Imagine the Earth as a product. 

Countries are individual printed circuit boards (PCBs). Each PCB has its unique set of characteristics and functions with various connections between them.

Companies and organizations are the microchips. They have their unique set of functions and roles, and they play an integral role in the functioning of society and the Earth.

People are represented as small components on the PCBs. Some people might act as resistors, opposing certain actions, while others act as capacitors, storing and later releasing resource. 

The Earth's operating systems are released with each new generation of people inhabiting it. Each generation builds upon the previous one. Software updates are analogous to policies and regulations aimed to address new and old challenges and opportunities as they arise.