Environmental Decision-Support Tool Evaluation: What Impacts Can Be Measured and How?

The complex environmental challenges we face require sound decision-making. As the update on the Planetary Boundaries Framework shows, we are now beyond a safe operating space for humanity. Environmental decision-support tools have the potential to guide decision-makers in addressing such complex challenges and ensuring safety for humans and ecosystems. However, many studies have highlighted a ‘use gap’ and recommend better tool evaluation practices, as these differ greatly across and within disciplines. In this systematic literature review, we investigate how environmental decision-support tools are currently evaluated by considering three types of parameters: tool-user interaction, user impacts, and tool effectiveness. We also systematize the data collection methods used to measure of these parameters. Based on the results, we map the tool-aided decision space and recommend adapted evaluation approaches based on the goals and focus of each study. We further propose a comprehensive framework to guide the choice of decision-support tool evaluation scope and methods.