© K.Fedra 2000 1 State of the Environment Reporting (SoE) environmental applications of the information systems DSS paradigm

© K.Fedra 20001

State of the Environment State of the Environment Reporting Reporting (SoE)(SoE)

State of the Environment State of the Environment Reporting Reporting (SoE)(SoE)

environmental applications of environmental applications of the information systems the information systems

DSS paradigmDSS paradigm

environmental applications of environmental applications of the information systems the information systems

DSS paradigmDSS paradigm

© K.Fedra 20002

SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:

State of the EnvironmentState of the Environment (SoE) reporting (SoE) reporting describes, analyzes, and presents describes, analyzes, and presents scientifically based information on scientifically based information on environmental conditions, trends, and their environmental conditions, trends, and their significance. It looks at effects of human significance. It looks at effects of human activities on the environment, as well as activities on the environment, as well as their implications for human health, their implications for human health, economic well-being, and the state of economic well-being, and the state of ecosystems ecosystems (Environment Canada, 1991)(Environment Canada, 1991)..

State of the EnvironmentState of the Environment (SoE) reporting (SoE) reporting describes, analyzes, and presents describes, analyzes, and presents scientifically based information on scientifically based information on environmental conditions, trends, and their environmental conditions, trends, and their significance. It looks at effects of human significance. It looks at effects of human activities on the environment, as well as activities on the environment, as well as their implications for human health, their implications for human health, economic well-being, and the state of economic well-being, and the state of ecosystems ecosystems (Environment Canada, 1991)(Environment Canada, 1991)..

© K.Fedra 20003

SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:SoE Reporting:Agenda 21, and in particular chapter 40 on

Information for Decision Making emphasizes the importance of improved availability of information on all aspects of environment and development.

It specifically underlines the need for improved presentation of data and information in a format that will facilitate policy and decision making by governments.

Agenda 21, and in particular chapter 40 on Information for Decision Making emphasizes the importance of improved availability of information on all aspects of environment and development.

It specifically underlines the need for improved presentation of data and information in a format that will facilitate policy and decision making by governments.

© K.Fedra 20004

DSS DefinitionDSS DefinitionDSS DefinitionDSS Definition

A DSS is a computer based A DSS is a computer based

problem solving system that problem solving system that

assists assists choicechoice between between

alternativesalternatives in complex and in complex and

controversialcontroversial domains. domains.

A DSS is a computer based A DSS is a computer based

problem solving system that problem solving system that

assists assists choicechoice between between

alternativesalternatives in complex and in complex and

controversialcontroversial domains. domains.

© K.Fedra 20005

Decision MakingDecision MakingDecision MakingDecision Making

choicechoice between between alternativesalternatives

implies change and action.implies change and action.

First step:First step:

Problem AwarenessProblem Awareness

choicechoice between between alternativesalternatives

implies change and action.implies change and action.

First step:First step:

Problem AwarenessProblem Awareness

© K.Fedra 20006

Problem awarenessProblem awarenessProblem awarenessProblem awareness

a known or suspected deviation of a known or suspected deviation of

the the observed observed state (status-quo) or state (status-quo) or

expected future state (trend) of a expected future state (trend) of a

system with its system with its desired desired state.state.

a known or suspected deviation of a known or suspected deviation of

the the observed observed state (status-quo) or state (status-quo) or

expected future state (trend) of a expected future state (trend) of a

system with its system with its desired desired state.state.

© K.Fedra 20007


The Limits to GrowthThe Limits to Growth (Meadows et al., 1972)(Meadows et al., 1972)

Dynamics of GrowthDynamics of Growth in a finite World (1974)in a finite World (1974)

673 pages, graphs,673 pages, graphs,

no maps.no maps.

The Limits to GrowthThe Limits to Growth (Meadows et al., 1972)(Meadows et al., 1972)

Dynamics of GrowthDynamics of Growth in a finite World (1974)in a finite World (1974)

673 pages, graphs,673 pages, graphs,

no maps.no maps.

© K.Fedra 20008


Basic conclusions of theBasic conclusions of the

World models: World models:

exponential growthexponential growth cannot continue cannot continue

for long in a finite system:for long in a finite system:

Basic conclusions of theBasic conclusions of the

World models: World models:

exponential growthexponential growth cannot continue cannot continue

for long in a finite system:for long in a finite system:

© K.Fedra 20009


exponentialexponential growth isgrowth is followed byfollowed by collapse.collapse. The onlyThe only question:question: WHEN ?WHEN ?

exponentialexponential growth isgrowth is followed byfollowed by collapse.collapse. The onlyThe only question:question: WHEN ?WHEN ?

© K.Fedra 200010


exponential growthexponential growth cannot continue for long cannot continue for long

in a finite system:in a finite system:

Elevated as man is above all other animals by his Elevated as man is above all other animals by his

intellectual facilities, food is equally necessary to his intellectual facilities, food is equally necessary to his

support. And if his natural capacity of increase be support. And if his natural capacity of increase be

greater than can be permanently supplied with food greater than can be permanently supplied with food

from a limited territory, this increase must be constantly from a limited territory, this increase must be constantly

retarded by the difficulty of procuring the means of retarded by the difficulty of procuring the means of

subsistence.subsistence.

T.R. Malthus, 1830.T.R. Malthus, 1830.

exponential growthexponential growth cannot continue for long cannot continue for long

in a finite system:in a finite system:

Elevated as man is above all other animals by his Elevated as man is above all other animals by his

intellectual facilities, food is equally necessary to his intellectual facilities, food is equally necessary to his

support. And if his natural capacity of increase be support. And if his natural capacity of increase be

greater than can be permanently supplied with food greater than can be permanently supplied with food

from a limited territory, this increase must be constantly from a limited territory, this increase must be constantly

retarded by the difficulty of procuring the means of retarded by the difficulty of procuring the means of

subsistence.subsistence.

T.R. Malthus, 1830.T.R. Malthus, 1830.

© K.Fedra 200011


The The Global 2000Global 2000 Report to the President. Report to the President.

Entering the Twenty-First Century Entering the Twenty-First Century

(Council of Environmental Quality, (Council of Environmental Quality,

1977. Three Volumes)1977. Three Volumes)


Entering the Twenty-First Century Entering the Twenty-First Century

(Council of Environmental Quality, (Council of Environmental Quality,

1977. Three Volumes)1977. Three Volumes)

© K.Fedra 200012



Technical Report with Technical Report with model based forecasts, model based forecasts, 766 pages, graphs and tables, 766 pages, graphs and tables, only a few maps.only a few maps.


Technical Report with Technical Report with model based forecasts, model based forecasts, 766 pages, graphs and tables, 766 pages, graphs and tables, only a few maps.only a few maps.

© K.Fedra 200013


Global 2000: Major Findings Global 2000: Major Findings

If present trends continue, the world in If present trends continue, the world in

2000 will be 2000 will be more crowded, more more crowded, more

polluted, less stable polluted, less stable ecologically, andecologically, and

more vulnerable more vulnerable to disruption …..to disruption …..

Global 2000: Major Findings Global 2000: Major Findings

If present trends continue, the world in If present trends continue, the world in

2000 will be 2000 will be more crowded, more more crowded, more

polluted, less stable polluted, less stable ecologically, andecologically, and

more vulnerable more vulnerable to disruption …..to disruption …..

© K.Fedra 200014


Global 2000: Major FindingsGlobal 2000: Major Findings

Serious stresses involving Serious stresses involving

population, resources, and population, resources, and

environment are clearly visible environment are clearly visible

ahead.ahead.


Serious stresses involving Serious stresses involving

population, resources, and population, resources, and

environment are clearly visible environment are clearly visible

ahead.ahead.

© K.Fedra 200015



Despite greater material output, the Despite greater material output, the

world’s population will be poorer in world’s population will be poorer in

many ways than they are today.many ways than they are today.


Despite greater material output, the Despite greater material output, the

world’s population will be poorer in world’s population will be poorer in

many ways than they are today.many ways than they are today.

© K.Fedra 200016


Global 2000 Global 2000 does does NOTNOT predict. predict.

It depicts conditions likely to develop IF It depicts conditions likely to develop IF there are no changes in public there are no changes in public policies, institutions, or rates of policies, institutions, or rates of technological advance, and if there technological advance, and if there are no wars or other major disruptions.are no wars or other major disruptions.

Global 2000 Global 2000 does does NOTNOT predict. predict.

It depicts conditions likely to develop IF It depicts conditions likely to develop IF there are no changes in public there are no changes in public policies, institutions, or rates of policies, institutions, or rates of technological advance, and if there technological advance, and if there are no wars or other major disruptions.are no wars or other major disruptions.

© K.Fedra 200017


based on a regular monitoring and based on a regular monitoring and

assessment of the assessment of the

State of the EnvironmentState of the Environment

based on a regular monitoring and based on a regular monitoring and

assessment of the assessment of the

State of the EnvironmentState of the Environment

© K.Fedra 200018

SoE ReportingSoE ReportingSoE ReportingSoE Reporting

1971 SCOPE 1971 SCOPE (Scientific Committee on (Scientific Committee on

Problems of the Environment, part of ICSU, Problems of the Environment, part of ICSU,

International Council of Scientific Unions)International Council of Scientific Unions)

proposed aproposed a

Global Environmental Global Environmental Monitoring SystemMonitoring System

1971 SCOPE 1971 SCOPE (Scientific Committee on (Scientific Committee on

Problems of the Environment, part of ICSU, Problems of the Environment, part of ICSU,

International Council of Scientific Unions)International Council of Scientific Unions)

proposed aproposed a

Global Environmental Global Environmental Monitoring SystemMonitoring System

© K.Fedra 200019


1972 Stockholm Conference on 1972 Stockholm Conference on

the Human Environmentthe Human Environment

recommends creation of United Nations recommends creation of United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP), including Environment Programme (UNEP), including

Earthwatch Earthwatch Programme.Programme.

1972 Stockholm Conference on 1972 Stockholm Conference on

the Human Environmentthe Human Environment

recommends creation of United Nations recommends creation of United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP), including Environment Programme (UNEP), including

Earthwatch Earthwatch Programme.Programme.

© K.Fedra 200020


GEMS GEMS Global Environment Monitoring System Global Environment Monitoring System

• comprehensive assessment of major comprehensive assessment of major environmental issuesenvironmental issues

• provide scientific data needed for rational provide scientific data needed for rational management of natural resources and the management of natural resources and the environmentenvironment

• provide early warning of environmental provide early warning of environmental changechange


• comprehensive assessment of major comprehensive assessment of major environmental issuesenvironmental issues

• provide scientific data needed for rational provide scientific data needed for rational management of natural resources and the management of natural resources and the environmentenvironment

• provide early warning of environmental provide early warning of environmental changechange

© K.Fedra 200021



• harmonization in data collectionharmonization in data collection

• coordination and stimulation of coordination and stimulation of international monitoringinternational monitoring

• production of periodic assessments of production of periodic assessments of the State of the Environmentthe State of the Environment


• harmonization in data collectionharmonization in data collection

• coordination and stimulation of coordination and stimulation of international monitoringinternational monitoring

• production of periodic assessments of production of periodic assessments of the State of the Environmentthe State of the Environment

© K.Fedra 200022



major themes:major themes:

• atmosphere, climate, ozoneatmosphere, climate, ozone

• acid rain (transboundary air pollution)acid rain (transboundary air pollution)

• pollutants in air, water, foodpollutants in air, water, food

• resource management: forests, land, resource management: forests, land, oceans, diversityoceans, diversity


major themes:major themes:

• atmosphere, climate, ozoneatmosphere, climate, ozone

• acid rain (transboundary air pollution)acid rain (transboundary air pollution)

• pollutants in air, water, foodpollutants in air, water, food

• resource management: forests, land, resource management: forests, land, oceans, diversityoceans, diversity

© K.Fedra 200023


The World Environment 1972-1992The World Environment 1972-1992(over 800 pages)(over 800 pages)

• major environmental issuesmajor environmental issues• sectoral assessment of developmentsectoral assessment of development• response to environmental changeresponse to environmental change• socio-political, economic, socio-political, economic,

technological developmentstechnological developments

The World Environment 1972-1992The World Environment 1972-1992(over 800 pages)(over 800 pages)

• major environmental issuesmajor environmental issues• sectoral assessment of developmentsectoral assessment of development• response to environmental changeresponse to environmental change• socio-political, economic, socio-political, economic,

technological developmentstechnological developments

© K.Fedra 200024

The World Environment 1972-1992The World Environment 1972-1992The World Environment 1972-1992The World Environment 1972-1992

Issues:Issues:• atmospheric pollutionatmospheric pollution

• ozone depletionozone depletion

• climate changeclimate change

• freshwaterfreshwater

• coastal and marine degradationcoastal and marine degradation

Issues:Issues:• atmospheric pollutionatmospheric pollution

• ozone depletionozone depletion

• climate changeclimate change

• freshwaterfreshwater

• coastal and marine degradationcoastal and marine degradation

© K.Fedra 200025


Issues:Issues: • land degradationland degradation• deforestation and habitat lossdeforestation and habitat loss• biodiversitybiodiversity• environmental hazardsenvironmental hazards• hazardous waste and toxic hazardous waste and toxic

substancessubstances

Issues:Issues: • land degradationland degradation• deforestation and habitat lossdeforestation and habitat loss• biodiversitybiodiversity• environmental hazardsenvironmental hazards• hazardous waste and toxic hazardous waste and toxic

substancessubstances

© K.Fedra 200026


Driving forces:Driving forces: • agricultureagriculture• fisheriesfisheries• industryindustry• energy sectorenergy sector• transportationtransportation• tourismtourism• population developmentpopulation development

Driving forces:Driving forces: • agricultureagriculture• fisheriesfisheries• industryindustry• energy sectorenergy sector• transportationtransportation• tourismtourism• population developmentpopulation development

© K.Fedra 200027


Consequences on:Consequences on: • natural resourcesnatural resources

• human settlementshuman settlements

• human healthhuman health

• peace and securitypeace and security

Consequences on:Consequences on: • natural resourcesnatural resources

• human settlementshuman settlements

• human healthhuman health

• peace and securitypeace and security

© K.Fedra 200028


Conceptual frameworkConceptual framework

• list of topics or themes (issues)list of topics or themes (issues)– environmental media

– problem areas, policies and objectives

– geographical units

• measurable properties (indicators)


• list of topics or themes (issues)list of topics or themes (issues)– environmental media

– problem areas, policies and objectives

– geographical units

• measurable properties (indicators)

© K.Fedra 200029



• lists of topics lists of topics (environmental media, (environmental media,

resource categories)resource categories)

• process oriented models process oriented models (stress - response, feedback)(stress - response, feedback)


• lists of topics lists of topics (environmental media, (environmental media,

resource categories)resource categories)

• process oriented models process oriented models (stress - response, feedback)(stress - response, feedback)

© K.Fedra 200030


Organizational frameworksOrganizational frameworks

• issues (environmental problems)issues (environmental problems)

• resource sectors resource sectors (fishery, forestry, mining)(fishery, forestry, mining)

• environmental processesenvironmental processes

(stress - response)(stress - response)

• combinations of more than one approachcombinations of more than one approach

Organizational frameworksOrganizational frameworks

• issues (environmental problems)issues (environmental problems)

• resource sectors resource sectors (fishery, forestry, mining)(fishery, forestry, mining)

• environmental processesenvironmental processes

(stress - response)(stress - response)


© K.Fedra 200031


PROCESSPROCESS ORIENTED: ORIENTED:• components of the environmentcomponents of the environment• social and economic activities, social and economic activities, natural eventsnatural events• stress and pressure on the environmentstress and pressure on the environment• impacts of activities and eventsimpacts of activities and events• responses to environmental impactsresponses to environmental impacts

PROCESSPROCESS ORIENTED: ORIENTED:• components of the environmentcomponents of the environment• social and economic activities, social and economic activities, natural eventsnatural events• stress and pressure on the environmentstress and pressure on the environment• impacts of activities and eventsimpacts of activities and events• responses to environmental impactsresponses to environmental impacts

© K.Fedra 200032


Component: Component: LandLand

Activity: Activity: Land use changeLand use change

Stress: Stress: Changes in habitatChanges in habitat

Impact: Impact: Loss of habitatLoss of habitat

Response:Response: Protection of habitat Protection of habitat

Component: Component: LandLand

Activity: Activity: Land use changeLand use change

Stress: Stress: Changes in habitatChanges in habitat

Impact: Impact: Loss of habitatLoss of habitat

Response:Response: Protection of habitat Protection of habitat

© K.Fedra 200033


Spatial frameworksSpatial frameworks

• jurisdictional/administrative boundariesjurisdictional/administrative boundaries

• environmental components environmental components (watershed)(watershed)

• ecosystems (ecologically related)ecosystems (ecologically related)


Spatial frameworksSpatial frameworks

• jurisdictional/administrative boundariesjurisdictional/administrative boundaries

• environmental components environmental components (watershed)(watershed)

• ecosystems (ecologically related)ecosystems (ecologically related)


© K.Fedra 200034


Issues:Issues:

• policy orientedpolicy oriented

• loosely defined topicsloosely defined topics

• not directly measurablenot directly measurable

Issues:Issues:

• policy orientedpolicy oriented

• loosely defined topicsloosely defined topics

• not directly measurablenot directly measurable

© K.Fedra 200035


Indicators:Indicators:

• measurable entities measurable entities (cardinal, ordinal)(cardinal, ordinal)

• physically based unit of measurementphysically based unit of measurement

• context and reference point context and reference point (direction, (direction,

threshold, targets, objectives)threshold, targets, objectives)

Indicators:Indicators:

• measurable entities measurable entities (cardinal, ordinal)(cardinal, ordinal)

• physically based unit of measurementphysically based unit of measurement

• context and reference point context and reference point (direction, (direction,

threshold, targets, objectives)threshold, targets, objectives)

© K.Fedra 200036


Indicators Indicators illustrateillustrate Issues. Issues.

Indicators Indicators are derived fromare derived from DataData

Indices Indices are derived fromare derived from IndicatorsIndicators (no physically interpretable units, ordinal)(no physically interpretable units, ordinal)

Indicators Indicators illustrateillustrate Issues. Issues.

Indicators Indicators are derived fromare derived from DataData

Indices Indices are derived fromare derived from IndicatorsIndicators (no physically interpretable units, ordinal)(no physically interpretable units, ordinal)

© K.Fedra 200037


Issues, Indicators and Data areIssues, Indicators and Data are

hierarchicallyhierarchically

related.related.

Issues, Indicators and Data areIssues, Indicators and Data are

hierarchicallyhierarchically

related.related.

© K.Fedra 200038


Data areData are

aggregatedaggregated

into indicatorsinto indicators

indicators intoindicators into

indices andindices and

issues.issues.

Data areData are

aggregatedaggregated

into indicatorsinto indicators

indicators intoindicators into

indices andindices and

issues.issues.

© K.Fedra 200039

Global SoE ReportingGlobal SoE ReportingGlobal SoE ReportingGlobal SoE Reporting

UNEP UNEP

EnvironmentalEnvironmental Data ReportsData Reports

text and tables,text and tables, only a few mapsonly a few maps

UNEP UNEP

EnvironmentalEnvironmental Data ReportsData Reports

text and tables,text and tables, only a few mapsonly a few maps

© K.Fedra 200040


Reports are structured by Reports are structured by topics: Environmental Pollutiontopics: Environmental Pollution(by media), Climate, Resources,(by media), Climate, Resources, Population, Health, Population, Health, Energy, Industry andEnergy, Industry and Transport, Waste,Transport, Waste, Disasters, InternationalDisasters, International Cooperation.Cooperation.

Reports are structured by Reports are structured by topics: Environmental Pollutiontopics: Environmental Pollution(by media), Climate, Resources,(by media), Climate, Resources, Population, Health, Population, Health, Energy, Industry andEnergy, Industry and Transport, Waste,Transport, Waste, Disasters, InternationalDisasters, International Cooperation.Cooperation.

© K.Fedra 200041


WRI World WRI World ResourcesResources Institute:Institute:

extensive (146)extensive (146) country-levelcountry-level data, few maps.data, few maps.

WRI World WRI World ResourcesResources Institute:Institute:

extensive (146)extensive (146) country-levelcountry-level data, few maps.data, few maps.

© K.Fedra 200042


Dimensions of Sustainable Dimensions of Sustainable Development:Development:

• Industrial CountriesIndustrial Countries

• Poor CountriesPoor Countries

• Rapidly Industrialising CountriesRapidly Industrialising Countries

Dimensions of Sustainable Dimensions of Sustainable Development:Development:

• Industrial CountriesIndustrial Countries

• Poor CountriesPoor Countries

• Rapidly Industrialising CountriesRapidly Industrialising Countries

© K.Fedra 200043


Data Tables:Data Tables:

• Economic indicatorsEconomic indicators

• PopulationPopulation

• Landcover, settlementsLandcover, settlements

• Food and AgricultureFood and Agriculture

• Forest and RangelandForest and Rangeland

• Wildlife and HabitatWildlife and Habitat

Data Tables:Data Tables:

• Economic indicatorsEconomic indicators

• PopulationPopulation

• Landcover, settlementsLandcover, settlements

• Food and AgricultureFood and Agriculture

• Forest and RangelandForest and Rangeland

• Wildlife and HabitatWildlife and Habitat

• Energy and materialsEnergy and materials

• FreshwaterFreshwater

• Oceans and CoastsOceans and Coasts• Atmosphere, climate• Policies and

institutions

• Energy and materialsEnergy and materials

• FreshwaterFreshwater

• Oceans and CoastsOceans and Coasts• Atmosphere, climate• Policies and

institutions

© K.Fedra 200044


The third OECD report on the state of the environment (OECD 1991) following previous reports in 1979 and 1985, was aiming to

• assist member countries in the definition, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policies;

• helping them to incorporate environmental concerns into economic decision making in order to progress towards sustainable development;

• providing environmental information to the public.

The third OECD report on the state of the environment (OECD 1991) following previous reports in 1979 and 1985, was aiming to

• assist member countries in the definition, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policies;

• helping them to incorporate environmental concerns into economic decision making in order to progress towards sustainable development;

• providing environmental information to the public.

© K.Fedra 200045


OECD Environmental Indicators:OECD Environmental Indicators:

• Group of Seven Economic Summit (1989) called for new environmental indicators capable of becoming as well established as today's ubiquitous national economic indicators.

OECD Environmental Indicators:OECD Environmental Indicators:

• Group of Seven Economic Summit (1989) called for new environmental indicators capable of becoming as well established as today's ubiquitous national economic indicators.

© K.Fedra 200046

OECD SoE ReportingOECD SoE ReportingOECD SoE ReportingOECD SoE Reporting• CO2 Emission • Greenhouse Gas Emissions • SO2 Emissions• NO2 Emissions• Use of water resources• River water quality• Waste water treatment• Landuse change• Protected areas• Use of N fertilizers• Use of forest resources• Trade in tropical wood• Threatened species

• CO2 Emission • Greenhouse Gas Emissions • SO2 Emissions• NO2 Emissions• Use of water resources• River water quality• Waste water treatment• Landuse change• Protected areas• Use of N fertilizers• Use of forest resources• Trade in tropical wood• Threatened species

• Fish catchesFish catches• Waste generationWaste generation• Municipal wasteMunicipal waste• Industrial accidentsIndustrial accidents• Public opinionPublic opinion• Growth of economic activityGrowth of economic activity• Energy intensityEnergy intensity• Energy supplyEnergy supply• Industrial productionIndustrial production• Transportation trendsTransportation trends• Private final consumptionPrivate final consumption• PopulationPopulation

• Fish catchesFish catches• Waste generationWaste generation• Municipal wasteMunicipal waste• Industrial accidentsIndustrial accidents• Public opinionPublic opinion• Growth of economic activityGrowth of economic activity• Energy intensityEnergy intensity• Energy supplyEnergy supply• Industrial productionIndustrial production• Transportation trendsTransportation trends• Private final consumptionPrivate final consumption• PopulationPopulation

© K.Fedra 200047

European CommissionEuropean CommissionEuropean CommissionEuropean Commission

• From 1985 to 1990, The European Commission has realized the CORINE Programme (Coordination of Information on the Environment):

An Information System on the state of the Environment in the European Community (the CORINE system).

• From 1985 to 1990, The European Commission has realized the CORINE Programme (Coordination of Information on the Environment):

An Information System on the state of the Environment in the European Community (the CORINE system).

© K.Fedra 200048

European CommissionEuropean CommissionEuropean CommissionEuropean Commission

European Environment Agency EEA (Council Regulation 1210/90,OJ L 120 of 11.05.1990) maintains and extends the three main CORINE GIS-based inventories (Biotopes, Corinair, and Land Cover) to the Central and Eastern European Countries.

European Environment Agency EEA (Council Regulation 1210/90,OJ L 120 of 11.05.1990) maintains and extends the three main CORINE GIS-based inventories (Biotopes, Corinair, and Land Cover) to the Central and Eastern European Countries.

© K.Fedra 200049

Regional SoE ReportingRegional SoE ReportingRegional SoE ReportingRegional SoE Reporting

Europe’s firstEurope’s first comprehensivecomprehensive SoE Report wasSoE Report was prepared in 1995prepared in 1995 by the EEA withby the EEA with UNECE, UNEP, OECD,UNECE, UNEP, OECD, Council of Europe, IUCN,Council of Europe, IUCN, WHO, EUROSTAT.WHO, EUROSTAT.

Europe’s firstEurope’s first comprehensivecomprehensive SoE Report wasSoE Report was prepared in 1995prepared in 1995 by the EEA withby the EEA with UNECE, UNEP, OECD,UNECE, UNEP, OECD, Council of Europe, IUCN,Council of Europe, IUCN, WHO, EUROSTAT.WHO, EUROSTAT.

© K.Fedra 200050


the Dobris Assessment covers the Dobris Assessment covers 676 pages, and includes 40 676 pages, and includes 40 chapters and 2 Appendices withchapters and 2 Appendices witha list of 56 major environmentala list of 56 major environmentalproblems. It uses thematic mapsproblems. It uses thematic mapsextensively.extensively.

the Dobris Assessment covers the Dobris Assessment covers 676 pages, and includes 40 676 pages, and includes 40 chapters and 2 Appendices withchapters and 2 Appendices witha list of 56 major environmentala list of 56 major environmentalproblems. It uses thematic mapsproblems. It uses thematic mapsextensively.extensively.

© K.Fedra 200051


The reports uses extensive imagery,The reports uses extensive imagery,

text and tabular data, and a range of topicaltext and tabular data, and a range of topical

maps of various styles,maps of various styles,

together with statisticstogether with statistics

and business graphics.and business graphics.

The reports uses extensive imagery,The reports uses extensive imagery,

text and tabular data, and a range of topicaltext and tabular data, and a range of topical

maps of various styles,maps of various styles,

together with statisticstogether with statistics

and business graphics.and business graphics.

© K.Fedra 200052


using symbols associated withusing symbols associated withcountries rather than spatial interpolationcountries rather than spatial interpolation depends bothdepends both on the spatialon the spatial resolution of theresolution of the data as well asdata as well as on their inter-on their inter- pretation.pretation.

using symbols associated withusing symbols associated withcountries rather than spatial interpolationcountries rather than spatial interpolation depends bothdepends both on the spatialon the spatial resolution of theresolution of the data as well asdata as well as on their inter-on their inter- pretation.pretation.

© K.Fedra 200053


combining business graphics with combining business graphics with

tabular data and topical maps provides tabular data and topical maps provides

multiple stylesmultiple styles

of representationof representation

for the samefor the same

data set.data set.

combining business graphics with combining business graphics with

tabular data and topical maps provides tabular data and topical maps provides

multiple stylesmultiple styles

of representationof representation

for the samefor the same

data set.data set.

© K.Fedra 200054


ESCAP (ESCAP (UN EconomicUN Economic and Social Commissionand Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)for Asia and the Pacific) 352 pages, extensive352 pages, extensive imagery, graphs, butimagery, graphs, but very few maps.very few maps.

ESCAP (ESCAP (UN EconomicUN Economic and Social Commissionand Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)for Asia and the Pacific) 352 pages, extensive352 pages, extensive imagery, graphs, butimagery, graphs, but very few maps.very few maps.

© K.Fedra 200055


Report organisationReport organisation

Environmental Conditions:Environmental Conditions:• LandLand• Inland WatersInland Waters• Marine EnvironmentMarine Environment• Urban EnvironmentUrban Environment• Rural EnvironmentRural Environment

Report organisationReport organisation

Environmental Conditions:Environmental Conditions:• LandLand• Inland WatersInland Waters• Marine EnvironmentMarine Environment• Urban EnvironmentUrban Environment• Rural EnvironmentRural Environment

© K.Fedra 200056


Report organizationReport organization

National and Regional Responses:National and Regional Responses:• Institutions and LegislationInstitutions and Legislation• Environmental Education, Communication Environmental Education, Communication

and Awarenessand Awareness• Environmental TechnologyEnvironmental Technology• Environmental PlanningEnvironmental Planning


National and Regional Responses:National and Regional Responses:• Institutions and LegislationInstitutions and Legislation• Environmental Education, Communication Environmental Education, Communication

and Awarenessand Awareness• Environmental TechnologyEnvironmental Technology• Environmental PlanningEnvironmental Planning

© K.Fedra 200057



Policy Context:Policy Context:• Environmental Trends and ProjectionsEnvironmental Trends and Projections• Regional Implications of Climate Regional Implications of Climate

Change and Ozone Layer DepletionChange and Ozone Layer Depletion• Environmental Challenges of the 1990sEnvironmental Challenges of the 1990s


Policy Context:Policy Context:• Environmental Trends and ProjectionsEnvironmental Trends and Projections• Regional Implications of Climate Regional Implications of Climate

Change and Ozone Layer DepletionChange and Ozone Layer Depletion• Environmental Challenges of the 1990sEnvironmental Challenges of the 1990s

© K.Fedra 200058

National SoE ReportingNational SoE ReportingNational SoE ReportingNational SoE Reporting

Environment Canada published state of the environment reports in 1986 and 1991 as part of Canada's commitment “to secure a safe and healthy environment and a sound and prosperous economy for current and future generations.”

Environment Canada published state of the environment reports in 1986 and 1991 as part of Canada's commitment “to secure a safe and healthy environment and a sound and prosperous economy for current and future generations.”

© K.Fedra 200059


The second national SoE report is addressing the question of

• what is happening to Canada's environment,

• why it is happening,• why it is significant, and• what Canadians are doing about it.

The second national SoE report is addressing the question of

• what is happening to Canada's environment,

• why it is happening,• why it is significant, and• what Canadians are doing about it.

© K.Fedra 200060


Environment Canada seeks “authoritative easy-to-use indicators by which to measure ... environmental performance and progress towards sustainable development”:

43 indicators in 18 issue areas.

Environment Canada seeks “authoritative easy-to-use indicators by which to measure ... environmental performance and progress towards sustainable development”:

43 indicators in 18 issue areas.

© K.Fedra 200061


Integrated monitoring:

• ecological spatial, process and temporal relationships which exists among individual ecosystem components:

(i.e., air, water, soil, and biota).

Integrated monitoring:

• ecological spatial, process and temporal relationships which exists among individual ecosystem components:

(i.e., air, water, soil, and biota).

© K.Fedra 200062

USA, EMAPUSA, EMAPUSA, EMAPUSA, EMAP

1988 the Science Advisory Board of the USEPA recommended implementing a program within EPA to monitor the status and trends of ecological condition and to develop methods to anticipate emerging environmental problems before they become crises.

1988 the Science Advisory Board of the USEPA recommended implementing a program within EPA to monitor the status and trends of ecological condition and to develop methods to anticipate emerging environmental problems before they become crises.

© K.Fedra 200063


Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP)

adopted a stress-response approach based on environmental indicators.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP)

adopted a stress-response approach based on environmental indicators.

© K.Fedra 200064


Objectives:

• to estimate current status, extent and trends in indicators of the condition of the nation's ecological resources on a regional basis with known confidence;

• to monitor indicators of pollutant exposure and habitat condition and seek associations between human-induced stresses and ecological conditions;

Objectives:

• to estimate current status, extent and trends in indicators of the condition of the nation's ecological resources on a regional basis with known confidence;

• to monitor indicators of pollutant exposure and habitat condition and seek associations between human-induced stresses and ecological conditions;

© K.Fedra 200065


Objectives:

• and to provide periodic statistical summaries and interpretive reports on status and trends to the EPA administrator and the public.

Objectives:

• and to provide periodic statistical summaries and interpretive reports on status and trends to the EPA administrator and the public.

© K.Fedra 200066


Response Indicator:

• A characteristic of the environment measured to provide evidence of the biological condition of a resource at the organism, population, community or ecosystem process level of organization.

Response Indicator:

• A characteristic of the environment measured to provide evidence of the biological condition of a resource at the organism, population, community or ecosystem process level of organization.

© K.Fedra 200067


Exposure and Habitat Indicators:

• Diagnostic indicators that are measured in conjunction with response indicators.

Exposure and Habitat Indicators:

• Diagnostic indicators that are measured in conjunction with response indicators.

© K.Fedra 200068


Exposure Indicator:

• A characteristic of the environment measured to provide evidence of the occurrence or magnitude of a response indicator's contact with a physical, chemical, or biological stress;

Exposure Indicator:

• A characteristic of the environment measured to provide evidence of the occurrence or magnitude of a response indicator's contact with a physical, chemical, or biological stress;

© K.Fedra 200069


Habitat Indicator:

• A physical attribute measured to characterize conditions necessary to support an organism, population, or community in the absence of pollutants.

Habitat Indicator:

• A physical attribute measured to characterize conditions necessary to support an organism, population, or community in the absence of pollutants.

© K.Fedra 200070


Stressor Indicator:

• A characteristic measured to quantify a natural process, and environmental hazard, or a management action that effects changes in exposure and habitat.

Stressor Indicator:

• A characteristic measured to quantify a natural process, and environmental hazard, or a management action that effects changes in exposure and habitat.

© K.Fedra 200071


Stressor Indicator:

• Hazard Indicators: Measures that reflect human activities that unintentionally affect ecological resources (e.g., measures of pollutant release, number of permits issued for construction activity, and rates of application of fertilizers to crops and forests that influence nutrient concentrations in adjacent streams).

Stressor Indicator:

• Hazard Indicators: Measures that reflect human activities that unintentionally affect ecological resources (e.g., measures of pollutant release, number of permits issued for construction activity, and rates of application of fertilizers to crops and forests that influence nutrient concentrations in adjacent streams).

© K.Fedra 200072


Stressor Indicator:

• Management Indicators: Measures that reflect human activities that intentionally alter an ecological resource to meet some management objective (eg., stocking fish);

Stressor Indicator:

• Management Indicators: Measures that reflect human activities that intentionally alter an ecological resource to meet some management objective (eg., stocking fish);

© K.Fedra 200073


Stressor Indicator:

• Natural Process Indicators: Measures that reflect cyclic or acyclic phenomena that affect ecological conditions, regardless of the presence of management actions or environmental hazards (e.g., natural climatic fluctuations or predator-prey cycles, or insect and disease epidemics).

Stressor Indicator:

• Natural Process Indicators: Measures that reflect cyclic or acyclic phenomena that affect ecological conditions, regardless of the presence of management actions or environmental hazards (e.g., natural climatic fluctuations or predator-prey cycles, or insect and disease epidemics).

© K.Fedra 200074


• Response, exposure, and habitat indicators are measured during annual surveys at sampling sites associated with points on the EMAP grid.

• Stressor indicators, by convention in EMAP, are not normally measured at the sampling sites; instead they will be measured in various other ways (eg., fixed site networks, inventory, country-level data)

• Response, exposure, and habitat indicators are measured during annual surveys at sampling sites associated with points on the EMAP grid.

• Stressor indicators, by convention in EMAP, are not normally measured at the sampling sites; instead they will be measured in various other ways (eg., fixed site networks, inventory, country-level data)

© K.Fedra 200075


Water quality atlas as part of anWater quality atlas as part of an

Austrian Austrian

SoE reportSoE report

(1981)(1981)

Water quality atlas as part of anWater quality atlas as part of an

Austrian Austrian

SoE reportSoE report

(1981)(1981)

© K.Fedra 200076


air quality mapair quality map

(derived from(derived from

observations)observations)

for a city-levelfor a city-level

description.description.

air quality mapair quality map

(derived from(derived from

observations)observations)

for a city-levelfor a city-level

description.description.

© K.Fedra 200077


local forest damage derived fromlocal forest damage derived from remote remote sensing.sensing. Austria,Austria, 19811981

local forest damage derived fromlocal forest damage derived from remote remote sensing.sensing. Austria,Austria, 19811981

© K.Fedra 200078


Concern for TomorrowConcern for Tomorrow Dutch NationalDutch National Environmental SurveyEnvironmental Survey 1985-20101985-2010

by RIVMby RIVM

Concern for TomorrowConcern for Tomorrow Dutch NationalDutch National Environmental SurveyEnvironmental Survey 1985-20101985-2010

by RIVMby RIVM

© K.Fedra 200079


Dutch report provides a globalDutch report provides a globaland continental framework, and continental framework, addresses sustainability at all levels,addresses sustainability at all levels,and includes a section on costs andand includes a section on costs andbenefits of environmental measures.benefits of environmental measures.344 pages, numerous maps.344 pages, numerous maps.

Dutch report provides a globalDutch report provides a globaland continental framework, and continental framework, addresses sustainability at all levels,addresses sustainability at all levels,and includes a section on costs andand includes a section on costs andbenefits of environmental measures.benefits of environmental measures.344 pages, numerous maps.344 pages, numerous maps.

© K.Fedra 200080


Report structure:• socio-economic

development• global problems• continental problems• fluvial problems

(Rhine and Meuse)• regional ecological

problems• local ecological

problems

Report structure:• socio-economic

development• global problems• continental problems• fluvial problems

(Rhine and Meuse)• regional ecological

problems• local ecological

problems

• area-oriented area-oriented integration on the integration on the regional scaleregional scale

• effects on public effects on public healthhealth

• costs and benefits of costs and benefits of environmental environmental measuresmeasures

• area-oriented area-oriented integration on the integration on the regional scaleregional scale

• effects on public effects on public healthhealth

• costs and benefits of costs and benefits of environmental environmental measuresmeasures

© K.Fedra 200081


range of map stylesrange of map styles range of map stylesrange of map styles

© K.Fedra 200082


New Zealand:New Zealand: Measuring upMeasuring up ((prepared by Statistics Newprepared by Statistics New Zealand)Zealand)

- Atmosphere and climate- Atmosphere and climate - Energy - Energy - Fauna- Fauna - Freshwater- Freshwater - Human settlements, socio-economics- Human settlements, socio-economics - Land- Land - Marine- Marine

New Zealand:New Zealand: Measuring upMeasuring up ((prepared by Statistics Newprepared by Statistics New Zealand)Zealand)

- Atmosphere and climate- Atmosphere and climate - Energy - Energy - Fauna- Fauna - Freshwater- Freshwater - Human settlements, socio-economics- Human settlements, socio-economics - Land- Land - Marine- Marine

Documents

© K.Fedra 2000 1 State of the Environment Reporting (SoE) environmental applications of the information systems DSS paradigm