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51 pages, 2954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

2050 Scenarios for Long-Haul Tourism in the Evolving Global Climate Change Regime

by Shaun Vorster^*, Marius Ungerer and Jako Volschenk

University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville, 7535, South Africa

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 1-51; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010001 - 27 Dec 2012

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 18662

Abstract

Tourism and its “midwife”, aviation, are transnational sectors exposed to global uncertainties. This scenario-building exercise considers a specific subset of these uncertainties, namely the impact of the evolving global climate change regime on long-haul tourism (LHT), with a 2050 horizon. The basic problematique [...] Read more.

Tourism and its “midwife”, aviation, are transnational sectors exposed to global uncertainties. This scenario-building exercise considers a specific subset of these uncertainties, namely the impact of the evolving global climate change regime on long-haul tourism (LHT), with a 2050 horizon. The basic problematique is that unconstrained growth in aviation emissions will not be compatible with 2050 climate stabilisation goals, and that the stringency and timing of public policy interventions could have far-reaching impacts — either on the market for future growth of LHT, or the natural ecosystem on which tourism depends. Following an intuitive-logic approach to scenario-building, three meta-level scenarios that can be regarded as “possible” futures for the evolution of LHT are described. Two of these, i.e., the “grim reaper” and the “fallen angel” scenarios, are undesirable. The “green lantern” scenario represents the desired future. Long-haul tourist destinations should heed the early warning signals identified in the scenario narratives, and contribute towards realising the desired future. They should further guard against being passive victims if the feared scenarios materialise, by adapting, repositioning early upon reading the signposts, hedging against risks, and seizing new opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping with Climate Change in Developing Countries)

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20 pages, 1464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate and Food Production: Understanding Vulnerability from Past Trends in Africa’s Sudan-Sahel

by Genesis T. Yengoh

Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Sciences, GeoBiosphere Science Centre, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 52-71; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010052 - 27 Dec 2012

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 11189

Abstract

Just how influential is rainfall on agricultural production in the Sudan-Sahel of Africa? And, is there evidence that support for small-scale farming can reduce the vulnerability of crop yields to rainfall in these sensitive agro-ecological zones? These questions are explored based on a [...] Read more.

Just how influential is rainfall on agricultural production in the Sudan-Sahel of Africa? And, is there evidence that support for small-scale farming can reduce the vulnerability of crop yields to rainfall in these sensitive agro-ecological zones? These questions are explored based on a case study from Cameroon’s Sudan-Sahel region. Climate data for 20 years and crop production data for six major food crops for the same years are used to find patterns of correlation over this time period. Results show a distinction of three periods of climatic influence of agriculture: one period before 1989, another between 1990 and 1999 and the last from 2000 to 2004. The analysis reveals that, while important in setting the enabling biophysical environment for food crop cultivation, the influence of rainfall in agriculture can be diluted by proactive policies that support food production. Proactive policies also reduce the impact of agriculturally relevant climatic shocks, such as droughts on food crop yields over the time-series. These findings emphasize the extent of vulnerability of food crop production to rainfall variations among small-holder farmers in these agro-ecological zones and reinforce the call for the proactive engagement of relevant institutions and support services in assisting the efforts of small-scale food producers in Africa’s Sudan-Sahel. The implications of climate variability on agriculture are discussed within the context of food security with particular reference to Africa’s Sudan-Sahel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation or Extinction)

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18 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tensions Between Firm Size and Sustainability Goals: Fair Trade Coffee in the United States

by Philip H. Howard^1,*

and Daniel Jaffee²

¹ Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University, 480 Wilson RD, Rm. 316, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

² Department of Sociology, Washington State University, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 72-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010072 - 4 Jan 2013

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 18283

Abstract

Sustainability marketing trends have typically been led by smaller, more mission-driven firms, but are increasingly attracting larger, more profit-driven firms. Studying the strategies of firms that are moving away from these two poles (i.e., mission-driven but larger firms, and profit-driven firms [...] Read more.

Sustainability marketing trends have typically been led by smaller, more mission-driven firms, but are increasingly attracting larger, more profit-driven firms. Studying the strategies of firms that are moving away from these two poles (i.e., mission-driven but larger firms, and profit-driven firms that are more committed to sustainability) may help us to better understand the potential to resolve tensions between firm size and sustainability goals. We used this approach to analyze a case study of the U.S. fair trade coffee industry, employing the methods of data visualization and media content analysis. We identified three firms that account for the highest proportion of U.S. fair trade coffee purchases (Equal Exchange, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Starbucks) and analyzed their strategies, including reactions to recent changes in U.S. fair trade standards. We found an inverse relationship between firm size and demonstrated commitment to sustainability ideals, and the two larger firms were much less likely to acknowledge conflicts between size and sustainability in their public discourse. We conclude that similar efforts to increase sustainability marketing for other products and services should be more skeptical of approaches that rely on primarily on the participation of large, profit-driven firms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Branding and Marketing)

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10 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience of Outdoor Spaces in an Era of Climate Change: The Problem of Developing Countries

by Tali Hatuka^* and Hadas Saaroni

Department of Geography and Human Environment, Tel Aviv University, POB, Tel Aviv, Israel

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 90-99; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010090 - 4 Jan 2013

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7445

Abstract

This paper recommends expanding research on the interrelations between climate change, cities, culture and the way climate change influences participants’ thermal, emotional and perceptual well-being in public spaces as a key step in developing contextual design codes for outdoor public spaces. Proposing a [...] Read more.

This paper recommends expanding research on the interrelations between climate change, cities, culture and the way climate change influences participants’ thermal, emotional and perceptual well-being in public spaces as a key step in developing contextual design codes for outdoor public spaces. Proposing a general framework to address climate challenges in developing countries, the paper advocates focusing on the developing world, where outdoor spaces are extremely vulnerable and available studies are scarce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping with Climate Change in Developing Countries)

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23 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rumors of Our Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: Archaeological Perspectives on Culture and Sustainability

by Cameron B. Wesson

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Lehigh University, 681 Taylor Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 100-122; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010100 - 7 Jan 2013

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7547

Abstract

Predictions of the imminent demise of Indigenous cultures have circulated among Western intellectuals for more than two hundred years. Capitalism, Christianity, and Western civilization were thought by 19th century scholars to be on the verge of eradicating global cultural variation. Contemporary scholars have [...] Read more.

Predictions of the imminent demise of Indigenous cultures have circulated among Western intellectuals for more than two hundred years. Capitalism, Christianity, and Western civilization were thought by 19th century scholars to be on the verge of eradicating global cultural variation. Contemporary scholars have revived these views, suggesting that not only were Indigenous cultures about to succumb to Western hegemony, these forces were poised to bring about the end of history itself. What unites these perspectives are an ideology stressing asymmetrical power relations between the West and Indigenous cultures, and the proposition that only Western intervention is capable of rescuing Indigeneity. This paper examines the current crisis of Indigenous cultural sustainability, arguing that the epistemology informing many of these perspectives remain largely unchanged from their 19th century precursors. Citing case studies in archaeology and cultural heritage management, I suggest a ground-up approach to cultural sustainability in which Western institutions and individuals serve only the expressed desires and at the invitation of Indigenous peoples. Such restraint represents both recognition of Indigenous sovereignty regarding all cultural preservation efforts, as well as the dynamic, ever-changing nature of culture itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endangered Human Diversity: Languages, Cultures, Epistemologies)

13 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Prospects and Challenges for Disseminating Life Cycle Thinking towards Environmental Conscious Behaviors in Daily Lives

by Kazutoshi Tsuda^1,*, Keishiro Hara² and Michinori Uwasu²

¹ School/Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan

² Center for Environmental Innovation Design for Sustainability (CEIDS), Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 123-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010123 - 7 Jan 2013

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9743

Abstract

We examined the existing practices of various media to ascertain the usability of information based on life cycle thinking (LCT) which can be key to changing consciousness and behavior of consumers towards pursuing a sustainable society. Such information has been provided to [...] Read more.

We examined the existing practices of various media to ascertain the usability of information based on life cycle thinking (LCT) which can be key to changing consciousness and behavior of consumers towards pursuing a sustainable society. Such information has been provided to consumers in various forms in various places at various times. Nevertheless, a number of issues, such as understandability, selectability, reliability, transparency, and costs etc., must still be addressed before consumers will be able to use such information as guidelines for pro-environmental behaviors in their everyday life. Further, it is also of critical importance that the consumers can culture LCT by encouraging themselves to be actively engaged in the design and evaluation processes of the upstream of productions and in the entire product life cycle. Another crucial challenge is finding ways to connect LCT with, not just product selection or designing and manufacturing, but lifestyle transformation. We need to encourage ourselves and others to think about what a sustainable life really means. Full article

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24 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The North Cascadia Adaptation Partnership: A Science-Management Collaboration for Responding to Climate Change

by Crystal L. Raymond^1,*, David L. Peterson¹ and Regina M. Rochefort²

¹ USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 400 North 34th Street, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

² National Park Service, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 136-159; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010136 - 8 Jan 2013

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9537

Abstract

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) have highlighted climate change as an agency priority and issued direction to administrative units for responding to climate change. In response, the USFS and NPS initiated the North Cascadia Adaptation Partnership (NCAP) in [...] Read more.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) have highlighted climate change as an agency priority and issued direction to administrative units for responding to climate change. In response, the USFS and NPS initiated the North Cascadia Adaptation Partnership (NCAP) in 2010. The goals of the NCAP were to build an inclusive partnership, increase climate change awareness, assess vulnerability, and develop science-based adaptation strategies to reduce these vulnerabilities. The NCAP expanded previous science-management partnerships on federal lands to a larger, more ecologically and geographically complex region and extended the approach to a broader range of stakeholders. The NCAP focused on two national forests and two national parks in the North Cascades Range, Washington (USA), a total land area of 2.4 million ha, making it the largest science-management partnership of its kind. The NCAP assessed climate change vulnerability for four resource sectors (hydrology and access; vegetation and ecological disturbance; wildlife; and fish) and developed adaptation options for each sector. The NCAP process has proven to be a successful approach for implementing climate change adaptation across a region and can be emulated by other land management agencies in North America and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation or Extinction)

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18 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should We Trust in Values? Explaining Public Support for Pro-Environmental Taxes

by Niklas Harring^1,*

and Sverker C. Jagers²

¹ Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, P.O. Box 711, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden

² Political Science Unit, Luleå University of Technology & Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sprängkullsgatan 19, P.O. Box 711, SE 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 210-227; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010210 - 16 Jan 2013

Cited by 154 | Viewed by 12850

Abstract

In this paper we are concerned with what explains public acceptance and support of environmental taxes. We examine findings in environmental psychology emphasizing that people’s (environmental) value-orientation is the dominant driver determining individuals’ support for pro-environmental policy instruments. We introduce a complementary model, [...] Read more.

In this paper we are concerned with what explains public acceptance and support of environmental taxes. We examine findings in environmental psychology emphasizing that people’s (environmental) value-orientation is the dominant driver determining individuals’ support for pro-environmental policy instruments. We introduce a complementary model, mainly drawing upon findings in political science, suggesting that people’s support for policy instruments is dependent on their level of political trust and their trust in other citizens. More specifically, we analyze whether political trust and inter-personal trust affect individuals’ support for an increased carbon dioxide tax in Sweden, while checking their value orientation, self-interest, and various socio-economic values. We make use of survey data obtained from a mail questionnaire sent out to a random sample of 3,000 individuals in 2009. We find that apart from people’s values, beliefs, and norms, both political trust and interpersonal trust have significant effects on people's attitudes toward an increased tax on carbon dioxide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Government Policy and Sustainability)

14 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cumulative Pressures on Sustainable Livelihoods: Coastal Adaptation in the Mekong Delta

by Timothy F. Smith^1,*, Dana C. Thomsen¹, Steve Gould¹, Klaus Schmitt² and Bianca Schlegel²

¹ Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Australia

² Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Soc Trang Province, Vietnam

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 228-241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010228 - 17 Jan 2013

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 13085

Abstract

Many coastal areas throughout the world are at risk from sea level rise and the increased intensity of extreme events such as storm surge and flooding. Simultaneously, many areas are also experiencing significant socio-economic challenges associated with rural-urban transitions, population growth, and increased [...] Read more.

Many coastal areas throughout the world are at risk from sea level rise and the increased intensity of extreme events such as storm surge and flooding. Simultaneously, many areas are also experiencing significant socio-economic challenges associated with rural-urban transitions, population growth, and increased consumption resulting from improving gross regional product. Within this context we explore the viability of proposed adaptation pathways in Soc Trang province, Vietnam — an area of the Mekong Delta experiencing cumulative pressures on coastal livelihoods. A participatory workshop and interviews, using a combination of systems thinking and futures techniques, revealed a shared goal of sustainable livelihoods, which provides an integrated and systemic focus for coastal adaptation strategies. Emphasizing sustainable livelihoods is less likely to lead to maladaptation because stakeholders consciously seek to avoid optimizing particular system elements at the expense of others — and thus engage in broader decision-making frameworks supportive of social-ecological resilience. However, the broad ambit required for sustainable livelihoods is not supported by governance frameworks that have focused on protective strategies (e.g., dyke building, strengthening and raising, to continue and expand agriculture and aquaculture production) at the expense of developing a diverse suite of adaptation strategies, which may lead to path dependencies and an ultimate reduction in adaptive capacity for system transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation or Extinction)

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14 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Engagement and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Kaikōura’s Biosolid Reuse Options

by James E. McDevitt^1,*, Elisabeth R. Langer² and Alan C. Leckie²

¹ Scion (New Zealand Forestry Research), PO Box 10 345, The Terrace, Wellington, 6143, New Zealand

² Scion (New Zealand Forestry Research), PO Box 29 237, Christchurch, 8540, New Zealand

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 242-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010242 - 18 Jan 2013

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7594

Abstract

This paper reports a life cycle assessment undertaken to assess the environmental impact of a range of biosolid reuse options selected by the Kaikōura community. The reuse options were identified as: vermiculture and open-air composting; mixture with biochar; direct land application to disturbed [...] Read more.

This paper reports a life cycle assessment undertaken to assess the environmental impact of a range of biosolid reuse options selected by the Kaikōura community. The reuse options were identified as: vermiculture and open-air composting; mixture with biochar; direct land application to disturbed sites for forestry using native tree species; and application to exotic forestry plantations or pastoral farmland. The aim of the study was to calculate the possible environmental impacts of the reuse options so the information can be used in a community dialogue process where the fate of the biosolids is decided upon. All reuse options showed improved environmental performance relative to landfilling. The direct application to land options showed the least environmental impact and the composting options had the most environmental impact. This is the first time this approach has been applied to biosolids management in New Zealand, and whilst there are limitations, the approach should be encouraged in other communities because it increases the engagement of the community with waste management decision-making and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management)

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20 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Levels of Climate Adaptation Policy: Analyzing the Institutional Interplay in the Baltic Sea Region

by Erik Glaas^1,* and Sirkku Juhola^2,3

¹ Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research (CSPR)/Department of Thematic Studies, Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, SE-601 74, Sweden

² Department of Real Estate, Planning and Geoinformatics, Aalto University, Helsinki, FI-00076, Finland

³ Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI.00014, Finland

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 256-275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010256 - 18 Jan 2013

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7764

Abstract

International policy development and expected climate change impacts such as flooding, landslides, and the extinction of sensitive species have forced countries around the Baltic Sea to begin working on national climate adaptation policies. Simultaneously, the EU is building both a central and a [...] Read more.

International policy development and expected climate change impacts such as flooding, landslides, and the extinction of sensitive species have forced countries around the Baltic Sea to begin working on national climate adaptation policies. Simultaneously, the EU is building both a central and a macro-regional Baltic Sea-wide adaptation strategy to support national policy developments. However, it yet remains unclear how these EU strategies will complement each other or national policies. This article analyzes the constraints and opportunities presented by this new institutional interplay and discusses the potential of the forthcoming EU strategies to support national policy. It does so by mapping how adaptation is institutionalized in two case countries, Sweden and Finland, and is organized in the two EU approaches. The vertical institutional interplay between scales is analyzed in terms of three factors: competence, capacity, and compatibility. Results indicate institutional constraints related to: risks of policy complexity for sub-national actors, an unclear relationship between the two EU approaches, an overly general approach to targeting contextualized climate change vulnerabilities, and a general lack of strategies to steer adaptation. However, there are also opportunities linked to an anticipated increased commitment to the national management of adaptation, especially related to biodiversity issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation or Extinction)

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22 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heterodox Political Economy and the Degrowth Perspective

by Kent Klitgaard

Wells College, Aurora 13026, NY, USA

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 276-297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010276 - 21 Jan 2013

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 10722

Abstract

The transition to sustainability will be difficult. Environmental sustainability entails living within the Earth’s limits, yet the majority of scientific studies indicate a condition of overshoot. For mainstream economists sustainability means perpetuating economic growth. Consequently, environmental and economic sustainability are incompatible in the [...] Read more.

The transition to sustainability will be difficult. Environmental sustainability entails living within the Earth’s limits, yet the majority of scientific studies indicate a condition of overshoot. For mainstream economists sustainability means perpetuating economic growth. Consequently, environmental and economic sustainability are incompatible in the present institutional context. This paper seeks to develop a new theory of sustainability based upon historical and institutional contexts, the role of economic crises, as well as focusing upon energy quality and meaningful work. Mainstream economics, which emphasizes market self-regulation and economic growth, is not a good vehicle for a theory of sustainability. Better insights are to be found in the literature of heterodox political economy and political ecology. Political ecology is based upon the theory of monopoly capital. Monopoly capitalism exhibits a tendency towards stagnation, because the economic surplus cannot be absorbed adequately in the absence of system-wide waste. The Monthly Review School continues this tradition in the context of the metabolic rift, while the Capitalism, Nature and Socialism School develops the idea of a second contradiction of capitalism. The Social Structure of Accumulation school pursues the idea of long swings of economic activity based upon institutional structures that aid or inhibit capital accumulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degrowth: The Economic Alternative for the Anthropocene)

18 pages, 2648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nondestructive Evaluation of Historic Hakka Rammed Earth Structures

by Ruifeng Liang^1,*, Gangarao Hota¹, Ying Lei², Yanhao Li², Daniel Stanislawski¹ and Yongqiang Jiang²

¹ Constructed Facilities Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA

² School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 298-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010298 - 21 Jan 2013

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 10080

Abstract

The in-service Hakka rammed earth buildings, in the Fujian Province of China, are unique in design and performance. Their UNESCO’s inscription as World Heritage sites recognizes their artistic, cultural, social and historic significance. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation of the United States, [...] Read more.

The in-service Hakka rammed earth buildings, in the Fujian Province of China, are unique in design and performance. Their UNESCO’s inscription as World Heritage sites recognizes their artistic, cultural, social and historic significance. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation of the United States, the authors have examined the engineering values of these buildings in terms of comfortable living at low energy consumption, sustainability and durability. The objective of this study was to better understand the thermo-mechanical and aging responses of Hakka earth buildings under thermal and earthquake loads through nondestructive field evaluation, including full-scale roof truss and floor testing, laboratory testing of field samples and finite element modeling. This paper presents our observations and findings from the field nondestructive evaluations with emphasis on the integrity of the rammed earth outer walls and inner wood structures, as well as the thermal comfort of living in these buildings, while a second paper presents the results from the material characterization of field samples and the structural responses of a representative building under earthquake induced loads through finite element analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hakka Tulou and Sustainability: The Greenest Buildings in the World)

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22 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rule of Ecological Law: The Legal Complement to Degrowth Economics

by Geoffrey Garver

McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T5, Canada

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 316-337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010316 - 22 Jan 2013

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 15871

Abstract

The rule of ecological law is a fitting complement to degrowth. Planetary boundaries of safe operating space for humanity, along with complementary measures and principles, provide scientific and ethical foundations of the rule of ecological law, which should have several reinforcing features. First, [...] Read more.

The rule of ecological law is a fitting complement to degrowth. Planetary boundaries of safe operating space for humanity, along with complementary measures and principles, provide scientific and ethical foundations of the rule of ecological law, which should have several reinforcing features. First, it should recognize humans are part of Earth’s life systems. Second, ecological limits must have primacy over social and economic regimes. Third, the rule of ecological law must permeate all areas of law. Fourth, it should focus on radically reducing material and energy throughput. Fifth, it must be global, but distributed, using the principle of subsidiarity. Sixth, it must ensure fair sharing of resources among present and future generations of humans and other life. Seventh, it must be binding and supranational, with supremacy over sub-global legal regimes as necessary. Eighth, it requires a greatly expanded program of research and monitoring. Ninth, it requires precaution about crossing global ecological boundaries. Tenth, it must be adaptive. Although the transition from a growth-insistent economy headed toward ecological collapse to an economy based on the rule of ecological law is elusive, the European Union may be a useful structural model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degrowth: The Economic Alternative for the Anthropocene)

19 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On-Farm Diversity of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) in Sudan: A Potential Genetic Resources Conservation Strategy

by Eugene E. Ezebilo^1,*, Mohammed Elsafi² and Larisa Garkava-Gustavsson²

¹ Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 49, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden

² Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 101, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 338-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010338 - 22 Jan 2013

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8106

Abstract

Although the main goal of traditional farming is to produce food, it can play an important role in conservation of genetic resources. This paper reports a study, which explored the diversity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars grown by farmers and [...] Read more.

Although the main goal of traditional farming is to produce food, it can play an important role in conservation of genetic resources. This paper reports a study, which explored the diversity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars grown by farmers and their preferences for different cultivars. The possibilities of using farms as sites for conserving genetic resources are discussed. The data for the study were collected from personal interviews that involved randomly selected date palm farmers in the Northern State and River Nile State, Sudan. Ordered and binary logit models were used to account for possible factors influencing the diversity of cultivars grown by farmers and preferences for different cultivars, respectively. The results showed that the cultivars grown by the respondents vary widely. On average, the Northern State respondents grew twice the number of cultivars as those in the River Nile State. Of all the date palm cultivars, the Barakawi was the most preferred. The diversity of the cultivars grown by the respondents and their preferences were mainly influenced by factors, such as farm location, drought, uses of date palm, years of farming experience, education, income from date palm and household size. The findings will help in designing a more sustainable date palm breeding program, as well as a genetic resources conservation strategy. Full article

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15 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enabling Eco-Friendly Choices by Relying on the Proportional-Thinking Heuristic

by Varun Dutt^1,* and Cleotilde Gonzalez²

¹ School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, 175001, India

² Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15289, USA

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 357-371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010357 - 22 Jan 2013

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6874

Abstract

Ecological (eco) taxes are promising mechanisms to enable eco-friendly decisions, but few people prefer them. In this study, we present a way in which eco-tax options may be communicated to general public to encourage their payment. Our implementation (called “information presentation”) takes advantage [...] Read more.

Ecological (eco) taxes are promising mechanisms to enable eco-friendly decisions, but few people prefer them. In this study, we present a way in which eco-tax options may be communicated to general public to encourage their payment. Our implementation (called “information presentation”) takes advantage of the non-linear relationship between eco-tax payments and CO₂ emissions and the human reliance on the proportional-thinking heuristic. According to the proportional-thinking heuristic, people are likely to prefer a small eco-tax increase and judge larger eco-tax increases to cause proportionally greater CO₂ emissions reductions. In an online study, participants were asked to choose between eco-tax increases in two problems: In one, a smaller eco-tax increase resulted in greater CO₂ emissions reduction, while in the other, a smaller tax increase resulted in lesser CO₂ emissions reduction. Although the larger eco-tax increase did not reduce CO₂ emissions the most, across both problems, people judged larger eco-tax increases to cause proportionally greater reductions in CO₂ emissions and preferred smaller tax increases. Thus, eco-tax policies would benefit by presenting information in terms of eco-tax increases, such that smaller eco-tax increases (which are more attractive and are likely to be chosen by people) cause greater CO₂ emissions reductions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping with Climate Change in Developing Countries)

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15 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engineering and Sustainability: Attitudes and Actions

by Marc A. Rosen

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K4, Canada

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 372-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010372 - 22 Jan 2013

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10039

Abstract

The results of an extensive survey of engineers and engineering students suggest there is a strong focus on the implementation of sustainability concepts, actions and measures in engineering. The main sustainable technology priorities are using less energy and natural resources, reducing emissions and [...] Read more.

The results of an extensive survey of engineers and engineering students suggest there is a strong focus on the implementation of sustainability concepts, actions and measures in engineering. The main sustainable technology priorities are using less energy and natural resources, reducing emissions and material wastes, and utilizing renewable, recyclable and recycled materials. Sustainable engineering within organizations is mainly driven by regulatory requirements, rising energy costs and client demand, but challenges to sustainable engineering like economics need to be addressed to increase the incorporation of sustainability in engineering. Nonetheless, about two-thirds of practicing engineers have worked on sustainable products and processes, and over half of engineering students are involved with sustainable design in their studies. Full article

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extinction or Survival? Behavioral Flexibility in Response to Environmental Change in the African Striped Mouse Rhabdomys

by Tasmin L. Rymer^1,2,*, Neville Pillay¹ and Carsten Schradin^1,3,4

¹ School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa

² School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, P. O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia

³ Université de Strasbourg, IPHC-DEPE, 23 rue Bequerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France

⁴ CNRS, UMR7178, 67087 Strasbourg, France

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 163-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010163 - 14 Jan 2013

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 14894

Abstract

The rapid rate of anthropogenic-related climate change is expected to severely impact ecosystems and their constituent organisms, leading to mass extinction. A rapid adaptive response of animals to such change could be due to reversible phenotypic flexibility, including behavioral flexibility. Our model, the [...] Read more.

The rapid rate of anthropogenic-related climate change is expected to severely impact ecosystems and their constituent organisms, leading to mass extinction. A rapid adaptive response of animals to such change could be due to reversible phenotypic flexibility, including behavioral flexibility. Our model, the African striped mouse Rhabdomys, is a small rodent widely distributed in southern Africa. The desert-living species R. pumilio displays social flexibility, whereby individuals switch their social organization in response to prevailing conditions, potentially allowing for persistence in rapidly changing environments. Individuals of the species from the moist grasslands (R. dilectus) show some flexible traits, but opportunities to utilize this potential are apparently not realized. The climate in southern Africa is predicted to become drier, making both desert and grassland species vulnerable to environmental change. Based on realized or potential social flexibility in striped mice, we provide three (not mutually exclusive) scenarios that consider: (i) extinction of the desert species as its habitat changes; (ii) range expansion and utilization of pre-existing adaptations of the desert species to displace the current grassland species; and (iii) grassland species exploiting their potential flexibility (behavioral adaptation) and surviving in their current habitat. Behavioral flexibility is costly but could allow species to persist in rapidly changing environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation or Extinction)

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16 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rethinking What Counts. Perspectives on Wellbeing and Genuine Progress Indicator Metrics from a Canadian Viewpoint

by Jeffrey Wilson^1,2,* and Peter Tyedmers^1,2

¹ School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, 6100 University Ave., Suite 5010, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada

² College of Sustainability, Dalhousie University, 1459 LeMarchant St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 187-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010187 - 14 Jan 2013

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8896

Abstract

A prevailing undercurrent of doubt regarding the merits of economic growth has motivated efforts to rethink how we measure the success of economic policy and societal wellbeing. This article comments on efforts to better account for impacts of economic activity emphasizing genuine progress [...] Read more.

A prevailing undercurrent of doubt regarding the merits of economic growth has motivated efforts to rethink how we measure the success of economic policy and societal wellbeing. This article comments on efforts to better account for impacts of economic activity emphasizing genuine progress indicator (GPI) and wellbeing metrics from a Canadian viewpoint. The authors caution that GPI and related metrics are measures of human and social welfare and not adequate to account for the ecological costs associated with economic growth. In addition, the article discusses the suitability of wellbeing models and metrics for local scale applications, recognizing growing interest in these techniques at the urban and local level. The article concludes with a reflection on the uptake of GPI and wellbeing measures highlighting the Canadian experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Socio-Economic Well-Being)

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3 pages, 122 KiB

Open AccessNew Book Received

Vulnerability, Risks, and Complexity: Impacts of Global Change on Human Habitats. By Sigrun Kabisch, Anna Kunath, Petra Schweizer-Ries and Annett Steinfuehrer, Hogrefe & Huber Publishers, 2012; 322 pages. Price €66.95 ISBN 978-0-88937-435-5

by Shu-Kun Lin

MDPI AG, Kandererstrasse 25, CH-4057 Basel, Switzerland

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 160-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010160 - 14 Jan 2013

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5649

Abstract

This volume offers state-of-the-art research on the interrelations between the social, built, and natural environments. It will be useful to scholars in cross-cutting areas of urban, hazard, planning, governance, and sustainability research in relation to socio-psychological perspectives. Readers will benefit from new theoretical [...] Read more.

This volume offers state-of-the-art research on the interrelations between the social, built, and natural environments. It will be useful to scholars in cross-cutting areas of urban, hazard, planning, governance, and sustainability research in relation to socio-psychological perspectives. Readers will benefit from new theoretical as well as empirically-based research findings in the emerging field of social-science vulnerability studies. Full article

4 pages, 122 KiB

Open AccessNew Book Received

Sustainability in the Chemical Industry. By Eric Johnson, Springer, 2012; 173 pages. Price CHF 133.50, ISBN 978-94-007-3834-8

by Shu-Kun Lin

MDPI AG, Kandererstrasse 25, CH-4057 Basel, Switzerland

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 203-206; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010203 - 15 Jan 2013

Viewed by 5386

Abstract

It’s the new rock and roll. It’s the new black. Sustainability is trendy, and not just among hipsters and pop stars. The uncool chemical sector helped pioneer it, and today, companies inside and outside the sector have embraced it. But what have they [...] Read more.

It’s the new rock and roll. It’s the new black. Sustainability is trendy, and not just among hipsters and pop stars. The uncool chemical sector helped pioneer it, and today, companies inside and outside the sector have embraced it. But what have they embraced? Surely not the Brundtland definition of meeting “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Full article

3 pages, 125 KiB

Open AccessNew Book Received

Requalifying the Built Environment: Challenges and Responses. By Roderick J. Lawrence, Hülya Turgut, Peter Kellett, Hogrefe, 2012; 232 pages. Price: 54,95€, ISBN 978-0-88937-430-0

by Shu-Kun Lin

MDPI AG, Kandererstrasse 25, CH-4057 Basel, Switzerland

Sustainability 2013, 5(1), 207-209; https://doi.org/10.3390/su5010207 - 15 Jan 2013

Viewed by 5620

Abstract

In recent decades, significant financial and professional resources have been invested in urban regeneration, housing renovation, and the revitalization of old neighborhoods, with considerable impacts on the social, physical, and economic structure of cities and their inhabitants. The first objective of this volume [...] Read more.

In recent decades, significant financial and professional resources have been invested in urban regeneration, housing renovation, and the revitalization of old neighborhoods, with considerable impacts on the social, physical, and economic structure of cities and their inhabitants. The first objective of this volume is to present the key issues related to these changes, which were discussed at an international symposium of experts organized by the International Association for People-Environment Studies and Housing and CSBE (Culture and Space in the Built Environment) Networks in Istanbul. The second objective is to show how concepts and methods in the field of people-environment studies can be successfully applied to study complex questions related to the revitalization of the built environment, both at the small scale of specific buildings and at the larger scale of neighborhoods. Full article

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Sustainability, Volume 5, Issue 1 (January 2013) – 22 articles , Pages 1-386

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