This a simple and "totally accurate" model of the exponential human population.
This a simple and "totally accurate" model of the exponential human population.
Simple (Kind of) food web of the Cane Toad Species. Includes different levels of consumers including predators.
Simple (Kind of) food web of the Cane Toad Species. Includes different levels of consumers including predators.
This model shows the growth of two organisms competing for a limiting resource (space) .
This model shows the growth of two organisms competing for a limiting resource (space) .
Simple model of the global economy, the global carbon cycle, and planetary energy balance.    The planetary energy balance model is a two-box model, with shallow and deep ocean heat reservoirs. The carbon cycle model is a 4-box model, with the atmosphere, shallow ocean, deep ocean, and terrestrial c
Simple model of the global economy, the global carbon cycle, and planetary energy balance.

The planetary energy balance model is a two-box model, with shallow and deep ocean heat reservoirs. The carbon cycle model is a 4-box model, with the atmosphere, shallow ocean, deep ocean, and terrestrial carbon. 

The economic model is based on the Kaya identity, which decomposes CO2 emissions into population, GDP/capita, energy intensity of GDP, and carbon intensity of energy. It allows for temperature-related climate damages to both GDP and the growth rate of GDP.

This model was originally created by Bob Kopp (Rutgers University) in support of the SESYNC Climate Learning Project.
Fertilizer inflow can cause lake eutrophication. In this simulation, we are studying what happens in a simple lake ecosystem.
Fertilizer inflow can cause lake eutrophication. In this simulation, we are studying what happens in a simple lake ecosystem.
World4 is a predictive model for world population. Population has grown hyper-exponentially in the last millenium, with the doubling time decreasing from 900 years  in 1000 CE to a minimum of ~35 years in 1963 CE. Technology is defined as that which decreases the death rate and/or increases the effe
World4 is a predictive model for world population. Population has grown hyper-exponentially in the last millenium, with the doubling time decreasing from 900 years  in 1000 CE to a minimum of ~35 years in 1963 CE. Technology is defined as that which decreases the death rate and/or increases the effective birth rate (i.e. by decreasing infant mortality). Technology grows exponentially, therefore population fits a hyper-exponential (exponent within an exponent). Models for the end of growth are explored using equations that express the ways humans are depleting Earth's biocapacity, the nature of resource depletion, and the relationship between natural resources and human carrying capacity. This simple model, containing just two closed systems, captures the subtle shifts in the population trajectory of the last 50 years. Specifically, hyperexponential growth has given way to subexponential growth. A peak is predicted for the time around 2028.  [Bystroff, C. (2021). Footprints to singularity: A global population model explains late 20th century slow-down and predicts peak within ten years. PloS one, 16(5), e0247214.]
Simulation of MTBF with controls   F(t) = 1 - e ^ -λt   Where    • F(t) is the probability of failure    • λ is the failure rate in 1/time unit (1/h, for example)   • t is the observed service life (h, for example)  The inverse curve is the trust time On the right the increase in failures brings its
Simulation of MTBF with controls

F(t) = 1 - e ^ -λt 
Where  
• F(t) is the probability of failure  
• λ is the failure rate in 1/time unit (1/h, for example) 
• t is the observed service life (h, for example)

The inverse curve is the trust time
On the right the increase in failures brings its inverse which is loss of trust and move into suspicion and lack of confidence.
This can be seen in strategic social applications with those who put economy before providing the priorities of the basic living infrastructures for all.

This applies to policies and strategic decisions as well as physical equipment.
A) Equipment wears out through friction and preventive maintenance can increase the useful lifetime, 
B) Policies/working practices/guidelines have to be updated to reflect changes in the external environment and eventually be replaced when for instance a population rises too large (constitutional changes are required to keep pace with evolution, e.g. the concepts of the ancient Greeks, 3000 years ago, who based their thoughts on a small population cannot be applied in 2013 except where populations can be contained into productive working communities with balanced profit and loss centers to ensure sustainability)

Early Life
If we follow the slope from the leftmost start to where it begins to flatten out this can be considered the first period. The first period is characterized by a decreasing failure rate. It is what occurs during the “early life” of a population of units. The weaker units fail leaving a population that is more rigorous.

Useful Life
The next period is the flat bottom portion of the graph. It is called the “useful life” period. Failures occur more in a random sequence during this time. It is difficult to predict which failure mode will occur, but the rate of failures is predictable. Notice the constant slope.  

Wearout
The third period begins at the point where the slope begins to increase and extends to the rightmost end of the graph. This is what happens when units become old and begin to fail at an increasing rate. It is called the “wearout” period. 
 Economic growth cannot go on forever, although politicians and most economist
seem to think so. The activity involved in economic growth necessarily  generates entropy (disorder and environmental degradation). Entorpy in turn generates powerful negative feedback loops which will, as
a response from

Economic growth cannot go on forever, although politicians and most economist seem to think so. The activity involved in economic growth necessarily  generates entropy (disorder and environmental degradation). Entorpy in turn generates powerful negative feedback loops which will, as a response from nature, ensure that economic activity will eventually grind to a complete halt.  In these circumstances organised society cannot persist and will collapse. The negative feedback loops shown in this graph have already started to operate. The longer economic growth continues unabated, the more powerful these negative feedback loops will become. How long can economic growth continue before it is overwhelmed? It may not be very far in the future.

 From Jay Forrester 1971 Book  World Dynamics , the earlier, simpler version of the  World 3   Limits to Growth  Model. adapted from Mark Heffernan's ithink version at  Systemswiki .  An element of Perspectives: The Foundation of Understanding and Insights for Effective Action. Register at  http://w

From Jay Forrester 1971 Book World Dynamics, the earlier, simpler version of the World 3 Limits to Growth Model. adapted from Mark Heffernan's ithink version at Systemswiki.

An element of Perspectives: The Foundation of Understanding and Insights for Effective Action. Register at http://www.systemswiki.org/

32 9 months ago
This diagram provides an accessible description of the key processes that influence the water quality within a lake.
This diagram provides an accessible description of the key processes that influence the water quality within a lake.
This model describes the flow of energy from generation to consumption for neighborhoods in the metro Atlanta area. It also calculates the cost of energy production and the number of years it will take to recover that cost.
This model describes the flow of energy from generation to consumption for neighborhoods in the metro Atlanta area. It also calculates the cost of energy production and the number of years it will take to recover that cost.
Concepts are designed for Universatility and local variables without forcing a one size fits all model.    Measurements in the course are designed to maintain a system perspective in all planning and measurement systems.       Students will acquire hands on modeling skills using either video learnin
Concepts are designed for Universatility and local variables without forcing a one size fits all model. 

Measurements in the course are designed to maintain a system perspective in all planning and measurement systems. 

Students will acquire hands on modeling skills using either video learning offered by System Thinking World host and easily viewed through the right hand side of the page conveniently located are links to the video series.  

A facilitator may offer traditional instruction or ideally students from the graduating students are teaching the next group of students and improving the way the materials is presented.

 
 Adapted from Fig 13.1 p.523 of the Book: James A. Forte ( 2007),  Human Behavior and The Social Environment: Models, Metaphors and Maps for Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Practice   Thomson Brooks/Cole Belmont ISBN 0-495-00659-9

Adapted from Fig 13.1 p.523 of the Book: James A. Forte ( 2007), Human Behavior and The Social Environment: Models, Metaphors and Maps for Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Practice  Thomson Brooks/Cole Belmont ISBN 0-495-00659-9

this is the Australian food web of the water buffalo
this is the Australian food web of the water buffalo
Thinking about biodiversity policy in the United States, specifically relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. I have focused on the impacts that governmental policy will have on the environment, rather than contributions from both the government and the private sector. I have also chosen to
Thinking about biodiversity policy in the United States, specifically relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. I have focused on the impacts that governmental policy will have on the environment, rather than contributions from both the government and the private sector. I have also chosen to focus on the financial aspect of policy, keeping all other factors equal.
Example of ​rIsk assessment on component of the building
Example of ​rIsk assessment on component of the building
Bugs have a life cycle. The population of the bugs can be controlled by destroying the stocks of eggs/nymphs/adults or by controlling the rate at which they lay eggs, the rate of hatching of the eggs and the rate at which the nymphs become adults. The growth also depends on the time taken for eggs t
Bugs have a life cycle. The population of the bugs can be controlled by destroying the stocks of eggs/nymphs/adults or by controlling the rate at which they lay eggs, the rate of hatching of the eggs and the rate at which the nymphs become adults. The growth also depends on the time taken for eggs to hatch and for the nymphs to become adults. Some of the control strategies could also be to increase this time. The effectiveness of these strategies differs and the model lets you evaluate them
 In 2012, the City of Vancouver created a sustainability strategy for staying on the leading edge of urban development called the “Greenest City: 2020 Action Plan (GCAP)” [ 1 — Open in Pop-up ]. In the report, the GCAP noted that its highest priority action was to encourage the use of electric vehic

In 2012, the City of Vancouver created a sustainability strategy for staying on the leading edge of urban development called the “Greenest City: 2020 Action Plan (GCAP)” [1Open in Pop-up]. In the report, the GCAP noted that its highest priority action was to encourage the use of electric vehicle transport in both public and private sectors. Since then, programs such as the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) program have been revamped to encourage consumers to choose the greener choice, often rewarding owners with up to $5000 in incentives for battery-powered vehicles and plug-in hybrids. However, the benefits of choosing electric cars are not all clear as several reports have found that hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric cars (BEV) generate more carbon emissions during their production than current conventional vehicles [2]. I thought it would be interesting to study this sustainability issue through a systems model to determine how much impact it has on the environment compared to conventional vehicles. 

https://insightmaker.com/insight/159243/CO2-Emissions-by-Vehicle-Type-Gasoline-vs-Electric

Our model explores both carbon emissions of standard gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles from production to distribution in Canada specifically. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any statistics regarding the number of electric vehicles in production in Canada, so we have used the sales number as our production number estimate. For CO2 emission statistics, we made sure to carefully separate different types of electric vehicles as the production of the battery in battery electric vehicles have significantly more carbon emissions during production.

As expected, the carbon emissions from electric vehicles are much lower than those of gasoline vehicles after taking into account the lifecycle emissions from an average lifespan of 8 years on the road (which is the standard warranty length offered from most car companies). Some interesting things to note are that with our current rise in electric vehicle adoption, electric vehicles will dominate the roads in about 100 years. This transformation may be further accelerated by the large-scale initiatives offered by governmental organizations and increased awareness for sustainable practices. Furthermore, it was very surprising to find that electric vehicle carbon emissions will exceed that of gasoline vehicles after nearly 1000 years, but after further analysis, this makes sense as by then electric vehicles will greatly outnumber gasoline vehicles. This means that electric vehicles are not only the greener choice -- electric vehicles are by far the greenest choice as it will take nearly a thousand years before its emissions will be equal to that of its gasoline counterpart. In fact, it may even take longer than 1000 years for electric vehicles to emit more carbon emissions than gasoline vehicles if we continue looking for more sustainable methods for producing electricity and proactively choose renewable energy over fossil fuels.

Sources:

[1] https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Greenest-city-action-plan.pdfOpen in Pop-up

[2] http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jsd/article/view/64183

Statistics for number of gasoline and electric vehicle sales:

Gasoline Vehicles: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2010000201

Electric Vehicles: https://www.fleetcarma.com/electric-vehicle-sales-canada-2017/
This diagram provides an accessible description of the key processes that guide the water quality within a lake.
This diagram provides an accessible description of the key processes that guide the water quality within a lake.
The simulation integrates or sums (INTEG) the Nj population, with a change of Delta N in each generation, starting with an initial value of 5. The equation for DeltaN is a version of  Nj+1 = Nj  + mu (1- Nj / Nmax ) Nj  the maximum population is set to be one million, and the growth rate constant mu
The simulation integrates or sums (INTEG) the Nj population, with a change of Delta N in each generation, starting with an initial value of 5.
The equation for DeltaN is a version of 
Nj+1 = Nj  + mu (1- Nj / Nmax ) Nj
the maximum population is set to be one million, and the growth rate constant mu = 3.
 
Nj: is the “number of items” in our current generation.

Delta Nj: is the “change in number of items” as we go from the present generation into the next generation. This is just the number of items born minus the number of items who have died.

mu: is the growth or birth rate parameter, similar to that in the exponential growth and decay model. However, as we extend our model it will no longer be the actual growth rate, but rather just a constant that tends to control the actual growth rate without being directly proportional to it.

F(Nj) = mu(1‐Nj/Nmax): is our model for the effective “growth rate”, a rate that decreases as the number of items approaches the maximum allowed by external factors such as food supply, disease or predation. (You can think of mu as the growth or birth rate in the absence of population pressure from other items.) We write this rate as F(Nj), which is a mathematical way of saying F is affected by the number of items, i.e., “F is a function of Nj”. It combines both growth and all the various environmental constraints on growth into a single function. This is a good approach to modeling; start with something that works (exponential growth) and then modify it incrementally, while still incorporating the working model.

Nj+1 = Nj + Delta Nj : This is a mathematical way to say, “The new number of items equals the old number of items plus the change in number of items”.

Nj/Nmax: is what fraction a population has reached of the maximum "carrying capacity" allowed by the external environment. We use this fraction to change the overall growth rate of the population. In the real world, as well as in our model, it is possible for a population to be greater than the maximum population (which is usually an average of many years), at least for a short period of time. This means that we can expect fluctuations in which Nj/Nmax is greater than 1.

This equation is a form of what is known as the logistic map or equation. It is a map because it "maps'' the population in one year into the population of the next year. It is "logistic'' in the military sense of supplying a population with its needs. It a nonlinear equation because it contains a term proportional to Nj^2 and not just Nj. The logistic map equation is also an example of discrete mathematics. It is discrete because the time variable j assumes just integer values, and consequently the variables Nj+1 and Nj do not change continuously into each other, as would a function N(t). In addition to the variables Nj and j, the equation also contains the two parameters mu, the growth rate, and Nmax, the maximum population. You can think of these as "constants'' whose values are determined from external sources and remain fixed as one year of items gets mapped into the next year. However, as part of viewing the computer as a laboratory in which to experiment, and as part of the scientific process, you should vary the parameters in order to explore how the model reacts to changes in them.