Abstract

The Anthropocene imposes new challenges for governments, demanding capabilities for dealing with complexity and uncertainty. In this paper we examine how effective governing of social-biophysical dynamics is constrained by current processes and systems of government. Framing choices and structural determinants combine to create governance deficits in multiple domains, particularly in relation to the governing of complex larger-scale social–biophysical systems. Attempts to build capability for governing ‘wicked problems’ are relevant to sustainability science and Anthropocene governance, but these have mostly failed to become institutionalised. Two cases studies are reported to elucidate how the systemic dynamics of governing operate and fail in relation to espoused purpose. In the UK attempts to enact ‘joined-up’ government’ during the years of New Labour government reveal systemic flaws and consistent praxis failures. From Australia we report on water governance reforms with implications for a wide range of complex policy issues. We conclude that innovations are needed to build capacity for governing the unfolding surprises and inherent uncertainties of the Anthropocene. These include institutionalising, or structural incorporation, of cyber-systemic thinking/practices that can also enhance empowerment and creativity that underpins sustainability science.

Graphical abstract

中文翻译：

---

人类世的治理：现代治理的弊端是否存在网络系统解毒剂？

摘要

人类世给政府带来了新的挑战，需要处理复杂性和不确定性的能力。在本文中，我们研究了当前的政府流程和系统如何限制社会-生物物理动态的有效治理。框架选择和结构决定因素相结合，在多个领域造成治理缺陷，特别是在复杂的更大规模社会-生物物理系统的治理方面。建立治理“邪恶问题”的能力的尝试与可持续性科学和人类世治理相关，但这些努力大多未能制度化。报告了两个案例研究，以阐明治理的系统动力如何与所支持的目的相关地运作和失败。在英国，在新工党执政期间试图建立“联合政府”，这揭示了系统性缺陷和一贯的实践失败。我们从澳大利亚报告了对广泛复杂的政策问题产生影响的水治理改革。我们的结论是，需要创新来建立管理人类世不断出现的惊喜和内在不确定性的能力。其中包括网络系统思维/实践的制度化或结构整合，这也可以增强支持可持续性科学的赋权和创造力。我们的结论是，需要创新来建立管理人类世不断出现的惊喜和内在不确定性的能力。其中包括网络系统思维/实践的制度化或结构整合，这也可以增强支持可持续性科学的赋权和创造力。我们的结论是，需要创新来建立管理人类世不断出现的惊喜和内在不确定性的能力。其中包括网络系统思维/实践的制度化或结构整合，这也可以增强支持可持续性科学的赋权和创造力。

图形概要