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The concept of a 'positive feedback loop' refers to a process in which the effects of an action are amplified, leading to further changes in the same direction. This phenomenon can occur in various systems, including ecological, biological, and even social systems. In a positive feedback loop, the output of a process enhances the process itself, resulting in accelerated change.

For example, in environmental contexts, if a particular change leads to conditions that further promote that change (such as increased carbon dioxide levels leading to higher temperatures, which then result in more carbon dioxide being released), the system experiences a continuous and intensified shift. This characteristic makes it distinct from stabilizing mechanisms, which aim to maintain equilibrium, or methods that focus on enhancing efficiency or reducing waste, as those do not capture the essence of amplification inherent in positive feedback loops.