The Difficulties to Design for Climate Adaptation

Abstract

In this chapter current spatial planning practices are analysed and it is concluded that these practices are not yet suitable to include wicked problems. The topic of climate change adaptation is seen as a wicked problem, meaning that the problem has no definite solution, the problem is essentially unique, while ‘solving’ the problem new questions can be asked and new information can be added and the solution on one level of the system may lead to problems at the next. Therefore, a fixed planning solution for an urban region or landscape is the ultimate failure in dealing with such problems. Current planning needs to be adjusted in order to be better capable in dealing with climate change adaptation problems. In the planning process and in the results of planning more room for unexpected, unprecedented impacts and new knowledge needs to be created.