A framework for integrating ecosystem services indicators into vulnerability and risk assessments of deltaic social-ecological systems

Peng, Y., Welden, N. and Renaud, F. G. (2023) A framework for integrating ecosystem services indicators into vulnerability and risk assessments of deltaic social-ecological systems. Journal of Environmental Management, 326(Part A), 116682. (doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116682)

Abstract

Due to increasing population pressure and urbanization, as well as global climate change impacts, many coastal river deltas are experiencing increased exposure, vulnerability and risks linked to natural hazards. Mapping the vulnerability and risk profiles of deltas is critical for developing preparedness, mitigation and adaptation policies and strategies. Current vulnerability and risk assessments focus predominantly on social factors, and typically, do not systematically incorporate a social-ecological systems perspective, which can lead to incomplete assessments. We argue that ecosystem services, which link both ecosystem functions and human well-being, can be used to better characterize the mutual dependencies between society and the environment within risk assessment frameworks. Thus, building on existing vulnerability and risk assessment frameworks, we propose a revised indicator-based framework for social-ecological systems of coastal delta environments, supported by a list of ecosystem service indicators that were identified using a systematic literature review. This improved framework is an effective tool to address the vulnerability and risk in coastal deltas, enabling the assessment of multi-hazard risks to social-ecological systems within and across coastal deltas and allows more targeted development of management measures and policies aimed at reducing risks from natural hazards.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Renaud, Professor Fabrice and Welden, Dr Natalie and Peng, Ms Yuting
• Authors: Peng, Y., Welden, N., and Renaud, F. G.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Interdisciplinary Studies
• Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Management
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0301-4797
• ISSN (Online): 1095-8630
• Published Online: 11 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Environmental Management 326(Part A): 116682
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License