Taking a Micro-Perspective on the Global Challenge of Climate Change: The “Microenergy Systems” Research Focus at the Technische Universität Berlin

2014 ◽  
pp. 135-149
Author(s):  
Jonas Van der Straeten ◽  
Kathrin Friederici ◽  
Sebastian Groh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Systems Research

scholarly journals Are We Doing ‘Systems’ Research? An Assessment of Methods for Climate Change Adaptation to Hydrohazards in a Complex World

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Bedinger ◽  
Lindsay Beevers ◽  
Lila Collet ◽  
Annie Visser
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Human Nature ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Multiple Time Scales ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Systems Research

Climate change is a product of the Anthropocene, and the human–nature system in which we live. Effective climate change adaptation requires that we acknowledge this complexity. Theoretical literature on sustainability transitions has highlighted this and called for deeper acknowledgment of systems complexity in our research practices. Are we heeding these calls for ‘systems’ research? We used hydrohazards (floods and droughts) as an example research area to explore this question. We first distilled existing challenges for complex human–nature systems into six central concepts: Uncertainty, multiple spatial scales, multiple time scales, multimethod approaches, human–nature dimensions, and interactions. We then performed a systematic assessment of 737 articles to examine patterns in what methods are used and how these cover the complexity concepts. In general, results showed that many papers do not reference any of the complexity concepts, and no existing approach addresses all six. We used the detailed results to guide advancement from theoretical calls for action to specific next steps. Future research priorities include the development of methods for consideration of multiple hazards; for the study of interactions, particularly in linking the short- to medium-term time scales; to reduce data-intensivity; and to better integrate bottom–up and top–down approaches in a way that connects local context with higher-level decision-making. Overall this paper serves to build a shared conceptualisation of human–nature system complexity, map current practice, and navigate a complexity-smart trajectory for future research.

scholarly journals Freight-related greenhouse gas emissions in the supply of spectacle and contact lenses

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayishnee Pillay ◽  
Nishanee Rampersad ◽  
Rekha Hansraj
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Related Distribution ◽  
Courier Service

Background: Climate change is a global challenge requiring mitigation from all economic sectors. Although the consequences of climate change are well documented, there are limited studies regarding greenhouse gas emissions generated by the optometric industry.Aim: This study explored the greenhouse gas emissions created from the freight-related distribution of spectacle and contact lenses to South Africa (SA) in 2019.Setting: Spectacle and contact lens distributors in SA and an optometric courier service in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: Data from a survey completed by lens suppliers and a courier service provider in SA were used in a standardised emissions calculations tool.Results: The results indicate significant greenhouse gas emissions generated from the distribution of lenses in SA, which is of concern for climate change alleviation goals.Conclusion: It is recommended that practitioners in the optometric industry, and other healthcare service providers, calculate their emissions data, modify practices to support climate change mitigation and be cognisant of the effect of their practices on the environment.

Leveraging City-level Climate Change Law and Policy for the Protection of Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 872-896
Author(s):  
Rongedzayi Fambasayi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Legislative Authority ◽  
Law And Policy ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract While climate change is a global challenge, its impact is generally felt in local communities, particularly cities. The impact of climate change in urban settings is exacerbated by the built environment, high energy usage, air pollution and urbanisation, among other factors. Due to urbanisation, more children will be born and raised, or migrate to live in cities. Children in cities are vulnerable to the impact of climate change due to their physiology and developmental needs. City authorities are expected to utilise their constitutional and legislative powers in climate governance to protect children from the impact of climate change. The central inquiry of this article is to explore how city-level climate law and policy protects children in the context of climate change. Using Kenya and South Africa, as key examples, it illustrates that cities have constitutional powers and legislative authority to plan, implement and govern in certain climate-related functional areas and that could be leveraged to ensure the protection of children. The discussion of cities, children’s rights and climate change governance has global significance given the trends of urban growth in the present and coming decade.

The Global Challenge of

2020 ◽  
pp. 153-172
Author(s):  
Kathryn C. Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Global Growth

This chapter addresses the lack of adequate global infrastructure and the limits imposed on global growth, prosperity, and quality of life. Inadequate infrastructure causes loss of lives, constrains economic progress, and exacerbates climate change. To address the infrastructure gap between what is being constructed and what is genuinely required, the author proposes the creation of a development fund, which will require international collaboration and cooperation, to make available a substantial amount of capital and dedicate it to projects that contribute to the betterment of society. This development fund will not only improve infrastructure but also enhance the quality of many lives.

scholarly journals Analysis of Perception and Adaptation to Climate Change by Farmers in Gulmi District, Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narhari P Ghimire ◽  
Maniratna Aryal
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Secondary Data Sources ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Climate change is a global challenge, highly affecting the developing countries with low adapting capacity, of which Nepal is not an exception. Climate change highly affects agriculture and livelihoods of farmers in Nepal. Its objectives are farmer's perceptions, witnesses and experiences on effects of climate change on agriculture and adaptations by farmers. Primary informations collected through structured questionnaire of household survey by selecting samples randomly. Information on primary and secondary data sources verified scientifically by trend analysis of climatic data. Most farmers depending on subsistence agriculture have a perception of climate change and respond to the changes based on their own local knowledge and experiences on farming. They are practicing both agricultural and non-agricultural adaptations at individual level. Consequently, appropriate technologies and sustainable community based adaptation strategies built on farmers knowledge, experiences and situation to cope with increasing effects of climate change on agriculture are necessary in the coming years.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Climate Change on Business

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-112
Author(s):  
Deepmala Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Interdisciplinary Studies ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Indirect Impacts ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Demands are increasing on businesses to do their part to respond to the threat of climate change based on their influential position within the global community. If companies can effectively integrate strategy, people, processes and technology in the pursuit of initiatives that respond to climate change, the result can be a powerful tool of long-term value creation. But what exactly are the impacts of climate change on businesses is the focus of the study? Varying levels of appreciation of the effects of climate change on business operations are rooted in the difference between direct and indirect impacts of climate change. So, the question is how business gets impacted by direct and indirect differences? Some of these effects are potentially threatening to sustainable high performance changing climatic conditions. What are some specific steps businesses can take to respond to both the threats and opportunities presented by climate change? To support a fact-based discussion of the business impact of climate change, primary qualitative survey conducted to Nepalese business houses and as secondary of a global context. Business initiatives in response to climate change are generally spread across a broad range of activities, risking fragmentation. Climate change may transform parts of our planet, the context and presumptions by which businesses typically operate today. This transformation is a result of both the direct impacts of climate change on business operations, as well as its indirect effects. Many business leaders feel a profound responsibility to do their part to respond to the pressing global challenge represented by climate change. But apart from this sense of societal obligation, business leaders must also be attuned to how climate change is altering the dynamics of markets, competition and profitability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10816 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 93-112  

scholarly journals Interplay between Diets, Health, and Climate Change

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prajal Pradhan ◽  
Jürgen P. Kropp
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Animal Source ◽  
Total Calorie ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity

The world is facing a triple burden of undernourishment, obesity, and environmental impacts from agriculture while nourishing its population. This burden makes sustainable nourishment of the growing population a global challenge. Addressing this challenge requires an understanding of the interplay between diets, health, and associated environmental impacts (e.g., climate change). For this, we identify 11 typical diets that represent dietary habits worldwide for the last five decades. Plant-source foods provide most of all three macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) in developing countries. In contrast, animal-source foods provide a majority of protein and fat in developed ones. The identified diets deviate from the recommended healthy diet with either too much (e.g., red meat) or too little (e.g., fruits and vegetables) food and nutrition supply. The total calorie supplies are lower than required for two diets. Sugar consumption is higher than recommended for five diets. Three and five diets consist of larger-than-recommended carbohydrate and fat shares, respectively. Four diets with a large share of animal-source foods exceed the recommended value of red meat. Only two diets consist of at least 400 gm/cap/day of fruits and vegetables while accounting for food waste. Prevalence of undernourishment and underweight dominates in the diets with lower calories. In comparison, a higher prevalence of obesity is observed for diets with higher calories with high shares of sugar, fat, and animal-source foods. However, embodied emissions in the diets do not show a clear relation with calorie supplies and compositions. Two high-calorie diets embody more than 1.5 t CO 2 eq/cap/yr, and two low-calorie diets embody around 1 t CO 2 eq/cap/yr. Our analysis highlights that sustainable and healthy diets can serve the purposes of both nourishing the population and, at the same time, reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture.

scholarly journals Climate Change Justice

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (01) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thom Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Scientific Consensus ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Causal Responsibility

Climate change represents one of our greatest public policy challenges. A broad, well-established and international scientific consensus exists that our planet is undergoing climate change. The question is not whether there is climate change, but how best to respond to it. Climate change is a global phenomenon that requires a global effort unlike anything previously attempted. This global challenge is complicated by related and more controversial questions about causal responsibility. Although convincing evidence shows that climate change is a result of human behavior, much less agreement exists on how this should factor into policy.

Climate Change and Food Systems Research: Current Trends and Future Directions

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 414-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Nelson ◽  
Kevin Zak ◽  
Toby Davine ◽  
Stephanie Pau
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Current Trends
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