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Identifying robust response options to manage environmental change using an Ecosystem Approach: A stress-testing case study for the UK

Brown, Iain; Berry, Pam; Everard, Mark; Firbank, Les; Harrison, Paula; Lundy, Lian; Quine, Chris; Rowan, John; Wade, Rebecca; Watts, Kevin

Identifying robust response options to manage environmental change using an Ecosystem Approach: A stress-testing case study for the UK Thumbnail


Authors

Iain Brown

Pam Berry

Mark Everard Mark.Everard@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Ecosystem Services

Les Firbank

Paula Harrison

Lian Lundy

Chris Quine

John Rowan

Rebecca Wade

Kevin Watts



Abstract

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. A diverse range of response options was evaluated in terms of their utility for sustaining ecosystem services in the UK. Robustness of response options was investigated by applying a 'stress-testing' method which evaluated expected performance against combined scenarios of socioeconomic and climate change. Based upon stakeholder feedback, a reference scenario representing current trends in climate and socioeconomic drivers ('business-as-usual') was used as a dynamic baseline against which to compare results of other scenarios. The robustness of response options was evaluated by their utility in different environmental and social contexts as represented by the scenarios, and linked to their adaptability to adjust to changing conditions. Key findings demonstrate that adaptability becomes increasingly valuable as the magnitude and rate of future change diverges from current trends. Stress-testing also revealed that individual responses in isolation are unlikely to be robust meaning there are advantages from integrating cohesive combinations (bundles) of response options to maximise their individual strengths and compensate for weaknesses. This identifies a role for both top-down and bottom-up responses, including regulation, spatial targeting, incentives and partnership initiatives, and their use in combination through integrated assessment and planning consistent with the adoption of an Ecosystem Approach. Stress-testing approaches can have an important role in future-proofing policy appraisals but important knowledge gaps remain, especially for cultural and supporting ecosystem services. Finally, barriers and enablers to the implementation of more integrated long-term adaptive responses were identified drawing on the '4 Is' (Institutions, Information, Incentives, Identity) conceptual framework. This highlighted the crucial but usually understated role of identity in promoting ownership and uptake of responses.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 1, 2015
Publication Date Oct 1, 2015
Deposit Date Jan 27, 2016
Publicly Available Date May 26, 2016
Journal Environmental Science and Policy
Print ISSN 1462-9011
Electronic ISSN 1873-6416
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 52
Pages 74-88
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2015.05.005
Keywords policy appraisal, ecosystem services, scenario analysis, integrated assessment, decision-making, cross-scale responses, integrated responses
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/804263
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2015.05.005
Contract Date May 26, 2016

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