ERS 205 An Adaptive Systems Approach to Sustainability

Environment and Resource Studies (2009-2010)

The use of systems theory as a theoretical basis for the study of the sustainability of biophysical and socio-economic systems is considered. The fundamentals of systems thinking and a complex adaptive systems approach are discussed and their application to issues and field work are employed to demonstrate the effective use of a systems approach in resolving technical aspects of environmental problems while considering community needs and aspirations, as well as implications for governance, management, and monitoring.