113
The consequential LCI model describes the supply chain as it is theoretically expected
in consequence of the analyzed decision, embedded in a dynamic technosphere that reacts
to a change in the demand for different products (EUR 24708 EN 2010).
Potential impacts to midpoint impact categories are calculated from life cycle inventory data. Midpoint categories include:
Climate change.
Ozone depletion.
Human toxicity.
Respiratory inorganics.
Ionizing radiation.
Ground-level photochemical ozone formation.
Acidification.
Eutrophication.
Ecotoxicity.
Land use.
Resource depletion.
These midpoint categories can then be extended further out on the impact pathway to broad endpoint categories such as damage to human health, damage to ecosystem diversity, and resource scarcity. The farther into the future, the wider the
spatial boundaries, and the greater the quantity of interacting variables in the system
being studied, the less certain any attempt will be to accurately calculate the probability of any specific consequence coming to pass. It is likely that consequential
LCA will continue to be challenged by technical limits, complexity, and inherent
uncertainty that surround making large-scale predictions. For designers, the tools
available primarily use attributional methodologies that focus on potential midpoint
impacts inferred from LCI data.
6.4 An Appeal to Reason
When doubt and confusion reign, decision-making suffers. As we struggle to define
and delineate the boundaries of such a large and complex problem as climate
change, there can be an enormous delay before we even start developing effective
approaches to its solution. Before we decide on even the first steps, the problem
itself must be firmly established and understood. Questioning the causes is where
most of us get stuck, paralyzed by the conflicting messages we hear from the
“experts.” Neither of the dominant opposing views refutes the fact that the average
temperature on the planet is rising. However, global warming is alternately referred
to as a human-caused “crisis” demanding immediate action or as part of a natural
process over which we have absolutely no control.
Effective appeals to consider alternatives to operational status quo often fail to
convince. Emotionally charged positions based solely on firmly held personal
6.4 An Appeal to Reason
The consequential LCI model describes the supply chain as it is theoretically expected
in consequence of the analyzed decision, embedded in a dynamic technosphere that reacts
to a change in the demand for different products (EUR 24708 EN 2010).
Potential impacts to midpoint impact categories are calculated from life cycle inventory data. Midpoint categories include:
Climate change.
Ozone depletion.
Human toxicity.
Respiratory inorganics.
Ionizing radiation.
Ground-level photochemical ozone formation.
Acidification.
Eutrophication.
Ecotoxicity.
Land use.
Resource depletion.
These midpoint categories can then be extended further out on the impact pathway to broad endpoint categories such as damage to human health, damage to ecosystem diversity, and resource scarcity. The farther into the future, the wider the
spatial boundaries, and the greater the quantity of interacting variables in the system
being studied, the less certain any attempt will be to accurately calculate the probability of any specific consequence coming to pass. It is likely that consequential
LCA will continue to be challenged by technical limits, complexity, and inherent
uncertainty that surround making large-scale predictions. For designers, the tools
available primarily use attributional methodologies that focus on potential midpoint
impacts inferred from LCI data.
6.4 An Appeal to Reason
When doubt and confusion reign, decision-making suffers. As we struggle to define
and delineate the boundaries of such a large and complex problem as climate
change, there can be an enormous delay before we even start developing effective
approaches to its solution. Before we decide on even the first steps, the problem
itself must be firmly established and understood. Questioning the causes is where
most of us get stuck, paralyzed by the conflicting messages we hear from the
“experts.” Neither of the dominant opposing views refutes the fact that the average
temperature on the planet is rising. However, global warming is alternately referred
to as a human-caused “crisis” demanding immediate action or as part of a natural
process over which we have absolutely no control.
Effective appeals to consider alternatives to operational status quo often fail to
convince. Emotionally charged positions based solely on firmly held personal
6.4 An Appeal to Reason