Coupled human and natural systems: A multi-agent-based approach

Abstract

A major force affecting many forest ecosystems is the encroachment of residential, commercial and industrial development. Analysis of the complex interactions between development decisions and ecosystems, and how the environmental consequences of these decisions influence human values and subsequent decisions will lead to a better understanding of the environmental consequences of private choices and public policies. Determining conditions on the interactions between human decisions and natural systems that lead to long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems is one goal of this work. Interactions between human stakeholders are represented using multi-agent models that act on forest landscape models in the form of land-use change. Feedback on the effects of these actions is received through ecological habitat metrics and hydrological responses. Results are presented based on a study of a riparian area of the Dallas-Fort Worth (Texas, U.S.A.) region facing intense residential development.

Expanding risk consideration in integrated models – The role of downside risk aversion in irrigation decisions

“…By decoupling revenues from volatile rainfall patterns, irrigation can lead to substantial reductions of profit variability. Based on this background, many models focusing on agricultural water use have been extended by integrating farmers' preferences against more volatile profits by accounting for risk aversion (Bazzani et al 2005;Bergez et al, 2012;Monticino et al, 2007) 1 . However, besides reducing volatilities of yields and profits, irrigation furthermore also reduces the probability that exceptional low yields or profits occur (e.g.…”

Endogenizing culture in sustainability science research and policy

“…1) (21). Endogenizing culture allows the VBN framework to be dynamic over time and capture cultural heterogeneity across space within a study region (22). Moreover, endogenizing culture also means integrating the modeling with stakeholder participation throughout the research process via direct deliberations with stakeholders about VBNs, possible courses of action, and their consequences (3,23).…”

Assessment of Flood Losses with Household Responses: Agent-Based Simulation in an Urban Catchment Area

“…O'Connell and O'Donnell [33] have outlined the potential of agent-based model (ABM) in flood risk management for a coupled modeling of human and natural systems. In ABM, agents are self-contained computer programs that interact with its environment and with one another and can be designed and implemented to describe the rule-based behaviors and modes of interaction of observed social entities [34][35][36]. Regarding the field of flood studies, ABM has the advantage to simulate the response behaviors of agents (individuals, households, communities) facing flood threats in real time.…”