The social sciences provide a rich repository of open, interesting, and unsolved questions that can benefit from the application of system dynamics (SD). After "solving" a problem, SD researchers must present their results, which is not as straightforward as it might seem. This study describes lessons learned presenting system dynamics results to an academic audience during the publication of Lofdahl (2002) and is organized according to the four dicta of Repenning (2003): 1) size your model appropriately, 2) build the intuition of your reader, 3) do your homework, and 4) choose your audience wisely.
The work discussed in this talk uses a variety of modeling and data analysis methods (system dynamics, econometrics, spatial models, data visualization techniques) to show that international trade contributes to, rather than mitigates, global environmental degradation.
Issues regarding trade and the environment have gained increased policy salience as highlighted by the 1999 WTO Ministerial in Seattle. Economists maintain that trade helps the environment citing empirical studies that show richer countries can better afford cleaner natural environments. Environmentalists maintain that trade hurts the environment, pointing out that environmental degradation is historically coincident with industrialization.
The work discussed in this talk uses a variety of modeling and data analysis methods (system dynamics, econometrics, spatial models, data visualization techniques) to show that international trade contributes to rather than detracts from global environmental degradation.