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Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications

Publication ,  Journal Article
Levin, S; Xepapadeas, T; Crépin, AS; Norberg, J; De Zeeuw, A; Folke, C; Hughes, T; Arrow, K; Barrett, S; Daily, G; Ehrlich, P; Kautsky, N ...
Published in: Environment and Development Economics
April 1, 2013

Systems linking people and nature, known as social-ecological systems, are increasingly understood as complex adaptive systems. Essential features of these complex adaptive systems - such as nonlinear feedbacks, strategic interactions, individual and spatial heterogeneity, and varying time scales - pose substantial challenges for modeling. However, ignoring these characteristics can distort our picture of how these systems work, causing policies to be less effective or even counterproductive. In this paper we present recent developments in modeling social-ecological systems, illustrate some of these challenges with examples related to coral reefs and grasslands, and identify the implications for economic and policy analysis. © 2012 Cambridge University Press.

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Published In

Environment and Development Economics

DOI

EISSN

1469-7998

ISSN

1355-770X

Publication Date

April 1, 2013

Volume

18

Issue

2

Start / End Page

111 / 132

Related Subject Headings

  • Agricultural Economics & Policy
  • 4404 Development studies
  • 3801 Applied economics
  • 1502 Banking, Finance and Investment
  • 1402 Applied Economics
  • 0502 Environmental Science and Management
 

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Levin, S., Xepapadeas, T., Crépin, A. S., Norberg, J., De Zeeuw, A., Folke, C., … Walker, B. (2013). Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications. Environment and Development Economics, 18(2), 111–132. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355770X12000460
Levin, S., T. Xepapadeas, A. S. Crépin, J. Norberg, A. De Zeeuw, C. Folke, T. Hughes, et al. “Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications.” Environment and Development Economics 18, no. 2 (April 1, 2013): 111–32. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355770X12000460.
Levin S, Xepapadeas T, Crépin AS, Norberg J, De Zeeuw A, Folke C, et al. Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications. Environment and Development Economics. 2013 Apr 1;18(2):111–32.
Levin, S., et al. “Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications.” Environment and Development Economics, vol. 18, no. 2, Apr. 2013, pp. 111–32. Scopus, doi:10.1017/S1355770X12000460.
Levin S, Xepapadeas T, Crépin AS, Norberg J, De Zeeuw A, Folke C, Hughes T, Arrow K, Barrett S, Daily G, Ehrlich P, Kautsky N, Mäler KG, Polasky S, Troell M, Vincent JR, Walker B. Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems: Modeling and policy implications. Environment and Development Economics. 2013 Apr 1;18(2):111–132.
Journal cover image

Published In

Environment and Development Economics

DOI

EISSN

1469-7998

ISSN

1355-770X

Publication Date

April 1, 2013

Volume

18

Issue

2

Start / End Page

111 / 132

Related Subject Headings

  • Agricultural Economics & Policy
  • 4404 Development studies
  • 3801 Applied economics
  • 1502 Banking, Finance and Investment
  • 1402 Applied Economics
  • 0502 Environmental Science and Management