Between environmental and ecological democracy: theory and practice at the democracy-environment nexus

ABSTRACT

Concepts of ecological and environmental democracy seek to reconcile two normative ideals: ensuring environmental sustainability while safeguarding democracy. These ideals are frequently conceived as being in conflict, as democracy is perceived as too slow and cumbersome to deliver the urgent large-scale collective action needed to tackle environmental problems. Theories addressing the democracy-environment nexus can be situated on a spectrum from theories of ecological democracy that are more critical of existing liberal democratic institutions to theories of environmental democracy that call for reforming rather than radically transforming or dismantling those institutions. This article reviews theoretical and empirical scholarship on the democracy-environment nexus. We find continued theoretical and empirical diversity in the field, as well as vibrant debates on democratising global environmental politics, local material practices, and non-human representation. We argue for stronger dialogue between environmental political theory and empirical, policy-oriented research on democracy and sustainability, as well as further exploration of complementarities between ecological and environmental democracy. We identify four main areas of challenge and opportunity for theory and practice: public participation and populism; technocracy and expertise; governance across scales; and ecological rights and limits.     

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING A MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ROUTING FOR A WATER CONVEYANCE CANAL1

ABSTRACT: Several techniques for selecting a least environmental impact corridor have been proposed. Two approaches have been found workable; the computer graphics and the map overlay. This report combines features of both to determine an appropriate routing for a water conveyance canal. The study was conducted by an interdisciplinary planning team. Environmental factors were mapped and weighted on overlay maps. Alternative routes were identified and carefully studied. Several critical environmental implications were noted. Aesthetic factors, out door recreation interpretation, visitor safety and disruption of human and animal travel routes were considered and dealt with.     

绿色高分子及其发展现状

本文介绍了高分子材料的用途及造成的危害,指出研究和使用绿色高分子材料的紧迫性和重要性,绿色高分子的要求、制造和应用,同时叙述了目前绿色高分子领域取得的进展和成就。     

发展城市绿色流通的问题及对策研究

发展绿色流通是我国城市治理环境污染的新路径,也是一种既经济又高效的治污新举措。但目前发展城市绿色流通面临着诸多问题,需要树立绿色流通理念,实施绿色经营战略,强化流通企业责任,加快物流社会化建设,加大政府支持力度。     

农用化学品对农产品的污染及其对策

由于农业大量使用化学品 ,使农产品的农药残留量及其衍生物增加 ,从而对人体健康造成具大的危害性。本文的主要目的就是让人们进一步认识在农产品生产中使用农用化学品的危害 ,倡导我国农业走绿色农产品生产的道路     

关于死亡赔偿计算方法的探讨

目前我国关于死亡事故的赔偿标准一是太低,二是标准不一致.由此产生的后果不仅使私了现象增多,增加了社会隐患而且怂恿了极个别肇事者采取故意至受伤者死亡的手段来减少自身的赔偿损失,严重危害了基本的人性道德标准.本文在认真分析的基础上,提出了"生命损失赔偿理论"的新思路,即针对死亡者因生命丧失带来的三大损失提出了科学的赔偿理论依据和计算方法,使死亡赔偿力求做到:客观、公正、科学、合理.     

正确认识绿色贸易壁垒

绿色贸易壁垒能促进广大发展中国家不断提高产品的环境保护水平,保护本国的生态环境,但在环保大潮的冲击下,一些贸易企业会由于产品不符合要求而面临出口困境。本文以绿色贸易壁垒产生的原因及应采取的措施等方面进行论述,指出绿色贸易壁垒既是挑战又是机遇,要正确认识绿色贸易壁垒。     

ISO14000系列环境管理国际标准概述

概述了ISO14000系列环境管理国际标准的内容、分类、特点及其作用。介绍了企业实施该系列标准所应采取的步骤和措施。该系列标准由环境管理体系、环境行为评价、生命周期评估、环境管理、产品标准中的环境因素等系列组成,可指导企业表现正确的环境行为,提升企业的竞争力。     

Perception and Attitude of Residents Toward Urban Green Spaces in Guangzhou (China)

Fast economic and social changes in recent years in China have brought massive expansion, redevelopment, and restructuring of cities. These changes offer cities the opportunity to improve environmental quality through urban green spaces (UGSs) and to address the challenges of meeting community aspirations. This study explored peoples’ minds concerning UGSs in Guangzhou city in south China in relation to the following: (1) knowledge and perception of 25 ecosystem services and 8 negative impacts; (2) attitude toward site condition and management; (3) expectation of landscape design; and (4) preference ranking of venues. A questionnaire was designed to solicit opinions from 340 respondents randomly chosen from residents living in the study area. The results indicated widespread recognition of ecosystem services and strong support of UGS programs. Negative responses were weakly expressed. Amelioration of urban microclimate and environmental quality were emphasized. Environmental functions stressed in publicity programs, together with aggravating environmental problems in the city, tended to focus respondents’ attention on UGS benefits. Wildlife habitat, species conservation and other natural ecosystem services drew limited concerns. Awareness of economic benefits was very low. Visual-landscape contributions with strong preference for naturalistic design and recreational benefits were highlighted. Compared with other countries, Guangzhou residents were characterized by visual–scenic–recreation orientation and pragmatic–utilitarian perception of UGSs, reflecting underlying differences in the understanding of inherent ecosystem services of green spaces. Relevant UGS policies and practices could adopt the approaches of market survey, citizen participation, and precision planning in order to meet increasingly mature and refined demands. Citizens’ understanding of high-order ecosystem services could be enhanced to encourage appreciation of nature and their associated benefits.     

新疆城市园林绿地生态系统建设应符合自然"绿脉"的发展方向

对新疆城市园林绿地系统的发展现状和存在的问题做了分析探讨,在充分分析论证了园林绿地系统形成过程中自然“绿脉”在调节城市生态环境的显著作用后,指出只有根据新疆本地特点,注重可持续发展的环境保护和向自然再投资,因地制宜的科学合理规划并形成一定规模的城市园林绿地生态系统,才是走新疆城市园林绿地生态系统建设可持续发展的正确道路.