One cannot separate the environment from humanity -- ecological and systems theories are holistic.
Systems theory - This theory is an interdisciplinary practice that describes systems that have numerous spokes, or interacting components. The basic laws of thermodynamics (i.e. temperature, energy and entropy) work better for closed systems. Open systems, like living things, show different patterns and tendencies.
Diffusion of innovation theory - . The theory holds that diffusion is a process in which innovation is communicated through certain levels or channels over time and mitigated by whether the decision is made freely and who makes the decision.
Human impact on the environment then -- changes the system -- it is an artifact and thus in design and technology operates on a different set of laws than science.
In contrast to traditional science that searches for a one true law, environmental theory tries to understand the subject that changes and alters through and during the process of studying it.
However, we do not have the knowledge to know what changes may occur in the long-term based on subtle environmental impacts.
Environment change has an impact on the range of future choices -- every change expands and restricts options.
There are numerous multidisciplinary implications to combining the theory of man the maker and man the responder -- mostly in the socio-political realm
The only way to bridge this gap is to continue to acquire data; synthesize that data into knowledge, and increase our abilities. Without this, future generations may not have the same opportunities as we.
Source:
Lawton, M., et.al., (1982). Aging and the Environment- Theoretical Approaches. New York:
Springer.
