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Multi-scale integrated analysis of sustainability: a methodological tool to improve the quality of narratives

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  • Mario Giampietro
  • Jesus Ramos-Martin

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to illustrate an innovative methodology, multi-scale integrated analysis, developed for dealing with the new challenges implied by multi-criteria analysis of sustainability: an integrated assessment of sustainability requires a multi-dimensional and multi-scale analysis (technical incommensurability); when comparing human values, it is not possible to define, in substantive terms, 'the best course of action' (social incommensurability); it is not possible to generate accurate and relevant scenarios when forecasting the future of adaptive systems evolving across scales. Part 1 introduces the epistemological challenges implied by analyses of sustainability. Part 2 uses a simple example of application to illustrate the basic rationale of the MSIA approach and the type of results that it can provide.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Giampietro & Jesus Ramos-Martin, 2005. "Multi-scale integrated analysis of sustainability: a methodological tool to improve the quality of narratives," International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 5(3/4), pages 119-141.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijgenv:v:5:y:2005:i:3/4:p:119-141
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Vivien, F.-D. & Nieddu, M. & Befort, N. & Debref, R. & Giampietro, M., 2019. "The Hijacking of the Bioeconomy," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 189-197.
    2. Giurca, Alexandru & Befort, Nicolas, 2023. "Deconstructing substitution narratives: The case of bioeconomy innovations from the forest-based sector," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    3. Sorman, Alevgul H. & Giampietro, Mario, 2011. "Generating better energy indicators: Addressing the existence of multiple scales and multiple dimensions," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 223(1), pages 41-53.
    4. Renner, Ansel & Cadillo-Benalcazar, Juan José & Benini, Lorenzo & Giampietro, Mario, 2020. "Environmental pressure of the European agricultural system: Anticipating the biophysical consequences of internalization," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 46(C).
    5. Melgar-Melgar, Rigo E. & Hall, Charles A.S., 2020. "Why ecological economics needs to return to its roots: The biophysical foundation of socio-economic systems," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    6. Bernardo Aguilar González, 2009. "El Índice Integral de Salud de Ecosistemas (IISE): un indicador multicriterio de sustentabilidad netamente latinoamericano," Revista Iberoamericana de Economía Ecológica, Red Iberoamericana de Economía Ecológica, vol. 13, pages 55-77, Diciembre.
    7. Gasparatos, Alexandros & El-Haram, Mohamed & Horner, Malcolm, 2009. "Assessing the sustainability of the UK society using thermodynamic concepts: Part 1," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(5), pages 1074-1081, June.
    8. Borzoni, Matteo, 2011. "Multi-scale integrated assessment of soybean biodiesel in Brazil," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(11), pages 2028-2038, September.

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