1.2.10—Positive feedback loops

Positive feedback reinforces an initial change, so the affected variable moves farther in the same direction.

Trace change → reinforcing response → larger change. ‘Positive’ means self-amplifying, not beneficial; the variable can rise or fall.

Warming melts reflective ice, exposes dark water, increases absorption and causes more warming and melting.

Positive feedback: the decline reinforces itself.

Positive does not mean good or increasing; it means amplifying the initial direction.