Drivers, "Slow" Variables, "Fast" Variables, Shocks, and Resilience

Abstract

Different uses of the terms "drivers," "variables," and "shocks" cause confusion in the literature and in discussions on the dynamics of ecosystems and social-ecological systems. Three main sources of confusion are unclear definition of the system, unclear definition of the role of people, and confusion between variables and drivers. As a contribution to resolving some of the confusion, we offer one interpretation of how the terms might be used.

Keywords

• drivers
• fast variables
• resilience
• shocks
• slow variables
• social&#8211
• ecological systems