Exploring System Dynamics to Manage Technologies for Increasing Sustainability

Paper in proceeding, 2014

This paper discusses how system dynamics and computer modelling contribute to the debate of management of technologies in response to sustainability crises. The basic components and properties of socio-ecological systems were modelled in order to understand possible responses to resource scarcity or exceeding levels of pollutions in a given system. The computer programme was based on a toy model methodology in accordance to our commitment to simplification and focus on the relationship between ecological resources provision and human consumption and needs. The results show that computer simulation may provide interesting insights on managing the use of ecological resources when attempting to promote increased human wellbeing. The mapping of system dynamics has also proven useful to explore the nature of sustainability challenges and the appropriate responses under the expected feedback loops between the various regimes of a macro socio-ecological system such as technological and consumption regimes.