Sustainability indicators

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"It is no longer sufficient to develop passive lists or reports to ‘inform’ citizens of changes in our environment. We need to engage with citizens and ask how they can ‘inform’ us. Obtaining and using local knowledge will help us empower citizens, and it will also give us a better indication of what we need to do to be truly sustainable." Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Global citizen observatory - The role of individuals in observing and understanding our changing world. Lecture by Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director, European Environment Agency. Annual Earthwatch lecture - Citizen Science, Oxford, 16th February 2009. / Inspiring Quotes 18
Indicators simply measure or indicate what’s going on, and answer straightforward questions about chosen issues. Indicators can show
*Where we are now, and provide a ‘benchmark’ against which to assess future progress
*What’s improving, what’s getting worse, and what’s not changing
*The strengths or good aspects of an area as well as challenges it faces
Sustainability Indicators or local Quality of Life Indicators are about questions that affect us all
* What’s going on in your community?
* Is crime on the increase?
* Is the environment in trouble?
* What shape is the local economy in?
=== Action Ideas ===
* Local quality of life indicators
* Local quality of life Index
* Community surveys
* Footprint analysis - see International links
* Data visualization
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=== Resources ===
*The Open Data Handbook, discusses the legal, social and technical aspects of open data. It can be used by anyone but is especially designed for those seeking to open up data. It discusses the why, what and how of open data – why to go open, what open is, and the how to ‘open’ data.
*Human Development Reports, United Nations Development Programme, available in English, French and Spanish
=== Related ===
*Tim Berners-Lee on the next Web, video on TED.com
* Global Footprint Network
* Worldmapper
* Integrated Approaches to Participatory Development (IAPAD) - Participatory Avenues acts as focal point for sharing information and technical progress on community-based mapping and Public Participation GIS (PPGIS). The website provides ample documentation on Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM), an efficient tool for merging indigenous technical knowledge and traditional spatial information. P3DM applications include community-based natural resources management, collaborative research and planning, resource use, control and tenure, and related conflict management.
*Water footprint
*Google Public data explorer
References
*Defra news release, Ref: 440/06, 13 October 2006
Category:Portal
Category:Glossary
Category:LS Ideas Bank
category:Indicators
category:Local sustainability