Amplifying Small Solutions for Systemwide Change

Biodiversity loss, the conversion of natural ecosystems, the impact of climate change on ecosystems, and the depletion of fish stocks in the oceans are all complex, “wicked” problems that lack an easily identifiable and generalizable solution (DeFries and Nagendra 2017). Most of these problems are large in scope as they cover multiple geographies, sectors, and stakeholders. They also involve collective action problems: individuals make independent decisions about costly actions, but outcomes of these decisions benefit or harm an entire group. As a result, cooperation would lead to a better outcome for all, but individuals fail to cooperate because of conflicting interests that discourage joint action.