World In Crisis- An Introduction

Question 1

Define Crisis

Answer 1

Crucial or decisive point or situation, a turning point

Implies- time is running out, reaching a point of no return, problem that needs immediate help

Question 2

Anthropocene

Answer 2

Point in time/era when human activities have become clearly noticeable on the earth

Question 3

General Systems Theory - Von Bertalanffy 1968

Answer 3

A system is a simplification of a complex reality, using key objects with attributes, associations and Relationships that define their interactions

Attribute = properties of the object 
Relationships = processes that link the objects 

Changes to one object = influenced, through relationships, other objects

Threshold = limit, point at which “equilibrium” state of the system cannot be maintained

Question 4

Tipping Points - Morton GRODZINS 1960s

Answer 4

Dramatic moment when something unique becomes common

Malcolm GLADWELL 2000- “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference”

Question 5

How do we predict climate impacts

Answer 5

Using different climate models

HadCM3- 28 variants in model structure and parameter combos and hence known as a perturbed physics ensemble