scholarly journals Water and the Circular Economy: Learning from Nature

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12597
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Kakovitch ◽  
Sabine O’Hara
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Output ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Right ◽  
Economic Capacity

This paper examines the hydrological cycle and its implications for the production capacity of two countries, China and the United States. While it takes a macro-level view, it illustrates the relevance of understanding the circularity of nature as exemplified by the hydrological cycle, for urban and regional circular economy considerations. Taking the circularity of nature as a starting point is a departure from common circular economy conceptions, which take an anthropocentric perspective rather than a nature based one. We calculate the amount of solar energy available for freshwater evaporation and the allocation of freshwater to its key uses in the domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Our calculations indicate that the capacity to generate economic output can be accurately described by the embodied solar energy distribution that determines the availability of freshwater for allocation to different uses. This illustrates the need to take environmental/physical conditions more fully into account in economic development decisions at every level, from local to regional, national, and global. We begin our analysis with a review of circular economy concepts and argue that they reveal a limited understanding of the circularity of nature evident in energy and material cycles and their economic capacity implications. Achieving further expansions of economic capacity may increasingly depend on an improved understanding of nature’s circularity, especially when competing resource pressures and land-use constraint exacerbate economic capacity limits. Our findings suggest three particularly important lessons for decision makers: first, the efficiency increases needed to realize growing economic output will require circular economy models that consider the efficient processing capacity of nature rather than relying solely on technological solutions; second, the non-use of resources may be as valuable or more than their use; and third, price policies can be effective in steering resource use and non-use in the right direction.

Contributions of Sustainable Biomass and Bioenergy in Agriculture Transitions Towards a Circular Economy

2022 ◽  
pp. 65-80
Author(s):  
Oloiva Maria Tavira ◽  
José Tadeu Marques Aranha ◽  
Maria Raquel Lucas
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Starting Point

The production of bioenergy and biofertilizers based on animal and plant biomass is a crucial pillar in circular economy (CE). CE conceptual model and main aims are closely related to the 3 “R” (reduce, reuse, and recycle) rule, which is to improve the use of resources, minimize waste, and assure sustainability. Although bioenergy offers many opportunities and could be an alternative to fossil fuels use, the path for a broader implementation of this type of activity is still long. This study marks the starting point or direction of research to be taken, ensuring the existence of benefits from plant and animal biomass for the production of bioenergy and biofertilizer, as well as the contributions of this type of production to the circular economy and the mitigation of the climate change impacts.

scholarly journals Improved Value Generation from Residual Resources in Iceland: the First Step Towards a Circular Economy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Christian Finger ◽  
Gudrun Saevarsdottir ◽  
Halldór Guðfinnur Svavarsson ◽  
Bryndís Björnsdóttir ◽  
Sigurjón Arason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Resource Recovery ◽  
Resource Efficiency ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Economic Output ◽  
Toxic Emissions ◽  
Use Of Resources

AbstractImproved value generation and efficient use of resources are important steps national economies can implement to minimize the use of resources and mitigate the creation of waste and toxic emissions. The increase of resource efficiency is eminent to tackle the imminent challenges of depleting resources and the emerging environmental crisis. In this study, we explore the value generation and efficiency of resource recovery in waste streams in the most important economic sectors in Iceland, namely, (i) fisheries, (ii) domestic waste processing, (iii) geothermal energy production, and (iv) aluminium production. By describing the processes, the opportunities, and the market potential of the value generation through enhanced resource efficiency in the four case studies, we identify possible solutions towards a more sustainable society. The results reveal that the increase in resource efficiency reduces the environmental impacts, increases the economic output, and enhances the resilience of the economy. We conclude that the presented concepts of added value generation could be the first step towards a circular economy, adhering to a more sustainable world while preserving vital resources for the next generations. While our results are based on the presented examples in Iceland, the described processes of resource recovery can be applied in any other country with similar resources.

scholarly journals Food Connects Washington DC in 2050—A Vision for Urban Food Systems as the Centerpieces of a Circular Economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7821
Author(s):  
Marian Stuiver ◽  
Sabine O’Hara
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
The United States ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Critical Position ◽  
Urban Food System ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Food Economy

This article presents a vision for an urban food system in Washington DC in 2050 that serves as the centerpiece of a circular economy for the capital region of the United States. Food serves as the connecting link for an inclusive, adaptive, and resilient urban economy embedded in the region. This food economy values natural resources, cultural diversity, and commitment to nature-based innovations. The vision is the result of a three-pronged methodology of: (1) community engagement; (2) a thoughtful, process-focused transformation; and (3) the scaling up of existing urban food initiatives. We argue that small, hyperlocal, neighborhood-based initiatives can become crucial game changers and catalysts of change for entire neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Therefore, we propose a design-based approach to advance our 2050 vision of a circular food system. Our design-based approach consists of three building blocks: (A) systems thinking; (B) the ability to manage wins and tradeoffs; and (C) transitional leadership and cooperation. We explain these building blocks and the way in which they are incorporated in the 2050 vision of Washington DC. We further argue that the food economy is an ideal sector to embark on such a design-based approach due to its systemic nature, its critical position as an indispensable economic sector, and the complex connections it brings to multiple other sectors of the economy. An urban food system can therefore offer the ideal starting point for a transition towards a circular economy.

The superiority of circular economy solutions in the main sectors of an innovative and prospering economy – a case study from Iceland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Finger ◽  
Halldór G. Svavarsson ◽  
Bryndís Björnsdóttir ◽  
Guðrún A. Sævarsdóttir ◽  
Lea Lea Böhme
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Resource Recovery ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Waste Streams ◽  
Economic Output ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Industrial Sectors

<p>Circular economy solutions reuse and upcycle waste streams in order to minimize the use of resources and mitigate the creation of waste and emissions. Accordingly, circular economy solutions are an essential tool to tackle the imminent challenges of depleting resources and the emerging environmental crisis. In this presentation, we explore the circular solutions for resource recovery in waste streams in a country with one of the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Human Development Index (HDI) in Europe, Iceland. The economy of Iceland is mainly based on renewable energy, fishery, farming, metallurgy, and tourism. To assess the benefits of circular economy solutions we examine four relevant case studies from the following industrial sectors in Iceland: i) a geothermal energy plant, ii) fisheries, iii) domestic waste processing and iv) aluminium production. By describing the processes, the opportunities and the market potential of the circular economy solutions in the four case studies we identify the superiority of circular recovery of resources in a modern society. The results reveal that the recovery of resources reduces the environmental impacts, increases the economic output and enhances the resilience of the local economy. While our results are based on the examples in Iceland the described processes of resource recovery can be applied in any other country with similar resources. We conclude that the presented circular solutions could lead to a more sustainable world while preserving vital resources for the next generations.</p>

scholarly journals The improvement possibilities in the study of the logistics of the military operations

Vojno delo ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-78
Author(s):  
Marko Andrejić ◽  
Marjan Mirčevski
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Military Operations ◽  
Functional Capabilities ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Military

The imperative posed by modern logistics systems is aimed at achieving the ability to recognize the request of the users of the logistics service, to shorten the response time and the provision of the service, to rationalize the use of resources and to achieve the highest efficiency. In order to ensure adequate logistics of the Army in the conduct of operations, it is necessary, among other things, to have sufficient human resources, and it is necessary to create personnel through the process of education and upbringing, studying the right contents and the right way. Army operations are large-scale project-type jobs that are complex in terms of organization and technology of execution, are inimitable, employ considerable resources that are limited in principle, require good coordination (coordinated action), homogeneous handling, and skillful management of resources of all kinds. In order to ensure the high quality of Army operations, it is very important to have a balanced view of Army operations between general management interested in the aggregate quality of operations quality and logistics professionals engaged in special and individual specialties within the "aggregate" quality function. It is necessary that the supported system and the logistical system achieve dialectical unity and act more synergistically. The needs of the practice, the demands of the times, and contemporary trends require that more work be done to modernize the way Army operations are studied and the logistics of operations, as the development of higher education science, organization and technology, and the use of forces and resources (resources) require it. The study of the logistics of the Army's operations (and the operations of the Army as a whole) should be done on the principles and logic of a systemic and situational approach, realizing the triune unity of matter, information, and measures. This provides the necessary comprehensive knowledge (as opposed to factual and fragmentary) and avoids the kaleidoscopic picture of reality. General theoretical knowledge in the field of planning and management, project management, quality, and teamwork is an adequate basis for improving the study and operational work on the logistics of operations. The synthesis of available domestic and foreign, civilian and military, theoretical and empirical knowledge of operations logistics and military operations creates a solid starting point for advancing thinking about the logistics of military operations and arouses greater interest in the military and the University of Defense, for this area very important for the country's defense. Changes in access to operations logistics will also trigger changes in access to operations of the military as a whole. By improving the study of the logistics of the operations of the Army, it contributes, among other benefits, to the enhancement of the personnel's personal capacity, the ability of commands and staffs, and the enhancement of the Army's overall operational and functional capabilities and its ability to fulfill constitutional and legal obligations.

The Right to Be Forgotten and What the Laws Should/Can/Will Be: Comparing the United States and Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-104
Author(s):  
Amy Lai
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Free Speech ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
The United States ◽  
European Court Of Justice ◽  
Court Of Justice ◽  
Right To Be Forgotten ◽  
European Court ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Right

This article will first examine why the right to be forgotten should be recognized as a universal right by drawing upon natural law theories. Using the recent decision by the European Court of Justice as a starting point, it will then explore whether this right can be recognized in the United States and Canada. Often held to be similar in terms of cultures and values, the two neighbors in fact have very different free speech and privacy traditions. This article will conduct a comparative study of the u.s. and Canada to explain why this right can be accommodated by their laws and traditions from a theoretical perspective. Finally, it will adopt the framework of judicial globalization to explore why and to what extent the right to be forgotten will be recognized in these two jurisdictions.

Accesso equo, qualità appropriata. Venti anni dopo la Convenzione di Oviedo / Equitable access, appropriate quality. Twenty years after the Oviedo Convention

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 763-778
Author(s):  
Stefano Semplici
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Right

Il diritto alla tutela della salute, che include l’accesso ai servizi sanitari, è sancito in molte Dichiarazioni e altri documenti normativi a livello internazionale. Il riferimento all’equità è solitamente introdotto per affrontare i vincoli delle risorse disponibili e non eludere la realtà di persistenti diseguaglianze. Il riferimento all’adeguatezza è volto a sottolineare il ruolo delle competenze professionali e della conoscenza e dei progressi scientifici al fine di soddisfare esigenze reali, ma anche di ottimizzare l’utilizzo delle risorse. L’articolo 3 della Convenzione di Oviedo mira a proteggere i diritti umani e la dignità della persona umana e offre ancora un proficuo punto di partenza per continuare a sviluppare alcuni dei più preziosi strumenti concettuali e giuridici fra quelli perfezionati in questi ultimi decenni per affrontare questa sfida: il principio della realizzazione progressiva, che può innescare e rafforzare una dinamica emancipatrice; l’esercizio del bilanciamento di principi, interessi e beni sia nella giurisprudenza delle Corti costituzionali sia nelle politiche di settore; il concetto del contenuto essenziale del diritto ai servizi sanitari. Queste soluzioni si confrontano ora con le applicazioni dei progressi nuovi e senza precedenti della scienza biomedica, come la medicina di precisione. Allo stesso tempo, il riferimento della Convenzione alla giurisdizione delle Parti (gli Stati) come quadro istituzionale entro il quale gli obblighi sono assunti deve essere ulteriormente articolato misurandosi con l’orizzonte globale dell’impegno a “proteggere” la dignità umana e i diritti umani. ---------- The right to protection of health, which includes access to health care services, is enshrined in many Declarations and other normative documents at the international level. The reference to equity is usually meant to deal with the constraint of available resources and not elude the reality of persisting inequalities. The reference to appropriateness is to underline the role of professional competence and scientific knowledge and progress in order to fit real needs, but also to optimize the use of resources. Article 3 of the Oviedo Convention aims at protecting both human rights and the dignity of the human being and still offers a fruitful starting point to elaborate on some of the most valuable conceptual and juridical tools that have been refined over these last decades to address this challenge: the principle of progressive realization, which can trigger and strengthen an emancipatory dynamic; the exercise of balancing principles, interests and goods both in the case law of Constitutional Courts and in policies; the concept of the core content of the right (entitlement) to health care services. These solutions are now confronted with the applications of new, unprecedented advancements of biomedical science, such as precision medicine. At the same time, the reference by the Convention to the jurisdiction of the Parties (the States) as the institutional framework within which obligations are undertaken needs to be further articulated against the global scope of the commitment to ‘protect’ human dignity and human rights.

Overview of Current Approaches to Aural Rehabilitation for Adults With Cochlear Implants

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1175-1187
Author(s):  
Rachel Glade ◽  
Erin Taylor ◽  
Deborah S. Culbertson ◽  
Christin Ray
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Aural Rehabilitation ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Clinical Models ◽  
Hearing Health

Purpose This clinical focus article provides an overview of clinical models currently being used for the provision of comprehensive aural rehabilitation (AR) for adults with cochlear implants (CIs) in the Unites States. Method Clinical AR models utilized by hearing health care providers from nine clinics across the United States were discussed with regard to interprofessional AR practice patterns in the adult CI population. The clinical models were presented in the context of existing knowledge and gaps in the literature. Future directions were proposed for optimizing the provision of AR for the adult CI patient population. Findings/Conclusions There is a general agreement that AR is an integral part of hearing health care for adults with CIs. While the provision of AR is feasible in different clinical practice settings, service delivery models are variable across hearing health care professionals and settings. AR may include interprofessional collaboration among surgeons, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists with varying roles based on the characteristics of a particular setting. Despite various existing barriers, the clinical practice patterns identified here provide a starting point toward a more standard approach to comprehensive AR for adults with CIs.

Mechanisms of Resource Curse and Economic Policy

2007 ◽  
pp. 4-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Polterovich ◽  
V. Popov ◽  
A. Tonis
Keyword(s):  
Real Exchange Rates ◽  
Resource Curse ◽  
Budget Deficits ◽  
Resource Abundance ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Resource Wealth ◽  
The One ◽  
The Right ◽  
Rich Countries

This paper compares various mechanisms of resource curse leading to a potentially inefficient use of resources; it is demonstrated that each of these mechanisms is associated with market imperfections and can be "corrected" with appropriate government policies. Empirical evidence seems to suggest that resource abundant countries have on average lower budget deficits and inflation, and higher foreign exchange reserves. Besides, lower domestic fuel prices that are typical for resource rich countries have a positive effect on long-term growth even though they are associated with losses resulting from higher energy consumption. On top of that resource abundance allows to reduce income inequalities. So, on the one hand, resource wealth turns out to be conducive to growth, especially in countries with strong institutions. However, on the other hand, resource abundance leads to corruption of institutions and to overvalued real exchange rates. On balance, there is no solid evidence that resource abundant countries grow more slowly than the others, but there is evidence that they grow more slowly than could have grown with the right policies and institutions.

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