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The wicked problem of chemicals policy: opportunities for innovation

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  • Jennifer Allen

Abstract

Many environmental challenges facing society today, such as climate change and integrated water management, have been described as “wicked problems” due to their biological, physical, and social complexity. Wicked problems extend across media such as air, land, and water; across political jurisdictions and landscape boundaries; and across traditional policy arenas. Traditional policy approaches that are media-specific, rely on single agencies for implementation, and that do not effectively engage stakeholders and partners outside of government are generally ineffective in addressing these issues. The management of toxic chemicals is a classic “wicked problem.” Existing toxics policies often exacerbate the “wicked” nature of this issue by ignoring its inherent complexity and the need to bridge across agencies, jurisdictions, and constituencies to effectively manage these substances. Current US policies make it difficult to gather sufficient information to assess the environmental and health impacts of the thousands of chemicals in use. Lack of incentives for industry to invest in safer alternatives has also created a gap between the need for safer chemical alternatives and development of safer technologies, processes, or products. This article explores how policy strategies that foster cross-agency coordination, engage stakeholders in policy development and implementation, and represent a more systems-oriented, holistic approach may be more effective in addressing such complex wicked problems. While federal action is needed to avoid a regulatory “race to the bottom,” there are also opportunities for states to encourage the development and adoption of safer alternatives to chemicals of concern. Copyright The Author(s) 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Allen, 2013. "The wicked problem of chemicals policy: opportunities for innovation," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 3(2), pages 101-108, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:3:y:2013:i:2:p:101-108
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-013-0117-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandra S. Batie, 2008. "Wicked Problems and Applied Economics," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 90(5), pages 1176-1191.
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    1. Arlene Gabriela & Sarah Leong & Philip S. W. Ong & Derek Weinert & Joe Hlubucek & Peter W. Tait, 2022. "Strengthening Australia’s Chemical Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-24, May.
    2. Caroline Scruggs & Leonard Ortolano & Megan Schwarzman & Michael Wilson, 2014. "The role of chemical policy in improving supply chain knowledge and product safety," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 4(2), pages 132-141, June.
    3. Jennifer H. Allen & David E. Ervin & George B. Frisvold & James T. Brosnan & James D. McCurdy & Rebecca G. Bowling & Aaron J. Patton & Matthew T. Elmore & Travis W. Gannon & Lambert B. McCarty & Patri, 2022. "Herbicide-Resistance in Turf Systems: Insights and Options for Managing Complexity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-17, October.

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