Equity and modeling in sustainability science: Examples and opportunities throughout the process.

Area of Science:

• Sustainability Science
• Systems Modeling
• Environmental Justice

Background:

• Equity is fundamental to sustainability, yet current approaches often neglect this link.
• Systems models are key tools for sustainability action but need to better incorporate equity.
• Integrating equity into model development and application presents significant opportunities and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight progress in integrating equity into sustainability systems modeling.
• To present a conceptual framework for equity in systems modeling (distributional, procedural, recognitional).
• To identify challenges, tensions, and future directions for equitable systems modeling.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of examples across various sustainability science fields (water, energy, air quality, conservation).
• Development of a conceptual framework for equity dimensions in systems modeling.
• Analysis of how modelers engage with equity throughout the modeling process.

Main Results:

• Advances in procedural and recognitional equity through pluralistic worldviews and knowledge systems.
• Improved representation of distributional inequity using new computational techniques and data.
• Investigation of inequity drivers by linking diverse modeling approaches.
• Development of nuanced metrics for assessing equity outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Systems modeling can be enhanced to better support equitable and sustainable futures.
• Mutual learning across sustainability science fields is vital for effective equitable modeling.
• Future work should focus on using models to transform conditions driving inequity.