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From Classroom to Food Systems: Enhancing Gen Z's Systems Thinking for Sustainable Solutions

As we navigate the challenges of a rapidly growing global population and a changing food system, the importance of nurturing a future workforce that can think critically and systemically has never been more important. Systems thinking offers a powerful lens through which students in agricultural and natural resource fields can not only understand but also innovate within the complex global food system. This skill is essential for developing solutions that balance human needs with environmental sustainability, enabling us to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. I'm excited to share research from an amazing team I worked with on this important topic.

Agriculture

Understanding the Intersection of Systems Thinking and Green Consumption Values:

  • High Engagement with Systems Thinking: Most respondents indicated that they engage in systems thinking, particularly in understanding event sequences and the dynamic nature of systems, which reflects Gen Z’s inclination towards innovation.

  • Moderate Alignment with Green Consumption Values: While students recognize the importance of not harming the environment, their actual purchasing behaviors show less alignment with green values, likely influenced by financial constraints typical of college life.

  • Correlation Between Systems Thinking and Green Values: The study found a mild association between systems thinking and green consumption values, suggesting a nuanced relationship that warrants deeper exploration.


Challenges and Future Directions:

  • Enhancing Educational Approaches: There is a need to adapt educational strategies to better integrate systems thinking and green consumption, potentially through experiential learning that mirrors real-world complexities.

  • Addressing Financial Constraints: Recognizing the financial limitations of students, it's suggested that practical applications of green values be incorporated into learning, making sustainability more accessible regardless of economic status.

  • Expanding Research and Understanding: Further studies should continue to work with to better understand the relationships between student backgrounds and how these influence systems thinking and sustainability values.


This research underscores the importance of cultivating systems thinking among students, particularly in fields related to agriculture and environmental sciences. By aligning educational outcomes with the principles of sustainability and systems thinking, we can better prepare students to tackle the complex issues facing our global food systems. The integration of these competencies is not just beneficial for individual career readiness but for the food system as well. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to learn more. Please share your insights using the comments.



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