- Sustainable Europoe Research Institute SERI Germany e.V.
Vorsterstr. 97-99
51103 Cologne
Germany - office land line: 49-221-2168-95
- Helmholtz Centre for Environment Research UFZ, Dept. Community Ecology, Faculty Memberadd
- Biodiversity, DeGrowth, Environmental Valuation (Economics), Design for Sustainability DfS, Ecosystems Services, Human Dimensions of environmental issues, and 7 moreSustainable Developments, Fundamentals of economics, Social sustainability, Sustainability Discourses, Sustainable Production and Consumption, Valuation (Sustainability), and Ecological Economicsedit
Editor: J.H.Spangenberg. Special Issue open access at :https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/scenarios_indicators_sustainable_development Editorial intro: The global ecosphere is a complex, evolving system, and the... more
Editor: J.H.Spangenberg.
Special Issue open access at :https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/scenarios_indicators_sustainable_development
Editorial intro: The global ecosphere is a complex, evolving system, and the anthroposphere another, more rapidly evolving one. Globalization and telecoupling are enhancing their complexity, and even more that of the coupled socio-ecological system [1]. Sustainable development as a global normative development concept and as defined by the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adds another level of complexity [2]. As a result, the demand for tools to identify transformative innovations, assess future risks, and support precautionary decision-making for sustainability is growing by the day in business and politics. Scenarios are a means of simplification, reducing real-world complexity to a potentially high but limited number of factors, analyzing their interactions, and supporting policy formulation [3]. However, they are not "objective" representations of reality but to a certain degree cannot but reflect orientations and norms held by their authors [4]. While political or management demands can emerge rather spontaneously, scenario development takes time-the demand for climate scenarios with a maximum 1.5 • C of global warming took the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC by surprise and required almost three years to be fulfilled. Integrated models are at the core of the IPCC 1.5 • report, but also used all over the world for sustainable development assessment and strategy development. Nevertheless, they (and in particular the economic computable global equilibrium (CGE) models most of them incorporate) are criticized for a lack of transparency, implicit normative assumptions, technical insufficiencies, political bias and an inability to capture the stark and structural changes of the effect-driving mechanisms, in particular the roles of uncertainty and of non-linearities (tipping points). These and other shortcomings limit their reliability as basis for policy development-for instance, the IPCC's model-based warnings have become more severe with every new report. Is this only due to newly discovered facts, or can one of the reasons be the implicit habit of scientists to avoid type 2 errors (claiming a relationship when it does not exist) at the expense of making type 1 errors (not confirming the existence of a relationship when it exists)? [5] What roles do other habits and routines, and the worldviews of scholars, play in the assumptions made and the interpretations given, in particular in the CGE components? At least the latest IPCC scenarios, assuming ongoing economic growth in affluent countries at the cost of a greenhouse gas overshoot, indicate that scholarly beliefs can trump physical necessities-the economists involved refused to test any scenario analyzing how a no-growth, steady state, or even degrowth economy would work out for social structures, economic prospects, and community flourishing [6]. This is no coincidence but in line with usual procedures of standard economics: so far, the only models used to inform policy choices are at the "optimistic" end of the scale, and within them, functions and parameter choices are taken so "extreme" conclusions are avoided, such as immediately stopping all GHG emissions being the economically optimal policy [7] as this reflects the willingness to pay to avoid future damage [8].
Special Issue open access at :https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/scenarios_indicators_sustainable_development
Editorial intro: The global ecosphere is a complex, evolving system, and the anthroposphere another, more rapidly evolving one. Globalization and telecoupling are enhancing their complexity, and even more that of the coupled socio-ecological system [1]. Sustainable development as a global normative development concept and as defined by the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adds another level of complexity [2]. As a result, the demand for tools to identify transformative innovations, assess future risks, and support precautionary decision-making for sustainability is growing by the day in business and politics. Scenarios are a means of simplification, reducing real-world complexity to a potentially high but limited number of factors, analyzing their interactions, and supporting policy formulation [3]. However, they are not "objective" representations of reality but to a certain degree cannot but reflect orientations and norms held by their authors [4]. While political or management demands can emerge rather spontaneously, scenario development takes time-the demand for climate scenarios with a maximum 1.5 • C of global warming took the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC by surprise and required almost three years to be fulfilled. Integrated models are at the core of the IPCC 1.5 • report, but also used all over the world for sustainable development assessment and strategy development. Nevertheless, they (and in particular the economic computable global equilibrium (CGE) models most of them incorporate) are criticized for a lack of transparency, implicit normative assumptions, technical insufficiencies, political bias and an inability to capture the stark and structural changes of the effect-driving mechanisms, in particular the roles of uncertainty and of non-linearities (tipping points). These and other shortcomings limit their reliability as basis for policy development-for instance, the IPCC's model-based warnings have become more severe with every new report. Is this only due to newly discovered facts, or can one of the reasons be the implicit habit of scientists to avoid type 2 errors (claiming a relationship when it does not exist) at the expense of making type 1 errors (not confirming the existence of a relationship when it exists)? [5] What roles do other habits and routines, and the worldviews of scholars, play in the assumptions made and the interpretations given, in particular in the CGE components? At least the latest IPCC scenarios, assuming ongoing economic growth in affluent countries at the cost of a greenhouse gas overshoot, indicate that scholarly beliefs can trump physical necessities-the economists involved refused to test any scenario analyzing how a no-growth, steady state, or even degrowth economy would work out for social structures, economic prospects, and community flourishing [6]. This is no coincidence but in line with usual procedures of standard economics: so far, the only models used to inform policy choices are at the "optimistic" end of the scale, and within them, functions and parameter choices are taken so "extreme" conclusions are avoided, such as immediately stopping all GHG emissions being the economically optimal policy [7] as this reflects the willingness to pay to avoid future damage [8].
Research Interests:
Authors: Sylvia Lorek & Joachim H. Spangenberg. Abstract: Experience shows that energy savings through energy efficiency measures are partly compensated by income growth, and partly by rebound effects. Therefore to be effective,... more
Authors: Sylvia Lorek & Joachim H. Spangenberg. Abstract: Experience shows that energy savings through energy efficiency measures are partly compensated by income growth, and partly by rebound effects. Therefore to be effective, efficiency measures have to be embedded in a concept of sufficiency which strives for limits and absolute reduction of energy consumption. While the sufficiency concept is not new, it only recently gained attention in the field of housing. This paper provides a basis for broader and more informed debates in policy and research on the potential of sufficiency considerations to contribute to the overall reduction of energy consumption in the residential sector. It recommends shifting the attention from energy consumption of buildings towards a concept of sustainable homes in which e.g. the size of the living area plays a crucial role. A further important aspect is the possibility to fulfill other basic needs like the provision with food, recreation and social contacts in the nearby environment. The paper describes first examples of housing projects guided by sufficiency criteria, depicts the potential roles of different actor groups and points towards some general policy recommendations.
Research Interests:
Authors: Boqiang Yan, Joachim H. Spangenberg. Abstract: China is simultaneously the world's biggest polluter, largest victim of pollution, and most ferocious fighter against pollution. So the question is: How can pollution be reduced to... more
Authors: Boqiang Yan, Joachim H. Spangenberg.
Abstract: China is simultaneously the world's biggest polluter, largest victim of pollution, and most ferocious fighter against pollution. So the question is: How can pollution be reduced to pave the way for the ecological civilisation of the future moderately affluent Chinese society? For China to play a leading role in escaping the global environmental crisis, for the benefit of its own population and the rest of the world, technological improvements and the greening of the economy, important as they are, will not suffice. More is needed in terms of limiting resource consumption, namely a reorientation from economic growth towards sustainable consumption and sufficiency. Improving efficiencies on all levels by technological and social innovations is a condition for this, as is a change of consumer aspirations from more to better, towards sufficiency and a good life. Chinese philosophical traditions and values offer anchoring points for such a green enlightenment.
Abstract: China is simultaneously the world's biggest polluter, largest victim of pollution, and most ferocious fighter against pollution. So the question is: How can pollution be reduced to pave the way for the ecological civilisation of the future moderately affluent Chinese society? For China to play a leading role in escaping the global environmental crisis, for the benefit of its own population and the rest of the world, technological improvements and the greening of the economy, important as they are, will not suffice. More is needed in terms of limiting resource consumption, namely a reorientation from economic growth towards sustainable consumption and sufficiency. Improving efficiencies on all levels by technological and social innovations is a condition for this, as is a change of consumer aspirations from more to better, towards sufficiency and a good life. Chinese philosophical traditions and values offer anchoring points for such a green enlightenment.
Research Interests:
Author: Joachim H. Spangenberg. Abstract: In situations of uncertainty, scenarios serve as input for scientifically informed decision making. However, past experience shows that not all scenarios are treated equally and we hypothesise... more
Author: Joachim H. Spangenberg.
Abstract: In situations of uncertainty, scenarios serve as input for scientifically informed decision making. However, past experience shows that not all scenarios are treated equally and we hypothesise that only those based on a world view shared by scientists and decision makers are perceived as credible and receive full attention of the respective group of decision makers. While intuitively plausible, this hypothesis has not been analysed by quantitative correlation analyses, so instead of drawing on quantitative data the paper analyses the archetypal scenarios developed in the ALARM project to substantiate the plausibility by a comparative analysis of world views, value systems and policy orientations. Shock scenarios are identified as a means to explore the possibility space of future developments beyond the linear developments models and most scenario storylines suggest. The analysis shows that the typical scenarios are based on mutually exclusive assumptions. In conclusion, a comparison of storylines and empirical data can reveal misperceptions and the need to rethink world views as a necessary step to open up to new challenges. Deeply held beliefs will make this transition unlikely to happen without severe crises, if not dedicated efforts to explicate the role of world views for scenarios and policies are undertaken.
Abstract: In situations of uncertainty, scenarios serve as input for scientifically informed decision making. However, past experience shows that not all scenarios are treated equally and we hypothesise that only those based on a world view shared by scientists and decision makers are perceived as credible and receive full attention of the respective group of decision makers. While intuitively plausible, this hypothesis has not been analysed by quantitative correlation analyses, so instead of drawing on quantitative data the paper analyses the archetypal scenarios developed in the ALARM project to substantiate the plausibility by a comparative analysis of world views, value systems and policy orientations. Shock scenarios are identified as a means to explore the possibility space of future developments beyond the linear developments models and most scenario storylines suggest. The analysis shows that the typical scenarios are based on mutually exclusive assumptions. In conclusion, a comparison of storylines and empirical data can reveal misperceptions and the need to rethink world views as a necessary step to open up to new challenges. Deeply held beliefs will make this transition unlikely to happen without severe crises, if not dedicated efforts to explicate the role of world views for scenarios and policies are undertaken.
Research Interests:
Authors: Settele J, Heong KL, Kühn I, Klotz S, Spangenberg JH, Arida G, Beaurepaire A, Beck S, Bergmeier E, Burkhard B, Brandl R, Bustamante JV, Butler A, Cabbigat J, Le Xuan Canh, Catindig JLA, Ho Van Chien, Le Quoc Cuong, Kinh Bac Dang,... more
Authors: Settele J, Heong KL, Kühn I, Klotz S, Spangenberg JH, Arida G, Beaurepaire A, Beck S, Bergmeier E, Burkhard B, Brandl R, Bustamante JV, Butler A, Cabbigat J, Le Xuan Canh, Catindig JLA, Ho Van Chien, Le Quoc Cuong, Kinh Bac Dang, Escalada M, Dominik C, Franzén M, Fried O, Görg C, Grescho V, Grossmann S, Gurr GM, Hadi BAR, Le Huu Hai, Harpke A, Hass AL, Hirneisen N, Horgan FG, Hotes S, Isoda Y, Jahn R, Kettle H, Klotzbücher A, Klotzbücher T, Langerwisch F, Loke WH, Lin YP, Lu Z, Lum KY, Magcale-Macandog DB, Marion G, Marquez L, Müller F, Hung Manh Nguyen, Quynh Anh Nguyen, Van Sinh Nguyen, Ott J, Penev L, Hong Thai Pham, Radermacher N, Rodriguez-Labajos B, Sann C, Sattler C, Schädler M, Scheu S, Schmidt A, Schrader J, Schweiger O, Seppelt R, Soitong K, Stoev P, Stoll-Kleemann S, Tekken V, Thonicke K, Tilliger B, Tobias K, Trisyono YA, Dao Thanh Truong, Tscharntke T, Le Quang Tuan, Türke M, Václavík T, Vetterlein D, Villareal S, Kim Chi Vu, Quynh Vu, Weisser WW, Westphal C, Zhu Z, Wiemers M.
Abstract: The present special issue of Paddy and Water Environment (PAWE) focuses on Ecosystem Services in Irrigated Rice Landscapes as dealt with in the project “LEGATO—Landuse intensity and Ecological enGineering—Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production systems’’ (Settele et al. 2015; http://www.legato-proje ct.net/). The project aimed at advancing long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice landscapes against risks arising from multiple aspects of global change. It encompassed 20 contract partners from six countries and two international organisations as core members as well as numerous associated partners and/or advisory board members (see addresses of authors). LEGATO was part of the framework programme ‘FONA—Research for Sustainability’ (a funding scheme of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research—BMBF) and was supported by GLUES—the scientific coordination and synthesis project (http://modul-a.nachhaltiges-landmanagement.de/en/scientific-coordination-glues/).
Abstract: The present special issue of Paddy and Water Environment (PAWE) focuses on Ecosystem Services in Irrigated Rice Landscapes as dealt with in the project “LEGATO—Landuse intensity and Ecological enGineering—Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production systems’’ (Settele et al. 2015; http://www.legato-proje ct.net/). The project aimed at advancing long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice landscapes against risks arising from multiple aspects of global change. It encompassed 20 contract partners from six countries and two international organisations as core members as well as numerous associated partners and/or advisory board members (see addresses of authors). LEGATO was part of the framework programme ‘FONA—Research for Sustainability’ (a funding scheme of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research—BMBF) and was supported by GLUES—the scientific coordination and synthesis project (http://modul-a.nachhaltiges-landmanagement.de/en/scientific-coordination-glues/).
Authors: Joachim H. Spangenberg, K. L. Heong, Anika Klotzbücher, Thimo Klotzbücher5, Quynh Anh Nguyen, Vera Tekken, Dao Thanh Truong, Manfred Türke, Josef Settele. Abstract: The transdisciplinary research project LEGATO analysed the... more
Authors: Joachim H. Spangenberg, K. L. Heong, Anika Klotzbücher, Thimo Klotzbücher5, Quynh Anh Nguyen, Vera Tekken, Dao Thanh Truong, Manfred Türke, Josef Settele.
Abstract: The transdisciplinary research project LEGATO analysed the combined generation of provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services in wet rice agriculture in SouthEast Asia and applied ecological engineering to future-proof it against global change and environmental pollution challenges. Due to its transdisciplinary character and the sheer size, a systematic stakeholder involvement was inevitable. Starting with stakeholder identification by snowballing from a limited number of contacts, we derived a multi-level stakeholder analysis and tried to involve those identified as relevant. Applying different means and aiming at different depth of involvement, the effort can be judged successful. The paper describes the methods used to identify and classify stakeholders, and key elements of the stakeholder management, guided by the BiodivERsA Stakeholder Activation Handbook. While on the local level, farmers and extension workers turned out to be influential and interested stakeholders in both countries, as well as local (PH) or provincial authorities (VN), differences were manifest on higher levels due to the divergent institutional setting. National-level agents were hard to get interested in both countries, and influential agents along the production chain, including middle men, were not really interested in collaboration.
Key words: Stakeholder analysis · Stakeholder management · LEGATO
Abstract: The transdisciplinary research project LEGATO analysed the combined generation of provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services in wet rice agriculture in SouthEast Asia and applied ecological engineering to future-proof it against global change and environmental pollution challenges. Due to its transdisciplinary character and the sheer size, a systematic stakeholder involvement was inevitable. Starting with stakeholder identification by snowballing from a limited number of contacts, we derived a multi-level stakeholder analysis and tried to involve those identified as relevant. Applying different means and aiming at different depth of involvement, the effort can be judged successful. The paper describes the methods used to identify and classify stakeholders, and key elements of the stakeholder management, guided by the BiodivERsA Stakeholder Activation Handbook. While on the local level, farmers and extension workers turned out to be influential and interested stakeholders in both countries, as well as local (PH) or provincial authorities (VN), differences were manifest on higher levels due to the divergent institutional setting. National-level agents were hard to get interested in both countries, and influential agents along the production chain, including middle men, were not really interested in collaboration.
Key words: Stakeholder analysis · Stakeholder management · LEGATO
Research Interests:
Authors: Tekken, Vera, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Escalada, Monina, Burkhard, Benjamin, Truong, Dao Thanh, Settele. Josef. Abstract: Traditional rice production has shaped distinctive cultural landscapes in SE Asia. Rice cultivation is... more
Authors: Tekken, Vera, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Escalada, Monina, Burkhard, Benjamin, Truong, Dao Thanh, Settele. Josef.
Abstract: Traditional rice production has shaped distinctive cultural landscapes in SE Asia. Rice cultivation is closely linked to socio-cultural values and has created specific agrobiodiversity. Increasing development pressures lead to an intensification of small-scale production systems and with this to changes of landscapes and associated ecosystems services. With a focus on cultural ecosystem services and along different land use gradients a qualitative assessment of farmer’s perceptions regarding cultural values of their landscapes was conducted. Interviews focused on traditional farming methods and the abundance of cultural values and perceptions that support the preservation of low-input, sustainable land management strategies. 73 indicators for Cultural Identity, Landscape Aesthetics, and Knowledge Systems were derived, revealing that socio-cultural structures and the socioeconomic situation of farmers influence
their view on landscape-related cultural services. The qualitative approach of this research provides an important contribution to the field of ecosystem service assessments because these are the values people
perceive based on culturally embedded and socially shaped preferences. For the implementation of ecological engineering, which is based on participation and on the belief into the natural resilience of ecosystems,
the assessment of cultural ecosystem services provides important evidence in which areas this theoretical concept could find higher acceptance.
Abstract: Traditional rice production has shaped distinctive cultural landscapes in SE Asia. Rice cultivation is closely linked to socio-cultural values and has created specific agrobiodiversity. Increasing development pressures lead to an intensification of small-scale production systems and with this to changes of landscapes and associated ecosystems services. With a focus on cultural ecosystem services and along different land use gradients a qualitative assessment of farmer’s perceptions regarding cultural values of their landscapes was conducted. Interviews focused on traditional farming methods and the abundance of cultural values and perceptions that support the preservation of low-input, sustainable land management strategies. 73 indicators for Cultural Identity, Landscape Aesthetics, and Knowledge Systems were derived, revealing that socio-cultural structures and the socioeconomic situation of farmers influence
their view on landscape-related cultural services. The qualitative approach of this research provides an important contribution to the field of ecosystem service assessments because these are the values people
perceive based on culturally embedded and socially shaped preferences. For the implementation of ecological engineering, which is based on participation and on the belief into the natural resilience of ecosystems,
the assessment of cultural ecosystem services provides important evidence in which areas this theoretical concept could find higher acceptance.
Research Interests:
Authors: Albert, Christian, Neßhöver, Carsten, Schröter, Matthias, Wittmer, Heidi, Bonn, Aletta, Burkhard, Benjamin, Dauber, Jens, Döring, Ralf, Fürst, Christine, Grunewald, Karsten, Haase, Dagmar, Hansjürgens, Bernd, Hauck, Jennifer,... more
Authors: Albert, Christian, Neßhöver, Carsten, Schröter, Matthias, Wittmer, Heidi, Bonn, Aletta, Burkhard, Benjamin, Dauber, Jens, Döring, Ralf, Fürst, Christine, Grunewald, Karsten, Haase, Dagmar, Hansjürgens, Bernd, Hauck, Jennifer, Hinzmann, Mandy, Koellner, Thomas, Plieninger, Tobias, Rabe, Sven-Erik, Ring, Irene, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Stachow, Ulrich, Wüstemann, Henry, Görg, Christoph
Abstract: We present options for a National Ecosystem Assessment in Germany (NEA-DE) that could inform decision-makers on the state and trends of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Characterizing a NEA-DE, we argue that its cross-sectoral, integrative approach would have the advantages of increased scientific understanding, addressing specific policy questions and creating science-policy dialogues. Challenges include objections against a utilitarian perspective, reservations concerning power relations, and responsibilities concerning the funding.
Abstract: We present options for a National Ecosystem Assessment in Germany (NEA-DE) that could inform decision-makers on the state and trends of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Characterizing a NEA-DE, we argue that its cross-sectoral, integrative approach would have the advantages of increased scientific understanding, addressing specific policy questions and creating science-policy dialogues. Challenges include objections against a utilitarian perspective, reservations concerning power relations, and responsibilities concerning the funding.
Research Interests:
Author: Joachim H. Spangenberg Abstract: Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible... more
Author: Joachim H. Spangenberg
Abstract: Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has to be made. This paper analyses the SDGs regarding their coherence and its impacts on their implementation.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
Abstract: Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has to be made. This paper analyses the SDGs regarding their coherence and its impacts on their implementation.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
Research Interests:
Authors Spangenberg, Joachim H., Beaurepaire, Alexis L., Bergmeier, Erwin, Burkhard, Benjamin, Ho Van Chieng, Le Quoc Cuongh, Görg, Christoph, Grescho, Volker, Le Huu Hai, Heong, K.L., Horgan, Finbarr G., Hotes, Stefan, Klotzbücher,... more
Authors
Spangenberg, Joachim H., Beaurepaire, Alexis L., Bergmeier, Erwin, Burkhard, Benjamin, Ho Van Chieng, Le Quoc Cuongh, Görg, Christoph, Grescho, Volker, Le Huu Hai, Heong, K.L., Horgan, Finbarr G., Hotes, Stefan, Klotzbücher, Anika, Klotzbücher, Thimo, Kühn, Ingolf, Langerwisch, Fanny, Marion, Glenn, Moritz, Robin F.A., Quynh Anh Nguyen, Ott, Jürgen, Sann, Christina, Sattler, Cornelia, Schädler, Martin, Schmidt, Anja, Tekken, Vera Truong Dao Thanh, Thonicke, Kirsten, Türke, Manfred, Vaclavik, Tomas, Vetterlein, Doris, Westphal, Catrin, Wiemers, Martin, Settele, Josef
Abstract
In a cross-disciplinary project (LEGATO) combining inter-and transdisciplinary methods, we quantify the dependency of rice-dominated socio-ecological systems on ecosystem functions (ESF) and the ecosystem services (ESS) the integrated system provides. In the collaboration of a large team including geo-and bioscientists, economists, political and cultural scientists, the mutual influences of the biological, climate and soil conditions of the agricultural area and its surrounding natural landscape have been analysed. One focus was on sociocultural and economic backgrounds, another on local as well as regional land use intensity and biodiversity, and the potential impacts of future climate and land use change. LEGATO analysed characteristic elements of three service strands defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): (a) pro-visioning services: nutrient cycling and crop production; (b) regulating services: biocontrol and pollination; and (c) cultural services: cultural identity and aesthetics. However, in line with much of the current ESS literature, what the MA called supporting services is treated as ESF within LEGATO. As a core output, LEGATO developed generally applicable principles of ecological engineering (EE), suitable for application in the context of future climate and land use change. EE is an emerging discipline, concerned with the design, monitoring and construction of ecosystems and aims at developing strategies to opti-mise ecosystem services through exploiting natural regulation mechanisms instead of suppressing them. Along these lines LEGATO also aims to create the knowledge base for decision-making for sustainable land management and livelihoods, including the provision of the corresponding governance and management strategies, technologies and system solutions.
Spangenberg, Joachim H., Beaurepaire, Alexis L., Bergmeier, Erwin, Burkhard, Benjamin, Ho Van Chieng, Le Quoc Cuongh, Görg, Christoph, Grescho, Volker, Le Huu Hai, Heong, K.L., Horgan, Finbarr G., Hotes, Stefan, Klotzbücher, Anika, Klotzbücher, Thimo, Kühn, Ingolf, Langerwisch, Fanny, Marion, Glenn, Moritz, Robin F.A., Quynh Anh Nguyen, Ott, Jürgen, Sann, Christina, Sattler, Cornelia, Schädler, Martin, Schmidt, Anja, Tekken, Vera Truong Dao Thanh, Thonicke, Kirsten, Türke, Manfred, Vaclavik, Tomas, Vetterlein, Doris, Westphal, Catrin, Wiemers, Martin, Settele, Josef
Abstract
In a cross-disciplinary project (LEGATO) combining inter-and transdisciplinary methods, we quantify the dependency of rice-dominated socio-ecological systems on ecosystem functions (ESF) and the ecosystem services (ESS) the integrated system provides. In the collaboration of a large team including geo-and bioscientists, economists, political and cultural scientists, the mutual influences of the biological, climate and soil conditions of the agricultural area and its surrounding natural landscape have been analysed. One focus was on sociocultural and economic backgrounds, another on local as well as regional land use intensity and biodiversity, and the potential impacts of future climate and land use change. LEGATO analysed characteristic elements of three service strands defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): (a) pro-visioning services: nutrient cycling and crop production; (b) regulating services: biocontrol and pollination; and (c) cultural services: cultural identity and aesthetics. However, in line with much of the current ESS literature, what the MA called supporting services is treated as ESF within LEGATO. As a core output, LEGATO developed generally applicable principles of ecological engineering (EE), suitable for application in the context of future climate and land use change. EE is an emerging discipline, concerned with the design, monitoring and construction of ecosystems and aims at developing strategies to opti-mise ecosystem services through exploiting natural regulation mechanisms instead of suppressing them. Along these lines LEGATO also aims to create the knowledge base for decision-making for sustainable land management and livelihoods, including the provision of the corresponding governance and management strategies, technologies and system solutions.
Research Interests:
Als Reaktion auf die erste nennenswerte Krise im Wirtschaftswunderland und mit einer Dekade Zeitverzögerung gegenüber dem einschlägigen US-Gesetz wurde in der Bundesrepublik am 8. Juni 1967 das StWG verabschiedet. Damit war der Siegeszug... more
Als Reaktion auf die erste nennenswerte Krise im Wirtschaftswunderland und mit einer Dekade Zeitverzögerung gegenüber dem einschlägigen US-Gesetz wurde in der Bundesrepublik am 8. Juni 1967 das StWG verabschiedet. Damit war der Siegeszug des Keynesianismus auch in Deutschland angekommen – vor allem Dank Karl Schiller (SPD) und Franz-Josef Strauß (CSU). Praktische stabilitätspolitische Bedeutung hatte es nur für sehr kurze Zeit, weil es schon Ende der siebziger Jahre zu einem Paradigmenwechsel hin zu Monetarismus und angebotsorientierter Wirtschaftspolitik (heute oft vereinfachend " Neoliberalismus ") kam und dem neuen Weltbild folgend auch neue wirtschaftspolitische Schwerpunkte gesetzt wurden. Die meisten Detailregelungen des Gesetzes sind heute kaum noch bekannt – von der Konjunkturausgleichsrücklage über den Konjunkturzuschlag bis zur Konzertierten Aktion. Dagegen haben die in § 1 formulierten Ziele der Wirtschaftspolitik (auch " Magisches Viereck " genannt) die Zeiten überdauert und werden noch heute als Klassiker gerne zitiert: " Bund und Länder haben bei ihren wirtschafts-und finanzpolitischen Maßnahmen die Erfordernisse des gesamtwirtschaftlichen Gleichgewichts zu beachten. Die Maßnahmen sind so zu treffen, dass sie im Rahmen der marktwirtschaftlichen Ordnung gleichzeitig zur Stabilität des Preisniveaus, zu einem hohen Beschäftigungsstand und außenwirtschaftlichem Gleichgewicht bei stetigem und angemessenem Wirtschaftswachstum beitragen. " Im Gesetz werden weder konkrete Zielwerte noch Indikatoren angegeben – und schon gar nicht spezifiziert, was unter " marktwirtschaftlicher Ordnung " zu verstehen ist, die ja als limitierender Rahmen für das staatliche Handeln genannt wird. Im Zeitablauf haben sich die Vorstellungen dazu und die Gewichte der einzelnen Ziele deutlich verändert: (1) Stabilität des Preisniveaus ist nach wie vor ein wichtiges Politikziel, dessen Durchsetzung aber erst an die Bundesbank und dann an die EZB delegiert wurde. Während das StWG ursprünglich primär auf die Bekämpfung von Inflation zielte, interpretiert die EZB eine Inflationsrate von 2% als Preisniveaustabilität und sieht bei niedrigeren Werten Deflationsgefahren. (2) Hoher Beschäftigungsstand war bis Mitte der 60-er Jahre eine Arbeitslosenquote in der Größenordnung von 1 %. Auch mit dem StWG gelang es in den 70-er Jahren nicht mehr, dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Nach den Ölpreis-Schocks entstand " Stagflation " , ein Phänomen, mit dem die etablierte keynesianische Konjunkturpolitik überfordert war. Mit dem Paradigmenwechsel in den 80-er Jahren gab der Staat die Makro-Steuerung des Arbeitsmarktes auf und es kamen Strukturreformen (Deregulierung) auf die Tagesordnung
Authors: Joachim H. Spangenberg, Hubert Weiger Abstract: Klima und Biodiversität schützen, Konsum nachhaltig machen, für mehr Gerechtigkeit sorgen – wichtige Ziele hat die Politik jede Menge. Damit das ökologisch wie sozial Notwendige... more
Authors: Joachim H. Spangenberg, Hubert Weiger
Abstract: Klima und Biodiversität schützen, Konsum nachhaltig machen, für mehr Gerechtigkeit sorgen – wichtige Ziele hat die Politik jede Menge. Damit das ökologisch wie sozial Notwendige Realität wird, müssen Umweltverbände auf die Einhaltung der Ziele pochen und sich gegen mächtige Interessengruppen durchsetzen, die vom Status quo profitieren.
Abstract: Klima und Biodiversität schützen, Konsum nachhaltig machen, für mehr Gerechtigkeit sorgen – wichtige Ziele hat die Politik jede Menge. Damit das ökologisch wie sozial Notwendige Realität wird, müssen Umweltverbände auf die Einhaltung der Ziele pochen und sich gegen mächtige Interessengruppen durchsetzen, die vom Status quo profitieren.
Research Interests:
Trường, Đào Thanh, Quỳnh Anh, Nguyễn Thị, Ngọc Anh, Nguyễn Thị, Khánh Ly, Đặng Kim, Span-genberg, Joachim H., Settele, Josef, Tekken, Vera, Rodríguez-Labajos, Beatriz The paper examines the potential participations of stakeholder groups... more
Trường, Đào Thanh, Quỳnh Anh, Nguyễn Thị, Ngọc Anh, Nguyễn Thị, Khánh Ly, Đặng Kim, Span-genberg, Joachim H., Settele, Josef, Tekken, Vera, Rodríguez-Labajos, Beatriz
The paper examines the potential participations of stakeholder groups for applying the ecological engineering from policy approach. The focus here is on analyzing the demand of strenghthening sustainable linkages among the policy target group – policy implementing group – policy innovation group is most suitable solution to construct the ecological engineering application in rice cultivation in Vietnam. Unlike other projects, the diversity outputs and outcomes of LEGATO can provide a huge neccessary sources from intersdisciplinary studies about the conditions for ecological engineering application in practice. Through policy analysis approach, authors identify the roadmap for policy preparing process of ecological engineering application within LEGATO for Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province, Vietnam.
There are four sections in this paper: (1) Policy paradigm and social construction (2) Policy approach and stakeholder involvement within LEGATO – an interdisciplinary project (3) Policy analysis approaches in implementing LEGATO project (3) The role of key internal stakeholder groups in implementing the policy of ecological engineering application (4) Raising the participants of key internal stakeholder groups in implementing ecological engineering in Vietnam (case study in Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province) and further steps in policy making process.
Key words: interdisciplinary research, stakeholders, policy analysis approach, paradigm, policy
making process
The paper examines the potential participations of stakeholder groups for applying the ecological engineering from policy approach. The focus here is on analyzing the demand of strenghthening sustainable linkages among the policy target group – policy implementing group – policy innovation group is most suitable solution to construct the ecological engineering application in rice cultivation in Vietnam. Unlike other projects, the diversity outputs and outcomes of LEGATO can provide a huge neccessary sources from intersdisciplinary studies about the conditions for ecological engineering application in practice. Through policy analysis approach, authors identify the roadmap for policy preparing process of ecological engineering application within LEGATO for Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province, Vietnam.
There are four sections in this paper: (1) Policy paradigm and social construction (2) Policy approach and stakeholder involvement within LEGATO – an interdisciplinary project (3) Policy analysis approaches in implementing LEGATO project (3) The role of key internal stakeholder groups in implementing the policy of ecological engineering application (4) Raising the participants of key internal stakeholder groups in implementing ecological engineering in Vietnam (case study in Kim Thanh district, Hai Duong province) and further steps in policy making process.
Key words: interdisciplinary research, stakeholders, policy analysis approach, paradigm, policy
making process
Research Interests:
The promises of the 'green economy' are striking, but the means suggested indicate only limited novelty. While critics focused on value systems and their implications, the role of the underlying worldviews has gone mostly undiscussed so... more
The promises of the 'green economy' are striking, but the means suggested indicate only limited novelty. While critics focused on value systems and their implications, the role of the underlying worldviews has gone mostly undiscussed so far in the economics literature. The purpose of this paper is to show that, apart from different values, different worldviews in economics can explain much of the different readings of and attitudes towards the 'green economy'. As a consequence, it is suggested that the different worldviews should become an issue of the scholary and the public debate, as a choice between them will heavily influence the problems recognised and the policies derived to deal with them. For this debate, ecological economics offers a different ontology (including an anthropology), and a different axiology and epistemology from neoclassical economics. Taking these elements together, it provides a coherent alternative to neoclassical environmental economics and its receipts, like the green economy. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Spangenberg, J.H. (2016) 'The world we see shapes the world we create: how the underlying worldviews lead to different recommendations from environmental and ecological economics – the green economy example', Int.
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Defining, assessing and valuing biodiversity and ecosystem services is an exemplary field, illustrating the necessity as well as the obstacles to interdisciplinary collaboration between natural scientists and economists. Despite often... more
Defining, assessing and valuing biodiversity and ecosystem services is an exemplary field, illustrating the necessity as well as the obstacles to interdisciplinary collaboration between natural scientists and economists. Despite often identical individual motivations and similarities in the terminologies used, the discrepancies and misunderstandings run deep.
A main reason the lack of refection regarding the disciplinary and at least partly incommen-surable world views, their ontologies, epistemologies, anthropologies and in particular their specific axiologies. While considered self-evident in the own discipline, the lack of awareness regarding these basics hampers cooperation between disciplines. The challenges involved may be one reason why the readiness to participate in interdisciplinary research is actually decreasing amongst mainstream economists.
In particular the axiology (philosophy of values) is causing problems: at a closer look, there is a diversity of legitimate value systems, within which the economic valuation an important but limited niche. Recognising this implies acknowledging the limitations to economic valuation, and to economic statements more general. Epistemological discrepancies show up in diverging interpretations of the same terminology.
Interdisciplinarity requires rethinking of basic disciplinary assumptions in all participating disciplines, to generate results which are not based on assumptions in contradiction to secured insights of other disciplines in charge of the issue in question – otherwise integration of results is not possible. This is the basic law of interdisciplinarity, and it requires significant changes of academic education.
A main reason the lack of refection regarding the disciplinary and at least partly incommen-surable world views, their ontologies, epistemologies, anthropologies and in particular their specific axiologies. While considered self-evident in the own discipline, the lack of awareness regarding these basics hampers cooperation between disciplines. The challenges involved may be one reason why the readiness to participate in interdisciplinary research is actually decreasing amongst mainstream economists.
In particular the axiology (philosophy of values) is causing problems: at a closer look, there is a diversity of legitimate value systems, within which the economic valuation an important but limited niche. Recognising this implies acknowledging the limitations to economic valuation, and to economic statements more general. Epistemological discrepancies show up in diverging interpretations of the same terminology.
Interdisciplinarity requires rethinking of basic disciplinary assumptions in all participating disciplines, to generate results which are not based on assumptions in contradiction to secured insights of other disciplines in charge of the issue in question – otherwise integration of results is not possible. This is the basic law of interdisciplinarity, and it requires significant changes of academic education.
Research Interests:
Editorial to the special issue on sustainability economics and the missing points in the sustainability discourse, edited by P. Söderbaum, M. Dereniowska and J.H. Spangenberg
Research Interests:
Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has... more
Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has to be made. This paper analyses the SDGs regarding their coherence and its impacts on their implementation.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
Research Interests:
Sustainable development is one of the dominant societal and political discourses around the world now, and the Human Development Index HDI has become an important issue of debate in many countries but so far there is a lack of perspective... more
Sustainable development is one of the dominant societal and political discourses around the world now, and the Human Development Index HDI has become an important issue of debate in many countries but so far there is a lack of perspective regarding the impact of the HDI issues on corporate management, and vice versa. The paper suggests a transparent, easy-to-communicate supplement to the existing, often complex and data-heavy corporate CSR management and reporting tools by borrowing from a macro level concept: the Human Development Index HDI. We derive the CHDI by projecting the criteria and categories of UNDP's HDI to the company level, using in addition the capital stock approach and the discourse on the future of labour. Its basic components are (1) longevity and industrial relations, (2) education, knowledge and skills, and (3) the standard of living and distributional justice. As a management tool, the CHDI focusses attention on the social and human capital of a company by monitoring main factors contributing to their slow erosion which is often recognised too late in day-today management. Integrating the CHDI into corporate management and target setting is this a contribution to risk management by extending stakeholder management to one key group, the corporate staff. Regarding reporting, the CHDI enhances transparency and credibility, is independent of size, sector and location of a company and can be used for social sustainability/human development rankings.
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Scientists talk of “ecosystem services” and their economic value when arguing for the conservation of biodiversity. The limits to this line of argumentation are analysed based on the philosophy of values (axiology), exploring different... more
Scientists talk of “ecosystem services” and their economic value when arguing for the conservation of biodiversity. The limits to this line of argumentation are analysed based on the philosophy of values (axiology), exploring different kinds of values and discussing which of them can be adequately described with economic methods. The three promises of economic valuation, raising awareness in polity, saving biodiversity by internalising external cost, and contributing to better decisions are assessed and turn out to be more than questionable. Finally, the niche is defined where economic valuation makes sense, taking into account the restrictions from the axiological and the economic analysis.
Research Interests:
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This paper presents a framework called the CSR Deliberation Matrix for the structuring of CSR issue identification, stakeholder dialogues, indicator selection and reporting, with an overarching goal to achieve an appropriate balance... more
This paper presents a framework called the CSR Deliberation Matrix for the structuring of CSR issue identification, stakeholder dialogues, indicator selection and reporting, with an overarching goal to achieve an appropriate balance between sensitivity to individual situations and the benefits of ‘‘generic’’ indicators applicable to a large spectrum of reporting contexts. We suggest guidelines to (1) define the full spectrum of sustainability concerns and of relevant stakeholder dialogue contexts; (2) mobilise a relevant ‘‘data bank’’ which provides a profile of candidate CSR indicators; (3) obtain a parsimonious selection of indicators in a site-level CSR reporting process through a stakeholder dialogue; and (4) obtain a ‘representative diversity’’ of indicators at the interface of site-level and higher-level CSR reporting contexts.
Research Interests:
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In their own battles and strategy meetings since the early 1980s, EJOs (environmental justice organizations) and their networks have introduced several concepts to political ecology that have also been taken up by academics and policy... more
In their own battles and strategy meetings since the early 1980s, EJOs (environmental justice organizations) and their networks have introduced several concepts to political ecology that have also been taken up by academics and policy makers. In this paper, we explain the contexts in which such notions have arisen, providing definitions of a wide array of concepts and slogans related to environmental inequities and sustainability, and explore the connections and relations between them. These concepts include: environmental justice, ecological debt, popular epidemiology, environmental racism, climate justice, environmentalism of the poor, water justice, biopiracy, food sovereignty, "green deserts", "peasant agriculture cools downs the Earth", land grabbing, Ogonization and Yasunization, resource caps, corporate accountability, ecocide, and indigenous territorial rights, among others. We examine how activists have coined these notions and built demands around them, and how academic research has in turn further applied them and supplied other related concepts, working in a mutually reinforcing way with EJOs. We argue that these processes and dynamics build an activist-led and co-produced social sustainability science, furthering both academic scholarship and activism on environmental justice.
Depuis le début des années 80, à travers leurs propres luttes et réunions stratégiques, les EJOS (Organisations de Justice Environnementale) et leurs réseaux ont introduit quelques concepts différents d'écologie politique qui ont été repris par le monde académique et par les décideurs politiques. Dans cet article, nous expliquons les contextes qui ont promu l'émergence de ces concepts, et offrons des définitions pour un large ensemble de concepts et de slogans lies aux inégalités environnementales et à la protection durable de l'environnement, et nous explorons les connections entre eux. Ces concepts incluent: La justice environnementale, la dette écologique, l'épidémiologie populaire, le racisme environnemental, la justice climatique, l'environnementalisme des pauvres, la justice hydrique, la bio-piraterie, la souveraineté alimentaire, «les déserts verts», «l'agriculture paysanne rafraichit la terre», la prise des terres (land grabbing), l'Ogonisation et la Yasunisation, les plafonds de ressources, la responsabilité des entreprises, l'écocide, les droits indigènes territoriaux, et quelques autres. Nous examinons comment les activistes ont inventé ces termes, construit des demandes autour d'eux, et comment la recherche académique les a appliqués, et ensuite comment elle a offert de nouveaux concepts, travaillant de manière symbiotique avec les EJOS. Nous argumentons que ces processus et dynamiques construisent une science du développement durable conduite et co-produite par les activistes, ce qui renforce ainsi la littérature académique et l'activisme sur la justice environnementale.
Desde el inicio de la década de 1980, las OJAs (organizaciones de justicia ambiental) y las redes que ellas forman introdujeron diversos conceptos de ecología política en sus campañas y en sus reuniones para determinar estrategias, que han sido adoptados también por académicos y por tomadores de decisiones. En este artículo explicamos los contextos que dieron lugar a esas nociones, compilamos muchos conceptos y lemas que se refieren a inequidades ambientales y a la sustentabilidad, examinando sus interrelaciones. Dichos conceptos incluyen, entre otros, los siguientes: justicia ambiental, deuda ecológica, epidemiología ambiental, racismo ambiental, justicia climática, ecologismo de los pobres, justicia hídrica, biopiratería, soberanía alimentaria, "desiertos verdes", el lema "la agricultura campesina enfría la Tierra", acaparamiento de tierras, Ogonización y Yasunización, topes al uso de recursos, pasivos ambientales y responsabilidad ambiental empresarial, ecocidio y derechos territoriales indígenas. Estudiamos cómo los activistas de las OJAs acuñaron tales conceptos configurando exigencias políticas a partir de ellos, y cómo los investigadores académicos también los han aplicado y, a su vez, han aportado otros conceptos, en un proceso de fortalecimiento mutuo. Estos procesos y dinámicas dirigidos por activistas co-producen y construyen una ciencia social de la sustentabilidad, que apoya tanto el trabajo científico como el activismo, favoreciendo así nuevos logros en favor de la justicia ambiental.
Depuis le début des années 80, à travers leurs propres luttes et réunions stratégiques, les EJOS (Organisations de Justice Environnementale) et leurs réseaux ont introduit quelques concepts différents d'écologie politique qui ont été repris par le monde académique et par les décideurs politiques. Dans cet article, nous expliquons les contextes qui ont promu l'émergence de ces concepts, et offrons des définitions pour un large ensemble de concepts et de slogans lies aux inégalités environnementales et à la protection durable de l'environnement, et nous explorons les connections entre eux. Ces concepts incluent: La justice environnementale, la dette écologique, l'épidémiologie populaire, le racisme environnemental, la justice climatique, l'environnementalisme des pauvres, la justice hydrique, la bio-piraterie, la souveraineté alimentaire, «les déserts verts», «l'agriculture paysanne rafraichit la terre», la prise des terres (land grabbing), l'Ogonisation et la Yasunisation, les plafonds de ressources, la responsabilité des entreprises, l'écocide, les droits indigènes territoriaux, et quelques autres. Nous examinons comment les activistes ont inventé ces termes, construit des demandes autour d'eux, et comment la recherche académique les a appliqués, et ensuite comment elle a offert de nouveaux concepts, travaillant de manière symbiotique avec les EJOS. Nous argumentons que ces processus et dynamiques construisent une science du développement durable conduite et co-produite par les activistes, ce qui renforce ainsi la littérature académique et l'activisme sur la justice environnementale.
Desde el inicio de la década de 1980, las OJAs (organizaciones de justicia ambiental) y las redes que ellas forman introdujeron diversos conceptos de ecología política en sus campañas y en sus reuniones para determinar estrategias, que han sido adoptados también por académicos y por tomadores de decisiones. En este artículo explicamos los contextos que dieron lugar a esas nociones, compilamos muchos conceptos y lemas que se refieren a inequidades ambientales y a la sustentabilidad, examinando sus interrelaciones. Dichos conceptos incluyen, entre otros, los siguientes: justicia ambiental, deuda ecológica, epidemiología ambiental, racismo ambiental, justicia climática, ecologismo de los pobres, justicia hídrica, biopiratería, soberanía alimentaria, "desiertos verdes", el lema "la agricultura campesina enfría la Tierra", acaparamiento de tierras, Ogonización y Yasunización, topes al uso de recursos, pasivos ambientales y responsabilidad ambiental empresarial, ecocidio y derechos territoriales indígenas. Estudiamos cómo los activistas de las OJAs acuñaron tales conceptos configurando exigencias políticas a partir de ellos, y cómo los investigadores académicos también los han aplicado y, a su vez, han aportado otros conceptos, en un proceso de fortalecimiento mutuo. Estos procesos y dinámicas dirigidos por activistas co-producen y construyen una ciencia social de la sustentabilidad, que apoya tanto el trabajo científico como el activismo, favoreciendo así nuevos logros en favor de la justicia ambiental.
Research Interests: Political Ecology, Ecological Debt, Ecologia Política, écologie Politique, Environmentalism of the Poor, and 10 moreEnvironmental Justice Organizations, Activist Knowledge, Organisations De Justice Environnementale, Environnementalisme Des Pauvres, Dette écologique, Connaissance Activiste, Organizaciones De Justicia Ambiental, Ecologismo De Los Pobres, Deuda Ecológica, and Conocimiento Activista
LEGATO stands for 'Land-use intensity and Ecological Engineering - Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production systems' and aims to advance long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice... more
LEGATO stands for 'Land-use intensity and Ecological Engineering - Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production systems' and aims to advance long-term sustainable development of irrigated rice landscapes, against risks arising from multiple aspects of global change. The overall objective is the elaboration and testing of generally applicable principles within the frarne of ecological engineering - an ernerging discipline, concerned with design, monitoring and construction of ecosystems. Ecological engineering aims at developing strategies to maximize the ecosystem services through exploiting natural regulation mechanisms instead of suppressing them. A core component of this research project, which is part of the framework programme 'fona - Research for Sustainability', is to create the knowledge and decision-making base necessary for sustainable land management and also to provide the corresponding action strategies, technologies an...
Authors: Authors: Görg. Christoph, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Tekken, Vera, Burkhard, Benjamin, Truong, Dao Thanh, Escalada, Monina, Heong, Kong Luen, Arida, Gertrudo, Bustamante, Jesus Victor, Chien, Ho Van, Klotzbuecher, Thimo, Marquez,... more
Authors:
Authors: Görg. Christoph, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Tekken, Vera, Burkhard, Benjamin, Truong, Dao Thanh, Escalada, Monina, Heong, Kong Luen, Arida, Gertrudo, Bustamante, Jesus Victor, Chien, Ho Van, Klotzbuecher, Thimo, Marquez, Leo, Marxen, Anika, Manh, Nguyen Hung, Sinh, Nguyen Van, (Bong) Villareal, Sylvia, Settele, Josef
Abstract:
The management of biodiversity represents a research topic that needs to involve not only several (sub-) disciplines from the natural sciences but, in particular, also the social sciences and humanities. Furthermore, over the last couple of years, the need for the integration of other kinds of knowledge (experience based or indigenous knowledge) is increasingly acknowledged.
For instance, the incorporation of such knowledge is indispensable for place-based approaches to sustainable land management, which require that the specific ecological and social context is addressed. However, desirable as it
may be, such an engagement of the holders of tacit knowledge is not easy to achieve. It demands reconciling well-established scientific procedural standards with the implicit or explicit criteria of relevance that apply in civil society — a process that typically causes severe tensions and comes up against both habitual as well as institutional constraints. The difficulty of
managing such tensions is amplified particularly in large integrated projects and represents a major challenge to project management. At the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research — UFZ, several integrated research projects have been conducted over the past years in which experience has
been gained with these specific challenges. This paper presents some of the lessons learned from large integrated projects, with an emphasis on project design and management structure. At the centre of the present contribution are experiences gained in the coordination and management of LEGATO (LEGATO stands for Land-use intensity and Ecological EnGineering — Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production
systems, see www.legato-project.net), an ongoing, large-scale, inter- and transdisciplinary research project dealing with the management of irrigated rice landscapes in Southeast Asia. In this project, local expertise on traditional production systems is absolutely crucial but needs to be integrated
with natural and social science research to identify future-proof land management systems.
Authors: Görg. Christoph, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Tekken, Vera, Burkhard, Benjamin, Truong, Dao Thanh, Escalada, Monina, Heong, Kong Luen, Arida, Gertrudo, Bustamante, Jesus Victor, Chien, Ho Van, Klotzbuecher, Thimo, Marquez, Leo, Marxen, Anika, Manh, Nguyen Hung, Sinh, Nguyen Van, (Bong) Villareal, Sylvia, Settele, Josef
Abstract:
The management of biodiversity represents a research topic that needs to involve not only several (sub-) disciplines from the natural sciences but, in particular, also the social sciences and humanities. Furthermore, over the last couple of years, the need for the integration of other kinds of knowledge (experience based or indigenous knowledge) is increasingly acknowledged.
For instance, the incorporation of such knowledge is indispensable for place-based approaches to sustainable land management, which require that the specific ecological and social context is addressed. However, desirable as it
may be, such an engagement of the holders of tacit knowledge is not easy to achieve. It demands reconciling well-established scientific procedural standards with the implicit or explicit criteria of relevance that apply in civil society — a process that typically causes severe tensions and comes up against both habitual as well as institutional constraints. The difficulty of
managing such tensions is amplified particularly in large integrated projects and represents a major challenge to project management. At the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research — UFZ, several integrated research projects have been conducted over the past years in which experience has
been gained with these specific challenges. This paper presents some of the lessons learned from large integrated projects, with an emphasis on project design and management structure. At the centre of the present contribution are experiences gained in the coordination and management of LEGATO (LEGATO stands for Land-use intensity and Ecological EnGineering — Assessment Tools for risks and Opportunities in irrigated rice based production
systems, see www.legato-project.net), an ongoing, large-scale, inter- and transdisciplinary research project dealing with the management of irrigated rice landscapes in Southeast Asia. In this project, local expertise on traditional production systems is absolutely crucial but needs to be integrated
with natural and social science research to identify future-proof land management systems.
Research Interests:
Achieving the social license to operate is a key condition for successfully establishing and running a mining project. The social license requires trust between the different actors, and trust requires knowledge. Based on the supposition... more
Achieving the social license to operate is a key condition for successfully establishing and running a mining project. The social license requires trust between the different actors, and trust requires knowledge. Based on the supposition that knowledge on complex scientific, technical and socio-economic issues can best be framed and communicated in form of indicators, the paper sets out to describe a practical process of indicator development and testing. The objective was to arrive at a stakeholder-need, rather than expert-judgement driven process for indicator development and for the selection of techniques to support these indicators.
These processes were developed and tested in the framework of the European Commission project EO-Miners. Results from deploying the process at three demonstration sites in the Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa are presented. These experiences provide the basis for discussing the practical constraints such processes face.
The paper describes the necessary qualities of such indicators: those derived by the methodology described (see supplement) confirm to these criteria.
These processes were developed and tested in the framework of the European Commission project EO-Miners. Results from deploying the process at three demonstration sites in the Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa are presented. These experiences provide the basis for discussing the practical constraints such processes face.
The paper describes the necessary qualities of such indicators: those derived by the methodology described (see supplement) confirm to these criteria.
Research Interests:
A narrow perception of causality chains can be counterproductive and self-defeating, as the case of pesticide use in Asian rice production shows. Using the Driving Forces–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) scheme developed by EEA and... more
A narrow perception of causality chains can be counterproductive and self-defeating, as the case of pesticide use in Asian rice production shows. Using the Driving Forces–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) scheme developed by EEA and Eurostat we analyse the logic inherent to the application of insecticides. Its underlying biology-to-society perspective considers insects as the initial Pressure, spraying
insecticides as adequate Response and yield protection as result.
This view is apparently supported by positive results in the early growth phase,but this short term success is paid for by increased system sensitivity, possibly leading to severe damages in the later stages when a seemingly similar situation is indeed very different. This is due to the complementary but ignored society-to-biology loop : insecticide spraying leads to biocontrol loss enhancing vulnerability.
Once the system has gone through both loops, the State of the system has changed, enhancing its sensitivity to planthopper infestations. The changed State leads to unexpected Impacts–in particular, the standard Response is no longer capable of reducing the Drivers (the numbers of planthoppers) as
expected. This does not become obvious, however, before a new pressure arises and cannot be understood inside the standard management loop but requires combining it with the society-to-biology loop.
A double-DPSIR scheme is suggested as a heuristic device, and as a communication tool conveying the message in a simplified way. It shows that the Responses of one loop are the Drivers of the other, leading to different conclusions based on different pre-analytical visions.
©
insecticides as adequate Response and yield protection as result.
This view is apparently supported by positive results in the early growth phase,but this short term success is paid for by increased system sensitivity, possibly leading to severe damages in the later stages when a seemingly similar situation is indeed very different. This is due to the complementary but ignored society-to-biology loop : insecticide spraying leads to biocontrol loss enhancing vulnerability.
Once the system has gone through both loops, the State of the system has changed, enhancing its sensitivity to planthopper infestations. The changed State leads to unexpected Impacts–in particular, the standard Response is no longer capable of reducing the Drivers (the numbers of planthoppers) as
expected. This does not become obvious, however, before a new pressure arises and cannot be understood inside the standard management loop but requires combining it with the society-to-biology loop.
A double-DPSIR scheme is suggested as a heuristic device, and as a communication tool conveying the message in a simplified way. It shows that the Responses of one loop are the Drivers of the other, leading to different conclusions based on different pre-analytical visions.
©
Research Interests:
Abstract: The environmental space concept illustrates that socially unsustainable underconsumption must be overcome and environmentally unsustainable overconsumption must be phased out. The planetary boundaries help to quantify the... more
Abstract: The environmental space concept illustrates that socially unsustainable underconsumption must be overcome and environmentally unsustainable overconsumption must be phased out. The planetary boundaries help to quantify the “ceiling,” while the social protection floor concept operationalizes the linea de dignidad, the minimal conditions for a dignified life. In order for Western societies to respect these limits, significant institutional change is needed with respect to both orientations and mechanisms. For the ceiling, this article suggests a shift to an orientation of “better but less” for affluent groups, and toward “enough and better” for those still living in poverty. The corresponding mechanisms include a redistribution of income and wealth, a cap on income, an unconditional minimum income, and a strengthening of democracy. The choice of instruments has to take into account that consumption is to a large degree not an individual but a social act and to employ informational, financial, and legal measures that overcome the preference of decision makers for market instruments. Implementing these changes would alter the fabric of our societies. Important first steps can be taken here and now.
Keywords: resource consumption, democracy, financial management, environmental impacts, public policy
Keywords: resource consumption, democracy, financial management, environmental impacts, public policy
Research Interests: Sustainable Production and Consumption, Planetary Boundaries, Steady-State Economy, Degrowth, Ecological Economics, Evolution of Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Behavioral Change, Human Development, Evolution of Consciousness, Intentional Communities, Grassroots Movements, and Environmental space
Joachim H. Spangenberg. ABSTRACT: "The anthropocene is the age where human influences are determining the development of the planet’s ecosystems and thus the bio-physical basis of future human civilisations. Today China has become the... more
Joachim H. Spangenberg. ABSTRACT: "The anthropocene is the age where human influences are determining the development of the planet’s ecosystems and thus the bio-physical basis of future human civilisations. Today China has become the world’s largest economy and its worst polluter with per capita greenhouse gas emissions surpassing the EU average, the world’s largest consumer of all kinds of resources. Even regarding the aggregate contribution to climate change (historical emission residues included), called the climate debt, China has not yet, but will be most probably climbing the top position rather soon.
At the same time China is the world’s largest victim of environmental change, including air and soil pollution, water and land scarcity, biodiversity loss and climate change. Thus not only slowing down the increase but reducing emissions should be a top priority for China, and it is: the government has taken some bold steps. China is the world’s largest investor in renewable energies, has the largest afforestation program, and leads the world in reducing carbon dioxide emission reduction.
As the largest polluter it has extraordinary opportunities to improve the global state of the environment – is it the world’s last best hope for establishing a global ecological civilisation? Some implications regarding the Chinese environmental policy are discussed, some strengths highlighted and some weaknesses identified.
However, despite their magnitude, the efforts–and in particular their implementation–are not yet sufficient. We suggest three additional steps which could help China to begin reducing its climate debt
within a couple of decades, define a long term perspective for policy planning and adjust its growth model to the challenges of the anthropocene."
At the same time China is the world’s largest victim of environmental change, including air and soil pollution, water and land scarcity, biodiversity loss and climate change. Thus not only slowing down the increase but reducing emissions should be a top priority for China, and it is: the government has taken some bold steps. China is the world’s largest investor in renewable energies, has the largest afforestation program, and leads the world in reducing carbon dioxide emission reduction.
As the largest polluter it has extraordinary opportunities to improve the global state of the environment – is it the world’s last best hope for establishing a global ecological civilisation? Some implications regarding the Chinese environmental policy are discussed, some strengths highlighted and some weaknesses identified.
However, despite their magnitude, the efforts–and in particular their implementation–are not yet sufficient. We suggest three additional steps which could help China to begin reducing its climate debt
within a couple of decades, define a long term perspective for policy planning and adjust its growth model to the challenges of the anthropocene."
Research Interests:
Through the SDGs, the issue of peace and (social) conflict
has finally come home to the sustainability discourse.
However, it has not reached the Degrowth discourse yet
has finally come home to the sustainability discourse.
However, it has not reached the Degrowth discourse yet
Research Interests:
An overview how sustainable development, social and environmental criteria, degrowth, consumption and sufficiency are interrelated
Spangenberg, Joachim H., von Haaren, Christina, Settele, Josef. ABSTRACT: "The ‘cascade model’ of ecosystem service generation and valuation highlights the links between biophysical aspects/biodiversity and human well-being, in... more
Spangenberg, Joachim H., von Haaren, Christina, Settele, Josef.
ABSTRACT: "The ‘cascade model’ of ecosystem service generation and valuation highlights the links between biophysical
aspects/biodiversity and human well-being, in particular for the case of marginal changes, but does not include
societal processes. Services seem to flow effortlessly from ecosystems to beneficiaries, as free gifts of nature.
We integrate such processes, strengthening the model's applicability to non-incremental changes, and to
landscape planning. A process analysis shows how use value attribution turns biophysical ecosystem functions
into ecosystem service potentials which (except for ‘final services’) have to be mobilised to provide ecosystem
services. Once appropriated, these services generate ecosystem benefits which may be commercialised, or not.
The important role of use value attribution for the final (e)valuation of policies, plans and their expected outcome
is illustrated by discussing different service potentials attributed to the same function, biomass provision, and the
different bioenergy services resulting.
For the reverse use of the ‘cascade’ as ‘stairways’ for planning processes, the prevailing uncertainty requires legal
and participative foundations for decision making, and an awareness of the potentially conflicting private and
public interests involved. This reverse application combines with the ‘cascade’ to form a full cycle of ecosystem
services generation and management."
ABSTRACT: "The ‘cascade model’ of ecosystem service generation and valuation highlights the links between biophysical
aspects/biodiversity and human well-being, in particular for the case of marginal changes, but does not include
societal processes. Services seem to flow effortlessly from ecosystems to beneficiaries, as free gifts of nature.
We integrate such processes, strengthening the model's applicability to non-incremental changes, and to
landscape planning. A process analysis shows how use value attribution turns biophysical ecosystem functions
into ecosystem service potentials which (except for ‘final services’) have to be mobilised to provide ecosystem
services. Once appropriated, these services generate ecosystem benefits which may be commercialised, or not.
The important role of use value attribution for the final (e)valuation of policies, plans and their expected outcome
is illustrated by discussing different service potentials attributed to the same function, biomass provision, and the
different bioenergy services resulting.
For the reverse use of the ‘cascade’ as ‘stairways’ for planning processes, the prevailing uncertainty requires legal
and participative foundations for decision making, and an awareness of the potentially conflicting private and
public interests involved. This reverse application combines with the ‘cascade’ to form a full cycle of ecosystem
services generation and management."
Research Interests:
"Joachim H. Spangenberg, Christoph Görg, Dao Thanh Truong, Vera Tekken, Jesus Victor Bustamante & Josef Settele ABSTRACT: Ecosystem services (ESS) are frequently described as nature’s free gift to humankind. However, the first step of... more
"Joachim H. Spangenberg, Christoph Görg, Dao Thanh Truong, Vera Tekken, Jesus Victor Bustamante & Josef Settele
ABSTRACT: Ecosystem services (ESS) are frequently described as nature’s free gift to humankind. However, the first step of ESS and
benefit generation is recognising the usability of structures, processes and outputs of ecosystems. This use-value attribution
transforms the ecosystem functions (ESF) into ecosystem service potentials (ESP). By investing physical resources, energy
and labour, and frequently money as a means to provide them, agents mobilise (part of) the potentials. Cultural, economic
and legal constraints limit the mobilisation. The resulting ESS are appropriated to be directly consumed, exploited to
provide other goods and services, or marketed, resulting in monetary income. Changing use-value attribution leads to
change service potentials, to different mobilisation and appropriation patterns, and different benefits. Human agency, not
ESF determine the services provided. This is illustrated by comparing traditional and current services generated from the
same ecosystem in four countries undergoing socio-economic transitions: Kenya, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
All four cases show that changing habits, preferences and modes of regulation lead to specific services provided. Institutions
such as tradition, belief systems, markets or state planning are the key to understand which ESS are generated from any ESF.
Value attribution, mobilisation and appropriation are key processes."
ABSTRACT: Ecosystem services (ESS) are frequently described as nature’s free gift to humankind. However, the first step of ESS and
benefit generation is recognising the usability of structures, processes and outputs of ecosystems. This use-value attribution
transforms the ecosystem functions (ESF) into ecosystem service potentials (ESP). By investing physical resources, energy
and labour, and frequently money as a means to provide them, agents mobilise (part of) the potentials. Cultural, economic
and legal constraints limit the mobilisation. The resulting ESS are appropriated to be directly consumed, exploited to
provide other goods and services, or marketed, resulting in monetary income. Changing use-value attribution leads to
change service potentials, to different mobilisation and appropriation patterns, and different benefits. Human agency, not
ESF determine the services provided. This is illustrated by comparing traditional and current services generated from the
same ecosystem in four countries undergoing socio-economic transitions: Kenya, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
All four cases show that changing habits, preferences and modes of regulation lead to specific services provided. Institutions
such as tradition, belief systems, markets or state planning are the key to understand which ESS are generated from any ESF.
Value attribution, mobilisation and appropriation are key processes."
Research Interests:
Settele J, Kühn I, Klotz S, Arida G, Bergmeier E, Burkhard B, Bustamante JV, Dao Thanh Truong, Escalada M, Görg C, Grescho V, Ho Van Chien, Heong KL, Hirneisen N, Hotes S, Jahn R, Klotzbücher T, Marion G, Marquez L, Marxen A, Moritz R,... more
Settele J, Kühn I, Klotz S, Arida G, Bergmeier E, Burkhard B, Bustamante JV, Dao Thanh Truong, Escalada M, Görg C, Grescho V, Ho Van Chien, Heong KL, Hirneisen N, Hotes S, Jahn R, Klotzbücher T, Marion G, Marquez L, Marxen A, Moritz R, Müller F, Nguyen Van Sinh, Ott J, Penev L, Rodriguez‐Labajos B, Schädler M, Scheu S, Seppelt R, Stoev P, Tscharntke T, Tekken V, Thonicke K, Vetterlein D, Vidal S, Villareal S, Weisser WW, Westphal C, Wiemers M, Spangenberg JH
Research Interests:
"In 1992, one unambiguous result of the UNCED conference was the need for changing consumption and production patterns, with affluent countries taking the lead. 20 years later, at the 2012 UNCSD, little is left over and instead the... more
"In 1992, one unambiguous result of the UNCED conference was the need for changing
consumption and production patterns, with affluent countries taking the lead. 20 years later, at the
2012 UNCSD, little is left over and instead the "green economy" has been the theme pursued by the
OECD, the EU and other countries. So the question needs to be answered if this is finally an attempt to
put into practice what was promised 20 years ago, or another diversion from what needs to be
accomplished.
Sustainable development is still a convincing concept, if the original definition is taken, avoiding the
confusion caused by partisan interests reinterpreting the concept. Focussing on human needs
fulfilment and respecting environmental limits, it can still guide strong sustainable consumption. Green
economy/green growth, on the other hand, is a new terminology for what is known since 40 years as
ecological modernisation. It is indeed overdue, but with its focus on efficiency and innovation it cannot
guarantee to fulfil the Brundtland sustainability criteria. A factor analysis based on the I=P*A*T
formula demonstrates how optimistic the assumptions regarding future technologies must be to
support the green growth concept. Consequently, the authors pledge for a pragmatic, risk avoiding
approach by slimming the physical size of the economy. This requires 'strong sustainable consumption'
(including production as resource consumption), which in turn requires a change of the societies'
institutional settings (formal and informal, mechanisms and orientations).
Finally some elements of a strategy towards this end are pointed out, with special emphasis on the role
of non-governmental organisations NGOs. Through networking and advocacy they can both stimulate
bottom-up action and mobilise the pressure necessary for the institutional changes which are needed
to mainstream strong sustainable consumption."
consumption and production patterns, with affluent countries taking the lead. 20 years later, at the
2012 UNCSD, little is left over and instead the "green economy" has been the theme pursued by the
OECD, the EU and other countries. So the question needs to be answered if this is finally an attempt to
put into practice what was promised 20 years ago, or another diversion from what needs to be
accomplished.
Sustainable development is still a convincing concept, if the original definition is taken, avoiding the
confusion caused by partisan interests reinterpreting the concept. Focussing on human needs
fulfilment and respecting environmental limits, it can still guide strong sustainable consumption. Green
economy/green growth, on the other hand, is a new terminology for what is known since 40 years as
ecological modernisation. It is indeed overdue, but with its focus on efficiency and innovation it cannot
guarantee to fulfil the Brundtland sustainability criteria. A factor analysis based on the I=P*A*T
formula demonstrates how optimistic the assumptions regarding future technologies must be to
support the green growth concept. Consequently, the authors pledge for a pragmatic, risk avoiding
approach by slimming the physical size of the economy. This requires 'strong sustainable consumption'
(including production as resource consumption), which in turn requires a change of the societies'
institutional settings (formal and informal, mechanisms and orientations).
Finally some elements of a strategy towards this end are pointed out, with special emphasis on the role
of non-governmental organisations NGOs. Through networking and advocacy they can both stimulate
bottom-up action and mobilise the pressure necessary for the institutional changes which are needed
to mainstream strong sustainable consumption."
Research Interests:
Environmental scientists employ political and economic arguments to argue for the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecosystem services. However, the economic terminology has a number of connotations which makes its... more
Environmental scientists employ political and economic arguments to argue for the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecosystem services. However, the economic terminology has a number of connotations which makes its usefulness for the intended effect questionable.On the one hand, the basic assumptions underlying economic valuation are far from realistic and represent rather a caricature of human behaviour. On the other hand, the methods based on these assumptions are manifold and lead to wildly diverging results. Thus the calculated value of ecosystems and their services is not a robust figure, but varies with the valuation method applied (plus a plethora of subjective assumptions). As a result, it is not possible to ‘objectively’ calculate the value of ecosystem services. Fortunately, it is also not necessary to do so. Given the inherent flaws of the valuation process, it seems more promising for biodiversity and its conservation to restrict the economic calculus to the role of a contribution in the implementation process for a set of politically defined targets, rather than using it as the target setting mechanism itself.The paper lists some of the core assumptions, presents a systematic overview of the most relevant valuation methods, illustrates them by providing examples and discusses their limitations. As an alternative, political target setting is suggested, based on a multi-stakeholder, multi-criteria analysis. Market prices play a role in this analysis, as one factor amongst others. For the implementation, cost-effectiveness analysis gives important hints, and economic instruments – inter alia – can play an important role as enforcement mechanisms. However, incentives should be based on criteria of (potential) effectiveness, not on value calculations.
Research Interests:
For sustainable development, accepting limits is one of the two guiding principles identified by the Brundtland Commission (the other one being satisfying human needs). This can be achieved by slimming an economy, limiting the total... more
For sustainable development, accepting limits is one of the two guiding principles identified by the Brundtland Commission (the other one being satisfying human needs).
This can be achieved by slimming an economy, limiting the total amount of resources it consumes. While stabilizing resource consumption at the present levels seems to be a minor challenge, dematerializing the economy sufficiently to allow for equitable consumption
of all the Earth’s citizens, while reducing environmental pressures significantly, is a
major challenge.
A means to implement this could be a cap to resource use, combined with access allocation mechanisms not specified in this paper. With a depreciation of the input volumes, the result would be a change in the economic dynamics, and in the very functioning of the respective society and economy. Distribution issues would gain prominence, social security would be a key concern, private property would need to be complemented by a more efficient method of product use such as product sharing, and corporate ownership structures might change significantly.
It has been questioned whether such a resource-limited economy could still be a market-driven one. By identifying some of the objections as based not on reality but on methodological flaws of economic theory, it can be shown that a market economy can
survive such transformations, albeit with the need to complement it by other allocation mechanisms.
The resulting society might still be called a capitalist one; it would significantly differ from current capitalism, but not resemble past socialist economies. Rather than categorizing it as one or the other, or than deriving new ‘-isms’, the discussion should focus on the practical means to pursue the sustainable transformation of our societies and economies.
This can be achieved by slimming an economy, limiting the total amount of resources it consumes. While stabilizing resource consumption at the present levels seems to be a minor challenge, dematerializing the economy sufficiently to allow for equitable consumption
of all the Earth’s citizens, while reducing environmental pressures significantly, is a
major challenge.
A means to implement this could be a cap to resource use, combined with access allocation mechanisms not specified in this paper. With a depreciation of the input volumes, the result would be a change in the economic dynamics, and in the very functioning of the respective society and economy. Distribution issues would gain prominence, social security would be a key concern, private property would need to be complemented by a more efficient method of product use such as product sharing, and corporate ownership structures might change significantly.
It has been questioned whether such a resource-limited economy could still be a market-driven one. By identifying some of the objections as based not on reality but on methodological flaws of economic theory, it can be shown that a market economy can
survive such transformations, albeit with the need to complement it by other allocation mechanisms.
The resulting society might still be called a capitalist one; it would significantly differ from current capitalism, but not resemble past socialist economies. Rather than categorizing it as one or the other, or than deriving new ‘-isms’, the discussion should focus on the practical means to pursue the sustainable transformation of our societies and economies.
Research Interests:
Falck, W.E., Spangenberg, J.H. "The EO-Miners (http://www.eo-miners.eu) project established structured stakeholder dialogue processes at three demonstration sites in the Czech Republic, Kyrgystan and South Africa for the selection... more
Falck, W.E., Spangenberg, J.H.
"The EO-Miners (http://www.eo-miners.eu) project
established structured stakeholder dialogue
processes at three demonstration sites in the
Czech Republic, Kyrgystan and South Africa
for the selection of Earth Observation (EO)
technologies suitable to inform comprehensive
decision-finding procedures and processes for
the mining sector. The key paradigm is to not
use a top-down approach in selecting the issues
to be observed, but to involve as many groups
of non-technical, as well as technical stakeholders.
It is suggested as an example of a successful,
stakeholder-need rather than (only) expertjudgment
driven processes for EO-technology
selection and deployment. Results to date point
to a need to better inform non-technical stakeholders
about the possibilities offered by EO,
and the challenge for EO experts to adapt to
non-technical requirement formulations. It is
envisaged to consolidate these diverging needs
and expectations through structured deliberation
processes at the demonstration sites."
"The EO-Miners (http://www.eo-miners.eu) project
established structured stakeholder dialogue
processes at three demonstration sites in the
Czech Republic, Kyrgystan and South Africa
for the selection of Earth Observation (EO)
technologies suitable to inform comprehensive
decision-finding procedures and processes for
the mining sector. The key paradigm is to not
use a top-down approach in selecting the issues
to be observed, but to involve as many groups
of non-technical, as well as technical stakeholders.
It is suggested as an example of a successful,
stakeholder-need rather than (only) expertjudgment
driven processes for EO-technology
selection and deployment. Results to date point
to a need to better inform non-technical stakeholders
about the possibilities offered by EO,
and the challenge for EO experts to adapt to
non-technical requirement formulations. It is
envisaged to consolidate these diverging needs
and expectations through structured deliberation
processes at the demonstration sites."
"Sustainability science has developed from a new research field into a vibrant discipline in its own right, with scientific conferences, journals and scientific societies dedicated to its pursuit. Characterized more by its research... more
"Sustainability science has developed from a new research field into a vibrant discipline in its own right, with scientific conferences, journals and scientific societies dedicated to its pursuit.
Characterized more by its research purpose than by a common set of methods or objects, sustainability science can be subdivided into the more traditional disciplinary-based science for sustainability and the trans-disciplinary science of sustainability. Whereas the former consists of more descriptive, analytical and basic science, the latter is characterized by reflexivity and applicability; on a meta level, the emergence of the latter can be understood as a new step in the evolution of science. This review provides
an overview of the state of sustainability science, identifying action orientation, integrated assessments and interdisciplinarity as overall characteristics.
The review also focuses on methodological issues, highlighting differences in project organization and management, and the ways in which stakeholder
participation can be organized in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects. Sustainability science is recognized as essential for progress towards sustainability, and as an opportunity to bring science closer to the people, requiring significant changes in the way science is organized and conducted.
Keywords:
extended peer community, post normal science, research management, science policy interface, sustainability science, transdisciplinarity"
Characterized more by its research purpose than by a common set of methods or objects, sustainability science can be subdivided into the more traditional disciplinary-based science for sustainability and the trans-disciplinary science of sustainability. Whereas the former consists of more descriptive, analytical and basic science, the latter is characterized by reflexivity and applicability; on a meta level, the emergence of the latter can be understood as a new step in the evolution of science. This review provides
an overview of the state of sustainability science, identifying action orientation, integrated assessments and interdisciplinarity as overall characteristics.
The review also focuses on methodological issues, highlighting differences in project organization and management, and the ways in which stakeholder
participation can be organized in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects. Sustainability science is recognized as essential for progress towards sustainability, and as an opportunity to bring science closer to the people, requiring significant changes in the way science is organized and conducted.
Keywords:
extended peer community, post normal science, research management, science policy interface, sustainability science, transdisciplinarity"
The Green Economy is a another attempt to put ecological modernisation on the negotiation table. Based on neoclassical environmental economics, it offers a comprehensive world view and potential environmental improvements. However, it has... more
The Green Economy is a another attempt to put ecological modernisation on the negotiation table. Based on neoclassical environmental economics, it offers a comprehensive world view and potential environmental improvements. However, it has two main flaws: the first one is the world view/metaphysics that the environment is part of the economy instead of vice versa, turning all natural goods and services into commodities. The second flaw is a lack of understanding thermodynamics; environmental economics is built upon the mechanistic world view inherent to neoclassical economics.
The paper explains the concepts and their weaknesses and explains why ecological economics offers a viable alternative.
In Rio de Janeiro the Green Economy has played a minor role - some countries did not care for the environment at all, others were opposed to binding agreements, and still others rejected it due to the strategy of privatisation and commodification it suggested: the tools killed the strategy they were suggested to implement.
For more background about the Rio discussions and conflicts see the paper "Rio+20 - hardly a plus" on this page.
The paper explains the concepts and their weaknesses and explains why ecological economics offers a viable alternative.
In Rio de Janeiro the Green Economy has played a minor role - some countries did not care for the environment at all, others were opposed to binding agreements, and still others rejected it due to the strategy of privatisation and commodification it suggested: the tools killed the strategy they were suggested to implement.
For more background about the Rio discussions and conflicts see the paper "Rio+20 - hardly a plus" on this page.
Research Interests: Green Economy & Green Jobs Perspectives, Steady-State Economy, Degrowth, Ecological Economics, Evolution of Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Behavioral Change, Human Development, Evolution of Consciousness, Intentional Communities, Grassroots Movements, Environmental Economics, Ecological Economics, Green Economy, Green Economy, Sustainable Development, and Green Eco
Editorial of the open access special issue of GEB, introducing the overall approach and the individual papers
Part 2 of the previous presentation (academia could not handle it as one file)
Research Interests:
The role of sufficiency, sustainable consumption and degrowth in the wider sustainable development context
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The presentation deals with two issues: Which is the niche of economic valuation in the broad field of values known from philosophy? And what does that imply, and the definitions of economics itself, for the economic valuation of nature?... more
The presentation deals with two issues: Which is the niche of economic valuation in the broad field of values known from philosophy? And what does that imply, and the definitions of economics itself, for the economic valuation of nature? Result: there is a place for legitimate and methodologically sound application of economics, but the niche is a pretty narrow one, much less far reaching than most economists imagine.
Research Interests:
Scientists talk of “ecosystem services” and their economic value when arguingarguing for the conservation of biodiversity. The limits to this line of argumentation are analysed based on the philosophy of values (axiology), exploring... more
Scientists talk of “ecosystem services” and their economic value when arguingarguing for the conservation of biodiversity. The limits to this line of argumentation are analysed based on the philosophy of values (axiology), exploring different kinds of values and discussing which of them can be adequately described with economic methods. The three promises of economic valuation, raising awareness in polity, saving biodiversity by internalising external cost, and contributing to better decisions are assessed and turn out to be more than questionable. Finally, the niche is defined where economic valuation makes sense, taking into account the restrictions from the axiological and the economic analysis
Research Interests:
In theory, valuation changes politics and management. In realty, this is hardly observed. Economists claim that this must be irrational. However, in fact it is rational, and mainstream economists are irrational, and fighting with allmeans... more
In theory, valuation changes politics and management. In realty, this is hardly observed. Economists claim that this must be irrational. However, in fact it is rational, and mainstream economists are irrational, and fighting with allmeans to defend their hegemony at all cost
Research Interests:
Preceiving ESS as something provided by nature is the naturalism fallacy, and risks confusing is and ought. From defining service potentials to the allocation of benefits human agency plays a key role in (co-)producing ESS.... more
Preceiving ESS as something provided by nature is the naturalism fallacy, and risks confusing is and ought. From defining service potentials to the allocation of benefits human agency plays a key role in (co-)producing ESS. Banaue/Philippines and Rio de Janeiro are used to illustrate the point.
Research Interests:
Using the Brundtland definition of sustainable development as a yardstick, two questions are asked: do biofuels help satifying human needs, in particular those of the world's poor, and do they contribute to respecting the limitations set... more
Using the Brundtland definition of sustainable development as a yardstick, two questions are asked: do biofuels help satifying human needs, in particular those of the world's poor, and do they contribute to respecting the limitations set by the carrying capacity of the earth's ecosystems?
The answer is scale dependent: small scale, on-farm or in-city biomass use, in particular of waste biomass, can be useful (but is not automatically so). Commercial biomass planting has a number of downsides making it questionable if it can be undertaken sustainably at all. Biorefineries, based on landscape-wide operations, cannot be sustainable at all.
Using arguments from one scale to defend or citicise operations on another scale is meaningless and should be avoided at all times and in all circumstances.
The answer is scale dependent: small scale, on-farm or in-city biomass use, in particular of waste biomass, can be useful (but is not automatically so). Commercial biomass planting has a number of downsides making it questionable if it can be undertaken sustainably at all. Biorefineries, based on landscape-wide operations, cannot be sustainable at all.
Using arguments from one scale to defend or citicise operations on another scale is meaningless and should be avoided at all times and in all circumstances.
Research Interests:
Current ecosystem service (ESS) research mostly ignores agency, risking to fall into the trap of a naturalist fallacy of confusing what is with what ought to be. The SES framework of E. Ostrom and collaborators offers the opportunity, if... more
Current ecosystem service (ESS) research mostly ignores agency, risking to fall into the trap of a naturalist fallacy of confusing what is with what ought to be.
The SES framework of E. Ostrom and collaborators offers the opportunity, if combined with a modified ESS cascade including agents, to properly address this shortcoming and include social processes into ESS research, based on an empirically rich if theretically still dynamically developing field of research.
The SES framework of E. Ostrom and collaborators offers the opportunity, if combined with a modified ESS cascade including agents, to properly address this shortcoming and include social processes into ESS research, based on an empirically rich if theretically still dynamically developing field of research.
Research Interests:
Ecosystem Service theory so far neglects issues of agency, leading to the risk of confusing what is and what ought to be, the naturalistic fallacy which also underpinned social darwinism. Adding agents helps overcoming this. The... more
Ecosystem Service theory so far neglects issues of agency, leading to the risk of confusing what is and what ought to be, the naturalistic fallacy which also underpinned social darwinism.
Adding agents helps overcoming this. The extended, socially conscious ESS Cascade is shown to be a suitable if innovative way of describing a variety of environmental conflicts, in particular the ITT Yasuni "oil in the ground" vs. biodiversity and indigenous livelihood conflict.
Adding agents helps overcoming this. The extended, socially conscious ESS Cascade is shown to be a suitable if innovative way of describing a variety of environmental conflicts, in particular the ITT Yasuni "oil in the ground" vs. biodiversity and indigenous livelihood conflict.
Research Interests: Environmental Conflicts Resolution, Environmental Justice, Ecosystems Services, Management of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services, Environmental Justice, Indigenous Rights, Water Rights, and 4 moreSocio-Environmental Conflicts, Environmental Conflicts, Social and Environmental Justice, and Non market Valuation of Ecosystem Goods and Services
Better life usually means more of the same, while good life prioritises the quality of life over the level of consumer goods (while of course a certain level is necessary)
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The circular economy is a spontaneously appealing metaphore, but phyically impossible. So is the bio-based economy. Although closing loops and promoting renewables is important, it will not solve our problems unless we go for massive... more
The circular economy is a spontaneously appealing metaphore, but phyically impossible. So is the bio-based economy. Although closing loops and promoting renewables is important, it will not solve our problems unless we go for massive dematerialisation, and a change of world views from productivism to reproduction, and from society and environment being a part of the economy to the opposite. This affects values, rules and policies significantly. Some conlusions are drawn.
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To avoid the misperception that ecopsystem service benefits and their current distribution are just "natural" (a kind of social Darwinism revisited), attention to the social processes involved in co-producing ESS is valuable. A political... more
To avoid the misperception that ecopsystem service benefits and their current distribution are just "natural" (a kind of social Darwinism revisited), attention to the social processes involved in co-producing ESS is valuable. A political economy view on ecosystem services generation, distribution and valuation.
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Rights of future generations is a frequently hear metaphor in the sustainability discourse. But what does that mean concretely, how can it be morally and ethically substantiated, which criteria should be applied, and how can it be... more
Rights of future generations is a frequently hear metaphor in the sustainability discourse. But what does that mean concretely, how can it be morally and ethically substantiated, which criteria should be applied, and how can it be operationalised?
We argue that although necessarily vague, such rights are justified, and the counterarguments more refer to the prevailing uncertainty than to the basic concept.
Regarding operationalisation, we conclude that this must be done by defining obligations for the present generation, and enshrine the in all levels of institutions (orientations, mechanisms, organisations) and across all dimensions of sustainability )social, environmental, institutional and economic).
Maybe the best know attempt to operationalise responsibility for the future is Ombuspersons - an institution positively eveluated by the World Future Council. However, we see serious shortcomings and suggest a different model, a plug-in into the democratic decision making process with a delay function. This safeguards legitimacy, enhances sensitivite and improves transparency regarding which role future concerns have played in decision making.
We argue that although necessarily vague, such rights are justified, and the counterarguments more refer to the prevailing uncertainty than to the basic concept.
Regarding operationalisation, we conclude that this must be done by defining obligations for the present generation, and enshrine the in all levels of institutions (orientations, mechanisms, organisations) and across all dimensions of sustainability )social, environmental, institutional and economic).
Maybe the best know attempt to operationalise responsibility for the future is Ombuspersons - an institution positively eveluated by the World Future Council. However, we see serious shortcomings and suggest a different model, a plug-in into the democratic decision making process with a delay function. This safeguards legitimacy, enhances sensitivite and improves transparency regarding which role future concerns have played in decision making.
Research Interests:
An interdisciplinary description of changes to disciplinary thinking and methods implied by suctainability science
Research Interests:
Aus einer Vielzahl von Gründen ist plausibel, dass ohne eine Verschlankung der Wirtschaft (Reduktion ihrer physischen Größe) Umwelt- und Klimaziele nicht erreichbar sind. Mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit wird eine ausreichende Reduzierung der... more
Aus einer Vielzahl von Gründen ist plausibel, dass ohne eine Verschlankung der Wirtschaft (Reduktion ihrer physischen Größe) Umwelt- und Klimaziele nicht erreichbar sind. Mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit wird eine ausreichende Reduzierung der physischen Durchsätze auch eine Reduktion des BIP bedeuten. Da innerökonomische Mechanismen das physische Wachstum zwar bremsen, aber nicht aufhalten können, ist das Ziel nur mit außerökonomischen Maßnahmen zu erreichen - wir betrachten hier eine extern, also politisch gesetzte Begrenzung der der Wirtschaft zur Verfügung stehenden Ressource. Das ist aber nicht, wie manche annahmen, automatisch das Ende des Kapitalismus, sondern führt eher zu einer Markt- und Konkurrenzwirtschaft mit hohen sozialen Spannungen, Verteilungsproblemen und massiven Umorientierungen von Produktion und Konsum, wenn ein drastisch sinkender Lebensstandard vermieden werden soll. Die Präsentation zeigt sowohl grundlegende Überlegungen wie illustrative Beispiele.
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Sustainability Science requires transdisciplinarity, and transdisciplinary science requires stakeholder participation. This in turn requires identify the benefits and risks for both parties involved. Having done so, participation offers... more
Sustainability Science requires transdisciplinarity, and transdisciplinary science requires stakeholder participation. This in turn requires identify the benefits and risks for both parties involved.
Having done so, participation offers essential, and otherwise inaccessible results, demonstrates the weakness of theory driven assessments (in particular farmers world wide hold other values than economic ones), and thus permits developing more effective policies.
Having done so, participation offers essential, and otherwise inaccessible results, demonstrates the weakness of theory driven assessments (in particular farmers world wide hold other values than economic ones), and thus permits developing more effective policies.
Research Interests:
The EEB, at its 40th anniversary event, asked a panel of experts (Commission, OECD, science) if we need "Incremental Change or Paradigm Shift?" The unanimous answer was"Defdinitely, paradigm shift is needed", but there was doubt whether... more
The EEB, at its 40th anniversary event, asked a panel of experts (Commission, OECD, science) if we need "Incremental Change or Paradigm Shift?" The unanimous answer was"Defdinitely, paradigm shift is needed", but there was doubt whether we get it.
The presentation refers to the now proven first corssing of a long known tipping point, the irreversible melting of the West Antarctic Ice Shield, as a game changer: regarding this tipping point, the time for precaution is over, the opportunity missed, we cannot do anything but adapt to 2 m sea level rise in this and more in the next century, like it or not.
This should have triggered a wave of public pressure directed at the Lima and Paris climate negotiations to make sure such crossing of tipping points never happens again, but media and politics alike seem to shy away from admitting failure and from reporting the fact that the date of last opportunity of avoiding the massive impacts has now passed into history: the boomerang will come back and hit, and we can do nothing but try to adapt.
This evidence of policy failure is the elephant in the living nobody dares talking about, instead of being a wake up call to mobilise all political will to make sure it never happens again.
The presentation refers to the now proven first corssing of a long known tipping point, the irreversible melting of the West Antarctic Ice Shield, as a game changer: regarding this tipping point, the time for precaution is over, the opportunity missed, we cannot do anything but adapt to 2 m sea level rise in this and more in the next century, like it or not.
This should have triggered a wave of public pressure directed at the Lima and Paris climate negotiations to make sure such crossing of tipping points never happens again, but media and politics alike seem to shy away from admitting failure and from reporting the fact that the date of last opportunity of avoiding the massive impacts has now passed into history: the boomerang will come back and hit, and we can do nothing but try to adapt.
This evidence of policy failure is the elephant in the living nobody dares talking about, instead of being a wake up call to mobilise all political will to make sure it never happens again.
Research Interests:
Can rights to a Green Future be defined? Certainly not legal rights, nor legal liabilities of current humans, if their life spans do not overlap. So what we have is a moral right that we follow a "cease doing harm" maxim, i.e. an... more
Can rights to a Green Future be defined? Certainly not legal rights, nor legal liabilities of current humans, if their life spans do not overlap. So what we have is a moral right that we follow a "cease doing harm" maxim, i.e. an obligation within the current generation, to be enforced here and now.
One attempt of doing so have been ombudspersons, in different countries, but they suffered from lack of capabilities to intervene into the policy process.
The mechanism presented here is intended to demonstrate that such institutional innovations are possible without weakening the democratic system, but rather strengthening it. While of course not the only possible institutional mechanism to the end of deeply anchoring future concerns into current politics, the proposal shows that such a mechanism is conceivable. Opponents cannot reject the possibility but should come forward with better proposals to the same end...
One attempt of doing so have been ombudspersons, in different countries, but they suffered from lack of capabilities to intervene into the policy process.
The mechanism presented here is intended to demonstrate that such institutional innovations are possible without weakening the democratic system, but rather strengthening it. While of course not the only possible institutional mechanism to the end of deeply anchoring future concerns into current politics, the proposal shows that such a mechanism is conceivable. Opponents cannot reject the possibility but should come forward with better proposals to the same end...
Research Interests:
medSpring is a policy dialogue to enhance the cooperation of the EUROMED zone in the field of research and its application. Research policy is always part of the general political environment, influencing bot research conduct and the... more
medSpring is a policy dialogue to enhance the cooperation of the EUROMED zone in the field of research and its application. Research policy is always part of the general political environment, influencing bot research conduct and the implementation of research results. This triangle, however, lacks a number of feedbacks necessary to make it a learning institutional setting.
The presentation discusses all three elements, and the problems and opportunities they provide.
The presentation discusses all three elements, and the problems and opportunities they provide.
The APPEAL project analyses the biocontrol ecosystem service ESS, taking aphids on wheat as its demonstration case. In Scania, all farmers were aware of the risk, and loss averse. Conventional farmers srayed immediately, flower strip... more
The APPEAL project analyses the biocontrol ecosystem service ESS, taking aphids on wheat as its demonstration case. In Scania, all farmers were aware of the risk, and loss averse. Conventional farmers srayed immediately, flower strip farmers when thresholds were surpassed. Organic farmers, necessarily less risk averse, relied on biocontrol accepting a certain level of losses.
While economic concerns were omnipresent as a background issue (farms have to survive economically), they played no role in the interviews when describing day-to-day decision making; nobody had undertaken a cost-benefit analysis CBA regarding the usefulness of insecticide spraying.
An analysis of farmers' value systems shows that they go far beyond those economic criteria constituting the Total Economic Value, to include non-monetary values.
The conclusion to policy makers are straightforward: money is an important incentive, but to be effective it has to be combined with legal frames and social acknowledgements
While economic concerns were omnipresent as a background issue (farms have to survive economically), they played no role in the interviews when describing day-to-day decision making; nobody had undertaken a cost-benefit analysis CBA regarding the usefulness of insecticide spraying.
An analysis of farmers' value systems shows that they go far beyond those economic criteria constituting the Total Economic Value, to include non-monetary values.
The conclusion to policy makers are straightforward: money is an important incentive, but to be effective it has to be combined with legal frames and social acknowledgements
Research Interests:
Climate change, biodiversity loss, the transgression of planetary boundaries and the accelerating exhaustion of resources are challenges no nation can solve alone. It is time for cooperation to replace imperial attitudes. It is high time... more
Climate change, biodiversity loss, the transgression of planetary boundaries and the accelerating exhaustion of resources are challenges no nation can solve alone. It is time for cooperation to replace imperial attitudes. It is high time for a new policy of détente. This may lead to and/or requires system changes within the current nation states, a sustainability trabsition which not on the agenda (although on the lips) of decision makers worldwide.
Research Interests:
Sustainability science (both science of and for sustainability) requires new concepts, new epistomologies, new methods and new attitudes to generate new and relevant insights. some key elements are presented.
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The ecosystem service cascade describes the flow of services from nature to society. In the revised version we published recently, it indicates the socio-economic processes co-generating the services (Spangenberg et al. 2014a, b), links... more
The ecosystem service cascade describes the flow of services from nature to society. In the revised version we published recently, it indicates the socio-economic processes co-generating the services (Spangenberg et al. 2014a, b), links them to social conflicts and environmental justice (see the Reykjavik presentation) and deals with trade offs between services and beneficiaries (see BfN presentation 2013). Here we look at forest ESS in relation to urban beneficieries.
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It has been argued that with an end to economic growth, stock markets would collapse, firms stop investing and banks cancel lending. These are misperceptions based on outdated economic theory - however, as permanent increase of stock... more
It has been argued that with an end to economic growth, stock markets would collapse, firms stop investing and banks cancel lending. These are misperceptions based on outdated economic theory - however, as permanent increase of stock market values will not continue, low pensions become a serious social problem to be dealt with - probably better in pay-as-you-go schemes than in private investment schemes.
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Although related at first glance with common concepts and a sense for sophisticated model, at a closer look both disciplines follow distinct ontologies, which makes them to a large degree incommensurable. This limits the usefulness of... more
Although related at first glance with common concepts and a sense for sophisticated model, at a closer look both disciplines follow distinct ontologies, which makes them to a large degree incommensurable. This limits the usefulness of economic concepts to ecological analysis as much as to applied nature and biodiversity protection. Ecological economics tries to bridge that gap.
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Ecosystem services (ESS) is becoming a mainstream concept. However, it suffers from the neglect of social and political processes involved in bringing about ecosystem services (see our recent papers in Ecological Economics 104: 22–32.... more
Ecosystem services (ESS) is becoming a mainstream concept. However, it suffers from the neglect of social and political processes involved in bringing about ecosystem services (see our recent papers in Ecological Economics 104: 22–32. and . Int. J. Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management 10(1): 40-53, the latter open access).
Environmental justice is focused on such processes and their implications, but has made little inroads into the public discourse so far. Combining both concepts can help overcoming weaknesses in the ESS concept, avoid negative impacts in applying it, and raise awareness for the importance of environmental justice issues.
Environmental justice is focused on such processes and their implications, but has made little inroads into the public discourse so far. Combining both concepts can help overcoming weaknesses in the ESS concept, avoid negative impacts in applying it, and raise awareness for the importance of environmental justice issues.
There are many caveats when it comes to valuing, in monetary terms, goods which have both no market value and other kinds of values. So the question is: in which cases does an economic valuation make sense? The presentation starts with a... more
There are many caveats when it comes to valuing, in monetary terms, goods which have both no market value and other kinds of values. So the question is: in which cases does an economic valuation make sense? The presentation starts with a critical assessment of valuation and then tries to indicate which are the circumstances under which monetary valuation would lead to better decisions.
"Valuation can be helpful to find a preferable choice for plans and policies in cases where not other factors have clearly indicated the best option. To be able to do so, valuation must - be based on a solid economic basis (e.g. not... more
"Valuation can be helpful to find a preferable choice for plans and policies in cases where not other factors have clearly indicated the best option.
To be able to do so, valuation must
- be based on a solid economic basis (e.g. not adding up money values based on different value definitions such as prices and WTP data, which are price plus consumer/producer surplus, or using stated preference data for national accounting which is price-based), and
- provide unambiguous results, i.e. the error margins must be explicit throughout the calculation, and for each choice to be made the results must be distinct, i.e. the error margins must not overlap with different option. In that case the economically best solution can be unambiguously determined, which may be one important information in the decision making process."
To be able to do so, valuation must
- be based on a solid economic basis (e.g. not adding up money values based on different value definitions such as prices and WTP data, which are price plus consumer/producer surplus, or using stated preference data for national accounting which is price-based), and
- provide unambiguous results, i.e. the error margins must be explicit throughout the calculation, and for each choice to be made the results must be distinct, i.e. the error margins must not overlap with different option. In that case the economically best solution can be unambiguously determined, which may be one important information in the decision making process."
Research Interests:
Based on the WCED definition of sustainable development, the presentation draws conclusions for what is the core mission of sustainability science, what this means for multi-dimensional and multi-level research, the future of economics,... more
Based on the WCED definition of sustainable development, the presentation draws conclusions for what is the core mission of sustainability science, what this means for multi-dimensional and multi-level research, the future of economics, and the scientific tools in use. While not claiming comprehernsiveness, the presentation has the ambition to provide enough substance for the reader to by able to participate in sustainability debates.
Research Interests:
Complementing the GRI Indicators by an interlinkage indicator of the social and the economic dimension, based on a projection of the HDI approach on the company level
Research Interests:
Ökonomie und Nachhaltigkeit - die Wirtschaft und die Wirtschaftswissenschaft, positiv und normativ.
Auswirkung unterschiedlicher Ontologien auf die Wahrnehmung von Landnutzung und Konsuum
Auswirkung unterschiedlicher Ontologien auf die Wahrnehmung von Landnutzung und Konsuum
Research Interests:
"Environmental SDGs must refer to targets, not processes: common but differentiated responsibility requires joint targets and diverse processes. SDGs must stress respecting the planetary boundaries, and call for change in consumption and... more
"Environmental SDGs must refer to targets, not processes: common but differentiated responsibility requires joint targets and diverse processes.
SDGs must stress respecting the planetary boundaries, and call for change in consumption and production, in particular in agriculture.
Economic growth is no way out for all, and access and justice become ever more important.
Markets are a tool to be used and no end in thermselves."
SDGs must stress respecting the planetary boundaries, and call for change in consumption and production, in particular in agriculture.
Economic growth is no way out for all, and access and justice become ever more important.
Markets are a tool to be used and no end in thermselves."
1 The environmental economics approach isa based upon a flawed ontology - it cannot be improved but shhould be given up for a human- and nature centred economics. 2 Ecosystem services can be a useful concept when used in a sustainable... more
1 The environmental economics approach isa based upon a flawed ontology - it cannot be improved but shhould be given up for a human- and nature centred economics.
2 Ecosystem services can be a useful concept when used in a sustainable development framework. Monetising ecosystem services can be more more threat than help, and probably in the long run is necessarily so.
3 Sustainable consumption has a role to play, but through social processes more than through market price stimulation
2 Ecosystem services can be a useful concept when used in a sustainable development framework. Monetising ecosystem services can be more more threat than help, and probably in the long run is necessarily so.
3 Sustainable consumption has a role to play, but through social processes more than through market price stimulation
Sa Pa needs quality tourism, not mass tourism, but this requires an upgrade of the human (education & training) and built infrastructure (hotels, signposts, roads, restaurants).
Research Interests:
"China is not only the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, but has surpassed European per capita emission levels and is about to accumulate the highest long-term climate of all nations. Government efforts to increase production... more
"China is not only the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, but has surpassed European per capita emission levels and is about to accumulate the highest long-term climate of all nations. Government efforts to increase production efficiency and sensitise the public fall short of climate necessities.
A focus on methane emisssion reduction could help to effectively reduce climate impacts while buying time for ambitious CO2 reduction policies."
A focus on methane emisssion reduction could help to effectively reduce climate impacts while buying time for ambitious CO2 reduction policies."
Research Interests:
1. For effective planning, demand analysis is as important as supply. 2. Both ecosystems and demands are spatially heterogenous; their analysis must be spatially excplicit. 3. Complex multi-level, multi-scale interactions must be... more
1. For effective planning, demand analysis is as important as supply.
2. Both ecosystems and demands are spatially heterogenous; their analysis must be spatially excplicit.
3. Complex multi-level, multi-scale interactions must be taken into account.
4. Standard methods risk misguiding conclusions as they do not cover this complexity.
5. Methodology development is urgent.
6. In ecosytem service analysis, understanding the system and its multiple services, potentials and their interactions must come first.
Monetisation comes last – if at all necessary
2. Both ecosystems and demands are spatially heterogenous; their analysis must be spatially excplicit.
3. Complex multi-level, multi-scale interactions must be taken into account.
4. Standard methods risk misguiding conclusions as they do not cover this complexity.
5. Methodology development is urgent.
6. In ecosytem service analysis, understanding the system and its multiple services, potentials and their interactions must come first.
Monetisation comes last – if at all necessary
"Insecticide spraying has become a behavioural routine: whenever some insects are seen, spraying begins. By eliminating biocontrol organisms, this enhances the vulnerability of rice ecosystems against plant hoppers, instead of reducing... more
"Insecticide spraying has become a behavioural routine: whenever some insects are seen, spraying begins. By eliminating biocontrol organisms, this enhances the vulnerability of rice ecosystems against plant hoppers, instead of reducing it.
Both the biological damage process and the routine spraying mechanims acn be described by means of a DPSIR scheme. Integrating both provides a scheme which points to the overlaps and fosters leaning processes."
Both the biological damage process and the routine spraying mechanims acn be described by means of a DPSIR scheme. Integrating both provides a scheme which points to the overlaps and fosters leaning processes."
Traditional societes and their subsistence economies have modes of regulation which served them well over millennia. Today, however, neighbouring market economies use these mechanisms to regulate the provision of market goods, often... more
Traditional societes and their subsistence economies have modes of regulation which served them well over millennia. Today, however, neighbouring market economies use these mechanisms to regulate the provision of market goods, often ecosystem services, in the process eroding the tradiutional regulation and tuirning its effects from positive to negative.
Old development comncepts have become obsolete, and growth faces environmental and social limits. Innovation and efficiency are all good and fine, but insufficient. Vercoming poverty and living within the environmental limits of the... more
Old development comncepts have become obsolete, and growth faces environmental and social limits. Innovation and efficiency are all good and fine, but insufficient. Vercoming poverty and living within the environmental limits of the planet is the core of sustainable development as defioned by the Brundtland Commission. Thus respecting the ceiling and the floor of the global environmental space is necdessary for humans to have a chance to lead a dignified life. This requires 90% reduction of resource consumtion from the global consumer class, 2/3 of it living in the affluent countries.
Capital Stocks, limits to measurement, resource efficiency, institutionalisation
Sustainability is discussed in economics from a capital stock perspective, safeguarding a Hicks'ian income (weak and strong SD), from a cost internalisation perspective, and as a green economy. All three fall short of what sustainability... more
Sustainability is discussed in economics from a capital stock perspective, safeguarding a Hicks'ian income (weak and strong SD), from a cost internalisation perspective, and as a green economy. All three fall short of what sustainability economics needs to be.
Assessment procedures are different in different countries, so the purpose of this presentation can only be to describe some basic principles. Sustainable Development, following the Brundtland Commission definition, is a normative... more
Assessment procedures are different in different countries, so the purpose of this presentation can only be to describe some basic principles.
Sustainable Development, following the Brundtland Commission definition, is a normative approach. Its two main challenges to governance and planning are the delimitation in space and time, and the need for integration across disciplines and departments. Local as well as global impacts have to be taken into account in a long term perspective, using ethically founded and democratically legitimised long term impact assessment criteria.
As current knowledge is necessarily limited, error friendliness and precaution are mandatory. Direct and indirect impacts have to be taken into account, together with value pluralism and equity concerns, in particular regarding gender. Participation is important, but must take different forms and play dif-ferent roles at different stages of the process of planning, implementation and monitoring. Consensus is recommendable, but not always achievable, and not necessarily offering the best solution (truth is but a shared error).
Scenarios are an indispensible tool for foresight and assessment, but based on models with insufficient complexity they can be misguiding. Thinking the unthinkable is both a challenge and a necessity.
Understanding sustainable development not as status quo conservation, but as adaptive change man-agement opens the possibility to integrate sustainability and innovation: a lot of innovation will be needed to bring about the changes towards a sustainable economy and society.
Sustainable Development, following the Brundtland Commission definition, is a normative approach. Its two main challenges to governance and planning are the delimitation in space and time, and the need for integration across disciplines and departments. Local as well as global impacts have to be taken into account in a long term perspective, using ethically founded and democratically legitimised long term impact assessment criteria.
As current knowledge is necessarily limited, error friendliness and precaution are mandatory. Direct and indirect impacts have to be taken into account, together with value pluralism and equity concerns, in particular regarding gender. Participation is important, but must take different forms and play dif-ferent roles at different stages of the process of planning, implementation and monitoring. Consensus is recommendable, but not always achievable, and not necessarily offering the best solution (truth is but a shared error).
Scenarios are an indispensible tool for foresight and assessment, but based on models with insufficient complexity they can be misguiding. Thinking the unthinkable is both a challenge and a necessity.
Understanding sustainable development not as status quo conservation, but as adaptive change man-agement opens the possibility to integrate sustainability and innovation: a lot of innovation will be needed to bring about the changes towards a sustainable economy and society.
"The world we see shapes the world we make How the underlying ontologies lead to different recommendations from environmental and ecological economics – the Green Economy example Joachim H. Spangenberg Introduction: the “Green Economy”... more
"The world we see shapes the world we make
How the underlying ontologies lead to different recommendations from environmental and ecological economics – the Green Economy example
Joachim H. Spangenberg
Introduction: the “Green Economy” discourse
Since the beginning of the decade, the discussion on sustainable development has lost in prominence, being gradually replaced by a debate on the “Green Economy” (UNEP 2011) family of concepts, including the “Green New Deal” (UNEP 2009), “Green Growth” (OECD 2011) or a “Global Marshall Plan for a Worldwide Eco-social Market Economy” (Rademacher 2012). However, the substance of this replacement is not exactly clear; several rounds of informal negotiations have not produced a clear-cut definition of what a Green Economy ultimately is. The promises are striking (conserving nature, overcoming poverty, providing equity and creating employment), but the means, measures and philosophy behind look rather familiar. Essentially is seems to be environmental modernisation modernised by an increased concentration on economic instruments, market mechanisms and voluntary agreements with the business sector which is described (and portraits itself) as the main agent for achieving sustainability.
For the analysis and the policy recommendations offered how to solve the environmental crisis, the ontology (synonymously the world view, pre-analytic vision or metaphysics) is decisive. Which one that is can be detected from the terminology used.
To UNEP, the sustainability crisis is the biggest market failure ever (as climate change was to Prof. Stern when issuing the Stern Report). Describing it this way points to a specific analytical approach based on neoclassical resource economics: a market failure occurs when the market for whatever external reasons fails to deliver what in principle it could have delivered, and once the market disturbance is eliminated, the market will return to its equilibrium mechanisms and thus solve the problem. Whoever considers the failure of sustainable development to be a market failure must call for better markets, not for alternative or complementary regulatory mechanisms. The EU builds its green economy approach on the same ontological base when describing the world in terms of capital stocks, natural, manufactured and financial as the basis of the green economy, and human and social capital outside it. The capital stock terminology indicates the environmental economic world view: humans and the environment are resources or production factors, and their value lies in their contribution to the economic process. From the terminology observed we can conclude that the ontology of the new Green Economy paradigm is derived from environmental economics, the new mainstream in economics, essentially neoclassical economics endogenising the environment as a resource.
This approach has been sharply criticised by agents claiming that unsustainability is not a market failure but a market system failure, something no market could deliver. They call for a limitation to market processes, not for better markets (at least they do not rely upon them), for physical and not necessarily for monetary accounting, and suggest to limit the throughput of the economy. Based on the physical accounting approach, they are sceptical towards the commodification of nature, claiming that the market optimum expected from them is not nec-essarily ecologically optimal. Regarding capital stocks they consider them not as an adequate way of describing nature and society, since capital stocks – if the term is to be meaningful in any way – have to consist of commensurable elements, or elements described in commensurable units such as their price (as a proxy for their utility). This description would allow for substitution an and between the stocks, an idea critics reject, and allocate a value to each ele-ment of the stocks based on utility/price, where they suggest other values than utility to be taken into account. While the chorus of critics is no way homogenous, most of these elements can be attributed to the typical ontology of ecological economics.
"
How the underlying ontologies lead to different recommendations from environmental and ecological economics – the Green Economy example
Joachim H. Spangenberg
Introduction: the “Green Economy” discourse
Since the beginning of the decade, the discussion on sustainable development has lost in prominence, being gradually replaced by a debate on the “Green Economy” (UNEP 2011) family of concepts, including the “Green New Deal” (UNEP 2009), “Green Growth” (OECD 2011) or a “Global Marshall Plan for a Worldwide Eco-social Market Economy” (Rademacher 2012). However, the substance of this replacement is not exactly clear; several rounds of informal negotiations have not produced a clear-cut definition of what a Green Economy ultimately is. The promises are striking (conserving nature, overcoming poverty, providing equity and creating employment), but the means, measures and philosophy behind look rather familiar. Essentially is seems to be environmental modernisation modernised by an increased concentration on economic instruments, market mechanisms and voluntary agreements with the business sector which is described (and portraits itself) as the main agent for achieving sustainability.
For the analysis and the policy recommendations offered how to solve the environmental crisis, the ontology (synonymously the world view, pre-analytic vision or metaphysics) is decisive. Which one that is can be detected from the terminology used.
To UNEP, the sustainability crisis is the biggest market failure ever (as climate change was to Prof. Stern when issuing the Stern Report). Describing it this way points to a specific analytical approach based on neoclassical resource economics: a market failure occurs when the market for whatever external reasons fails to deliver what in principle it could have delivered, and once the market disturbance is eliminated, the market will return to its equilibrium mechanisms and thus solve the problem. Whoever considers the failure of sustainable development to be a market failure must call for better markets, not for alternative or complementary regulatory mechanisms. The EU builds its green economy approach on the same ontological base when describing the world in terms of capital stocks, natural, manufactured and financial as the basis of the green economy, and human and social capital outside it. The capital stock terminology indicates the environmental economic world view: humans and the environment are resources or production factors, and their value lies in their contribution to the economic process. From the terminology observed we can conclude that the ontology of the new Green Economy paradigm is derived from environmental economics, the new mainstream in economics, essentially neoclassical economics endogenising the environment as a resource.
This approach has been sharply criticised by agents claiming that unsustainability is not a market failure but a market system failure, something no market could deliver. They call for a limitation to market processes, not for better markets (at least they do not rely upon them), for physical and not necessarily for monetary accounting, and suggest to limit the throughput of the economy. Based on the physical accounting approach, they are sceptical towards the commodification of nature, claiming that the market optimum expected from them is not nec-essarily ecologically optimal. Regarding capital stocks they consider them not as an adequate way of describing nature and society, since capital stocks – if the term is to be meaningful in any way – have to consist of commensurable elements, or elements described in commensurable units such as their price (as a proxy for their utility). This description would allow for substitution an and between the stocks, an idea critics reject, and allocate a value to each ele-ment of the stocks based on utility/price, where they suggest other values than utility to be taken into account. While the chorus of critics is no way homogenous, most of these elements can be attributed to the typical ontology of ecological economics.
"
The "Cascade" is a well-known and helpful metaphor describing the constitution and flow of ecosystem services. I suggest to highlight the step from traits of nature to resources to be exploited, this intellectual act of use value... more
The "Cascade" is a well-known and helpful metaphor describing the constitution and flow of ecosystem services.
I suggest to highlight the step from traits of nature to resources to be exploited, this intellectual act of use value attribution, in between the functions of natural systems and constituting ecosystem services, which only after this step of identifying the potentials can be activated. Different people/groups/ cultures can attribute extremely diverging use potentials to the same ecosystem function or trait.
As the activation required anthorpogenic inputs (labour, material, energy, and money to mobilise these), ESS are no "free gifts of nature" but human/socialproducts.
I suggest to highlight the step from traits of nature to resources to be exploited, this intellectual act of use value attribution, in between the functions of natural systems and constituting ecosystem services, which only after this step of identifying the potentials can be activated. Different people/groups/ cultures can attribute extremely diverging use potentials to the same ecosystem function or trait.
As the activation required anthorpogenic inputs (labour, material, energy, and money to mobilise these), ESS are no "free gifts of nature" but human/socialproducts.
The UNCSD conference tried successfully to avoid all really hot topics - so the side events were the opportunities to lay open the challenges humankind is facing, and which politicians and business leaders - for all their fine words -are... more
The UNCSD conference tried successfully to avoid all really hot topics - so the side events were the opportunities to lay open the challenges humankind is facing, and which politicians and business leaders - for all their fine words -are ignoring.
Ecologists, environmental economists and ecological economists have different ways of addressing, analysing and possibly solving problems. At a closer look, their rather distinct approaches can be traced back to two fundamental... more
Ecologists, environmental economists and ecological economists have different ways of addressing, analysing and possibly solving problems. At a closer look, their rather distinct approaches can be traced back to two fundamental differences: the different world views/pre-analytic visions/metaphysics, and whether or not the laws of thermodynamics have been understood.
Weder das Verharren im Staus quo, noch eine Politik der ökologischen Modernisierung (und schon gar nicht der gegenwärtige Rückfall in neoliberale Wachtumsphantasien) sind geeignet, die anstehenden sozialen, wirtschaftlichen und... more
Weder das Verharren im Staus quo, noch eine Politik der ökologischen Modernisierung (und schon gar nicht der gegenwärtige Rückfall in neoliberale Wachtumsphantasien) sind geeignet, die anstehenden sozialen, wirtschaftlichen und ökologischen Probleme zu lösen. Notwendig ist eine grundlegende Umgestaltung unserer gesellschaftlichen Systeme, insbesondere der Wirtschaft, und der Produktions- und Konsummuster an denen wir uns orientieren. Die sozialökologische Transformatiion ist der Versuch, eine Alternative zu skizzieren.
Research Interests:
The present Atlas of Biodiversity Risk is the first of its kind to describe and summarise in a comprehensive, easy-to-read and richly illustrated form the major pressures, impacts and risks of biodiversity loss at a global level. The main... more
The present Atlas of Biodiversity Risk is the first of its kind to describe and summarise in a comprehensive, easy-to-read and richly illustrated form the major pressures, impacts and risks of biodiversity loss at a global level. The main risks identified are caused by global climate and land use change, environmental pollution, loss of pollinators and biological invasions. The impacts and consequences of biodiversity loss are analyzed with a strong focus on socio-economic drivers and their effects on society. Three scenarios of potential futures are the baseline for predicting impacts and explore options for mitigating adverse effects at several spatio-temporal scales. Elements of these futures are modeled, tested and illustrated. The Atlas is divided into sections which mostly deal with particular pressures. It furthermore is based on case studies from a large set of countries, which are completed by introductory and concluding chapters for each section.
The Atlas combines the main outcomes of the large European project ALARM (performed by 68 partner organisations from 35 countries from Europe as well as other continents) with some core outputs of numerous further research networks. A total number of 366 authors from 180 institutions in 43 countries provided information and contributed to the Atlas.
The Atlas is addressed to a wide spectrum of users. Scientists will find summaries of well-described methods, approaches and case studies. Conservationists and policy makers will use the conclusions and recommendations based on academic research output and presented in a comprehensive and easy-to-read way. Lecturers and teachers will find good examples to illustrate the main challenges in our century of global environmental changes. The Atlas is an indispensible tool to any library or institution in biodiversity and environmental sciences. Finally, all people concerned with environmental issues will find the Atlas a powerful weapon in their fight for saving the life on our Planet!
The Atlas combines the main outcomes of the large European project ALARM (performed by 68 partner organisations from 35 countries from Europe as well as other continents) with some core outputs of numerous further research networks. A total number of 366 authors from 180 institutions in 43 countries provided information and contributed to the Atlas.
The Atlas is addressed to a wide spectrum of users. Scientists will find summaries of well-described methods, approaches and case studies. Conservationists and policy makers will use the conclusions and recommendations based on academic research output and presented in a comprehensive and easy-to-read way. Lecturers and teachers will find good examples to illustrate the main challenges in our century of global environmental changes. The Atlas is an indispensible tool to any library or institution in biodiversity and environmental sciences. Finally, all people concerned with environmental issues will find the Atlas a powerful weapon in their fight for saving the life on our Planet!
Research Interests:
A global view on sustainability, providing a look behind the smoke screens of public policies, incl.: - Absolutism, economic crisis & imperialism: where sustainability came from - Political, social, developmental, economic, philosophical,... more
A global view on sustainability, providing a look behind the smoke screens of public policies, incl.:
- Absolutism, economic crisis & imperialism: where sustainability came from
- Political, social, developmental, economic, philosophical, gender, and science perspective
- European, US, Chinese and Latin American views
14 authors from 7 countries in 3 continents:
Joan Martinez-Alier Tian Shi
Wolfgang Sachs Joachim Spangenberg
Alain Lipietz Jane Roddick †
Sabine Hofmeister Ines Weller
Jill Jaeger Frieder Otto Wolf
Meike Spitzner Jamil Brownsson
- Absolutism, economic crisis & imperialism: where sustainability came from
- Political, social, developmental, economic, philosophical, gender, and science perspective
- European, US, Chinese and Latin American views
14 authors from 7 countries in 3 continents:
Joan Martinez-Alier Tian Shi
Wolfgang Sachs Joachim Spangenberg
Alain Lipietz Jane Roddick †
Sabine Hofmeister Ines Weller
Jill Jaeger Frieder Otto Wolf
Meike Spitzner Jamil Brownsson
Applying Ecological Economics for Biodiversity Conservation Pensoft Publishers 2009, Sofia/Moscow, 366 p. Therein: Rodriguez-Labajos, Beatriz, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Maxim, Laura, Binimelis, Rosa, Kuldna, Piret, Monterroso, Iliana,... more
Applying Ecological Economics for Biodiversity Conservation
Pensoft Publishers 2009, Sofia/Moscow, 366 p.
Therein:
Rodriguez-Labajos, Beatriz, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Maxim, Laura, Binimelis, Rosa, Kuldna, Piret, Monterroso, Iliana, Peterson, Kaja, Uustal, Meelis (2009). The socio-economics of biodiversity risks: Reasons for and methods of analysis, and their application in case studies: 13-30.
The methods laid out in this chapter are then applied in diverse case studies, and the studies are in return evaluated:
Maxim, Laura, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Monterroso, Iliana, Binimelis, Rosa, Rodriguez-Labajos, Beatriz, Peterson, Kaja, Kuldna, Piret, Uustal, Meelis, Martinez-Alier, Joan (2009). Methods for the socio-economics of biodiversity: lessons from ALARM: 327-366.
Thus the book represents empirically tested best practice approaches of applying socio-economnic research methods to biodiversity conservation.
Pensoft Publishers 2009, Sofia/Moscow, 366 p.
Therein:
Rodriguez-Labajos, Beatriz, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Maxim, Laura, Binimelis, Rosa, Kuldna, Piret, Monterroso, Iliana, Peterson, Kaja, Uustal, Meelis (2009). The socio-economics of biodiversity risks: Reasons for and methods of analysis, and their application in case studies: 13-30.
The methods laid out in this chapter are then applied in diverse case studies, and the studies are in return evaluated:
Maxim, Laura, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Monterroso, Iliana, Binimelis, Rosa, Rodriguez-Labajos, Beatriz, Peterson, Kaja, Kuldna, Piret, Uustal, Meelis, Martinez-Alier, Joan (2009). Methods for the socio-economics of biodiversity: lessons from ALARM: 327-366.
Thus the book represents empirically tested best practice approaches of applying socio-economnic research methods to biodiversity conservation.
Research Interests:
Rarely ever in human history, so many things have gone so badly wrong in so short a time. The world social and economic systems must be driven into a U-turn if it is not to destroy its own physical basis. We need to be radical in the... more
Rarely ever in human history, so many things have gone so badly wrong in so short a time. The world social and economic systems must be driven into a U-turn if it is not to destroy its own physical basis.
We need to be radical in the analysis, visionary in finding solutions that are just, benign and environmentally sound, and pragmatic in their implementation. We must stop being radical in the denial of problems, visionary in defending the status quo and pragmatic in undermining all policies of change.
We are living in the Anthropocene now, and no natural mechanisms will come to save us: turning the course to allow nature turning the tide is of utmost urgency now. For that we need new orientations, and eco-sufficiency is one of the most important amongst them.
Sufficiency is essentially the antithesis to the orientation to permanent “higher, further, faster, more”, prioritising the quality of life in work, education, and leisure, the freedom of responsible choice and the right to self-determination. Freedom includes not only the freedom from suppression and discrimination, but also the freedom for an active participation in society. One of its central battle cries is “better, not more!”
We need to be radical in the analysis, visionary in finding solutions that are just, benign and environmentally sound, and pragmatic in their implementation. We must stop being radical in the denial of problems, visionary in defending the status quo and pragmatic in undermining all policies of change.
We are living in the Anthropocene now, and no natural mechanisms will come to save us: turning the course to allow nature turning the tide is of utmost urgency now. For that we need new orientations, and eco-sufficiency is one of the most important amongst them.
Sufficiency is essentially the antithesis to the orientation to permanent “higher, further, faster, more”, prioritising the quality of life in work, education, and leisure, the freedom of responsible choice and the right to self-determination. Freedom includes not only the freedom from suppression and discrimination, but also the freedom for an active participation in society. One of its central battle cries is “better, not more!”
Research Interests:
World views influence judgements, and the judgements determine the choice of indicators. “Modificationists” and “Transformationists” chose differently. Modificationists consider sustainability something that can be brought about by minor... more
World views influence judgements, and the judgements determine the choice of indicators. “Modificationists” and “Transformationists” chose differently. Modificationists consider sustainability something that can be brought about by minor modifications of the current system, Transformationists consider a deep transformation of society and economy inevitable. Incrementalists modify, from GDP to Green GDP, and they monetise their results. Transformationists substitute, MCA for CBA, and they measure absolute changes in resource consumption, social status and environmental quality. Indicators are not objective: they have a purpose, they convey a message, and they are chosen by the messenger to illustrate their respective point of view.
Research Interests:
Scenarios are decision support tools, means to describe selected parts or aspects of the world in a simplified manner. However, to be able to provide information of real-world relevance, they need to be sufficiently complex to grasp the... more
Scenarios are decision support tools, means to describe selected parts or aspects of the world in a simplified manner. However, to be able to provide information of real-world relevance, they need to be sufficiently complex to grasp the phenomena they are intended to inform about.
We take a look at different model classes and compare them systematically to the real world. The result is sobering, and for economic models devastating. This calls for better tools for decision support.
Pre‐editing version of chapter 4 from Marcus Düwell, Gerhard Bos, Naomi
van Steenbergen (eds) 2018. Towards the Ethics of a Green Future: The
Theory and Practice of Human Rights for Future People. Routledge, UK.
https://www.routledge.com/Towards‐the‐Ethics‐of‐a‐Green‐Future‐Open‐Access‐The‐Theory‐and‐Practice/Duwell‐Bos‐van‐Steenbergen/p/book/9781138069329
We take a look at different model classes and compare them systematically to the real world. The result is sobering, and for economic models devastating. This calls for better tools for decision support.
Pre‐editing version of chapter 4 from Marcus Düwell, Gerhard Bos, Naomi
van Steenbergen (eds) 2018. Towards the Ethics of a Green Future: The
Theory and Practice of Human Rights for Future People. Routledge, UK.
https://www.routledge.com/Towards‐the‐Ethics‐of‐a‐Green‐Future‐Open‐Access‐The‐Theory‐and‐Practice/Duwell‐Bos‐van‐Steenbergen/p/book/9781138069329
Research Interests:
Authors Keune, Hans, Subramanian, Suneetha M, Payyappallimana, Unnikrishnan, Ahmad, Sate, Rahman, Mohammed Mofizur, Azam, Mohammed Nurul, Sebesvari, Zita, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Morand, Serge, Kretsch, Conor, Martens, Pim, Wittmer,... more
Authors
Keune, Hans, Subramanian, Suneetha M, Payyappallimana, Unnikrishnan, Ahmad, Sate, Rahman, Mohammed Mofizur, Azam, Mohammed Nurul, Sebesvari, Zita, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Morand, Serge, Kretsch, Conor, Martens, Pim, Wittmer, Heidi.
Abstract
The section contibuted by Zita Sebesvari and Joachim Spangenberg describes health and environmental safety problems resulting from high pesticide use in Vietnam, and give hits how management methods like ecological engineering could moderate the challenge
Keune, Hans, Subramanian, Suneetha M, Payyappallimana, Unnikrishnan, Ahmad, Sate, Rahman, Mohammed Mofizur, Azam, Mohammed Nurul, Sebesvari, Zita, Spangenberg, Joachim H., Morand, Serge, Kretsch, Conor, Martens, Pim, Wittmer, Heidi.
Abstract
The section contibuted by Zita Sebesvari and Joachim Spangenberg describes health and environmental safety problems resulting from high pesticide use in Vietnam, and give hits how management methods like ecological engineering could moderate the challenge
Research Interests:
In der umweltpolitischen Debatte wird immer wieder die Forderung laut, die Preise müssten die ökologische Wahrheit sagen um die ökologischen Probleme zu lösen. Während diese Forderung eine kraftvolle Metapher ist, die auf einen... more
In der umweltpolitischen Debatte wird immer wieder die Forderung laut, die Preise müssten die ökologische Wahrheit sagen um die ökologischen Probleme zu lösen. Während diese Forderung eine kraftvolle Metapher ist, die auf einen gegenwärtige Fehlsteuerung hinweist, ist der Versuch, Umweltfolgen durchgehend und vollständig in Geldeinheiten zu erfas-sen zum Scheitern verurteilt, wie Ökonomen seit den frühen 1970er Jahren wissen. Auch in der Politikkommunikation wie bei der Erstellung von Kosten-Nutzen Analysen kann die Monetarisierung nicht die in sie gesetzten Hoffnungen erfüllen. Was von den erhofften ökonomischen Beiträgen zum Schutz von Natur und Umwelt bleibt ist zweierlei: ökonomische Instrumente als Anreizsysteme zur Umsetzung politisch gesetzter Ziele, und eine Unterstützungsfunktion bei der Suche nach kostengünstigen Wegen dahin.
Research Interests:
Achieving social-licensing becomes increasingly an indispensable prerequisite for the successful and sustainable development of mining projects. Stakeholder acceptance may not only extend to the acceptance of the mine site and its... more
Achieving social-licensing becomes increasingly an indispensable prerequisite for the successful and sustainable development of mining projects. Stakeholder acceptance may not only extend to the acceptance of the mine site and its environmental and social impacts as such, but also to the mode of its operation. This may include the mining techniques, health & safety issues, as well as the techniques used to monitor compliance with environmental and other applicable standards. The recently completed FP7 project EO-MINERS faced this kind of challenges of soliciting stakeholder input into the development of techniques for monitoring the environmental and socio-economic development at mine sites. This paper examines the experiences gained in the EO-MINERS project with social demand-based formulations of technical requirements in order to develop a strategy for application within the I 2 Mine project.
Research Interests:
Since the beginning of the decade, the discussion on sustainable development has lost in prominence, being gradually replaced by a debate on the “Green Economy” (UNEP 2011) family of concepts, including the “Green New Deal” (UNEP... more
Since the beginning of the decade, the discussion on sustainable development has lost in prominence, being gradually replaced by a debate on the “Green Economy” (UNEP 2011) family of concepts, including the “Green New Deal” (UNEP 2009), “Green Growth” (OECD 2011) or a “Global Marshall Plan for a Worldwide Eco-social Market Economy” (Rademacher 2012). However, the substance of this replacement is not exactly clear; several rounds of informal negotiations have not produced a clear-cut definition of what a Green Economy ultimately is. The promises are striking (conserving nature, overcoming poverty, providing equity and creating employment), but the means, measures and philosophy behind look rather familiar. Essentially is seems to be environmental modernisation modernised by an increased concentration on economic instruments, market mechanisms and voluntary agreements with the business sector which is described (and portraits itself) as the main agent for achieving sustainability.
For the analysis and the policy recommendations offered how to solve the environmental crisis, the ontology (synonymously the world view, pre-analytic vision or metaphysics) is decisive. Which one that is can be detected from the terminology used.
...
For the analysis and the policy recommendations offered how to solve the environmental crisis, the ontology (synonymously the world view, pre-analytic vision or metaphysics) is decisive. Which one that is can be detected from the terminology used.
...
Research Interests:
My chapter in the Routledge International Handbook of Sustainable Development distinguishes the world views of "modificationists" who consider sustainability challenges to be accessible to technological fixed and minor modifications of... more
My chapter in the Routledge International Handbook of Sustainable Development distinguishes the world views of "modificationists" who consider sustainability challenges to be accessible to technological fixed and minor modifications of the system, and "transformationists" who consider deep structural change necessary for that behalf. The different world views result in different concepts of sustainability, and consequently in different monitoring schemes and indicators. This explains the blind spots of many indicator systems: they only measure what is relevant in a certain world view.
Overall the Handbook gives a comprehensive, international and cutting-edge overview of Sustainable Development. It integrates the key imperatives of sustainable development, namely institutional, environmental, social and economic, and calls for greater participation, social cohesion, justice and democracy as well as limited throughput of materials and energy. The nature of sustainable development and the book’s theorization of the concept underline the need for interdisciplinarity in the discourse as exemplified in each chapter of this volume.
The Handbook as such employs a critical framework that problematises the concept of sustainable development and the struggle between discursivity and control that has characterised the debate. It provides original contributions from international experts coming from a variety of disciplines and regions, including the Global South.
Overall the Handbook gives a comprehensive, international and cutting-edge overview of Sustainable Development. It integrates the key imperatives of sustainable development, namely institutional, environmental, social and economic, and calls for greater participation, social cohesion, justice and democracy as well as limited throughput of materials and energy. The nature of sustainable development and the book’s theorization of the concept underline the need for interdisciplinarity in the discourse as exemplified in each chapter of this volume.
The Handbook as such employs a critical framework that problematises the concept of sustainable development and the struggle between discursivity and control that has characterised the debate. It provides original contributions from international experts coming from a variety of disciplines and regions, including the Global South.
Research Interests:
If mental or electronic models are capable of - at least roughly, directionally safe - emulate the dynamics of natural and social systems depends on their level of complexity - oversimplification makes computing easier and provides... more
If mental or electronic models are capable of - at least roughly, directionally safe - emulate the dynamics of natural and social systems depends on their level of complexity - oversimplification makes computing easier and provides clear-cut but misguiding results. This is what neoclassical economic theory does, and what equilibrium models are doing. System dynamics models are still deterministic, and self-organising ones too simple in their response structures. Consequently, the tools of modern economics necessarily fail when warning of upcoming crises and tipping points is required, underestimate the risks and are blind about the cost. Economics, the self-proclaimed emperor of the social sciences, is indeed a naked emperor.
Research Interests:
Achieving social-licensing becomes increasingly an indispensable prerequisite for the successful and sustainable development of mining projects. Stakeholder acceptance may not only extend to the acceptance of the mine site and its... more
Achieving social-licensing becomes increasingly an indispensable prerequisite for the successful and sustainable development of mining projects. Stakeholder acceptance may
not only extend to the acceptance of the mine site and its environmental and social
impacts as such, but also to the mode of its operation. This may include the mining techniques, health & safety issues, as well as the techniques used to monitor compliance with environmental and other applicable standards. The recently completed FP7 project
EO-MINERS faced this kind of challenges of soliciting stakeholder input into the development of techniques for monitoring the environmental and socio-economic
development at mine sites. This paper examines the experiences gained in the EOMINERS project with social demand-based formulations of technical requirements in order to develop a strategy for application within the I2Mine project.
not only extend to the acceptance of the mine site and its environmental and social
impacts as such, but also to the mode of its operation. This may include the mining techniques, health & safety issues, as well as the techniques used to monitor compliance with environmental and other applicable standards. The recently completed FP7 project
EO-MINERS faced this kind of challenges of soliciting stakeholder input into the development of techniques for monitoring the environmental and socio-economic
development at mine sites. This paper examines the experiences gained in the EOMINERS project with social demand-based formulations of technical requirements in order to develop a strategy for application within the I2Mine project.
Research Interests:
It is now widely recognised that a social license to operate is a key requisite for establishing and running any mining project. This paper examines the use of indicators as vehicles to convey stakeholder-relevant information about mine... more
It is now widely recognised that a social license to operate is a key requisite for establishing and running any mining project. This paper examines the use of indicators as vehicles to convey stakeholder-relevant information about mine site development with a view to facilitate social licensing processes.
Research Interests:
"EcoSystem Services (ESS, in other publications also abbreviated ES) is a stunning new concept, a metaphor useful for raising public awareness of the crucial role ecosystems and their biodiversity play in maintaining the quality of our... more
"EcoSystem Services (ESS, in other publications also abbreviated ES) is a stunning new concept, a metaphor useful for raising public awareness of the crucial role ecosystems and their biodiversity play in maintaining the quality of our everyday life. Basically, it is not about monetizing the value of ecosystems (an exercise that can be useful or even necessary in specific circumstances, like fixing compensation payments in court cases). It is rather about the basic role ecosystems play in human societies.
However, ESS are no "free gifts of nature", but in a process from service potential recognition and use value attribution (a highly conflictual social decision) via potential mobilisation and service appropriation a co-production of nature and society, long before the products or services generated are either consumed (use value) or sold (exchange value - only then monetisation and markets have their say."
However, ESS are no "free gifts of nature", but in a process from service potential recognition and use value attribution (a highly conflictual social decision) via potential mobilisation and service appropriation a co-production of nature and society, long before the products or services generated are either consumed (use value) or sold (exchange value - only then monetisation and markets have their say."
Research Interests:
The paper analyses the different levels of complexity and identifies natural systems to be evolving and economic systems to be reflexive evolving systems. None of the models available so far matches this level of complexity, and thus... more
The paper analyses the different levels of complexity and identifies natural systems to be evolving and economic systems to be reflexive evolving systems. None of the models available so far matches this level of complexity, and thus their prognostic power is limited to moderate short term changes at best.
Orientation theory provides some insights into the sustainability of complex systems; it can be used to derive some rough rules of system behaviour, but not to predict future states.
Orientation theory provides some insights into the sustainability of complex systems; it can be used to derive some rough rules of system behaviour, but not to predict future states.
Weitere Beiträge: KLAUS MEIER: Ein Vorschlag zur Diskussion theoretische Grundlagen nachhaltiger Entwicklung in der politischen Bildung; DIETER KLEIN: Grundprozesse des gegenwärtigen Kapitalismus und ihre Wirkungen auf die Umwelt; HUBERT... more
Weitere Beiträge:
KLAUS MEIER: Ein Vorschlag zur Diskussion theoretische Grundlagen nachhaltiger Entwicklung in der politischen Bildung; DIETER KLEIN: Grundprozesse des gegenwärtigen Kapitalismus und ihre Wirkungen auf die Umwelt; HUBERT LAITKO: Theorie und Programm: zum Verhältnis von Deskriptivem und Präskriptivem (Normativem) im Nachhaltigkeitskonzept; KLAUS MEIER: Ökonomie der Enteignung – eine Nachlese bei Rosa Luxemburg und aktuelle Ansätze einer integrativen Politik nachhaltiger Entwicklung; ULRICH SCHACHTSCHNEIDER: Soziale Nachhaltigkeit in der modernen Gesellschaft?; ADELHEID BIESECKER, SABINE HOFMEISTER: Der Beitrag der Kategorie (Re-) Produktion zur Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte.
KLAUS MEIER: Ein Vorschlag zur Diskussion theoretische Grundlagen nachhaltiger Entwicklung in der politischen Bildung; DIETER KLEIN: Grundprozesse des gegenwärtigen Kapitalismus und ihre Wirkungen auf die Umwelt; HUBERT LAITKO: Theorie und Programm: zum Verhältnis von Deskriptivem und Präskriptivem (Normativem) im Nachhaltigkeitskonzept; KLAUS MEIER: Ökonomie der Enteignung – eine Nachlese bei Rosa Luxemburg und aktuelle Ansätze einer integrativen Politik nachhaltiger Entwicklung; ULRICH SCHACHTSCHNEIDER: Soziale Nachhaltigkeit in der modernen Gesellschaft?; ADELHEID BIESECKER, SABINE HOFMEISTER: Der Beitrag der Kategorie (Re-) Produktion zur Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte.
Research Interests:
The chapter describes the post-WW II development in Europe, and how the European Union emerged to its current form and functioning. It shows that the development was always a balance between political integration and economic interests -... more
The chapter describes the post-WW II development in Europe, and how the European Union emerged to its current form and functioning. It shows that the development was always a balance between political integration and economic interests - the dominance of the latter is a rather recent phenomenon.
Environmental policy is a latecomer in the EU responsibilities, and has found a number of indirect ways of establishing regulations before the mandate was granted by the member states. Some of these indirect mechanisms still influence the EU environmental and sustainable development policy.
Environmental policy is a latecomer in the EU responsibilities, and has found a number of indirect ways of establishing regulations before the mandate was granted by the member states. Some of these indirect mechanisms still influence the EU environmental and sustainable development policy.
Europeans calling themselves Europeans have been a rare event for centuries. The chapter sketches the history of the last 1000 years, with the emerging European cultural identity, the influence of religion and the upcoming of nationalism... more
Europeans calling themselves Europeans have been a rare event for centuries. The chapter sketches the history of the last 1000 years, with the emerging European cultural identity, the influence of religion and the upcoming of nationalism issues touched upon.
In the academic literature, there is an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of forest biomass use for power plant fuel and its (lack of) carbon neutrality (e.g. Cornwall 2017 and the discussion of that paper). Indeed accounting for... more
In the academic literature, there is an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of forest biomass use for power plant fuel and its (lack of) carbon neutrality (e.g. Cornwall 2017 and the discussion of that paper). Indeed accounting for carbon recycling is far more complex than it seems, as declaring wood carbon neutral because replanting trees will fix the carbon again is an oversimplification of a complex social-environmental system. Understanding the potential role of carbon recycling by tree biomass requires taking into account not only a technological options, climatological necessities (according to the ambitious emission reduction targets following from the Paris Accord, full compensation of the emissions from incineration should be reached well before 2050), and the social, political and economic environment of the wood biomass to be used as power plant fuel, but also the environmental context. Trees are more than fixed carbon, and even old trees continue fixing carbon which is stored in the ground, something ignored in what should be the net carbon balance. In particular, the extraction of non-timber woody biomass would have severe impacts on the systems, threatening to impede system stability and the prospects for future tree growth.
Research Interests:
To defend itself against "fake news" and "alternative facts" science must be reflexive and self-critical. The economics example.
Research Interests:
Synthesis Report and Indicators Reports –Second Drafts Comments from Environmental NGOs April 2011 For further information: Catherine Pearce, Senior Policy Officer, European Environmental Bureau catherine.pearce@eeb.org We as... more
Synthesis Report and Indicators Reports –Second Drafts
Comments from Environmental NGOs
April 2011
For further information: Catherine Pearce, Senior Policy Officer, European Environmental Bureau catherine.pearce@eeb.org
We as representatives of environmental Non Governmental Organisations regard the OECD Green Growth Strategy as an important initiative. We welcome the opportunity to participate in it and contribute our views. Our comments are based upon feedback from a broad network of organisations. We also support the view expressed in the comments submitted by the Global Footprint Network.
Main Comments
This report is dangerously short on urgency.
The inclusion of Table 1 (Planetary Boundaries, Rockstrom et al 2010) is an important contribution to the report showing as it does that there is solid scientific evidence that planetary boundaries exist and that we have already crossed the first three. Evidence based policy making needs such references. However we are concerned that in comparison with the first draft, Table 1 is now less prominent and is certainly not part of the early narrative of the report. For the report to accurately introduce the issues, it should draw upon the data in Table 1 and the conclusions that we must take from it, early on. In fact there appears a total disconnect in the Overview since in no way is the urgency or scale of the environmental crisis accurately reflected.
We believe the planetary boundaries table, should be a prominent part of the Executive Summary as an easily communicable statement on the status of our environmental limits.
Similarly, we are disappointed by the apparent weakening of Chapter I. The sub-heading, ‘Systemic risks and imbalances’ falls at the end of this Chapter, and yet it should provide the central message to a chapter on ‘The Need for Green Growth Strategies’. With a weakening of language, vague terminology and now missing some valuable supporting data, the chapter fails to express the need to manage with scarcity or the urgency that we are living outside a ‘safe operating space for humanity’.
Our third critical concern refers to the role of indicators. This is expressed twice, in para 333 of the Synthesis Report and para 14 of the Indicators Report. There appears no commitment to a composite indicator, but rather a shopping list of 20. The report helpfully points out the dangers and pitfalls of such a ‘dashboard’. However it is proposed to select a small set of ‘headline’ indicators, and that this process of selection requires ‘broad consultation and discussion’. This is extremely worrying that a key part of the work remains to be defined. The proposed process risks key measurements being omitted and this will threaten the entire purpose of the report.
The link between the Green Growth strategy and the ‘Going for Growth’ ongoing process appears much weaker than it was previously (paras 363 and 364). The link with the national dialogues was one of the few tangible delivery and evaluation mechanisms for the Green Growth Strategy. The approach now appears to be an ‘amended Going for Growth project would, over time become a tool….’ Commitment along with a clear, prompt timeframe for evaluation and comparison is absent.
Some Specific Comments
Chapter I
In particular, the concept falls short of being a distribution to sustainable development: “Broader concepts such as sustainable development would also include human and social capital. For purposes of the green growth strategy, however, the focus will remain on economic and natural assets“ (para 319) However, the Synthesis Report falsifies this statement partially by addressing education and training needs for green growth which are a part of human capital.
This also explains the limits to ambition: natural capital, just like social capital, needs to be protected only to the degree that a lack of conservation might undermine growth, and that substitution of man-made for natural capital is not possible or too expensive: “The central feature of a green growth framework is recognition of natural capital as a factor of production and its role in enhancing well-being.“ (para 11). “Undervaluing natural capital also has implications beyond economic inefficiency because […] it contributes to both growth and the quality of growth with respect to human welfare.“ (para 15).
Para 27: biofuels as an option for the poor is a slap in the face for logical thinking (global markets) and empirical insight (biofuels found contributing to the food crisis).
The importance of the natural capital stock is grossly underestimated by assessing it in terms of monetary value “In low income countries, natural capital constitutes 25% of total per capita wealth, as compared to 12% in middle-income countries and 2% in OECD countries“ (para 38). Without natural capital no production, no survival would be possible, a fact completely neglected by this calculation, which shows just how much natural resources are undervalued.
“Broad based growth strategies can prevent […] so-called “rebound effects“(para 43): Interesting, but no indication given how this could happen. I just know consumer taxes for micro level gains (so the win-win gain is taxed away), and resource taxes on the macro level (Jevons‘ paradox). Both are usually not considered as “broad based gowth“ policies.
Chapter III Promoting the Transition
This is the chapter referring to social impacts which have to be avoided for instrumental reasons. There remains the problem that the model predicts ”a rise in structural unemployment” with green policies (para 228); “carbon pricing tends to reduce slightly the pace of economic growth” (para 242, see also para 245), in clear contradiction to the main narrative. The modelling results have been embedded into the scenario narratives claiming the opposite (employment gains from green growth) by listing individual examples of job creation, which is anything but a proof. Nonetheless some of the recommendations are based on the models, other on the narrative which causes inconsistencies.
Chapter IV, Measuring, quoted from the monitoring paper
The list of indicators has been kept flexible to allow countries to make a choice – no mandatory core set is defined, everybody can skip sensitive issues (please see notes above). “A rise in environmental and resource productivity indicates that on average environmental inputs are used more efficiently but gives no indication whether environmental pressures are decreasing in absolute terms. Nor does it indicate if environmental pressures are below a desired or critical level. For such assessments, it is useful to separately identify the environmental and the growth compo¬nents of productivity indicators or to accompany them by indicators of absolute environmental pressures“(para 29): None of the indicators and sub-indicators of resource productivity refers to pressures in absolute terms, let alone to thresholds. They are environmentally meaningless.
“International financial flow indicators […] relate to the environmental impacts of development aid […] as well as to environmental aspects of green foreign direct investment (FDI)“: why only to green FDI, and not to all FDI, like for all ODA?
Chapter V, Delivering, quoted from Annex 1
“[…] characterises constraints to green growth as gaps between social and private returns. It divides the causes of these gaps into two aspects. The first is low returns to economic activities which reduce environmental impact, in the sense that there is insufficient return to reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, or economising on water use. The second is low returns to green innovation. This refers to the fact that there are also insufficient incentives to provide new or cheaper ways to improve returns to low environmental impact“ (para 4): The analysis determines the means for problem solving. In so far it is alarming that neither too low ecotaxes nor a lack of standards is mentioned as both would tackle the „gap“ effectively, without focussing on too low returns, capital markets etc. Expressing all problems in terms of a lack of profitability provides a yardstick which is not suitable to measure environmental problems. The paper mentions (in a footnote) the value of bumble bees derived from their contribution to insect pollination. On the same line of thought, what is the value of wind? Obviously much higher as all cereals are wind pollinated...Even more clearly, problems which can be explained as either market failures or a lack of regulation (standards, norms etc.) are dressed as exclusively market failure, and as a result all measures foreseen are economic measures, for example: „The lack of incentives for energy inefficient buildings (split incentives) are a market failure and so too are excessive agricultural water use and pollution or road transport emissions which reduce local air quality.“ (para 6)
Comments from Environmental NGOs
April 2011
For further information: Catherine Pearce, Senior Policy Officer, European Environmental Bureau catherine.pearce@eeb.org
We as representatives of environmental Non Governmental Organisations regard the OECD Green Growth Strategy as an important initiative. We welcome the opportunity to participate in it and contribute our views. Our comments are based upon feedback from a broad network of organisations. We also support the view expressed in the comments submitted by the Global Footprint Network.
Main Comments
This report is dangerously short on urgency.
The inclusion of Table 1 (Planetary Boundaries, Rockstrom et al 2010) is an important contribution to the report showing as it does that there is solid scientific evidence that planetary boundaries exist and that we have already crossed the first three. Evidence based policy making needs such references. However we are concerned that in comparison with the first draft, Table 1 is now less prominent and is certainly not part of the early narrative of the report. For the report to accurately introduce the issues, it should draw upon the data in Table 1 and the conclusions that we must take from it, early on. In fact there appears a total disconnect in the Overview since in no way is the urgency or scale of the environmental crisis accurately reflected.
We believe the planetary boundaries table, should be a prominent part of the Executive Summary as an easily communicable statement on the status of our environmental limits.
Similarly, we are disappointed by the apparent weakening of Chapter I. The sub-heading, ‘Systemic risks and imbalances’ falls at the end of this Chapter, and yet it should provide the central message to a chapter on ‘The Need for Green Growth Strategies’. With a weakening of language, vague terminology and now missing some valuable supporting data, the chapter fails to express the need to manage with scarcity or the urgency that we are living outside a ‘safe operating space for humanity’.
Our third critical concern refers to the role of indicators. This is expressed twice, in para 333 of the Synthesis Report and para 14 of the Indicators Report. There appears no commitment to a composite indicator, but rather a shopping list of 20. The report helpfully points out the dangers and pitfalls of such a ‘dashboard’. However it is proposed to select a small set of ‘headline’ indicators, and that this process of selection requires ‘broad consultation and discussion’. This is extremely worrying that a key part of the work remains to be defined. The proposed process risks key measurements being omitted and this will threaten the entire purpose of the report.
The link between the Green Growth strategy and the ‘Going for Growth’ ongoing process appears much weaker than it was previously (paras 363 and 364). The link with the national dialogues was one of the few tangible delivery and evaluation mechanisms for the Green Growth Strategy. The approach now appears to be an ‘amended Going for Growth project would, over time become a tool….’ Commitment along with a clear, prompt timeframe for evaluation and comparison is absent.
Some Specific Comments
Chapter I
In particular, the concept falls short of being a distribution to sustainable development: “Broader concepts such as sustainable development would also include human and social capital. For purposes of the green growth strategy, however, the focus will remain on economic and natural assets“ (para 319) However, the Synthesis Report falsifies this statement partially by addressing education and training needs for green growth which are a part of human capital.
This also explains the limits to ambition: natural capital, just like social capital, needs to be protected only to the degree that a lack of conservation might undermine growth, and that substitution of man-made for natural capital is not possible or too expensive: “The central feature of a green growth framework is recognition of natural capital as a factor of production and its role in enhancing well-being.“ (para 11). “Undervaluing natural capital also has implications beyond economic inefficiency because […] it contributes to both growth and the quality of growth with respect to human welfare.“ (para 15).
Para 27: biofuels as an option for the poor is a slap in the face for logical thinking (global markets) and empirical insight (biofuels found contributing to the food crisis).
The importance of the natural capital stock is grossly underestimated by assessing it in terms of monetary value “In low income countries, natural capital constitutes 25% of total per capita wealth, as compared to 12% in middle-income countries and 2% in OECD countries“ (para 38). Without natural capital no production, no survival would be possible, a fact completely neglected by this calculation, which shows just how much natural resources are undervalued.
“Broad based growth strategies can prevent […] so-called “rebound effects“(para 43): Interesting, but no indication given how this could happen. I just know consumer taxes for micro level gains (so the win-win gain is taxed away), and resource taxes on the macro level (Jevons‘ paradox). Both are usually not considered as “broad based gowth“ policies.
Chapter III Promoting the Transition
This is the chapter referring to social impacts which have to be avoided for instrumental reasons. There remains the problem that the model predicts ”a rise in structural unemployment” with green policies (para 228); “carbon pricing tends to reduce slightly the pace of economic growth” (para 242, see also para 245), in clear contradiction to the main narrative. The modelling results have been embedded into the scenario narratives claiming the opposite (employment gains from green growth) by listing individual examples of job creation, which is anything but a proof. Nonetheless some of the recommendations are based on the models, other on the narrative which causes inconsistencies.
Chapter IV, Measuring, quoted from the monitoring paper
The list of indicators has been kept flexible to allow countries to make a choice – no mandatory core set is defined, everybody can skip sensitive issues (please see notes above). “A rise in environmental and resource productivity indicates that on average environmental inputs are used more efficiently but gives no indication whether environmental pressures are decreasing in absolute terms. Nor does it indicate if environmental pressures are below a desired or critical level. For such assessments, it is useful to separately identify the environmental and the growth compo¬nents of productivity indicators or to accompany them by indicators of absolute environmental pressures“(para 29): None of the indicators and sub-indicators of resource productivity refers to pressures in absolute terms, let alone to thresholds. They are environmentally meaningless.
“International financial flow indicators […] relate to the environmental impacts of development aid […] as well as to environmental aspects of green foreign direct investment (FDI)“: why only to green FDI, and not to all FDI, like for all ODA?
Chapter V, Delivering, quoted from Annex 1
“[…] characterises constraints to green growth as gaps between social and private returns. It divides the causes of these gaps into two aspects. The first is low returns to economic activities which reduce environmental impact, in the sense that there is insufficient return to reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, or economising on water use. The second is low returns to green innovation. This refers to the fact that there are also insufficient incentives to provide new or cheaper ways to improve returns to low environmental impact“ (para 4): The analysis determines the means for problem solving. In so far it is alarming that neither too low ecotaxes nor a lack of standards is mentioned as both would tackle the „gap“ effectively, without focussing on too low returns, capital markets etc. Expressing all problems in terms of a lack of profitability provides a yardstick which is not suitable to measure environmental problems. The paper mentions (in a footnote) the value of bumble bees derived from their contribution to insect pollination. On the same line of thought, what is the value of wind? Obviously much higher as all cereals are wind pollinated...Even more clearly, problems which can be explained as either market failures or a lack of regulation (standards, norms etc.) are dressed as exclusively market failure, and as a result all measures foreseen are economic measures, for example: „The lack of incentives for energy inefficient buildings (split incentives) are a market failure and so too are excessive agricultural water use and pollution or road transport emissions which reduce local air quality.“ (para 6)
There are contradictions between the quality criteria rightfully set out in this document and what the OECD - as a political compromise - has included in the Green Growth Strategy: no absolute figures, only relative (and thus useful for... more
There are contradictions between the quality criteria rightfully set out in this document and what the OECD - as a political compromise - has included in the Green Growth Strategy: no absolute figures, only relative (and thus useful for measuring relative decoupling but meaningless regarding the environmental pressures), no headline indicators (as it was still foreseen in the interim report), and talk about aggregated composite indicators which this paper describes as of limited political usability.
It is the member states who do not accept that what is necessary is done in sufficient quality!
It is the member states who do not accept that what is necessary is done in sufficient quality!
Postwachstum - nicht bequem, nicht einfach, aber notwendig
Research Interests:
Green Economy falls short of the definition of sustainable development on both accounts, socially and environmentally: it doesn't focus on human needs, in particular of the poor, but on purchasing power based tools, and does not offer... more
Green Economy falls short of the definition of sustainable development on both accounts, socially and environmentally: it doesn't focus on human needs, in particular of the poor, but on purchasing power based tools, and does not offer limits to resource use but just efficiency.
In this presentation for the Environment Europe Spring School at Oxford University, I describe different and mutually exclusive approaches to assessing, measuring and valuing biodiversity. As they come with different definitions, the... more
In this presentation for the Environment Europe Spring School at Oxford University, I describe different and mutually exclusive approaches to assessing, measuring and valuing biodiversity. As they come with different definitions, the discussion on ecosystem services is - more than recognized by most scholars - a Babylonian cacophony. The solution I suggest is, of course, just one solution.
More critical is the assessment of attempts to monetarily value biodiversity, which is in most cases a numerical exercise lacking any solid scientific basis.
More critical is the assessment of attempts to monetarily value biodiversity, which is in most cases a numerical exercise lacking any solid scientific basis.
My introduction to ecological economics for the Environment Europe Spring School at Oxford University. I start with the environmental challenges and the will of both ecologists and economists to contribute, with their disciplinary means,... more
My introduction to ecological economics for the Environment Europe Spring School at Oxford University.
I start with the environmental challenges and the will of both ecologists and economists to contribute, with their disciplinary means, to solving the problems. At first glance they look like a perfect couple, but on a closer look they are incompatible. This is why ecological economics is needed, with a world view and methods distinct from both.
Unfortunately, some graphs had to be deleted for copyright reasons
I start with the environmental challenges and the will of both ecologists and economists to contribute, with their disciplinary means, to solving the problems. At first glance they look like a perfect couple, but on a closer look they are incompatible. This is why ecological economics is needed, with a world view and methods distinct from both.
Unfortunately, some graphs had to be deleted for copyright reasons
Nachhaltigkeit - Bedarf, Historie, Hemmnisse, Optionen und ihre Grenzen (Kreislaufwirtschaft, Green Economy, Bio-Ökonomie), Degrowth, Leben in der Mangelgesellschaft
Research Interests:
Vietnam is simultaneously exposed to interacting economic, social and environmental transitions. This presentation suggests a classification of the different processes and highlights some of the possible responses to the emerging... more
Vietnam is simultaneously exposed to interacting economic, social and environmental transitions.
This presentation suggests a classification of the different processes and highlights some of the possible responses to the emerging multi-crisis.
This presentation suggests a classification of the different processes and highlights some of the possible responses to the emerging multi-crisis.
Research Interests:
Natural events such as floods or volcanic eruptions offer disbenefits and benefits, sometimes to the same, sometimes to distant generations and locations. Ecosystem services are a co-production of nature and society, and almost always... more
Natural events such as floods or volcanic eruptions offer disbenefits and benefits, sometimes to the same, sometimes to distant generations and locations.
Ecosystem services are a co-production of nature and society, and almost always interventions into natural processes. The negative feedback loops keeping natural systems stable also apply to the interventions, and are perceived as disbenefits or benefits.
Furthermore, humans compete not only with other species, but mostly amongst themselves about the access to services and the avoidance of exposure to disservices. The result is not determined by natural factors, but by political and economic power.
Consequently, all these factors should be taken into account when planning for an intervention to increase the availability of services. ESS research needs a political economy background to provide valid assessments.
Ecosystem services are a co-production of nature and society, and almost always interventions into natural processes. The negative feedback loops keeping natural systems stable also apply to the interventions, and are perceived as disbenefits or benefits.
Furthermore, humans compete not only with other species, but mostly amongst themselves about the access to services and the avoidance of exposure to disservices. The result is not determined by natural factors, but by political and economic power.
Consequently, all these factors should be taken into account when planning for an intervention to increase the availability of services. ESS research needs a political economy background to provide valid assessments.
Research Interests:
Summarising the pressures on biodiversity identified by ipbes and other research, we exemplify how changes in consumption decisions could help relief the pressures.
Research Interests:
Summarising EUFORIE results, we give examples of national policies and draw conclusions for future EU policies
Research Interests:
All these popular concepts can be cennected, strengthening the message that global change is imminent and decisive policy measures need to be taken with increasing urgency.
Research Interests:
Sustainable consumption requires reducing levels, beyond greening patterns.
So far all campaigns have failed to achieve this, partly due to political reasons, but also due to conceptual failures. Alternatives are possible
So far all campaigns have failed to achieve this, partly due to political reasons, but also due to conceptual failures. Alternatives are possible
Research Interests:
Degrowth would lead to pauperisation if not accompanied by sufficiency in consumption, while sufficiency would lead to economic collapse if not aligned with Degrowth
Research Interests:
Through the SDGs, the issue of peace and (social) conflict
has finally come home to the sustainability discourse.
However, it has not reached the Degrowth discourse yet
has finally come home to the sustainability discourse.
However, it has not reached the Degrowth discourse yet
Research Interests:
After clarifying that reducing the level of consumption is necessary (not only changing the pattern), I turn to consumption theory to see how it could be achieved. The Theory of Planned Behaviour assumes that people can be convinced by... more
After clarifying that reducing the level of consumption is necessary (not only changing the pattern), I turn to consumption theory to see how it could be achieved. The Theory of Planned Behaviour assumes that people can be convinced by information and will change their performance, hence the information campaigns by governments and NGOs - which all fail to deliver on their promises as they underestimate the roles of social routines and networks. On the other hand, Social Practice Theory address these levels, but abstracts from human behaviour to higher level structures. Both fall short of integrating the outer conditions with the inner motivations, be it through a misguided view of humans or their neglect. We try to complement both concepts with an additional approach centred around the concept of multidimensional affordability.
Research Interests:
Environmental Justice is more and more becoming a burning issue, closely linked to democracy and human rights. The EJAtlas documents environmental conflicts worldwide with cases, by type, reason, and the companies involved. It should not... more
Environmental Justice is more and more becoming a burning issue, closely linked to democracy and human rights. The EJAtlas documents environmental conflicts worldwide with cases, by type, reason, and the companies involved. It should not only be considered as excellent teaching material, but also reason for policy action. The latter is missing so far, however.
Research Interests:
Scientists (natural and social), ESS researchers and economists chose different entry gates when analysing the process of ecosystem service generation from structures and function, the benefit generation (and allocation). While natural... more
Scientists (natural and social), ESS researchers and economists chose different entry gates when analysing the process of ecosystem service generation from structures and function, the benefit generation (and allocation). While natural scientists start from ecosystems and their functions ESF and social sciences from the definition of use value potentials ESP, ESS researchers start from the services and economists from the benefits. This leads to a situation where the focus is stepwise narrowing, leaving out more and more of living nature, while still using the same terminology for the different object. This Babylonian language confusion can be a serious risk for conservation policies.
Research Interests:
The SDGs have severe weaknesses which obstruct their implementation as a coherent set of goals. Unclear definitions have been detected by ICSU, synergies and trade-offs between targets analysed by IISD. This presentation (based on... more
The SDGs have severe weaknesses which obstruct their implementation as a coherent set of goals. Unclear definitions have been detected by ICSU, synergies and trade-offs between targets analysed by IISD. This presentation (based on Spangenberg, J.H. 2017. Hot air or comprehensive progress? A critical assessment of the SDGs. Sustainable Development 25 (4), 311-321, doi 10.1002/sd.1657) asks from a political science perspective if (i) the goals are in line with the definition of sustainable development, (ii) the causes of unsustainability are addressed, and (iii) the agents in charge are named. Deficits in all three respects indicate that without sharpening the analysis of Pressures and Drivers, and choosing the adequate policy instruments, the ambitious social and (less ambitious) environmental targets will be out of reach.
Research Interests:
Die Grundlage allen wirtschaftens ist die physische Ökonomie, erst auf ihr bauen die Realwirtschaft und die Irrealwirtschaft der Finanzmärkte auf.
Households are the main consumers of low temperature thermal energy and significant in electricity consumption. Efficiency reduces the consumption at least in the short to medium term (in the long run it accelerates growth). In the... more
Households are the main consumers of low temperature thermal energy and significant in electricity consumption. Efficiency reduces the consumption at least in the short to medium term (in the long run it accelerates growth).
In the EUFORIE project we have analysed the household energy consumption and national residential energy efficiency policies; this presentation highlights some examples and conclusions
In the EUFORIE project we have analysed the household energy consumption and national residential energy efficiency policies; this presentation highlights some examples and conclusions
Research Interests:
Scotland as a rather normal Northern European country is drawn out of the EU by England, which is really exceptional in this respect. Some suggestions how to make sure that despite this unfavourable development the ties to the rest of... more
Scotland as a rather normal Northern European country is drawn out of the EU by England, which is really exceptional in this respect. Some suggestions how to make sure that despite this unfavourable development the ties to the rest of Europe can be maintained, to a avoid the looming splendid isolation England seem to cherish.
Introduction to ecological economics by first analysing the world views of mainstream economists and ecologists, showing the incommensurability despite similarities at first glance, and offering ecological economics as a reality based... more
Introduction to ecological economics by first analysing the world views of mainstream economists and ecologists, showing the incommensurability despite similarities at first glance, and offering ecological economics as a reality based basis for managing economic challenges in a socially and environmentally benign way.
Research Interests:
Before discussing the value of nature, discuss the nature of value: having identified the niche where economic valuation is appropriate, criteria can be formulated for when economic valuation is useful, and when it should be abandoned.
Research Interests:
Neither a circular nor a bio-based economy is physically possible. A combination of dematerialisation, degrowth and sufficiency is needed to keep human activities within planetary boundaries
Research Interests:
1. The German circular economy experience
2. A truely circular economy isn't possible
What we need are dematerilisation and degrowth
2. A truely circular economy isn't possible
What we need are dematerilisation and degrowth
Research Interests:
In order not to violate planetary boundaries, the global physical economy has to shrink, and for reasons of environmental and social justice, most ogf this has to happen in the affluent countries. Depite some potentials for efficiency... more
In order not to violate planetary boundaries, the global physical economy has to shrink, and for reasons of environmental and social justice, most ogf this has to happen in the affluent countries. Depite some potentials for efficiency increases, it is hardly conceivable that this can be achieved without a degrowth in GDP terms in these coiuntries. In that case, with decreasing per capita consumption, it is crucial to strengthen social justice and to safeguard quality of life by replacing better for more.
(unfortunately, for copyright reasons, some graphs and all cartoons had to be deleted in this public version)
(unfortunately, for copyright reasons, some graphs and all cartoons had to be deleted in this public version)
Research Interests:
Background paper for the presentation in Claremont, CA, USA, June 4th - 6th, 2015, see the "Talk" section for details
Research Interests:
The purpose of this paper is to support strategy discussions on strong or substantially sustainable consumption by first distinguishing the different motives for consumption which require different strategies to be turned sustainable. In... more
The purpose of this paper is to support strategy discussions on strong or substantially sustainable consumption by first distinguishing the different motives for consumption which require different strategies to be turned sustainable. In a second step I assess the causes for the different motivations to be endemic, and argue that they will not be overcome without major social and economic policy changes, and changes in value patterns: sustainable consumption policy will fail unless embedded into a Great Transformation towards sustainable societies. Concepts of a good life will play a major role when defining the transformation trajectory, but will not be sufficient as they are either too abstract to guide concrete strategy formulation across the board of policy domains, or they are too narrowly focussed on leisure, consumption and individual behaviour and need to be complemented by concepts of good work and a fair economy, including issues of trade and peace. Social security including a physical basic supply and changed price structures would be one element of a sustainability transition. However, some of the consumption motives identified can be seamlessly integrated into a sufficiency strategy which emphasises the necessity of political framework setting to give progress (technical and social innovations, and human orientations) a sustainable direction, first by declaring the orientation towards ever more, faster and higher to be obsolete and offering an alternative of " enoughness ". Economically speaking, this requires policy reorientation from the maximum (of growth, consumption, power, …) towards an optimum which balances values and sets limits. Taking a closer look at the definition of human needs, we distinguish the finite set of needs from the unlimited list of (potential) wants, and argue that sustainable consumption does not mean ignoring human needs, to the contrary, but choosing sustainable satisfiers to these needs. Many of these will be social achievements and not products and services traded on markets, but what is traded needs to be reshaped as well – this is the domain of Design for Sustainability DfS. It goes beyond ecological design by emphasising the social and institutional dimensions of sustainability. This includes revisiting the way strong sustainable consumption has been advertised: as in the current commercialised societies there is hardly a space and an opportunity to lead a sustainable, for instance a low-carbon life style, I advocate to pursue the issue as a question of the right to self-determination, the right of citizens in their communities and towns to have places of self-determined non-consumption (or consumption of non-market goods and services), in zones free of advertising and commerce. In the conclusions, the paper returns to the different consumption motives and discusses which of the strategy elements mentions can be mobilised to address them, and integrate them into a sufficiency transformation towards strong sustainability.
Research Interests:
Ecoystem service generation changes the habitats and often causes disservices to certain groups of stakeholders. The preentation looks at structural conflicts, classifies organisms by the kind of services they provide and the conflicts... more
Ecoystem service generation changes the habitats and often causes disservices to certain groups of stakeholders. The preentation looks at structural conflicts, classifies organisms by the kind of services they provide and the conflicts that may emerge, and points out research needs
Research Interests:
While ecosystem functions are natural phenomena (although described in anthropogenic categories), ecosystem service potential and services are social constructs. They are conceptualised as flows from a stock of natural rsources,... more
While ecosystem functions are natural phenomena (although described in anthropogenic categories), ecosystem service potential and services are social constructs. They are conceptualised as flows from a stock of natural rsources, neglecting social processes. Add to this the anthropocentric approach of monetary valuation, and grossly misguiding results can emerge. Caution is recommended, and some criteria for identifying the niche of monetisation are suggested.
Biodiversity, ecosystems and their services cannot be valued by one metric - value pluralism is a necessity. This is shown by referring to value philosophy, and conclusions for the (limited) value of monetray valuation are drawn.
Research Interests:
Sufficiency or enoughness is far more than an environmental concept - it is the antithesis to "faster, further, more" and applies to protecting the environment as much as humans. Good work, sustainability and degrowth are then no... more
Sufficiency or enoughness is far more than an environmental concept - it is the antithesis to "faster, further, more" and applies to protecting the environment as much as humans. Good work, sustainability and degrowth are then no contradictions, but complements. However, under the current social structures, degrowth is rightly perceived as a major threat to working people's income and employment.
Research Interests: DeGrowth, Steady-State Economy, Degrowth, Ecological Economics, Evolution of Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Behavioral Change, Human Development, Evolution of Consciousness, Intentional Communities, Grassroots Movements, and Macroeconomics, Sustainable Development, Decent Work and Development Economic Research
Institutions on several levels, formal and informal, orientations, mechanisms and organisation, interact to stabilise and structure human societies. Without institutional change, sustainable consumption will not emerge, and degrowth will... more
Institutions on several levels, formal and informal, orientations, mechanisms and organisation, interact to stabilise and structure human societies. Without institutional change, sustainable consumption will not emerge, and degrowth will not be an option acceptable to the majority of people.
Research Interests:
Consumption has a multitude of motivations. Policies for strong sustainable consumption must take these differences into account. A good life may be a common goal, but will require different routes for different people.
Research Interests:
In the five years of the LEGATO project, we learnt a lot about ecosystem services (ESS), their generation, communication and governance. Other lessons refer to the scientific process, inter- and transdisciplinarity. The presentation lists... more
In the five years of the LEGATO project, we learnt a lot about ecosystem services (ESS), their generation, communication and governance. Other lessons refer to the scientific process, inter- and transdisciplinarity.
The presentation lists subjects, past and future publications.
The presentation lists subjects, past and future publications.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has... more
Since the SDGs have been adopted, the focus of the policy, civil society and academic debate is on how to implement “the SDGs”. However, if there are inherent contradictions, it will be impossible to implement all goals, and a choice has to be made. This paper analyses the SDGs regarding their coherence and its impacts on their implementation.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
It does so by using the DPSIR heuristic looking at Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact and Response of sustainability challenges. The opportunities for success are assessed by a closer look at the agency mentioned in the SDG/Agenda 2030 text.
The SDGs are found to be weak on agency, with limited obligations to governments and none to business or consumers. They focus on State and Impact, neglecting the Pressures and supporting counterproductive Drivers. In conclusion, the positive targets will either not be realised, or the means of implementation must be upgraded significantly.
Research Interests:
Ecosystem service research runs the risk of justifying an unjust world as "natural" (as in social Darwinism) if not more attention is devoted to human agency. This is argued and a way of doing so illustrated. Finally, linking ESS concepts... more
Ecosystem service research runs the risk of justifying an unjust world as "natural" (as in social Darwinism) if not more attention is devoted to human agency. This is argued and a way of doing so illustrated. Finally, linking ESS concepts to the SES concept of Elinor Ostrom is promising but not yet fully established.
Research Interests:
Efficiency is indispensible, but also insufficient. The role of sufficiency is underestimated, and its function hardly understood. We argue for sufficiency policy, i.e. not individual behgaviour but the conditions of living and acting are... more
Efficiency is indispensible, but also insufficient. The role of sufficiency is underestimated, and its function hardly understood. We argue for sufficiency policy, i.e. not individual behgaviour but the conditions of living and acting are decisive.
Research Interests:
Sufficiency is a condition of sustainable development and has a lot of complementary dimensions