Defuzzification of Fuzzy Concepts to Support Vulnerability Assessments of Climate Change Impacts in the Philippines
Issue Date
1-2014
Abstract
Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues that require innovative methods to address the complexity of human-environment interactions. Many aspects of vulnerability to climate change and adaptation measures to address its adverse impacts remain vague and unquantifiable. Vulnerability assessments require methods that can reduce the vagueness and imprecision of interpretations of data and information in human and environment systems. This chapter illustrates an empirical application of fuzzy logic analysis and the utility of this analytical tool in integrated modeling assessments in the context of climate change. Using the intervulnerability framework, fuzzy logic models can be used to assess trade-offs of adaptive capacity and hotspots of vulnerable regions. In particular, we used data on socio-economic and ecological indicators that are relevant for the assessments of adaptive capacity and vulnerability in the different provinces and regions in the Philippines. The empirical application in this country shows the advantages of fuzzy set theory in terms of its (1) transparency, which allows explicit presentation of model assumptions through inference rules; and (2) flexibility, which allows direct inclusion of informal and expert knowledge in combining various indicator sets. The results of the fuzzy models show that the types of indicators and determinants traded-off depend on the social and economic conditions in the regions. Vulnerable provinces are mostly located in northern and southern parts of the Philippines. Vulnerability in the former can be reduced through improving water availability for agriculture, whilst in the latter through improving peace and order condition that affects socio-economic development.
Source or Periodical Title
Advances in Environmental Research
Page
165-194
Document Type
Book Chapter
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Acosta, L.A. & Eugenio, J.M.A.. (2014). Defuzzification of Fuzzy Concepts to Support Vulnerability Assessments of Climate Change Impacts in the Philippines. in: Justin A. Daniels (ed.), Advances in environmental research 15, Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers Inc., 165-194
Digital Copy
yes
