Effectiveness of the Local Adaptation Plan of Action to support climate change adaptation in Nepal

A key challenge in climate change adaptation in developing countries as a whole, and to handling global change in particular, is to link local adaptation needs on the one hand, with national adaptation initiatives on the other, so that vulnerable households and communities can directly benefit. This study assesses the impact of the Nepal government’s efforts to promote its Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) and its applicability to other least developed countries (LDCs). Based on data gathered from two field studies in Nepal, the research shows that the Nepal’s LAPA has succeeded in mobilizing local institutions and community groups in adaptation planning and recognizing their role in adaptation. However, the LAPA approach and implementation have been constrained by sociostructural and governance barriers that have failed to successfully integrate local adaptation needs in local planning and increase the adaptive capacity of vulnerable households. This paper describes the mechanisms of suitable governance strategies for climate change adaptation specific to Nepal and other LDCs. It also argues the need to adopt an adaptive comanagement approach, where the government and all stakeholders identify common local- and national-level mainstreaming strategy for knowledge management, resource mobilization, and institutional development, ultimately using adaptation as a tool to handle global change.     

From the Whitehorse Mining Initiative Towards Sustainable Mining: lessons learned

Much debate has taken place within the mineral policy community about whether or not meaningful progress has been made towards more sustainable practices. This paper investigates the changing approaches towards sustainable development undertaken by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) over a period of approximately 20 years. The analysis begins in the early 1990s when MAC initiated the Whitehorse Mining Initiative (WMI) and concludes in 2010 when the association was operating under a strategy entitled Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM). The goal is to consider the nature of the learning that has taken place towards sustainability within the mineral industry using the case of a leading national mining association. The investigation was undertaken through a literature review as well as key informant interviews with stakeholders affected by the Canadian Mining Industry. Findings suggest that MAC’s approach to sustainable development has shifted from an ambitious and holistic partnership involving a range of stakeholders to a focused, member-specific agenda that addresses a few performance issues. The transition to TSM was based on lessons learned through working with the WMI and subsequent efforts. It reflects broader corporate tendencies to address social and ecological issues through corporate social responsibility initiatives. The implications of these trends suggest that voluntary initiatives in and of themselves should not be expected to replace the comprehensive regulatory responsibilities historically provided by government.     

Efficient capture of aqueous humic acid using a functionalized stereoscopic porous activated carbon based on poly(acrylic acid)/food-waste hydrogel

Stereoscopic porous carbons have shown good potential in humic acid (HA) removal. In this work, a novel stereoscopic porous activated carbon (SPAC) was designed and synthesized via the self-assembly of a hydrogel based on food waste during in-situ polymerization, vacuum drying, carbonization, and activation. Then, the SPAC was functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and the adsorption behavior of the modified SPAC (SPAC-NH₂) was studied systematically. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration of HA, and adsorbent dose were investigated, showing that optimal HA removal efficiency (> 98.0%) could be achieved at an initial HA concentration of 100?mg/L. The experimental adsorption isotherm data was fitted to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 156.0?mg?HA/g SPAC-NH₂. Analysis of the mechanism indicated that the removal of HA was mainly realized through the amidization reaction between the COOH groups of HA and the NH₂ groups of APTES. All of the above results showed that SPAC-NH₂ powder is an efficient, eco-friendly, and reusable adsorbent which is suitable for the removal of HA from wastewater.     

Institutionalizing sustainability: an empirical study of corporate registration and commitment to the United Nations global compact guidelines

Drawing upon institutional and stakeholder theories, we explore the ‘causal’ mechanisms of institutionalization and their influence on Sustainable Development initiatives. To test our arguments, we study the registration patterns of 394 large corporations from 12 Western European and Latin American countries into the United Nations Global Compact. Results indicate that the normative and mimetic mechanisms of institutionalization (i.e., academe and peer influence) are better indicators of Sustainable Development initiatives than the coercive one (i.e., government regulation). The implications of these findings are consequential if SD practices continue as an ethical choice, and not a mandated obligation, for corporate decision makers.     

广西不同石漠化等级下SPAC水势梯度及其环境效应

以野外观测为基础,对广西不同石漠化等级(无石漠化、轻度石漠化、中度石漠化和重度石漠化)下土壤-植被-大气连续体(Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum,简称SPAC)系统中的水势日变化、气象因子日变化过程进行了研究。结果表明:随着石漠化程度的增加,大气水势降低,大气水势对不同石漠化程度的反应敏感。岩溶区石漠化等级下植物和土壤水势较低,不同石漠化条件下的植物叶水势在-7.79±0.43~-2.68±0.11 Mpa之间,土壤水势在-4.00±0~-0.08±0.04 Mpa之间,重度石漠化等级下植物处于萎蔫状态。植物在正午受到的水分亏缺程度为:重度石漠化中度石漠化无石漠化轻度石漠化。无石漠化下植物叶片水势与大气温度呈正相关关系,与大气相对湿度呈负相关关系,轻度石漠化、中度石漠化和重度石漠化下植物叶片水势与大气温度呈负相关关系,与大气相对湿度呈正相关关系。水分在SPAC系统中运移,其能量消耗主要集中在叶片-大气的过程。叶-气水势差差值大小为:中度石漠化重度石漠化轻度石漠化无石漠化。随着石漠化程度的增加,SPAC水势梯度提高,各介质层水势差的增大,提高了水分循环和能量交换的强度。     

Voluntary approaches in protection of forests in Austria

Voluntary contributions to biodiversity conservation efforts in private forests of Austria have a long tradition which dates back to the 19th century. The most important remnants of undisturbed forests of the Alps today owe their existence to these voluntary initiatives by forest owners. In this earlier period the protection of forest areas by decree or biodiversity conservation initiatives on public owned forests, did not play such a prominent role. But as well as national parks, Natura 2000 areas and other programmes based on protection by decree, significant new voluntary approaches have emerged recently. The Austrian Forest Reserves Programme started in 1995, as a specific approach to voluntary participation in biodiversity conservation by private landowners is discussed in detail. This programme is based on the concept of nature conservation by contracts under private law, agreed between the forest owners and the Republic of Austria. The main characteristics of the programme are presented and experiences gained during the establishment and the maintenance of the network are discussed. Other voluntary initiatives, such as an Austrian network of gene conservation forests, as well as an initiative of a forest owner’s association, are also presented and discussed.     

When implementation works: A comparison of Ramsar Convention implementation in different continents

What are the processes that shape implementation of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) in multilevel governance? In an attempt to address this question, we move from a top-down view of implementation as compliance with international rules to viewing it as a dynamic process shaped by action at various levels. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands offers an important context to understand the mechanisms that shape multilevel implementation outcomes. We examine Ramsar Convention implementation in Austria, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea in order to identify relevant processes that define multilevel implementation. These cases represent three different types of government, and shed light on the ways in which international law is implemented by respective governments. The Austrian case, a federal government, illustrates the ways in which subnational authorities (the provinces) are influenced by binding regional institutions (EU-rules) to create a more robust context for protection in terms of designation of Ramsar sites. The Mexican case, a semi-federal government, shows how spurred involvement by local NGOs, states, and scientists can result in significant expansion of efforts. The Korean case, a unitary government, demonstrates the ways in which aligning institutional interests (in this case local governments with national ministries) can lead to strong implementation. Analysis of these cases provides two robust findings and one deserving additional study. First, overlapping governance efforts where activity has ties with multiple regional and international biodiversity efforts tend to see cumulative implementation. Second, institutional and organizational complexity can provide opportunities for local actors to drive the implementation agenda through a mix of processes of coordination and contentious politics. A third, more tentative finding, is that multilevel funding sources can ease implementation.     

Sustainable development policies in Canada's mining sector: an overview of government and industry efforts

This paper provides an overview of mining sustainable development policy-making in Canada. In addition to documenting the important efforts made by the Canadian government, some of the more recent initiatives undertaken by the Canadian mining industry are highlighted. Following years of sustainable development research and careful planning, the Canadian government finally drafted the national Minerals and Metals Policy of the Government of Canada: Partnerships for Sustainable Development (1996), which sets out the Canadian government's role, objectives, and strategies in areas of jurisdiction for making the concept of sustainable development operational in its mining industry, and seeks to create a legacy that Canadians can pass to future generations. Since its implementation, the primary response of both national mining organizations and selected Canadian mining companies to the challenge of sustainable development has been improved planning, and the development of policies that address key environmental and socioeconomic issues and which build upon the principles addressed in the Minerals and Metals Policy of the Government of Canada. It is concluded that most of the attempts made thus far by both the government and the mining industry to address mining sustainable development through policy-making have been major successes, but further improvements can be achieved if additional industry-government partnerships are formed, more community workshops are held, and selected environmental management practices are researched and developed.     

Advancing Extended Producer Responsibility in Canada

Rising waste levels in Canada necessitate renewed waste reduction efforts, with a focus on prevention. Extended Producer Responsibility is an important policy tool, which has the potential to impact materials management systems and drive pollution prevention efforts. This article contrasts the European approach to producer responsibility with “product stewardship” initiatives in Canada, highlighting British Columbia's experience with “full product stewardship”. Lessons from European and Canadian stewardship programs highlight the importance of designing EPR programs with clear legislation that encourages sustainable product design by delivering a full range of signals to producers. Recommendations are developed for advancing EPR in Canada.     

Adoption of irrigation water policies to guarantee water supply: A choice experiment

More efficient and sustainable use of water is increasingly becoming an urgency in drought prone parts of the world. In particular, in water scarce regions such as the Mediterranean, water supply is expected to become more uncertain because of climate change. Consequently, pro-active policy initiatives are proposed to increase supply reliability. Local context is important when the effectiveness of policies is assessed. The aim of this paper is to evaluate farmers’ acceptance of policy strategies to increase water supply reliability in the Segura, a water scarce river basin in the south-east of Spain. Results from a choice experiment suggest that farmers are willing to pay twice as much as their current irrigation water price to ensure water supply reliability through government supply guaranteed programs. However, they are averse to any institutional changes that might assist the government to achieve increased water supply.     

Pollution prevention through performance-based initiatives and regulation in the United States

This paper documents over 20 years of progress in the United States to advance environmental protection through pollution prevention and other performance-based initiatives and regulations. This paper highlights a number of different approaches and strategies used at the state and federal government levels while outlining emerging barriers to the overall effectiveness of the existing US environmental protection system. As a result, the authors provide specific recommendations to accelerate the use and evolution of performance-based initiatives and regulations to achieve the goal of sustainable consumption and production systems.     

半干旱区湿地地下水埋深对芦苇SPAC系统水分运移耗散的影响

准确把握土壤-植被-大气系统（简称"SPAC"）中水分的运输和耗散规律是区域水资源可持续管理的重要前提。以白洋淀湿地为研究区,结合现场实测和模型模拟方法,探讨台田地下水埋深变化对芦苇SPAC系统中的水分运移耗散影响。结果表明:1）随着地下水埋深的增加,芦苇蒸散发（ET_a）开始下降,ET_a下降的地下水埋深阈值在100 cm左右;随着地下水埋深的降低,生长季0~120 cm土壤剖面由水分亏损转为盈余,亏盈转换的地下水埋深阈值在60 cm左右,并且亏损量与地下水埋深呈正相关。2）相同的地下水埋深变化对不同月的土壤水分储量、蒸散发的影响程度均存在差异,其中6月影响程度最高。在对白洋淀进行生态补水时,应避免在汛期前的春季进行大量的生态补水,可以优先考虑在生长末期的秋冬季来进行生态补水。3）综合考虑植被生长需求和生态节水,白洋淀芦苇最优的地下水埋深区间在110~150 cm,此时生长季内芦苇蒸散发具有10%~20%的节水潜力。     

Local governments reduce costs through pollution prevention

The Pollution Prevention 1997: A National Progress Report identifies pollution prevention initiatives as potentially the most effective for reducing risks to human health and the environment, as well as the most cost-effective method of environmental protection. So it is no surprise that much of the implementation of pollution prevention by local governments has been driven due to the cost savings it provides. Pollution prevention initiatives have been proven to reduce costs, improve efficiency, reduce risk, reduce liability, and provide a safer work environment. However, as many local governments have experienced budget and resource reductions, their pollution prevention programs have been impacted. Local governments, working to continue pollution prevention initiatives in spite of declining budgets, have had to change their approaches, be creative, and innovate. Montgomery County, Maryland has implemented a number of pollution prevention strategies for its own County operations. The linkages established between cost savings they achieve and environmental benefits provided have been used to continue to expand the County's pollution prevention efforts. This paper provides an overview of the pollution prevention measures and approaches that have been implemented in Montgomery County for its internal operations.     

Rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa with innovative energy policy and new financing models

This paper discusses how the 630 million sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) people can be electrified with new government policy, new renewables, and innovative business models. These initiatives are translating the ambitious goals of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) on energy and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties 2015 Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise in this century well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 °C. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness to electrify the 630 million people within the Paris Agreement. Economic status and willingness to pay for electricity services by the poor are briefly analyzed for four new business models. Cost-effectiveness analyses on technologies are undertaken. The results show that a private investment-based financial model is the most effective and environmentally friendly in rural electrification for the poorest households in SSA. The new policy, new renewable energy technologies, and financing models are shaping contemporary climate strategies that facilitate investment in clean energy, spur community economy, enhance national energy security, and improve global environment.     

Mainstreaming climate change adaptation in least developed countries in South and Southeast Asia

This paper undertakes an in-depth analysis of six least developed countries (LDCs) in South and Southeast Asia to assess the extent of mainstreaming climate change adaptation into national development plans by reviewing their National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), national development plans, and Strategic Programs for Climate Resilience (SPCRs) (where available). The paper proposes two perspectives to analyze the level of mainstreaming and five factors that may affect such a level. The results show that there is a significant difference in the success of their mainstreaming efforts: mainstreaming is relatively advanced in Bangladesh, limited in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Maldives, and Nepal, and still minimal in Bhutan and Cambodia. Among the factors, the study finds that the inter-ministerial coordination supported by the highest levels of government is most relevant to the success of mainstreaming, which is measured by the integration of climate adaptation consideration into development priorities and a country’s own initiatives, particularly those involving budget allocation. Recognition of the need for mainstreaming and monitoring and evaluation also affect the success of mainstreaming efforts in LDCs. Another important factor is to make adaptation plans compatible with national development plans in terms of their time horizon, and SPCRs effectively facilitate this process. As all countries still require external support for advancing mainstreaming, the role of development partners is instrumental. The paper points to issues that need to be incorporated in the relevant NAPAs including updating to facilitate mainstreaming.     

An interdisciplinary approach to integrating sustainability into mining engineering education and research

This paper considers how the Mining Engineering Department at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is addressing the need to integrate sustainable development into mining engineering on behalf of industry and society. In particular, it considers the evolution of an interdisciplinary model, the Sustainability Working Group (SWG), which has brought together a diverse array of disciplines from academia, industry, government, NGOs and mining communities. The operational mechanisms and structure of SWG have enabled momentum to be gained through several initiatives. These aim to impact on undergraduate and postgraduate education, lifelong learning and research.     

A case study of industrial symbiosis development using a middle-out approach

Industrial symbiosis (IS) emerged as a collective, multi-industrial approach to improve economic and environmental performance through the use of wastes/by-products as substitutes for raw materials. The development of IS initiatives depends on the context in which they occur, characterised in terms of social, economic, political, spatial and temporal embeddedness. As a consequence, the context can be influenced to become more supportive of IS through a continuous, interactive process, combining top-down governmental directives and bottom-up spontaneous business initiatives. A strategy to develop and enhance this process is explored in this paper and described by the authors as a middle-out approach.Policies and policy instruments introduced by governmental agencies provide objectives and incentives to businesses. The middle-out approach induces the development of a strategy to create positive feedback loops among agents (e.g. government, industries) that may guide their actions into setting the conditions to support IS emergence.This paper provides a case study that discusses a regional development of IS in Portugal that highlights critical factors for success in implementing IS, and shows that the middle-out approach can also be understood as an extension and combination of previous research on context factors and planned/spontaneous approaches to IS development.     

Capital assets and institutional constraints to implementation of greenhouse gas mitigation options in agriculture

Agriculture is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. It accounts for approximately 15% of the total global anthropogenic emissions of GHGs. Emissions could be twice as much if indirect emissions are also taken into the consideration. However, unlike other high emitting sectors such as transport or energy, agriculture is potentially a significant carbon “sink”. It has high technical potential as a carbon sink and if tapped, can substantially enhance global sequestration efforts. The technical potential, however, may not translate into actual GHG reduction because of the capital assets and institutional constraints faced by the smallholder farmers in the developing countries. In this paper we develop a capital assets based framework of physical, financial, social, human and natural barriers to agricultural carbon mitigation initiatives and through analysis of current initiatives, we set out policy based options to reduce each of these barriers. Fundamentally, barrier removal will entail designing agricultural carbon mitigation initiatives in collaboration with farmer communities, through strengthening local institutions, understanding land tenure and natural resource cultures, ensuring legitimacy and equity in payments and fast tracking training and information. We provide a framework that simultaneously aids the dual objectives of alleviating poverty in the poor farming communities of developing countries and lowering global greenhouse gas emissions.     

新形势下环境维权发展与研究

随着环境污染形势的加剧、社会民众环保意识的提高,环境维权开始在中国逐渐发展起来,虽然目前仍处于初级阶段,面临着诉讼维权困难、相关体制不健全等众多问题,但环境维权在新形势下已经呈现出诸多新的特征.本文通过对常州外国语学校"常外"事件进行分析,阐述了中国目前环境维权事件所具备的新特征,并在此基础上,从转变政府职能、拓展利益诉求渠道、加强法治力度三个角度出发,对政府管理提出相关建议,希望能够完善环境维权制度、促进环境维权在中国的健康发展.     

REDD+ policy strategy in Cameroon: Actors,institutions and governance

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is receiving increasing political and scientific attention as a climate change mitigation approach. The government of Cameroon has expressed an interest in participating in REDD+, and national deliberation on a policy strategy has attracted interest from different actors in the forest sector. This paper analyses the challenges of designing a governance structure for a REDD+ strategy in Cameroon. Theoretically, the paper builds on the literature on governance structures for resource management, focusing analytically on the interactions between actor constellations (state and non-state) and institutions (formal and informal) to produce policy outcomes. The paper draws on documentation of REDD+ policy events, policy texts and 23 in-depth interviews with members from government, civil society, research organizations, development partners and the private sector. It argues that although the actors involved in REDD+ are, to an extent, polarized around different issues and priorities, they are nonetheless increasingly distributing roles and responsibilities among themselves. The institutional arrangements within the policy process include: (1) rule-making systems for engagement; (2) expanding existing coordination mechanisms; (3) national safeguard standards; and (4) building on existing forest governance initiatives. The paper concludes that the multiple benefits promised by REDD+, such as poverty alleviation, biodiversity conservation and economic development, are critical for the legitimacy of the mechanism.