problem is perceived and addressed. Double loop learning implies questions such as whether one’s beliefs and assumptions about the causes and consequences of global warming are based upon accurate information and evidence. It may involve examining the underlying assumptions and values that drive various social behaviors and practices, such as consumerism, and questioning whether these values are sustainable in long run.
Having carefully considered their own circumstances, and their own assumptions and values, local agents can act on the best available knowledge about whatever resources they can muster, as well as their own local conditions and opportunities.
Local governments can take several specific types of actions to support efforts to combat global warming. These include:
1. Promoting renewable energy: local governments can encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. They can do this for example, by getting rid of antiquated city ordinances, such as aesthetically based zoning and architectural review boards that make the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy technologies difficult, if not practically impossible. The use of double loop learning can help them understand how their community's zoning laws and local traditions about architectural review may perpetuate beliefs and preferences from the past that don't reflect the beliefs and priorities of today. They really should in my opinion go considerably beyond this to positively incentivize these installations, as well as to promote energy efficiency measures.
2. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: local governments can adopt policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as by setting energy efficiency standards for buildings, promoting electric vehicles, building transit-oriented-development projects, and supporting public transportation. None of these issues may have been relevant to previous local leaders, so there may be no previous experience with these issues at the local level. But again, double loop learning may inspire new approaches.
3. Implementing green infrastructure: local governments can create green spaces, such as parks and gardens, that can help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They can also promote rain gardens, green roofs and other types of green infrastructure that can help to reduce the urban heat island effect and stormwater runoff. Today's climate change concerns may inspire local leaders to rethink past priorities, thus creating new local initiatives.
4. Promoting sustainable land use: local governments can encourage sustainable land use practices, such as by preserving natural areas, supporting urban agriculture, and promoting smart growth and biophilic city principles.
5. Educating and engaging the community: Local governments can educate and engage their communities on climate change issues by hosting public events, providing information on energy efficiency, and promoting behavioral change campaigns to reduce carbon footprints. Local leaders are often the most credible, and most pragmatic, sources of information for local residents.
While it is not possible to predict the future trajectory of global warming with deductive certainty, based upon the scientific evidence available it is clear that human activities at all levels of industrial society are contributing to global warming and climate change. Continued emissions of greenhouse gasses will evidently lead to further warming and associated impacts, such as sea-level rise, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. However, it is not too late to act to reduce the severity of future warming.
While local actions alone will not be sufficient to address the magnitude of the climate crisis that threatens the planetary system, they can be an important part of broader effort to mitigate global warming and reduce our collective impact on the atmosphere.
Regardless of how small local actions may seem in isolation, in the aggregate they add up to significant effects. Aside from the direct collective impact that local actions have on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, when many people take similar actions over time, they indirectly help to create cultural shifts toward sustainability. This, in turn, inspires and encourages others to take similar actions, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Local governments certainly have important roles to play.
Bill Bowen