scholarly journals Effectiveness of the United Kingdom Soil Protection Laws in Protecting the Ecosystem Service of Carbon Sequestration Introduction

2021 ◽  
pp. 108-126
Author(s):  
Merve Demir ◽  
Iain Green ◽  
Tilak Ginige
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
The Uk

Carbon is crucial for life and exists in various reservoirs, such as plant tissues, soil organic matter, geology, and atmosphere. There is a direct relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere and rising temperatures. CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and stored in ecosystems. Carbon sequestration (CS) – the process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 – and expanding C storage of soils are appealing climate change (CC) responses. Agricultural soils are one of the largest C reservoirs and have potential for extended CS. Thus, protecting this ecosystem service (ES) we obtain from soils is crucial for addressing CC. Soil protection legislation should incorporate the significance of CS. The key issues in the sphere of natural resources can only be addressed by utilizing natural sciences in legal arguments. Accordingly, this study begins with highlighting the importance of soils for CS from a natural science perspective. This study analyses soil protection laws in the UK by scrutinizing whether they eliminate pressures on agricultural soils in a way that protect CS. The findings of this study suggest that soil protection laws do not offer a satisfactory protection for CS. We conclude by discussing alternative approaches for protecting CS in an effective manner and reverse the current trends in ES protection.

Standards for Soil Contamination: Results of a Federal/State Working Group

1997 ◽  
Vol 16 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 487-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Günther Bachmann ◽  
Dietrich von Borries ◽  
Wilhelm König
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Reference Data ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Background Data ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Action Levels

The German Soil Protection Legislation (draft) proposes generic soil trigger levels and action levels to assess contaminated sites. This article presents results of a working group set up by the Bundl Länder-Arbeitsgemeinschaft “Bodenschutz” (LABO) and the Länder-Arbeitsgemeinschaft “Abfall” (LAGA). The report on key issues for assessing public health effects of contaminated land for 14 substances of prime importance also has been negotiated with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Leitenden Medizinalbeamten der Länder (AGLMB [health service]). The report introduces toxicological reference data indicating a virtually safe body dose and a factor deriving a hazardous body dose, which will be used to calculate soil trigger levels. Calculations are based on exposure estimates covering the inhalative andingestive routes of exposure. Results of the calculations are to be checked against soil background data.

The COOLTRANS Research Programme: Learning for the Design of CO2 Pipelines

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Barnett ◽  
Russell Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Fast Track ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Dense Phase ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Technical Capability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Design Construction

The COOLTRANS research programme is an £8 Million, three year (2011–2014) research and development project to identify, address and resolve key issues relating to the safe routeing, design, construction and operation of onshore pipelines transporting dense phase carbon dioxide (CO2) in the United Kingdom (UK). National Grid Carbon established and led the project. National Grid Carbon brought together major technical capability in academic and industry organisations in the UK and coordinated the research studies in order to provide a ‘fast-track’ for the identification and application of key learning to its ongoing pipeline projects. In particular, National Grid Carbon is pursuing plans to develop a pipeline network in the Humber and North Yorkshire areas of the UK to transport dense phase CO2 from major industrial emitters in the area to a saline aquifer off the Yorkshire coast. The COOLTRANS research programme has provided the technical foundations for the design and operation of CO2 pipelines in the UK. The paper highlights the key learning for the design of CO2 pipelines, and the specific application of the learning to the planned National Grid Carbon CO2 network in the Humber and North Yorkshire area of the UK.

Carbon sequestration in French agricultural soils: A spatial economic evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-316
Author(s):  
Laure Bamière ◽  
Pierre‐Alain Jayet ◽  
Salomé Kahindo ◽  
Elsa Martin
Keyword(s):  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Agricultural Soils

scholarly journals Study on the Comprehensive Improvement of Ecosystem Services in a China’s Bay City for Spatial Optimization

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2072
Author(s):  
Ying Fang ◽  
Tianlin Zhai ◽  
Xiaodong Zhao ◽  
Kun Chen ◽  
Baishu Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Spatial Optimization ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Water Yield ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Yantai City ◽  
Synergistic Relationships

Ecosystem services are characterized by region and scale, and contribute to human welfare. Taking Yantai city, a typical bay city in China, as the example, its three representative ecosystem services: food supply (FS), carbon sequestration (CS) and water yield (WY) were chosen as study targets. Based on analyzation of six different aspects of the supply and variation characteristic of demand, this study tried to propose advices for comprehensive improvement of ecosystem services for spatial optimization. The results showed that: (1) ecosystem services supply was strong in central and southern areas of Yantai, while the northern coastal areas were relatively weak; (2) synergistic relationships were found of FS-CS, FS-WY and CS-WY both in 2009 and 2015, with the strongest one for FS-WY. Additionally, in the synergistic relationships, each pair of ecosystem services was dominated by one ecosystem service; (3) most of the three pairs of synergistic relationships had the tendency to strengthen with larger scales; (4) four ecosystem demands changing areas were observed and comprehensive improvement suggestions for them were proposed. This work provides a new attempt to improve ecosystem services based on its supply-demand relationship, which will give a baseline reference for related studies in Yantai city, as well as other similar bay cities.

scholarly journals Towards sustainable management of the stock and ecosystem services of urban trees. From theory to model and application

Trees ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Pretzsch ◽  
A. Moser-Reischl ◽  
M. A. Rahman ◽  
S. Pauleit ◽  
T. Rötzer
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Sustainable Planning

Abstract Key message A model for sustainable planning of urban tree stocks is proposed, incorporating growth, mortality, replacement rates and ecosystem service provision, providing a basis for planning of urban tree stocks. Abstract Many recent studies have improved the knowledge about urban trees, their structures, functions, and ecosystem services. We introduce a concept and model for the sustainable management of urban trees, analogous to the concept of sustainable forestry developed by Carl von Carlowitz and others. The main drivers of the model are species-specific tree diameter growth functions and mortality rates. Based on the initial tree stock and options for the annual replanting, the shift of the distribution of the number of trees per age class can be predicted with progressing time. Structural characteristics such as biomass and leaf area are derived from tree dimensions that can be related to functions such as carbon sequestration or cooling. To demonstrate the potential of the dynamic model, we first show how different initial stocks of trees can be quantitatively assessed by sustainability indicators compared to a target stock. Second, we derive proxy variables for ecosystem services (e.g. biomass for carbon sequestration, leaf area for deposition and shading) from a given distribution of the number of trees per age class. Third, we show by scenario analyses how selected ecosystem services and functions may be improved by combining complementary tree species. We exercise one aspect (cooling) of one ecosystem service (temperature mitigation) as an example. The approach integrates mosaic pieces of knowledge about urban trees, their structures, functions, and resulting ecosystem services. The presented model makes this knowledge available for a sustainable management of urban tree stocks. We discuss the potential and relevance of the developed concept and model for ecologically and economically sustainable planning and management, in view of progressing urbanization and environmental changes.

Can you measure IT? The UK experience of TechQual+

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hall ◽  
Jessica Stephens ◽  
Sarah Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Data Protection ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

Purpose – The University of York Library, part of its Information Directorate, has successfully run an annual user survey using LibQUAL+ since 2008. The tool has proven invaluable in understanding user needs and measuring improvements. The ability to benchmark performance has been well received by university senior managers. Following this positive experience, the Directorate piloted the TechQual+ survey to assess its technology services. TechQual+ is a total market-survey tool developed on the same principles as LibQUAL+. York was the first university in the UK to do this. The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the experience and its relevance to information services. Design/methodology/approach – A team was established to co-ordinate the distribution of the survey, which was e-mailed to all university members. The survey was conducted over a period of three weeks in December 2011 using their web-based tool. The team worked with the survey providers to make amendments in order to comply with UK Data Protection legislation. Findings – The TechQual+ tool provided a rich set of data on the IT needs of University of York students and staff, including a wealth of comments. As the first use of the tool in the UK, a number of outcomes arose from the pilot: methods for running the survey in order to meet UK data protection requirements; feedback on the tool itself, with some questions not understood from a UK context; a rich set of results data, with some similarities (and several differences) to those available through LibQUAL+. Originality/value – The paper presents the first application of the TechQual+ survey in UK and discusses the issues faced when implementing it in a UK context. The case study will be of interest to libraries or converged services interested in assessing their IT provision.

scholarly journals Implications of divergences in adult protection legislation

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Montgomery ◽  
Janet Anand ◽  
Kathryn Mackay ◽  
Brian Taylor ◽  
Katherine C. Pearson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Consensus Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Responses ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adult Protection

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences of legal responses to older adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw upon a review of elder abuse and adult protection undertaken on behalf of the commissioner for older people in Northern Ireland. This paper focusses on the desk top mapping of the different legal approaches and draws upon wider literature to frame the discussion of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different legal responses. Findings – Arguments exist both for and against each legal approach. Differences in defining the scope and powers of adult protection legislation in the UK and internationally are highlighted. Research limitations/implications – This review was undertaken in late 2013; while the authors have updated the mapping to take account of subsequent changes, some statutory guidance is not yet available. While the expertise of a group of experienced professionals in the field of adult safeguarding was utilized, it was not feasible to employ a formal survey or consensus model. Practical implications – Some countries have already introduced APL and others are considering doing so. The potential advantages and challenges of introducing APL are highlighted. Social implications – The introduction of legislation may give professionals increased powers to prevent and reduce abuse of adults, but this would also change the dynamic of relationships within families and between families and professionals. Originality/value – This paper provides an accessible discussion of APL across the UK and internationally which to date has been lacking from the literature.

scholarly journals Implications of changing from grazed or semi-natural vegetation to forestry for carbon stores and fluxes in upland organo-mineral soils in the UK

2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Relative Magnitude ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Best Practice Guidelines ◽  
Carbon Reservoir ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
The Uk

Abstract. In the UK, as organo-mineral soils are a significant store of soil organic carbon (SOC), they may become increasingly favoured for the expansion of upland forestry. It is important, therefore, to assess the likely impacts on SOC of this potentially major land use change. Currently, these assessments rely on modelling approaches which assume that afforestation of organo-mineral soils is "carbon neutral". This review evaluates this assumption in two ways. Firstly, UK information from the direct measurement of SOC change following afforestation is examined in the context of international studies. Secondly, UK data on the magnitude and direction of the major fluxes in the carbon cycle of semi-natural upland ecosystems are assessed to identify the likely responses of the fluxes to afforestation of organo-mineral soils. There are few directly relevant measurements of SOC change following afforestation of organo-mineral soils in the UK uplands but there are related studies on peat lands and agricultural soils. Overall, information on the magnitude and direction of change in SOC with afforestation is inconclusive. Data on the accumulation of litter beneath conifer stands have been identified but the extent to which the carbon held in this pool is incorporated into the stable soil carbon reservoir is uncertain. The effect of afforestation on most carbon fluxes is small because the fluxes are either relatively minor or of the same magnitude and direction irrespective of land use. Compared with undisturbed moorland, particulate organic carbon losses increase throughout the forest cycle but the data are exclusively from plantation conifer forests and in many cases pre-date current industry best practice guidelines which aim to reduce such losses. The biggest uncertainty in flux estimates is the relative magnitude of the sink for atmospheric carbon as trees grow and mature compared with that lost during site preparation and harvesting. Given the size of this flux relative to many of the others, this should be a focus for future carbon research on these systems.

scholarly journals Flexibility in Higher Education: Revisiting Expectations

Comunicar ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (37) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty Collis ◽  
Jef Moonen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Educación Superior ◽  
Major Conclusion ◽  
Pedagogical Change ◽  
Educacion Superior ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Change In Higher Education ◽  
The Uk

We have studied the construct of flexibility in higher education for many years, as researchers and practitioners. In this context we define flexibility as offering the student choices in how, what, where, when and with whom he or she participates in learning-related activities while enrolled in a higher education institution. In a textbook we wrote on the topic in 2001 we identified options that could be available to students in higher education to increase the flexibility of their participation. We studied these from the perspective not only of the student but also in terms of their implications for instructors and for higher-education institutions and examined the key roles that pedagogical change and technology play in increasing flexibility. Now is it nearly a decade later. We will revisit key issues relating to flexibility in higher education, identify in broad terms the extent to which increased flexibility has become established, is still developing, or has developed in ways we did not anticipate directly a decade earlier. We will also review our scenarios for change in higher education related to flexibility and contrast these with a more-recent set from the UK. Our major conclusion is that flexibility is still as pertinent a theme for higher education in 2011 as it was in 2001. Llevamos bastantes años estudiando la construcción de la flexibilidad en la educación superior, tanto desde la óptica de la investigación como de la práctica. Entendemos por flexibilidad la opción de ofrecer a los estudiantes la posibilidad de elegir cómo, qué, dónde, cuándo y con quién participan en las actividades de aprendizaje mientras están en una institución de educación superior. En el libro que escribimos sobre esta temática en 2001 identificamos opciones posibles para los estudiantes de educación superior con la finalidad de incrementar la flexibilidad de su participación. Lo estudiamos no solo desde la perspectiva del estudiante sino también desde las implicaciones para los profesores y para las instituciones de educación superior, y examinamos el papel fundamental que desempeñan el cambio pedagógico y la tecnología en el aumento de la flexibilidad. Ahora, diez años después, revisamos los temas clave relacionados con la flexibilidad en la educación superior e identificamos, en términos generales, hasta qué punto se ha ido estableciendo el incremento de la flexibilidad, si todavía está evolucionando o si ha evolucionado de una forma que no pudimos prever hace diez años. Revisamos también nuestros escenarios para el cambio en la educación superior relacionados con la flexibilidad y los contrastamos con un estudio más reciente llevado a cabo en el Reino Unido. Nuestra conclusión principal es que la cuestión de la flexibilidad en la educación superior sigue siendo tan pertinente en 2010 como lo era en 2001.

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