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In an interconnected world, some challenges seem insurmountable. Issues like climate change and economic inequality persist despite extensive efforts to address them. These problems are not solved by isolated fixes, they are called ‘wicked problems’ - complex, messy, and resist simple solutions.

Matthew Grimes, at , explores how a systems thinking approach can help tackle these pressing global challenges.

‘Wicked Problems is a useful way of understanding the interdependencies between social problems,’ explains Professor Grimes, ‘Addressing it requires zooming out and seeing the ways in which the world and these various social problems, and even the interventions we impose on those problems, are deeply integrated and intertwined.’

What is Systems Thinking?

At its core, systems thinking means looking at issues as parts of an interconnected network. Instead of breaking a problem into isolated pieces, it calls for understanding the whole system. This approach helps uncover hidden relationships and long-term effects that simple cause-and-effect thinking might overlook.

‘By trying to isolate individual problems and the independent effects, you can ignore these interdependencies. And in some cases, even the best intentions may result in negative outcomes overall,’ says Professor Grimes. 

Understanding the Butterfly Effect

One of the most well-known ideas in systems thinking is the butterfly effect—the concept that small actions can lead to major, often unpredictable consequences. The term was coined by meteorologist Edward Lorenz, who asked:

“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?”

While the question is theoretical, the idea behind it is highly relevant in today’s world. Small decisions—whether political, environmental, or economic—can lead to wide-reaching ripple effects.

“The butterfly effect speaks to the importance of systems thinking,” notes Grimes.

For example, a community-driven recycling program may seem like a minor initiative, but over time, it can reduce landfill waste, lower pollution, and even shift corporate policies. Conversely, unchecked deforestation in one region can lead to biodiversity loss, disrupted weather patterns, and global climate instability.

Learning Systems Thinking

Developing a systems-thinking mindset from an early age is essential to tackling today’s interconnected challenges. Professor Matthew Grimes believes this skillset can be cultivated at all levels of education.

‘I’m convinced this starts with early-stage education. You can have these conversations at a primary school level, we can show children the actions we take in the world can have immediate causal effects and then also anticipated consequences. So even at that basic level, understanding the way the world is connected.’

As students’ progress, early foundations prepare student to engage with larger, more complex systems, with higher education playing a critical role in fostering mindsets that approach problems from a broader perspective.

‘There are increasing business opportunities for people who are holistically minded.’

‘Universities need to embrace new tech, machine learning and AI, that allow us to map out complexity in ways the human brain is cognitively limited. It has not evolved to think in terms of these wide scale interdependencies and non-linear effects.’

For today’s business leaders, adopting a systems thinking approach can provide a strategic advantage—offering deeper insights into risk management, unintended consequences, and long-term sustainability.

‘We need to be thinking about integration, and ways of embracing complexity – rather than oversimplifying the world around us,’ says Grimes.  

Professor Matt Grimes visited �����Ʊ Centre for Social Impact as part of a continued partnership with at the