Modeling human-environmental systems

J Morgan Grove, USDA Forest Service
Charles M. Schweik, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Tom Evans, Indiana University
Glen Green

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the integration and development of environmental models that include human decision making. While many methodological and technical issues are common to all types of environmental models, our goal is to highlight the unique characteristics that need to be considered when modeling human-environmental dynamics and to identify future directions for human-environmental modeling. To achieve this goal, we have separated this chapter into several sections. First, we propose and define a conceptual framework for describing human-environmental models based on three critical dimensions: time, space, and human decision making. Second, using our framework, we summarize and compare whether and how different models (urban or rural systems, health, epidemiology, pollution, or hydrology) include space, time, and human decision making. This provides both an assessment of the models examined and a test of the framework. Third, we discuss the theoretical implications for linking human-environmental dynamics within the context of these three dimensions. Finally, we consider lessons learned and future directions for developing human-environmental models.