Code: 2.3

Problem framing

To formulate current or potential challenges as a sustainability problem in terms of difficulty, people involved, time and geographical scope, in order to identify suitable approaches to anticipating and preventing problems, and to mitigating and adapting to already existing problems.

Descriptors

Knowledge

What you can do at this level

K
Knows that sustainability problems are often complex and that some cannot be solved entirely.
K
Knows that measures and action to address a sustainability problem depend on how the problem is framed (by/with/for whom, where, when, why).
K
Knows that to identify fair and inclusive actions, it is necessary to look at sustainability problems from different stakeholder perspectives.
K
Knows that sustainability issues range from relatively simple to complex problems and that establishing their type helps find suitable approaches.
K
Knows that current or potential sustainability problems can quickly evolve and therefore need to be frequently redefined and reframed.

Skill

What you can do at this level

S
Can factor in perspectives of multiple stakeholders, considering all life forms and the environment to frame current and potential sustainability challenges.
S
Can apply a flexible, systemic, life cycle and adaptive approach when framing current and potential sustainability challenges.
S
Can establish a transdisciplinary approach to framing current and potential sustainability challenges.
S
Can continuously explore the problematics of a sustainability issue to broaden the range of alternatives and solutions.
S
Can identify appropriate approaches to mitigate, adapt and potentially solve sustainability problems.

Attitude

What you can do at this level

A
Strives to tap into all sustainability competences when framing current and potential sustainability challenges.
A
Is committed to presenting a sustainability problem as a complex one rather than oversimplifying it.
A
Tries to detach one’s own judgement from the process of framing the problem.
A
Listens actively and shows empathy when collaborating with others to frame current and potential sustainability challenges.

Learning outcome types: K — What you need to know: theoretical understanding and factual information.; S — What you can do: practical and technical abilities.; A — How you approach things: values, dispositions and behaviours.