A Report on Canada's Progress Towards a National Set of Environmental Indicators


Book Description

Environmental indicators, like economic indicators, are important tools for translating quantities of data into succinct information that can be readily understood and used by decision makers and the general public. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has taken the first step in leading an international initiative to develop a series of indicators and Canada is beginning to work on developing a similar series. This report presents a brief overview of efforts now underway to develop consistent, reliable indicators to measure the quality of our environment, the stresses placed on it, and the steps taken to prevent or reduce those stresses.







Environmental Indicators for North America


Book Description

Although the environment of North America is not dissected by political borders, Canada and the United States often measure environmental conditions and report on them using different indicators. This report examines the environmental indicators used by both nations, and based on analysis of current research into common methodologies used in national, regional and global environmental reporting, it goes on to draw lessons for the development of bilateral indicators to cover the North American region.










ENVIRONMENTAL INDICES : SYSTEMS ANALYSIS APPROACH - Volume I


Book Description

Environmental Indices: Systems Analysis Approach examines the theoretical development of environmental indices and their practical application. Indicators can be powerful tools in guiding data and information collection processes, and careful development will lead to more focused and cost-effective global monitoring and observing systems at international level. The authorship is drawn from a group of internationally distinguished scientists and researches who are actively working towards a comprehensive set of tools and protocols such as simulation models, fuzzy clustering analysis and GIS methodologies that will lead to the development of meaningful environmental indices. This book will be a vital reference work for students, teachers and researches, together with policy makers, planners and all professional involved in development programs.




Documents


Book Description




Environmental Statistics, Assessment, and Forecasting


Book Description

Environmental Statistics, Assessment, and Forecasting examines the current efforts to develop a coherent picture of national and regional environmental trends and conditions. The book includes sampling methodologies, statistical analysis techniques, environmental modeling, graphic presentation, including geographic information systems (GIS), and the problems involved in forecasting the future. The sampling and statistical techniques discussed include dealing with large variability and soft data; composite sampling; methods for combining data; data below the detection level; multivariate data; spatially censored, artificially censored, and incomplete data; kriging; and imputation. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis is discussed in the context of database management systems. Also covered are topics involved in the future of environmental statistics, including research planning, a bureau of environmental statistics, global interactions, and communication techniques. The book will interest statistical analysts, environmental planners, scientists, regulators, and policy makers in government, industry, and environmental groups.







The State of Canada's Environment


Book Description

Second national state-of-the-environment report, addressing the questions of what is happening in Canada's environment, why it is happening, why it is significant, and what Canadians are doing about it. The report is divided into five parts, dealing with perceptions of the environment and the dangers inherent in our tendency to look at the world in terms of human economic models; exploring the state of particular environmental components and the major sectors of human activity; describing six regional case studies; addressing six important environmental issues; and discussing the concept of sustainable development and its implications for Canada's future.