<strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong>: <strong>Framework</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>LCIA</strong> <strong>models</strong> <strong>and</strong> indicators First edition Figure 3-2 Functions of the natural environment, according to De Groot (1992), reproduced from Gustafson (1998). 3 Requirements <strong>for</strong> Areas of Protection 26
<strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong>: <strong>Framework</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>LCIA</strong> <strong>models</strong> <strong>and</strong> indicators First edition Dewulf et al. (2007) distinguishes more categories within the resources section of the AoP ‗Natural Resources‘. These include: atmospheric resources, l<strong>and</strong>, water, minerals, metal ores, nuclear energy, fossil fuels renewables. This is just one categorization. Other categorizations split resources differently. For example, Finnveden (1998) splits resources into deposits, funds <strong>and</strong> fows, whereas Guinée et al., 2002 splits resources into biotic <strong>and</strong> abiotic resources. A clear advantage of distinguishing several resource-related impact categories is that it becomes possible to include different issues of concern in the different resource classes. For example, metal ores become dispersed through their use, fossil resources are consumed, <strong>and</strong> water is only temporarily removed from circulation. Such differences in the underlying mechanism may require different <strong>models</strong> <strong>and</strong> separate metrics, just as acidifying <strong>and</strong> toxic substances are treated in separate indicators, using different <strong>models</strong>. However, since the context of the impact categories is given, <strong>and</strong> since most impact assessment methods use just one indicator <strong>for</strong> resource depletion, such a separation of mechanisms <strong>and</strong> indicators has not been carried out. Only impacts related to l<strong>and</strong> use have been addressed separately; the focus of this treatment is then on ecological impacts, such as loss of biodiversity or habitat destruction. The scarcity of l<strong>and</strong> itself (i.e. l<strong>and</strong> competition, the restriction that one human user exerts on the possibilities of another human user) can be addressed in LCA by existing l<strong>and</strong> use concepts. In analysing the use value of a resource, many issues arise. Some use values are essential (such as nutrition), others are desirable (such as luxury products), <strong>and</strong> others even have an aspect that many people dislike (such as military purposes). It is difficult to decide which functions to preserve, especially as needs in the future are either unknown or not yet recognized. For example, it would have been impossible to predict that germanium <strong>and</strong> other semiconductors would become an essential resource in the second half of the 20 th century; or that wood as a construction material would become less dominant. Besides, there is an important issue here that relates to rebound <strong>and</strong> other behavioural aspects. When resources become scarce, prices rise. This leads to multiple effects. The dem<strong>and</strong> <strong>for</strong> the resource declines. This may stimulate the development of substitute resources, <strong>and</strong> the development of new technologies <strong>and</strong> recycling techniques. It may also lead to further exploration <strong>and</strong> the discovery of new reserves. Finally, it will make non-economic reserves more profitable, perhaps with more intense environmental repercussions due to higher <strong>requirements</strong> on drilling, mining, <strong>and</strong> refining. Technology <strong>and</strong> prices also dictate the quantity of the reserve. Geologists distinguish between proven reserves, probable reserves, possible reserves, <strong>and</strong> so on, as determined by technical <strong>and</strong> financial feasibility. 3 Requirements <strong>for</strong> Areas of Protection 27
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