Systems Thinking is Critical in Developing Solutions to Sustainability Challenges - Case Study Example

Systems’ thinking is critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges Name Course Tutor Institution Date of submission Introduction It is absolute that systems thinking are critical in the process of developing solutions towards the sustainability challenges. The world faces complex challenges from era to era. There are different aspects of life that make the world possess a capacity for sustaining all forms and types of creatures (Richmond 2012). However, each element of life across the world possess some standard matrix upon which the world subjects. It is feasible to find that most of these elements require extensive analysis with regards to side phases in a bid to ensure that these elements of life are put into checks and balances. Systems’ thinking is considered as a universal concept that depicts the comprehension of such factors and issues that may have capacity influence over another one. There are contemporary issues that are breathtaking and require critical thinking and employment of system thinking to provide relevant affiliate solutions. It is imperative to depict that the world is comprised of dynamic and complex structure systems (Maani 2013). It may not be the easiest task to harmonize the factors constituting these systems. The research intends to depict a series of elements that foster the inference that it is always imperative to consider the systems thinking in the process of imposing sustainability challenges. The research intends to apply the argument with regards to one contemporary issue that affecting the world, climate change. Therefore, there will be an extensive analysis and link established between system thinking and the most feasible and applicable solution as far as climate change is concerned. Basic understanding of what systems thinking considers Most problems are affecting the world, regardless of the field of understanding, have a chain of causes. That means that there is no absolute or immediate cause of these problems. Instead, there are several factors that join to result in the contemporary issue. There are issues associated with health, climate, trade, and farming among other economic activities. Most of these issues have evolved from a long-gone historical era (Ecimovic, Muleje & Mayur 2002). That means that there are initial and progressive issues that relate to any problem that emerges. Accordingly, the aspect of system science applies. That is because distanced issues are converged to find an ultimate solution to any problem. From a professional point of analysis, they can be considered as the substance components of the entire system. Thus, they act as subsystems that have to be assessed and addressed before a problem arises. Isolation of any aspect or component is likely to cause further damage that is unlikely to get determined (Betsill 2001). The rationale behind that is that linear emergence of new and undetermined aspects is likely to result in composite problems that prove hard to resolve. There are imperative elements within which any issue can be addressed especially with regards to systems thinking. It is appropriate to note that the aspect of considering all elements as essential and considerable. Prior to making a relative analysis of climate change and its component affiliated solution finding, the research will first identify the important aspects of systems thinking (Ecimovic, Muleje & Mayur 2002). Arguably, systems thinking oscillate around a handful of concepts that are critical to developing a viable solution. Such a solution is considered free from bias and any deterring factor that can influence a failure to achieve the desired results. Sustainability Systems comprise of inter-connected parts From a professional analysis, systems are large structures that are comprised of myriad components. It is, therefore, realistic to denote that variant links interconnect the components. It is at time-definite whether there is a direct or indirect linkage between these components (Crowley 2000). Further, it is considered appropriate to understand that the components affect each other in order of the connectivity. Accordingly, there is a resultant behavior that emerges from the connection. That means that one factor affects the other in the form of a chain. An alteration in one part results in a passive change in the linked part. That means that the use of this method to analyze and design a fateful solution towards any of the problems is likely to facilitate a fast pace in derivation of the solution. Issues associated with sustainability feature that it shall never be feasible for them to come up with a progressive channel through which solutions can be established (Ecimovic, Muleje & Mayur 2002). The sustainability system structure determines the behavior It is argued that the components of the system interconnect to establish a structure. The connection or linking of the components determines the extent towards which the system gets organized. That means that the behavior of any system highly depends on the connections and the nature of these connections. The manner in which they possess congruence promotes the extent in which the components of any system agree. Therefore, the system’s gross conduct and demeanor requires understanding. However, one can only understand the behavior by understanding the structure. Alteration of the structure means that one changes the behavior of the entire system. However, it is imperative to denote that the understanding of a systems structure is not easy and fast. That is because the behavior of the systems is usually defined as an emergent phenomenon. That means that the parts and structure may not completely understand. There is a need for historical assessment with regards to the development (Serendipity 2011). The history is good enough to assist in determining the extent in which the parts and components of the structure change. Arguably, the basic understanding implies that one cannot make assumptions of what concerns a system’s change prior to making a decisive and concise analysis of the issue (Crowley 2000). Specific feedback loops controls characterize most global systems. It is concise that the circular flow of these connections may result in a more complex situation. The situation demands extra attention especially with regards to the part that bears the greatest liability, as far as, the system behavior is concerned. Accordingly, the complexity of the social and economic systems tends to exhibit a pedigree form of intuitive behavior. That implies that designing or establishing the solution of such a problem is likely to demand better methods rather than just incorporating some intuition and common methods. There are three very essential methods of establishing and keeping pace with the problem affecting the global systems. These methods include systems thinking, process analysis, and systems dynamics (Berkes 2007). However, the question of the research intends to determine whether the climate change can be resolved or addressed through systems thinking approach. The complexity of the climate change problem may call for the application of the approach. Arguably, the most important issues to consider when choosing systems thinking are the extent to which the structure of the system is complex. Remember, the problem is sustaining the stability of climate has been complex and hard to resolve for years. Most panels and interested parties have been trying to apply shoddy methods in resolving the stalemates that exist in solving the problem of climate change across the world. Rationale for applying systems thinking in resolving climate change Solution finding is accompanied by a process of decision making. Most often, it is considered to be a linear activity that considers the most viable solutions proposed. Thus, a final decision is made, and implementation is made. However, systems’ thinking is likely to take a different approach to resolving the climate change sustainability issue. Systems thinking merged with adaptive management's use destitute steps or feedback system to arrive at the final solution. The issue oscillating around climate change is not a direct problem like blowing a fist or closing the door. It emerges from a series of unfortunate mistakes that costs the world life and nature. The world, by itself, is structured in a manner that there are the numerous systems. The climate tends to occupy the epicenter of all the other systems. However, it is imperative to denote that the climate is composed of other subsystems. That means that there are numerous interconnected systems that result in the stability of instability of the climate. For instance, it can be assumed that a tree is a system, a forest is another system. That means that one system defines or constructs a larger system, hence becoming its subsystem. Climate change is one global problem that affects one large system that supports all forms of life like aquatic among others. Currently, the climate is changing adversely. That implies that there are constituent factors that are facilitating the change in the change in climate (Parmesan &Yohe 2003). There are myriad constituents of climate that are subject to analysis in this research. The first thing that ought to be done involves constituting all the factors and elements associated with climate. Note, the issue of climate desires a different approach other than that of just making less effective ones. Climate change may be categorized as the most complex system one has encountered. Most ancient and modern activities are associated with the climate change. For instance, the era of industrialization has been one major player in the climatic change that is encroaching the world. Practically, every activity is associated or impacts the climate from one dimension to the other (Ecimovic, Muleje & Mayur 2002). Most economic activity that exists is closely associated with the prime elements that cause climate change. For instance, most economic activities are associated with the consumption of fossil fuels. Alternatively, most home based activities end up emitting harmful gasses into the atmosphere. Similarly, almost each attribute and thing that sustains life is associated with climate and climate change. For instance, it is stipulated in Clinton’s foundation that the access to necessities such as national security, food, water and other necessities is under threat of climate change (Maani 2013). It is probable that the dangers impending these necessities cannot be attributed to one single cause. However, a combination of several elements causes the climate to change. The issues associated with climate change are numerous enough such that some are attributed to others in a bid to make the assessment processes easier. It is imperative to capitalize on resolving the issues that cause climate change linearly. That means that each problem is tackled individually. That may facilitate strict adjustments of all relevant issues that arise from the problems (climate and sustainability 2015). Concurrently, there is a need for there to be a process of tackling challenges that are interrelated simultaneously. That is done in such a manner that there will not be any form of issue that will arise due to shoddy research. Systems thinking needs advanced analysis of the component issues that triangularly absorbs issues as they arise. Thus, there are specific business models, technologies, policy frameworks and other alternative ways of engaging with each other. It is with regards to the fact that climate is large structure system that a substitution of ordinary methods of dealing with climate change. Thus, the world is shifting from the focus of one singular technology towards whole systems approach. The rationale behind such an argument is that there is the low feasibility of instituting single technologies to deal with the interconnected problems that are related to climate change. The fact that climate has numerous sub-systems (Maani 2013). Therefore, dealing with the issue of climate change will require procedural analysis of each constituent before making a final solution. The reasons behind failing efforts to contain the sustainability problem of climate change oscillate around the failure of professionals to address all the issues as they arise. They tend to ignore some issues. As stipulated there before, the context of using systems thinking is because climate change, among other social issues, is not a singularly effective thing (Sterman & Sweeney 2002). Instead, it is a multiple edge. Thus, it becomes hard for the human beings to address the issue without having to consider the fact that climate change is a system that requires loop feedback form of analysis. Most organizations that have climate change sustainability agenda at the blimps of their hearts argue that they engage in the issue with the guidance of the systems thinking. That means that they have first to identify and activate most leverage points. These leverage points are those that can create or establish affirmative, significant impacts in the process of facilitating climate change mitigation, as well as, energy transition (Füssel & Klein 2006). That argument remains vivid and applicable to most communities and societies across the world. There are practical examples that show a staircase of engagements in a bid to resolve the issue of climate change across the world. These strategies include water, waste and energy strategies. It is vivid that these elements form the core elements of climate. The same case applies to the fact that working on them would mean a significant effort in mitigating climate change. Conclusion It is absolute to depict that systems thinking is one imperative measure and tool in ensuring that solutions towards mitigated climate change. It is after the systematic analysis of the elements constituting the climate and climate change that the necessary measures are put into place. However, it is, therefore, imperative to designate that each problem have a designated solution. For example, issues related to greenhouse emissions may not be related to those used to conserve water. Clean energy consumption could control other elements such as fossil fuels. Arguably, the concept behind systems thinking in Clime change amongst other systems is that such huge issues deserve wholesome analysis as compared to simple strategies that do not offer concise solutions. It is apparent that the tools of the approach can assist in mitigating the socio-economic issues revolving around climate change. Bibliography Applying systems thinking to computing, climate and sustainability. 2015, Retrieved from http://www.easterbrook.ca/steve/ Richmond, B. 2012, Systems Thinking - Tool/Concept/Definition. 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