Towards a Single Integrative Metric on the Dynamics of Social-Environmental Systems

Integrating the dynamics and interconnections of natural human system properties into a single measure would make it simpler to reliably repeatedly assess compare different social-environmental systems (SES). We propose novel metric magnitudes variations in SES by integrating longitudinal gross domestic product, population, ecosystem net primary production. use annual public data across Asian Drylands Belt (ADB) from 1992 through 2016 for 18 political entities as our testbed assessing efficacy metric. perform cross-comparisons with existing social science metrics demonstrate validity proposed metric, including Human Development Index Palmer Drought Severity Index. The new demonstrates notable meaningful differences trends among that reflect major social, economic environmental events over 25-year period. It provides unique perspectives about three pillar components (social, systems) each (PE) ADB. also shows associations key indicators great potential broader application evaluation, given additional testing other countries, regions, biomes.