Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
|
Your cart is empty |
|||
Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Applied ecology > General
With the increasing threat of depleted and contaminated water supplies around the world, this book provides a timely and much needed analysis of how cities should manage this precious resource. Integrating the environmental, economic, political and socio-cultural dimensions of water management, the authors outline how future mega-city systems can maintain a high quality of life for its residents. With the rapidly evolving and wealthy Shanghai as the key example, the paradox between the wealth of a city and the quality of its water is uncovered. With a multidisciplinary and multi-scale analysis, the supply of water to cities is discussed in the context of rivers, households, corporations, government and infrastructures. Chapters include the influence of household water use, the political economy of water management, the sources and management of pollution, catchment dynamics, and a Bayesian model for calculating future demand. This comprehensive study shows how essential water management will be to new, developing and expanding cities in the foreseeable future. Water Supply in a Mega-City will be of interest to researchers from across social, natural and engineering sciences interested in the theoretical and practical management of this essential resource in large cities, as well as those interested in the way cities respond to changing environmental conditions.
To reduce emissions and address climate change, we need to invest in renewables and rapidly decarbonise our energy networks. However, decarbonisation is often seen as a technical project, detached from questions of politics and social justice. What if this is leading to unfair transitions, in which some people bear the costs of change while others benefit? In this timely and expansive book, Ed Atkins asks: are we getting decarbonisation right? And how could it be made better for people and communities? In doing so, this book proposes a different type of energy transition. One that prioritises and takes opportunities to do better – to provide better jobs, community ownership and improve people’s homes and lives.
Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world?s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. 'Ecological economics has roots in numerous disciplines including various branches of economics, ecology, physics, systems analysis and the study of technology. In his succinct Advanced Introduction to Ecological Economics, Matthias Ruth shows how each of these lines of intellectual inquiry has contributed to the development of ecological economics. He covers its history, main findings and current issues closing with a valuable discussion of complexity and the challenges for analysis and management in a full world.' - Peter A. Victor, York University, Canada Any human endeavor is shaped by, and shapes, changes in the physical and biological environment. In this Advanced Introduction, Matthias Ruth draws on a diverse set of theories, methods and applications to critically assess key concepts in ecological economics. Understanding biophysical foundations of economic growth and development is at the core of ecological economics. The author provides a precise introduction to the interdependencies between economic and environmental change, focusing on the fundamental dependence of the economy on the environment, as a provider of energy, materials and waste assimilation services. Key features include:? an advanced introduction to theories, methods and applications of ecological economics that are reflective rather than enumerative? clarification of the differences between traditional resource and environmental economics? valuable insights from the Global South as well as from experiences in industrialized countries to explore the topic in depth. Offering a unique insight into a field that is still in its formative years of development, this concise and accessible Advanced Introduction will greatly benefit students, researchers and instructors in environmental science and ecological economics.
How businesses can and are acting to redress social and environmental issues is a question of growing academic interest. Bringing together a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, this insightful Research Agenda evaluates the current state of the art of sustainability and business and assesses key challenges for the field. Multidisciplinary chapters provide instrumental, economic, network and political perspectives on issues that are crucial in gaining insight into sustainability challenges facing businesses today, from socially responsible consumption behaviours and organisational resilience to climate change and sustainability transitions in extractive industries. Its diverse contributions highlight the breadth and depth of analyses and perspectives that are necessary to set a dynamic agenda for future research on sustainability and business. Advancing novel research questions and methodologies, the editors illustrate the path ahead for carrying out research that impacts the science and practice of business and sustainability, as well as creating meaningful change for our species and planet. Offering an advanced yet accessible introduction to the current state and future direction of sustainability and business, this incisive Research Agenda will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of business, sustainability studies, and environment studies. Its practical insights will also benefit MBA students and business executives moving into sustainability.
A comprehensive text and reference book covering all the aspects of biodiversity science for students and researchers of biodiversity, plant science, biotechnology, as well as zoology.
Environmentally-sustainable tourism or "ecotourism" has become a major area of interest for governments, the private sector and international lending institutions. It is regarded as a way of allowing economic development whilst protecting against environmental degradation, especially in those countries with fragile ecosystems. However, despite the beneficial intentions of ecotourism, it tends to be regarded uncritically by environmental organizations, governments and the private sector alike. Rosaleen Duffy presents this analysis of ecotourism, linking it with environmental ideologies and the politics of North-South relations. By the extensive use of case study and interview material, she formulates ideas and proposals that should be important for the development of ecotourism around the globe.
The business case for sustainability and the global imperative to act are now clear, but organizations still struggle with procurement and supply chains as some of the most difficult factors to improve. Sustainable Procurement explains how procurement professionals can expand on existing tools and approaches to make sustainability a reality. It begins by exploring the current landscape and the need for new approaches before moving onto a step-by-step process for sustainable procurement and supply chain CSR, from reviewing goods and services bought to supply chain mapping and implementing new supplier requirements. Guidance is offered on factors such as specification, use of labour and processes, and how to drive improvements further up the supply chain where there is no direct contractual relationship. Written by leading procurement expert and best-selling author, Jonathan O'Brien, this practical guide outlines how to carry out a sustainability audit to define objectives and develop a new strategy. It also explains how to monitor results, the governance required to ensure success and how to be ready for changes in the future. Drive positive change with this roadmap to sustainable procurement and responsible supply chains.
In this book Harry Heft examines the historical and theoretical
foundations of James J. Gibson's ecological psychology in 20th
century thought, and in turn, integrates ecological psychology and
analyses of sociocultural processes. A thesis of the book is that
knowing is rooted in the direct experience of meaningful
environmental objects and events present in individual-environment
processes and at the level of collective, social settings.
The papers in this volume have been grouped according to the main sub-themes of the congress and primarily deal with the biodiversity issues of invasive crustacea, ecology and behaviour and fisheries and aquaculture.
Next Generation Biomonitoring: Part Two, Volume 59, the latest release in the Advances in Ecological Research series, is the second part of a thematic on ecological biomonitoring. It includes specific chapters that cover aquatic volatile metabolomics using trace gases to examine ecological processes, next generation approaches to rapid monitoring Bio-aerosol and the link between human health and environmental microbiology, NGB in Canadian wetlands, CELLDEX/global monitoring of functional responses, Citizen Science and Biomonitoring, and more.
The world is losing species and biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. The causes go deep and the losses are driven by a complex array of social, economic, political and biological factors at different levels. Immediate causes such as over-harvesting, pollution and habitat change have been well studied, but the socioeconomic factors driving people to degrade their environment are less well understood. This book examines the underlying causes. It provides analyses of a range of case studies from Brazil, Cameroon, China, Danube River Basin, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania and Vietnam, and integrates them into a new and interdisciplinary framework for understanding what is happening. From these results, the editors are able to derive policy conclusions and recommendations for operational and institutional approaches to address the root causes and reverse the current trends. It makes a contribution to the understanding of all those - from ecologists and conservationists to economists and policy makers - working on one of the major challenges we face.
The idea of ecological modernisation originated in Western Europe in the 1980s, gaining attention around the world by the late 1990s. At the core of this social scientific and policy-oriented approach is the view that contemporary societies have the capability of dealing with their environmental crises. Experiences in some countries demonstrate that modern institutions can incorporate environmental interests into their daily routines. Elsewhere, economic and political interests dominate development trajectories and environmental deterioration continues, challenging the premises of ecological modernisation. This volume brings together research on ecological modernisation practices around the world. Studies on Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, the USA, and Southeast Asia examine the applicability of this approach to advanced industrial countries, transitional economies and developing countries respectively. Authors critically examine the premises of ecological modernisation theory, assess its value for understanding past and present environmental transformations, and outline paths for designing future sustainable development. Taken together, the studies in collected this volume offer significant refinements, extensions and critiques of ecological modernisation theory and suggest important directions for future research on social and policy dimensions of environmental change.
Trees and woodlands are an integral part of Britains heritage and culture, as well as an invaluable environmental and ecological resource. In an increasingly urbanized British population, romantic notions of bluebell-carpeted woods and deep-coloured wooded hillsides during autumn do not come easily. Instead, images of forgotten corners of land with a few sycamore trees and lots of brambles, or an area of dark, intimidating conifers are more common. The wide variety of types of woodland, whether closely managed or naturally-occuring, provide important habitats for a huge range of flora and fauna. This text explores the history and ecology of British woodlands, and explains why they are such a valuable resource. It offers a practical guide to issues of ecology of woodland habitats and organisms; conservation and management; coppicing, pasture woodland and commercial forestry; woodland grazing, ride management and recration in woodlands. Featuring illustrated species boxes as well as a full species list, notable sites with location maps and pictures, suggested projects and a full glossary, students and environmentalists should gain an understanding of the historical and present-day im
Phosphorus is one of the major nutrients limiting the productivity of terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems. Over the last decade several research projects were conducted on Florida's ecosystems from state and federal agencies and private industry to address water quality issues, and to develop management practices to control nutrient loads.
Environmental professionals are (and will continue to be) under increased pressure to become more knowledgeable of environmental management issues.
Greenhouse gas concentrations are rapidly increasing and pathways to limit global warming require fundamental economic transitions. Green Deals in the Making addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of Green Deals, in particular the use of market-based instruments. Expert contributors shed light on the complexities arising for the implementation of Green Deals in times of the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which puts considerable strains on national economies. Chapters present theory and empirical analysis of green pricing instruments and national experiences, assessing the critical issue of finance and recycling carbon tax revenue. The book concludes with an analysis of key issues relating to circular economy considerations and plastics in achieving Green Deal goals. A critical analysis of important topics is presented including green fiscal reform, carbon taxation and sustainable urbanism. This timely book will be of great interest to researchers, students and scholars interested in environmental policy, tax and law, as well as the industry sector, policy makers and government officials.
Written by well known ecologist, Eugene Odum, this book presents
basic ecological principles in a series of vignettes, covering such
subjects as population growth, consumption of our natural
resources, and resource management. Drawing upon essays written
during a forty-year career as an instructor, researcher, and
ecologist, Odum introduces new terminology in an unassuming and
non-condescending manner. This book is invaluable not only for the
student and scientist, but also for the general interest
reader.
"Zero Emissions" has become a definitive term in the debate on sustainable development. While considered a utopian target by some, the concept describes what business and industry of the future must aim to achieve: no pollution and no waste. This volume presents findings from the research work of over 2000 scientists undertaken under the banner of ZERI (Zero Emissions Research Initiative), a business foundation working jointly with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in a number of developing countries. Gunter Pauli feels that if we are serious about creating jobs, generating more income and eliminating pollution, we have to build on the assets we have instead of continuing to analyze the problems we face. The volume examines how the adoption of Zero Emissions concepts not only reduces pollution and waste but can contribute significantly to the generation of income and jobs - specifically for those who need them most - the rural poor in less developed countries.
Trees and woodlands are an integral part of Britains heritage and culture, as well as an invaluable environmental and ecological resource. In an increasingly urbanized British population, romantic notions of bluebell-carpeted woods and deep-coloured wooded hillsides during autumn do not come easily. Instead, images of forgotten corners of land with a few sycamore trees and lots of brambles, or an area of dark, intimidating conifers are more common. The wide variety of types of woodland, whether closely managed or naturally-occuring, provide important habitats for a huge range of flora and fauna. This text explores the history and ecology of British woodlands, and explains why they are such a valuable resource. It offers a practical guide to issues of ecology of woodland habitats and organisms; conservation and management; coppicing, pasture woodland and commercial forestry; woodland grazing, ride management and recration in woodlands. Featuring illustrated species boxes as well as a full species list, notable sites with location maps and pictures, suggested projects and a full glossary, students and environmentalists should gain an understanding of the historical and present-day im
The International Handbook of Political Ecology features chapters by leading scholars from around the world in a unique collection exploring the multi-disciplinary field of political ecology. This landmark volume canvasses key developments, topics, issues, debates and concepts showcasing how political ecologists today address pressing social and environmental concerns. Introductory chapters provide an overview of political ecology and the Handbook. Remaining chapters examine five broad themes: issues and approaches; governance and power; knowledge and discourse; method and scale; and connections and transformations. The authors focus on an intrinsically international endeavour, considering both the topic and source of research, and integrate the approaches, debates, concepts and methods that define the field internationally. A combination of general reflection and case study research demonstrates both political ecology's place in wider social science debates and trends, as well as how its concerns relate to diverse empirical problems and settings. Across diverse topics and perspectives, these chapters amount to a wide-ranging survey of current research, making the International Handbook an indispensable reference for scholars and students in political ecology. Contributors: A. Acharya, B. Agarwal, H. Alimonda, A. Asiyanbi, L. Baker, S. Barca, S. Batterbury, P. Blaikie, E. Bravo, R.L. Bryant, B. Buscher, G. Cederloef, D. Chartier, C.A. Claus, L. Cortesi, A. Doolittle, M.R. Dove, W. Dressler, R. Fletcher, T. Forsyth, T.A.M. Freitas, D. Gautier, B. Hautdidier, A. Hayes-Conroy, J. Hayes-Conroy, H. Healy, C. Hebdon, L. Jarosz, S. Joshi, G. Kallis, A.H. Kimura, T. Kizos, C.A. Kull, P. Le Billon, S. Lee, E. Leff, A. Loftus, J. Martinez-Alier, B.R. Middleton, M. Moreano, A.C. Salomao Mozine, J. Muldavin, S. Nair, H. Neo, R.P. Neumann, C. Noe, G.G. Nunez, A. Paniagua, N.L. Peluso, C.P. Pow, M. Ramutsindel
Ecotoxicology is the evaluation of toxic effects within the environment, typically within one specific ecosystem, like a forest, stream, or lake. For years now, ecotoxicological studies have tended to focus on one toxicant at a time. But that isn't how an ecosystem encounters toxicants (or stresses): there may be several elements at work in the air, several more in the water, and still more already within the soil of any given ecosystem, and all have some level of toxic influence on that ecosystem. Multiple Stresses in Ecosystems presents the state-of-the-art in determining the effects of these multiple impacts upon ecosystems. Resulting from a vanguard conference originally held in 1993 at UC Davis, this new work is divided into three sections that present methodolgies for assessing the health of an ecosystem; the effects of multiple toxicological impacts upon an ecosystem, and which tools are worth using to assess these dangers. Environmental scientists, chemists, toxicologists, risk analysts, and probably the entire membership of SETAC will find need for this book, as will wetlands scientists, ecologists, and research biologists. |
You may like...
Spatial Flood Risk Management…
Thomas Hartmann, Lenka Slavikova, …
Hardcover
R2,727
Discovery Miles 27 270
Research Handbook on Law, Governance and…
Duncan French, Louis J. Kotze
Paperback
R1,440
Discovery Miles 14 400
Embedding Sustainability, Corporate…
Helen Borland, Michael Butler, …
Hardcover
R2,910
Discovery Miles 29 100
Environmental Management - A Business…
Sarel J. Smit, William T. Makomeni
Paperback
(1)
|