Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Clearly, there is major potential for the use of visualizations with participatory
processes in filling this void. The Local Climate Change Visioning processes
described above move beyond current practice. They represent a prototype for
improved planning and engagement processes, which could be used to opera-
tionalize climate change science into conventional decision-making and design
procedures. They show that it is possible to carry out an inclusive, multi-criteria
process based on visualizing holistic future conditions, backed by scientific spatial
modelling, and supporting structured decision-making. The initial process that was
successful in Metro Vancouver has indeed been adapted to fit diverse conditions,
data constraints and team capabilities (see Pond et al.
2012
) in three other loca-
tions. What began as an experimental stand alone research technique has since
been embedded in municipal climate change planning processes (Kimberley),
applied to several planning and design interventions across a major city (Toronto),
and used to formulate alternative northern development strategies that are more
sustainable and culturally responsive than official community plans (Clyde River).
Such tools and processes could be central to resolving difficult dilemmas in
contested landscapes, e.g. the impacts of wind power on areas of sensitive land-
scape character, or the opposition to increased urban density in existing neigh-
bourhoods. We will need good communications, fair processes, and excellent
design if we are to resolve problems and preserve quality of life during the
transition away from high carbon energy sources and as climate uncertainties
increase.
However, using powerful techniques like landscape visualisation as both an
objective decision-making tool and a way to motivate changing attitudes and
policy, requires a credible and ethical stance with sound methodologies for pre-
paring valid visualisations of climate change. Sheppard (
2001
,
2005b
) has pro-
posed a Code of Ethics for use of landscape visualisation, which identifies the
following
principles
or
criteria
that
may
be
relevant
to
climate
change
applications:
• accuracy of visualisation relative to expected conditions;
• representativeness of views in space and time, relative to the context;
• visual clarity of presentations;
• interest and engagement of the audience/users;
• legitimacy or accountability of the visualisation, including transparency of data
and the production process; and
• accessibility of the visualisations to the public and potential users.
Mulder et al. (
2007
) expanded these to include a range of quality criteria for
visualisation, and Sheppard (
2012
) has outlined principles for defensible use of
various visual media, including landscape visualisation, in engaging people on
climate change specifically. Development and presentation of visualisations by a
trusted source would appear to be an important aspect of defensibility (Nicholson-
Cole
2005
; Sheppard
2012
). A strategy that has worked in the LCCV studies was
to secure effective stakeholder participation in the development of socioeconomic
scenarios and the application of decision-rules for visualising the scenarios.
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