Tracing Carbon: Visualization for Systems Thinking

Abstract

Systems thinking is fundamental for understanding complex problems. Addressing twenty-first century challenges like climate change requires comprehending how different components of Earth systems influence each other. The carbon cycle, crucial to our planet’s climate system, is a powerful context for helping the rising generation develop systems thinking skills. Traditional 2-D static images often fail to convey the complexities of the carbon cycle, making it challenging for learners. These representations do not communicate dynamic features of the carbon cycle, such as its multiple scales and interconnected processes. We hypothesize that interactive visualization can aid learning by enabling dynamic exploration and consideration of human impacts, thereby fostering systems thinking.