The environment from a systems viewpoint

Abstract

The scientific method has been the touchstone of success in man's efforts to improve his condition relative to his environment. Reductionism has been a powerful tool in technological development. But technological capacity to modify the environment far outstrips man's ability to predict the consequences of those modifications. Systems analysis is a technique of synthesis and as such can provide a powerful tool for preventing adverse environmental effects and for suggesting methods to restore degraded environments. Until enough information becomes available to effectively utilize systems analysis in planning activities affecting the environment, man should recognize his limitations and “tread softly.” In order to avoid continued and irreversible damage, development of large and diverse areas of unspoiled land should be prohibited in recognition of the fact that balanced and diverse natural ecosystems are a necessary and integral part of man's life support system and in recognition of our ignorance regarding the capacity of that system to withstand modification.