The Adaptive Cycle

The Adaptive Cycle is a natural process describing how ecosystems and systems change over time through four stages: growth, conservation, collapse, and reorganization. Initially, resources build up as the system develops (growth), then become stable and connected (conservation). Eventually, the system faces a disturbance or stress leading to breakdown (collapse). Finally, it reorganizes into a new form, often with new connections and possibilities. This cycle repeats, allowing systems to adapt, recover, and evolve in response to environmental changes, promoting resilience and long-term sustainability.