The interconnections between our economic, social and environmental systems are so mind boggling it is difficult to understand how to think about sustainability, let alone the actions we can take to contribute to it.
 
This four-session recorded web seminar series demonstrates how the Systems Thinking and system dynamics framework can help to develop a greater understanding of the issues surrounding environmental sustainability.

Overview

Modeling for Environmental Sustainability will help you develop a greater understanding of the impact we have on the environment and the feedback systems that impact us. Using the tools and concepts of Systems Thinking, course instructor Chris Soderquist presents a variety of methods for expanding communication about environmental issues and developing habits/policies that will make positive contributions to sustainability.
 
Each recorded session includes a 50-55 minute presentation followed by questions and answers. Online access to session recordings, sample STELLA/iThink models, and handouts will cement learning.

Course Syllabus

Session 1: System Dynamics for Understanding Climate Change

(This first session is FREE and open to all. Materials are "open source" and available to share with as many people as you can! View FREE recording and session materials

Understand the basic concepts and systems principles driving climate change dynamics using simple STELLA/iThink models. Learn about the challenges we face, the changes we must adapt to and those we need to mitigate or avoid. Explore simulations developed by Climate Interactive that will be used at the Copehagen summit and see the future impact of worldwide policy decisions.

Session 2: Population Dynamics and Limits to Growth

Build your understanding of population dynamics to answer questions like:

• How should we think about a human population that is expected to grow to over 9 billion by 2050?
• Is such growth possible or sustainable?
• How do population dynamics contribute to other environmental issues?

Session 3: Water System Dynamics

Learn about the dynamics of water supply and quality issues:

• How will population dynamics impact the future of water?
• How will future supply look under different scenarios?
• How do toxins enter the environment and work their way through the system?

Session 4: Commodity System Dynamics

Find out why commodity systems tend to exhibit behaviors of overproduction, environmental degradation, and social/economic inequity. Understand the commonalities and differences between commodity systems that are renewable (e.g. food) versus non-renewable (e.g. oil). Explore the generic structure of commodity system models and see their impact on the environment.

About the Instructor

Chris Soderquist is the president of Pontifex Consulting, a long-time consulting and training partner of isee systems.  Chris has been applying mathematical modeling since an undergraduate student in the Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences program at Northwestern University.  Since 1998, he's worked with organizational leaders to develop strategic solutions to complex issues in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. 

As a member of the Climate Interactive team, Chris is actively engaged in raising awareness of climate issues and impacting policymaker negotiations at the upcoming Copenhagen summit. He is also the lead developer of the University of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Game designed to teach the dynamics affecting the economic, social, and environmental systems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Chris is an instructor for the Darden School of Business Executive Education Program. He is also training state legislators in Georgia and Kansas how to apply Systems Thinking to health policy.

Course Requirements

• STELLA or iThink version 9.1.3
• Web browser
• Apple Quicktime Video Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader