Sustainable development - Green economy

Title

Exploring the middle ground between environmental protection and economic growth

Reference

Public Understanding of Science December 13, 2011

Author(s)

Michael D. Kaplowitz , Frank Lupi , Felix K. Yeboah, Laurie G. Thorp

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Public preference concerning the environment and the economy typically has been characterized as either pro-environmental protection or pro-economic development. Researchers and policymakers increasingly suggest that environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. However, use of dichotomous-choice policy preference questions persists. This note empirically examines an alternative response format for the typical dichotomous-choice environmental/economic policy preference question and explores respondents' stated policy preferences in light of their support for recycling. We find that most respondents do not view environmental protection and economic development policy goals to be mutually exclusive. Most respondents view economic growth and environmental protection as compatible suggesting a more heterogeneous view of the environment–economic relationship than oft reported. Hence excluding a middle response choice to the standard environment/economic policy preference question may add measurement error, increase item nonresponse, and fail to account for the views of respondents who view these goals as complementary.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://pus.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/11/15/0963662511424545.abstract?papetoc

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

kaplowit@msu.edu

Title

Trade unions and climate change: The jobs versus environment dilemma

Reference

Global Environmental Change
Volume 21, Issue 4, October 2011, Pages 1215-1223

Author(s)

Nora Räthzel , David Uzzell

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Trade unions are actively engaging with the climate change agenda and formulating climate change policies. Although governments are placing considerable effort on changing consumer behaviour, arguably the most significant impacts on climate change will be through changes in production. Even changes in consumption will have consequences for production. Changes in production will affect workers through the loss of jobs, the changing of jobs, and the creation of new jobs. The jobs versus environment dilemma is a significant issue affecting workers worldwide. In this paper we focus on the ways in which international trade unions are conceptualising the relationship between jobs and the environment, which provide the point of departure from which climate change policies can be formulated. Extended interviews were conducted with senior policy makers in national and international trade unions. On the basis of their responses, four discourses of trade union engagement with climate change are discussed: 'technological fix', 'social transformation', 'mutual interests' and 'social movement', which are theorised in the context of the different international histories and models of trade unionism. All discourses imply a re-invention of unions as social movements but do not see nature as a partner in human development.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Social and health impacts
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

Trade unions; Climate change; Environmental degradation; Jobs versus environment; Social movement unionism

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378011001154

There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

nora.rathzel@soc.umu.se

Title

Reference

Author(s)

Kirsten L. L. Oleson

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Macroeconomic sustainability indicators are often applied at the national level. This national-level focus is problematic given the importance of trade in the global economy. This article uses one measure of economic weak sustainability, Genuine Savings, to highlight three issues: (a) the national-level measure is empirically unsound because it does not provide a reliable indicator of weak sustainability for any trade-dependent nation; (b) it is normatively suspect because a nation can be labeled weakly sustainable even when its sustainability derives from the unsustainability of its trade partners; and (c) purported "sustainable" signals can encourage exploitative national policies. This article illustrates these conceptual problems, provides empirical case studies to establish their real-world relevance and importance, and discusses the implications for the indicator's application.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

national sustainability indicator; genuine savings; weak sustainability; international trade; natural resource depletion; globalization

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://jed.sagepub.com/content/20/3/329.abstract    
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

koleson@stanford.edu

Title

IT for green and green IT: A proposed typology of eco-innovation

Reference

Ecological Economics
Volume 70, Issue 11, 15 September 2011, Pages 2020-2027

Author(s)

S. Faucheux  and I. Nicolaï

Study type

Peer Review Journal  

Abstract

This article is in support of the development of an ecological economic framework. It discusses, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the increasing use of green IT and their applications (IT for green). IT and sustainable development have had a concomitant rise and reach. The future world emerging from their respective interpretations enables, in both cases, a shift from today's questionable industrial capitalism towards post-industrial capitalism. This paper addresses the following questions: What is known about green IT and IT for green? Are smart solutions (buildings, energy grids, transport) always beneficial to an ecological economy? And, if so, in what ways? In the first part of this article, we analyse the economic, social and environmental impact of IT and argue for the need for green applications of green IT in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. The second part focuses on the managerial dimension of eco-innovation theory and presents one of the distinctive features of green applications of green IT: the collective organisation of innovation. A typology of eco-innovation aimed at reconciling IT development and green growth is then proposed explicitly addressing four kinds of changes towards sustainable development: technological, social, institutional and organisational innovation.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental technologies >> Technology policy >> Ecoinnovation
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

IT; Ecological economics; Eco-innovation; Externalities; Business ecosystem; Collective innovation; Smart grid

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800911002084There is a fee to view this study in full   

Contact the study author at:

isabelle.nicolai@uvsq.fr

Title

The Social Dimension of Biodiversity Policy

Reference

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) report

Author(s)

Manuel Lago, Timo Kaphengst, Sandra Naumann, Benjamin Boteler, McKenna Davis

Study type

Report

Abstract

There has long been a recognised link between biodiversity and human well-being. Biodiversity and its related ecosystems provide vital services such as the provision of clean water, nutrient circulation and protection from natural disasters. It also creates opportunities for employment, either directly (e.g.through fisheries) or indirectly (e.g. the support of the tourism industry). A growing understanding of
the benefits provided by nature is generating increased political interest, and provides an opportunity to garner more support for biodiversity conservation by finding common goals with other policy agendas.
This report sets out to investigate the social aspects of biodiversity conservation, in particular the links between biodiversity and employment, and the value of biodiversity for vulnerable rural people. The study maps the linkages between biodiversity, ecosystem services and employment and uses vulnerability-related indicators coupled with spatial mapping of biodiversity and ecosystem values for
the EU to determine whether the poor and vulnerable rural communities are more strongly dependent on the provision of ecosystem services. A number of global case studies highlight a range of issues experienced by the rural poor in developing nations dependent on ecosystem services.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://ecologic.eu/3655
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

venezia@feem.it

Title

Forests in a green economy : A Synthesis

Reference

UNEP report 2011

Author(s)

UNEP

Study type

Report

Abstract

This synthesis is part of UNEP's contributions to the RIO+20 process and the green economy discourse. It is directed at policy makers and presents a menu of alternatives that can enable a transformation of the sector, one that can better realize the myriad possibilities forests promise. It also examines the conditions for significantly increasing investments in forests and the underlying goods and services forests provide.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.unep.org/pdf/PressReleases/UNEP-ForestsGreenEco-basse_def_version_normale.pdf
It is free to view this study

Contact the study author at:

uneppub@unep.org

Title

Adapting for a Green Economy: Companies, Communities and Climate Change

Reference

A Caring for Climate report by the United Nations Global Compact, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Oxfam, and World Resources Institute (WRI)

Author(s)

See above

Study type

Report

Abstract

Drawing on the results of a 2010 survey of corporate signatories to the United Nations Global Compact and the United Nations Environment Programme Caring for Climate initiative,as well as on existing literature, this report makes the business case for private sector adaptation to climate change in ways that build the resilience of vulnerable communities in developing countries. It then offers
actions that companies and policymakers can pursue to catalyze and scale up private sector action on adaptation. It is ultimately the responsibility of the public sector to meet the critical climate change adaptation needs of the poor and vulnerable; thus private sector engagement cannot substitute for critically needed public investment and policies. However, private sector investment can serve as a pivotal part of a comprehensive governmentled approach to addressing climate impacts.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Social and health impacts
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://pdf.wri.org/adapting_for_a_green_economy.pdf
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

www.unglobalcompact.org / www.unep.org / www.oxfam.org / www.wri.org

Title

Beyond Rio+20: Governance for a Green Economy

Reference

Pardee Center Task Force Report
March 2011

Author(s)

Pardee Center Task Force

Study type

Report

Abstract

Beyond Rio+20: Governance for a Green Economy is the second in The Pardee Center Task Force Reports series, and, as it happens, the timing for this report could not have been better. Recent and upcoming international meetings convened by the United Nations are focused on the challenges of actualizing the promise of sustainable development, of recreating a world economy that is 'greener' and more sustainable, and identifying institutional frameworks that could help achieve this vision. Marking the 20th anniversary of the historic Rio Earth Summit of 1992, the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) - popularly called Rio+20 - has set for itself the goal of deliberating upon and designing such an architecture. This Pardee Center Task Force Report is a contribution to these deliberations.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.bu.edu/pardee/publications/green-economy/
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

pardee@bu.edu

Title

Innovating for green growth.

Reference

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Drivers of private sector RD&D p 1-44

Author(s)

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Study type

Report

Abstract

By 2050, the world's population will have increased to 9 billion, with most of the growth in developing countries. Increasing urbanization and efforts to combat poverty will lead to rapid energy and infrastructure growth demand in these countries. While this offers a huge growth opportunity for business, it also presents companies with the challenge to address the climate change. Businesses understand that an unsustainable world is not a good place for doing business. The world needs business as a committed solution provider to meet future energy and climate challenges. Business is the main source of innovation, solutions and financing for the growth required, and it must continue to play a strong role in the future climate regime. This requires accelerated innovation, collaboration and implementation of low carbon solutions. It also requires greater collaboration across business sectors and between business, government, academia and civil society. Companies and governments recognize that a 'green race' is underway. This is a race fuelled by concerns for energy security and the need to manage resource scarcity. It reflects the constraints imposed by both climate change and the current economic situation that encourages cost savings through efficiency improvement. Companies want to gain a competitive advantage in future markets and need to anticipate regulatory regimes and demand by consumers. Much has already been done in the absence of price signals and climate regulations, but more can be done with efficient policies.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental technologies >> Technology policy >> Ecoinnovation
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.wbcsd.org/includes/getTarget.asp?type=d&id=MzkyMTk
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

info@wbcsd.org

Title

Advancing adaptation through climate information services:
Results of a global survey on the information requirements of the financial sector

Reference

UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) & Sustainable Business Institute (SBI)
January 2011

Author(s)

Dr Paschen von Flotow, Paul Clements-Hunt, et al

Study type

Report

Abstract

This study focuses on the information needs of the financial sector with respect to direct physical risks of climate change impacts. Clearly, there are many issues for the sector relating to mitigation (i.e. the control of greenhouse gas emissions). Mitigation continues to be the top priority. However, that is not the subject of this study. This survey focuses on the climate information requirements of the financial sector as part of their and their customers' adaptation strategies. The evidence comes from sixty financial service providers, through a survey conducted by the UNEP Finance Initiative, and the Sustainable Business Institute (SBI), Germany.
To be able to manage climatic risks affecting their business portfolios, financial institutions need information - in the form of predictions, analyses, and interpretation – that is relevant for their decisions. It needs to be appropriate to the duration of contracts, the regions where customers hold assets or undertake operations, and the hazards that are material to the operations of borrowers, investees, and the insured.
The key challenge for insurers and reinsurers in serving these demands and seizing these new opportunities lies in adequately identifying, quantifying, and pricing such risks amidst a dynamic environment. At the same time changing patterns of weather hazards also create new demand for risk transfer and can thus become a key business opportunity for the insurance sector, as they will provide space for new insurance markets and products.
A different situation holds for the credit and asset management branches. They are less familiar with climate change because the physical effects of climate change have not yet systematically turned into financially relevant consequences. Only just over one-quarter of lenders surveyed claim to 'systematically always' integrate direct effects of climate change in their operations now. Direct risks like accumulation of risks, changing risk patterns, and increasing credit losses caused by physical
impacts are expected to gain importance in the future (by about 80% of respondents).

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/advancing_adaptation.pdf
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

fi@unep.org