Complex Systems and Energy

Dealing with the energy transformations of living systems such as human societies requires adopting a ‘complex systems thinking’ approach in order to handle the systemic problems of conventional energy analysis. This was the rationale behind the emergence of a new formulation of energetics based on a transdisciplinary approach to science. This article provides an overview of innovative theoretical concepts that can be integrated to build a ‘complex energetics’ and of alternative analytical tools able to generate effective analysis of the energetics of complex systems. The revolution in ‘complex energetics’ suggests that a more general ‘complexity revolution’ in sustainability sciences is possible.

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