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Wicked Problems in the Anthropocene: The Need for New Leadership

 Wicked problems are complex, ever-evolving challenges that defy simple solutions because they are deeply rooted in social, environmental, and economic systems. They often involve multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests, making it difficult to define the problem, let alone find a single, correct solution. In the context of sustainability, wicked problems include issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. These problems are not only difficult to solve but also require ongoing adaptation as new information and challenges arise. In the Anthropocene, the age in which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment, wicked problems are becoming more urgent. As we continue to push the boundaries of Earth's ecosystems, the need for effective solutions grows. However, traditional leadership approaches, which focus on technical solutions or top-down governance, are no longer sufficient. What we need is a new kind of leaders...
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Common Trees of the Niger Delta

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The Niger Delta region is rich in diverse plant life, particularly in its trees and shrubs. Common species include: Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Known for its nutritional and medicinal value, it's often called the "miracle tree." Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): A beautiful flowering shrub with large, colorful blooms. African White Mahogany (Turraeanthus africana): Valued for its strong, durable wood used in furniture and construction. Ube (Dacryodes edulis): Also known as African pear, it produces edible fruit enjoyed by locals. Nganda Coffee Tree (Coffea canephora): Grows coffee beans used in robusta coffee production. Light Bosse (Guarea cedrata): A hardwood tree used for high-quality timber. Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle): Crucial for coastal protection and providing habitats for marine life. Shittah Tree (Acacia seyal): Produces gum arabic, used in food and various industrial applications. These species contribute to the region's ecological balance, ec...
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Nypa Palms Invasion

 In the Niger Delta, Nypa Palms are an invasive species causing significant harm to native mangroves. Introduced decades ago, Nypa Palms spread rapidly, outcompeting and displacing native mangrove species. This takeover disrupts the delicate ecosystem balance, leading to the decline of biodiversity and the loss of vital mangrove habitats. Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing large amounts of CO2. As Nypa Palms replace mangroves, this carbon-absorbing capacity diminishes, contributing to climate change. Efforts to manage and control the spread of Nypa Palms are essential to protect mangroves, maintain biodiversity, and combat climate change in the region. Nypa Palms PPT
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Web Soil Survey- Cumberland County NJ

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    Web Soil Survey (usda.gov) I completed my Web Soil Survey of a farm near where I grew up in New Jersey. I have never completed a web soil survey before, and the technology was very new and interesting to me. I did not know that we had technology that could tell what kind of soil was in any area selected in the U.S. It even broke down the area selected into very specific parts. It was so precise and accurate. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Climate in the Niger Delta Region & the effects of oil spills on Climate

  Coping with Climate change and Environmental Degradation in the Nigeria Delta, Southern Nigeria (priceofoil.org)   Nigeria - Climatology | Climate Change Knowledge Portal (worldbank.org) The Niger Delta region experiences a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon months from April to October. The area receives annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 millimeters, contributing to its lush, diverse ecosystems. However, the extensive oil extraction and associated pollution have significantly impacted the region's climate. Gas flaring and oil spills release large amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants, exacerbating climate change and causing local environmental degradation. These activities have disrupted weather patterns, increased temperatures, and led to more frequent and severe flooding, which further complicates the region's vulnerability to climate change.
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Map of Areas affected by Oil Spills in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Mangroves and Communities Affected by Oil Spills along the Niger Delta  In doing this research, I was astonished to find so many areas and communities affected by oil spills along the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Many articles I read stated that some of these communities have lived with these issues their entire lives. They are living on rivers of oil. It is in the air they breathe and the water they drink and bathe in. The wildlife in the area as well as the fish have been deeply impacted, and the fishermen cannot provide for their families. In some areas, it is estimated that it will take between 20-30 years to restore the areas. The water continues to flow and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, likely impacting the wildlife there as well. Restoration efforts continue, but there will be no resolve in the foreseeable future.
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Importance of Biodiversity on all Scales

     Like many things, I think it is important to look at biodiversity as a system. If your viewpoint is always that of what is right in front of you, you may perceive only the issues that present themselves. More often than not, you will not see the root cause of these issues. Finding the root cause takes more understanding and systems thinking. It is the ability to look at all of the components that uphold a part in a system, and being able to find the deficiency in them that makes a person good investigator.      Taking this same knowledge into biodiversity, on any scale, will give you what's needed to understand the importance of biodiversity. I can break this down further. All living systems that affect the ocean can affect all living systems of the rainforest. All living systems in the dessert play a role in affecting the ocean. This can be difficult to see. Every biological being is an actor in their own environment. Some can say that they play ...
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