Sustainability and Systems Thinking

Systems are everywhere. They can be as microscopic as the exchanges of oxygen between our cells and as immense as the mechanisms that govern our galaxy. Because systems act on all scales and they are in constant motion all around us, it is imperative that we understand them. As environmentalists, we appreciate the interaction between human beings and our surrounding environment, but we also must take into account the interaction of nature’s elements as well as our own interactions with other people. As Meadows says, “We are complex systems—our own bodies are magnificent examples of integrated, interconnected, self-maintaining complexity. Every person we encounter, every organization, every animal, garden, tree, and forest is a complex system” (3).  Knowing more about the intersection between these systems and the function of each will enable us to have a better understanding of the world around us.

Ideally, we should all be striving for a sustainable future. Thinking back to a Venn diagram that I have seen in many workshops and classes in the past, I realize that sustainability happens only when there is a balance between systems. This Venn diagram showed environmental, social and economic pieces all overlapping to reveal sustainability in the center. I think that without one piece of this “puzzle,” sustainability cannot occur because one part of the system would be neglected. Each of these systems can and do work independently of each other, with their own feedback loops, stocks, signals and flows, but they also work with each other. In the environmental field, I think that it is important to have a systems thinking mindset and holistic point of view in order to make the most positive change.

Question to Consider: How can we apply a systems thinking mindset to tackle the wicked problems that we face (climate change, natural hazards, environmental injustice, etc.)?

Comments

[Cody Janousek]

Keeping the idea of signals and flows in an environmental context, what is it that is causing us to want to be more sustainable? I think part of this is people seeing environmental damage humans create, but I wonder if this is similar to the delayed response Meadows talks about with the car dealership ordering to match sales. Good thoughts, hopefully the class will help us answer your question at the end.