System Thinking Approach to Address Sustainability Challenges Report

This report investigates the application of a system thinking approach to address sustainability challenges, with a specific focus on the environmental impacts of fracking (coal-seam gas extraction) in Australia. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and the importance of considering long-term consequences. The report discusses the concept of system thinking as a trans-disciplinary framework to analyze complex problems, moving beyond static snapshots to understand patterns of change. It highlights the role of environmental strategies and sustainable growth within the industry, emphasizing the need for a well-defined framework to manage sustainability issues. The report also examines the need for system thinking in higher education to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and the integration of technology for effective environmental management. It analyzes the need for a balance between environmental and economic development, and discusses the long-term impacts of the oil and gas industry, including pollution of air and water, and the need for government authorities to undertake proper measures. The report concludes by arguing for the importance of system thinking in addressing complex environmental problems, particularly in the context of fracking and its impact on the environment.

RUNNING HEAD: SUSTAINABILITY 1

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 2
Sustainability is a widely used term by the businesses across the globe. The underlying idea
behind sustainability is to meet the common needs to consider and act beyond time. The
recognition and trendiness of sustainability has already permitted in managing progress required
for global sustainable development. In order to gain a sustainable approach it is evident to
capture inter-connected, compound sustainability challenge in a practical and solution-based
approach (Pandey and Kumar, 2016).
Systems’ thinking is a trans-disciplinary framework used for maintaining interrelationships
rather than things. This is a systematic approach deliberately been used for seeing patterns of
change rather than static snapshots. Consequently, a system thinker frames a problem over time,
as a substitute to focus on meticulous events. System thinking approach is useful in dealing with
the problem of sustainability. Nowadays system thinking has been used by various academician
and practitioners. The approach was found by Professor Jay forrestr in 1956(Haines, 2016).
The core principle behind the concept is to develop a plan to conceptualize and act towards the
systematic integration of socio-environmental and economic magnitude of sustainability.
According to this approach the provision for leveraging management intricacies are relative to
other methods. This also entails the entire depiction and appreciative context whilst concurrently
appreciating connections between levels (Kerzner, 2013).
The research paper examine the wicked problem in isolation. All these problems are a part of a
vast system of consistent network and therefore systems thinking approach is crucial in figuring
solutions for such problems. It is difficult for an individual to analyse few of its parts because
one cannot understand the behaviour of a system. Further the report evaluates the role of systems
thinking in Fracking (Coal-Seam Gas extraction) in Australia. The rationale is to draw attention

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 3
to one of the wicked problems particularly the pollution caused due to the process of Fracking. I
personally agree with the statement that, ‘systems thinking is critical in developing solutions to
sustainability challenges. This approach outlines systematic method to deal with the issue. A
system thinker is the one who struggles to distinguish between the microscopic details through
his trans-disciplinary approach (Dobson, 2007).
Fracking is used to develop the flow of gas from creation that is difficult to access due to
profundity and rock composition. This technique is not employed for all coal seam gas deposits.
However, the number is likely to go up in the future as well are drilled into spaces, where gas is
not effortlessly extracted (How is coal seam gas extracted? 2017). The present gas crises are the
primary example of how energy policy is been mishandled in Australia. In the latest statement
given by the Australian Energy Operator, the gas industry has made a clear statement regarding
the shortage of gas. The declining gas production may result in an increase in demand by GPG
for supply of electricity in summers of 2018-19. This is putting a pressure on increasing gas
exploration and eliminating the suspension on fracking that exists in Victoria and the Northern
Territory (Rijke, 2016). A shortage in the gas supply is putting a pressure on increasing the gas
supply. The shortage statistics conceal the detail that Australia is not distressed from a lack of
gas. This is one of the odd things that are predicted for 2019. AEMO also remarked about the
demand for gas in Australia has in reality fallen ever since 2012(Jericho, 2017).
Within the industry it has become important to implement an environmental strategy by
developing strict laws. An Environmental strategy affect an organization and the products been
produced by them. It is moreover important for the industry to develop sustainable growth. It is
only possible if, proper measures are taken in developing goals. Majority of actions are important

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 4
for implementing a sustainable plan. In order to match up with the environmental effectiveness,
it is important to develop an efficient framework to match up with the expectations. The current
industry requires trendiness to the concept of sustainability (Dincer and Rosen, 2012). It is
already an important aspect in managing progress requisite for global sustainable development.
The problem related to fracking has created a pressure over the Australian government. The
focus is to develop sustainable concept and allowing a well-defined framework in dealing with
the issues. System thinking is a future based approach. The focus is to deal with the ongoing
issues and to find a suitable solution. Sustainability and environment growth is an important
concept developed in the recent time. This approach has grown multi-folded creating a wide
scope for development. The growth is only possible if actions are undertaken appropriately
(Baumgartner and Korhonen, 2010.). In order to match up with the expectations and
sustainability concept, the primary focus is to think systematically. Systematic thinking in
sustainability has created avenues in order to maintain long-term goals for the purpose of
environmental growth and development. System dynamic model is used to combine with the
technology and environment. There is a continuous need to change the perspective in order o
gain effectiveness. By combining technology it is easy to manage the ineffectiveness. The
negative part of the loop can be ignored. The approach therefore considers an efficient approach
in order to match up with the expectations. The environmental movement is important for
avoiding ineffectiveness and including all the important dynamics in maintaining pace with the
changing environment. The direct goal of using the technique is to maintain an effective
relationship in the system by incorporating sustainable environmental factors. The core aspect of
the process is to match up with the sustainable environmental goals and to develop a desired
process. It is best viewed as an environment management process through which one can

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 5
continuously view the changes in the environment (Rogers, Jalal and Boyd, 2012). Review can
be done on an easy way by changing the internal and external factors. A Key principle is
improved both the environment and the performance in order to develop economy. More priority
needs to be given to managing the functions in the most appropriate way. By modelling the
requirements it is easy to meet the necessary role and growing environmental dynamics in order
to gain competency (Grin, Rotmans and Schot, 2010).
Environment sustainability is an important concept need to be managed in order to develop
today’s business environment. The industrial problems are growing widely and a multi-
disciplinary approach is all needed to match up with the expectations. The modelling is
conceptualized as a way through which the process of sustainable growth and development is
made. This model allow in gaining systematized knowledge in order to manage issues arising in
the environment. System thinking frames problem in terms of behavior over time by focusing
over a particular event. This approach is based on a macroscopic context by managing the
sustainable challenges. Through this system it is possible to facilitate changes by reducing the
confusion and the chaos. By determining the sustainable activities it is possible to facilitate
effectiveness. Managing the sustainable growth and development is a tough task for the economy
(Boudet, Clarke, Bugden, Maibach, Roser-Renouf, and Leiserowitz, 2014).
The wicked issue pertaining to sustainable growth and development is important to be managed.
It is important to keep a balance in between the environment and economic development.
Australia is expecting an increase in demand by GPG for energy production. The expansion of
oil and gas industry has long-term impacts on the environment. The extraction process combines
with dangerous chemicals that have a huge impact on the environment (Kovats, et al 2014). The

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 6
process is controversial because the process has an ill impact on the air, water and soil. 4 percent
of methane escapes into the atmosphere during the process of fracking. The ancillary
components of the fracking process have an ill-impact on the environment. The pollutant caused
during the process decreases the availability of clean air (Wilber, 2015). In such a situation it is
evident to imply system thinking in order to manage the environment. Fracking has a long term
impact and it can only be reduced if proper measures are undertaken by the government
authorities. The process not only pollutes air but also contributes to water pollution. Water
contamination is one of the serious issues faced due to the process of fracking. The process of
system thinking must focus on developing inherent capabilities by opting for an alternate. In this
way it will be possible to manage the situation in a proper way. The chemicals used in the
process of fracking have a capacity to leak back. There is a need to develop a proper plan and
procedure. This will help in meeting the results in a better way. The system thinking approach is
important to focus on how one constituent of system will interact with the other constituent.
System thinking is important for dealing with the complex issues. Te sustainability challenges
find difficulty in adapting the established protocols. There is no unified approach or process to
deal with the wicked problem. System thinking is useful for dealing with the problems by
managing the crucial steps. It can be done by developing different set of skills and technological
process for gaining sustainable result. This model involves: Framing the issue using dynamic
thinking and system process, Building understanding using the operational framework and
communicating it using emphatic thinking.
There is a need to involve system thinking approach in the course study of the higher education
programme. By doing this, the student will be able to understand the problem and pluralistic vie

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 7
of the world. The researcher needs to show the practical implication of the subject. In this way it
will be easy for each and every individual to develop the mindset by incorporating system
thinking. The world is facing serious climatic issues. The technical implication of the will allow
in managing the serious issues. By developing an understanding of environmental issues at a
junior level, it is possible for the student to find out an effective framework. There is a necessity
of developing an informative environment to deal with the wicked problems. This will allow in
managing the issues in a systematic way without any problem. The first dimension is related to
management of a systematic changes taking place in the environment. The second dimension is
related to establishment of relationship in between both the process. On the basis of overall
analysis it is possible to generate knowledge and finding relationship between the elements.
There is a necessity to develop a relation between the problem and the solution. This will allow
in finding out the most suitable process to deal with the problem (Batley and Kookana, 2012).
There are certain arguments opposing the relevance of system thinking approach. On one hand
the experts support the use of system thinking in dealing with the problems. On the other hand it
is difficult for the officials to implement process. It is challenging for the Government
Authorities. System thinking is applied to that process that does not have an effective solution. It
is easy to work on a problem if the boundaries of the problem are decided (What is Fracking,
2013).
On the basis of above discussions it is clear that system thinking is an important approach in
today’s changing global environment. The traditional method used for dealing with the problems
is growing at a rapid rate. Government authorities and mine owners need to find out an effective
framework to deal with the ongoing problem. Australian government has incorporated effective

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 8
measures to deal with the problem. It is evident to manage the serious issue to reduce the future
impact. The recognition and trendiness of sustainability has already permitted in managing
progress required for global sustainable development.

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 9
References
Batley, G.E. and Kookana, R.S., 2012. Environmental issues associated with coal seam gas
recovery: managing the fracking boom. Environmental Chemistry, 9(5), pp.425-428.
Baumgartner, R.J. and Korhonen, J., 2010. Strategic thinking for sustainable
development. Sustainable Development, 18(2), pp.71-75.
Boudet, H., Clarke, C., Bugden, D., Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C. and Leiserowitz, A., 2014.
“Fracking” controversy and communication: Using national survey data to understand public
perceptions of hydraulic fracturing. Energy Policy, 65, pp.57-67.
Dincer, I. and Rosen, M.A., 2012. Exergy: energy, environment and sustainable development.
Newnes.
Dobson, A., 2007. Environmental citizenship: towards sustainable development. Sustainable
development, 15(5), pp.276-285.
Grin, J., Rotmans, J. and Schot, J., 2010. Transitions to sustainable development: new directions
in the study of long term transformative change. Routledge.
Haines, S., 2016. The systems thinking approach to strategic planning and management. CRC
Press.

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 10
How is coal seam gas extracted?, 2017. Online. Available at:
http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/landholders-and-community/coal-seam-gas/the-
facts/how-is-coal-seam-gas-extracted Accessed on: 26 August 2017
Jericho, G.2017. Fracking and coal seam gas is no solution to an energy crisis of our own
making. Online. Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2017/mar/21/fracking-and-coal-seam-gas-
is-no-solution-to-an-energy-crisis-of-our-own-making Accessed on: 26 August 2017
Kerzner, H., 2013. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Kovats, S., Depledge, M., Haines, A., Fleming, L.E., Wilkinson, P., Shonkoff, S.B. and
Scovronick, N., 2014. The health implications of fracking. The Lancet, 383(9919), p.757.
Pandey, A. and Kumar, A., 2016. System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability
Challenges. System, 29, p.30.
Rijke, K.2016. Australian gas: between a fracked rock and a socially hard place. Online.
Available at: http://theconversation.com/australian-gas-between-a-fracked-rock-and-a-socially-
hard-place-74932 Accessed on: 26 August 2017
Rogers, P.P., Jalal, K.F. and Boyd, J.A., 2012. An introduction to sustainable development.
Earthscan.
What is Fracking, 2013 Online. Available at:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/12/04/3861669.htm Accessed on: 26 August 2017

System Thinking Approach to Deal with Sustainability Challenges 11
Wilber, T., 2015. Under the surface: Fracking, fortunes, and the fate of the Marcellus Shale.
Cornell University Press.