How do human-made systems compare to natural ones?

Human-made systems are often less efficient, more wasteful, and less sustainable than natural systems.

Human-made systems, also known as artificial systems, are designed and created by humans to serve specific purposes. These can range from simple tools to complex structures like cities or global economic systems. Natural systems, on the other hand, have evolved over millions of years and include ecosystems, weather patterns, and the human body.

One key difference between the two is efficiency. Natural systems are incredibly efficient. They have evolved over millions of years to maximise the use of resources and energy. For example, in an ecosystem, almost nothing goes to waste. Dead plants and animals are decomposed by bacteria and fungi, returning nutrients to the soil to be used by new life. In contrast, human-made systems are often less efficient. For example, our energy production systems lose a significant amount of energy as waste heat. This is explained further in the laws of thermodynamics.

Another difference is in the area of waste production. Natural systems produce little to no waste, as waste products are often used as resources for other organisms. In contrast, human-made systems often produce a significant amount of waste that is not reused or recycled. This waste can cause pollution and other environmental problems. For example, the waste produced by industrial processes can contaminate air, water, and soil.

Sustainability is another area where natural and human-made systems differ. Natural systems are inherently sustainable, as they have evolved to survive and thrive over long periods of time. They are resilient and can adapt to changes in their environment. On the other hand, many human-made systems are not sustainable. They deplete resources faster than they can be replenished and can cause long-term damage to the environment. For example, our current patterns of energy use and consumption are not sustainable, as they rely heavily on non-renewable resources and contribute to climate change. To better understand sustainability in this context, see the page on the definition of sustainability.

In conclusion, while human-made systems can be incredibly complex and innovative, they often fall short of the efficiency, waste minimisation, and sustainability seen in natural systems. This comparison highlights the importance of learning from and mimicking natural systems in our designs and processes, an approach known as biomimicry. For a more comprehensive understanding of these systems, visit the introduction to systems.