“Unlocking Sustainable Development with Systems Thinking: Solving Complex Challenges Holistically”
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them” — Albert Einstein
The quote above highlights the need for a radical shift in our understanding and thought process for solving complex problems related to sustainable development. We need to adopt a new way of thinking, and one such solution is systems thinking.
Systems Thinking
Systems thinking is a way of understanding and analyzing complex systems by looking at their components, relationships, and interactions as a whole. It’s like putting together a big puzzle by looking at different parts of something and figuring out how they work together to make the whole thing.
Systems thinking can help us understand how things work as a whole, not just individual parts. It can help us solve problems and make things better.
Using Water-Food-Energy Nexus as a Model for Systems Thinking
The Water-Food-Energy nexus is a perfect example of a system thinking model. A river that is flowing with freshwater is used for energy production (Hydropower) and producing crops. The food production demands energy to run the agricultural operation, which is produced by the hydropower. This is a simple nexus system in which food-energy production is connected with water, acting as a system.
A scenario where more water is being taken for crop production could result in less water for energy production, which could result in decreased agricultural productivity. A small imbalance in the system could affect the entire system and disrupt the whole system.
Using Systems thinking in addressing Climate change
Numerous systems are operating on our planet that are interconnected, and one small disruption could lead to multiple disasters affecting the entire ecosystem of the planet. Excess carbon emissions due to our lifestyle or human development could result in an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which leads to an increase in natural disasters like cyclones, sea-level rise, droughts, etc., and affects our sustainability on the planet itself. The excess carbon that was an outcome of aspiring human development is becoming a cause for affecting human existence.
Identifying these systems is critical in addressing the planet’s sustainability issues.
Real-Life Examples of Systems Thinking in Action addressing sustainability
- The Circular Economy
The concept of a circular economy is based on systems thinking. The linear model of “take-make-dispose” has a significant impact on the environment. A circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize the value of resources. This concept requires a shift in thinking from the traditional linear model to a circular model.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a global thought leader in promoting the circular economy. The foundation’s goal is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by collaborating with businesses, governments, and academia.
2. Urban Planning
Urban planning is another area where systems thinking can have a significant impact. Cities are complex systems that have an impact on the environment and society. Urban planners need to consider the entire system when designing cities. For example, a city’s transportation system affects its air quality, the health of its residents, and its economy
The city of Copenhagen is a great example of a city that has adopted systems thinking in urban planning. Copenhagen’s goal is to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025. The city has implemented various initiatives like bike-friendly infrastructure, public transportation, and green roofs to reduce its carbon footprint.
3. Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is another area where systems thinking can have a significant impact. The traditional agricultural model has a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable agriculture aims to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment while ensuring food security for the growing population.
How to adopt systems thinking for Sustainability in a company?
- Breaking a complex process into fundamental units:
Let’s say a company wants to implement a sustainable supply chain management system. The first step would be to break down the entire process into fundamental units, such as sourcing, transportation, packaging, storage, and delivery. Each of these units can be further broken down into sub-units. For example, sourcing can be divided into finding sustainable raw materials, negotiating prices, and creating supplier contracts. Breaking down the process into smaller units helps identify areas that require improvement.
2. Analyzing the environmental impact of each functional unit:
Once the units are identified, the next step is to analyze their environmental impact. For instance, when analyzing the sourcing unit, the company would evaluate the environmental impact of the raw materials being sourced. The analysis could include identifying where the raw material is sourced, how it is extracted, and the carbon footprint of transporting it. The company could then rank suppliers based on their sustainability practices, and select those that have the lowest environmental impact.
3. Continue the loop and re-design for sustainability:
Based on the analysis, the company can identify areas where it needs to make changes to ensure sustainability. For example, if the transportation unit is found to have a high carbon footprint, the company could explore options for reducing transportation emissions, such as using electric vehicles or optimizing delivery routes. If the packaging unit is found to be wasteful, the company could explore options for reducing packaging waste, such as using biodegradable materials or redesigning packaging to use less material.
To summarize, by breaking down a complex process into fundamental units, analyzing their environmental impact, and re-designing for sustainability, companies can operate in a more sustainable manner. This approach not only helps companies reduce their environmental impact, but it can also lead to cost savings and increased efficiency. By adopting systems thinking for sustainable development, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
