Publications
Ruiz-Mallén, Isabel; Gallois, Sandrine; Heras, María
In: Science Communication, 40 (6), pp. 749–777, 2018, ISSN: 1075-5470.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: art-based methods, public perception of scientists, STEM, stereotype
@article{Ruiz-Mallen2018,
title = {From White Lab Coats and Crazy Hair to Actual Scientists: Exploring the Impact of Researcher Interaction and Performing Arts on Students' Perceptions and Motivation for Science},
author = {Isabel Ruiz-Mall\'{e}n and Sandrine Gallois and Mar\'{i}a Heras},
url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1075547018808025 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1075547018808025},
doi = {10.1177/1075547018808025},
issn = {1075-5470},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-12-01},
journal = {Science Communication},
volume = {40},
number = {6},
pages = {749--777},
publisher = {SAGE PublicationsSage CA: Los Angeles, CA},
abstract = {We examine the impact of researchers' interaction and drama-based techniques when learning science on students' views of scientists and motivations for studying science. We do so through mixed-methods in five secondary schools in three countries. Students changed their perception of scientists toward a less stereotyped image, particularly where their interaction with researchers was higher. Pupils' interest for scientific careers significantly increased where drama-based techniques were more inserted into the pedagogical approach. Promoting long-term interaction with scientists in school settings combined with embedded drama-based methods in science learning/teaching can contribute to reconstructing students' views on who can be engaged in science.},
keywords = {art-based methods, public perception of scientists, STEM, stereotype},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We examine the impact of researchers' interaction and drama-based techniques when learning science on students' views of scientists and motivations for studying science. We do so through mixed-methods in five secondary schools in three countries. Students changed their perception of scientists toward a less stereotyped image, particularly where their interaction with researchers was higher. Pupils' interest for scientific careers significantly increased where drama-based techniques were more inserted into the pedagogical approach. Promoting long-term interaction with scientists in school settings combined with embedded drama-based methods in science learning/teaching can contribute to reconstructing students' views on who can be engaged in science.
From nationalism to global climate change: analysis of the historical evolution of environmental governance in the Brazilian Amazon Journal Article
Bidone, F.; Kovacic, Z.
In: International Forestry Review, 20 (4), pp. 420–435, 2018, ISSN: 1465-5489.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: environmental policy, Narratives, rainforest, REDD+
@article{Bidone2018,
title = {From nationalism to global climate change: analysis of the historical evolution of environmental governance in the Brazilian Amazon},
author = {F. Bidone and Z. Kovacic},
url = {https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/10.1505/146554818825240656},
doi = {10.1505/146554818825240656},
issn = {1465-5489},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-12-01},
journal = {International Forestry Review},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {420--435},
publisher = {Commonwealth Forestry Association},
abstract = {The Brazilian Amazon is at the forefront of forest policy because of its importance for the conservation of the world's largest rainforest and its leading role in the implementation of the Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation programme (REDD+). However, the increasing population and the extraction of natural resources challenge forest governance. This paper assesses the historical evolution of the policy narratives that have driven environmental governance in Brazil. We argue that environmental policy has evolved through an overlapping of narratives, rather than a change in governance logics. The success of REDD+ relies not only on the soundness of its scientific base but also on its interaction with existing narratives, the susceptibility of policies to economic and political changes at the national and international level and the mechanisms of social exclusion it may reinforce.},
keywords = {environmental policy, Narratives, rainforest, REDD+},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Brazilian Amazon is at the forefront of forest policy because of its importance for the conservation of the world's largest rainforest and its leading role in the implementation of the Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation programme (REDD+). However, the increasing population and the extraction of natural resources challenge forest governance. This paper assesses the historical evolution of the policy narratives that have driven environmental governance in Brazil. We argue that environmental policy has evolved through an overlapping of narratives, rather than a change in governance logics. The success of REDD+ relies not only on the soundness of its scientific base but also on its interaction with existing narratives, the susceptibility of policies to economic and political changes at the national and international level and the mechanisms of social exclusion it may reinforce.
The metabolism of oil extraction: A bottom-up approach applied to the case of Ecuador Journal Article
Parra, Rony; Felice, Louisa Jane Di; Giampietro, Mario; Ramos-Martin, Jesus
In: Energy Policy, 122 (July), pp. 63–74, 2018, ISSN: 03014215.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{Parra2018,
title = {The metabolism of oil extraction: A bottom-up approach applied to the case of Ecuador},
author = {Rony Parra and Louisa Jane Di Felice and Mario Giampietro and Jesus Ramos-Martin},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0301421518304634},
doi = {10.1016/j.enpol.2018.07.017},
issn = {03014215},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-01},
journal = {Energy Policy},
volume = {122},
number = {July},
pages = {63--74},
publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},
abstract = {The global energy system is highly dependent on fossil fuels, which covered approximately 90% of primary energy sources in 2016. As the quality and quantity of oil extracted changes, in response to changes in end uses and in response to biophysical limitations, it is important to understand the metabolism of oil extraction \textendash i.e. the relation between the inputs used and the output extracted. We formalize a methodology to describe oil extraction based on the distinction between functional and structural elements, using the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) to generate a diagnostic of the performance of oil extraction and to build scenarios. The analysis allows generating modular benchmarks which are applicable to other countries. It is shown that oil extraction in Ecuador consumes, per cubic meter of crude oil extracted, over 100 kWh of electricity and 1.5 GJ of fuels, requiring 3 kW of power capacity and 2 h of human activity. A scenario is developed to check the effects on Ecuador's metabolic pattern of an increase in oil production over the next five years. The strength of the proposed methodology is highlighted, focusing on the adaptability of the method for dealing with policy issues.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The global energy system is highly dependent on fossil fuels, which covered approximately 90% of primary energy sources in 2016. As the quality and quantity of oil extracted changes, in response to changes in end uses and in response to biophysical limitations, it is important to understand the metabolism of oil extraction – i.e. the relation between the inputs used and the output extracted. We formalize a methodology to describe oil extraction based on the distinction between functional and structural elements, using the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) to generate a diagnostic of the performance of oil extraction and to build scenarios. The analysis allows generating modular benchmarks which are applicable to other countries. It is shown that oil extraction in Ecuador consumes, per cubic meter of crude oil extracted, over 100 kWh of electricity and 1.5 GJ of fuels, requiring 3 kW of power capacity and 2 h of human activity. A scenario is developed to check the effects on Ecuador's metabolic pattern of an increase in oil production over the next five years. The strength of the proposed methodology is highlighted, focusing on the adaptability of the method for dealing with policy issues.
Conceptualizing Numbers at the Science–Policy Interface Journal Article
Kovacic, Zora
In: Science, Technology, & Human Values, 43 (6), pp. 1039–1065, 2018, ISSN: 0162-2439.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Complexity, governance, heuristics, participation, science–policy, Uncertainty
@article{Kovacic2018b,
title = {Conceptualizing Numbers at the Science\textendashPolicy Interface},
author = {Zora Kovacic},
url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0162243918770734 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0162243918770734},
doi = {10.1177/0162243918770734},
issn = {0162-2439},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-01},
journal = {Science, Technology, & Human Values},
volume = {43},
number = {6},
pages = {1039--1065},
publisher = {SAGE PublicationsSage CA: Los Angeles, CA},
abstract = {Quantitative information is one of the means used to interface science with policy. As a consequence, much effort is invested in producing quantitative information for policy and much criticism is directed toward the use of numbers in policy. In this paper, I analyze five approaches drawn from such criticisms and propose alternative uses of quantitative information for governance: (i) valuation of ecosystem services, (ii) social multicriteria evaluation, (iii) quantification of uncertainty through the Numeral, Unit, Spread, Assessment, Pedigree approach, (iv) Quantitative Story-Telling, and (v) the heuristic use of statistics. The analysis shows the varied ways that numbers are conceptualized and how different conceptualizations matter for the science\textendashpolicy interface. Alternative conceptualizations of numbers are used to challenge the model of science-speaking truth to power. Uncertainty, complexity, pluralism, malpractice, and values are mobilized to redefine the relations between science and policy. Alternative quantification may produce alternative facts, but reflexive approaches that use numbers to discuss the relevance of equity, positionality, and quality in science for policy may offer a remedy.},
keywords = {Complexity, governance, heuristics, participation, science\textendashpolicy, Uncertainty},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Quantitative information is one of the means used to interface science with policy. As a consequence, much effort is invested in producing quantitative information for policy and much criticism is directed toward the use of numbers in policy. In this paper, I analyze five approaches drawn from such criticisms and propose alternative uses of quantitative information for governance: (i) valuation of ecosystem services, (ii) social multicriteria evaluation, (iii) quantification of uncertainty through the Numeral, Unit, Spread, Assessment, Pedigree approach, (iv) Quantitative Story-Telling, and (v) the heuristic use of statistics. The analysis shows the varied ways that numbers are conceptualized and how different conceptualizations matter for the science–policy interface. Alternative conceptualizations of numbers are used to challenge the model of science-speaking truth to power. Uncertainty, complexity, pluralism, malpractice, and values are mobilized to redefine the relations between science and policy. Alternative quantification may produce alternative facts, but reflexive approaches that use numbers to discuss the relevance of equity, positionality, and quality in science for policy may offer a remedy.
A holistic framework for the integrated assessment of urban waste management systems Journal Article
Chifari, Rosaria; Piano, Samuele Lo; Bukkens, Sandra G. F.; Giampietro, Mario
In: Ecological Indicators, 94 , pp. 24–36, 2018, ISSN: 1470160X.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Metabolic network, MuSIASEM, Naples, Performance indicators, Socio-ecological system, Urban waste management system
@article{Chifari2018,
title = {A holistic framework for the integrated assessment of urban waste management systems},
author = {Rosaria Chifari and Samuele Lo Piano and Sandra G. F. Bukkens and Mario Giampietro},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1470160X16301108},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.03.006},
issn = {1470160X},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-01},
journal = {Ecological Indicators},
volume = {94},
pages = {24--36},
abstract = {textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. We report on the development of a holistic framework to organize and integrate quantitative information characterizing the performance of Urban Waste Management Systems (UWMS) across dimensions and scales. The framework builds on the theory of metabolic networks and the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) accounting method. We perceive the UWMS as an organ of a socio-ecological system that modulates the interaction between the metabolic processes of the urban area and those of the embedding ecosystems providing inputs and local sink capacity. Building on these premises, we can define: (i) the flow of wastes produced by the urban system in quantity and quality; (ii) the mix of inputs required for the operation of the different stages of the waste management process, such as technology, labor, energy, water and material flows; (iii) the degree of openness of the system, that is, the imports and exports of urban waste flows in the different stages of its operation; (iv) the final outputs released into the local environment. The proposed framework can accommodate various indicators referring to the socio-economic performance of the UWMS (viability and desirability) and those related to environmental impact/stress (feasibility). Theoretical considerations are illustrated with preliminary data from a case study on the Metropolitan Area of Naples, Italy.},
keywords = {Metabolic network, MuSIASEM, Naples, Performance indicators, Socio-ecological system, Urban waste management system},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. We report on the development of a holistic framework to organize and integrate quantitative information characterizing the performance of Urban Waste Management Systems (UWMS) across dimensions and scales. The framework builds on the theory of metabolic networks and the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) accounting method. We perceive the UWMS as an organ of a socio-ecological system that modulates the interaction between the metabolic processes of the urban area and those of the embedding ecosystems providing inputs and local sink capacity. Building on these premises, we can define: (i) the flow of wastes produced by the urban system in quantity and quality; (ii) the mix of inputs required for the operation of the different stages of the waste management process, such as technology, labor, energy, water and material flows; (iii) the degree of openness of the system, that is, the imports and exports of urban waste flows in the different stages of its operation; (iv) the final outputs released into the local environment. The proposed framework can accommodate various indicators referring to the socio-economic performance of the UWMS (viability and desirability) and those related to environmental impact/stress (feasibility). Theoretical considerations are illustrated with preliminary data from a case study on the Metropolitan Area of Naples, Italy.
Connecting the urban informal settlement to the city: A systems approach PhD Thesis
Smit, Suzanne
Stellenbosch University, 2018.
@phdthesis{Smit2018,
title = {Connecting the urban informal settlement to the city: A systems approach},
author = {Suzanne Smit},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-01},
pages = {188},
school = {Stellenbosch University},
abstract = {Understanding increasing urbanisation and the proliferation of slums requires a holistic scrutiny of the metabolism of cities. However, existing urban metabolic analyses exclude a detailed grasp of how urban slums function and contribute to the metabolism of cities. Furthermore, conventional urban metabolism analytical methods are not suited to capturing informal flows and processes that contribute to urban resource use. This study therefore investigated the questions: i) What are urban informal settlements and how do they connect to the broader urban context? and ii) How does a Multi-scale Integrated Assessment of the Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) approach contribute to the study of informal settlements in the context of sustainable urban development? The first question was addressed through a critical literature review which provided the global perspective and understanding of slums. A conceptual framework was developed for classifying urban slums based on physical and legal characteristics, forming the basis upon which different slum types may be analysed. In applying the typology to South Africa, it was found to exhibit a more nuanced typology, where five distinguishable settlement types were established. However, to achieve sustainable urban development, it is argued that urban informal settlements also need to be analysed from a metabolic perspective. The study then focused on one particular slum type, using the case study of Enkanini informal settlement in Stellenbosch, and applied MuSIASEM to address question two and to demonstrate that the societal metabolic dimension of the settlement can be quantified in terms of the use of time, money and energy. The results highlight issues to be addressed through spatial, developmental and local economic policy, such as the need for improved transport linkages. Furthermore, the MuSIASEM results highlighted issues related to the introduction of a renewable energy solution, in the form of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, to address energy access. This led to the emergence of a third research question: What are the electricity legitimacy dynamics of Enkanini informal settlement? While it is argued that MuSIASEM is a suitable approach for analysing the metabolic dimension of slums, it does not account for sociopolitical dynamics that influence the metabolic dimension. The study therefore further used Community Based System Dynamics to investigate the electricity legitimacy dynamics in the Enkanini informal settlement. Several causal relationships between the factors that affect energy fuel choice and energy access in Enkanini were found, resulting in 17 feedback loops. The use of Community Based System Dynamics modelling identified the root cause of the resistance to solar PV energy as threatening residents' struggle for legitimacy. The key feedback loops related to community empowerment and representation. Finally, this study demonstrates the need for deeper engagement and transparent communication with the residents of informal settlements, and recognition of the non-technical, and aspirational factors that drive their energy behaviours. Whilst the Enkanini case does not deliver a comprehensive set of metabolism results, as an exploratory study into the societal metabolism of slums, it has led to and informed several subsequent studies and contributes to the development and improvement of the method for future cases.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Understanding increasing urbanisation and the proliferation of slums requires a holistic scrutiny of the metabolism of cities. However, existing urban metabolic analyses exclude a detailed grasp of how urban slums function and contribute to the metabolism of cities. Furthermore, conventional urban metabolism analytical methods are not suited to capturing informal flows and processes that contribute to urban resource use. This study therefore investigated the questions: i) What are urban informal settlements and how do they connect to the broader urban context? and ii) How does a Multi-scale Integrated Assessment of the Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) approach contribute to the study of informal settlements in the context of sustainable urban development? The first question was addressed through a critical literature review which provided the global perspective and understanding of slums. A conceptual framework was developed for classifying urban slums based on physical and legal characteristics, forming the basis upon which different slum types may be analysed. In applying the typology to South Africa, it was found to exhibit a more nuanced typology, where five distinguishable settlement types were established. However, to achieve sustainable urban development, it is argued that urban informal settlements also need to be analysed from a metabolic perspective. The study then focused on one particular slum type, using the case study of Enkanini informal settlement in Stellenbosch, and applied MuSIASEM to address question two and to demonstrate that the societal metabolic dimension of the settlement can be quantified in terms of the use of time, money and energy. The results highlight issues to be addressed through spatial, developmental and local economic policy, such as the need for improved transport linkages. Furthermore, the MuSIASEM results highlighted issues related to the introduction of a renewable energy solution, in the form of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, to address energy access. This led to the emergence of a third research question: What are the electricity legitimacy dynamics of Enkanini informal settlement? While it is argued that MuSIASEM is a suitable approach for analysing the metabolic dimension of slums, it does not account for sociopolitical dynamics that influence the metabolic dimension. The study therefore further used Community Based System Dynamics to investigate the electricity legitimacy dynamics in the Enkanini informal settlement. Several causal relationships between the factors that affect energy fuel choice and energy access in Enkanini were found, resulting in 17 feedback loops. The use of Community Based System Dynamics modelling identified the root cause of the resistance to solar PV energy as threatening residents' struggle for legitimacy. The key feedback loops related to community empowerment and representation. Finally, this study demonstrates the need for deeper engagement and transparent communication with the residents of informal settlements, and recognition of the non-technical, and aspirational factors that drive their energy behaviours. Whilst the Enkanini case does not deliver a comprehensive set of metabolism results, as an exploratory study into the societal metabolism of slums, it has led to and informed several subsequent studies and contributes to the development and improvement of the method for future cases.
Analyzing the energy performance of manufacturing across levels using the end-use matrix Journal Article
Velasco-Fernández, Raúl; Giampietro, Mario; Bukkens, Sandra G. F.
In: Energy, 161 , pp. 559–572, 2018, ISSN: 03605442.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: End-use matrix, Energy efficiency, Energy intensity, Industrial sector, Manufacturing, MuSIASEM
@article{Velasco-Fernandez2018,
title = {Analyzing the energy performance of manufacturing across levels using the end-use matrix},
author = {Ra\'{u}l Velasco-Fern\'{a}ndez and Mario Giampietro and Sandra G. F. Bukkens},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0360544218314191},
doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.122},
issn = {03605442},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-10-01},
journal = {Energy},
volume = {161},
pages = {559--572},
abstract = {Within the context of the controversial use of the concept energy intensity to assess national energy performance, this paper proposes an innovative accounting framework: the energy end-use matrix. This tool integrates quantitative assessments of energy use of the various constituent compartments of socio-economic systems. More specifically it identifies, moving across levels of analysis, what compartments (or sub-compartments) are using what type of energy carriers for what type of end-use. This analysis is integrated with an assessment of labor requirements and the associated flows of value added. The end-use matrix thus integrates in a coherent way quantitative assessments across different dimensions and hierarchical scales and facilitates the development of integrated sets of indicators. In this way it contributes to a multi-criteria characterization of national or sectoral energy performance. The tool is illustrated with an analysis of three EU countries: Bulgaria, Finland and Spain. Challenges to improving the usefulness of biophysical analysis of the efficiency of the industrial sector are identified and discussed. Increasing the discriminatory power of quantitative analysis through better data standardization by statistical offices is the major challenge.},
keywords = {End-use matrix, Energy efficiency, Energy intensity, Industrial sector, Manufacturing, MuSIASEM},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Within the context of the controversial use of the concept energy intensity to assess national energy performance, this paper proposes an innovative accounting framework: the energy end-use matrix. This tool integrates quantitative assessments of energy use of the various constituent compartments of socio-economic systems. More specifically it identifies, moving across levels of analysis, what compartments (or sub-compartments) are using what type of energy carriers for what type of end-use. This analysis is integrated with an assessment of labor requirements and the associated flows of value added. The end-use matrix thus integrates in a coherent way quantitative assessments across different dimensions and hierarchical scales and facilitates the development of integrated sets of indicators. In this way it contributes to a multi-criteria characterization of national or sectoral energy performance. The tool is illustrated with an analysis of three EU countries: Bulgaria, Finland and Spain. Challenges to improving the usefulness of biophysical analysis of the efficiency of the industrial sector are identified and discussed. Increasing the discriminatory power of quantitative analysis through better data standardization by statistical offices is the major challenge.
Deep Decarbonisation from a Biophysical Perspective: GHG Emissions of a Renewable Electricity Transformation in the EU Journal Article
Felice, Louisa Di; Ripa, Maddalena; Giampietro, Mario
In: Sustainability, 10 (10), pp. 3685, 2018, ISSN: 2071-1050.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bio-economics, Curtailment, Energy transition, Grid flexibility, Modelling, Science-policy interface, Storage
@article{DiFelice2018,
title = {Deep Decarbonisation from a Biophysical Perspective: GHG Emissions of a Renewable Electricity Transformation in the EU},
author = {Louisa Di Felice and Maddalena Ripa and Mario Giampietro},
url = {http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/10/3685},
doi = {10.3390/su10103685},
issn = {2071-1050},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-10-01},
journal = {Sustainability},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {3685},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {In light of climate change and security concerns, decarbonisation has become a priority for industrialised countries. In the European Union (EU), decarbonisation scenarios used to support decision-making predict a steady decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly driven by changes in production mixes and improvements in efficiency. In the EU's decarbonisation pathways, the power sector plays a large role, reaching zero emissions by 2050. From a biophysical perspective, decarbonisation becomes not just a matter of replacing carbon-intensive with carbon-neutral electricity flows, but also a matter of building and maintaining new infrastructure (funds) which, in turn, is associated with GHG emissions. By not accounting for the emissions associated with funds, particularly those required to increase grid flexibility, scenarios used to inform decarbonisation narratives in the EU are missing a key part of the picture. We show that a rapid and deep decarbonisation of the EU's power sector through a production-side transition between the years 2020 and 2050 leads to cumulative emissions of the order of 21\textendash25 Gt of CO2 equivalent, within a range of approximately 35\textendash45%. The results are obtained by modelling two decarbonisation pathways where grid flexibility increases either through storage or through curtailment. The analysis suggests that scenarios informing decarbonisation policies in the EU are optimistic and may lead to a narrow focus on sustainable production transformations. This minimises the perceived urgency of reducing overall energy consumption to stay within safe carbon budgets.},
keywords = {Bio-economics, Curtailment, Energy transition, Grid flexibility, Modelling, Science-policy interface, Storage},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In light of climate change and security concerns, decarbonisation has become a priority for industrialised countries. In the European Union (EU), decarbonisation scenarios used to support decision-making predict a steady decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly driven by changes in production mixes and improvements in efficiency. In the EU's decarbonisation pathways, the power sector plays a large role, reaching zero emissions by 2050. From a biophysical perspective, decarbonisation becomes not just a matter of replacing carbon-intensive with carbon-neutral electricity flows, but also a matter of building and maintaining new infrastructure (funds) which, in turn, is associated with GHG emissions. By not accounting for the emissions associated with funds, particularly those required to increase grid flexibility, scenarios used to inform decarbonisation narratives in the EU are missing a key part of the picture. We show that a rapid and deep decarbonisation of the EU's power sector through a production-side transition between the years 2020 and 2050 leads to cumulative emissions of the order of 21–25 Gt of CO2 equivalent, within a range of approximately 35–45%. The results are obtained by modelling two decarbonisation pathways where grid flexibility increases either through storage or through curtailment. The analysis suggests that scenarios informing decarbonisation policies in the EU are optimistic and may lead to a narrow focus on sustainable production transformations. This minimises the perceived urgency of reducing overall energy consumption to stay within safe carbon budgets.
New narratives for innovation Journal Article
Strand, Roger; Saltelli, Andrea; Giampietro, Mario; Rommetveit, Kjetil; Funtowicz, Silvio
In: Journal of Cleaner Production, 197 , pp. 1849–1853, 2018, ISSN: 09596526.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Post-normal science, Sociotechnical imaginaries
@article{Strand2018,
title = {New narratives for innovation},
author = {Roger Strand and Andrea Saltelli and Mario Giampietro and Kjetil Rommetveit and Silvio Funtowicz},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S095965261631825X},
doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.194},
issn = {09596526},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-10-01},
journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production},
volume = {197},
pages = {1849--1853},
abstract = {textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. Sociotechnical imaginaries are visions of desired social and technological futures created and sustained by stakeholders in science, industry and politics. Within the dominating innovation narratives there are a number of implicit and explicit beliefs that are both descriptive and normative. Technological optimism is the prevailing discourse, challenged by alternative imaginaries, among them a narrative of degrowth. In this paper we argue for the importance of producing more democratic and sustainable imaginations of future social and technological trajectories. We indicate how new narratives for innovation may include different perspectives and sources of knowledge, including heterodox economics, bio-economics, science and technology studies, and Post-Normal Science. The replacement of policy narratives, however, is not achieved through science speaking truth to power. If that were the case, policies would have changed a long time ago. The present analysis and discussion illustrates how the challenge of replacement is itself one that calls for a reflexive understanding of the relationship between knowledge, belief and agency in complex research and innovation (R & I) systems.},
keywords = {Post-normal science, Sociotechnical imaginaries},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. Sociotechnical imaginaries are visions of desired social and technological futures created and sustained by stakeholders in science, industry and politics. Within the dominating innovation narratives there are a number of implicit and explicit beliefs that are both descriptive and normative. Technological optimism is the prevailing discourse, challenged by alternative imaginaries, among them a narrative of degrowth. In this paper we argue for the importance of producing more democratic and sustainable imaginations of future social and technological trajectories. We indicate how new narratives for innovation may include different perspectives and sources of knowledge, including heterodox economics, bio-economics, science and technology studies, and Post-Normal Science. The replacement of policy narratives, however, is not achieved through science speaking truth to power. If that were the case, policies would have changed a long time ago. The present analysis and discussion illustrates how the challenge of replacement is itself one that calls for a reflexive understanding of the relationship between knowledge, belief and agency in complex research and innovation (R & I) systems.
Mapping degrees of complexity, complicatedness, and emergent complexity Journal Article
Allen, Timothy F. H.; Austin, Preston; Giampietro, Mario; Kovacic, Zora; Ramly, Edmond; Tainter, Joseph
In: Ecological Complexity, 35 , pp. 39–44, 2018, ISSN: 1476945X.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Complexity, Complicatedness, Emergence, Level of analysis, Rosen
@article{Allen2018,
title = {Mapping degrees of complexity, complicatedness, and emergent complexity},
author = {Timothy F. H. Allen and Preston Austin and Mario Giampietro and Zora Kovacic and Edmond Ramly and Joseph Tainter},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1476945X17300454},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecocom.2017.05.004},
issn = {1476945X},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-09-01},
journal = {Ecological Complexity},
volume = {35},
pages = {39--44},
abstract = {textcopyright 2017 Elsevier B.V. This paper assesses the conceptualizations and analytical uses of complexity. Throughout the paper, we carefully eschew ontological issues, and sort out the epistemology of complexity. We try to explain why the ontology of complexity makes no sense to us, much like significance is neither material nor ontological. Our tool of choice is levels of analysis. First, we analyze the conceptualization of complexity. Much discussion of complexity is confused because complexity is mistaken as a material issue. Complexity arises from the way the situation is addressed, and is not material in itself. Even so, complexity does seem to have material ramifications without being itself a straightforward material distinction. We use an illustrative parallel example where genetic dominance is shown not to be material while having material consequences, but only after a gene is asserted to be dominant on normative criteria. Secondly, the paper compares two analytical approaches based on complexity, namely Robert Rosen's work and Joseph Tainter's work. In Rosennean complexity a system is complex if not all its constituent models are simulable, if certainty is denied. In that sense, complexity cannot be defined. Rosen's distinction is between simple and complex systems makes complexity an all or nothing proposition. Complexification is seen by Tainter as a device used by societies to solve their problems. This leads to complexity being a matter of degree in successive societal complexifications, perhaps from Neolithic hunter-gatherers to industrial societies.},
keywords = {Complexity, Complicatedness, Emergence, Level of analysis, Rosen},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
textcopyright 2017 Elsevier B.V. This paper assesses the conceptualizations and analytical uses of complexity. Throughout the paper, we carefully eschew ontological issues, and sort out the epistemology of complexity. We try to explain why the ontology of complexity makes no sense to us, much like significance is neither material nor ontological. Our tool of choice is levels of analysis. First, we analyze the conceptualization of complexity. Much discussion of complexity is confused because complexity is mistaken as a material issue. Complexity arises from the way the situation is addressed, and is not material in itself. Even so, complexity does seem to have material ramifications without being itself a straightforward material distinction. We use an illustrative parallel example where genetic dominance is shown not to be material while having material consequences, but only after a gene is asserted to be dominant on normative criteria. Secondly, the paper compares two analytical approaches based on complexity, namely Robert Rosen's work and Joseph Tainter's work. In Rosennean complexity a system is complex if not all its constituent models are simulable, if certainty is denied. In that sense, complexity cannot be defined. Rosen's distinction is between simple and complex systems makes complexity an all or nothing proposition. Complexification is seen by Tainter as a device used by societies to solve their problems. This leads to complexity being a matter of degree in successive societal complexifications, perhaps from Neolithic hunter-gatherers to industrial societies.
Finance, energy and the decoupling: an empirical study Journal Article
Kovacic, Zora; Spanò, Marcello; Piano, Samuele Lo; Sorman, Alevgul H.
In: Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 28 (3), pp. 565–590, 2018, ISSN: 0936-9937.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Economic Growth, Economic Theory/Quantitative Economics/Mathematica, Entrepreneurship, Institutional/Evolutionary Economics, Microeconomics, R & D/Technology Policy
@article{Kovacic2018a,
title = {Finance, energy and the decoupling: an empirical study},
author = {Zora Kovacic and Marcello Span\`{o} and Samuele Lo Piano and Alevgul H. Sorman},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00191-017-0514-8 http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00191-017-0514-8},
doi = {10.1007/s00191-017-0514-8},
issn = {0936-9937},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-08-01},
journal = {Journal of Evolutionary Economics},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {565--590},
publisher = {Springer},
abstract = {This paper investigates the empirical and theoretical basis of the decoupling between energy throughput and economic growth, with a critical view of the use of the decoupling concept as a policy priority. We provide an analysis of the historical trends of the metabolic pattern of European economies over a period of 18 years focusing on the changes in energy throughput and financial assets. The results show that energy consumption per hour of labor has remained constant, suggesting that no significant changes in production processes or technology have taken place in the productive sectors of the economy. The contribution of this paper is to establish a bridge between the economic analysis of financialization and the societal metabolism analysis of the economic process from a biophysical point of view. We argue that this bridge is crucial to draw attention to the biophysical consequences of financialization (a relative decoupling) and critically assess the pertinence of policies aimed at encouraging the decoupling in the context of increasing inequality.},
keywords = {Economic Growth, Economic Theory/Quantitative Economics/Mathematica, Entrepreneurship, Institutional/Evolutionary Economics, Microeconomics, R & D/Technology Policy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper investigates the empirical and theoretical basis of the decoupling between energy throughput and economic growth, with a critical view of the use of the decoupling concept as a policy priority. We provide an analysis of the historical trends of the metabolic pattern of European economies over a period of 18 years focusing on the changes in energy throughput and financial assets. The results show that energy consumption per hour of labor has remained constant, suggesting that no significant changes in production processes or technology have taken place in the productive sectors of the economy. The contribution of this paper is to establish a bridge between the economic analysis of financialization and the societal metabolism analysis of the economic process from a biophysical point of view. We argue that this bridge is crucial to draw attention to the biophysical consequences of financialization (a relative decoupling) and critically assess the pertinence of policies aimed at encouraging the decoupling in the context of increasing inequality.
Governing informality through representation: Examples from slum policies in Brazil and South Africa Journal Article
Kovacic, Zora
In: Cities, pp. 102122, 2018, ISSN: 02642751.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{Kovacic2018,
title = {Governing informality through representation: Examples from slum policies in Brazil and South Africa},
author = {Zora Kovacic},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0264275118301070},
doi = {10.1016/j.cities.2018.07.009},
issn = {02642751},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-07-01},
journal = {Cities},
pages = {102122},
publisher = {Pergamon},
abstract = {Building on the understanding that the representations that underpin slum policies play an important role in the management and reproduction of informality, the aim of this paper is to identify some of the representations used in the governance of slums through two case studies: the upgrading policies of Rio de Janeiro's favelas, Brazil, and the governing of Stellenbosch's informal settlements, South Africa. Slum policies are influenced by the use of technologies, defined in this paper both as accounting techniques that stabilise the representations of informality and as technological artefacts used as means of intervention. Results show that the representations of slums used in the policies analysed contribute to the reproduction of informality by (i) representing slums as places of uncertainty and uncontrollability, (ii) affirming the need of experts and technical knowledge to correct the material, legal and knowledge deficits through which slums are represented, and (iii) focusing on the individual and household level and disregarding the relational character of poverty. These representations are influenced by sociotechnical imaginaries of sustainable and smart cities, through which the social orders that produce informality and social exclusion remain unquestioned.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Building on the understanding that the representations that underpin slum policies play an important role in the management and reproduction of informality, the aim of this paper is to identify some of the representations used in the governance of slums through two case studies: the upgrading policies of Rio de Janeiro's favelas, Brazil, and the governing of Stellenbosch's informal settlements, South Africa. Slum policies are influenced by the use of technologies, defined in this paper both as accounting techniques that stabilise the representations of informality and as technological artefacts used as means of intervention. Results show that the representations of slums used in the policies analysed contribute to the reproduction of informality by (i) representing slums as places of uncertainty and uncontrollability, (ii) affirming the need of experts and technical knowledge to correct the material, legal and knowledge deficits through which slums are represented, and (iii) focusing on the individual and household level and disregarding the relational character of poverty. These representations are influenced by sociotechnical imaginaries of sustainable and smart cities, through which the social orders that produce informality and social exclusion remain unquestioned.
Perception and Representation of the Resource Nexus at the Interface between Society and the Natural Environment Journal Article
Giampietro, Mario
In: Sustainability, 10 (7), pp. 2545, 2018, ISSN: 2071-1050.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Buzzword, Complex systems, Metabolic pattern, Relational analysis, Resource nexus, Semiotic process, Social-ecological system
@article{Giampietro2018a,
title = {Perception and Representation of the Resource Nexus at the Interface between Society and the Natural Environment},
author = {Mario Giampietro},
url = {http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2545},
doi = {10.3390/su10072545},
issn = {2071-1050},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-07-01},
journal = {Sustainability},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {2545},
abstract = {Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the resource nexus. This has created the co-existence of different understandings and uses of the concept. In this regard, experiences in the EU H2020 project ‘Moving towards adaptive governance in complexity: Informing nexus security' are consistent with findings reported in the literature: (i) The inconvenient message of the nexus is difficult to get across, it being incompatible with the currently dominant rosy narratives about sustainability. Indeed, from a historic perspective, the nexus can be seen as a revival of the ideological fight between cornucopians and neo-Malthusians; (ii) Silo structures in existing institutions are a problem for the governance of the nexus, and so is the resulting reductionist strategy of addressing and fixing one issue at the time; (iii) Scientific inquiry is currently not providing the quality inputs needed for a meaningful discussion of the resource nexus. Entanglement of resource flows is rooted in the complex metabolic pattern of social-ecological systems, the analysis of which requires a complex systems approach and relational analysis. Contemporary reductionist models simply make the nexus invisible to the analyst.},
keywords = {Buzzword, Complex systems, Metabolic pattern, Relational analysis, Resource nexus, Semiotic process, Social-ecological system},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the resource nexus. This has created the co-existence of different understandings and uses of the concept. In this regard, experiences in the EU H2020 project ‘Moving towards adaptive governance in complexity: Informing nexus security' are consistent with findings reported in the literature: (i) The inconvenient message of the nexus is difficult to get across, it being incompatible with the currently dominant rosy narratives about sustainability. Indeed, from a historic perspective, the nexus can be seen as a revival of the ideological fight between cornucopians and neo-Malthusians; (ii) Silo structures in existing institutions are a problem for the governance of the nexus, and so is the resulting reductionist strategy of addressing and fixing one issue at the time; (iii) Scientific inquiry is currently not providing the quality inputs needed for a meaningful discussion of the resource nexus. Entanglement of resource flows is rooted in the complex metabolic pattern of social-ecological systems, the analysis of which requires a complex systems approach and relational analysis. Contemporary reductionist models simply make the nexus invisible to the analyst.
Relational analysis of the oil and gas sector of Mexico: Implications for Mexico's energy reform Journal Article
González-López, Rafael; Giampietro, Mario
In: Energy, 154 , pp. 403–414, 2018, ISSN: 03605442.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: energy system, Integrated assessment, Mexico's Energy Reform, MuSIASEM, oil and gas sector, Relational analysis
@article{Gonzalez-Lopez2018,
title = {Relational analysis of the oil and gas sector of Mexico: Implications for Mexico's energy reform},
author = {Rafael Gonz\'{a}lez-L\'{o}pez and Mario Giampietro},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0360544218307503},
doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2018.04.134},
issn = {03605442},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-07-01},
journal = {Energy},
volume = {154},
pages = {403--414},
abstract = {textcopyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd This paper describes a novel tool-kit to analyze energy systems in relation to the bio-economic and environmental performance of society. It is illustrated with data from the oil and gas sector of Mexico. The approach combines relational analysis (as developed in theoretical biology) and Multi-Scale Integrated Assessment of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM). It integrates two non-equivalent views of the functioning of the oil and gas system starting from the identification and description of the relations between functional and structural elements. The metabolic pattern of the energy system is described as a sequential pathway generated by different functional elements (e.g., extraction, refining, transportation), each of which is made up of different structural elements (e.g., plants adopting different extraction techniques, diverse types of refineries, different methods of transportation), and operating at a given level of openness (imports and exports). The relations found over the elements of the energy system are described both in functional terms (what/why) and in spatial terms (where/how). The policy relevance of the information generated is discussed in relation to the Mexican Energy Reform.},
keywords = {energy system, Integrated assessment, Mexico's Energy Reform, MuSIASEM, oil and gas sector, Relational analysis},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
textcopyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd This paper describes a novel tool-kit to analyze energy systems in relation to the bio-economic and environmental performance of society. It is illustrated with data from the oil and gas sector of Mexico. The approach combines relational analysis (as developed in theoretical biology) and Multi-Scale Integrated Assessment of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM). It integrates two non-equivalent views of the functioning of the oil and gas system starting from the identification and description of the relations between functional and structural elements. The metabolic pattern of the energy system is described as a sequential pathway generated by different functional elements (e.g., extraction, refining, transportation), each of which is made up of different structural elements (e.g., plants adopting different extraction techniques, diverse types of refineries, different methods of transportation), and operating at a given level of openness (imports and exports). The relations found over the elements of the energy system are described both in functional terms (what/why) and in spatial terms (where/how). The policy relevance of the information generated is discussed in relation to the Mexican Energy Reform.
Cabello, Violeta; Kovacic, Zora; Cauwenbergh, Nora Van
In: Environmental Science & Policy, 85 , pp. 19–27, 2018, ISSN: 14629011.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adaptive governance, Epistemic uncertainty, Narratives, Participatory planning, Pluralism, Water Framework Directive
@article{Cabello2018,
title = {Unravelling narratives of water management: Reflections on epistemic uncertainty in the first cycle of implementation of the Water Framework Directive in southern Spain},
author = {Violeta Cabello and Zora Kovacic and Nora Van Cauwenbergh},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1462901117306779},
doi = {10.1016/j.envsci.2018.03.019},
issn = {14629011},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-07-01},
journal = {Environmental Science & Policy},
volume = {85},
pages = {19--27},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {The participatory planning model promoted by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) leads to the emergence of new questions on how to define problems, how to know if something is a problem and for whom. We propose the concept of epistemic uncertainty to assess adaptive governance in the context of broadening of narratives about how water should be managed. For this purpose, we analyse how framings of the problem-solution duality with regards to water management evolve throughout the first cycle of implementation of the WFD in a semi-arid river basin in Southern Spain. We identify five narratives on water management: supply-side management, demand-side management, deep ecology, rural livelihoods and knowledge and governance. The paper contributes to the adaptive governance literature by arguing that epistemic uncertainty cannot be treated as a technical problem, and dealing with pluralism and accommodating evolving narratives are essential to adaptability in governance. We submit that the implementation of the WFD should take into account stakeholders' uneven capacities to influence water management and the hindrances to implementation that ensue. With regard to the study area, we find that (i) narrative pluralism is handled through ambiguity and coalition strategies based on large infrastructural investments, traditional in the Spanish context, (ii) unexpected events such as the economic crisis had greater influence on water management than participatory processes, and (iii) little evolution was observed in the perception of problems after implementation of the plan and mistrust of the water administration rose during the period analysed.},
keywords = {Adaptive governance, Epistemic uncertainty, Narratives, Participatory planning, Pluralism, Water Framework Directive},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The participatory planning model promoted by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) leads to the emergence of new questions on how to define problems, how to know if something is a problem and for whom. We propose the concept of epistemic uncertainty to assess adaptive governance in the context of broadening of narratives about how water should be managed. For this purpose, we analyse how framings of the problem-solution duality with regards to water management evolve throughout the first cycle of implementation of the WFD in a semi-arid river basin in Southern Spain. We identify five narratives on water management: supply-side management, demand-side management, deep ecology, rural livelihoods and knowledge and governance. The paper contributes to the adaptive governance literature by arguing that epistemic uncertainty cannot be treated as a technical problem, and dealing with pluralism and accommodating evolving narratives are essential to adaptability in governance. We submit that the implementation of the WFD should take into account stakeholders' uneven capacities to influence water management and the hindrances to implementation that ensue. With regard to the study area, we find that (i) narrative pluralism is handled through ambiguity and coalition strategies based on large infrastructural investments, traditional in the Spanish context, (ii) unexpected events such as the economic crisis had greater influence on water management than participatory processes, and (iii) little evolution was observed in the perception of problems after implementation of the plan and mistrust of the water administration rose during the period analysed.
Production weighted water use impact characterisation factors for the global mining industry Journal Article
Northey, Stephen A.; López, Cristina Madrid; Haque, Nawshad; Mudd, Gavin M.; Yellishetty, Mohan
In: Journal of Cleaner Production, 184 , pp. 788–797, 2018, ISSN: 09596526.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Available water remaining, Impact characterisation, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Mineral and metal production, Mining industry, Water stress index (WSI)
@article{Northey2018,
title = {Production weighted water use impact characterisation factors for the global mining industry},
author = {Stephen A. Northey and Cristina Madrid L\'{o}pez and Nawshad Haque and Gavin M. Mudd and Mohan Yellishetty},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0959652618306450},
doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.307},
issn = {09596526},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-05-01},
journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production},
volume = {184},
pages = {788--797},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {Methods for quantifying the impacts of water use within life cycle assessment have developed significantly over the past decade. These methods account for local differences in hydrology and water use contexts through the use of regionally specific impact characterisation factors. However, few studies have applied these methods to the mining industry and so there is limited understanding regarding how spatial boundaries may affect assessments of the mining industry's consumptive water use impacts. To address this, we developed production weighted characterisation factors for 25 mineral and metal commodities based upon the spatial distribution of global mine production across watersheds and nations. Our results indicate that impact characterisation using the national average ‘Water Stress Index' (WSI) would overestimate the water use impacts for 67% of mining operations when compared to assessments using watershed WSI values. Comparatively, national average ‘Available Water Remaining' (AWaRe) factors would overestimate impacts for 60% of mining operations compared to assessments using watershed factors. In the absence of watershed scale inventory data, assessments may benefit from developing alternative characterisation factors reflecting the spatial distribution of commodity production across watersheds. The results also provide an indication of the commodities being mined in highly water stressed or scarce regions.},
keywords = {Available water remaining, Impact characterisation, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Mineral and metal production, Mining industry, Water stress index (WSI)},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Methods for quantifying the impacts of water use within life cycle assessment have developed significantly over the past decade. These methods account for local differences in hydrology and water use contexts through the use of regionally specific impact characterisation factors. However, few studies have applied these methods to the mining industry and so there is limited understanding regarding how spatial boundaries may affect assessments of the mining industry's consumptive water use impacts. To address this, we developed production weighted characterisation factors for 25 mineral and metal commodities based upon the spatial distribution of global mine production across watersheds and nations. Our results indicate that impact characterisation using the national average ‘Water Stress Index' (WSI) would overestimate the water use impacts for 67% of mining operations when compared to assessments using watershed WSI values. Comparatively, national average ‘Available Water Remaining' (AWaRe) factors would overestimate impacts for 60% of mining operations compared to assessments using watershed factors. In the absence of watershed scale inventory data, assessments may benefit from developing alternative characterisation factors reflecting the spatial distribution of commodity production across watersheds. The results also provide an indication of the commodities being mined in highly water stressed or scarce regions.
Efficiency and sustainability indicators for papermaking from virgin pulp—An emergy-based case study Journal Article
Corcelli, F.; Ripa, M.; Ulgiati, S.
In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 131 , pp. 313–328, 2018, ISSN: 09213449.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Ecosystem services, Emergy, Environmental accounting, Papermaking, Sustainability indicators
@article{Corcelli2018,
title = {Efficiency and sustainability indicators for papermaking from virgin pulp\textemdashAn emergy-based case study},
author = {F. Corcelli and M. Ripa and S. Ulgiati},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0921344917304196},
doi = {10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.11.028},
issn = {09213449},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-04-01},
journal = {Resources, Conservation and Recycling},
volume = {131},
pages = {313--328},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {The pulp and paper sector is the fourth-largest industrial sector worldwide in terms of energy use, accounting for approximately 6% of the total industrial energy consumption and contributing to 2% of direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by industries. The definition of the environmental profile of this industrial sector is crucial, due to the high market demand of paper and the increasing concern for the environmental costs of the whole papermaking process. A sustainability perspective should rely on a wider and holistic viewpoint, properly including all direct and indirect interactions with the environment. To this purpose, the Emergy (spelled with “m”) Accounting method (EMA) is very appropriate for the evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the papermaking process under different perspectives (resource quality, fossil energy and material consumption, environmental and human-driven support). Several studies concerning environmental impacts, eco-efficiency, and cleaner technologies in the pulp and paper sector have already been carried out, but none of them addressed resource quality and resource generation costs from a supply-side point of view. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by highlighting the direct and indirect contribution in terms of natural capital and ecosystem services to the pulp and paper production process. By means of EMA performance indices, this paper aims to assess the environmental sustainability associated to the production of pulp and paper, so as to identify those process steps that entail the highest environmental costs and require improvements. Three forest management scenarios − based on Spruce/Pine, Eucalyptus and Poplar production for raw material supply − were evaluated to assess the sustainability and the efficiency of each species. Moreover, the marginal costs of achieving higher energy and material efficiency are investigated, with a special focus placed on the identification of the effects of energy input flows on additional demand for environmental services. The research results show that the largest supply-side environmental costs are generated by the industrial processing activities, due to high energy, water and chemicals consumption. Only a minor role is played by forestry activities that supply the raw feedstock, although forestry management practices certainly affect both the final productivity and the energy balance, through the amount and use efficiency of the farm inputs. Additionally, among the three forest systems under study, Spruce/Pine forest management displays the most sustainable option for paper production because, basing on the emergy indices, it presents the best sustainable contribution to both the economy and the environment of the investigated region. In conclusion, the application of EMA approach allowed a more comprehensive assessment of forestry and industrial operations, contributing to assist decision makers in implementing the best environmental management of papermaking process.},
keywords = {Ecosystem services, Emergy, Environmental accounting, Papermaking, Sustainability indicators},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The pulp and paper sector is the fourth-largest industrial sector worldwide in terms of energy use, accounting for approximately 6% of the total industrial energy consumption and contributing to 2% of direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by industries. The definition of the environmental profile of this industrial sector is crucial, due to the high market demand of paper and the increasing concern for the environmental costs of the whole papermaking process. A sustainability perspective should rely on a wider and holistic viewpoint, properly including all direct and indirect interactions with the environment. To this purpose, the Emergy (spelled with “m”) Accounting method (EMA) is very appropriate for the evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the papermaking process under different perspectives (resource quality, fossil energy and material consumption, environmental and human-driven support). Several studies concerning environmental impacts, eco-efficiency, and cleaner technologies in the pulp and paper sector have already been carried out, but none of them addressed resource quality and resource generation costs from a supply-side point of view. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by highlighting the direct and indirect contribution in terms of natural capital and ecosystem services to the pulp and paper production process. By means of EMA performance indices, this paper aims to assess the environmental sustainability associated to the production of pulp and paper, so as to identify those process steps that entail the highest environmental costs and require improvements. Three forest management scenarios − based on Spruce/Pine, Eucalyptus and Poplar production for raw material supply − were evaluated to assess the sustainability and the efficiency of each species. Moreover, the marginal costs of achieving higher energy and material efficiency are investigated, with a special focus placed on the identification of the effects of energy input flows on additional demand for environmental services. The research results show that the largest supply-side environmental costs are generated by the industrial processing activities, due to high energy, water and chemicals consumption. Only a minor role is played by forestry activities that supply the raw feedstock, although forestry management practices certainly affect both the final productivity and the energy balance, through the amount and use efficiency of the farm inputs. Additionally, among the three forest systems under study, Spruce/Pine forest management displays the most sustainable option for paper production because, basing on the emergy indices, it presents the best sustainable contribution to both the economy and the environment of the investigated region. In conclusion, the application of EMA approach allowed a more comprehensive assessment of forestry and industrial operations, contributing to assist decision makers in implementing the best environmental management of papermaking process.
‘Raising the temperature': the arts on a warming planet Journal Article
Galafassi, Diego; Kagan, Sacha; Milkoreit, Manjana; Heras, María; Bilodeau, Chantal; Bourke, Sadhbh Juarez; Merrie, Andrew; Guerrero, Leonie; Pétursdóttir, Guðrún; Tàbara, Joan David
In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 31 , pp. 71–79, 2018, ISSN: 18773435.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags:
@article{Galafassi2018,
title = {‘Raising the temperature': the arts on a warming planet},
author = {Diego Galafassi and Sacha Kagan and Manjana Milkoreit and Mar\'{i}a Heras and Chantal Bilodeau and Sadhbh Juarez Bourke and Andrew Merrie and Leonie Guerrero and Guðr\'{u}n P\'{e}tursd\'{o}ttir and Joan David T\`{a}bara},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1877343517300714},
doi = {10.1016/j.cosust.2017.12.010},
issn = {18773435},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-04-01},
journal = {Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability},
volume = {31},
pages = {71--79},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {The search for decisive actions to remain below 1.5 °C of global temperature rise will require profound cultural transformations. Yet our knowledge of how to promote and bring about such deep transformative changes in the minds and behaviours of individuals and societies is still limited. As climate change unravels and the planet becomes increasingly connected, societies will need to articulate a shared purpose that is both engaging and respectful of cultural diversity. Thus, there is a growing need to ‘raise the temperature' of integration between multiple ways of knowing climate change. We have reviewed a range of literatures and synthesized them in order to draw out the perceived role of the arts in fostering climate transformations. Our analysis of climate-related art projects and initiatives shows increased engagement in recent years, particularly with the narrative, visual and performing arts. The arts are moving beyond raising awareness and entering the terrain of interdisciplinarity and knowledge co-creation. We conclude that climate-arts can contribute positively in fostering the imagination and emotional predisposition for the development and implementation of the transformations necessary to address the 1.5 °C challenge.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The search for decisive actions to remain below 1.5 °C of global temperature rise will require profound cultural transformations. Yet our knowledge of how to promote and bring about such deep transformative changes in the minds and behaviours of individuals and societies is still limited. As climate change unravels and the planet becomes increasingly connected, societies will need to articulate a shared purpose that is both engaging and respectful of cultural diversity. Thus, there is a growing need to ‘raise the temperature' of integration between multiple ways of knowing climate change. We have reviewed a range of literatures and synthesized them in order to draw out the perceived role of the arts in fostering climate transformations. Our analysis of climate-related art projects and initiatives shows increased engagement in recent years, particularly with the narrative, visual and performing arts. The arts are moving beyond raising awareness and entering the terrain of interdisciplinarity and knowledge co-creation. We conclude that climate-arts can contribute positively in fostering the imagination and emotional predisposition for the development and implementation of the transformations necessary to address the 1.5 °C challenge.
Unraveling the Complexity of the Jevons Paradox: The Link Between Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainability Journal Article
Giampietro, Mario; Mayumi, Kozo
In: Frontiers in Energy Research, 6 (APR), pp. 26, 2018, ISSN: 2296-598X.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Complex adaptive system, Complexity theory, Energy efficiency, Holon, Innovation, Jevons paradox, MuSIASEM, Rebound effect
@article{Giampietro2018,
title = {Unraveling the Complexity of the Jevons Paradox: The Link Between Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainability},
author = {Mario Giampietro and Kozo Mayumi},
url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fenrg.2018.00026/full},
doi = {10.3389/fenrg.2018.00026},
issn = {2296-598X},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-04-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Energy Research},
volume = {6},
number = {APR},
pages = {26},
abstract = {textcopyright 2018 Giampietro and Mayumi. The term "Jevons Paradox" flags the need to consider the different hierarchical scales at which a system under analysis changes its identity in response to an innovation. Accordingly, an analysis of the implications of the Jevons Paradox must abandon the realm of reductionism and deal with the complexity inherent in the issue of sustainability: when studying evolution and real change how can we define "what has to be sustained" in a system that continuously becomes something else? In an attempt to address this question this paper presents three theoretical concepts foreign to conventional scientific analysis: (i) complex adaptive systems-to address the peculiar characteristics of learning and self-producing systems; (ii) holons and holarchy-to explain the implications of the ambiguity found when observing the relation between functional and structural elements across different scales (steady-state vs. evolution); and (iii) Holling's adaptive cycle-to illustrate the existence of different phases in the evolutionary trajectory of a complex adaptive system interacting with its context in which either external or internal constraints can become limiting. These concepts are used to explain systemic drivers of the Jevons Paradox. Looking at society's thermodynamic foundations, sustainability is based on a dynamic balance of two contrasting principles regulating the evolution of complex adaptive systems: the minimum entropy production and the maximum energy flux. The co-existence of these two principles explains why in different situations innovation has to play a different role in the "sustainable development" of society: (i) when society is not subject to external biophysical constraints improvements in efficiency serve to increase the final consumption of society and expand its diversity of functions and structures; (ii) when the expansion of society is limited by external constraints improvements in efficiency should be used to avoid as much as possible the loss of the existing diversity. It is concluded that sustainability cannot be achieved by technological innovations alone, but requires a continuous process of institutional and behavioral adjustment.},
keywords = {Complex adaptive system, Complexity theory, Energy efficiency, Holon, Innovation, Jevons paradox, MuSIASEM, Rebound effect},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
textcopyright 2018 Giampietro and Mayumi. The term "Jevons Paradox" flags the need to consider the different hierarchical scales at which a system under analysis changes its identity in response to an innovation. Accordingly, an analysis of the implications of the Jevons Paradox must abandon the realm of reductionism and deal with the complexity inherent in the issue of sustainability: when studying evolution and real change how can we define "what has to be sustained" in a system that continuously becomes something else? In an attempt to address this question this paper presents three theoretical concepts foreign to conventional scientific analysis: (i) complex adaptive systems-to address the peculiar characteristics of learning and self-producing systems; (ii) holons and holarchy-to explain the implications of the ambiguity found when observing the relation between functional and structural elements across different scales (steady-state vs. evolution); and (iii) Holling's adaptive cycle-to illustrate the existence of different phases in the evolutionary trajectory of a complex adaptive system interacting with its context in which either external or internal constraints can become limiting. These concepts are used to explain systemic drivers of the Jevons Paradox. Looking at society's thermodynamic foundations, sustainability is based on a dynamic balance of two contrasting principles regulating the evolution of complex adaptive systems: the minimum entropy production and the maximum energy flux. The co-existence of these two principles explains why in different situations innovation has to play a different role in the "sustainable development" of society: (i) when society is not subject to external biophysical constraints improvements in efficiency serve to increase the final consumption of society and expand its diversity of functions and structures; (ii) when the expansion of society is limited by external constraints improvements in efficiency should be used to avoid as much as possible the loss of the existing diversity. It is concluded that sustainability cannot be achieved by technological innovations alone, but requires a continuous process of institutional and behavioral adjustment.
Ghisellini, Patrizia; Ripa, Maddalena; Ulgiati, Sergio
In: Journal of Cleaner Production, 178 , pp. 618–643, 2018, ISSN: 09596526.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: C&DW, Circular economy, Cleaner production, Life cycle assessment, Recycle, Reuse
@article{Ghisellini2018,
title = {Exploring environmental and economic costs and benefits of a circular economy approach to the construction and demolition sector. A literature review},
author = {Patrizia Ghisellini and Maddalena Ripa and Sergio Ulgiati},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0959652617328809},
doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.11.207},
issn = {09596526},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-03-01},
journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production},
volume = {178},
pages = {618--643},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {Circular economy (CE) as a new model of economic development promotes the maximum reuse/recycling of materials, goods and components in order to decrease waste generation to the largest possible extent. It aims to innovate the entire chain of production, consumption, distribution and recovery of materials and energy according to a cradle to cradle vision. The awareness of increasing constraints on the availability of resources as well as the increasing demand for access to welfare and wellbeing by developing countries and social groups make it evident the need for new economic models capable to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource use. In the last two decades a growing literature addressed the environmental and economic impacts of construction and demolition (C&D) sectors, with special focus on the production and management of its waste materials. This study reviews and organizes the recent literature within the framework of the CE to explore how its key principles (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) apply to the management of C&D waste (C&DW). The reviewed literature mainly focuses on changes of environmental impacts as a consequence of CE implementation. Impacts have been mainly quantified by means of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, under the adoption of different boundaries of analysis, although other economic and biophysical approaches were also applied to a minor extent. The final goal of this study is evaluating if the adoption of the CE framework is environmentally and economically sustainable, given that the recovery of waste materials requires investments of resources. Different type of barriers (economic, political, legislative, informative and managerial) as well as solutions and success factors for implementing an effective management of C&DW within a circular framework are also pointed out. Results show that in most cases the reuse/recycling of C&DW at the end-of-life of a building as well as the production of recycled products provide environmental and economic benefits. Nevertheless, the environmental and economic sustainability of CE framework is very site specific and depends on several factors such as the type of material, building elements, transport distances, economic and political context. Finally, several directions for future research have been proposed: increased LCA modelling for sustainability evaluation, a wider development of cleaner production strategies focused on circular design, and finally the adoption of a comprehensive accounting of input and output flows, in order to assign appropriate weights to flows and benefits that are most often disregarded.},
keywords = {C&DW, Circular economy, Cleaner production, Life cycle assessment, Recycle, Reuse},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Circular economy (CE) as a new model of economic development promotes the maximum reuse/recycling of materials, goods and components in order to decrease waste generation to the largest possible extent. It aims to innovate the entire chain of production, consumption, distribution and recovery of materials and energy according to a cradle to cradle vision. The awareness of increasing constraints on the availability of resources as well as the increasing demand for access to welfare and wellbeing by developing countries and social groups make it evident the need for new economic models capable to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource use. In the last two decades a growing literature addressed the environmental and economic impacts of construction and demolition (C&D) sectors, with special focus on the production and management of its waste materials. This study reviews and organizes the recent literature within the framework of the CE to explore how its key principles (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) apply to the management of C&D waste (C&DW). The reviewed literature mainly focuses on changes of environmental impacts as a consequence of CE implementation. Impacts have been mainly quantified by means of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, under the adoption of different boundaries of analysis, although other economic and biophysical approaches were also applied to a minor extent. The final goal of this study is evaluating if the adoption of the CE framework is environmentally and economically sustainable, given that the recovery of waste materials requires investments of resources. Different type of barriers (economic, political, legislative, informative and managerial) as well as solutions and success factors for implementing an effective management of C&DW within a circular framework are also pointed out. Results show that in most cases the reuse/recycling of C&DW at the end-of-life of a building as well as the production of recycled products provide environmental and economic benefits. Nevertheless, the environmental and economic sustainability of CE framework is very site specific and depends on several factors such as the type of material, building elements, transport distances, economic and political context. Finally, several directions for future research have been proposed: increased LCA modelling for sustainability evaluation, a wider development of cleaner production strategies focused on circular design, and finally the adoption of a comprehensive accounting of input and output flows, in order to assign appropriate weights to flows and benefits that are most often disregarded.
AGAUR Grant ID 2017 SGR 230 / Copyright © 2023