• climate change,  Gary,  publications

    The complexity of climate change and the need for policies of resilience

    Forthcoming in the Journal on Policy and Complex Systems *** Abstract:  The challenges presented by climate change may be the most complex issues humans have faced.  It is critical to capture that complexity in ways that can be understood across disciplines.  Equally daunting is the task of developing policies which can translate into actions.  Scientifically, humans need to cease all use of fossil fuels as soon as possible.  Feasibly, that could wreak havoc on global economies.  This paper explores the design of policies which could move human societies towards resilient and biophysically sustainable systems.  The petrochemical industry is considered as an example for change. Introduction There is arguably no more…

  • climate change,  Gary,  publications

    Complex systems science whitepaper (excerpts)

    There are numerous, in-depth reports about climate change from scientific communities and governmental committees.  Some of the most prominent are listed at the end of this paper.  Many reports detail the causes and outcomes of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and rising atmospheric temperatures.  Others, such as the 2018 special report by the IPCC, provide detailed scenarios for potential mitigation (slowing or ceasing CO2 emissions within given timeframes) and interventions (such as removing CO2 from the atmosphere.)  Due to the extent of existing climate science, this paper will focus on issues related to next steps, particularly with respect to human use of energy.  What would it mean to cease use of fossil…