Levels of Systems Thinking and Association with Sustainability - Essay Example

Name Class Unit Introduction There has been a growing consensus that the current development is supposed to happen with the lowest impact in the environment and social costs. This is aimed at attaining today’s needs without compromising the ability of the next generations to meet their needs. This has led to the need of having sustainable development where current generation is able to have a better life without compromising the life of the next generation. According to Meadows and Wright, (2008), systems thinking involve a framework of seeing the existing interrelationships rather than seeing things. As a system thinker, a problem is framed as a pattern of behaviour over a given period of time (Best and Holmes, 2010). Kay, (2008) asserts that at the moment, system thinking has proved to be a vital tool in addressing sustainability challenges. A wicked problem has multiple interacting systems. This includes social, ecological and economic. These are problems which are not easily solved since it is hard to define their full nature. Pollution in oceans is one of the wicked problems the society faces. This includes introduction of substances into the marine environment by man either directly or indirectly (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). This report proves that systems thinking are critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges. This is through use of ocean pollution as an example. The report starts by explaining how systems thinking are linked with sustainability. The second part shows levels of systems thinking and lastly, the report discuss how systems thinking have been used to ensure sustainability in oceans by addressing pollution. Link between systems thinking and ocean pollution Despite being an old concept, systems’ thinking is widely seen as a new way of thinking that can help in managing problems in both global and local levels (Fiksel, 2012). Through use of systems thinking methodology, the decision makers are able to come up with a systematic model to deal with complex problems (Best and Holmes, 2010). When looking at the ocean pollution, it is a complex system. It includes different forms of pollution such as sedimentation, agricultural chemicals, sewerage, solid waste, chemicals oil and biological waste (Graedel and Klee, 2002). Research shows that worldwide, oceans receives about 10 billion tonnes of ballast water, 10 million gallons of sewerage, 3.25 metric tonnes of oil and tonnes of solid waste (Jambeck et al., 2015). This makes ocean pollution to be a complex problem which requires being solved systematic model. Levels of systems thinking and association with sustainability In a systems thinking, the conceptual model involves use of four levels of thinking. These levels act as the framework to be used in systematic interventions (Fiksel, 2012). The first level of thinking involves addressing the symptoms or events. This is quick fix and only addresses the symptoms which are identifiable. In real life, most of the decisions take place at this level. This is due to fact that it is the easiest way out of a problem. The solution provided in this case does not last for long (Kay, 2008). An example is when a cleaning exercise is carried out to remove plastic garbage from the ocean. This initiative only removes the visible garbage but does not address the real cause of the problem. The second level of thinking in systematic approach involves identifying the patterns. The patterns become more apparent when the data points are linked to become history of the previous behaviours. It quantifies the relationships that exist between the entire systems (Smith, 2011). The third level looks at the ways in which the mental models can be combined together and their interrelationship. The type of relationships in the complex systems is unravelled in this stage. The last level is the mental modes of the individuals and organisations (Fiksel, 2012). These influence the manner in which things work in a given way. It reflects the mental beliefs and values that are held and the reasons things are done in a given way (Martin, 2002). Through systems thinking, it becomes possible to look at the wicked problem of ocean pollution through patters of change rather than static snapshots. It becomes possible to frame the problem based on a pattern of behaviour over time. It involves looking at the ocean as a fundamental pillar which can be used to attain global sustainability. The use of system thinking in ensuring sustainability has great outcomes (Martin, 2002). It involves looking at the ocean in whole and addressing the problem of pollution. System thinking and its contribution to sustainability Developing solutions to address ocean pollution Systems thinking do not only address the symptoms but also the underlying causes. This helps to address the wicked problem based on the four levels discussed (Maani and Cavana, 2007). In the case of ocean pollution, systems thinking have the ability to address the issues in a critical manner. Apart from controlling the entry of the pollutants in the marine environment, systems thinking will involve analysing the modes of entry of the pollutants to come up with a feasible long term solution. This is a step that will help in identifying whether the pollutant is degraded, widely spread or locked up in the sediments. This is information that will be used in determining the mass balance calculations. The information gained on the transfer of pollutants through systems thinking is vital in bio-accumulation and reproduction of the marine organisms. It also helps in determining the degradation of different types of pollutants (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). This is form of information that cannot be obtained without using systems thinking. Prior to use of systems thinking, marine pollution was addressed by monitoring ship pollution and radioactivity. This is due to fact that they were the most visible areas of ocean pollution and were associated with shipping. The problems were easily controlled by the national government by imposing measures (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). Systems thinking brought about a wide scope address of the ocean pollution. This led to address of the pollution brought about by the waste dumping as well as development of conventions and treaties. Systems’ thinking has been behind the development of the international control of marine pollution. The first treaties made to reduce the level of ocean pollution only addressed view areas such as dumping in the ocean. This led to other marine control treaties being devoted to oil and ships (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). Most of the ratified treaties on control of ocean pollution are based on systems thinking methodology. According to Maani and Cavana (2007), systematic thinking involves evidence. Without scientific aspect on ocean pollution, the legislation becomes of little value. This leads to the need of having strong scientific evidence which is supported by technical information in order to address pollution. Systems’ thinking supports use of scientific evidence in finding the solution (Kay, 2008). This is due to fact that some of the interactions are very complex to be understood without a detailed study. Systems’ thinking involves determining how the different systems are interconnected and how they affect each other. Through use of scientific evidence, it becomes possible to determine the existing intricate relationships in the complex systems (Martin, 2002). In ecological matters, scientific evidence helps in precision and certainty. The ecological impact of every pollutant has to be defined until it becomes possible to piece together parts of a complex picture (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). Therefore, use of systems thinking makes it possible to use scientific debate in coming with sustainable solution in ocean pollution. A successful use of systems thinking in coming up with a solution to sustainability in oceans is its use in addressing plastic pollution. Most of the consumer products are wrapped in plastic or has some form of plastic. There are about 280 million tons of plastic that is produced every year and most of it ends in ocean and landfills. The impact of plastics on ocean pollution has generated a lot of interest leading to research. It has been found out that major ocean such as the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean are the final destinations of non-biodegradable plastic waste (Eriksen et al., 2014). To solve the problem, new technologies have been developed which can track the trash and using drones to collect the trash. The impacts of these plastics on the ocean ecosystems have been studied. This includes looking at the impact they have on fish, cetacean, sea turtles, birds and overall marine biodiversity (Noone, Sumaila and Diaz, 2013). This would not have been possible without use of systematic thinking approach. Most of the methods used to address the plastic pollution in the ocean are based on systems thinking. This has been through identifying the issue of plastic pollution as a wicked problem to be addressed. The four levels of systems thinking are used by the stakeholders and the decision makers. They are able to move from the event level to a deep level of thinking to come up with a systematic framework that can address this complex problem (Smith, 2009). The use of scientific information and environmental bodies has been tackling the issue of plastic in a holistic approach. This has helped to address not only the systems but the cause of the plastic waste. For example, through use of technology, private firms can now track plastic trash and also collect using drones. There has also been development of new ways in recycling of plastics. There have been plans to collect the plastics in ocean and use them for fuel (Eriksen et al., 2014). This can help in collecting and disposing the plastics in the oceans. Systems thinking help in gaining a better understanding of resilience (Smith, 2011). This is the capacity to adapt, survive and flourish when there is turbulent change and uncertainty. The rising instances of natural calamities have been contributed by the level of pollution. Sustainability and resilience are related. The more sustainable the world is, the less it is exposed to the unpredictable events. The more the world is resilience, the lower the risk of compromising the future well-being (Fiksel, 2006). There have been developments of decision support tools which are based on the systems framework. These are models which has the capability to integrate the relevant data and come up with a sustainable solution (Smith, 2009). Through use of systems thinking in approaching sustainability challenges, it becomes possible to come up with a solution. To have an effective implementation of the sustainability solution to ocean pollution, there is need for collaboration of different stakeholders (Shukman, 2015). The sustainability issue has to cut across the agency boundaries. These partnerships are supported by the systems thinking (Smith, 2009). The decision makers and other stakeholders are involved in the process of conserving the oceans. They are able to come up with a systematic framework required to address the complex problem. A major threat to sustainability is improving the human wellbeing globally while at the same time ensuring that the ecosystem is not damaged. Bodies such as World Resource Institute (WRI) and UNDP have been able to show the connection between poverty and the environmental wellbeing. These are views which have been confirmed by the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment (MEA) (IOC/UNESCO, IMO, FAO, UNDP, 2011). Through use of the thinking systems together with the existing approaches used in development it has become possible to address the health of the oceans and ensure sustainability. Ethic is fundamental to sustainability (Fiksel, 2006). Systems thinking have the capability to contribute to the ethics which is associated with sustainability. A key principal to the systems thinking is the ability to be ethical (Jackson, 2001). It ensures that one is committed to the improvement which is sustainable. When controlling pollution in oceans, systems thinking ensure that one is able to remain ethical in the process (Graedel and Klee, 2002). It becomes possible to meet the ecological needs in the most ethical way possible. One can fully agree with the statement that systems thinking are critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges. This has been proved by the fact that systems approach helps in seeing things as a pattern rather than a snapshot. Through systems thinking, a problem is framed in pattern of behaviour for a period of time (Smith, 2011). It becomes possible to address the complex challenge such as ocean pollution and determine how it interacts with other systems. Through systems thinking, it becomes possible to see the challenge separately but as connected systems (Martin, 2002). Critical thinking systems play a major part in addressing sustainability. Conclusion To sum up, systems thinking is critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges. This is a statement that is fully agreeable based on the evidence. The paper has shown that the current models used in addressing ocean pollution are based on systems thinking. Through the systems thinking, it becomes possible to address the sustainability issues in a holistic manner. An example used in this analysis is the plastic being dumped on oceans. Use of systems thinking has led to development of models which address the causes instead of the symptoms. Through use of systems thinking, it is possible to fully address the complex sustainability challenges. References Best, A. and Holmes, B., 2010. Systems thinking, knowledge and action: towards better models and methods. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 6(2), pp.145-159. Eriksen, M., Lebreton, L.C., Carson, H.S., Thiel, M., Moore, C.J., Borerro, J.C., Galgani, F., Ryan, P.G. and Reisser, J., 2014. 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