Open AccessIntegrating Multiple Research Methods to Unravel the Complexity of Human‐Water Systems
Author(s) -
Di Baldassarre Giuliano,
Cloke Hannah,
Lindersson Sara,
Mazzoleni Maurizio,
Mondino Elena,
Mård Johanna,
Odongo Vincent,
Raffetti Elena,
Ridolfi Elena,
Rusca Maria,
Savelli Elisa,
Tootoonchi Faranak
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
agu advances
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2576-604X
DOI - 10.1029/2021av000473
Subject(s) - adaptation (eye) , human systems engineering , water cycle , water resources , climate change , disaster risk reduction , computer science , environmental resource management , risk analysis (engineering) , environmental science , environmental planning , business , ecology , artificial intelligence , physics , optics , biology
Predicting floods and droughts is essential to inform the development of policy in water management, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Yet, hydrological predictions are highly uncertain, while the frequency, severity and spatial distribution of extreme events are further complicated by the increasing impact of human activities on the water cycle. In this commentary, we argue that four main aspects characterizing the complexity of human‐water systems should be explicitly addressed: feedbacks, scales, tradeoffs and inequalities. We propose the integration of multiple research methods as a way to cope with complexity and develop policy‐relevant science.