Systems analysis and its relevance for the sustainability transitions

Abstract

This chapter presents an introduction to systems analysis and its importance for understanding sustainability and transition into a more sustainable world. The historical background of the systems thinking paradigm, various fundamental aspects of systems analysis including system archetypes and their dynamics are discussed in detail. The importance of understanding human biases and approaches to counter them when analyzing data especially in the context of understanding the structures of complex human and ecological systems and their interactions is discussed. Finally, the importance of the systems analysis tools for the green economy is discussed to stress the importance of understanding from multiple perspectives before the course of actions is determined for a sustainable and resilient future. © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.