Indicators in the context of climate change research Sample Clauses

Indicators in the context of climate change research. As far back as 1998, it has been clear that mitigation goals alone, even if properly followed and attained, were not enough to limit climate change to safe levels (Xxxxx et al., 1998). Recent research is consistent with Xxxxx'x predictions. A mix of approaches will be necessary, involving mitigation and adaptation, as well as coping and accepted damage (Xxxxxxxx et al., 2010; Xxxxxxx et al., 2010; Xxxxx, 2009; Xxxxx et al., 2009). However, the majority of existing indicator sets and frameworks addressing sustainability or sustainable development in the built environment have focused on mitigation. Here we refer to mitigation as representing attempts to reduce the ever-increasing GHG emissions to avert or lessen future climate change, to lessen the impact of humans and their activities on both the natural and built environments. Often the goal does not even reach as far as actual reductions in emissions or impacts. Efficiency based goals such as decoupling only promote the reduction in rate of increase of emissions, or even a relative reduction compared to an otherwise expected rate of increase. Most frameworks in use for indicator development and presentation are based on the Pressure – State – Response (PSR) framework (Figure 2) (OECD, 1993; Xxxxxxxxx, 2002), which has been expanded in an attempt to better exemplify the web of causes and effects inherent to complex systems. Expanded PSR frameworks include Pressure – State – Impact – Response (PSIR) Driving Force – Pressure – State – Impact – Response (DPSIR) Driving Force – Pressures – State – Exposure – Effects – Actions (DPSEEA) Figure 2: The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) Framework (Adapted from OECD, 2003) Core indicators include economic, social, and environmental factors, from which relevant indicators for a project can be chosen and reported. Standards, and the indicators contained within them, have been relatively slow in assimilating climate change concerns. The original 2006 ISO standard regarding sustainability in building construction did not consider climate change, except for reporting emissions, while the 2011 update specifically includes a basic indicator for adaptability related to climate change (ISO 21929-1, 2011, 2006). As noted earlier (§2.1), most assessment methods, as well as country level indicators and indices, utilize a comparative or relative approach, with no set limits or boundaries. Terms such as "resilient," "vulnerable" or "sustainable" are used to represent systems that ma...