"Individual accountability is not a substitute for systemic change."
~ Jamie Arpin-Ricci, Writer, activist, & community pastor
understanding the path toward systems change
"System change not climate change" is a slogan often seen on climate action protest signs. But what does this mean?
Many activists are convinced that the challenges posed by climate change can only be addressed with fundamental changes in our economic, social, and political systems. This usually happens through the active collaboration of diverse people and organizations working toward shared goals of lasting improvement to problems at a local, national, and global level.
Understanding climate change as a systemic problem requires looking at huge "causal loops" of many interactions. Farming systems and natural systems, systems of building and transportation, imbalances of power and money, human beliefs and behaviors, and especially human relationships -- all are closely interconnected.
Many activists are convinced that the challenges posed by climate change can only be addressed with fundamental changes in our economic, social, and political systems. This usually happens through the active collaboration of diverse people and organizations working toward shared goals of lasting improvement to problems at a local, national, and global level.
Understanding climate change as a systemic problem requires looking at huge "causal loops" of many interactions. Farming systems and natural systems, systems of building and transportation, imbalances of power and money, human beliefs and behaviors, and especially human relationships -- all are closely interconnected.
When we view our challenges as "systemic," we recognize climate challenges involve a lot of moving parts -- that are deeply interconnected. It is usually not possible to fix any one part without at the same time fixing others. And most of these problems require quite different kinds of "fixes" and various tactics.
Understanding this shifts our view away from blaming ourselves, or corporate greed, or another range of bad actors. We cannot effect meaningful change by merely demanding that somebody do something and do it now. Instead, we focus on analyzing the systems and corresponding dynamics, pinpointing key leverage points and the changes needed to effect new outcomes.
Fortunately, we have many good examples of how to effect change. And that's what we'll look at here: the inspiring stories of answers that actually change the systems -- and the right kinds of strategies and actions for getting these new answers into place. Click on any of the website images below to find opportunities for hopeful engagement with systems change initiatives being replicated around the world. Or for deeper dive into systems change theory, click here for a landmark article on the levers of system change and here for a guide for action learning exercises to accompany the article
Understanding this shifts our view away from blaming ourselves, or corporate greed, or another range of bad actors. We cannot effect meaningful change by merely demanding that somebody do something and do it now. Instead, we focus on analyzing the systems and corresponding dynamics, pinpointing key leverage points and the changes needed to effect new outcomes.
Fortunately, we have many good examples of how to effect change. And that's what we'll look at here: the inspiring stories of answers that actually change the systems -- and the right kinds of strategies and actions for getting these new answers into place. Click on any of the website images below to find opportunities for hopeful engagement with systems change initiatives being replicated around the world. Or for deeper dive into systems change theory, click here for a landmark article on the levers of system change and here for a guide for action learning exercises to accompany the article
Connections, Inspiration and Solutions
Systems Change Lab
Systems Change Lab was formed to campaign for systems change, monitor system change globally, and identify key drivers of systems change and share lessons learned. Their website is an amazing trove of research and resources.
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The next systems project
CAmong the deepest, most well-informed and systematic reflections from leading thinkers, developing over the last decade, and focused on the specific systems changes necessary for a livable future and how these are showing up as emerging solutions, new kinds of social relationships, and envisioned futures.
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Catalyst 2030
Catalyst 2030 is a global movement of people and organizations with a stated commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) by 2030. Their website offers excellent resources for learning about systems change.
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Green house think tank
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Re-amp network
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system change not climate change
System Change not Climate Change is a non-profit network of North American eco-socialists united in the belief that capitalism is driving climate change and that a radical international grassroots movement can stop it. SCNCC believes the climate justice movement will unite with the labor movement, First Nations/indigenous and other struggles for liberation to create an alternative to the upside down world shaped by fossil fuels and corporate power.
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