Donella Meadows (1941-2001) was an American scientist, educator, and writer widely recognized for her work in the field of environmental sustainability and systems thinking. As a prominent figure in the sustainability movement, Meadows dedicated her career to advocating for solutions to global issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and poverty.
Meadows is best known for her groundbreaking book, "The Limits to Growth," published in 1972, which highlighted the environmental consequences of exponential economic growth on a finite planet. The book, written in collaboration with the Club of Rome, sparked a global discussion and debate on sustainability and established Meadows as a leading voice in the field.
In addition to her work on sustainability, Meadows was an influential proponent of systems thinking, an interdisciplinary approach that views the world as a complex interconnected system. Her contributions to this field included the development of the framework known as "The Twelve Leverage Points to Intervene in a System," which identified key areas where strategic intervention could lead to the greatest impact for positive change.
Throughout her career, Donella Meadows inspired countless individuals through her writing, teaching, and activism. Her emphasis on the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems has shaped the way we understand and approach sustainability, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.
