Socioeconomic Indicators for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Climate Change in National Parks: An Analysis of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (Spain)

Iván López,Mercedes Pardo

doi:10.3390/environments5020025

Iván López, Mercedes Pardo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/environments5020025

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Abstract

This paper analyzes the importance of assessing and controlling the social and economic impact of climate change in national parks. To this end, a system of indicators for evaluation and monitoring is proposed for the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, one of the most important in Spain. Based on the Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, the designed system uses official statistical data in combination with data to be collected through ad hoc qualitative research. The result is a system of indicators that monitors the use of natural resources, the demographic evolution, economic activities, social interactions, and policies. Adapted to different contexts, these indicators could also be used in other national parks and similar natural protected areas throughout the world. This type of indicator system is one of the first to be carried out in Spain’s national parks. The result is a system that can be useful not only in itself, but also one that can catalyze climate change planning and management of national parks.

Highlights

Anthropogenic climate change, which is produced by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities added to natural climate variability [1], is one of the most serious problems of global environmental change faced by contemporary societies [2]
It must be taken into account that the use of the selected indicators requires be large relative to the impacts of climate change” [58] (p. 19)
It must be taken into account that the use of the Taking into account the socio-economic characteristics of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, selected indicators requires continuous revision

Summary

Introduction

The need to identify the current and foreseeable impacts of climate change as well as its mitigation and adaptation presents challenges in scientific, political, economic and social spheres [2]. Among these challenges is addressing the potential impacts on national parks [3]. National parks are privileged spaces for monitoring climate change impacts [4,5,6,7] As they are protected spaces in their biophysical characteristics and limited in their socioeconomic activities, they are easier to control than other spaces that are subjected to social and economic dynamics. High mountain areas—as is the case of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park—are a good indicator of the possible effects of climate change on other parts of the planet, as they are sensitive to global environmental changes [8,9]

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Discussion

Conclusion