Support

Support Options

Submit a Support Ticket

 
You are here: Topics › Integrated Environmental Modeling

Integrated Environmental Modeling

Table of Contents

Tags

How does this all fit together?

A horse of a different color? or Different Names for the same thing…

In any of these definitions, “integrated” typically conveys a message of multi- or interdisciplinarity, and “assessment” a message of policy relevance [1]. Whereas “modeling” can indicate the development and/or application of simulation models.

Modeling

Integrated Modeling

A systems analysis-based approach to environmental assessment. It includes a set of interdependent science based components (models, data, and assessment methods) that together form the basis for constructing an appropriate modeling system. The constructed modeling system is capable of simulating the environmental relationships relevant to a well specified problem statement [2], [3].

Integrated Assessment

The two defining characteristics of integrated assessment are (a) that it seeks to provide information of use to some significant decision maker rather than merely advancing understanding for its own sake; and (b) that it brings together a broader set of areas, methods, styles of study, or degrees of certainty, than would typically characterize a study of the same issue within the bounds of a single research discipline. Briefly, integrated assessments link research to policy[4], [5], [6].

Integrated Assessment Modeling

Integrated assessment modeling is an analytical approach that brings together knowledge from a variety of disciplinary sources to describe the cause-effect relationships by studying the relevant interactions and cross-linkages. Recently, it has been applied to complex environmental issues; bringing together natural science, social science and economic dimensions[7], [8].

Integrated Environmental Modeling

Integrated environmental modeling is a discipline of developing a system of models where models from two or more academic disciplines are integrated such that they behave like a unit to external stimuli. At least one of the models in the system is from environmental domain while others may come from other academic disciplines such as socio-economic domain. The models integrated into the system are usually developed in complete isolation from each other. Three main approaches are used for model integration: use of a software package called model integration framework such as FRAMES, following a set of model integration standards, specifications, and conventions such as OpenMI, or hard-wiring of models without following any established standards.

Decision Making

Integrated Environmental Decision Making

Integrated decision-making is a natural progression from fragmented approaches for protecting human health and the environment. Integrated thinking about complex environmental problems is at the core of this concept. The process also includes integrating resources and analyses to address the problems as they occur in the real world, and integrating input from the public and interested and affected parties[9].

Integrated Environmental Strategies

The IES approach enables local researchers to quantify the co-benefits that could be derived from implementing policy, technology, and infrastructure measures to reduce air pollutants and GHG emissions. Thus, integrating environmental models with economic and health effect models to conduct a cost-benefits analysis of pollution control measures[10].

Citations

  1. Tol, R. S. J. and P. Vellinga. 1998. The European Forum on Integrated Environmental Assessment. Environ. Model. Assess. 3(3): 181-191.
  2. EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). 2008. Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making. EPA-100-R-08-010. Washington, DC. Office of the Science Advisor. http://www.epa.gov/CREM/library/IM4IEDM_White_Paper_Final_(EPA100R08010).pdf
  3. EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). 2009. Guidance on the Development, Evaluation, and Application of Environmental Models. EPA/100/K-09/003. Washington, DC. Office of the Science Advisor. PDF
  4. Parson, E. A. 1995. Integrated assessment and environmental policy making: In pursuit of usefulness. Energy Policy 23(4-5): 463-475.
  5. Weyant, J. P., O. Davidson, H. Dowlatabadi, J. A. Edmonds, M. Grubb, E. A. Parson, R. Richels, J. Rotmans, P. R. Shukla, R. S. J. Tol, W. R. Cline and S. Fankhauser 1996. Integrated assessment of climate change: An overview and comparison of approaches and results. In. Climate Change 1995: Economic and Social Dimensions of Climate Change Contribution of Working Group III to the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Eds. J. P. Bruce, H. Lee and E. F. Haites New York City, NY. Cambridge University Press. 368-396.
  6. Jakeman, A. J. and R. A. Letcher. 2003. Integrated assessment and modelling: features, principles and examples for catchment management. Environ. Model. Software 18(6): 491-501.
  7. Rotmans, J. and M. B. A. van Asselt. 2001. Uncertainty Management in Integrated Assessment Modeling: Towards a Pluralistic Approach. Environ. Monit. Assess. 69(2): 101-130.
  8. Rosenberg, N. J. and J. A. Edmonds. 2005. Climate Change Impacts for the Conterminous USA: An Integrated Assessment: From Mink to the ‘Lower 48’. Climatic Change 69(1): 1-6.
  9. EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2000. Toward Integrated Environmental Decision-making. EPA-SAB-EC-00-011. Washington, DC. Science Advisory Board. PDF
  10. EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). 2004. The Integrated Environmental Strategies Handbook. EPA430-B-04-006. Washington, DC. Office of Air and Radiation. PDF

Created on 29 Apr 2010, Last modified on 13 Oct 2010