The role of computer modelling in participatory integrated assessments

Journal Article · Sun May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2004.10.002· OSTI ID:20713476

Siebenhuener, Bernd ^[1]; Barth, Volker ^[1]

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1. Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, School of Computing Science, Business Administration, Economics and Law, GELENA Research Group, 26111 Oldenburg (Germany)

In a number of recent research projects, computer models have been included in participatory procedures to assess global environmental change. The intention was to support knowledge production and to help the involved non-scientists to develop a deeper understanding of the interactions between natural and social systems. This paper analyses the experiences made in three projects with the use of computer models from a participatory and a risk management perspective. Our cross-cutting analysis of the objectives, the employed project designs and moderation schemes and the observed learning processes in participatory processes with model use shows that models play a mixed role in informing participants and stimulating discussions. However, no deeper reflection on values and belief systems could be achieved. In terms of the risk management phases, computer models serve best the purposes of problem definition and option assessment within participatory integrated assessment (PIA) processes.

• OSTI ID: 20713476
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 25; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COMPUTERS
DESIGN
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS