Systems science tells us that difference forces interact to create the world that we know. If we want to create meaningful change, we need to understand and address all the forces in the system.
Let’s take logging as an example. Human’s like things made out of wood. Market forces respond to the resulting demand for wood products, and businesses are built to meet that demand. Logging and milling companies are created to supply the trees to the market. Loggers are hired and equipment bought. Loggers spend time and energy learning the logging business and techniques for harvesting trees safely and efficiently.
Those opposed to logging, usually because it will destroy a specific wild area or habitat, create counter forces in an effort to stop the logging. They sponsor legislation, file lawsuits, protest, or even sabotage logging equipment to stop the logging from happening in that area. That adds forces to the system that opposes the other forces, but it doesn’t eliminate them. The pro-logging forces are only going to get redirected to a different forest.
Sometimes, these kinds of counter forces are needed to preserve an important place or species, but they’re always temporary solutions.
To eliminate the logging of wild areas in the long-term, we need to offer better solutions, and for all forces involved. We need to reduce or eliminate the need for wild wood, find new materials or processes that replace it, and we need to find new livelihoods for those dependent on logging to live.
We need comprehensive thinkers who look for those kinds of long-term solutions.
