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

Mario Giampietro and Jesus Ramos-Martin

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2005, vol. 5, issue 3/4, 119-141

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.

Keywords: multi-scale integrated analysis; integrated assessment; multi-criteria analysis; science for governance; impredicative loop analysis; mosaic effect; complex systems; MSIA; narratives; sustainability; post-normal science; sustainable development; complexity. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijgenv:v:5:y:2005:i:3/4:p:119-141

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