This chapter takes a systems approach to understanding the degree to which rural sustainability might be achievable under conditions of climate change. It considers the problem of legal effectiveness from a strategic perspective, considering first the interconnectivity of fundamental biophysical systems, and then links these to socio-economic dynamics to provide a rich understanding of the likely effects of climate change on rural areas and on governance itself. The chapter highlights the extent to which the nature of environmental problems will continue to depart from the ones that are well understood, to different self-generating and very complex types, for which innovative governance approaches are essential. Key Words: governance systems, complexity, rural communities, agriculture

In this chapter, we elaborate on the importance of ratings, reviews and recommendations (3R systems) for the consumption of cultural goods. In general, potential consumers of cultural goods appreciate 3R systems because they incur an opportunity cost in evaluating how cultural goods fare in terms of quality and how they fit their tastes. Digital technologies and the Internet have altered the role that 3R systems play for cultural goods in three major ways. First, digital platforms have developed 3R systems to an unprecedented scale and have thereby become the main intermediaries guiding consumption of cultural goods. Second, 3R systems have been turned into strategic instruments for competing platforms. Third, the increasing influence of 3R systems on consumers’ choices has affected cultural diversity. Our aim is to provide a non-technical perspective on these three issues, informed by the existing literature.