DescriptionComplex Systems is a new field of science studying how parts of a system give rise to the collective behaviors of the system, and how the system interacts with its environment. This book examines the complex systems involved in environmental sustainability, and examines the technologies involved to help mitigate human impacts, such as renewable energy, desalination, carbon capture, recycling, etc. It considers the relationships and balance between environmental engineering and science, economics, and human activity, with regard to sustainability.
Reviews"In this time of narrow specialization, the authors have provided a remarkably broad synthesis of the biophysical factors that support human sustainability."
––Joseph A. Tainter, Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University
Contents
Human Ecological Sustainability
Introduction
Is It Possible to Model Human Ecological Sustainability?
Why Human Sustainability Is a Complex Issue
Chapter Summary
Review of Complexity and Complex Systems
Introduction to Complexity
Human Responses to Complexity
Signal Flow Graphs and Mason’s Rule
Modularity
Chapter Summary
Multidimensional Challenges to Human Sustainability
Introduction
The Challenge of Population Growth
Global Warming
Water and Sustainability
Bees, Pollination, and Food Crops
Species Size Reduction Due to Habitat Warming: Another Challenge to Our Food Supply
FF Energy and Sustainability
Chapter Summary
Mitigations of Human Impacts through Technology
Introduction
Biofuels
Desalination
Carbon-Free Energy Sources
Carbon-Neutral Energy Sources
Energy Storage Means
Fusion Power
Nuclear Energy
Carbon Capture and Storage
Water Vapor
Engineering Energy Efficiency
Chapter Summary
Sustainable Agriculture
Introduction
Animal Husbandry: Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations
Industrial Agriculture
Loss of Genetic Diversity
Genetically Modified Organisms
Sustainable Agriculture
Can Sustainable Agriculture Feed the World?
Competition for Cropland
Chapter Summary
Unconventional Foods: Insects, Plankton, Fungi, and In Vitro Meat
Introduction
Nutritional Value of Insects
Can Insects Be Farmed?
Plankton as a Source of Human Food
Fungi: Food and More
Food from Tissue Culture Using Animal Stem Cells
Chapter Summary
Complex Economic Systems and Sustainability
Introduction to Economic Systems
Basic Economics; Steady-State S&D
Introduction to ABMs and Simulations of Economic and Other Complex Systems
Economic Challenges to Human Sustainability
Chapter Summary
Application of Complex Systems Thinking to Solve Ecological Sustainability Problems
Introduction
Dörner’s Approaches to Tackling Complex Problems
Frederic Vester’s "Paper Computer"
Sensitivity Model of Vester
Can We Learn From Our Mistakes?
Chapter Summary
What Will Happen to Us? FAQs on Sustainability
Introduction
Will Technology Sustain Us?
FAQs Concerning Sustainability
Chapter Summary
Glossary
Bibliography and Recommended Reading
Index