This book advocates a fresh approach to planning that anticipates, rather than reacts to, the changes in climate currently in process. Today s spatial planning procedures rely on historical evidence instead of preparing for factors that by definition lie in the future, yet which are relatively uncontroversial: shortages of water, sea level rise and rises in average temperatures being but three examples. Arguing for more flexibility, the contributors view complexity as the key to transforming the way we plan in order to better equip us to face uncertainties about our future environment."