Reference no: EM133503361

Case Study: Sustainability science attempts to solve complex problems caused by numerous, interrelated economic, social and environmental (and other) factors. In addition to being complex, these problems are urgent, potentially dangerous, and change overtime. They also require long-term, flexible interventions from diverse stakeholders. Whether, and how, to solve sustainability problems is often controversial, as the impact and importance of the problem may vary depending on geographic location. For example, in the United States, sea level rise due to global climate change is a problem that may not directly impact a farming community in the Midwest, while cities on the east coast experience increased, and more severe seasonal flooding.The capacity of stakeholders to cope with the problem further compounds their controversy, as some communities adapt easily to the problem, while others struggle to acclimate. For instance, when a region's municipal water supply has been contaminated, different socioeconomic groups are impacted to different degrees. Communities that can afford and have access to filtered or bottled water easily adapt to the crisis, while poorer communities cannot. For these reasons, simple approaches to sustainability problems often result in failure.Designing a successful solution to a sustainability problem involves careful analysis of the factors contributing to the problem and developing a targeted plan of action aimed at addressing these factors. Sustainability scientists must also be attentive to the problem of unintended consequences. These arise, often unexpectedly, when a solution to a complex problem is implemented. As a result, sustainability problems must be continually monitored, evaluated, and adjusted as unintended consequences are identified.One way to evaluate environmental problems is by using a tool called a fishbone diagram. A "fishbone" diagram is a visual representation of a complex problem. The "head" of the diagram represents the central problem, with "bones" of the diagram illustrating factors that contribute to the cause of the central problem. For these examples, contributing factors are grouped as belonging to either Economy, Society, Environment, or Technology.

Task

Question 1. Please be sure you read the information above. It is critical for the assignment.

Question 2. Watch the following videos:

1. Introduction to Defining Sustainability (1 minute 9 seconds)
2. How to Analyze Complex Problems (6 minutes 47 seconds)

Question 3. Read the article "Sustainable Fisheries "

Question 4. Instructions. As you read and watch the videos, please take notes. Begin to brainstorm your understanding of the topic. Once you have a rough outline of the problem, please create a fishbone diagram (see attached template) of the sustainability problem involving fisheries. The diagram should include the relevant factors that combine to cause the problem from the article. Be sure to identify factors from the economy, society, environment, and technology.