Practical causal knowledge for sustainability: Implications of co-production for a philosophical understanding of causality in sustainability science

In this chapter, we introduce the notion of practical causal knowledge for sustainability. Using examples from participatory modelling, we highlight that the knowledge generated through co-production in sustainability science can be both causal and practical. It is causal as it allows for understanding the complex dynamics underpinning sustainability problems and potential solutions in ways that are sensitive to the context, comprehensive, and inclusive. It is practical both because it emerges from and because it is oriented towards the practical activities performed by diverse scientific and non-scientific actors in specific situations to understand and address complex sustainability problems. We argue that an appropriate philosophical account of practical causal knowledge for sustainability requires major shifts from existing philosophical accounts of "causal knowledge for use and action" that are tailored to fields that are not participatory and collaborative. We conclude by arguing that practical causal knowledge for sustainability does not aim to predict and control dynamics of change but to help navigate and find practical orientation within irreducibly complex situations.