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7C - Role of environmental science in influencing sustainable development (WE7/6) Decision Support Methodologies for Sustainable Development Policies. Elghali, Lucia1, Clift, Roland2, 1 TRL Limited, Crowthorne, Berkshire, UK2 University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK ABSTRACT- Complex decision contexts involving multiple (and often competing) policy objectives, such as those encountered in creating public policies for sustainable development, are common in both strategic and operational decisions. Difficulties arise in applying sustainable development principles to define and choose "the best" product, policy or solution. This occurs because of the need to address multiple objectives simultaneously and to address the concerns of diverse stakeholders. As a consequence, a number of key issues require consideration in such decision contexts. Judgement about what does or does not constitute progress towards sustainable development is guided by and interpreted according to moral values (or worldview) where factual information is associated with a high degree of uncertainty. The divergent social, environmental and economic criteria requiring consideration in such decisions may compete and it is unclear how to prioritise them. It is difficult to determine the best option or group of options for the decision at hand using analytical tools alone (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment, etc.), because of the uncertainty associated with the assessment, and this uncertainty also extends to more fundamental difficulties in defining the problem requiring a solution. The trade-offs required between different decision criteria in choosing a course of action are not documented and remain implicit, leading to a lack of transparency. A number of key players and decision-makers will be affected by the outcome of the decision at hand and will need to contribute to the decision-making process. A critical review of some methodologies commonly used to provide support for environmental decision-making activities is provided, with reference to their efficacy in complex and uncertain decision contexts. Some suggestions are made for areas requiring research in the future. Key words: public policy decisions, sustainable development, complexity, decision-making |
