What Could (Or Should) Be the Regulatory Response to the Wicked Problem of Climate Change?

Abstract

Sociologists define “wicked problems” as issues confronting humanity that have no clear right answer or perspective. The issue of climate change is a wicked problem of our age—and an issue that few regulators have explicitly addressed within their remit. The polluting effects of health care work itself have recently been highlighted as a call to action within health professions to address climate change issues more forcefully. Perspectives on how and why regulators should—or should not—prioritize climate change in their activities can be difficult to articulate. An approach to this issue that focuses on appropriate and proportionate use of regulatory levers is essential. Processes to allow for greater transparency in discussions, decision making, and strategic plan development are important for regulators to consider. While regulatory bodies vary in their statutory ability or organizational capacity to lead or address climate change directly within their profession, opportunities may exist to partner with other groups to develop evidence-informed options for practitioners.