Systems methods in non-doctrinal environmental law research

This chapter considers the application of contemporary systems thinking and systems mapping approaches to the diagnosis of environmental law problems, and to the prescription of environmental governance solutions to these problems. It highlights how these methods can improve understanding of complex dynamic socio-ecological systems and provides examples of the use of these approaches. The chapter provides examples of methods within the broad systems methodology that underpins computerised modelling of social and ecological processes and shows how this approach can provide a transparent logical basis for comprehensive environmental governance strategies.