Linking complexity and sustainability theories : implications for modeling sustainability transitions
Date
2014-03
Authors
Peter, Camaren
Swilling, Mark
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Abstract
In this paper, we deploy a complexity theory as the foundation for integration of different theoretical approaches to sustainability and develop a rationale for a complexity-based framework for modeling transitions to sustainability. We propose a framework based on a comparison of complex systems’ properties that characterize the different theories that deal with transitions to sustainability. We argue that adopting a complexity theory based approach for modeling transitions requires going beyond deterministic frameworks; by adopting a probabilistic, integrative, inclusive and adaptive approach that can support transitions. We also illustrate how this complexity-based modeling framework can be implemented; i.e., how it can be used to select modeling techniques that address particular properties of complex systems that we need to understand in order to model transitions to sustainability. In doing so, we establish a complexity-based approach towards modeling sustainability transitions that caters for the broad range of complex systems’ properties that are required to model transitions to sustainability.
Description
Please cite as follows: Peter, C. & Swilling, M. 2014. Linking Complexity and Sustainability Theories: Implications for Modeling Sustainability Transitions. Sustainability, 6(3):1594-1622, doi:10.3390/su6031594.
The original publication is available at http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/3/1594
The original publication is available at http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/3/1594
Keywords
Complexity theory, Sustainable development, Resilience, Decoupling, Socio-metabolism, Behavioral change
Citation
Peter, C. & Swilling, M. 2014. Linking Complexity and Sustainability Theories: Implications for Modeling Sustainability Transitions. Sustainability, 6(3):1594-1622, doi:10.3390/su6031594.