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Integrated Assessment: an emerging methodology for complex issues

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Abstract

Over recent years Integrated Assessment (IA) has been presented as a new and innovative approach to modern decision making. In this paper we explore some of the key features that we consider characterise IA; we present IA as a framework that allows a flexible approach to uncertainty in decision making and to which a broad palette of expertise can contribute. The example of the development of an international agreement to reduce acidic deposition is used to illustrate the current practical status of an IA. The scientific process leading to this agreement has previously been described as IA but we argue that, although it marks a change from traditional approaches, further progress is still required to satisfy the requirements for a successful and durable IA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Informatics and Safety (ISIS), European Commission – Joint Research Centre (EC‐JRC), Institute for Systems, I‐21020, Ispra (Va), Italy

    Clair Gough, Nuria Castells & Silvio Funtowicz

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  1. Clair Gough
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  2. Nuria Castells
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  3. Silvio Funtowicz
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Gough, C., Castells, N. & Funtowicz, S. Integrated Assessment: an emerging methodology for complex issues. Environmental Modeling & Assessment 3, 19–29 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019042201713

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