System thinking
System thinking involves looking at a problem as a whole by checking into the factors that are related to it. In system thinking, analysts focus on how the components of a system collaborate directly and indirectly to produce the expected incomes (Swanson, 2014). For example, a community is made of the ways that people, places, and objects shape each other. When analyzing a system, it essential to look at the small components that make up the whole. It means that the function of one part affects the function of other elements that, in turn, affect the functions of the first component (Rowe, 1999). Hence, a system comprises a chain of interconnected and interdependent parts that form the whole.
The concept of system thinking analysis requires one to zoom out the idea of discussion and look into other functions and factors that fall within the boundary of the system. Some of these would include structures, norms, patterns, policies, and interventions (Swanson, 2014). Understanding the ways that each part relates to the main subject and other components gives a good insight into the valid leverage point in a system. Leverage points in an order are the points that can facilitate and support change in a system; without necessarily imposing a change in all parts of the system (Sterling, 2005; Swanson, 2014). There are some parts of a system that are beyond control; hence, understanding how they interact with controllable factors that help to identify the best way to implement change.
Regarding the topic of clean energy, system thinking zooms out clean energy and looks at the factors that would affect its boundaries. For example, the most straightforward boundary of clean energy includes government policies, organizational interventions, energy users, and producers. When the relationships of the named elements within the narrowest boundary of clean are appropriately analyzed, the most effective leverage points will be identified. Such a leverage point will enable producers, users, policy implementers, and anti-environmental degradation agencies to understand how they can collaborate or get integrated into the changed systems (Sterling, 2005). The approach of handling clean energy as an isolated entity tends to ignore other elements within the larger systems it operates, which might affect its potential impact towards attaining sustainable development. In the case of clean energy, the leverage point starts with energy producers. When energy producers begin to invest in clean energy, consumers will take what is available in the market. The consumption of energy is affected by immediate factors such as demand, availability of crude oil, government policies, and the presence of industries. Besides, factors such as people’s level of awareness on clean energy also influence the shift to clean energy. In the case of energy, forcing consumers to shift to clean energy would adversely affect the business of non-renewable energy producers. At the same time, consumers might not be able to invest in massive infrastructure to produce clean energy on a large scale. Therefore, initiating the idea of clean energy from the producer point would be highly effective.’
In conclusion, system thinkers believe that things should be viewed within the systems that they operate. They outline that an appropriate leverage point boosts the effectiveness of change that has been implemented. Hence, the perspective of viewing things as a whole caters to all factors that interact with one element in a system.
References
Rowe, J. (1999, July). The growth consensus unravels. Dollars & Sense, 224, 15–18, 33.
Sterling, S. (2005). Linkingthinking: New perspectives on thinking and learning for sustainability (pp. 3–25). Surrey, UK: WWF UK.
Swanson, J. (2014, October 30). Systems thinking!. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/