In this chapter we studied accumulations and the role they play in creating delays and non-linear relationships. We saw that accumulations are responsible for many of the complexities we face in the world around us. They were at the heart of causality in the two main examples we saw in this chapter – overfishing and climate change. We practiced drawing stock and flow structures and simulating them with compter software. We also learnt new bathtub thinking skills that help us understand how stocks grow and fall over time.
In the next chapter we will be taking a closer look at commonly observed systemic structures that help us quickly understand complex situations and find leverage points to make a lasting impact.