This innovative Research Handbook answers crucial questions about how individuals and organisations can make a difference towards sustainability. Offering an integrative perspective on sustainability agency, it reviews individual, active, organisational and relational forms of sustainability agency, demonstrating the capacity of individuals and organisations to act toward sustainable futures. The Research Handbook investigates the relationships between agency and sustainability, demonstrating the importance of agency for different types of sustainability challenges, including mitigating environmental change and resource depletion. International contributors offer a multidisciplinary overview of the field, constructing detailed literature reviews on its many angles and variations. Concluding with a consolidative meta-review of sustainability agency, the Research Handbook offers directions for future research in the discipline. Crucial reading for scholars and researchers of sustainability, this cutting-edge Research Handbook is particularly useful for those exploring new avenues for research in relation to agency. It will also benefit graduate students looking for an interdisciplinary perspective in the field, as well as practitioners, advocates and NGOs hoping to understand ways in which sustainability can be enacted in various contexts.

This insightful book explores the importance and influence of contextual heterogeneity in the field of entrepreneurship research, illuminating the circumstances, conditions or environments that may enable or constrain entrepreneurship. Expert contributors present the results of empirical studies in a wide variety of contexts, describing their depth and meaning both for entrepreneurship research and practice. Chapters illustrate a range of topics and research methods, including business model innovation in start-up companies, the challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in STEM, and the use of technology signalling in explaining the performance of immigrant entrepreneurship in market economies. Presenting new scientific evidence in the field, together with research-informed policy and practical implications, the book demonstrates that a multitude of research approaches must be used to reflect the multi-dimensional nature of context in entrepreneurship. Warning against simplistic interpretations and superficial conclusions of research, this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for scholars and students of entrepreneurship. Its use of empirical studies will also be beneficial for practitioners in this field.

Sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems research is ever evolving and this timely book stimulates further exploration, offering a research agenda and alternative approaches. Presenting new scientific evidence together with policy and other practical implications, chapters demonstrate the vibrancy and diversity of approaches in the field. Chapters on sustainable entrepreneurship analyse the circular economy, entrepreneurial decision-making logics, the drivers of eco-process innovations and strategic sustainability decision-making. Entrepreneurial ecosystems are investigated through discussion of different ecosystem orientations as factors influencing entrepreneurial behaviour. This thought-provoking book concludes with consideration of the conditions predicting entrepreneurial activity or behaviour, including family background and the growth of social and commercial SMEs. This book's up-to-date analysis and practical insight will prove invaluable to scholars and researchers in entrepreneurship as well as other business and management academics, policy-makers and practitioners.

This unique and insightful work examines the importance of 'quality of life' for the city which has become a key component of urban competitiveness over the past 30 years. It argues that having a high or low 'quality of life' will have important consequences for the vitality and status of any city. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed upon the skilled, highly mobile and generally younger labour force who choose the city in which they want to work and live based on the 'quality of life' elements offered to them. Consequently, there is mounting pressure on today's cities and the firms in their economies to create environments that are attractive to the new-age of the workforce and the key resource in the economy. The book's eight substantive chapters explore this issue by each examining a distinct element that comprises 'quality of life', including the approach of economists to quality of life, links to urban competitiveness, the economy, urban amenities and attributes. Providing an original perspective on contemporary cities and their economies, The City and Quality of Life will be essential reading for city and company leaders who implement policy and wish to further understand the attributes of 'quality of life' for their citizens. It will also be useful for researchers, university professors and students in disciplines such as economics and finance, geography and urban studies.

This insightful Handbook brings together the practical guidance of over 50 international practitioners in sustainable tourism. Applying strong research design principles it provides a workable and rational toolkit for investigating practical challenges while accounting for modest timeframes and resources. Expert contributors illustrate how to undertake environmental, socio-cultural and economic assessments that establish the feasibility of new tourism ventures and ascertain their impact over time. Chapters cover fundamentals including how to conduct feasibility studies and business plans, and address key topics such as visitor management and overcrowding. Offering how-to tools and step-by-step guidance, this Handbook combines academic insight with extensive professional experience to outline the best practices for an array of tasks to inform sustainable tourism planning, development and operation. Incorporating concrete solutions employed in numerous contexts, this Handbook is crucial reading for practitioners of sustainable tourism and agencies commissioning sustainable tourism assignments who are in need of innovative methods and up-to-date guidance in the field. It will also benefit tourism scholars, particularly those investigating practical methodologies for creating sustainable tourism experiences.

Exploring the important role of education in both pursuing and implementing sustainable development, this timely Handbook highlights how teaching methods at schools and universities can impact the future. It looks at ways not only to inform students about matters related to sustainable development, but also to empower them to adopt behaviours and actions that lead to more sustainable lifestyles. Chapters from an international team of contributors present and analyse experiences of different learning processes and methods, showcasing the impact of curriculum-related issues and teacher training. Using different pedagogical approaches, case studies and interdisciplinary initiatives, the Handbook explores a broad range of technological approaches and tools to foster better teaching and learning for sustainable development. It provides key insights into the implementation of teaching initiatives in helping to promote sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This Handbook will be crucial reading for those investigating curriculum policies and issues, and looking to enhance students' understanding of sustainability in schools and universities.

This Handbook provides a comprehensive study of research, practice and policy at the nexus of accounting and sustainability, or sustainable development. Internationally renowned accounting academics in the field offer critical discussions of the topic to stimulate debate as the future policy infrastructure is formed. Chapters explain key drivers of developments at the nexus, critique those developments, summarise the findings of research on key themes in the field, and suggest areas for further research, offering evidence-based practice and policy solutions. The Handbook sets the scene by exploring accounting, power, social justice and unsustainability, before moving on to appraise the role of enterprise value-based integrated reporting in (un)sustainable development. It further analyses contemporary issues in the field, including climate change-related disclosures, accounting for greenhouse gases and emissions trading schemes. The thorough coverage of key issues in accounting and sustainability, and the analysis of research literature in the Handbook will make this a critical read for accounting and business researchers and students. It is an invigorating guide for policymakers and policy influencers, accounting professionals and business leaders looking to move forward in a more sustainable way.

According to Jonathon Ray Spinney, our current economy is fatally flawed. American corporations are destroying community economies as well as State and Federal tax bases. Increasingly, large corporations are cutting back employee hours to part time. They are phasing out good paying jobs, hiring at lower wages, cutting benefits and health care which effectively destroys community economies. On the other end, corporations manipulate their tax liabilities and often pay little or nothing to State and Federal governments -- governments that are now struggling to deal with the increasing social/economic needs of people. People are being forced into social welfare and large corporations are contributing little or nothing into the social welfare system putting individuals, communities and governments into ever increasing debt. Now is the time to begin creating a bridge to new economic prosperity by: creating and sustaining a new economic/philosophic model based on the actual deeds and meaningful human actions of sharing and working towards a common humanitarian vision of peace and prosperity for all; eventually removing paper (valueless) money from community economies and replace it with a form of economic compensation that is rich with human purpose, social/economic equality and humanitarian advancement. The economic compensation or credit/reward that United Credit envisions would be far more valuable than money something that would never be affected by inflation, bank failures, or economic collapse. United Credit proposes a new economic philosophy and bridge ideas to creating a blanket security system that could provide for the needs of all people who are willing to enter a new humanitarian age of helping others.

This book describes the sustainable development journey of 15 business families committed to using their enterprises as a force of societal good. In turn, each family reaps benefits of high economic returns, while contributing to society and environment. The youngest family firm is in its 20s, while there are others over 100 years of age. Size, industry, locations vary. But all these business families share a deep shared commitment towards sustainable development, control over strategic decision-making in their firms and trans-generational continuity intentions. Family values embed their enterprises with a strong sense of purpose to achieve their chosen sustainable development goals. Professionalized systems and processes foster the development of capabilities, and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders ensure the simultaneous achievement of social, environmental and profitability goals. Educators, students, policy makers and business families interested in sustainable development will find new understanding of family business through Pioneering Family Firms' Sustainable Development Strategies.

Improving the resilience of social systems is a goal increasingly adopted in our modern world. This unique and comprehensive Handbook focuses on the interdependencies of these social systems and the technologies that support them. It explores the ways in which the resilience of elements and social systems interact with each other to promote or undermine resilience for one or both, how these interactions manifest themselves through space and time, and how they can be shaped through active intervention. Original and multi-disciplinary contributions illustrate the nuances in the way resilience is interpreted through corresponding case studies and applications. The use of diverse tools, such as cost-effectiveness analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, transition theory and network science provides readers with a balanced treatment of both theoretical issues surrounding resilience and applications to specific socio-technical systems. Case studies from across the globe are used to discuss the ways in which natural disasters, terror attacks, cyber attacks and infrastructure impact the resilience of these systems. Timely and innovative, this Handbook is an ideal resource for university think-tanks, researchers and advanced students exploring the resilience of both social and technical systems. Planners and policy-makers will also greatly benefit from the lessons drawn from contemporary case studies. Contributors include: D.L. Alderson, U. Bhatia, R. Biggs, C.R. Binder, R. Bowman, A. Cryan, N. Dormady, D. Fannon, K. Fischer, L. Fischer, A.R. Ganguly, B. Giese, S. Goessling-Reisemann, E. Gordon, H.-D. Hellige, B. Helmuth, S. Hiermaier, S. Lehnhoff, I. Linkov, K. Maciejewski, T. Malloy, S. Mirzaee, S. Muhlemeier, K. Poinsatte-Jones, A. Roa-Henriquez, J.C. Rocha, A. Rose, H. Rosoff, M. Ruth, A.J. Schaffer, B. Scharte, M. Schneider, S. Scyphers, J.C Stephens, P. Thier, B.D. Trump, A. von Gleich, M.E. Warner, D.D. Woods, R. Wyss

Addressing the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, this enlightening book analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on both a personal level and an international scale--for Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative reference answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries. While underlining the difficulty of minimizing consumption, the tone remains positive as it debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large. If you've thrown your hands up in despair thinking no solution is possible, then read this book - it's an honest, realistic, and humorous discussion of all our energy options.

Feeding the world, climate change, biodiversity, antibiotics, plastics, pandemics - the list of concerns seems endless. But what is most pressing, and what should we do first? Do we all need to become vegetarian? How can we fly in a low-carbon world? How can we take control of technology? And, given the global nature of the challenges we now face, what on Earth can any of us do, as individuals? Mike Berners-Lee has crunched the numbers and plotted a course of action that is full of hope, practical, and enjoyable. This is the big-picture perspective on the environmental and economic challenges of our day, laid out in one place, and traced through to the underlying roots - questions of how we live and think. This updated edition has new material on protests, pandemics, wildfires, investments, carbon targets and of course, on the key question: given all this, what can I do?

This innovative Research Handbook answers crucial questions about how individuals and organisations can make a difference towards sustainability. Offering an integrative perspective on sustainability agency, it reviews individual, active, organisational and relational forms of sustainability agency, demonstrating the capacity of individuals and organisations to act toward sustainable futures. The Research Handbook investigates the relationships between agency and sustainability, demonstrating the importance of agency for different types of sustainability challenges, including mitigating environmental change and resource depletion. International contributors offer a multidisciplinary overview of the field, constructing detailed literature reviews on its many angles and variations. Concluding with a consolidative meta-review of sustainability agency, the Research Handbook offers directions for future research in the discipline. Crucial reading for scholars and researchers of sustainability, this cutting-edge Research Handbook is particularly useful for those exploring new avenues for research in relation to agency. It will also benefit graduate students looking for an interdisciplinary perspective in the field, as well as practitioners, advocates and NGOs hoping to understand ways in which sustainability can be enacted in various contexts.

This innovative book explores the evolution of ecology and how scientific advances enable the redesign of Protected Areas (PA), guided by area-specific ecological values and objectives. It argues that transitions towards science-informed integrated PA systems could contribute to safeguarding the persistence of biodiversity and socio-ecological systems. Valentina Dinica proposes a conceptual framework to integrate the ecological and tourism aspects of PA regulation, assisting decision-makers to develop contextually effective regulatory instruments that avoid over-/under-regulating tourism, given the PA's ecological profiles. The framework is applied to comparatively evaluate the ecological representativeness and regulations of PA networks in New Zealand, Tasmania and Hawaii. The empirical chapters also discuss gaps and (mis-)alignments between ecology and tourism regulations, displaying outdated scientific paradigms. The book proposes a new approach to classifying PAs, to better balance human-nature relationships. This book will be of interest to students and academics in public policy, law, ecology, environmental studies, sustainability sciences, tourism studies, political science and history of science.

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline thanks to generous funding support from The Swedish Governmental Agency For Innovation Systems, Vinnova. This timely book expertly examines ongoing pressing issues in the modern world namely, an unstable economic climate, political turmoil and the environmental crisis. It takes a unique look at how science, technology and innovation could contribute towards the creation of a smarter and more resilient society by allowing more inclusive approaches into how science is integrated. With an insightful global interdisciplinary approach, Smart Policies for Societies in Transition combines in-depth theoretical analysis whilst also providing a reflective look at broadening the scope of science and innovation policy in order to understand the critical issues and challenges. Chapters illustrate historical practices and events, and discuss how the move to smart politics and the linking of boundaries from a social, ecological and global viewpoint leads to fewer but more creative policies. With its retrospective and forward-thinking perspectives, this book will be an excellent resource for academics wanting to rethink their approach to science and innovation governance, whilst scholars will find the collaborative method for combining policy analysis with theory of policymaking and governance informative and illuminating.

Sustainable development brings together a series of normative themes related to negotiating environmental limits, to addressing equity, needs and development, and to the process of transformation and transition. To mark the 30th Anniversary of Our Common Future (1987), that first placed sustainable development on the global agenda, the editors have brought together a group of international scholars from a range of social science backgrounds. They have discussed these same themes ? looking backwards in terms of what has been achieved, assessing the current situation with respect to sustainable development, and looking forwards to identify the key elements of the future agenda. This book presents a series of critical reflections on these enduring themes. The overriding concern is with the present and with the future as the editors seek to explore the question: What next for sustainable development?

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. Tourism is integral to local, regional and national development policies; as a major global economic sector, it has the potential to underpin economic growth and wider development. Yet, transformations in both the nature of tourism and the dynamic environment within which it occurs give rise to new questions with regards to its developmental role. This Research Agenda offers a state-of-the-art review of the research into the tourism-development nexus. Bringing together contributors from across the globe, this Research Agenda answers the key questions including: Are growth-focused tourism policies becoming increasingly detrimental to destination development? Can mass forms of tourism in fact generate more benefits than alternative forms of tourism? Does the role of the state in supporting tourism-induced development require reconsideration? How effective is tourism-related philanthropy in contributing to development? Is community-based tourism a realistic development policy? To what extent can tourism contribute to what is still the most pressing development challenge, namely poverty reduction? A Research Agenda for Tourism and Development offers valuable insights for students and researchers of development studies and tourism, as well as for policymakers and practitioners in tourism industries.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. Tourism is integral to local, regional and national development policies; as a major global economic sector, it has the potential to underpin economic growth and wider development. Yet, transformations in both the nature of tourism and the dynamic environment within which it occurs give rise to new questions with regards to its developmental role. This Research Agenda offers a state-of-the-art review of the research into the tourism-development nexus. Bringing together contributors from across the globe, this Research Agenda answers the key questions including: Are growth-focused tourism policies becoming increasingly detrimental to destination development? Can mass forms of tourism in fact generate more benefits than alternative forms of tourism? Does the role of the state in supporting tourism-induced development require reconsideration? How effective is tourism-related philanthropy in contributing to development? Is community-based tourism a realistic development policy? To what extent can tourism contribute to what is still the most pressing development challenge, namely poverty reduction? A Research Agenda for Tourism and Development offers valuable insights for students and researchers of development studies and tourism, as well as for policymakers and practitioners in tourism industries.

This innovative book sets out to rethink corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global value chains. Peter Lund-Thomsen considers how CSR is often framed and promoted by key actors in the Global North, the home of many large retailers and brands, in ways that overlook the unique challenges and broader circumstances faced by suppliers and countries in the Global South. He instead proposes that CSR must be understood as an evolving, context-dependent, and contested term that can best be viewed through multiple perspectives. Developing an integrated analytical model of buyer, supplier, and worker perspectives on CSR in global value chains, the book draws out future research and policy implications of this analysis in the areas of governance, human rights, the circular economy, and climate change. This book will be a critical resource for scholars and students with an interest in corporate social responsibility, critical management studies, management and sustainability, and responsible consumption and production. Practitioners and policy makers in business, government, international organizations, and NGOs will also benefit from the book's re-evaluation of CSR in global value chains.

The centrality of natural resources to global economic growth has placed the debate over their ownership and control at the forefront of legal, territorial and political disputes. Combining both legal and policy expertise with academic and practitioner perspectives this book considers the dimensions of natural resource governance at a time when disputes over their use grow more acute. Focusing on the law, regulation and governance of natural resources, this timely work examines in detail the conflicts and contradictions arising at the intersection between international economic law, sustainable development and other areas of international law, most notably human rights law and environmental law. Exploring the views of different stakeholder groups in the natural resources sectors, key chapters consider whether their differing interests and concerns are adequately addressed under national and international law. This book will appeal to scholars of law, political science and development studies. It will also benefit policy practitioners and advocacy specialists in development NGOs, research institutes and international organisations. Contributors include: S. Adelman, J.P. Bohoslavsky, C. Buggenhoudt, L. Cotula, D. Davitti, J. Faundez, J. Justo, L. Martin, J. McEldowney, S. McEldowney, C. Ochoa, D. Ong, M. Picq, F. Smith, C. Tan, J. Van Alstine, E. Wilson

The original biodynamic sowing and planting calendar, now in its 61st year. The easy-to-view layout features detailed planting, tending and harvesting information to help growers maximise the yield and vitality of crops and plants. Trusted by generations of farmers and gardeners, the ultimate biodynamic calendar features: -- A clear layout making it simpler to plan what to do and when -- Space dedicated to detailed explanations of the recommended activities -- Information panels make it easy to use -- Clear headings and sections for fast look-ups -- Detailed planting, tending and harvesting information to maximise the yield and vitality of crops and plants -- Suitable for both seasoned biodynamic farmers and beginner gardeners -- Solar and lunar events, plus information on planetary aspects, are given dedicated space The calendar includes a pull-out wallchart that can be pinned up in a barn, shed or greenhouse as a handy quick reference.

The world has witnessed extraordinary economic growth, poverty reduction and increased life expectancy and population since the end of WWII, but it has occurred at the expense of undermining life support systems on Earth and subjecting future generations to the real risk of destabilising the planet. This timely book exposes and explores this colossal environmental cost and the dangerous position the world is now in. Standing up for a Sustainable World is written by and about key individuals who have not only understood the threats to our planet, but also become witness to them and confronted them. Combining the voices of leading academics as well as climate change and environmental activists, entrepreneurs and investors, the book highlights the urgent action that needs to be taken to foster sustainable, resilient and inclusive development in the face of powerful systemic forces. Chapters look ahead to a better path for human wellbeing, security and dignity, offering insight to ways this can be created. The book as a whole shares the visions and hopes of those fighting in a myriad of ways to make a sustainable world, attempting to tip the balance away from the crushing loss of biodiversity, rising sea levels and increasing global mean temperature, whilst increasing living standards across all dimensions, particularly for the poorest people. An imperative read for those concerned about the future of our planet, this book showcases not only why urgent action is now imperative, but also what changes are necessary for a sustainable, resilient and equitable world. It offers crucial insights for those interested in the dynamics of political action, in how change occurs, and in effective communication. Environmental economics, as well as environmental studies and human geography students and scholars more broadly will find this an invigorating read.

This visionary book takes stock of the urgent challenges facing food chains globally and provides a critical evaluation of radical new thinking and perspectives on agricultural and food policy. Wyn Grant investigates the principal drivers of change in food and agriculture, including globalization, climate change, the structure of the industry, changing patterns of consumer demand and new technologies. Rethinking Agricultural and Food Policy provides a comprehensive account of the contemporary challenges impacting the food chain. Chapters explore the various barriers towards positive progress, exposing the deficiency of institutional architecture at a domestic and international level and examining how attempts to reform and revitalize it encounter inertia, embedded production structures, defenders of the status quo and vested interests. Proposing that a holistic, interdisciplinary approach is essential in making progress towards revitalizing policy and encouraging innovation in international governance, Wyn Grant calls for a new agenda to deliver real and necessary change and offer hope for the planet and its people. Using critical insights from natural and social science to uphold its calls for a holistic, integrated approach to agricultural and food policy, this timely book will be an essential read for policy makers, as well as students taking undergraduate or postgraduate courses in agriculture, food and the environment.

Supply chain management has long been a feature of industry and commerce but, with increasing demands from consumers, producers are spending more time and money investing in ways to make supply chains more sustainable. This exemplary Handbook provides readers with a comprehensive overview of current research on sustainable supply chain management. Multi-disciplinary in scope, the Handbook includes contributions from over 70 expert authors from a variety of areas including management, engineering, accounting, policy studies, innovation, and marketing. Chapters analyze the three core areas of sustainable supply chain management: environmental, economic, and social. The Handbook explores broad themes such as globalization and general organization strategies as well as examining more particular topics including particular industries, social and regulatory dimensions, and technological advances. Scholars and advanced business and management students will greatly benefit from the depth of analysis in this Handbook as well as the suggestions for directions for future research and practice. Written in an accessible style, it is also ideal for practitioners and government agencies seeking solutions to practical issues regarding sustainable supply chain management. Contributors include: A.Y. Alqahtani, M.A. Ates, S.G. Azevedo, C. Bai, P. Beske-Janssen, C. Brix-Asala, L.M.S. Campos, V. Carbone, L. Carmagnac, H. Carvalho, H.K. Chan, H.S.Y. Chen, T.C.E. Cheng, S.K. Cho, J. Dai, N. Darnall, L. Ellram, B. Fahimnia, Y. Feng, S. Goodarzi, D.B. Grant, J.H. Grimm, C. Groening, S.M. Gupta, A. Gurtu, I. Haavisto, A. Halldorsson, J.S. Hofstetter, J. Hou, J. Hu, S. Hudson, S.E. Ibrahim, C.J.C. Jabbour, M.Y. Jaber, A.D. Joshi, A. Jug, R.U. Khalid, G. Kovacs, K.-h. Lai, S. Liedke, J.J. Lim, M.K. Lim, J. Liu, A.B. Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, E. Marsillac, L. Meade, S.A. Melnyk, V. Moatti, A. Presley, J. Rezaei, Y. Sadaat, J. Sarkis, S. Schaltegger, D.G. Schniederjans, C. Searcy, S. Seuring, S. Shaw, R. Sroufe, C. Sundgren, K.H. Tan, W. Tate, M.-L. Tseng, D.A. Vazquez-Brust, M. Varsei, A. Vilmar, J. Wehner, E.W. Welch, M.G. Yalcin, A.Z. Zeng, F. Zeng, Q. Zhu, Q. Zhu