Systems Thinking

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

-has a boundary
-receives input and generates output
-when outputs become inputs they become feedback

Question 2

Ecological Impact

Answer 2

-measure of impact we have (ecological footprint)
-the total area each person requires based on the resources we use and waste we produce
-compare ecological footprint to biological capacity which was exceeded 40 years ago
-we are over the bio capacity of the planet; creating a bigger impact than is currently sustainable for our planet
-accumulated ecological debt lowers carrying capacity

Question 3

Unintended consequences of humans

Answer 3

-water pollution, sea level rise, mass species extinctions, soil erosion, toxins and waste, ocean acidification
-mostly symptoms of a deeper flawed relationship with nature and ourselves
-we see nature as being fragmented from ourselves
-today’s problems were yesterday’s solutions
-we thought we were fixing something that then lead to a bigger, longer term problem later

Question 4

Why is it so difficult to solve environmental problems?

Answer 4

-exponential growth-get out of control unexpectedly
-lag time- time between stimulus and response
-often too late to change after we figure it out
-irreversible consequences - often too late to change after we figure it out
-soil erosion, climate change, microplastics, etc

Question 5

What can a systems thinker do?

Answer 5

-sees the big picture and context
-where it comes from and where it goes
-understands the properties and tools that describe system state and dynamics
-is proactive in recognizing synergies, trying to avoid unintended consequences

Question 6

what is eco-literacy?

Answer 6

-ability to understand the natural systems that make life on earth possible. To be ecoliterate means understanding the principles of organization of ecological communities (ie ecosystems) and using those principles for creating sustainable human communities