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Population Causal Loop Diagram

Population CLD

  • The diagram shows the classic population dynamics with two competing feedback loops

Run the Population CLD Viewer

Structure:

  • This is a horizontal wide landscape layout with all nodes at y=100
  • Population is a store placed at the center (300, 100)
  • Birth Rate is position to the left (100, 100)
  • Death Rate is position to the right (500, 100)
  • A Reinforcing loop is in the center of the left birth loop at (200, 100)
  • A Balancing loop is in the center of the right death loop at (400, 100)

Two Clockwise Loops:

  1. Reinforcing Loop (R): Population → Birth Rate → Population
    • More population enables more births, which increases population further
    • This creates exponential growth potential
  2. Balancing Loop (B): Population → Death Rate → Population
    • More population means more potential deaths, which reduces population
    • This provides a natural balancing effect

Key Relationships:

  • Population enables both births (more potential parents) and deaths (larger pool subject to mortality)
  • Births add to population (+), deaths subtract from population (-)
  • The interaction between these loops determines overall population growth patterns

The diagram includes comprehensive educational content, scenarios (like baby booms vs. population decline), and leverage points for understanding how to influence population dynamics. This represents a fundamental systems thinking model that's used in demographics, ecology, and sustainability studies.