Abstract: In the blink of a geological eye, self-christened Homo Sapiens has existentially fouled the life support system of the spaceship it shares with a dwindling number of extra-species co-inhabitants. As the anthroposphere transgresses Planetary Boundaries that have protected the rise of modern civilisations, humanity is shockingly close to losing agency over its future. Can complex systems science provide understanding of the anthroposphere-ecosphere interactions that have brought us to this brink? More crucially, can it assist us in stepping back from the abyss? This seminar will provide no answers to those questions. Rather, with an emphasis on anthropogenic climate disruption, this novice with a Beginner’s Mind will explore with the audience whether the human interactions responsible for this planetary crisis can be modelled meaningfully using complex systems science.
Speaker
Penny SackettDistinguished Honorary Professor at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions