Systems Thinking for Sustainability

Systems thinking is used in diverse fields, from arts to engineering, to understand how components interact in complex ways. Systems thinking can be used to quantify and understand the movement of mass and energy in Earth’s climate system, or to inform decision-making by governments or communities. Earth system scientists use a systems approach to understand the structure, functions and feedbacks among the earth’s anthrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, pedosphere and cryosphere. Economists use systems thinking to maximize the impact of sustainable development decisions. Geographers use systems thinking to identify the effects urban transport systems have on communities. Learning how to identify and model the properties and processes at work within a system helps us make a difference and achieve sustainability goals. In this 200-level course, students will develop understanding of the way systems thinking is used in sustainability studies, including in local, regional and international contexts. Students are introduced to some of the strengths, limitations and major challenges inherent in this approach to helping us address complex interdisciplinary problems.