bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Risk Governance for Pharmaceutical Residues in Drinking Water
Authors: Keil Florian , Bechmann Gotthard , Kümmerer Klaus , Schramm Engelbert
Published: March 2017

Pharmaceuticals are in many cases an indispensable element of a comfortable and healthy life. Nevertheless, there is also a downside to the widespread and increasing use of drugs: the occurrence of their residues in the aquatic environment and in drinking water. Although there is evidence
for negative effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in some animal and plant species, it has not yet been shown which risks in fact exist for humans and the environment. At the same time there is evidence that people will reject drinking water which contains only the smallest
traces of APIs, despite claims that such traces are harmless. In this mélange of high uncertainties, subjective risk perception, and the undisputed societal benefit of pharmaceuticals, established risk management procedures are likely to fail. Addressing this issue, the article will
suggest applying the concept of systemic risk to the case of APIs in drinking water. With this concept as basis a practical approach to risk management will be presented. It draws upon the recently developed concept of risk governance, as well as the precautionary principle. Finally, concrete
measures for risk precaution in the spheres of drug development, handling of drugs, and technical emissions control in urban water management will be presented.
Historische Ökologie – ein interdisziplinärer Forschungsansatz, illustriert am Beispiel der Waldstreunutzung
Authors: Bürgi Matthias
Published: March 2017

Today, most ecosystems and landscapes worldwide are affected by human impacts. Consequently, studies about patterns and processes of and within anthropogenic ecosystems and cultural landscapes have to give proper consideration to human impacts and their historical development. Historical
ecology is proposed as an interdisciplinary approach for studying interactions between humans and the environment. Three major objectives of historical ecology can be distinguished: a) preserving cultural heritage in ecosystems and landscapes, b) understanding historical trajectories of patterns
and processes in ecosystems and landscapes, and c) informing ecosystem and landscape management. In this paper, the application of these three objectives of historical ecology is illustrated with a case study of litter collecting – a largely forgotten traditional forest use in Central
Europe.
Europäische Biokraftstoffpolitik im globalen Kontext: Zielkonflikte und Lösungsstrategien
Authors: Rösch Christine , Skarka Johannes
Published: March 2017

In January 2008, the European Commission proposed a directive on the use of energy from renewable sources. This proposal defines ecological criteria in order to ensure that biofuels are produced in a sustainable manner. In this paper, we summarise the known and foreseeable ecological
and social impacts of biofuel production and identify any weaknesses in the EU proposal. To guarantee an overall sustainable production of biofuels, leakage effects (i.e., if an exporting country covers its own biofuel needs by switching to cultivable areas that are not subject to the EU certification
system) have to be overcome. Furthermore, an increased number of ecological standards and, additionally, social standards are needed. Strategies and innovative technologies are required to ensure a more efficient and consistent biofuel production. Changes in lifestyles, particularly in developed
countries, can contribute substantially toward solving the impending conflicts of resources and sustainability aims. In order to pave the way for a world-wide sustainable bioenergy production, the EU biofuels policy (e.g., targets and subsidies) needs to be critically analysed and revised.
Die Dynamik des Risikos – und die Antwort der Verwaltung
Authors: Daschkeit Achim
Published: March 2017

Ausmaß und Folgen des Klimawandels werden in der Wissenschaft umfassender erforscht und in Politik und Öffentlichkeit intensiver diskutiert denn je. Ob jedoch der aktuelle Stand des Wissens um das Klimaproblem auch in den für (Schutz-)Infrastrukturen verantwortlichen
Institutionen – etwa den Küstenschutz-verwaltungen der Nordseeanrainerstaaten – angekommen ist und ob dort die adäquaten Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, ist eine selten gestellte Frage.
MACIS: Minimisation of and Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity
Authors: Kühn Ingolf , Sykes Martin T. , Berry Pam M. , Thuiller Wilfried , Piper Jake M. , Nigmann Ursula , Araújo Miguel B. , Balletto Emilio , Bonelli Simona , Cabeza Mar , Guisan Antoine , Hickler Thomas , Klotz Stefan , Metzger Marc , Midgley Guy , Musche Martin , Olofsson Jörgen , Paterson James S. , Penev Lyubomir , Rickebusch Sophie , Rounsevell Mark D.A.R. , Schweiger Oliver , Wilson Elizabeth , Settele Josef
Published: March 2017

The recently finished EU funded project MACIS reviewed observed and projected climate change impacts on biodiversity. It assessed mitigation and adaptation options. It also reviewed and developed methods to assess future impacts of climate change on biodiversity including the
identification of policy options to prevent and minimise these impacts.
Paradigm Shifts in Society and Science The XVI International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology
Authors: Glaeser Bernhard
Published: March 2017

The XVI International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE) addressed the prevalent topics of our time such as global change, social-ecological resilience and adaptation – thereby identifying paradigm shifts in “real life” as well as in science.
Systemische Risiken: Versuch einer Charakterisierung
Authors: Renn Ortwin , Keil Florian
Published: March 2017

In recent years systemic risks have been discussed as a novel risk type that is closely related to the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of globalised societies and for which the established routines of risk management are likely to fail. Systemic risks challenge the classic
approach of calculating probabilities and the extent of losses as the basis for risk relevant decisions as well as the principle of containing the impacts of an anticipated risk event – a principle that still dominates most concepts of risk management. This introductory article to the
thematic focus “systemic risks” in the current issue of GAIA presents a general characterisation of systemic risks on the basis of the current state of risk research. It then draws conclusions for specific demands on risk analysis, risk management, and risk communication.
The argumentation focuses on the issue of side effects, as well as on the processes of risk amplification by means of risk relocation and risk communication.
Participatory and Integrated Management of Biosphere Reserves: Lessons from Case Studies and a Global Survey
Authors: Stoll-Kleemann Susanne , Welp Martin
Published: March 2017

This article investigates if the recommendations provided in the statutory documents of the UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) Programme introducing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to follow a participatory management approach are implemented in practice. We discuss the results
of two different empirical data sets: First, in a global setting we show how and why conservation professionals and managers of biosphere reserves regard participation as one of the most important success factors for management. Second, these findings are amplified by results from a comparative
case study analysis of three biosphere reserves in Finland, Estonia, and Germany. Biosphere reserve centres have the potential of becoming parallel learning organisations fostering participatory management across all relevant sectors at the specific sites. Training and capacity building are
necessary pre requisites for the successful application of participatory methods. Several innovative tools can be applied to involve even larger numbers of people.
Hindernisse für das Management von Schutzgebieten
Authors: Ellenberg Ludwig
Published: March 2017

Die lokal gewachsene Praxis des Naturschutzes agiert in der Regel zurückhaltend, still und punktuell. Die Mechanismen der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und die Bemühungen von Regierungen zögern hingegen selten, lassen sich kaum beirren und setzen sich durch, wenn es um die
Schaffung von Schutzgebieten geht. Doch das Zusammen gehen mit Akteuren von außerhalb des vertrauten Kosmos ist für die Entwicklungszusammenarbeit unerlässlich, um Biodiversität langfristig zu erhalten. Wo liegen die Hindernisse für eine derartige Kooperation und
wie lassen sie sich überwinden?
The Importance of Law Enforcement for Protected Areas: Don't Step Back! Be Honest – Protect!
Authors: Fischer Frauke
Published: March 2017

The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation is widely accepted. Controversy, however, exists over the best way to ensure the long-term persistence of functional protected areas themselves. Strict protection is the most promising way, even if this means that benefits of
individual human beings have to be compromised at times.
Socio-Ecological Monitoring of Biodiversity Change: Building upon the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Authors: Lotze-Campen Hermann , Reusswig Fritz , Stoll-Kleemann Susanne
Published: March 2017

We discuss biodiversity loss as a problem of social perception and environmental management. Apart from the problems with defining and measuring biodiversity, the impacts of biodiversity loss on human well-being and lifestyles are difficult to assess, and the value of biodiversity conservation
is difficult to measure. The biodiversity discourse is still dominated by the natural sciences, whereas little attention has been paid to the social dimensions and the social embedding of biodiversity conservation. This results in biodiversity-related conflicts and bad environmental management.
As a basis for improved management of biodiversity as a global, yet locally nested common good, we define the requirements for an integrated socio-ecological monitoring system, a "Sustainability Geoscope". Through a large set of comparative, interdisciplinary regional case studies a new quality
of data integration and coverage at various spatial scales could be achieved. We propose to choose the World Network of Biosphere Reserves as an infrastructure of monitoring sites and discuss how such a Geoscope could be implemented and related to existing initiatives.
The Soil: Nature, Sustainable Use, Management, and Protection – An Overview
Authors: Nortcliff Stephen
Published: March 2017

Soil forms the outer skin of the earth's land surface. Often less than a metre in depth, it is essential to sustain natural terrestrial ecosystems and human life. Soils result from the interactions over time between climate, parent material, topography, vegetation, and biota. They vary
from place to place. Mineral soils are composed of mineral matter, organic matter, and gas- or liquid-filled pores in varying proportions. Soils perform a wide range of functions and provide many ecosystem or environmental services; with the climate problem, the soil is increasingly being
recognised as a potential sink for carbon from the atmosphere. In part because of humankind's (over)use of soils and in part because of natural and human-induced environmental change, there is a widespread decline in soil quality and an increasing number of threats to soil, which jeopardise
both the soil's natural functions and its use by humans. As a limited resource, soils must be used sustainably. Soil protection strategies have been indirectly embodied in a number of United Nations conventions, and there are now national and supranational developments towards specific regulations
and legislation to protect soils and their functions.
The Mobile Phone: Powerful Communicator and Potential Metal Dissipator
Authors: Reller Armin , Bublies Thomas , Staudinger Thomas , Oswald Irina , Meißner Simon , Allen Matthew
Published: March 2017

This article attempts to briefly evaluate the significance of mobile phones in the modern information and communication society. Furthermore, it shows the substantial success of the mobile phone industry in recent years by evaluating the increase in overall sales figures and the degree
of mobile phone penetration in different societies. The study looks at the different materials, in particular rare metals, used in mobile phones. The dissipation of these materials is discussed as a consequence of the life cycle of mobile phones, especially of the after-use phase. It is claimed
that the dissipation and irretrievable loss of these materials could pose a severe risk to the industry. Moreover, we conclude that under the prevailing economic practices, the scarcity of strategic metals used for very specific purposes – often in small but critical amounts –
could lead to shortage conflicts and economic drawbacks.
From State-Centered Decision-Making to Participatory Governance – Planning for Offshore Wind Farms and Implementation of the Water Framework Directive in Northern Germany
Authors: Bruns Antje , Gee Kira
Published: March 2017

Rhetorically at least, environmental policy in the European Union has taken a shift towards more comprehensive, participative, and co-operative forms of governance. Examples are the 2002 Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and the 2000 Water Framework
Directive (WFD). Designed to resolve specific environmental problems, they also address the process of decision-making itself. In this paper we ask whether two current planning processes in the German North Sea coastal region show evidence of these new forms of governance. We find that
the process of issuing planning permission for offshore wind farms is still largely hierarchical and fails to link up to more comprehensive forms of sea use planning. In contrast, the process of implementing the WFD leads to comprehensive, strategic, and participatory River Basin Management
(RBM) in Schleswig-Holstein. The case studies represent distinctive modes of governance that exist at the same time in the same place.
A Discernible Human Influence on the Global Climate – How the IPCC Affected Climate Politics
Authors: Graßl Hartmut
Published: March 2017

"The balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate." Famous sentences like this stand for the work of the IPCC and associated individuals like Bert Bolin. Public discussions triggered by the publication of this sentence made it difficult for politics to
delay measures fighting climate change. With the years the IPCC's influence on society grew - not least because it never gave in to attempts of a political takeover.
Public Acceptance of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage – Research Approaches for Investigating the Impact of Communication
Authors: Schumann Diana
Published: March 2017

The level of awareness and knowledge with regard to Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) among the public is low, and the attitude formation process is only beginning. Stakeholders now have recognized the need to communicate CCS. But how how can information on CCS be communicated
to enable the public to develop well-informed opinions? And, thereupon, how will public knowledge and acceptance develop?
The Global Research Centre for Biosphere Reserve Advancement – A New Emphasis on Social Dynamics and Exchange in UNESCO's World Network
Authors: Stoll-Kleemann Susanne , Schliep Rainer , Nolte Christoph
Published: March 2017

In the World Network of Biosphere Reserves the social dimension of adaptive protected area management plays only a minor role. The Global Research Centre for Biosphere Reserve Advancement seeks to reduce these deficits and releases the Biosphere Research Platform to intensify the information
exchange.
Berücksichtigen wir in der Klimapolitik genügend Sicherheitsmargen?Do We Have Sufficient Safety Margins in Climate Policy?
Authors: Fischlin Andreas
Published: March 2017

Der öffentliche Diskurs zum Klimawandel krankt am Missbrauch von Unsicherheiten: Unhaltbare Zweifel erhalten immer noch breiten Raum; naturwissenschaftliche Ergebnisse werden einer seits überbewertet und andererseits verzerrt ausgelegt, indem Unsicherheiten ausge blendet werden.
Dabei bleibt die Debatte über die Risiken auf der Strecke, obwohl mit jeder klimapolitischen Entscheidung unausweichlich Risiken verknüpft sind. Vor der Klimakonferenz in Kopenhagen im Dezember 2009 ist dringend ein Risikodiskurs erforderlich, der naturwissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse
ebenso berücksich tigt wie Wertvorstellungen und Sicherheitsmargen.
Die Rolle des Ökolandbaus für die WelternährungThe Role of Organic Farming for Global Food Security
Authors: Kotschi Johannes
Published: March 2017

Vielfach wird behauptet, zur Sicherung der Welternährung sei eine intensive Landwirtschaft erforderlich, der Ökolandbau dagegen ungeeignet. Dabei wird übersehen, dass die intensive industrielle Agrarproduktion an ökologische und ökonomische Grenzen stößt,
während die klein - bäuerliche ökologische Landwirtschaft erheblich zur Welternährung beiträgt und noch ein großes, nicht ausgeschöpftes Potenzial aufweist. Doch das international etablierte System zertifizierter Ökoproduktion ist zu eng, um dieses
Potenzial in Wert zu setzen. Eine Neuorientierung der ökologischen Landwirtschaft ist deshalb erforderlich.
Gegen vorschnelle Gewissheiten – Ein Plädoyer für Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) als Option zum KlimaschutzAgainst Rash Assurance – A Plea for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) as an Option for Climate Protection
Authors: Donnermeyer Michael
Published: March 2017

Der Klimawandel ist in vollem Gange. Um ihm zu begegnen, sind massive Anstrengungen nötig. Der Anteil erneuerbarer Energien muss erhöht und die Energieeffizienz muss verbessert werden. Daneben sind aber auch technische Optionen wie Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS)
in die Diskussion einzubeziehen und mit allen verfügbaren Mitteln zu fördern. Die Optionen zum Klima schutz dürfen nicht gegeneinander ausgespielt werden; nur in der Summe können sie die ehrgeizigen wissenschaftlich und politisch formulierten Klimaschutzziele erreichen.
Optimising the Framework for Innovation in the Electricity System – Lessons from Five Case Studies in Germany
Authors: Praetorius Barbara
Published: March 2017

This paper examines success factors for five emerging innovations in the electricity system under the influence of current environmental and economic paradigms such as climate policy and market liberalisation. It widens the conventional focus on technological innovations to encompass
organisational and behavioural innovations. The investigation builds on five empirical studies of recent developments in Germany: 1. micro cogeneration of heat and power, 2. carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), 3. informative electricity bills, 4. network regulation, and 5. emissions
trading. The paper applies a quasi-evolutionary model to understand the relevant selection pressures – i.e., pressures for change – and transition contexts. The findings underline the importance of resource distribution and actor networks within a socio-technological context. The
results support the expectation that such a large technological system will display strong inertia in the face of pressures for change. Lock-in effects may be avoided by regular risk and uncertainty assessments conducted under an interdisciplinary and transparent procedure.
Integrated Assessment of Coastal and Marine Changes Using the Example of Offshore Wind Farms: the Coastal Futures Approach
Authors: Kannen Andreas , Burkhard Benjamin
Published: March 2017

This article begins with a discussion of developments concerning offshore wind farms in the German North Sea as an example of marine use change. Specifically, it takes a look at whether Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) can help to improve the planning framework. While ICZM
cannot solve all political problems, it meets some planning needs. Recently, integrated approaches have become more and more influential in legislation, but a significant implementation gap exists. To overcome this gap, new modes of coastal governance need to be established (e.g., moving from
management of single human activities to management of use patterns, from protection of individual species to protection of ecosystems, or from single scales to multiple scales). The second part of the article describes the integrative approach of the German research project Coastal Futures.
Using the DPSIR (drivers, pressure, state, impact, response) framework, scenario storylines were used to describe potential marine use patterns causing different ecological and socio-economic impacts. With the approach developed for the example of offshore wind, Coastal Futures aims
to establish a general concept for integrated assessments of coastal change.
Achieving Sustainable Mobility in Developing Countries: Suggestions for a Post-2012 Agreement
Authors: Bongardt Daniel , Sterk Wolfgang , Rudolph Frederic
Published: March 2017

In December 2009, countries meet in Copenhagen to establish a new global climate agreement. This article links the need for reducing transport-related greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries with the current international climate negotiations. Arguing that a sustainable transport
approach requires comprehensive policy packages, it assesses the suitability of current climate negotiation proposals in promoting sustainable transport. The project-based approach under the current climate regime incentivises neither comprehensive sustainable transport and mobility policies,
nor sufficient numbers of local projects. Current proposals to increase efforts by developing countries, to reform the Clean Development Mechanism, and to create new emission trading mechanisms are promising but still have to overcome several obstacles. One obstacle involves how to properly
assess the impact of actions while maintaining streamlined procedures. The authors conclude from their analysis that the best way forward would be to establish an international mitigation fund with a dedicated transport window financed by industrialised countries. This fund would enable developing
countries to implement national policies and local projects. Developing countries would outline low-carbon development strategies, including a sectoral strategy for low-carbon transport.
The Contribution of University Curricula to Engineering Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Kastenhofer Karen , Lansu Angelique , van Dam-Mieras Rietje , Sotoudeh Mahshid
Published: March 2017

Global failures to reach a sustainable development within present-day societies as well as recent breakthroughs within technoscience pose new challenges to engineering education. The list of competencies which engineers should have to rise to these challenges is long and divers, and
often encompasses radically new attributes. The task of engineering education for sustainable development is to address these competencies and to prepare engineers for their active role in society. Besides, while competencies correspond to optional behavior, actual behavior must be accounted
for as well to fulfill the requirements for a transition towards sustainable development. Such an approach calls for new modes of teaching and learning as well as for their meaningful integration in existing educational contexts. This paper presents the diversity of competencies needed, introduces
a focus on actual performance, and identifies five appropriate modes of learning. The combination of these different modes (their prevalence, sequence, and balance) within university curricula is discussed referring to empirical examples.
Pythia's Revenge: On the Economic Value of Ecological Risk Precaution Pythias Rache: zum ökonomischen Wert ökologischer Risikovorsorge
Authors: Rajmis Sandra , Barkmann Jan , Marggraf Rainer
Published: March 2017

According to the German Advisory Council on Global Change, the so-called Pythia and Pandora risk types pose particular challen ges to environmental management due to their potentially catas trophic nature. At present, neither their damage potential nor their probability
distribution can be estimated. Fortunately, there is evidence that a partial protection against such risks is possible. The respective measures focus on maintaining biological diversity and fundamental ecosystem functions. However, there is no economically quantified information on the amount
of societal resources that should be committed to such a protection against ecological risks. We outline the fundamentals of ecological risk precaution strategies in the face of a highly uncertain future, and provide an empirical estimation of the population's willingness to pay for these
strategies.
An Institutional Reform Agenda for the Establishment of Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research Ein institutionelles Reformprogramm zur Förderung transdisziplinärer Nachhaltigkeits forschung
Authors: Schneidewind Uwe
Published: March 2017

In spite of a growing need for transdisciplinary sustainability knowledge, the diffusion of transdisciplinary sustainability research is still lagging behind in the German science system. This article explores the reasons for this situation and depicts an institutional reform programme
for a broader dissemination of transdisciplinary sustainability research in Germany. It is based on a recent study assessing the status quo of sustainability-related research within the German science system.
How Much Does Journal Reputation Tell Us About the Academic Interest and Relevance of Economic Research? Empirical Analysis and Implications for Environmental Economic Research
Authors: Schläpfer Felix
Published: March 2017

Unlike in other disciplines, research output in economics is commonly measured based on the disciplinary reputation of the journals in which an author has published. Here, I examine how much output measures based on journal reputation tell us about the academic interest and relevance
of economic papers as measured by frequency of citation. Using data from the 2008 Handelsblatt ranking of economists in German speaking countries and interdisciplinary citation data from the Web of Science, I find that researcher scores based on journal reputation explain only
about 30 percent of the variation (variance) in article citations. When the top 10 (20) percent of the researchers according to journal reputation scores are excluded, the percentage of explained variation in citation frequency drops to 8 (3) percent. Furthermore, using environmental economics
journals as an example, I show that the traditional output measures strongly discourage applied and interdisciplinary economic research. The findings confirm that the traditional output measures provide incentives for narrow economic work even if that work is of interest to only few other
researchers. Responsible hiring committees and funding institutions should take these problems seriously and re-consider existing standards in the evaluation of economic research.
Evaluating a Forest Conservation Plan with Historical Vegetation Data – A Transdisciplinary Case Study from the Swiss Lowlands
Authors: Bürgi Matthias , Steck Claude , Bertiller René
Published: March 2017

Forest types shaped by humans host a specific set of plant species that may disappear subsequent to the abandonment of traditional uses of the forest. To improve the effectiveness of conservation management for plant species associated with traditionally managed forests, information
on historical forest conditions and plant occurrence is vital. In the Swiss Canton Zurich, an action plan to promote light forests has been initiated by the state office for nature protection. This action plan has defined a set of 172 target species for light forests. In order to evaluate
in which forest types these species occurred historically, we combined a vegetation survey from 1907 from the wooded mountain range of Lägern (Switzerland) with information on forest structure in the early 20th century based on forest management plans. For 21 target species, 181 locations
were determined and linked to historical forest structures. We recommend enhancing the effectiveness of the action plan for light forests by recreating coppice-with-standard forest on productive soils, considering the role of non-timber forest uses for ecosystem development, and engaging private
forest owners to assist in the creation of light forest reserves.
The Idea of Climate Change – Exploring Complexity, Plurality and Opportunity
Authors: Hulme Mike
Published: March 2017

Climate change is not "a problem" waiting for "a solution". It is an environmental, cultural and political phenomenon which is re-shaping the way we think about ourselves, about our societies and about humanity's place on earth. This idea of climate change evokes several questions:
where did it come from, what does it mean to different people in different places and why do we disagree about it? To find answers, it is time to develop a constructive way of approaching the idea of climate change and to reflect on some of the policy implications.
Auf welche Wissenschaft beruft sich die Politik beim Zwei-Grad-Ziel?What Science do Politicians Refer to When Setting the Two-Degree Target?
Authors: Luhmann Hans-Jochen
Published: March 2017

Die multilaterale Politik bekennt sich zum Zwei-Grad-Ziel, um den Klimawandel zu begrenzen. Sie stützt sich dazu explizit auf Empfehlungen “der Wissenschaft“. Bemerkenswert ist, dass sie sich dabei nicht – was doch naheläge – auf das IPCC beruft. Dieses
Gremium hat sich nämlich explizit versagt, “Werturteile“ wie das Zwei-Grad-Ziel zu formulieren. Da die Politik aber nach solchen Urteilen verlangt, bedient sie sich pragma tisch an anderer Stelle – bei einer Wissenschaft, die nicht strikt zwischen Fakten und Werturteilen
trennt. Letzteres sollte auch ein Kennzeichen einer Wissenschaft von der Nachhaltigkeit (sustainability science) sein.
Securing the Conservation of Biodiversity across Administrative Levels and Spatial, Temporal, and Ecological Scales – Research Needs and Approaches of the SCALES Project
Authors: Henle Klaus , Kunin William , Schweiger Oliver , Schmeller Dirk S. , Grobelnik Vesna , Matsinos Yiannis , Pantis John , Penev Lyubomir , Potts Simon G. , Ring Irene , Similä Jukka , Tzanopoulos Joseph , van den Hove Sybille , Baguette Michel , Clobert Jean , Excoffier Laurent , Framstad Erik , Grodzińska-Jurczak Małgorzata , Lengyel Szabolcs , Marty Pascal , Moilanen Atte , Porcher Emmanuelle , Storch David , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Sykes Martin T. , Zobel Martin , Settele Josef
Published: March 2017

Biodiversity conservation measures and biological processes often do not match in scale. The EU funded project SCALES (Securing the Conservation of biodiversity across Administrative Levels and spatial, temporal, and Ecological Scales) is intended to solve this challenge.
SCALES analyses how selected pressures (climate change, habitat loss, fragmentation, disturbance), their drivers, and their impacts on biodiversity change with spatial and temporal scale. The project develops methods for a better understanding of scaling properties of biological processes
from the genetic level to populations, communities, and ecosystem functions. SCALES also seeks ways to integrate the issue of scale into policy, decision-making, and biodiversity management, focusing on networks of protected areas, regional connectivity, and biodiversity monitoring.
Qualifications for Contributing to Sustainable Development A Survey of Environmental Sciences Graduates
Authors: Hansmann Ralf , Mieg Harald A. , Frischknecht Peter M.
Published: March 2017

A survey of Environmental Sciences graduates from ETH Zurich was conducted to gain insights into their sustainability-oriented activities. 567 partic ipants provided 672 concrete best-practice examples of their professional contributions to sustainable development. The contributions
addressed ecological, economic, and social aspects of sustainability, and 47 percent of them attempted to systematically integrate these dimensions. Responsible use of resources and the protection of the natural environment were the main foci of the examples, and many promoted health and safety
of the public or enhanced the innovative power of the economy. Qualifications denoted as helpful for realizing the contributions included broad natural scientific knowledge and ecological systems understanding, as well as in-depth knowledge in specific fields or domains of application. Participants
thus judged their inter disciplinary environmental science education as advantageous compared to conventional disciplinary programs. Social and communication skills, in particular for convincing communication, also proved important for realizing the examples.
First Test after Bologna: The Work Experience in the Master's Program. The Students' and the Supervisors' Point of View Erste Bewährung nach Bologna: das Berufspraktikum im Masterstudium Die Sicht von Studierenden und Betrieben
Authors: Steiner Regula
Published: March 2017

Wirkt sich die Bologna-Reform auf die Qualität der Ausbildung in Umweltnaturwissenschaften aus? Die Evaluation des Berufspraktikums hilft, diese Frage bezüglich fachlicher und arbeitspraktischer Qualifikationen zu beantworten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine positive Beurteilung
der Masterstudierenden durch die Betreuungspersonen in den Betrieben. Die Selbsteinschätzung der erworbenen Qualifikationen ist bei Masterstudierenden sogar leicht höher als bei Diplomstudierenden.
Citizen Participation in Local Climate Protection Policies. Analysing Traditional and Electronic Methods of Participation Beteiligung von Bürger(inne)n an lokaler Klimaschutzpolitik Untersuchung traditioneller und elektronischer Partizipationsformen
Authors: Aichholzer Georg , Strauß Stefan
Published: March 2017

Wie lassen sich Bürger(in nen) und Unternehmen zum Energiesparen und zu anderen Formen klimafreundlichen Verhaltens bewegen? Das europäische Forschungsprojekt e2democracy untersucht, wie Beteiligungsangebote – online und offline – von den Nutzer(inne)n
angenommen werden.
Research for Sustainable Development Forschung für nachhaltige Entwicklungen
Authors: Scheiermann Anika , Dunkelberg Elisa , Stieß Immanuel , Zundel Stefan
Published: March 2017

Das BMBF-Rahmenprogramm FONA – Forschung für nachhaltige Entwicklungen berichtet vom 7. BMBF-Forum für Nachhaltigkeit und dem zum zweiten Mal verliehenen Green Talents Award. Der Wettbewerb richtet sich an herausragende Nachwuchswissenschaftler(innen),
die mit ihren Forschungsarbeiten zur Bewältigung globaler Herausforderungen beitragen. Die Mitteilungen des Förderschwerpunkts Sozial-ökologische Forschung (SÖF) erläutern, wie sich Eigenheimbesitzer(innen) zu Sanierungsmaßnahmen motivieren lassen.
Linking Ecosystem Services with Cultural Landscape Research
Authors: Schaich Harald , Bieling Claudia , Plieninger Tobias
Published: March 2017

The concept of ecosystem services facilitates the valuation of the multiple services from ecosystems and landscapes, the identification of trade-offs between different land use scenarios, and also informs decision making in land use planning. Unfortunately, cultural services have been
mostly neglected within the ecosystem services framework. This could result in trade-off assessments which are biased and mislead ecosystem management and landscape planning. However, cultural landscape research approaches have proven valuable in the assessment of different nonmaterial landscape
values and cultural services. In this paper, we compare the objectives, approaches, and methodologies adopted by ecosystem services research and cultural landscape research through a bibliographic research. Both research communities investigate the human dimension of ecosystems and landscapes
and, hence, study the same object. A closer link between the two research communities would enrich and possibly sharpen both approaches. In particular, landscape research on cultural services such as aesthetics or cultural heritage could provide valuable results and methods for a comprehensive
assessment of ecosystem services.
Die Grenzen der Umweltgeschichte
Authors: Sieferle Rolf Peter
Published: March 2017

Environmental history, as it evolved in Germany during the last 10–15 years, has mainly been a history of pollution within the disciplinary boundaries of social history. The present article pleads for an extended environmental history following the research program of human ecology.
For this purpose, a model of explanation and research is developed, containing the following four stages of analysis: (1) the analysis of the structure of past nature-culture systems, considering the elements of the ecosystems involved as well as explicit human actions and implicit human
behaviour, so far as they have an impact on the environment; (2) the analysis of past nature-culture systems asking if they show a tendency toward stability or change; (3) the classification of the main historical stages of nature-culture systems, covering the universal history of
mankind; (4) the search of “forerunners” of present pollution problems. The article emphasizes that an ecologically sound environmental history must necessarily cooperate with the natural sciences, albeit there are great institutional difficulties for real interdisciplinary
cooperation. The sceptical conclusion is, that regarding the difficulties of such an cooperation the main subject of future historical research concerning the nature-culture relationship will be the intellectual history of mentalities, theories and major world-views.
Umweltorientierte Unternehmensführung
Authors: Farago Peter , Bucher Peter
Published: March 2017

The main purpose of our project was the enquiry into motives and experiences of entrepreneurs and top managers in Switzerland concerning actions that they classify as elements of “qualitative growth”. We defined the term mainly with respect to ecological issues and in relation
to the international debate on a “sustainable development”. Deliberately, we contacted “pioneers” with own concrete experiences in the implementation of ecologically relevant measures. As forerunners of a new management orientation they are able to inform competently
about the prerequisites of an ecologically concerned management. The managers having participated in our study define “qualitative growth” as an ecologically concerned production of long-lasting products by using as few resources as possible. Ecological measures are realized
primarily along the borderlines of an enterprise, at the intersections of the organization to its environment: provision of raw materials and recycling or waste disposal. However, the shift to management oriented activities (organization, management systems and communication) is under
way. Marketing and sales are, from an ecological point of view, still somewhat neglected. In our interviews it was undisputed that the concrete example of the ecological involvement of the management is a key condition to overcome scepticism and opposition in the lower cadre and the general
staff. With respect to the employees it is important that ecologically concerned companies are more complex, more demanding on an intellectual level and more cooperative in their management style and organization than their conventional competitors.
Toblacher Thesen 1992. Gesundheit und ökologischer Wohlstand “Langsamer, weniger, besser, schöner”
Authors: Glauber Hans , Korczak Dieter
Published: March 2017

Health concerns everyone and today is in danger. The issue of health is presently under discussion in most industrialized countries, not least because of a sanitary policy which is more and more losing itself in a blind alley and of a sanitary system which is becoming financially unbearable.
In Germany for instance costs for health (reparation) exceed by 30 percent expenditure for nutrition. When we talk about health, it is also necessary to reflect on our idea of welfare (well-being). In industrialized countries, we live in a false welfare, because we charge others for
our costs: the Third World, future generations and, in the end, nature and therefore ourselves. As a consequence, talking about health it is necessary to talk about our progress. A “progress” which is every day destroying the very bases of our existence, is contrary to the reasons
of health. The crisis of environment, the crisis of values and the crisis of health are strictly linked and depend one on the other. In industrialized countries we are drowned by the excessive consumption; meanwhile it is becoming more difficult to satisfy the most elementary needs,
such as drinking clean water and breathing non-polluted air. “What do we want, what do we need really?” are becoming the central issues today. The question is not to what we must “renounce”, but rather which benefits we can get from a new quality of life, by looking
at health in wider way. “Less quickness and quantity, more quality and beauty” can become the new passwords for ecological well-being and health. A revolution in ideas and values is the challenge for the future. The “Toblacher Gespräche 1992” faced the
issue of health in a very broad approach, linking health to the ecological well-being. The conference analyzed the relations between health and progress, aggressions to nature and dangers for health. It was discussed how sanitary policy and medicine should be, when they are not only oriented
toward the reparation of damage, but understand the whole ecological and social context. But the conference went a step further: starting from the risk for health, it tried to give form to the idea of a different ecological well-being, especially in the fields of work, production, food,
inhabiting, mobility and traffic. The vision was to weave these leading ideas in a general proposal and to broaden the idea of health to what should be its real meaning: living well. The 12 “Toblacher Thesen” are a summary as well as action proposal for “health and ecological
well-being” under the motto: “less quickness and quantity, more quality and beauty”.
Klimawende: Sorglosigkeit oder Vorsorge?
Authors: von Erichsen Lothar
Published: March 2017

The community of impartial scientists in accordance proclaimed on occasion of the Washington and Rio conferences that the actual situation and the trend of technology and wasteful consumption of energy habits of humankind will inevitably bring about drastic, eventually irreversible
changes of the global climate structure within a foreseeable space of time. First symptoms are perceptible even at present. Nevertheless, despite of this warning, the general political reaction and the public behaviour are fatally reminiscent of the ominous dance upon the volcano. Due to that
discrepancy between knowledge and effective counteracting, on the one hand, and empty proclamations and lethargy, on the other hand, we already have to take into account almost as granted the gradual collapse of the habitual existence conditions at rather short date. Thus, we lay under the
obligation and are liable to thoroughly take care of the riskful situation and to make provision and realistic planning – not empty postulates only! Well planned precautions should be assigned and suited to mitigate the worst consequences of the imminent climate change; they would then
act as a protective against the most dangerous symptoms of the global emergency. Videant consules ne quid detrimenti capiat res publica terrae!
Denken und Handeln in Unbestimmtheit und Komplexität
Authors: Dörner Dietrich
Published: March 2017

In this article two purposes should be fulfilled: First we shall analyze the error tendencies of humans when confronted with the challenges of coping with very complex and uncertain domains of reality. From the results of experimental and case studies we try to derive a coherent
picture of the slips, lapses and mistakes in different phases (goal elaboration, hypothesis formation, planning, decision making, control of success, self-reflexion) of the organization of action in complex environments. Additionally we try to find the reasons for these error tendencies.
Behind a lot of very different forms of behaviour exhibited by humans when confronted with uncertain and very complex environments we recognize a small number of basic conditions for the human cognitive “machinery”, namely the restricted capacity of human conscious thinking, the
overweight of the actual motive, the tendency to guard one's own feeling of competence and – quite simple – forgetting, which makes it difficult for us to identify the laws of time series. Eventually we investigate what could be done for the augmentation of the capability to
cope with complexity and uncertainty. We recommend the use of computer-simulations of complex realities as a “wind-tunnel” to develop and to try out strategies to cope with very complex problems.
Ökologie der Zeit Ein Projekt des Zurechtfindens in unserer zeitlichen Welt
Authors: Siegenthaler Claude , Zogg Brigitte
Published: March 2017

»...die Zeitdimension wird bisher nicht systematisch in ihrer Bedeutung für alle Aspekte der ökologischen Krise erkannt und dementsprechend nur in isolierten Teilbereichen beachtet.« (aus dem Programm der Tutzinger Zeitakademie 1993)
Das Modell der Einführung und Einbürgerung nicht einheimischer Arten.Ein Beitrag zur Diskussion über die Freisetzung gentechnisch veränderter Kulturpflanzen
Authors: Sukopp Ulrich , Sukopp Herbert
Published: March 2017

As soon as transgenic cultigens are released into the environment they may become feral as we know of many conventional cultigens. This article explains two basic ways how cultigens become feral: through hybridization with closely related wild plants or through revert to the wild-type.
Some aspects of the evolution of cultigens are discussed since they are the key to understanding the current processes of becoming feral. A list of many examples of conventional cultigens becoming feral in Central Europe is presented. Due to a virtually complete lack of information
on the ecological behaviour of transgenic cultigens the authors suggest two different models to predict the ecological risks of transgenic cultigens, particularly the probability of becoming feral and moreover the probability of undesired ecological long-term effects in man-made ecosystems
as well as in semi-natural and natural ecosystems. If we like to make a prognosis about a single, precisely characterized, transgenic cultigen it makes sense to compare it directly to the original plant that was conventionally bred and that we are familiar with. In a so-called “case
by case study” a single conventional cultigen functions as a model for a single transgenic cultigen and answers the questions, what is the probability of a single transgenic cultigen becoming feral and what are possible undesired ecological effects of this process particularly in man-made
ecosystems. However, if we like to predict undesired ecological long-term effects in semi-natural and natural ecosystems we suggest to compare the process of becoming feral in general to the introduction and naturalization of non-native species (“Exotic Species Model”).
The intended or unintended introduction of non-native species by man and the subsequent naturalization of a proportion of these species functions as an appropriate and valuable model of the long-term ecological behaviour of both transgenic and conventional cultigens that have escaped cultivation
and invaded semi-natural and natural ecosystems. The implications of the two models are discussed in detail.
Zaghafte Realisierung von Umweltabgaben. Umweltökonomische Instrumente im Clinch mit finanzund verkehrspolitischen Eigengesetzlichkeiten?
Authors: Kissling-Näf Ingrid
Published: March 2017

Environmental incentive taxes entail an instrumental change in environmental policy making. Such policy making in Switzerland lacks the necessary influence from interest and pressure groups to implement this redistributive instrumental change. Global environmental taxes, as an integral
part of sustainable development, equally imply a paradigm change and demand a social consensus. The development of ecological taxes can only be activated by incorporating “green” reasoning into policy making. The relations among transport, fiscal and environmental policies
are dominated by budgeting imperatives. Interpolicy-cooperation is, however, impeded by budgetary priorities, the autonomy of policy fields, and conflict over different instruments and goals. Sectoral logic can only be abandoned if environmental action is able to alter policy communities and
question the preeminenee of other sectors.