Mediated Modeling: Using Collaborative Processes to Integrate Scientist and Stakeholder Knowledge about Greenhouse Gas Emissions in an Urban Ecosystem

Abstract

Technical experts often find they need to include critical information from local residents to address environmental issues. To access this information while simultaneously educating participants, we used a participatory process called mediated modeling. Mediated modeling provides a structured framework for enabling diverse stakeholders to use systems modeling to understand the multidimensional, dynamic, and interactive aspects of environmental problems. We invited scientists, decision makers, and stakeholders from the Salt Lake City area to participate in a series of workshops designed to create a relatively simple model of urban ecosystem processes operating in the Salt Lake Valley, UT. This article describes the mediated modeling process, including four activities used to help participants think systemically about the local airshed and enable them to identify key issues, concerns, and interrelationships between variables affecting emissions. Our analysis indicates that participants gained a greater understanding of complexity and system dynamics related to the urban airshed.

Keywords:

• air quality
• collaboration
• community engagement
• greenhouse gas emissions
• mediated modeling
• participatory model building
• stakeholder workshops
• systems model building
• systems thinking

This research was funded by U.S. National Science Foundation grant ATM 02157658.

Notes

*Indicates the activities discussed in the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig B. Forster

Dr. Craig Forster is now deceased. This article is dedicated to his life and to his passion for building community capacity and sustainability.