Exponential growth

We often hear people talk about things growing exponentially – but exponential growth is growth at a specific rate. The dictionary.com definition is:

“Growth of a system in which the amount being added to the system is proportional to the amount already present: the bigger the system is, the greater the increase.”

We see an example of exponential growth in Covid-19 and the way it has spread through the population. In January, the number of infected cases was growing – but the number of cases were only in double figures at that time, so the growth was relatively low. However, once the number of cases had reached 5 or 6 figures, the growth was huge – because the growth was exponential.

Another example, which is more difficult to see, is the impact on the environment of economic growth over the past 50 years or so. As far as the planet is concerned, people are the virus which is growing out of control.

The good news is that the solution – for Covid-19 and for the environment’s health – can also grow exponentially. It requires substantial effort to turn things around – like an oil tanker! – but once it gains traction, and everyone gets on board, the future starts to look a lot better for the planet and the people.

Think of it as ripples in a pond. Small actions can have big consequences.

Thank you to Wayne Visser for the idea for this post – from a recent “Purpose Inspired Daily Reflection”.