Keywords
adaptation; agent-based modelling; global change; multi-scale approach; vulnerability
Location
Session D6: The Importance of Human Decision Making in Agent-Based Models of Natural Resource Use
Start Date
11-7-2016 3:10 PM
End Date
11-7-2016 3:30 PM
Abstract
In a context of global changes, coastal social-ecological systems are submitted to growing and combining pressures. To reduce their vulnerability, agents respond through adaptations that occurs at multiple scales (from individual to collective), leading to nested feedback loops with consequences that can be expected or not. Artificial societies are of great help to explore these complex and uncertain adaptation dynamics. Taking inspiration from Anderies et al. robustness framework, we modified Epstein and Axtell’ Sugarscape model to integrate a multi-scale perspective and explore vulnerability transfers following adaptation processes. Harvesters (users) are evolving in a cell-environment composed of spice and sugar (resources) which is divided in 6 States (infrastructure providers). This environment is unequally submitted to two types of perturbations: a slowly increasing demographic pressure (exogenous drivers on users) and shocks on resources availability that simulate climatic extreme events (exogenous drivers on resource). Harvesters and States are responding by the implementation of adaptation strategies, respectively migration and opening or closing of the State borders (infrastructures). Vulnerability indicators were developed at several levels (individual, State and environment) to analyse consequences of adaptation, and more particularly vulnerability transfer across levels. We demonstrate a cumulating effect of perturbations, as well as mitigated effects of adaptation strategies. We discuss the outcome of developing multi-scales agentbased models to explore adaptation to global changes, moving from Sugarscape to Sugarscale. At this point, agents decision making are based on abstract Epstein and Axtell’s Sugarscape model (based on welfare function defined in economics). The resulting model is to be used as a conceptual thought experiment that include main issues of coastal systems.
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Data Storage Systems Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Other Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons
Multi-scale adaptations and vulnerability transfer in an artificial society: From sugarscape to sugarscale
Session D6: The Importance of Human Decision Making in Agent-Based Models of Natural Resource Use
In a context of global changes, coastal social-ecological systems are submitted to growing and combining pressures. To reduce their vulnerability, agents respond through adaptations that occurs at multiple scales (from individual to collective), leading to nested feedback loops with consequences that can be expected or not. Artificial societies are of great help to explore these complex and uncertain adaptation dynamics. Taking inspiration from Anderies et al. robustness framework, we modified Epstein and Axtell’ Sugarscape model to integrate a multi-scale perspective and explore vulnerability transfers following adaptation processes. Harvesters (users) are evolving in a cell-environment composed of spice and sugar (resources) which is divided in 6 States (infrastructure providers). This environment is unequally submitted to two types of perturbations: a slowly increasing demographic pressure (exogenous drivers on users) and shocks on resources availability that simulate climatic extreme events (exogenous drivers on resource). Harvesters and States are responding by the implementation of adaptation strategies, respectively migration and opening or closing of the State borders (infrastructures). Vulnerability indicators were developed at several levels (individual, State and environment) to analyse consequences of adaptation, and more particularly vulnerability transfer across levels. We demonstrate a cumulating effect of perturbations, as well as mitigated effects of adaptation strategies. We discuss the outcome of developing multi-scales agentbased models to explore adaptation to global changes, moving from Sugarscape to Sugarscale. At this point, agents decision making are based on abstract Epstein and Axtell’s Sugarscape model (based on welfare function defined in economics). The resulting model is to be used as a conceptual thought experiment that include main issues of coastal systems.
