LiSy Plan: Life cycle and system thinking to support long-term regional land planning
Abstract:
In the global effort to develop a bioeconomy, many countries define strategies promoting bio-based products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while safeguarding ecosystem services. However, it is not known whether those strategies will reach their objectives in the long term, mainly due to the complex interaction between nature and humans. This project responds to this research need by combining life cycle and system thinking to explore the long-term effects of policy instruments considering nature and human interactions. To achieve this goal, we will mainly combine system dynamics (SD) agent-based modeling (ABM), life cycle assessment (LCA), and multiregional Input-Output table (MRIO), which are four approaches that are exclusive but could bring essential assets to support land planning and political decision. This project will develop an integrated model to compare the sustainability performance of the alternative strategies and implement life cycle and system thinking to support long-term regional land planning. The integrated modeling framework will enhance understanding of system dynamics, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, and provide valuable insights for policy formulation.
Link to project website:
Yue Yu (PhD Student)
Stefan Pfister (Professor)