Sustainability

21 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Herbicide-tolerant Transgenic Soybean over 15 Years of Cultivation: Pesticide Use, Weed Resistance, and Some Economic Issues. The Case of the USA

by Sylvie Bonny

INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research), UMR Economie publique INRA-AgroParisTech, Campus de GRIGNON, 78850 GRIGNON, France

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1302-1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091302 - 29 Aug 2011

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 33935

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops have been largely adopted where they have been authorized. Nevertheless, they are fiercely criticized by some, notably because of the herbicide use associated with them. However, how much herbicide is applied to GMHT crops compared to conventional [...] Read more.

Genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops have been largely adopted where they have been authorized. Nevertheless, they are fiercely criticized by some, notably because of the herbicide use associated with them. However, how much herbicide is applied to GMHT crops compared to conventional crops, and what impacts does the use of herbicide have? The paper first presents some factors explaining the predominance of GMHT crops. Then, trends in the use of herbicide for GM crops are studied in the case of the most widespread HT crop: HT soybean in the USA. The trends in the toxicity of herbicides applied to HT soybean are also addressed, as well as the appearance of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds. Lastly, the paper examines the spread of GR weeds and its impact. How are farmers, weed scientists, and the industry coping with this development, and what are the prospects of glyphosate-tolerant crops given weed resistance? In conclusion, some issues of sustainability and innovation governance raised by genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops are discussed. Full article

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18 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revisiting System Paradigms from the Viewpoint of Manufacturing Sustainability

by Zhuming Bi

Department of Engineering, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1323-1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091323 - 29 Aug 2011

Cited by 137 | Viewed by 17762

Abstract

A system paradigm is an abstract representation of system; it includes system architecture used to determine the types and numbers of components and their relations in the system. The design of system paradigm relies on customers’ requirements and the characteristics of the manufacturing [...] Read more.

A system paradigm is an abstract representation of system; it includes system architecture used to determine the types and numbers of components and their relations in the system. The design of system paradigm relies on customers’ requirements and the characteristics of the manufacturing environment. Many system paradigms and design guidelines have been proposed for a variety of customers’ needs including functions, cost, quality, personalization, and lead time of products. However, the consideration of sustainability becomes essential to today’s manufacturing systems; a new challenge is how to evolve existing paradigms to accommodate the requirements of sustainability. In contrast to ample research activities on system paradigms in past decades, recent studies on system paradigms have been restricted, partially due to unclear research directions. Limited works can be found on conceiving new manufacturing system paradigms from the perspective of sustainability; most of the related literature concerns the new requirements of sustainability. The objectives of this work are (i) to examine the requirements of manufacturing systems in a wider scope; (ii) to revisit existing paradigms to clarify their limitations and bottlenecks; and eventually (iii) to identify some research directions, which will lead to a solution of sustainable manufacturing. To achieve these objectives, firstly, a brief description of today’s manufacturing environment is provided. Secondly, the requirements of sustainability are discussed, and the relevant researches on system sustainability are surveyed. Thirdly, the reconfigurable system paradigm is focused, and the gaps between a reconfigurable manufacturing system and a sustainable manufacturing system are discussed. Finally, the future endeavors towards to the next-generation manufacturing system paradigms are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Manufacturing)

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16 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accounting for Sustainability: A Dissenting Opinion

by Robert D. Cairns

Department of Economics, McGill University, 855 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal QC H3A 2T7, Canada

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1341-1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091341 - 29 Aug 2011

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8275

Abstract

Discounted-utilitarian welfare, the commonest social objective studied by economists, is the basis for the theory of green accounting in terms of social utility. Sustainability is a different type of social objective. Consequently, green accounting as derived in many empirical models is not appropriate [...] Read more.

Discounted-utilitarian welfare, the commonest social objective studied by economists, is the basis for the theory of green accounting in terms of social utility. Sustainability is a different type of social objective. Consequently, green accounting as derived in many empirical models is not appropriate for studying sustainability. Maximin is a consistent foundation for the analysis of sustainability, both weak and strong, that provides conceptually correct accounting prices. These prices are not yet practicable for real economies, however, and must await further advances. Sustainable development is a generalization of the notion of sustainability and can be analyzed using a generalization of maximin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Resource Economics)

24 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping with Complex Environmental and Societal Flood Risk Management Decisions: An Integrated Multi-criteria Framework

by Karin Hansson^1,*, Aron Larsson^1,2, Mats Danielson¹ and Love Ekenberg¹

¹ Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Forum 100, Kista SE-164 40, Sweden

² Department of Information Technology and Media, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall SE-851 70, Sweden

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1357-1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091357 - 29 Aug 2011

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 11045

Abstract

During recent years, a great deal of attention has been focused on the financial risk management of natural disasters. One reason behind is that the economic losses from floods, windstorms, earthquakes and other disasters in both the developing and developed countries are escalating [...] Read more.

During recent years, a great deal of attention has been focused on the financial risk management of natural disasters. One reason behind is that the economic losses from floods, windstorms, earthquakes and other disasters in both the developing and developed countries are escalating dramatically. It has become apparent that an integrated water resource management approach would be beneficial in order to take both the best interests of society and of the environment into consideration. One improvement consists of models capable of handling multiple criteria (conflicting objectives) as well as multiple stakeholders (conflicting interests). A systems approach is applied for coping with complex environmental and societal risk management decisions with respect to flood catastrophe policy formation, wherein the emphasis is on computer-based modeling and simulation techniques combined with methods for evaluating strategies where numerous stakeholders are incorporated in the process. The resulting framework consists of a simulation model, a decision analytical tool, and a set of suggested policy strategies for policy formulation. The framework will aid decision makers with high risk complex environmental decisions subject to significant uncertainties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Flood Risk Management)

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18 pages, 392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Undergraduate Sustainable Learning: Effects of Sustainable Soilless Media on Production and Sensory Evaluation of Cucumbers, Basil, Parsley, and Lettuce

by Neil O. Anderson^1,*, Joey Annis², Mark Buchholz², Jared Cutting², Eric Heuring², Emily Jankila², Megan McCrumb², Nicole Nelson², Myra Pehoski², Karl Piepho², Valerie Price² and Victoria Russell²

¹ Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA

² Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1381-1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091381 - 29 Aug 2011

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 11259

Abstract

Modern greenhouse production has been ~100% reliant on fossil fuels for all inputs (glazing, heating, fertilization, lighting, post-harvest). Recent innovations may reduce fossil fuel dependence but their effectiveness may not be thoroughly tested. To promote education in sustainable production, undergraduate students in Greenhouse [...] Read more.

Modern greenhouse production has been ~100% reliant on fossil fuels for all inputs (glazing, heating, fertilization, lighting, post-harvest). Recent innovations may reduce fossil fuel dependence but their effectiveness may not be thoroughly tested. To promote education in sustainable production, undergraduate students in Greenhouse Management class (Hort 3002W; University of Minnesota) tested the effectiveness of two organic or ‘sustainable’ soilless media (Sunshine Natural and Organic Growing Mix, Sungro Metro-Mix Special Blend) with a control (Sunshine LC8 Professional) for crop production (height, leaf/flower number, yield) and sensory evaluations (appearance, texture, taste, purchase) of cucumbers (‘Big Burpless Hybrid’, ‘Sweet Burpless Hybrid’), basil (‘Opal Purple’, ‘Redleaf’), parsley (‘Green River’, ‘Extra Curled Dwarf’, ‘Hamburg’), and lettuce (Flying Saucer ‘Green’, ‘Red’). Significant differences between sustainable vs. control soils occurred for plant growth, depending on vegetative or reproductive traits, crops, and cultivars. These differences occasionally disappeared for sensory evaluation of edible components. In most crops, however, cultivars were highly significant factors. Undergraduate research can be used to provide directionality for future vegetable and herb plant breeding to focus on creating cultivars with increased yield and high consumer acceptance when grown in sustainable greenhouse soilless mixes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture)

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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessReview

Breeding Food Legumes for Resistance to Storage Insect Pests: Potential and Limitations

by Gemechu Keneni^1,2,*, Endashaw Bekele², Emana Getu², Muhammad Imtiaz³, Tebkew Damte⁴, Bayeh Mulatu¹ and Kifle Dagne²

¹ Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

² Faculty of Life Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

³ International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria

⁴ Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1399-1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091399 - 31 Aug 2011

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 10983

Abstract

Storage insect pests cause significant losses of food legumes particularly in the Tropics and the Sub-tropics. The most important species of storage insect pests of food legumes include Callosobruchus chinensis, C. maculatus, C. analis, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Bruchus incarnatus, [...] Read more.

Storage insect pests cause significant losses of food legumes particularly in the Tropics and the Sub-tropics. The most important species of storage insect pests of food legumes include Callosobruchus chinensis, C. maculatus, C. analis, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Bruchus incarnatus, B. rufimanus, B. dentipes, B. quinqueguttatus, B. emarginatus, B. ervi, B. lentis and B. pisorum. Effective post-harvest insect pest control measures should constitute part of the overall crop husbandry practices for preserving the quality of produce. Storage insect pests are commonly controlled using chemical insecticides which, however, bear many drawbacks related to high cost, environmental pollution and food safety risks. Breeding legume crops to improve their resistance against storage insect pests, although having technical limitations, is the best way of overcoming these disadvantages in an environment-friendly manner. In this paper, we present the findings of our extensive reviews on the potential of breeding resistant varieties of food legumes against storage insect pests along with the major technical limitations one would likely encounter and the prospective ways of tackling them. Full article

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36 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Sovereignty: Security and Sustainability in an Era of Climate Change

by Rymn J. Parsons

1221 Candlewood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, USA

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1416-1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091416 - 31 Aug 2011

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 11653

Abstract

Using Pakistan and the Arctic as examples, this article examines security challenges arising from climate change. Pakistan is in crisis, and climate change, a transnational phenomenon perhaps better characterized as radical enviro-transformation, is an important reason. Its survival as a state may depend [...] Read more.

Using Pakistan and the Arctic as examples, this article examines security challenges arising from climate change. Pakistan is in crisis, and climate change, a transnational phenomenon perhaps better characterized as radical enviro-transformation, is an important reason. Its survival as a state may depend to great extent on how it responds to 2010’s devastating floods. In the Arctic, the ice cap is melting faster than predicted, as temperatures there rise faster than in almost any other region. Unmanaged, a complex interplay of climate-related conditions, including large-scale “ecomigration”, may turn resource competition into resource conflict. Radical enviro-transformation has repeatedly overborne the resilience of societies. War is not an inevitable by-product of such transformation, but in the 21st Century climate-related instability, from resource scarcity and “ecomigration”, will likely create increasingly undesirable conditions of insecurity. Weak and failing states are one of today’s greatest security challenges. The pace of radical enviro-transformation, unprecedented in human history, is accelerating, especially in the Arctic, where a new, open, rich, and accessible maritime environment is coming into being. The international community must work together to enhance security and stability, promote sustainability, and strengthen sovereignty. Radical enviro-transformation provides ample reason and plentiful opportunity for preventative, collaborative solutions focused broadly on adaptation to climate change, most particularly the effects of “ecomigration”. Nations must work together across the whole of government and with all instruments of national power to create conditions for human transformation—social, political, and economic—to occur stably and sustainably, so as to avoid or lessen the prospects for and consequences of conflict. Collaborative international solutions to environmental issues, i.e., solutions that mobilize and share technology and resources, will build nations and build peace. The military, through “preventative engagement” will play a more and more important role. Further research and analysis is needed to determine what changes in law and policy should be made to facilitate stable and secure “ecomigration” on an international scale, over a long timeline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue On the Socioeconomic and Political Outcomes of Global Climate Change)

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34 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crops for Sustainable Agriculture

by Bertrand Hirel^1,*, Thierry Tétu², Peter J. Lea³ and Frédéric Dubois²

¹ Adaptation des Plantes à leur Environnement. Unité de Recherche 511, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Versailles-Grignon, R.D. 10, F-78026 Versailles Cedex, France

² Agrophysiologie, Ecophysiologie et Biologie Intégrative, A3900-AEB, Université de Picardie, 33 rue Saint Leu, F-80039 Amiens, France

³ Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1452-1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091452 - 7 Sep 2011

Cited by 411 | Viewed by 41791

Abstract

In this review, we present the recent developments and future prospects of improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops using various complementary approaches. These include conventional breeding and molecular genetics, in addition to alternative farming techniques based on no-till continuous cover cropping cultures [...] Read more.

In this review, we present the recent developments and future prospects of improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops using various complementary approaches. These include conventional breeding and molecular genetics, in addition to alternative farming techniques based on no-till continuous cover cropping cultures and/or organic nitrogen (N) nutrition. Whatever the mode of N fertilization, an increased knowledge of the mechanisms controlling plant N economy is essential for improving NUE and for reducing excessive input of fertilizers, while maintaining an acceptable yield and sufficient profit margin for the farmers. Using plants grown under agronomic conditions, with different tillage conditions, in pure or associated cultures, at low and high N mineral fertilizer input, or using organic fertilization, it is now possible to develop further whole plant agronomic and physiological studies. These can be combined with gene, protein and metabolite profiling to build up a comprehensive picture depicting the different steps of N uptake, assimilation and recycling to produce either biomass in vegetative organs or proteins in storage organs. We provide a critical overview as to how our understanding of the agro-ecophysiological, physiological and molecular controls of N assimilation in crops, under varying environmental conditions, has been improved. We have used combined approaches, based on agronomic studies, whole plant physiology, quantitative genetics, forward and reverse genetics and the emerging systems biology. Long-term sustainability may require a gradual transition from synthetic N inputs to legume-based crop rotation, including continuous cover cropping systems, where these may be possible in certain areas of the world, depending on climatic conditions. Current knowledge and prospects for future agronomic development and application for breeding crops adapted to lower mineral fertilizer input and to alternative farming techniques are explored, whilst taking into account the constraints of both the current world economic situation and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture)

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24 pages, 902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of an Optimal Waste Utilization System: A Case Study in St. Petersburg, Russia

by Mikhail Rodionov^* and Toshihiko Nakata

Department of Management Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba-Yama 6-6-11-815, Sendai 980-8579, Japan

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1486-1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091486 - 8 Sep 2011

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 10889

Abstract

Storing municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills is the oldest and still the primary waste management strategy in many countries. Russia is the third largest methane (CH₄) emitter country after USA and China, representing 5% of total global CH₄ emissions [...] Read more.

Storing municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills is the oldest and still the primary waste management strategy in many countries. Russia is the third largest methane (CH₄) emitter country after USA and China, representing 5% of total global CH₄ emissions from waste landfilling. Due to high economical growth, the amount of waste generated in Russia has risen sharply over the last ten years. However, waste management in Russia is mainly based on landfilling. In order to design an optimal MSW utilization system considering various aspects related to sustainable MSW management, a linear programming model was introduced for this research. The performance of the proposed MSW utilization system in the target area has been evaluated in light of energy, economic, and environmental (3Es) aspects, such as system net cost, annual energy generated from the waste, and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of the system. St. Petersburg city was considered as the target area for the present analysis. The results show that the introduction of the proposed MSW system with energy recovery from waste along with a high level of material recovery has energy, environmental and economic benefits compared to the conventional treatment system. This paper emphasizes the importance of introducing waste treatment methods as an alternative to landfilling, and to improve recycling activities in Russia. Full article

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7 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Small-Scale Adaptation Actions to Address the Food Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Going beyond Food Aid and Cash Transfers

by Richard Munang^* and Johnson N. Nkem

Climate Change Adaptation and Development Initiative (CC DARE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), P.O. Box 30552-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1510-1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091510 - 15 Sep 2011

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 10591

Abstract

The countries Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti are facing the worst food crisis of the 21st century as a result of devastating droughts. The crisis is causing starvation and leading to a lack of access to clean water and sanitation for over [...] Read more.

The countries Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti are facing the worst food crisis of the 21st century as a result of devastating droughts. The crisis is causing starvation and leading to a lack of access to clean water and sanitation for over 12 million people. Not only are the direct drought effects endured now by the population, but they have weakened response capacity and created diminished prospects of ever achieving future water and food security. Over the coming decades, temperatures in this region will continue to rise and rainfall patterns will change. This will create major problems for food production and availability. Thus, building resilience in communities is indispensable as we adapt our farming systems to the challenges of climate change. This will require practical solutions that can build on processes involving adaptation to climate change. The lessons learned from the UN-led project in Uganda, demonstrate the value of small scale innovative interventions, carried out using democratic approaches to help support adaptation to climate change whilst progressing to achieve food security and chart a new Path to eliminate hunger. These lessons should be our guiding vision as we address the current droughts plaguing the Horn of East Africa and elsewhere. Full article

14 pages, 3390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Change of Land Use Patterns in the Areas Close to the Airport Development Area and Some Implicating Factors

by Kanokporn Swangjang^1,* and Visut Iamaram²

¹ Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand

² Banpu Public Company Limited, 1550 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1517-1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091517 - 20 Sep 2011

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9465

Abstract

This paper presents the description of land use change in the suburbs near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, with a focus on land use patterns before and during airport development. According to geographic information system (GIS), land use patterns are categorized into three main groups, [...] Read more.

This paper presents the description of land use change in the suburbs near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, with a focus on land use patterns before and during airport development. According to geographic information system (GIS), land use patterns are categorized into three main groups, namely intensive urban development land, areas developed under environmental conditions, and natural land. Steps of land use changes, land use planning and related factors concerning number of population, dwelling units and factories were analyzed. In the short term, urban development dramatically increases by 39.97% whereas the areas developed under environmental conditions decreased by 37.52%, with significant correlation (P < 0.05). The natural land which is typically grassland and watercourses changed insignificantly (P > 0.05). Urbanization of the areas where the airport is located increased between 10.07% and 15.57%. The changes of land use comply with the Integrated Town and Country Planning. The areas where urbanization is small are under the area designated as the green area. Urban expansion is mainly a result of increase in residential areas which is closely related to number of population. Such changes indicate a need for more effective urban development planning and management to conserve environmental quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessReview

Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid Maize Cultivars

by Frank Kutka

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Farm Breeding Club, P.O. Box 194, 100 1st Ave. SW LaMoure, ND 58458, USA

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1531-1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091531 - 22 Sep 2011

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 22054

Abstract

The history of maize breeding methods in the USA is reviewed to examine the question of types of maize cultivars in sustainable agriculture. The yield potential of OP cultivars was much higher than national average yields prior to 1930, but hybrid cultivars today [...] Read more.

The history of maize breeding methods in the USA is reviewed to examine the question of types of maize cultivars in sustainable agriculture. The yield potential of OP cultivars was much higher than national average yields prior to 1930, but hybrid cultivars today often out-yield OP cultivars by 50–100% or more. However, rates of gain for yield using recurrent selection on populations appear equal to that recorded for commercial hybrid breeding. The inbred-hybrid method, while successful, was not “the only sound basis” for maize improvement, as evidenced by later experiences in the United States and worldwide. It appears that maize breeders have practiced objective science and achieved concrete goals, although personal interests and goals clearly direct the work at times. As society looks for tools for sustainability based on achieving multiple goals, a special dedication to scientific validation and broad objectivity may be required. The potential for OP cultivars today is evaluated and research questions are identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture)

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18 pages, 570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Political Attitudes Affect Consumer Choice? Evidence from a Large-Scale Field Study with Genetically Modified Bread in Switzerland

by Philipp Aerni

World Trade Institute, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 6, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1555-1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091555 - 22 Sep 2011

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 10851

Abstract

Independent of the left-right model of ideological structure, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture are resented across the political spectrum in Switzerland. In the absence of any real experience with genetically modified (GM) food but faced with continuous exposure to warning [...] Read more.

Independent of the left-right model of ideological structure, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture are resented across the political spectrum in Switzerland. In the absence of any real experience with genetically modified (GM) food but faced with continuous exposure to warning messages in the media, conditioned feelings related to such a politically sensitive product may have a significant influence on revealed consumer choice. In our large-scale field study, we examined this assumption by selling three types of bread labeled as ‘made with organic corn’, ‘made with genetically modified corn’ and ‘made with conventional corn’ respectively in five locations across Switzerland using different price scenarios and selling groups. Customers who decided to buy bread also received an envelope containing a questionnaire about their prior political attitude expressed through their voting decision in a national referendum on a five-year ban on GMOs in 2005. The results demonstrate that consumer purchase decisions are determined by contextual factors not captured by general political attitudes. Surprisingly, the mere presence of GM food did have a positive impact on overall sales. The assumption that consumers would feel turned off by the mere presence of GM food for political reasons can therefore be safely discarded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology and Sustainable Development)

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20 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rogun Dam—Path to Energy Independence or Security Threat?

by Bahtiyor R. Eshchanov^1,*, Mona Grinwis Plaat Stultjes¹, Sanaatbek K. Salaev² and Ruzumboy A. Eshchanov²

¹ Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium

² Urgench State University, Hamid Alimjan street 14, Urgench, Khorezm 220100, Uzbekistan

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1573-1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091573 - 22 Sep 2011

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 12092

Abstract

The revitalization of the Rogun hydropower station project and launch of an Initial Public Offering has led the water-energy disputes between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to a new stage. While two riparian states advocate their positions from their own perspective, it gives the impression [...] Read more.

The revitalization of the Rogun hydropower station project and launch of an Initial Public Offering has led the water-energy disputes between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to a new stage. While two riparian states advocate their positions from their own perspective, it gives the impression of being a “prisoners’ dilemma” case from a regional cooperation point. This paper aims to review the decision of project revitalization from the unconventional security perspective, focusing mainly on its impact on Tajikistan. The scope will be limited to economic, energy, social and political security. The paper attempts to reveal the existing unconventional security threats and suggest possible solutions for the arising problems. Full article

23 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Respondents’ Perceptions of the Status Quo Matter in Non-Market Valuation with Choice Experiments? An Application to New Zealand Freshwater Streams

by Dan Marsh^1,*, Lena Mkwara¹ and Riccardo Scarpa^1,2,3

¹ Department of Economics, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

² Center for the Study of Choice, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia

³ Adjunct professor at School of Natural Resources, University of Western Australia, Perth WA 6009, Australia

Sustainability 2011, 3(9), 1593-1615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su3091593 - 23 Sep 2011

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 10629

Abstract

Many issues relating to the sustainability of environmental resource use are informed by environmental valuation studies with stated preference surveys. Within these, researchers often provide descriptions of status quo conditions which may differ from those perceived by respondents. Ignoring this difference in utility [...] Read more.

Many issues relating to the sustainability of environmental resource use are informed by environmental valuation studies with stated preference surveys. Within these, researchers often provide descriptions of status quo conditions which may differ from those perceived by respondents. Ignoring this difference in utility baselines may affect the magnitude of estimated utility changes and hence bias benefit estimates of proposed environmental policies. We investigate this issue using data from a choice experiment on a community’s willingness to pay for water quality improvements in streams. More than 60% of respondents perceived streams’ water quality at the status quo to be better than the description we provided in our scenario. Results show that respondents who could provide details of their perception of the status quo displayed stronger preferences for water quality improvements—and hence higher marginal willingness to pay—than their counterparts. However, respondents who referred to their own status quo description displayed a higher inclination to prefer the status quo, while other respondents tended to prefer the proposed improvements. We argue this might be linked to the amount of knowledge each group displayed about the status quo: a kind of reluctance to leave what one believes he/she knows well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Resource Economics)

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