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biodiversity. As a result of changes in ecological services, and mediated by demographic, social and Module
material factors, there are IMPACTS on the environment and human well-being (health, economic
performance, material assets, good social relations and security). 5

Societal RESPONSES can influence the environmental state and their associated drivers and pressures (either
intentionally or unintentionally). Societal responses essentially fall under two categories: (1) responses directed
at mitigating exposure to environmental impacts (e.g., through environmental restoration and enhancement);
and (2) responses which help society adapt directly to the impacts that occur and/or build the capacity to
adapt to changes in the environment. Societal responses include formulating and implementing public policy, Abu Dhabi, UAE
laws and establishing/strengthening institutions, as well as through advances in science and technology. The

exposure to changes in various environmental states, combined with the ability of society to adapt to these
changes, determines the degree to which people are vulnerable or are resilient to environmental change.

Figure 2 Analytical framework for integrated environmental assessment and
reporting based on GEO-4.

HUMAN SOCIETY
D-DRIVERS
Consumption and production patterns
Population demographics I-IMPACTS
P-PRESSURES Scientific and technological innovation Step 1 Human well-being
Sectors: Economic demand markets and trade (International goals and targets)
Agriculture, fisheries and forestry Institutional and social-political frameworks Material needs
Transport and housing Distribution patterns Health
Finance and trade Security Step 2
Energy and industry Freedom of choice
Security and defense Vulnerability to change in:
Science and education R-RESPONSES Step 3
Culture (Interventions) Economic Environmental:
Formal and informal adaptation and mitigation to and social:
Human Influences: environmental change by altering human behavior Provisioning
Emissions (pollution) within and between the D, P and I boxes i.a. through: Goods services (goods)
Land-use science and technology; policy, law and institutions; Services Regulating services
Resource extraction and coping capacity. Stress Cultural services
Modification and movement of Supporting
organisms services
Stress (i.e. diseases
Natural Processes: and hazards)
• Solar radiation S-STATE (Environmental Change)
• Volcanic eruptions Step 1 State of atmosphere, land and water, and trends such as:
• Earthquakes Climate Change (also referred to as a direct driver)
Desertification and land-degradation
Loss of biodiversity
ENVIRONMENT Pollution and degradation of air, land and water Step 1

Step 1: What is happening to the environment and why?
Step 2: What are the consequences for the environment and humanity?
Step 3: What is being done and how effective is it?

IEA Training Manual Workshop for the National Reporting Toolkit (NRT) 21