Adaptive Cycle

The Adaptive Cycle is a way to understand how complex systems like ecosystems, economies, or communities change and evolve over time. It describes four phases: growth and exploration (r), conservation and stability (K), release or renewal (Ω), and reorganization (α). Systems expand, become more connected, then sometimes face a crisis or disturbance that causes them to release old energy and reorganize. This cycle repeats, allowing systems to adapt, recover, and develop new structures. It highlights that change, disturbance, and renewal are natural parts of a system’s life, enabling resilience and long-term sustainability.