Basics of a System

A network of interdependent components and processes Materials and energy flowing from one component to another

aka compartments or stocks part of a system that stores resources (e.g. matter, energy)

aka pathways how resources move from one compartment to another throughput: flow of resources into, through, and out of a system.

Receive inputs from the surroundings; produce outputs that leave the system

no exchange of matter or energy with the surroundings whatsoever

Ideally, systems achieve stable balance over time

Systems can also change suddenly due to “tipping points” where rapid change can happen passed certain limits

systems function in cycles each component feeding back to influence itself Types of feedback 1. positive 2. negative

Increase a process or a component

Diminishes a process or a component

Specific numbers of resources or energy vary but the overall trend is stable Variation around a stable average

Events or activities that interrupt normal feedback loops Resilient systems return to previous state after distrubance can lead a system to shift to a new state and become permanently altered

When components of varying properties come together to form a system, a new property emerges which was not present in the previous components