Toward Rigorous Telecoupling Causal Attribution: A Systematic Review and Typology
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Date
2018-11-27
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
Telecoupled flows of people, organisms, goods, information, and energy are expanding across the globe. Causes are integral components of the telecoupling framework, yet the rigor with which they have been identified and evaluated to date is unknown. We address this knowledge gap by systematically reviewing causal attribution in the telecoupling literature (n = 89 studies) and developing a standardized causal terminology and typology for consistent use in telecoupling research. Causes are defined based on six criteria: sector (e.g., environmental, economic), system of origin (i.e., sending, receiving, spillover), agent, distance, response time (i.e., time lapse between cause and effect), and direction (i.e., producing positive or negative effects). Using case studies from the telecoupling literature, we demonstrate the need to enhance the rigor of telecoupling causal attribution by combining qualitative and quantitative methods via process-tracing, counterfactual analysis, and related approaches. Rigorous qualitative-quantitative causal attribution is critical for accurately assessing the social-ecological causes and consequences of telecouplings and thereby identifying leverage points for informed management and governance of telecoupled systems.
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published
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Journal / series
Volume
10 (12)
Pages / Article No.
4426
Publisher
MDPI
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Subject
Telecoupling; Causality; Effect; Coupled human; Natural systems
Organisational unit
09659 - Garrett, Rachael (ehemalig) / Garrett, Rachael (former)
Notes
Funding
152167 - SNF R4D (SNF)