DPSEEA Framework

An alternative to the DPSIR Framework is the Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action (DPSEEA) Framework. DPSEEA has been widely used in European and international health assessments (Corvalan et al., 1999).

• In the DPSEEA conceptual framework, Drivers are the social, demographic and economic developments in societies and the corresponding changes in life styles, overall levels of consumption and production patterns.
• Drivers function through human activities which may intentionally or unintentionally exert Pressures on the environment.
• The pressures exerted by society may lead to unintentional or intentional changes in the State of the environment.
• Factors such as human behavioral and lifestyle choice will influence individual Exposure to environmental challenges.
• Humans take Action by making decisions to reduce the Effects on human health.

However, by emphasizing the link between environmental degradation and human health, DPSEEA de-emphasized elements of the DPSIR framework, such as natural capital provided by ecosystems (Impact) that is a core concept of sustainability.