This book questions the use of salvage law as legal regulatory framework for the remuneration of environmental services in salvage operations, proposing that such services should be based on direct contracting between commercial salvors and coastal States. Adopting an environment-first approach, it argues that direct contracting better serves and promotes environmental protection outcomes. It also takes a functional view of the law as a tool to promote values and sought outcomes. Salvage operations are recognised as a first line of defence against pollution following shipping incidents. Although regulated under the law of salvage, these operations form an integral component of a framework of environmental protection measures regulated under different legal instruments or laws. The law of salvage fails to effectively integrate salvage operations in broader pollution response mechanisms because it does not aligns comfortably with this framework of laws. Despite the emphasis on environmental protection in the 1989 London Salvage Convention, the Convention maintains the traditional notion of salvage operations as a service to property, while environmental outcomes and the remuneration of environmental services are positioned as a secondary outcome of the law of salvage. This book argues that directly contracting for environmental services bolsters the primacy of environmental protection and the functional use of law to further environmental protection and policy formulation. Direct contracting between coastal States and Salvors for environmental services complements existing practices and pollution response mechanisms and provides a sound legal basis for the effective realisation of salvage operations as a first line of defence against pollution following shipping incidents without fundamentally altering the established commercial identity of the traditional law of salvage. This book will be key reading for students, academics and practitioners working at the intersection of shipping and environmental law.

Anthropogenic climate change may lead to intensification of the global hydrological cysle and to increased flooding risk of rivers across Europe. A series of extreme floods in European rivers in the last decades have stimulated discussions about the possible effects of climate variability/change and human interventions in river basins. A synoptic-climatological analysis was carried out to elucidate the observed precipitation change in the Meuse basin, in northwestern Europe. The findings of this research will be valuable to those developing improved flood protection strategies, as well as those engaged in water resource management in river basins similar to the Meuse.

Historically, economic crises have triggered the global policy of transferring the management of irrigation systems to water users associations. The impact of these transfers has been very complex and recent studies have shown that the outcomes vary from region to region, and are diverse even within a single country. The present study looks at 16 irrigation ditches in Colombia, where management was transferred from the Colombian government to water users associations. Some examples show an improvement in organizational stability, following the transfer of management, while others demonstrate a deterioration. A conceptual framework is presented, for the establishment of a sustainable management policy, based on an inter-relationship between the community, the environment and science and technology. For an effective implementation of the framework, the role of government, water users associations and farmers are considered to be the key elements, and it is believed that an effective integration of these players contributes to successful and sustainable management. The water users organization needs to follow an integral and participatory management approach, enlarging its span of action beyond mere operation activities, into the area of improvement of the standard of living of farmers. Encouraging the adoption of irrigated agriculture under criteria of sustainability, profitability, competitiveness, equity and multi-functionality is the way forward. The RUT Irrigation District is one of the most progressive irrigation districts in Colombia, and it is here that the conceptual framework has been intensively analyzed and evaluated.

Environmental engineering protects the conditions of a safe environment, its role being crucial in eliminating ecological threats. It has an interdisciplinary character, utilising principles from biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics to neutralize pollutants in all facets of the environment. Environmental engineering deals with a wide range of technical and technological problems, including the design and maintenance of water supply, sewage disposal, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings. This proceedings aims to assess the state of scientific research in various areas of environmental engineering; to evaluate organizational, technical and technological progress in contributing to ecological security; and to determine the place of environmental engineering in sustainable development, taking into account current political and economic conditions. Environmental Engineering is an invaluable source of information and ideas for the international environment engineering scientific community.

Water transmission and distribution systems are pressurized hydraulic networks, consisting of pipes and other appurtenant components such as reservoirs, pumps, valves and surge devices. Analysis, design and flow control problems in such systems can best be dealt with using network synthesis. This approach aims to directly determine design variables in order to achieve a specified behaviour of the system under steady state or transient flow conditions. There are enormous advantages to be achieved in applying such a model to a wide variety of problems in engineering practice. The innovative theoretical framework described in this thesis, incorporates necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability, as well as methods/algorithms for the efficient solution of network problems.

Despite the apparently desperate situation of sub-Saharan Africa, rainwater harvesting and management is a viable intervention for upgrading rain-fed agriculture, improving water supply and sustainable livelihoods in water-scarce river basins. If strategies are developed to ensure equity allocation of basin water, a win-win situation for diverse water users can be achieved. This thesis assesses the hydrological impacts of land use changes on water resources management and socio-economic development of the upper Ewaso Ng'iro river basin in Kenya. It considers the impact of irrigation on dry season river flows and highlights the challenge of flood storage strategies. While flood storage can reduce dry season irrigation water abstractions by more than a half, without affecting hydro-ecological functions downstream, unplanned flood harvesting may impact negatively on flood flow, being detrimental to natural ecosystems and groundwater downstream.

The most important theme of the discourse on sustainable development and sustainability challenges concerns the relationship between innovation and sustainability. This book represents a realistic critical overview of the state of affairs of sustainable innovations, offering an accessible and comprehensive diagnostic point of reference for both the academic and practitioner worlds. In order for sustainable innovation to truly become mainstream practice in business it is necessary to find out how organizations can strategically and efficiently accommodate sustainability and innovation in such a manner that they accomplish value capturing (for firms, stakeholders, and for society), not merely creating a return on the social responsibility agenda. Addressing this challenge, the book draws together research from a range of perspectives in order to understand the potential shifts and barriers, benefits, and outcomes from all angles: inception, strategic process, and impact for companies and society. The book also delivers insights of (open) innovation in public sector organizations, which is not so much a process of invention as it is one of adoption and diffusion. It examines how the environmental pillar of the triple bottom line in private firms is often a by-product of thinking about the economic pillar, where cost reductions may be achieved through process innovation in terms of eliminating waste and reducing energy consumption. The impact of open innovation on process innovation, and sustainable process innovation in particular, is an underexplored area but is examined in this book. It also considers the role of the individual entrepreneur in bringing about sustainable innovation; entrepreneurs, their small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the innovation ecosystems they build play a significant role in generating sustainable innovations where these smaller organizations are much more flexible than large organizations in targeting societal needs and challenges. The readership will incorporate PhD students and postgraduate researchers, as well as practitioners from organizational advisory fields.

Despite the unprecedented gravity of the challenges posed by global warming, most political systems have not given them the required priority. The oil industry has resisted, and many countries have taken only token measures to reduce emissions and mitigate the worst effects. In this context, this book examines the progressive options available to today's developing countries as they face the limitations of neoliberalism and the existential challenge of global warming. Examining the cases of both low-income fossil fuel-dependent economies and large middle-income economies, this book argues that for all developing economies the best way forward includes 'green' macroeconomic policies articulated with progressive industrial and social policies, thus allowing these countries to achieve economic diversification, build alternative drivers of growth, and deliver improvements in the distribution of income, wealth and power. There is urgent need for this progressive policy agenda - grounded on heterodox economics, committed to social integration and the reduction of multiple inequalities - to improve the economic outcomes for these countries, improve the lives of citizens and meet global climate targets. The book argues that capitalism challenges the possibility of free and dignified existence while climate change challenges the possibility of life itself, and that these challenges must be confronted together. Since neoliberal capitalism will not adopt the necessary policies to reduce carbon emissions rapidly, it must be overthrown - not only for ethical or logical reasons, or to shift to better arrangements for the functioning of society, but in order to preserve the conditions for life itself. This agenda for progressive economic development is essential reading for anyone interested in heterodox economics, development studies, international politics, international relations and sustainable business.

Land management issues, such as mapping tree species, recognizing invasive plants, and identifying key geologic features, require an understanding of complex technical issues before the best decisions can be made. Hyperspectral remote sensing is one the technologies that can help with reliable detection and identification. Presenting the fundamentals of remote sensing at an introductory level, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Principles and Applications explores all major aspects of hyperspectral image acquisition, exploitation, interpretation, and applications. The book begins with several chapters on the basic concepts and underlying principles of remote sensing images. It introduces spectral radiometry concepts, such as radiance, irradiance, flux, and blackbody radiation; covers imaging spectrometers, examining spectral range, full width half maximum (FWHM), resolution, sampling, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and multispectral and hyperspectral sensor systems; and addresses atmospheric interactions. The book then discusses information extraction, with chapters covering the underlying physics principles that lead to the creation of an image and the interpretation of the image's information. The final chapters describe case studies that illustrate the use of hyperspectral remote sensing in agriculture, environmental monitoring, forestry, and geology. After reading this book, you will have a better understanding of how to evaluate different approaches to hyperspectral analyses and to determine which approaches will work for your applications.

What is the power of a collectively imagined future? Women in rural Zimbabwe imagine a future of prosperity and education for their children and then they take collective action to care for the wild grasses that guarantees their livelihood as broom-makers, and their children's futures. In India, "The Rivermaker" helps his village neighbors to picture and then build a future of agricultural wealth and prosperity through direct management of their river basin. This is the power of a collective imagination focused on real, tangible outcomes. Through an easy-to-read narrative style and using real examples from Africa and Asia, this revolutionary book--part argument for the limitless power of human imagination and part practical manual for turning visions into reality--explains how to use a process of "participatory modelling" to structure people's learning and understanding of the natural systems they depend upon and how this can lead to better social and environmental outcomes. The book is for communities and professional natural resources managers who want to use this powerful tool to help people share visions and take appropriate, immediate action. It introduces both the theory and practice of participatory modelling using everyday language and a variety of accessible and successful examples. The result is a challenging yet instantly accessible and applicable guide for practicing real, successful community based natural resource management anywhere, in any circumstances.

Discover the latest available knowledge on ways to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere! The problem of quickly mounting CO2 emissions in the fast-developing Latin American region was addressed in a symposium held in Piracicaba, Brazil, in June 2004. Carbon Sequestration in Soils of Latin America presents the latest available knowledge in soil C sequestration and improved land and soil management which can also lead to other positive effects, such as greater fertility of soil and higher crop yields. This text, in easy-to-understand language, comprehensively reviews ways to best transform various soils from being a source of carbon released into the atmosphere to become a sink for carbon absorption. Carbon Sequestration in Soils of Latin America presents a full-rounded explanation of this information in four sections. The first section gives detailed background information about the region, its climate, and the differing soils, along with basic concepts behind the science. The second section describes recommended management practices and rates of soil C sequestration. The third section thoroughly deals with methods of assessment of soil C. The last section provides a summary of recommendations for further research and development. The book is extensively referenced and contains numerous figures, tables, and photographs. Topics in Carbon Sequestration in Soils of Latin America include: soil eco-regions and principal biomes of Latin America soil carbon stock in principal ecosystems of Latin America rates of carbon sequestration in different eco-regions for predominant land use and management the role of the Amazon region in mitigating climate change the importance of tropical savannas of Latin America in mitigating global warming innovative methods of assessment of soil carbon pool trading carbon credits designing pilot soil carbon sequestration projects potential of soil carbon sequestration in Latin America priorities and recommendations for future research Carbon Sequestration in Soils of Latin America is a comprehensive, essential resource for land managers, policymakers, educators, students, and researchers.

This book covers the ultrafiltration membranes, specifically focusing on the elements that are produced using PVDF technology and out-side-in configuration. It specifically targets ultrafiltration technology as a pretreatment of seawater reverse osmosis desalination process. However, what is described in the book can be leveraged in other ultrafiltration membrane types. It explains how to significantly improve the efficiency of the process.

Environmental Interactions of Clays is the companion volume of Bruce Velde's book on Origin and Mineralogy of Clays. In dealing with the role of clays in specific environmental issues, it is unique in its subject matter.
Individual chapters are written by recognized international experts in their field. Subjects covered are radioactive waste disposal, trace metals, soil quality and productivity, pesticides, landfill, fibrous minerals and health.
The approach is one of combining review with current research, thus it is an invaluable resource for students, researchers and practitioners alike.

The proposed title intends to provide a comprehensive view of emerging paradigms of computer science. The initial chapters will introduce various emerging paradigms and discuss research challenges related to them. Then some of the chapters will focus on the research solutions to address the identified challenges. The last few chapters will provide a discussion on future research directions.

The Environmental Impact of Cities assesses the environmental impact that comes from cities and their inhabitants, demonstrating that our current political and economic systems are not environmentally sustainable because they are designed for endless growth in a system which is finite. It is already well documented that political, economic and social forces are capable of shaping cities and their expansion, retraction, gentrification, re-population, industrialisation or de-industrialisation. However, the links between these political and economic forces and the environmental impact they have on urban areas have yet to be numerically presented. As a result, it is not clear how our cities are affecting the environment, meaning it is currently impossible to relate their economic, political and social systems to their environmental performance. This book examines a broad selection of cities covering a wide range of political systems, geography, cultural backgrounds and population size. The environmental impact of the selected cities is calculated using both ecological footprint and carbon emissions, two of the most extensively available indices for measuring environmental impact. The results are then considered in terms of political, economic and social factors to ascertain the degree to which these factors are helping or hindering the reduction of the environmental impact of humans. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainability, urban planning, urban design, environmental sciences, geography and sociology.

This book is a practitioner's guide to sustainable development, laying out strategies for attracting investment for communities and their partners. It proposes an innovative Sustainable Development Proposition (SDP) decision-making tool based on a propositional calculus that can be used to analyse the sustainability of an infrastructure investment. It draws on environmental sustainability governance data analysis enabling investors to understand the economic indicators, income potential, return on investment, demand and legal compliance, as well as community and social benefits. Identified risks, issues and advantages are managed and monitored, and the SDP guidance can be applied to improve the prospects of the project in order to attract investment. Sustainable Community Investment Indicators (SCIIs (TM)) have been developed to assist with attracting investment and monitoring feedback on infrastructure projects, designed by the author for remote rural and indigenous communities - in response to current industry tools that are designed for urban environments. The book includes a broad range of real-world and hypothetical case studies in agricultural and indigenous areas in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. Taking a diverse economies approach, these industry tools can be adapted to allow for enterprise design with unique communities. This book provides sustainable development practitioners, including government agencies, financiers, developers, lawyers and engineers, with a positive, practical guide to addressing and overcoming global issues with local and community-based solutions and funding options.

With a rigorous and comprehensive coverage, the second edition of Compliant Mechanisms: Design of Flexure Hinges provides practical answers to the design and analysis of devices that incorporate flexible hinges. Complex-shaped flexible-hinge mechanisms are generated from basic elastic segments by means of a bottom-up compliance (flexibility) approach. The same compliance method and the classical finite element analysis are utilized to study the quasi-static and dynamic performances of these compliant mechanisms. This book offers easy-to-use mathematical tools to investigate a wealth of flexible-hinge configurations and two- or three-dimensional compliant mechanism applications. FEATURES Introduces a bottom-up compliance-based approach to characterize the flexibility of new and existing flexible hinges of straight- and curvilinear-axis configurations Develops a consistent linear lumped-parameter compliance model to thoroughly describe the quasi-static and dynamic behavior of planar/spatial, serial/parallel flexible-hinge mechanisms Utilizes the finite element method to analyze the quasi-statics and dynamics of compliant mechanisms by means of straight- and curvilinear-axis flexible-hinge elements Covers miscellaneous topics such as stress concentration, yielding and related maximum load, precision of rotation of straight- and circular-axis flexible hinges, temperature effects on compliances, layered flexible hinges and piezoelectric actuation/sensing Offers multiple solved examples of flexible hinges and flexible-hinge mechanisms. This book should serve as a reference to students, researchers, academics and anyone interested to investigate precision flexible-hinge mechanisms by linear model-based methods in various areas of mechanical, aerospace or biomedical engineering, as well as in robotics and micro-/nanosystems.

- draws on the expertise of marine researchers from across the natural and social sciences - examines how the tools of transdisciplinarity can be used to return us to a sustainable co-existence with the ocean - draws on case studies from the nexus of the research and practices of engagement with a variety of stakeholder groups around the globe - will be of great interest to students and scholars studying marine science and ocean research across the natural and social sciences - will also be of interest to those looking to build a greater understanding of transdisciplinary research and knowledge co-production

Understanding of the dynamics of plant nutrients in the soil provides scientific basis for efficient nutrient management. Soil organic matter not only provides the nutrients required by the crop but also improve the biological and physical properties of the soil. This book collects and discusses information on production and management of organic manures, biofertilizers, integrated nutrient management in cropping systems and nutrient management in problematic soils. Print and electronic editions not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bhutan).

AI's impact on human societies is and will be drastic in so many ways. AI is being adopted and implemented around the world, and government and universities are investing in AI studies, research, and development. However, very little research exists about the impact of AI on our lives. This book will address this gap; it will gather reflections from around the world to assess the impact of AI on different aspects of society as well as propose ways in which we can address this impact and the research agendas needed.

The second edition of the popular RFF Reader brings together much of the best work published by researchers at Resources for the Future.

Many articles in the Reader were originally published in RFF's quarterly magazine, Resources. Wally Oates has supplemented that with material drawn from other RFF works, including issue briefs and special reports. The readings provide concise, insightful background and perspectives on a broad range of environmental issues including benefit-cost analysis, environmental regulation, hazardous and toxic waste, environmental equity, and the environmental challenges in developing nations and transitional economies. Natural-resource topics include resource management, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The articles address many of today's most difficult public policy questions, such as environmental policy and economic growth, and "When is a Life Too Costly to Save?" New to the second edition is an expanded set of readings on global climate change and sustainability, plus cutting-edge policy applications on topics like the environment and public health and the growing problem of antibiotic and pesticide resistance.

For general readers, the RFF Reader has been an accessible, nontechnical, authoritative introduction to key issues in environmental and natural resources policy. It has been especially effective in demonstrating the contribution that economics and other social science research can make toward improving public debate and decisionmaking. Organized to follow the contents of popular textbooks in environmental economics and politics, it has also found wide use in beginning environmental policy courses.

Provides a comprehensive treatment of fluid mechanics from the basic concepts to in-depth application problems. Covers waves, torrential rains, and tsunamis. Offers two distinct chapters on jet flows and turbulent flows. Includes numerous end-of-chapter problems. Features a Solutions Manual and MAPLE worksheets for instructor use.

Arguing that museums must place sustainability at the centre of all their activities, if they are to become key actors with a clear societal role, Garthe considers the issues that museums will likely face as they take on their new roles. Presenting case studies from a wide range of museums around the world, the book considers different ways of implementing sustainability in different types and sizes of institutions. Whilst the book clearly outlines the need for change, it also provides guidance about how to change. Garthe does this by considering specific concepts and approaches to sustainability in relation to the different aspects of museum operations. The book includes a hands-on manual for implementing sustainability management in a museum, whilst also considering the challenges practitioners will encounter and considering what the future of the sustainable museum might look like. The Sustainable Museum will be essential reading for museum and heritage professionals around the globe. The book will also be of interest to academics and students engaged in the study of museums, arts and cultural management, business administration, change management or sustainable development..