Research
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Calls
Evidence to define the sustainability of a healthy diet – Defra Call for Proposals
Food 2030, the Government’s food strategy, describes a future food system in which consumers are informed, and can choose and afford, healthy, sustainable food. A sustainable diet has many attributes and there will be synergies and trade-offs between these attributes. In order to give consumers clear, consistent information on the impact of our food choices, Defra is looking to develop a robust definition of the sustainability of a healthy diet. In this project, Defra is looking for a comprehensive review of the current evidence, guidance, data and metrics available, to quantify sustainability attributes of consumer diets. The review will use established guidance on healthy eating and will not re-examine evidence of what constitutes a healthy diet. The review will assess to what extent the available evidence can be used to describe the sustainability of a healthy diet. Tenders should be submitted by 7th May 2010. More…
Global change, climate and people – Call for Abstracts (**DEADLINE EXTENDED**)
The Earth System Science conference, which will take place from 10th to 13th May 2010, will showcase recent advances in the understanding of Earth system dynamics and highlight new directions for the analysis of the interactions between humans and our environment. This is the first Open Science Conference of AIMES (Analysis, Integration and Modelling of the Earth System), sponsored and convened by QUEST, NERC's programme for Earth System Science. Abstracts are now invited until 9th April, focusing on the key conference themes: Earth system modeling (from observations and process understanding to prediction and risk assessment); dynamics of biogeochemical cycles and climate (transitions, instabilities and feedbacks); and, people and resources (perspectives on the relationships among environment, ecosystems and human needs). More…
Assessment of the impacts of climate change and changes in land use on future water availability and opportunities for adaptation in farming – Defra Call for Proposals
This project will assess current and future water availability for irrigation in agriculture, taking into account current, and forecasts in, land use, and potential for adaptation to maintain or increase food production. The project should deliver an assessment of future scope for growing irrigated crops in England and Wales, which takes into account water availability and the costs of irrigation. The analysis should draw on Defra and National Statistics on water use and agricultural practices, previous research to assess water use and availability and to model land use change, and other data sources such as the Farming Futures surveys and farming behaviours affecting land use change. Tenders should be received by 4pm on 4th May 2010. More…
World Climate Teach-in Day – Call for Expressions of Interest
The International Climate Change Information Programme (ICCIP) is one of the world’s leading programmes with a focus on education, information, communication and awareness-raising on matters related to climate change. Created in 2009, based at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) and led by Prof. Walter Leal (BSc, PhD, DSc, DPhil, DL, DLitt), ICCIP works with a network of some of the world’s leading universities in the five continents and some key agencies such as UNEP, UNESCO, IPCC, GEF and many others. ICCIP runs a series of on-line climate conferences (Climate 2008, Climate 2009 and Climate 2010). Expressions of interest are now being sought from qualified scientists and agencies for inputs to two major on-line events ICCIP is running in 2010: firstly, the World Climate Teach-in Day on 4th June 2010; and secondly, the World Sustainable Development Teach-In Day on 3rd December 2010. The inputs envisaged consist of PowerPoint presentations relevant to these two on-line conferences which, subject to a review, will be made available online during the events. The teach-in days are innovative ways of promoting information and knowledge exchange, characterised by the highest academic standards, and the possibility of reaching a world audience. Expressions of interest to contribute to these events, initially outlining the title of the envisaged input and the authors of the work to be submitted, should be sent to ICCIP.
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Research
New Survey – Green space skills
‘Green space skills’, a survey commissioned by CABE and English Heritage, has revealed the full extent of skills shortages in the green space sector, in careers ranging from park managers to tree surgeons. Employers in the public, private and third sectors were surveyed, and the results show that public parks and other green spaces are seen as a Cinderella service for many local authorities and are often the first to be cut. A quarter of employers in the public sector expect a decrease in recruitment and a fifth say that green space departments are experiencing a greater reduction in budgets than other local authority departments. Funding cuts hit green spaces hard, as they rely on consistent and skilled maintenance. Annual training budgets for people working in parks and green spaces in the public sector are 20 per cent lower than their colleagues (an average of £245 versus £305). This survey shows an urgent need to address the skills shortfall to tackle climate change. Planning, design and management are what are all essential in order to adapt green spaces to a changing climate, and these were exactly the skills which employers felt their staff most lacked. More…
Climate change and urban poverty in Bangladesh (ClimUrb)
That cities are critical sites in responding to climate change is a relatively new yet significant realisation especially in the context of developing countries. The ClimUrb project aims to generate policy relevant knowledge about the ways in which climate change is impacting on the asset portfolios of poor urban people in Bangladesh. The analytical framework builds on the fact that poor urban people are already developing many innovative and sophisticated adaptive practices in response to the prevailing limitations and causes of asset erosion and that these adaptive practices need to be understood and strengthened. Also, such practices do not take place in an institutional vacuum; indeed various forms of institutional realities, either directly or indirectly, play a critical role in the making of these practices. Given such complex settings and multiple dimensions, consideration of the following three theoretical concepts is essential: political economy of urban change; asset adaptation; and adaptive practices. In this project three to five selected poor urban settlements in Bangladesh will be studied using two emerging methods: Participatory Asset Adaptation Appraisal (PAAA) and Practice Analysis (PA). More…
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Events
Seminar – ‘Food packaging and waste: Innovation, anaerobic digestion and nanotechnology’
29th June 2010: Central London.
With the first stage of the Courtauld Commitment due to end in 2010 and work at an advanced stage on a follow-on agreement, this seminar will examine the progress of current programmes designed to reduce waste from packaging and food - both in industry and in the home. Discussion will look forward to the approaches that the food industry can take to cut landfill volumes and reduce carbon emissions, and to the potential for implementation of anaerobic digestion schemes in the UK. The seminar will include keynote addresses from: Peter Jones, Independent Sector Commentator; Tristram Stuart, Commentator and Author of ‘Waste - uncovering the global food scandal’; and Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Retail and Organics Programmes, Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP). More…
Conference – ‘Greening the public sector’
9th June 2010: The Barbican, London.
The UK public sector needs to reduce carbon emissions, maintain energy security, and also create economic opportunities. It is increasingly dependent on long supply chains, some of which originate in politically unstable parts of the world. By embedding sustainability into public sector policy we can achieve a leaner, greener future. Public Sector Procurement expenditure is £225bn a year. This is equivalent to over 0.5% of global GDP. One of the challenges to consider is the increasing pressures on resource and funding to reduce carbon emissions and develop a cost-effective and sustainable supply network. Reductions in waste, water consumption and increases in waste recycling are all fundamental to reducing the use of resources. Common sense says that reducing the use of resources must reduce cost, though there may be some short-term costs associated with the change. Sustainable procurement does not have to be achieved at a high price. Reducing dependence on commodities and shortening supply chains can save cash, save carbon, reduce dependence on unreliable sources and increase the security of public services. ‘Lean’ and ‘Green’ are compatible. The foundations of good practice are in place for the public sector, but what are the biggest obstacles to sharing it and how can these be overcome? This conference explores ways of achieving this with some practical examples from both public and private sectors of how to develop and deliver suitable strategies. More…
Training – ‘IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation Training’
Places are still available on the May 2010 International Association for Public Participation (IPA2) training in Edinburgh, Scotland. This is an internationally recognised modular Certificate Programme consisting of three modules: Effective planning (two days); Effective communication (one day); and, Techniques for effective public participation (two days). The training programme is relevant to people in areas as diverse as: practitioners and consultants working in the fields of public involvement, community engagement or stakeholder relations; executive decision-makers in government and private organisations; project managers in infrastructure projects; elected representatives in local, regional and national levels of government; and, community representatives. Further details are available by email and online.
Seminar – ‘Decarbonising transport: changing attitudes and new technologies’
9th June 2010: Central London.
This seminar will assess the next steps in decarbonising transport. It comes as industry, environmental campaigners and policy-makers consider the way forward in bringing the sector into line with the UK’s and the European Union’s sustainability targets. The emphasis of the seminar will be on the latest in new technologies and cleaner fuels, along with emerging strategies to promote lower carbon choices. Planned sessions will examine: changing attitudes - shifting from private to public transport; integrating the transport system, and the role of rail in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint; the future of the freight industry; the European strategy for decarbonising transport; technological innovation - biofuels, hydrogen, electricity and solar power; and a case study appraising the eco car. More…
Conference – ‘The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan: Making it happen’
24th – 25th May 2010: The Falmouth Hotel, Cornwall.
Following on from the success of ‘Transforming the Energy Future: Pathways to Change in 2009’, the 2010 Falmouth Energy Week conference will bring together the central decision-makers and stakeholders within energy policy in the UK to discuss the transformation towards a sustainable energy system. The conference will be held over two days in Falmouth and will feature more than 25 speakers from industry, government, NGOs, academia and community leaders operating at a national, regional and local level. The first day of the conference will look at the key issues and requirements in achieving a sustainable energy system while the second day will focus on solutions that can enable the necessary changes. Topics that will be covered in the parallel sessions include ‘Financing the transition’, ‘Energy security’, ‘Triggering and sustaining change’, ‘Dealing with systems inertia’, ‘The role of communities’ and ‘Strategic planning for the future’. More details and information on registration are available online or by emailing Nicola Hole.
Symposium – ‘Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction’
28th – 29th April 2010: Zoological Society of London.
The links between environment and development have long been discussed, but only recently has this discussion focused specifically on the possible links between biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. In 2002, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a target 'to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth'. It is clear that biodiversity loss will continue beyond 2010. However, even if conservation efforts are successful would they really contribute to poverty reduction? There is a variety of opinion as to the nature and scale of biodiversity conservation–poverty reduction links. This conference will explore the current state of knowledge and key research gaps and practical needs that will really maximise the synergies between these two challenging international policy objectives. More…
Seminar – ‘Scales of energy security: between geopolitics and governance’
7th May 2010: University of Birmingham.
The second of the ESRC Seminar Series on ‘Geographies of Energy Transition: Security, climate and governance’ will take place on Friday 7th May 2010. Key themes will include: geographies of energy security and transition – diverse perspectives; from international to local - scales of energy security; and, ‘opening up’ energy security – materiality, resilience, agency. Places are limited so interest should be registered as soon as possible by contacting Stefan Bouzarovski. More…
Meeting – ‘UK Biochar Research Centre Second Annual Meeting’
28th – 29th April 2010: Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire.
Building on last year’s launch of the UK Biochar Research Centre in Edinburgh, a second annual meeting will be held on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th April 2010. The overall purpose of the workshop is to enable those interested or actively researching biochar to come together and exchange experiences and to learn of progress in the UK community from a inter-disciplinary perspective. The first day will involve keynote presentations setting the scene for biochar as an agricultural and carbon storage product, and identify the key research questions. The second day is dedicated to a detailed examination of emerging research data around biochar production, soil interactions, life cycle analysis, economic appraisal and so on. More…
Conference – ‘Trees and Forests in British Society’ (**LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER**)
13th – 15th April 2010: Heriott Watt University, Edinburgh.
Forest Research’s ‘Trees and Forests in British Society’ conference in Edinburgh will be held at Heriott Watt University on the 13th to 15th April 2010. The conference is looking to explore the demands that society places on forestry and the role that trees, woods and forests are expected to play. The specific objectives are to: discuss societal and economic trends shaping the management of British trees and forests in both urban and rural contexts; share experiences of responses to these trends and how society can successfully engage with its woodland resource; and, identify future research and policy directions needed to meet emerging challenges. This is a final reminder to those still wishing to register. More…
RESOLVE Seminar – ‘The look and feel of sustainable urban design’
13th April 2010: University of Surrey.
This presentation is based on the recognition that we live in a world where sustainable design is no longer optional; our clients expect it, the codes demand it and the future of mankind requires it. We must therefore understand what sustainable design is and how best to deliver it. This presentation, by Julian Sutherland (Design Director, Sustainable Development, Atkins), will discuss the key drivers for sustainable urban design, illustrated with real projects and case studies. Julian has recently joined Atkins specialising in the sustainable multi-disciplinary design of buildings, neighbourhoods, cities and resource master-planning. His experience covers a broad range of projects both in the UK and abroad. During his time at Atkins, Arup and Building Design Partnership he has worked on many iconic projects around the world. These projects are always founded on a thorough understanding of the local climate, landscape and culture. Julian is an advocate for sustainable design and has considerable experience with passive and natural design techniques, producing low energy buildings, neighbourhoods and cost effective services solutions. This is complemented by excellent presentation and concept design skills with a strong focus on brief development, definition and evolution. More…
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Online
NERC Public dialogue on geoengineering
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is conducting an online survey as part of its public dialogue on geoengineering. The online survey is one of a number of strands of dialogue taking place. It sits alongside a series of dialogue workshops with members of the public, which took place in Birmingham, Cardiff and Cornwall throughout March, and open access events at UK science centres. Through these three strands, NERC will explore people's attitudes towards various potential geoengineering methods to assess public opinion on how future research relating to the subject should be directed, conducted and communicated. The public dialogue is being conducted in partnership with Sciencewise-ERC, which supports public dialogue activities in government. The survey is being conducted by Dialogue by Design on behalf of NERC. To participate please go to http://geoengineering.dialoguebydesign.net/. The survey closing date is the 15th April.
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New Publications
ippr Report – ‘Low Carbon Jobs in an Interconnected World’
This paper focuses on the emerging debate concerning the creation of ‘low-carbon’ jobs. What perhaps began as rhetoric generated for the purpose of counteracting climate negativity is now developing into an area of study that offers promising benefits; not only can a low-carbon technology revolution help achieve climate change goals, it can also create new jobs, boost economic growth and help improve the lives of those currently deprived of access to energy. This paper – the product of eight separate national studies conducted over recent months by each of the GCN’s member institutes – seeks to provide a major fillip for climate optimism and positivism. More…
CABE Report – ‘Urban green nation’
There is little understanding of exactly how many green spaces there are in our urban areas, where they are, who owns them or what condition they are in. A CABE Space research project starts to fill the serious green information gap, by compiling and analysing data at a national level. The summary presents the main findings of the research and the full report contains more information about the data, sources and indicators used. ‘Urban green nation: building the evidence base’ will be of interest to policy-makers and decision makers in central and local government and anyone interested in understanding more about England’s urban green spaces. More…
New Report – ‘Future proof: an electricity network for the 21st century’
This report argues that the UK’s current electricity network is unfit for the 21st century, and that if the electricity networks aren’t modernised as a matter of urgency, the UK will be unable to meet its carbon reduction targets.The report highlights the changes we need to make to our networks if we are to successfully decarbonise our energy system and introduce low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and small scale renewable generators. Electricity transmission and distribution networks are a critical part of our energy infrastructure. Without technological and operational changes within these networks and the greater involvement of end users we cannot meet our carbon reduction targets and combat climate change. The report calls for a proactive approach, arguing that we must prepare for future challenges while we still have time. More…
EEA Report – ‘EEA Signals 2010: Stories about people and their environment’
EEA Signals 2010 tells six stories about people and the environmental issues they live with today. These ‘eyewitnesses’ seek to take readers on a journey to both familiar and distant places looking again at the foundations of life on earth — water, soil and air. Although their observations are personal and local, their plight is common and global. These are not intended as simple anecdotes; the wisdom of ordinary people, such as hunters, farmers, hill walkers and sports enthusiasts, offer an often untapped resource of information to complement our satellite images and research. “In Signals ordinary people observe how changes to their environment affect not only animal and plant life, but also their livelihood and lifestyle” said Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of EEA. More…
Special Journal Issue – ‘Sustainable consumption and production’
The Journal of Industrial Ecology (JIE) has recently published a special issue on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) which is freely downloadable online. The special issue provides insight into the life-cycle impacts of consumption on the environment. Studies from Switzerland, the UK and Australia discuss how income and lifestyle influence impacts of consumption. This work confirms earlier findings published in the JIE that 70 to 80 percent of environmental impacts are attributable to mobility, food, and the home (and related energy use). The special issue also reports on attempts to nudge consumers towards more sustainable consumption patterns. Papers discuss the role of context, social practices and informative instruments, amongst other factors.
Relu Report – ‘Telling stories: Accounting for knowledge exchange’
The Relu programme represents a £25 million investment in interdisciplinary research being carried out across the UK – and it is also a huge experiment in its own right. It provides an opportunity to explore how knowledge “ripples outwards” from the research to the practitioner. “Telling stories: Accounting for knowledge exchange” describes an imaginative new approach to impact assessment being trialled by Relu. It describes how the programme is investigating the nature of stakeholder involvement, and illustrates that different types of involvement have different outcomes. More…
Sustain Report – ‘Are supermarket bloomers pants?’
A nine-month investigation by the Real Bread Campaign suggests that the in-store bakeries of only one major supermarket chain are producing any ‘Real Bread’. Following repeated questioning of six major UK supermarket chains between June 2009 and February 2010, only Marks & Spencer advised that some of its in-store bakery loaves met the very simple Real Bread criteria of being made without the use of processing aids or any other artificial additives. Amongst other findings, the report also highlights that many supermarket in-store bakeries do not bake every loaf fresh from scratch on-site but bake-off dough or part-baked loaves produced elsewhere. According to an article in British Baker magazine, bake-off production: ‘…demands around twice the energy of conventional breadmaking...’. Despite this, as in-store bakeries are classed as primary production sites, they qualify for financial incentives from government, paid for by taxpayers, through lucrative Climate Change Agreements. The Real Bread Campaign believes that people have the right to know just how in-store bakery loaves are being produced. Without this knowledge, how can we make fully informed choices between purchasing them or opting for Real Bread from local independent bakeries or our own ovens? Due to labelling laws, customers are unable to know what additives have been used in the production of in-store bakery loaves unless they ask. More…
SEI Working Paper – ‘Overcoming the challenges of “Doing Participation” in Environment and Development’
The workshop proceedings presented in this Stockholm Environment Institute Working Paper are for those who have already decided to pursue a participatory approach to environment and development, but who wish to dip into something which will help them better understand the issues involved. Drawing on experience from different contexts within both developed and developing countries, these proceedings highlight a number of emerging issues and examples of good practice, as well as the challenges of participatory initiatives. Readers may find it helpful to view these papers as a continuum, one end of which presents the more technical and academic aspects of participation, while the other considers empirical and practical experiences. Throughout, the authors try to show how some of these academic problems can be solved in practice. More…
Forest Research Report – ‘Urban health and health inequalities and the role of urban forestry in Britain: a review’
Forest Research with the University of Melbourne recently undertook a desk based review to explore urban health inequalities and identify the links between trees and woods, and health in urban populations. Green space, trees and woods are now referred to in a number of health strategies which is important for organisations such as the Forestry Commission which seek to promote the use of trees and woods for health. The causes of urban health inequalities are associated primarily with: socio-economic status/income/poverty/deprivation levels; unemployment, incapacity/worklessness; and, skills and educational level/attainment. A number of key messages emerge from the review. Firstly, evidence that green space promotes health by encouraging exercise is not consistent. This is potentially due to a range of factors such as the quality of green spaces, concerns by some groups about personal safety and confidence in accessing such spaces. Secondly, there is stronger evidence for restorative and social contact pathways for the relationship between green space and health. Thirdly, there is some evidence that proximity, size and amount of green space influence physical and mental health outcomes. Fourthly, urban forests immediately around homes and workplaces are important for health outcomes. Finally, green space in children’s learning environments can provide significant developmental benefits. The key overall message of the review is to highlight the importance of nearby trees and woods for restoration and social contact. More…
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Jobs and Training
Jobs and Training opportunities around the Sustainable Development Research network (including a new position on the SDRN Co-ordinating Team) are now updated frequently on the ‘Jobs and Training’ page of the SDRN website…
The SDRN Mailing is a moderated information resource and dissemination service for SDRN members. You can make use of this service by sending any information for inclusion in the mailing to Sarah Bell.
To join or leave this list, please email Sarah Bell or visit the JISCmail website.