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can be interpreted as separate open systems that
are interconnected in multiple ways composing
thus the global social system including the entire
Earth. According to the authors, a fundamental
problem is that the control of the subsystems is
much more straightforward and effective than
that of the global system and the aims to be
achieved are also different. This does not mean,
however, that tendentiousness and effectiveness
in the subsystems are beneficial for sustainable
development; moreover, a strong centralised
leadership could have particularly retrograde
effects as well.
Consequently, humanity will only be able to
realise sustainable development if the international
and national institutional systems are developed
continuously (including the global civil society
and local civil organisations as well) while global
production and consumption are controlled effectively, the aims to be achieved are harmonized
and the global social system is made more
humane, balanced and environmental friendly.
2 Structure and Operation of Systems, Models of the Global Earth System