Systematizing Environmental Indicators and Indices

Abstract

Environmental indicators and indices are detailed and complex devices that attempt to describe not only ecological status but also the reactions of the biosphere to the demands placed on it by society. Researchers have proposed the use of hundreds of different environmental indicators to evaluate everything from socially responsible investing, to the effects of governmental policies, and even cultural survivability. However, an unqualified environmental or sustainability index cannot be developed given the innate complexity of natural systems in combination with the influence of human activities on those systems. The trend in indicator development is toward the compilation of environmental and sustainability data sets and indices that are more encompassing. Therefore, it becomes essential to identify the fundamental system attributes indicators are measuring and indices are aggregating.This paper provides an overview on the make-up and limitations of environmental and sustainability indicator sets based on the driver, pressure, state, impact, response (DPSIR) framework. It goes on to suggest a technique to categorize environmental and sustainability indicators based on their alignment with DPSIR. Environmental or sustainability indicators and their associated indexes can be arranged into categories that are distinct, well defined and transferrable, regardless of the degree or intensity of aggregation. By so doing, the underlying preferences inherent in the index or data set are revealed and the user/decision maker/policy advocate is able to evaluate the full context of the information being presented.

With great power comes great responsibility: an analysis of sustainable forest management quantitative indicators in the DPSIR framework

“…Nevertheless, we assume that this choice clarifies the use of biodiversity indicators for policy and management (see below). In terms of assessment, since environmental indicators should reveal more than their measurements per se (Blauvelt, 2014), it means that a clear definition of the object for which the indicator is identified is crucial to drive decision processes and policymaking. This includes prioritising objectives, identifying and choosing alternatives that satisfy the objectives, and implementing the policy decisions.…”

“…Indeed, a given indicator may eventually show misleading results depending on the chosen indicandum. It also conditions the way scientists, policy makers, stakeholders and the general public communicate (Blauvelt, 2014). That said, our classifications show that sustainable forest management and biodiversity indicators are relatively incomplete and do not provide an overall vision of the situation regarding the DPSIR (PSR) framework.…”

“…As such, and contrary to the simpler PSR frameworks, the impacts in the DPSIR introduce a notion of value to the system that is useful for communication towards a panel of stakeholders. This aspect is remarkably absent from the simpler PSR framework, but the drivers would very likely be the same (Blauvelt, 2014).…”