Global Agenda Council on Measuring Sustainability 2012-2013
Since the 1970s, complexity and uncertainty surrounding the
global environment have increased manifold in light of resource
scarcity, significant environmental degradation, and the growing
impact and frequency of climate extremes. This is making policy
choices, investment and management decisions very difficult to
develop in a rational and integrated manner. Climate extremes,
exposure and vulnerability materially affect both the demand and
supply side of resource systems like water, food and energy. In
some places, these resources are competing against regional and
local constraints, creating increased uncertainty surrounding
how best to deal with trade-offs and risks across different
resource classes. Against this backdrop, risk management
capabilities and spatial characterization of the risks
associated with energy systems and water, as well as logistics
and supply chain infrastructure, are critical for public
authorities, businesses and communitie