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Module Course Materials
5 1

Introduction and learning objectives
9-12 December, 2013 Integrated analysis of environmental trends and policies refers to a set of processes and

methods to analyse the state of the environment as it is affected by natural forces, human
activities and policies.

Traditional SoE reporting that tries to answer the question, “What is happening to the
environment?” has been around for over three decades. Beginning in the late 1990s,

several countries prepared SoE reports using the IEA approach, with increasing emphasis
on root causes, policy drivers and impacts of environmental change. The IEA approach
has a series of questions the assessment seeks to answer (Figure 1).

Module 1 of this Training Manual presents detailed information on the evolving concepts
and methods used in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) and related reports by
UNEP. This module focuses on answering the first three questions in Figure 1. The fourth

and fifth questions build on the first three, and are addressed in Module 6.

In Step 1 (Figure 1), you will learn about compiling and analysing quantitative and
qualitative information related to the status and trends of the environment, including

spatial and temporal characteristics of change. We also will address how drivers-natural
or anthropogenic-exert influence.

Step 2 will guide you through identifying and analysing ways environmental change affects
the ability of the environment to provide specific services such as pollination of crops
by insects, regulation of carbon in the atmosphere or the cultural or recreational value
of landscapes. Here, you also will investigate direct versus indirect impacts on human
vulnerability and well-being as well as the potential costs of those effects.

Step 3 involves identifying all policies that have significant influence on the environment
and human well-being. It also helps identify policy gaps and opportunities for policy

innovation, and determine the effectiveness of policies.

8 Integrated Analysis of Environmental Trends and Policies