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19 - Quantifying system sustainability using multiple risk criteria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2010

Janos J. Bogardi
Affiliation:
Division of Water Sciences, UNESCO, Paris
Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Affiliation:
Research Centre of Agricultural and Forest Environment, Polish Academy of Sciences
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Summary

ABSTRACT

Measuring the relative sustainability of water resources systems is much needed though very difficult. Being able to quantify sustainability makes it possible to evaluate and compare development alternatives, plans, and policies in order to choose the preferred solutions. It also makes it possible to include sustainability as one of multiple objectives in system design and operation. Commonly used multiple risk criteria – measures of reliability, resilience, and vulnerability – are combined into an aggregate index quantifying relative system sustainability. The procedure is illustrated in an example of regional development alternatives.

INTRODUCTION

Ever since the concept of sustainability, as expressed in the Brundtland Commission's report Our Common Future (WCED 1987), was introduced, professionals from many disciplines have been trying to define and measure it. This has turned out to be more difficult than expected. Nevertheless, this chapter attempts to do so, that is, to define sustainability in a manner that can help us better address some of the many issues and challenges that accompany the Commission's concept of sustainability. At the same time this definition should allow us to measure or quantify, at least relatively, the extent to which sustainability is being, or may be, achieved. We need such measures if we are to evaluate our development alternatives and monitor our water resources systems, and indeed our economy, our environment, and our social systems to see if they are becoming increasingly sustainable.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2002

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