Systems Reflection Post #1

Alec Brazeau

        Systems have three essential parts: elements, interconnections, and purposes.  Elements are the easiest to identify, however they usually do not define the unique qualities of a system unless a change in elements results in a change in interconnections.  Changing up the interconnections, or the relationships between elements, usually changes system behavior.  The purpose of a system is not easy to identify; however it can be used to predict a systems behavior.  It is important to note that Meadows does not think anyone of these three parts is more important than the others.  According to Meadows, “To ask whether elements, interconnections, or purposes are most important in a system is to ask an unsystemic question,” (17).  An interesting concept that Meadows points out in this passage is that changing one leader at the top (an element) could change a countries direction, however the rest of the physical elements such as the land, people, etc. stay the same.  This is extremely pertinent in our country right now.  The new leader, Trump, has the ability to make the rest of the physical elements play his game.  However, due to the long life and slow changes that these physical elements have, the rate at which Trump can truly change the country is limited.

        Meadows also discusses stocks, flows, and feedback loops within systems.  An interesting relationship between stocks, inflows and outflows that is pointed out is that the existence of stock allows these flows to function and change independently.  This is because abrupt changes in inflow/outflow only results in gradual changes in stock.  One system that seems to slightly contradict this in my mind is the energy production and distribution system.  Storage is an issue for renewable energy sources due to their inconsistency.  In that sense, that system is lacking stock, and therefore the sudden fluxes in inflow and outflow are not independent.  The example that Meadows gave that appears relevant here is that “It would be hard to run an oil company if gasoline had to be produced at the refinery at exactly the rate the cars were burning it,” (24).  Storage (stock) appears to be key in all consumptive systems.

Question:  How can we change the interconnections within our political system in order to address climate change?  

Comments

[Cody Janousek]

Like you said, the ability of Trump to effect the system will be limited. I am interested to see how much mobilization and resistance of citizens will play a part for him changing the system, or if the prominent means blocking him from change will be how the system is structured to balance power.