How models intervene in the world: different entry points for engaging critically with hydrological modelling

Hydrological models, with or without social components, do not just represent social-hydrological systems but they afford particular ways of thinking about, deliberating on and intervening in the world. It is thus important to reflect critically on modelling practices, models and their use in water resources management.

Hydrology has a long tradition of engaging critically with models from an uncertainty perspective. I here complement this perspective with several entry points originating from the social sciences, particularly practice-theoretic and political ecology approaches.

Building on a recent special issue (Alba et al. 2025), I discuss what is special about models, how models establish authority and how models make worlds. I pay particular attention to the role of critical engagements with models in times of post-truth politics. Throughout, I connect the discussion to the ambitions of IAHS’ HELPING decade and draw out lessons for inter- and transdisciplinary water research.

References

Alba, R., T. Krueger, L. Melsen and J. P. Venot (2025). "Modelling water worlds." Water Alternatives 18(2): 214-239.