Socio-Environmental Agent-Based Simulation on the Livability of Two Cities

Abstract

The need for methodological advances in research as an important tool for instantaneous and better understanding on the dynamic and heterogeneous behavior in socio-environmental systems is increasing. In this paper, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigation rates, and their effect to human inhabitants of two mega cities namely, Metro Manila, Philippines and New York City, USA were studied. A simple framework to develop agent-based simulations using NETLOGO version 5.2.1 systematically was conducted. Factual data was introduced and then considered for the application for a dynamic model of GHG emissions and its effect to human population considering the mitigation programs implemented. The model came out to be reliable in projecting the livability of the two mega cities with a margin of error of approximately ±7%. Results showed that Metro Manila has higher livability compared to New York City by 6%. The results are quite alarming which suggest more involvement from the human inhabitants to GHG mitigation programs considering that the livability of the cities are mainly dictated by the population growth as observed. However, it has to be noted that the chance of involvement of the population should not go beyond the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.