The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Deniz Koca. Photo.

Deniz Koca

Researcher

Deniz Koca. Photo.

Complex human-nature system interactions in a resource constrained world - system analysis of problems associated to resource use and scarcity, and potential solutions aiming at resource efficiency

Author

  • Deniz Koca
  • Harald Sverdrup
  • Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir

Summary, in English

This paper provides a systemic analysis of complex dynamic issues associated with resource use, scarcity and efficiency by applying systems thinking with respect to sustainability criteria. Casual loop diagramming methodology is adopted to create a conceptual model to better understand the interconnected patterns, cause effect relations and feedbacks between the three dynamic complex systems that constitute the world we live in – namely, the biophysical world system (with all natural resources that it encompasses i.e. water, air, land and soil, as well as abiotic and biotic raw materials), the human system (from individual, to group to society) and the human built support system (covering all physical, legislative and institutional infrastructures: e.g. ranging from economy to government, to technology to agriculture etc.). The conceptual model provides a holistic view and it is essential in identifying and assessing; i) the main driving forces behind environmental degradation and resource scarcity problems; and ii) associated existing and potential future alternative solutions (ranging from cleaner technology and pollution prevention practices, to sustainable consumption and production policies, to decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation, all of which aim at resource efficiency by means of technology-ICT, innovation, regulations, legislations, taxes etc.) to these problems.

Department/s

  • Division of Chemical Engineering
  • Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC)

Publishing year

2014

Language

English

Document type

Conference paper

Topic

  • Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering

Keywords

  • resource use
  • resource scarcity
  • resource efficiency
  • systems thinking
  • systems analysis
  • sustainability

Conference name

World Resources Forum

Conference date

2014-10-19 - 2014-10-22

Conference place

Arequipa, Peru

Status

Unpublished