INTERESTING IDEAS
MuSIASEM
Theoretical concepts and basic rationale of multi-scale integrated analysis of societal and ecosystem metabolism
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Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism
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MuSIASEM
MuSIASEM or Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism,[1][2][3][4] is a method of accounting used to analyse socio-ecosystems and to simulate possible patterns of development. It is based on maintaining coherence across scales and different dimensions (e.g. economic, demographic, energetic) of quantitative assessments generated using different metrics. It is designed to detect and analyze patterns in the societal use of resources and the impacts they create on the environment. The approach was created around 1997 by Mario Giampietro and Kozo Mayumi, and has been developed since then by the members of the IASTE (Integrated Assessment: Sociology, Technology and the Environment) group at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and its external collaborators. MuSIASEM strives to characterize metabolic patterns of Socio-Ecological Systems (how and why humans use resources and how this use depends on and affects the stability of the ecosystems embedding the society). This integrated approach allows for a quantitative implementation of the DPSIR framework (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) and application as a decision support tool. Different alternatives of the option space can be checked in terms of feasibility (compatibility with processes outside human control), viability (compatibility with processes under human control) and desirability (compatibility with normative values and institutions). The ability to integrate quantitative assessments across dimensions and scales makes MuSIASEM particularly suited for different types of sustainability analysis: (i) the nexus between food, energy, water and land uses; (ii) urban metabolism; (iii) waste metabolism; (iv) tourism metabolism; (v) rural development.
TPB note: While this analysis method appears to have merit, I would argue that it certainly is not a method of accounting as stated in the opening to the Wikipedia description.
'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MuSIASEM'
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Open Wikipedia link
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MuSIASEM-2009
Multi-scale integrated analysis of societal and ecosystem metabolism (MuSIASEM): Theoretical concepts and basic rationale
by Mario Giampietro1a , Kozo Mayumib , Jesus Ramos-Martina, c
TPB Note: This is an interesting approach, but it seems to take nothing from the concepts of accountancy. This is unfortunate since accountancy is used as the foundation for almost all business decision making, which, in itself, is the core of most economic activity on the planet. It would be interesting to know who is using this methodology in order to make practical business decisions.
'http://truevaluemetrics.org/DBpdfs/Analytics/MuSIASEM/MuSIASEM-2009.pdf'
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MuSIASEM-2009
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Multi-Scale-Integrated-Analysis-of-Sustainability-Mario-Giampietro-2004
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:
(i) An integrated assessment of sustainability requires a multi-dimensional and multi-scale analysis. This translates into the need of handling technical incommensurability [= dealing with nonequivalent perceptions and representations of the reality resulting from the adoption of different criteria of observation and different scales].
(ii) When comparing human values it is not possible to define, in substantive terms, “the best course of action”. This translates into the need of handling social incommensurability [= dealing with the unavoidable existence of legitimate but contrasting perspectives found among social actors about what should be considered an improvement or a worsening].
(iii) It is not possible to generate accurate and relevant scenarios when forecasting the future of adaptive systems evolving across scales. This translates into the need of handling a heavy level of uncertainty and genuine ignorance when using science for governance.
'http://truevaluemetrics.org/DBpdfs/Analytics/MuSIASEM/Multi-Scale-Integrated-Analysis-of-Sustainability-Mario-Giampietro-2004.pdf'
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Multi-Scale-Integrated-Analysis-of-Sustainability-Mario-Giampietro-2004
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