The first and second approaches to politics are at either ends of a spectrum of fit between social and ecological systems, but they imply a static political system. Linking ecology, economics and information for decision Perhaps the most novel development directly attributable to Rnet is the heuristic approach developed by Steve Carpenter, Buz Brock, Don Ludwig and Marco Janssen. It represents the first successful effort to integrate those elements of ecology, economics and society in a transparent and defensible manner. Phosphorus is the key input and structuring variable for the lake. A scientist module is included, with scientists represented as advisors who base their advice on a partial model of the lake.
Scientists provide information regarding the lake to policy agents.
The agents comprise two stakeholder groups- enviros and indies. Enviros formulate policy based on information from scientists, use a low discount rate, and place a lot of value on future. These agents compete through a political process by using a genetic algorithm. Whichever group s policy is more recently successful, has a higher reproductive capacity. The successful groups generate more offspring who then enter into a political process.