Using new approaches to environmental decision-making: An application of integrated assessment methods to water resource issues in the binational Lower Rio Grande basin
This article examines a unique application of integrated assessment methodologies to analyze water scarcity, development and the environment in the semi-arid Lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo watershed. US and Mexican data are analyzed to produce an integrated baseline report of current socio-economic, ecological, water supply and demand, water quality, and management conditions and trends. The baseline report provides the basis for subsequent analysis of alternative future scenarios for the region. Scenarios are developed by combining demographic projections with alternatives for future water availability, irrigation technologies, and management practices. The integrated assessment methodology is evaluated as a general tool for environmental decision-making. Problems encountered in applying the methodology are discussed, as are possibilities for improvements. The article concludes that, despite inherent difficulties, integrated assessments can provide a powerful framework by which to analyze complex environmental issues involving different disciplines and large amounts of information.
- Research Organization:
- Houston Advanced Research Center, TX (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20012689
- Journal Information:
- Policy Studies Review, Vol. 16, Issue 3-4; Conference: National Conference on Environmental Decision Making, Knoxville, TN (US), 05/03/1998--05/06/1998; Other Information: PBD: Fal-Win 1999; ISSN 0278-4416
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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