Dynamic systems are complex and in a constant state of flux. Understanding them, let alone trying to predict behaviors and outcomes, is a challenging but vital skill if one is to accurately observe reality and assess, plan, and design for sustainability. Exceptional systems thinkers are talented at observing the complexity…

The World’s Best Systems Thinkers: Part 1 Systems thinking is this generation’s lifebuoy. It’s the only way to accurately observe our world, assess its complexity, and design and implement sustainable solutions. Our long-term survival depends upon it. This article is part one of a two-part series that explores some of…

Moving beyond impact investing toward a systemic approach — To realize a sustainable society, we need to address our bruised environmental and economic systems in their entirety. For that to happen, vast and profound systemic changes must take place. Impact investing has offered us a lifeline and is experiencing rapid and unforeseen growth. …

Unexpected predictions from the military and insurance industry on the effects of climate change — We continue to face unprecedented droughts, wildfires, and flooding. All the while, our leaders and media pundits continue to spout contradictions that reinforce confusion. …

On the evening of the 13th of November 2021, Alok Sharma, the acting president for COP26, the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, proudly declared that history had been made in Glasgow. …

Voedselproductie in de droogste gebieden van onze planeet is altijd al moeilijk geweest, maar in de afgelopen decennia is dit probleem uitgegroeid tot een ernstige voedselcrisis. Gebieden met een zeer droog klimaat zoals de Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) worden steeds meer geconfronteerd met de uitputting van ondergrondse zoetwaterbronnen, de toenemende…

“Starting to work with Except was a love-in-the-times-of-Covid kind of a situation”, smiles Eranda Janku. A fresh addition to the team, Eranda took up the role of urban and spatial planner. She bridges her professional and academic experience to come up with improved theoretical and practical tools for researchers and…

The latest happenings show us that people, companies, cities, and entire countries are moving forward, realizing the importance of this planet where we live, our only home. In this edition, we celebrate holistic approaches and examples of goodwill which show us that another economy and society is not only possible…

When Jacob Verhaart was little, his favorite word was “why?”. That condition never got better. Jacob is Except’s Head of Research. An industrial ecologist and engineer, Jacob knows everything about energy and material flows, urban metabolism, impact and life cycle assessment, and the circular economy, with a particular love for…