2024 AIChE Annual Meeting

(498c) Deriving Techno-Socio-Economic Policies for Global Sustainability

Authors

Diwekar, U. - Presenter, Vishwamitra Research Institute /stochastic Rese
Sustainable development presents an ongoing global challenge, necessitating
innovative approaches to address environmental concerns while promoting
economic prosperity. This research builds upon the Generalized Global Sustainability
Model (GGSM), which provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing ecological
and economic dynamics. Drawing from previous work, we propose an extension to
the GGSM by integrating water pricing as a key policy variable. Water stress, a
critical aspect of sustainability, is addressed through this addition, allowing for a
more nuanced examination of resource management policies.
Utilizing an optimal control framework, the research defines global sustainability
across ecological, economic, and social dimensions, focusing on minimizing
variance in Fisher Information, a key sustainability indicator. The study finds that
optimizing for Fisher Information effectively addresses multiple sustainability
objectives, simplifying the multi-dimensional problem framework. Seven techno-
socioeconomic policy decision profiles that can make the planet sustainable for the
foreseeable future are obtained using this framework.
This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development by
emphasizing the pivotal role of water pricing in shaping environmental policies and
economic decisions. By extending the GGSM to include water pricing, we not only
enhance the model's utility but also broaden its applicability for policymakers and
researchers. Our findings are not just theoretical but aim to inform evidence-based
policymaking and promote holistic approaches to sustainability in a rapidly changing
world.