Subject: SD in the news

Posted by Lees N. Stuntz on 12/4/2009

Message:

Dear All,

Although this is a bit off topic for our K-12 discussion, I thought these were worth mentioning. They certainly would stimulate some great discussions if used in classrooms! If anyone does so, please tell us how it worked.

I, for one, am encouraged that the use of system dynamics is becoming more a part of our discourse. The National Geographic article, referenced by John Sterman, other mentions of feedback loops, stocks and what builds and depletes them in the media, and the work many in the SD community are doing to create a simulator (C-ROADS) to utilize system dynamics to address global warming issues. One of the latest examples of these bits of light ( appropriate for the season ; ) is on MSNBC news. The news program shows a feedback diagram based on the war in Afghanistan which seems to come from a system dynamics model built by PA Consulting (well-known consulting firm which has employed and still employs quite a number of active and well-versed SD professionals). Although the show itself has a mocking tone about the diagram, what is being mocked is complexity, which already exists in the situation. No matter how you are looking at the situation, in my opinion, the fact that they are using the most appropriate tool for looking at a complex social situation is heartening.

Here are some links, both to the newest in C-ROADS ( from Drew Jones) and the MSNBC news link to see what you think.

From Drew:

We're thrilled to launch a new online tool that gives you and others with the desire for a strong global climate treaty a way to contribute to success in Copenhagen – the Climate Scoreboard.

The link to the Scoreboard: http://climatescoreboard.org

The Climate Scoreboard is an embeddable widget that you and your friends and colleagues can include in blogs, websites, Facebook pages, press releases, newsletters, and more. It shows the Score -- expected temperature in 2100 if current proposals in the global climate negotiations were fully implemented.
When country proposals to the UN change, a team in Copenhagen will immediately update the analysis using the C-ROADS simulator. In real time, around the world, wherever it is posted, the Scoreboard will automatically update – showing both the progress that has been realized and the effort still required to achieve the goal.
Imagine the effect on Copenhagen if millions of global citizens were clear and articulate about the gap between what we WANT and WHERE WE ARE HEADED!!! Forward this thing vigorously.
The link to the Scoreboard: http://climatescoreboard.org
The slick 4 minute video on the Scoreboard: http://www.vimeo.com/7901109
And a blog post about it: http://climateinteractive.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/climate-scoreboard-cop15-widget/
Our press release (please forward to media contacts): http://bit.ly/51rF1C


About Afghanistan:

Video link to MSNBS news:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34248277#34248277


Link to look at the feedback map called “The full presentation that includes the Spirograph strategy map.” under "From the Web".
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28314808/

Take care,
Lees

Follow Ups:

SD in the news - Michael Round 12/4/2009 
SD in the news - Dan Chay 12/4/2009
SD in the news - Bill Rathborne 12/4/2009
SD in the news - Dan Chay 12/5/2009
SD in the news - Tim Joy 12/7/2009
SD in the news - Bill Rathborne 12/4/2009
SD in the news - Ed Johnson 12/4/2009 
SD in the news - Bill Rathborne 12/4/2009 
SD in the news - Bill Braun 12/4/2009