Framing environmental indicators: moving from causal chains to causal networks |
| |
Authors: | David Niemeijer Rudolf S de Groot |
| |
Institution: | (1) Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands |
| |
Abstract: | In recent years, there has been a boom in environmental assessment reports utilizing environmental indicators. Most of these
publications are based on the casual chain frameworks (e.g., Pressure–State–Response (PSR), Driving force–State–Response (DSR),
and Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR)). These frameworks have made an important contribution by emphasising
the importance of causality. However, the reliance on simple uni-directional chains is at the same time not very conducive
to a good understanding of the complexity of the processes behind environmental indicators. This limits the usefulness of
these frameworks for environmental (impact) assessments. In this paper we propose an enhanced DPSIR (eDPSIR) framework for
environmental indicators that takes inter-relations of indicators into account by relying on the use of causal networks rather
than causal chains. It will be shown how the concept of causal networks can increase insight into the inter-relation of environmental
issues and associated indicators, can facilitate the identification of key indicators for particular kinds of questions, and
can provide a useful first step to the establishment of dose–response functions. Working with causal networks can contribute
to more appropriate environmental policies and better management decisions. |
| |
Keywords: | Causal-chain DPSIR framework Environmental assessment Environmental impact assessment Environmental indicators Indicator framework PSR framework |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|