In this diagram, I am attempting to show the relationship between environmental and personal health. Looking at the overall situation from a systems perspective, one is able to conclude that positive environmental changes will either directly or indirectly lead to healthier people. Through numerous connections, a specific environment may even be able to positively affect global health patterns. Marten’s diagram and mine both show relationships between ecosystems and social systems. Both display the way humans treat ecosystems comes back in the long run. The diagram I created is much more specific, as it focuses on the Biogas revolution in India. Marten’s diagram seems very general and would accurately represent situations in a number of locations.

My diagram also focuses on only positive outcomes, while Marten’s is somewhat seamless in that it doesn’t note negative or positive relationships. This makes it a very strong, typically relatable diagram. Similarly, both diagrams highlight air, water and plants. I find it interesting how Marten was able to incorporate topics like social organization and values, while still maintaining the relationship between social systems and ecosystems. Overall, we want to spread the same message, that the way communities handle the environment does matter. This is especially true in less industrialized nations where day-to-day survival depends on the environment. And while Marten’s diagram is exceptionally well done, mine is more useful in highlighting small, direct relationships in ecosystems and social systems.