Systemic thinking from a scientific and spiritual perspective

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to enhance awareness and foment the concept of "eco-citizenship" within today's students in higher education. Design/methodology/approach -The paper takes the form of a literature review on environmental issues and spiritual thinking, student reports, discussion. Findings -The paper's three main findings are: the need to develop educational methodologies that allow students to become advocates of a new society and way of thinking is insufficiently addressed so far; exposing students to such learning triggers a factual mindset change; and faculty and student engagement on matters of spirituality and environmental issues is becoming pivotal in a period where natural resource limitations in conjunction with overpopulation are stressing ecological systems to a threshold where it cannot be sustainable any further. Research limitations/implications -Further implementation of similar courses, and monitoring of students' long-term behavioral changes are suggested to verify if such courses trigger a domino effect in terms of the emergence of the "eco-citizen". Originality/value -This was the first time that such an educational approach was employed, where students not only critically investigated the course material in respect to environmental science and spirituality but also became facilitators to their own community, assisting in the development of good citizenship and enhancement of responsibility. It is clear to the authors that community interaction is very important in the curriculum design as the working ground to bring real world experience to the classroom as well as for the development of environmental and spiritual awareness. Based on the students' community activities and personal comments, in regard to the course focus and its effectiveness in changing their attitudes towards a more sustainable way of living, it was demonstrated that the course was successful.

Design of Village Land Multipurpose Model for Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas

“…This influence extends beyond local life, contributing to global well-being. Ecology, originating from the Greek word 'oikos,' meaning home, is the study of various organisms in a cycle where interdependence among each part is fundamental to their existence [11]. The ecological approach began gaining popularity in the 1970s when economists argued that the available natural resources created potential constraints on growth [12], [13].…”

“…The ecological crisis has led us to question traditional educational methods that seem inadequate to bring about the necessary changes for developing a sustainable society because merely teaching the scientific aspects of ecology is not enough. This crisis cannot be addressed solely through information and knowledge but requires a change in mindset [11]. Shaping that can be supported by implementing education according to the needs of the community.…”

Corporate responsibility, supply chain management and strategy

“…Emerging competition between food, fodder, and energy production via biomass -and its direct and indirect repercussions (Rosillo-Calle and Johnson, 2010) -has begun to exacerbate the situation in certain regions (Gold, 2011). Overall, the challenge of sustainable food production and provision is endangering the delicate balance of our ecosystem and hence human well-being (MA, 2005;Allevato and Marques, 2011) or even survival (Rockström et al, 2009). Anthropogenic environmental degradation (for example of soil and water) has direct repercussions on socio-cultural and economic living conditions in both the developing and industrialized world.…”