Limits to Growth

Chapter 5: Limits to Growth in Technological Systems

Learning Objectives:

• Understand carrying capacity and resource constraints
• Recognize S-curves in technology adoption
• Identify sustainable vs. unsustainable growth patterns

Key Topics:

• Limits to Growth archetype
• Exponential growth meeting constraints
• Resource limitations in digital systems
• Sustainability in AI development

Interactive CLD Examples:

• Data center energy consumption
• Computing power vs. environmental impact
• Social media attention economy limits
• AI training computational requirements

Applications:

• Climate change and technology
• Sustainable AI development
• Digital addiction and mental health