Impact Trust • Working glossary
Positive / self-reinforcing feedback loop
A feedback loop where effects amplify themselves – crisis in one system worsens another, which worsens the first. A vicious cycle.
Details
Our Take
Confusing because 'positive' sounds good; in systems science it means amplifying (which can be good or bad). 'Self-reinforcing' or 'vicious cycle' avoids the confusion. Central to the polycrisis concept. The key loops: the doom loop (climate-fiscal), the derailment spiral (climate-political), and on the positive side, hope spirals.
Examples of Use
Systems science, Cascade Institute
Synonyms/Variants
Vicious cycle; Virtuous cycle; Amplifying feedback; Runaway dynamic
Typical everyday wording
A cyclr where effects amplify themselves.
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