Transdisciplinary Approach to research and project implementation in the context of Climate Change

Academics and practitioners have established that the climate crisis approach must be transdisciplinary while simultaneously incorporating interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary principles in research projects. A clear distinction must be made between multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and interdisciplinary methods.

Given that these terms are predominantly used to denote the inclusion of multiple disciples to varying degrees on a topic, drawing out these distinctions can simplify the complex nature of sustainability research. While the premise of these concepts remains constant (i.e., integrating multiple disciplines to view, assess, and solve complex problems), few differences distinguish these terms.

In the domain of Multidisciplinary, researchers and practitioners tend to analyze an issue through different lenses and present their findings without the intent of interaction with a low degree of integration of knowledge. No new knowledge is created; instead, an issue is viewed through existing knowledge. In interdisciplinarity, the intent is to cross boundaries and involve participants, possibly making new knowledge. There is a higher level of cooperation between researchers/practitioners and a higher degree of integration of disciplines. The Transdisciplinary approach possesses an extremely high degree of cooperation and collaboration between academic, non-academic, or non-scientific stakeholders. The degree of interaction between scientific and non-scientific actors separates transdisciplinary from the other forms of disciplinary approaches. In terms of problem-solving, Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity are problem-oriented and provide frameworks to solve complex issues such as climate change. In contrast, Multidisciplinarity may emphasize the issue's theme rather than the problem itself.

These distinctions can lay the foundations for projects and provide a framework for designing and analyzing programs/research projects. Using these methods can help establish clear outcomes and objectives for projects. The respective distinctions also help establish the nature of a partnership between various stakeholders on a joint venture.

In the context of climate change, the approach choice depends on the assessment's goals and needs. Multidisciplinary assessments can provide a broad overview, while interdisciplinary assessments allow for a deeper exploration of climate change's complexity. Transdisciplinary assessments are particularly relevant when the aim is to develop practical, context-specific solutions and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to address climate change holistically.

Transdisciplinary Approaches to Research and Project Implementation: A complex response to a complex problem

Transdisciplinary approaches are predominantly adopted when the goal is transformative change, which is anything but linear. Centric to the transdisciplinary approach are the pillars of shared ownership, responsibility, and co-leadership between stakeholders. In terms of addressing power disparities, Transdisciplinary approaches can balance power asymmetries by shedding light on the knowledge possessed by vulnerable communities. However, researchers must consider power imbalances, informed consent, data ownership, and the potential for unintended negative consequences. Building on the notion of balancing power, many more social learning opportunities exist within processes and methodologies.

Climate Change, specifically, needs solutions and approaches that are multifaceted and integrative. Climate change is a highly complex, dynamic, and uncertain issue. Transdisciplinary research often needs to deal with this complexity and uncertainty, which can be daunting. It requires researchers and stakeholders to be comfortable with ambiguity and evolving insights. Transdisciplinary approaches appeared at the forefront, intending to coproduce shared concepts and knowledge. One of the main challenges faced by this approach was integrating knowledge into more conceptual systems. Now, more pragmatic questions have arisen concerning the operational feasibility of collaborations between entities across policy, civil society, and other sectors.

Bridging gaps in terminology, methodologies, and epistemological frameworks can take time and effort. It requires significant effort to establish common ground and effective communication between experts with different academic backgrounds. This gap in disciplines also highlights potential and communication barriers. Language barriers, jargon, and various communication styles can hinder the success of transdisciplinary research efforts. Finally, many institutions have funding mechanisms that support specific disciplines for many reasons, simplicity of evaluation being one of them.

Overcoming Complexities

Transdisciplinary research in the context of climate change can be advantageous but requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to address these challenges proactively. The desire to engage with this complexity is where the learning exists and involves fostering a culture of openness, adaptability, and a commitment to long-term engagement with stakeholders and partners. Developing shared vocabularies and simplifying text without compromising complexity can make information accessible across all disciplines. Actively engaging with advocacy organizations is critical to translating transdisciplinary research into practical action. Employing participatory methods, co-creation of knowledge, and ensuring diverse stakeholder representation and facilitating open and transparent discussions to address conflicting perspectives. Finally, establishing clear communication protocols, encouraging training in transdisciplinary skills, and creating spaces for regular dialogue to foster mutual understanding.