According to past schools of thought, when changes are introduced in a system (e.g. society), it is unavoidably brought back to equilibrium by means of new levels and types of exchange. A linear rationality of the cause-effect processes and a deterministic certainty of problem solving are evident in these ways of thinking.
Nowadays this concept of equilibrium appears to be simplistic and no longer able to explain change with respect to the theories of chaos, complexity and uncertainty.
According to the latter, human beings should be aware of the impacts of their choices on an ecosystem and should look for multiple options and alternatives of change (precautionary principle).