Article
Towards a sustainability index using information theory
Energy
(2004)
Abstract
We explore the use of Fisher Information as a basis for an index of sustainability. Sustainability of an ecosystem refers to the robustness of a preferred dynamic regime to human and natural disturbances. Ecosystems under perturbations of varying regularity and intensity can either remain within the current regime or transition into the neighbourhood of a regime with different (viz. less desirable) characteristics. The Fisher Information index we develop is based on the probability of finding the system in a particular state. We apply the index to a 10-compartment food web model with five functional groups: detritus, primary producers, herbivores, carnivores, and an omnivore. Fisher Information is shown to be sensitive to transients in model generated data. Such transients can be indicative of a transition to a new dynamic regime. Early detection of transitions to undesirable regimes may permit management intervention.
Disciplines
Publication Date
March 16, 2004
DOI
10.1016/j.energy.2004.02.008
Publisher Statement
© 2004 Elsevier Ltd. Publisher's version of record: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2004.02.008
Citation Information
Audrey L. Mayer, Christopher W. Pawlowski, Brian D. Fath and Heriberto Cabezas. "Towards a sustainability index using information theory" Energy Vol. 30 Iss. 8 (2004) p. 1221 - 1231 ISSN: 0360-5442 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/audrey-mayer/11/