Socio-Environmental Complexity

This book aims to advance the theory and science of identifying and modeling complex systems in various contexts, with a primary focus on flood event dynamics. It combines hydrological models with agent-based models to explore micro-to-macro system interactions that lead to disasters or their prevention. The book draws on two case studies in the UK and Japan to understand historical landscape changes, economic development, and built environment evolution. It introduces the Theory of Hidden Systems, merging quantitative modeling with concepts from diverse fields to uncover these hidden systems further. By expanding concepts like materiality, agency, emergence, and sustainability, the book promotes interdisciplinary dialogue in research. While other books have covered similar research areas, this book distinguishes itself by integrating methodologies from various theories and concepts into practical resilience-building techniques. For instance, it incorporates Actor-Network Theory into resilience strategies, mapping historical socio-economic trends to guide sustainable city planning. This unique approach differentiates the book from its inspirations. The book's target audience includes transboundary and transdisciplinary researchers working across climate, social, and traditional sciences, addressing complex challenges in today's multifaceted world.