Regime shifts - theories

Question 1

What is systems theory/meta-theoretical approach?

Answer 1

Systems theory claims to be relevant for all interactions because it talks about relations between basic units such as ecosystems, society, economies etc. Can be applied in every system.

Question 2

What does the ecological theory state?

Answer 2

humans push the ecosystem out of equilibrium; done optimal level of exploitation by humans and animals to achieve maximum sustained yield, overpopulation, expanding carrying capacity. To overcome this we need to go back to sustainable yield, pastoralism, adaptation

Question 3

What does the new ecology theory state?

Answer 3

The ecosystem pushes society out of equilibrium; Marginal ecological systems are not driven by feed-back mechanisms of humans but by factors from outside, notably rainfall and temperature

Question 4

What does the complex adaptive systems theory state?

Answer 4

• About the interaction between society and ecosystem: socioecological system