What Is A System?

A system is a whole consisting of interacting or interdependent parts.  A system is not the sum of its parts, but the product of their interactions.  A system exists because of its parts, not the other way around. 

The Earth is a System.

Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Global Warming and Systems Theory

The Earth's parts all interact to maintain equilibrium.  A change in one of these parts affects all other parts and moves the planet away from equilibrium.  So a significant change in Earth's atmosphere, like the build-up of carbon dioxide, can have a significant effect on all other parts of the system.

    Global Warming is having very real effects right now.  Retreating glaciers means loss of already scarce fresh water at a time when Earth's population is skyrocketing.  Click on the picture below to see some incredible changes.

Learn More About Systems Theory

By Clicking Here.

What Can We Do?

Get informed about the environmental stances of political candidates.  Vote for Change!

Write letters to your congressmen, let them know this issue is important to you!

Review your own lifestyle, there are small thing that we all can do.  Remember, any small change in the system will reverberate throughout the whole!

We Can:

1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient compact fluorescents.  This saves about 300 pounds of carbon a year.

2. Carpool and utilize public transportation.

3.  When replacing vehicles or household appliances (or buying them for the first time) opt for more energy efficient models.  You'll save money and be helping the environment.

4.  Reuse and Recycle!

5.  Eat local.  Transporting food from all over the country (and the world) uses massive amounts of fossil fuels.

6.  Only use the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads.

7.  Avoid overpackaged items.  Choose reusable over single use.

8.  Don't overheat or overcool your living space.    Just lower your thermostat 2 degrees in winter and raising it 2 degrees in summer can prevent the release of 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

9.  Use a clothesline instead of a dryer.  Doing this six months a year can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

10.  Unplug electronics from the wall when you are not using them.

11.  Keep a positive attitude.  Every action counts, no matter how small.  We are part of the system too.

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead