Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS): Approach, Challenges, and Strategies

Alberti, Marina; Asbjornsen, Heidi; Baker, Lawrence A.; Brozović, Nicholas; Drinkwater, Laurie E.; Drzyzga, Scott A.; Jantz, Claire A.; Fragoso, José M. V.; Holland, Daniel S.; Kohler, Timothy A.; Liu, Jianguo; McConnell, William J.; Maschner, Herbert D. G.; Millington, James D.A.; Monticino, Michael; Podestá, Guillermo; Pontius, Robert Gilmore; Redman, Charles L.; Reo, Nicholas J.; Sailor, David J.; Urquhart, Gerald

doi:10.1890/0012-9623-92.2.218

Cited by 138 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The CHANS approach seeks understanding of the complexity through the integration of knowledge of constituent subsystems and their interactions (Liu et al, 2007). This involves linking sub-models to create coupled models capable of representing human (e.g., economic, social) and natural (e.g., hydrologic, atmospheric, biological) subsystems and, most importantly, the interactions among them Alberti et al, 2011). The diagram of CHANS is useful in identifying the crucial system components and flows, and the consequences of linkages between subsystems, as well as analyzing the role of humans in the CHANS (Fig.…”

Section: System Dynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within urbanized regions, nitrogen cycles are mediated by complex interactions between human and natural factors that result in variations on the sources, magnitude, spatio-temporal patterns and drivers of the Nr fluxes (Kaye et al, 2006;Grimm et al, 2008b;Alberti et al, 2011). However, ecologists have shunned the ecological researches in urban areas owing to little knowledge to treat human's role on the biogeochemical cycles (Kaye et al, 2006;Grimm et al, 2008a;Gu et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To achieve these goals, we conduct a full cycle analysis based on the coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) approach to cover and integrate all specific Nr fluxes and their interactions that can identify the detail sources of Nr emission to the environment. The CHANS approach is an explicit acknowledgment that human and natural systems are coupled via reciprocal interactions, such as material flows (Liu et al, 2007;Alberti et al, 2011). It is a comprehensive way to fully analyze the patterns and processes of nitrogen cycle and further assess how human and natural factors affect these patterns and processes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The long-term impact of urbanization on nitrogen patterns and dynamics in Shanghai, China

Dong

Peng

et al. 2012

Environmental Pollution

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Section: System Dynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The long-term impact of urbanization on nitrogen patterns and dynamics in Shanghai, China

Dong

Peng

et al. 2012

Environmental Pollution

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“…Reviews of large systems research and management collaborations have demonstrated that communication of objectives and results among collaborators, stakeholders, and funders is critical for success (Alberti et al, 2011;Sievenan et al, 2012). Conceptual models provide a condensed body of information that can be transferred among organizations, facilitating sharing of knowledge and highlighting commonalities and differences in beliefs about a system (e.g., Heemskerk et al, 2003).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conceptual Models for Marine and Freshwater Systems in Alaska: Flexible Tools for Research Planning, Prioritization and Communication + Supplementary Appendices (See Article Tools)

Sethi¹,

Hollmén²

2015

ARCTIC

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ABSTRACT. Conceptual ecological models synthesize information about complex systems into simplified visual maps and can be used to prioritize system components for research or management attention. In this article, we introduce conceptual modeling methods that incorporate expert ratings about a suite of properties of system components, including assessment of the state of knowledge, the strength of ecological impact, and the state of management or research attention devoted to a given component. Quantitative ratings of the properties of system components are subsequently used to prioritize model components objectively for research or management attention. Two case studies, one on plankton-herring-baleen whale dynamics and one on Chinook salmon strategic research planning, are presented to illustrate techniques. For example, in the Chinook salmon case study, participants constructed a prioritization score that identified system components rated as high ecological impact, but low state of knowledge and low state of management or research attention. By addressing gaps in both knowledge and attention, participants implemented a strategy for research planning that complemented existing Chinook salmon research and management in the study region. The case studies demonstrated that conceptual ecological models could be completed successfully with an economy of time. Conceptual modeling has been implemented across a range of disciplines and provides a useful tool that natural resource management and research groups can use to organize collaborative efforts and communicate research or management progress to stakeholders or funders.Key words: baleen whales; Chinook salmon; ecological modeling; herring; strategic planning; systems models RÉSUMÉ. La modélisation conceptuelle écologique fait la synthèse de l'information de systèmes complexes pour produire des cartes visuelles simplifiées et permet de prioriser les éléments du système à des fins de recherche et de gestion. Dans cet article, nous présentons des méthodes de modélisation conceptuelle écologique qui englobent les données des experts au sujet d'une suite de propriétés d'éléments du système, y compris l'évaluation de l'état des connaissances, la force des incidences écologiques et la valeur de l'attention de gestion ou de recherche consacrée à un élément donné. Les notations quantitatives des propriétés des éléments du système servent, par la suite, à prioriser les éléments du modèle de manière objective aux fins de recherche et de gestion. Deux études de cas, une sur la dynamique du plancton, du hareng et du cétacé à fanons et l'autre sur la planification stratégique de la recherche sur le saumon quinnat, sont présentées pour illustrer les techniques. Par exemple, dans l'étude de cas sur le saumon quinnat, les participants ont établi une note de priorisation selon laquelle les éléments du système sont considérés comme ayant une incidence écologique élevée, mais un faible état des connaissances et de l'attention de gestion ou de recherche. En comblant les écarts en ...

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“…However, the Coupled Human and Natural System (CHANS) paradigm seems to be emerging as a basis for modelling the interactions and feedbacks that characterize human-hydrologic systems, as it has a relatively well established track record in ecology and ecosystems modelling (e.g. Alberti et al 2011;Liu et al 2007;Monticino et al 2007), and there is increasing synergy between ecosystem and water resources research in the context of environmental water needs. O'Connell and O'Donnell (2014) suggest that the CHANS approach could form the basis of a new era of systems modelling in the hydrology and water resources fields that is needed to meet the challenge of managing the now complex catchment systems of the Anthropocene.…”

Section: Human Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Adaptation of Water Resource Systems to Climatic and Socio-Economic Change

O’Connell

2017

Water Resour Manage

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Climate change is viewed as the major threat to the security of water supplies in most parts of the world in the coming decades, and the water resources literature continues to be dominated by impact and risk assessments based on the latest climate projections from General Circulation Models (GCMs). However, the evidence for anthropogenic changes in precipitation and streamflow records continues to be elusive which, together with the known high uncertainty in GCM ensemble projections, has led to the development of risk assessment methods which are not driven exclusively by GCMs. It is argued that a baseline risk assessment should retain the assumption of climatic stationarity, and be based on the modelling of observed interannual variability as a dominant process in determining water resource system reliability, augmented where justifiable by reliable information from GCMs. However, irrespective of what the climate does in the future, globalization and socio-economic changes are the major drivers for increases in water demand and threats to water security, as exemplified by the burgeoning economies of the BRIC and MINT countries, and the large population increases and economic growth seen in many developing countries. It is suggested that more attention needs to be paid to adaptation to socio-economic change which is arguably more predictable than climatic change, based on what is already known about population and economic growth, lifestyle changes and human choices. More focus is needed on economic analyses that can inform the major investments in water use efficiency measures which can deliver the water savings needed to avert widespread water scarcity. The effectiveness of water use efficiency measures is largely determined by (a) the potential of modern information technology to achieve more efficient water resources management and water use and (b) human responses and choices in the uptake of measures. To assess the potential efficiency gains, it is argued that water resource systems modelling needs to evolve to incorporate the human dimension more explicitly, through Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS) modelling. A CHANS modelling framework is outlined which incorporates agent-based Water Resour Manage

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Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS): Approach, Challenges, and Strategies

Cited by 138 publications

References 13 publications

The long-term impact of urbanization on nitrogen patterns and dynamics in Shanghai, China

The long-term impact of urbanization on nitrogen patterns and dynamics in Shanghai, China

Conceptual Models for Marine and Freshwater Systems in Alaska: Flexible Tools for Research Planning, Prioritization and Communication + Supplementary Appendices (See Article Tools)

Towards Adaptation of Water Resource Systems to Climatic and Socio-Economic Change

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