CECAN Webinar: Demystifying system thinking from within Defra - Reflections from case studies

CECAN Webinar: Demystifying system thinking from within Defra - Reflections from case studies
Presenters: Dan McGonigle and Betheney Wills (Defra)
Webinar Overview:
Environmental policy is inherently complex. Outcomes on biodiversity, water quality, air quality, net zero, climate adaptation and food security are interdependent and affected in different ways by many interacting drivers. Policymakers need to consider where to intervene to meet goals whilst avoiding unexpected trade-offs. Defra established its systems research programme in 2019 to help the department navigate such complexity. Since then, a wide range of systems projects have been undertaken covering various aspects of Defra’s remit and applying a range of systems methodologies. Dan McGonigle will talk through some of the insights that have been gained through this work and some reflections on applying systems approaches to policy problems.
To compliment the work of Defra’s system research programme, Betheney has championed system thinking, with a focus on causal mapping, within the Marine and Fisheries Directorate. Betheney will reflect on multiple dependency and Participatory System Mapping exercises she has facilitated and led, spanning both evidence and policy programmes. Betheney will also touch on other approaches applied to spread system thinking, including the formation, and running of the Ocean Sustainability system book club.