1
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Zhen H, Goglio P, Hashemi F, Cederberg C, Fossey M, Trydeman Knudsen M. Toward Better Biodiversity Impact Assessment of Agricultural Land Management through Life Cycle Assessment: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:7440-7451. [PMID: 40223347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c02000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
Agricultural intensification has driven global biodiversity loss through land management change. However, there is no consensus on assessing the biodiversity impacts of changes in land management practices and intensity levels using life cycle assessment (LCA). This study reviews 7 expert scoring-based (ESB) and 19 biodiversity indicator-based (BIB) LCA methods used to assess biodiversity impacts, aiming to evaluate their quality and identify research needs for incorporating land management change in LCA. Overall, BIB methods outperformed ESB methods across general criteria, especially in robustness (95% higher). BIB methods assess biodiversity impacts based on land management intensity levels, whereas ESB methods emphasize specific land management practices. Neither approach fully captures biodiversity impacts across supply chains. For future studies, it is advisable to (1) model the direct (on-farm) impacts of land management change at the midpoint level; (2) establish cause-effect relationships between key land management practices and biodiversity indicators, while distinguishing between direct (on-site) and indirect (off-site) biodiversity impacts resulting from land management change; (3) characterize land-use intensity levels with specific land management practices and include the positive impacts from agroecological practices. This Review examines LCA methods for biodiversity concerning land management practices and discusses improvements to better account for the biodiversity impacts of agricultural land management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Zhen
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allè 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Pietro Goglio
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Hashemi
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Allè 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Christel Cederberg
- Division Physical Resource Theory, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maxime Fossey
- Institut de l'élevage (IDELE), 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
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2
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Wu L, Huang K, Yu Y, Ridoutt BG, Qu S, Xu M. Addressing Regional Agro-ecological Boundaries: An Integrated Environmental Footprint Framework for Revealing Sustainability Gaps in Agroecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:4418-4431. [PMID: 39813149 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c08025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
Overexploiting ecosystems to meet growing food demands threatens global agricultural sustainability and food security. Addressing these challenges requires solutions tailored to regional agro-ecological boundaries (AEBs) and overall agro-ecological risks. Here, we propose a globally consistent and regionally adapted approach for quantifying regional AEBs. Based on this approach, we develop a region-specific integrated Footprint-AEB framework that combines six environmental footprints (EFs) with AEBs to capture the overall environmental impacts on China's regional agro-ecosystems. Results indicate that individual EFs cannot reliably reveal the complexity of agro-ecological stressors without comprehensive assessment relative to regionally determined boundaries. For example, Northwest China faces higher water boundary stress despite lower water footprints compared to Central China, and regions such as Qinghai and Ningxia exhibit higher integrated AEB stress driven by combined water, land, and biodiversity stresses. Additionally, imbalanced integrated AEB stress transfer via trade, mainly from industrialized eastern to vulnerable western regions, is identified as a key driver of AEB exceedance in Northwest China. This fosters a nuanced understanding of environmental responsibility and equity. The integrated Footprint-AEB framework provides new insights into agro-ecosystem dynamics and supports targeted interventions to avoid shifting environmental stressors. These challenges confront agro-ecosystems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiu Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yajuan Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bradley G Ridoutt
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Clayton South, Victoria 3169, Australia
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Shen Qu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ming Xu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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3
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Wiebe RA, Wilcove DS. Global biodiversity loss from outsourced deforestation. Nature 2025; 639:389-394. [PMID: 39939770 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/14/2025]
Abstract
Globalization increasingly allows countries to externalize the environmental costs of land use, including biodiversity loss1. So far, we have a very incomplete understanding of how countries cause biodiversity loss outside their own borders through their demand for agricultural and forestry products grown in other countries2. Here we quantify the global range losses to forest vertebrates from 2001 to 2015 caused by deforestation attributable to 24 developed countries by means of their consumption of products obtained through global supply chains. We show that these driver countries are responsible for much greater cumulative range loss to species outside their own borders than within them. These international impacts were concentrated geographically, allowing us to map global hotspots of outsourced losses of biodiversity. Countries had the greatest external impacts on species occurring in nearby regions. However, in a few cases, developed countries also inflicted disproportionate harm on vertebrates in distant countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alex Wiebe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - David S Wilcove
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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4
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Rabeschini G, Persson UM, West C, Kastner T. Choosing fit-for-purpose biodiversity impact indicators for agriculture in the Brazilian Cerrado ecoregion. Nat Commun 2025; 16:1799. [PMID: 39979300 PMCID: PMC11842713 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Understanding and acting on biodiversity loss requires robust tools linking biodiversity impacts to land use change, the biggest threat to terrestrial biodiversity. Here we estimate agriculture's impact on the Brazilian Cerrado's biodiversity using three approaches-countryside Species-Area Relationship, Species Threat Abatement and Restoration and Species Habitat Index. By using same input data, we show how indicator scope and design affects impact assessments and resulting decision-support. All indicators show agriculture expansion's increasing pressure on biodiversity. Results suggest that metrics are complementary, providing distinctly different insight into biodiversity change drivers and impacts. Meaningful applications of biodiversity indicators therefore require compatibility between focal questions and indicator choice regarding temporal, spatial, and ecological perspectives on impact and drivers. Backward-looking analyses focused on historical land use change and accountability are best served by the countryside-Species Area Relationship and the Species Habitat Index. Forward-looking analyses of impact risk hotspots and global extinctions mitigation are best served by the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rabeschini
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - U Martin Persson
- Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Chris West
- Stockholm Environment Institute York, University of York, York, UK
| | - Thomas Kastner
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Li X, Zhang Y, Wang S. Deconstruction and analysis of global biodiversity loss transfer network based on the social network analysis method. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2025; 32:1375-1392. [PMID: 39729221 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35637-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability and achieving sustainable development. However, global biodiversity loss is a common challenge faced by most countries. Therefore, based on the data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and the Eora database, we used the multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model to calculate biodiversity loss in 188 countries. We constructed a global biodiversity loss transfer network from the binary and weighted perspectives and deconstructed the evolution characteristics and the factors influencing the network from the "relationship" perspective using social network analysis (SNA) and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) method. The global biodiversity loss transfer network had a typical network structure with dense connections, demonstrating spatial correlation characteristics. The countries with top in- and out-degree centrality rankings were developed and large-scale emerging economies and developing countries in Africa, respectively, implying that the former are responsible for "importing" large amounts of biodiversity and transferring biodiversity loss to the latter. The block model analysis indicated that the transfer network was divided into different functional blocks, with biodiversity spillover effects. The QAP analysis revealed that the differences in geographical adjacency, per capita GDP, urbanization rate, environmental regulation, and agricultural land proportion explained 3.627% of the changes in the global biodiversity loss transfer network. Our results suggested that the relationships of biodiversity loss transfer among countries should be considered by policymakers to address biodiversity challenges. Therefore, governments should recognize the remote responsibility, reduce unsustainable consumption and production, develop sustainable trade, and make trade policies considering the transfer of biodiversity impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- School of Economics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
- Major Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of Ministry of Education, Ocean Development Research Institute, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Economics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Shuhong Wang
- Institute of Marine Economics and Management, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Lixia District, Second Ring East Road, Jinan, 7366250000, China.
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6
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Davin K, Koslowski M, Dorber M, Hertwich E. Examining global biodiversity accounts: Implications of aggregating characterization factors from elementary flows in multi-regional input-output analysis. JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 28:1422-1434. [PMID: 39722868 PMCID: PMC11667647 DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Extending multi-regional input-output (MRIO) models with spatially explicit life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) models allows practitioners to quantify biodiversity impacts at every step of global supply chains. Inconsistencies may be introduced, however, when high-resolution characterization factors (CFs) are aggregated so as to match the low spatial granularity of MRIO models. These aggregation errors are greater when CFs are aggregated via proxies, such as ecoregion land shares, instead of based on spatially explicit elementary stressor flows. Here, we describe our approach to tailoring application-specific CFs for use in MRIO studies. We apply a global agricultural production model, Spatial Production Allocation Model (MapSPAM), with the LCIA database, LC-IMPACT, to create crop-specific national CFs. We investigated i) if the differing aggregation approaches and the increased spatial explicitness of the constructed CFs deviate substantially from those in LC-IMPACT, and ii) what the resulting consequences for national production and consumption-based biodiversity footprints are when combining the tailor-made CFs with the EXIOBASE MRIO model. For the year 2020, we observe an increase in global production-based biodiversity impacts of 23.5% for land use when employing crop-specific CFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Davin
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process EngineeringNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Maximilian Koslowski
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process EngineeringNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Martin Dorber
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process EngineeringNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Edgar Hertwich
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process EngineeringNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
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7
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Tian P, Zhong H, Chen X, Feng K, Sun L, Zhang N, Shao X, Liu Y, Hubacek K. Keeping the global consumption within the planetary boundaries. Nature 2024; 635:625-630. [PMID: 39537917 PMCID: PMC11578892 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08154-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The disparity in environmental impacts across different countries has been widely acknowledged1,2. However, ascertaining the specific responsibility within the complex interactions of economies and consumption groups remains a challenging endeavour3-5. Here, using an expenditure database that includes up to 201 consumption groups across 168 countries, we investigate the distribution of 6 environmental footprint indicators and assess the impact of specific consumption expenditures on planetary boundary transgressions. We show that 31-67% and 51-91% of the planetary boundary breaching responsibility could be attributed to the global top 10% and top 20% of consumers, respectively, from both developed and developing countries. By following an effective mitigation pathway, the global top 20% of consumers could adopt the consumption levels and patterns that have the lowest environmental impacts within their quintile, yielding a reduction of 25-53% in environmental pressure. In this scenario, actions focused solely on the food and services sectors would reduce environmental pressure enough to bring land-system change and biosphere integrity back within their respective planetary boundaries. Our study highlights the critical need to focus on high-expenditure consumers for effectively addressing planetary boundary transgressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Tian
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Honglin Zhong
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Xiangjie Chen
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kuishuang Feng
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Laixiang Sun
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- School of Finance and Management, SOAS University of London, London, UK.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, Weihai, China.
- Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Xuan Shao
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Klaus Hubacek
- Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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8
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Boakes EH, Dalin C, Etard A, Newbold T. Impacts of the global food system on terrestrial biodiversity from land use and climate change. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5750. [PMID: 38982053 PMCID: PMC11233703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49999-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The global food system is a key driver of land-use and climate change which in turn drive biodiversity change. Developing sustainable food systems is therefore critical to reversing biodiversity loss. We use the multi-regional input-output model EXIOBASE to estimate the biodiversity impacts embedded within the global food system in 2011. Using models that capture regional variation in the sensitivity of biodiversity both to land use and climate change, we calculate the land-driven and greenhouse gas-driven footprints of food using two metrics of biodiversity: local species richness and rarity-weighted species richness. We show that the footprint of land area underestimates biodiversity impact in more species-rich regions and that our metric of rarity-weighted richness places a greater emphasis on biodiversity costs in Central and South America. We find that methane emissions are responsible for 70% of the overall greenhouse gas-driven biodiversity footprint and that, in several regions, emissions from a single year's food production are associated with global biodiversity loss equivalent to 2% or more of that region's total land-driven biodiversity loss. The measures we present are relatively simple to calculate and could be incorporated into decision-making and environmental impact assessments by governments and businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Boakes
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK.
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, UK.
| | - Carole Dalin
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, UK
- Laboratoire de Géologie de L'École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, UMR8538 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Adrienne Etard
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Tim Newbold
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK
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9
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Wang S, Pfister S. Landscape-Scale Biodiversity Impacts Analysis of Côte d'Ivoire's Cocoa Cultivation along Export Supply Chains. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9601-9611. [PMID: 38761136 PMCID: PMC11155242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural land use for export commodities leads to significant biodiversity impacts. A spatially detailed assessment of these impacts is crucial for implementing effective mitigation policies. Using cocoa cultivation and exports in Côte d'Ivoire as an example, we present a novel framework that combines earth observations, enhanced landscape-scale biodiversity models, and subnational export supply chain data sets to track the tele-connected potential biodiversity impacts of export groups and importing countries. We found that cocoa cultivation accounts for ∼44% of the biodiversity impacts in Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa cultivation areas, with >90% attributable to cocoa exports. The top 10 importing countries account for ∼84% of these impacts. Our method offers improved spatial detail compared to the existing approaches, facilitating the identification of biodiversity impact hotspots. Additionally, the biodiversity impacts of agroforestry cocoa are not always lower compared to full-sun cocoa, especially when agroforestry systems are established in regions of high biodiversity importance. Our transferable framework provides a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity footprint and promotes informed decision-making for sustainable agricultural production, processing, and trade. Our framework's application is currently constrained by the scarcity of detailed supply chain data sets; we underscore the urgent need for improved supply chain transparency to fully unlock the framework's potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntian Wang
- Department
of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental
Engineering, Ecological Systems Design, Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department
of Humanities, Social, and Political Sciences, Institute of Science,
Technology, and Policy (ISTP), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Pfister
- Department
of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental
Engineering, Ecological Systems Design, Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department
of Humanities, Social, and Political Sciences, Institute of Science,
Technology, and Policy (ISTP), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Zuiderveen EAR, Caldeira C, Vries T, Schenk NJ, Huijbregts MAJ, Sala S, Hanssen SV, van Zelm R. Evaluating the Environmental Sustainability of Alternative Ways to Produce Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:5092-5104. [PMID: 38577584 PMCID: PMC10988839 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c06996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The petrochemical industry can reduce its environmental impacts by moving from fossil resources to alternative carbon feedstocks. Biomass and plastic waste-based production pathways have recently been developed for benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). This study evaluates the environmental impacts of these novel BTX pathways at a commercial and future (2050) scale, combining traditional life cycle assessment with absolute environmental sustainability assessment using the planetary boundary concept. We show that plastic waste-based BTX has lower environmental impacts than fossil BTX, including a 12% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biomass-based BTX shows greater GHG emission reductions (42%), but it causes increased freshwater consumption and eutrophication. Toward 2050, GHG emission reductions become 75 and 107% for plastic waste and biobased production, respectively, compared to current fossil-BTX production. When comparing alternative uses of plastic waste, BTX production has larger climate benefits than waste incineration with energy recovery with a GHG benefit of 1.1 kg CO2-equiv/kg plastic waste. For biomass (glycerol)-based BTX production, other uses of glycerol are favorable over BTX production. While alternative BTX production pathways can decrease environmental impacts, they still transgress multiple planetary boundaries. Further impact reduction efforts are thus required, such as using other types of (waste) biomass, increasing carbon recycling, and abatement of end-of-life emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A. R. Zuiderveen
- Department
of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological & Environmental
Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- European
Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, 21027 Varese, Italy
| | - Carla Caldeira
- European
Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, 21027 Varese, Italy
- Syensqo
Lyon Research and Innovation Center, 85 Avenue des Freres Perret, 69190 Saint-Fons, France
| | - Tijmen Vries
- BioBTX
B.V., Zernikelaan 17, 9747 AA Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels J. Schenk
- BioBTX
B.V., Zernikelaan 17, 9747 AA Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A. J. Huijbregts
- Department
of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological & Environmental
Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Circularity & Sustainability Impacts, TNO, Princetonlaan 6, 3584CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Serenella Sala
- European
Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, 21027 Varese, Italy
| | - Steef. V. Hanssen
- Department
of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological & Environmental
Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie van Zelm
- Department
of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological & Environmental
Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Fletcher C, Ripple WJ, Newsome T, Barnard P, Beamer K, Behl A, Bowen J, Cooney M, Crist E, Field C, Hiser K, Karl DM, King DA, Mann ME, McGregor DP, Mora C, Oreskes N, Wilson M. Earth at risk: An urgent call to end the age of destruction and forge a just and sustainable future. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae106. [PMID: 38566756 PMCID: PMC10986754 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human development has ushered in an era of converging crises: climate change, ecological destruction, disease, pollution, and socioeconomic inequality. This review synthesizes the breadth of these interwoven emergencies and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, integrated action. Propelled by imperialism, extractive capitalism, and a surging population, we are speeding past Earth's material limits, destroying critical ecosystems, and triggering irreversible changes in biophysical systems that underpin the Holocene climatic stability which fostered human civilization. The consequences of these actions are disproportionately borne by vulnerable populations, further entrenching global inequities. Marine and terrestrial biomes face critical tipping points, while escalating challenges to food and water access foreshadow a bleak outlook for global security. Against this backdrop of Earth at risk, we call for a global response centered on urgent decarbonization, fostering reciprocity with nature, and implementing regenerative practices in natural resource management. We call for the elimination of detrimental subsidies, promotion of equitable human development, and transformative financial support for lower income nations. A critical paradigm shift must occur that replaces exploitative, wealth-oriented capitalism with an economic model that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and justice. We advocate a global cultural shift that elevates kinship with nature and communal well-being, underpinned by the recognition of Earth's finite resources and the interconnectedness of its inhabitants. The imperative is clear: to navigate away from this precipice, we must collectively harness political will, economic resources, and societal values to steer toward a future where human progress does not come at the cost of ecological integrity and social equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Fletcher
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - William J Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Thomas Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Phoebe Barnard
- Center for Environmental Politics and School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- African Climate and Development Initiative and FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Kamanamaikalani Beamer
- Hui ‘Āina Momona Program, Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Hawai‘inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Aishwarya Behl
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Jay Bowen
- Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM 87508, USA
- Upper Skagit Tribe, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284, USA
| | - Michael Cooney
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Eileen Crist
- Department of Science Technology and Society, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Christopher Field
- Doerr School for Sustainability, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Krista Hiser
- Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Literature, Kapi‘olani Community College, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
- Global Council for Science and the Environment, Washington, DC 20006, USA
| | - David M Karl
- Department of Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography, Research and Education, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - David A King
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1DQ, UK
| | - Michael E Mann
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Davianna P McGregor
- Department of Ethnic Studies, Center for Oral History, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Camilo Mora
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Naomi Oreskes
- Department of the History of Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael Wilson
- Associate Justice, Hawaii Supreme Court (retired), Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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12
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Chaudhary A, Hertel T. Recent Developments and Challenges in Projecting the Impact of Crop Productivity Growth on Biodiversity Considering Market-Mediated Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2627-2635. [PMID: 38285505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The effect of an increase in crop productivity (output per unit of inputs) on biodiversity is hitherto poorly understood. This is because increased productivity of a crop in particular regions leads to increased profit that can encourage expansion of its cultivated area causing land use change and ultimately biodiversity loss, a phenomenon also known as "Jevons paradox" or the "rebound effect". Modeling such consequences in an interconnected and globalized world considering such rebound effects is challenging. Here, we discuss the use of computable general equilibrium (CGE) and other economic models in combination with ecological models to project consequences of crop productivity improvements for biodiversity globally. While these economic models have the advantage of taking into account market-mediated responses, resource constraints, endogenous price responses, and dynamic bilateral patterns of trade, there remain a number of important research and data gaps in these models which must be addressed to improve their performance in assessment of the link between local crop productivity changes and global biodiversity. To this end, we call for breaking the silos and building interdisciplinary networks across the globe to facilitate data sharing and knowledge exchange in order to improve global-to-local-to-global analysis of land, biodiversity, and ecosystem sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chaudhary
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| | - Thomas Hertel
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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13
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Egenolf V, Schüngel J, Bringezu S, Schaldach R. The impact of the German timber footprint on potential species loss in supply regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165897. [PMID: 37527712 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous own assessments have shown that a) Germany has a wood consumption above global average, b) is strongly dependent on imports and c) has a domestic roundwood production that is at the limit of the sustainable harvest potential. Thereby Germany further increases the pressures on global forests which are already stressed by climate-change related impacts and a continuously growing global demand for wood. This leads to negative impacts on the biodiversity in the areas where wood is harvested. This paper aims to show the connection between Germany's timber consumption footprint and the impact on the biodiversity in the regions where the roundwood is sourced. A two-step process is used. In the first step, high-resolution land cover and land use maps are used as a basis for the countryside species-area relationship model, assessing the projected loss of the four taxa amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles in relation to undisturbed natural ecosystems due to forests occupied for roundwood production. In the second step, roundwood equivalents consumed in Germany in 2015 are traced back to the region of origin using an environmentally-extended input-output analysis and the thereby induced potential species loss is calculated. We show that the highest impact on projected species richness loss caused by roundwood logging is taking place in Oceania (3.34E-03 species/m3), Carribean (1.56E-04 species/m3), and East Asia (1.43E-04 species/m3). German roundwood consumption has the highest projected species loss in the United States (7.4 species), followed by China (7.3 species) and Brazil (4.8 species). From a biodiversity impact perspective, Germany could theoretically reduce its impact by relocating imports to European countries. In view of the planetary boundary of sustainable roundwood consumption, which has already been exceeded, reducing consumption appears to be the only viable long-term option for high-consumption countries such as Germany to reduce negative impacts on global biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Egenolf
- Sustainable Resource Futures Group (SURF), Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany.
| | - Jan Schüngel
- Global and Regional Integrated Dynamics Group (GRID), Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany
| | - Stefan Bringezu
- Sustainable Resource Futures Group (SURF), Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Schaldach
- Global and Regional Integrated Dynamics Group (GRID), Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany
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14
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Leroy F, Reif J, Storch D, Keil P. How has bird biodiversity changed over time? A review across spatio-temporal scales. Basic Appl Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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15
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Duffus NE, Echeverri A, Dempewolf L, Noriega JA, Furumo PR, Morimoto J. The Present and Future of Insect Biodiversity Conservation in the Neotropics: Policy Gaps and Recommendations. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:407-421. [PMID: 36918492 PMCID: PMC10181979 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-023-01031-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that insect populations may be declining at local and global scales, threatening the sustainability of the ecosystem services that insects provide. Insect declines are of particular concern in the Neotropics, which holds several of the world's hotspots of insect endemism and diversity. Conservation policies are one way to prevent and mitigate insect declines, yet these policies are usually biased toward vertebrate species. Here, we outline some key policy instruments for biodiversity conservation in the Neotropics and discuss their potential contribution and shortcomings for insect biodiversity conservation. These include species-specific action policies, protected areas and Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs), sectoral policies, biodiversity offsetting, market-based mechanisms, and the international policy instruments that underpin these efforts. We highlight that although these policies can potentially benefit insect biodiversity indirectly, there are avenues in which we could better incorporate the specific needs of insects into policy to mitigate the declines mentioned above. We propose several areas of improvement. Firstly, evaluating the extinction risk of more Neotropical insects to better target at-risk species with species-specific policies and conserve their habitats within area-based interventions. Secondly, alternative pest control methods and enhanced monitoring of insects in a range of land-based production sectors. Thirdly, incorporating measurable and achievable insect conservation targets into international policies and conventions. Finally, we emphasise the important roles of community engagement and enhanced public awareness in achieving these improvements to insect conservation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandra Echeverri
- Centre for Conservation Biology, Dept of Biology, Stanford Univ, CA, Stanford, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford Univ, CA, Stanford, USA
| | - Lena Dempewolf
- Ministry of Planning and Development, Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Jorge Ari Noriega
- Grupo Agua, Salud y Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paul R Furumo
- Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford Univ, Stanford, USA
| | - Juliano Morimoto
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Conservação, Univ Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Institute of Mathematics, Univ of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, Scotland
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16
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Semenchuk P, Kalt G, Kaufmann L, Kastner T, Matej S, Bidoglio G, Erb KH, Essl F, Haberl H, Dullinger S, Krausmann F. The global biodiversity footprint of urban consumption: A spatially explicit assessment for the city of Vienna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160576. [PMID: 36462656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With ongoing global urbanization processes and consumption patterns increasingly recognized as key determinants of environmental change, a better understanding of the links between urban consumption and biodiversity loss is paramount. Here we quantify the global biodiversity footprint (BDF) of Vienna's (Austria) biomass consumption. We present a state-of-the-art product specific approach to (a) locate the production areas required for Vienna's consumption and map Vienna's BDF by (b) linking them with data taken from a previously published countryside Species-Area-Relationship (cSAR) model with a representation of land-use intensity. We found that food has the largest share in Vienna's BDF (58 %), followed by biomass for material applications (28 %) and bioenergy (13 %). The total BDF occurs predominantly within Austria and in its neighbouring countries, with ~20 % located outside Europe. Although the per capita biomass consumption in Vienna is above the global average, global and Viennese per capita BDFs are roughly equal, indicating that Vienna sources its products from high-yield regions with efficient production systems and comparatively low native species richness. We conclude that, among others, dietary changes offer a key leverage point for reducing the urban BDF, while expanding the use of biomass for material and energy use may increase the BDF and requires appropriate monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Semenchuk
- Department of Arctic Biology, UNIS - The University Centre in Svalbard, 9170 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerald Kalt
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Kaufmann
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Kastner
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany
| | - Sarah Matej
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Giorgio Bidoglio
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Erb
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Essl
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Haberl
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Dullinger
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fridolin Krausmann
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
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17
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Irwin A, Geschke A. A consumption‐based analysis of extinction risk in Australia. Conserv Lett 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Irwin
- ISA, School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Arne Geschke
- ISA, School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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18
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Rosa F, Di Fulvio F, Lauri P, Felton A, Forsell N, Pfister S, Hellweg S. Can Forest Management Practices Counteract Species Loss Arising from Increasing European Demand for Forest Biomass under Climate Mitigation Scenarios? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2149-2161. [PMID: 36706339 PMCID: PMC9910049 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Forests are home to many species and provide biomass for material and energy. Here, we modeled the potential global species extinction risk from future scenarios of climate mitigation and EU28 forest management. We considered the continuation of current practices, the adoption of closer-to-nature management (low-intensity practices), and set-asides (conversion to unharvested forestland) on portions of EU28 forestland under two climate mitigation pathways as well as the consequences for the wood trade. Expanding set-aside to more than 25% of EU28 currently managed forestland by 2100 increased the global extinction risk compared to the continuation of current practices. This outcome stems from a projected increase in EU forest biomass imports, partially from biodiversity-vulnerable regions to compensate for a decrease in domestic harvest. Conversely, closer-to-nature management on up to 37.5% of EU28 forestland lowered extinction risks. Increasing the internal production and partially sourcing imported biomass from low-intensity managed areas lowered the species extinction footprint even further. However, low-intensity practices could not entirely compensate for the increased extinction risk under a high climate mitigation scenario with greater demand for lignocellulosic crops and energywood. When developing climate mitigation strategies, it is crucial to assess forest biomass supply chains for the early detection of extinction risks in non-EU regions and for developing strategies to prevent increase of global impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rosa
- Institute
of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich,
HPZ E33, John-von-Neumann-Weg 9, 8093Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fulvio Di Fulvio
- Ecosystems
Services and Management Program (ESM), International
Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, A-2361Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Pekka Lauri
- Ecosystems
Services and Management Program (ESM), International
Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, A-2361Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Adam Felton
- Southern
Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences SLU, Sundsvägen 3, SE-230 53Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Nicklas Forsell
- Ecosystems
Services and Management Program (ESM), International
Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, A-2361Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Stephan Pfister
- Institute
of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich,
HPZ E33, John-von-Neumann-Weg 9, 8093Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Hellweg
- Institute
of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich,
HPZ E33, John-von-Neumann-Weg 9, 8093Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Complex agricultural landscapes host more biodiversity than simple ones: A global meta-analysis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203385119. [PMID: 36095174 PMCID: PMC9499564 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203385119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Agricultural land, the world’s largest human-managed ecosystem, forms the matrix that connects remnant and fragmented patches of natural vegetation where nondomesticated biodiversity struggles to survive. Increasing the resources that this matrix can offer to biodiversity is critical to halting biodiversity loss. Our comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates the positive and significant effect on biodiversity of increasing landscape complexity in agricultural lands. We found more biodiversity in complex landscapes, potentially contributing to agriculture production, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. Current biodiversity conservation strategies tend to focus on natural ecosystems, often ignoring opportunities to boost biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Our findings provide a strong scientific evidence base for synergistically managing agriculture at the landscape level for biodiversity conservation and sustainable production. Managing agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity conservation requires profound structural changes worldwide. Often, discussions are centered on management at the field level. However, a wide and growing body of evidence calls for zooming out and targeting agricultural policies, research, and interventions at the landscape level to halt and reverse the decline in biodiversity, increase biodiversity-mediated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, and improve the resilience and adaptability of these ecosystems. We conducted the most comprehensive assessment to date on landscape complexity effects on nondomesticated terrestrial biodiversity through a meta-analysis of 1,134 effect sizes from 157 peer-reviewed articles. Increasing landscape complexity through changes in composition, configuration, or heterogeneity significatively and positively affects biodiversity. More complex landscapes host more biodiversity (richness, abundance, and evenness) with potential benefits to sustainable agricultural production and conservation, and effects are likely underestimated. The few articles that assessed the combined contribution of linear (e.g., hedgerows) and areal (e.g., woodlots) elements resulted in a near-doubling of the effect sizes (i.e., biodiversity level) compared to the dominant number of studies measuring these elements separately. Similarly, positive effects on biodiversity are stronger in articles monitoring biodiversity for at least 2 y compared to the dominant 1-y monitoring efforts. Besides, positive and stronger effects exist when monitoring occurs in nonoverlapping landscapes, highlighting the need for long-term and robustly designed monitoring efforts. Living in harmony with nature will require shifting paradigms toward valuing and promoting multifunctional agriculture at the farm and landscape levels with a research agenda that untangles complex agricultural landscapes’ contributions to people and nature under current and future conditions.
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20
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Dong L, Yao X, Deng Y, Zhang H, Zeng W, Li X, Tang J, Wang W. Nitrogen deficiency in soil mediates multifunctionality responses to global climatic drivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156533. [PMID: 35679931 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic processes that decrease the availability of nitrogen (N) frequently occur in soil. Losses of N may limit the multiple functions linked to carbon, N and phosphorous cycling of soil (soil multifunctionality, SMF). Microbial communities and SMF are intimately linked. However, the relationship between soil microbial communities and SMF in response to global changes under N deficiency has never been examined in natural ecosystems. Here, soil samples from nine temperate arid grassland sites were used to assess the importance of microbial communities as driver of SMF to climate change and N deficiency. SMF was significantly decreased by drought and drought-wetting cycles, independent of the availability of soil N. Interestingly, temperature changes (variable temperature and warming) significantly increased SMF in N-poor conditions. However, this was at the expense of decreased SMF resistance. Deterministic assembly-driven microbial α-diversity and particularly fungal α-diversity, but not β-diversity, were generally found to play key roles in maintaining SMF in N-poor soil, irrespective of the climate. The results have two important implications. First, the absence of the stability offered by β-diversity means N-poor ecosystems will be particularly sensitive to global climate changes. Second, fungi are more important than bacteria for maintaining SMF in N-poor soil under climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizheng Dong
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaodong Yao
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; School of Urban Planning and Design, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Yanyu Deng
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; School of Urban Planning and Design, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hongjin Zhang
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wenjing Zeng
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Center for Statistical Science, School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junjie Tang
- Center for Statistical Science, School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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21
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Cui H, Wang Z, Yan H, Li C, Jiang X, Wang L, Liu G, Hu Y, Yu S, Shi Z. Production-Based and Consumption-Based Accounting of Global Cropland Soil Erosion. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10465-10473. [PMID: 35762897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The effective control of cropland soil erosion is urgent for all countries because of its threat to global food security. Cropland soil erosion is caused by agricultural production and driven indirectly by consumption. Analyzing the causes and preventive strategies from the consumption side is essential for soil erosion control. However, there is not yet sufficient research or practice. In this study, we estimated global cropland soil erosion with the revised universal soil loss equation, allocated it to specific types of crops, and quantified the cropland soil erosion footprint of the economies with a multiregional input-output analysis model. Our results showed that developed economies, usually importing cropland soil erosion from developing or agriculturally developed economies, are the beneficiaries in the current crop trading system. The European Union is the largest net importer, while Brazil is the largest exporter. The indirect and induced sectors are the main contributors, consuming approximately 70.48% of the total cropland soil erosion. Our results revealed the region- and product-specific contributors that could inform the reduction of global cropland soil erosion for sustainable food production and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huwei Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Territorial Spatial Governance and Green Development, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yan
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Jiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- SDU Life Cycle Engineering, Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Yuanchao Hu
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Yu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Shi
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
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22
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Achieving Transformative Change in Food Consumption in Austria: A Survey on Opportunities and Obstacles. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Modern agriculture negatively impacts on global biodiversity by converting natural and extensively used habitats into intensely managed systems, and by releasing pollutants, including greenhouse gases. Since the demand for certain food products determines what is grown, consumer behavior is key to reduce food system related biodiversity losses. Here, we used an online survey targeting consumers in Austria to identify opportunities and barriers for consuming more sustainably. Respondents were split into two groups according to their affinity for nature conservation topics. In total, we received 320 completed responses, of which 264 participants described themselves as being concerned with environmental and conservation issues (called henceforth “nature conservation-affine”), while 56 participants identified themselves as distant to nature conservation (called henceforth “nature conservation-distant”). In general, the majority of respondents were concerned about aspects such as animal welfare or regionality when buying food. Split into the two above-mentioned groups, however, substantial differences emerged for most replies. For example, respondents from the nature conservation distant group had greater doubts about the advantages of organic food compared to conventionally produced food and frequently stated (45%) that they would rather not include biodiversity impacts in their food purchasing decisions. Similarly, we found a significantly greater willingness to buy vegetarian meat substitutes in the nature conservation affine group because of biodiversity and climate impacts of meat production. Overall, this study provides important insights into opportunities and obstacles for advancing sustainable food consumption from a consumer perspective; in particular, awareness of and affinity to conservation emerge as major factors on dietary preferences. Finally, we found that those individuals who are more interested in nature conservation issues are also more likely to be aware of how their diet affects biodiversity.
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23
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Liu X, Zhang J, Zhang H, Tang D, Hu G, Li X. China's Mismatch of Public Awareness and Biodiversity Threats under Economic Trade. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:9784-9796. [PMID: 35723472 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
China is one of the countries with high biodiversity on the globe, but suffers extreme biodiversity loss due to the increasingly interconnected economy. Understanding the nation-level public awareness of biodiversity under economic trades is crucial for implementing sustainable production and consumption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study is the first to assess the public awareness of biodiversity loss associated with China's interprovincial trades by utilizing social media data and the multiregion input-output (MRIO) table. Results show that China's interprovincial trades cause heavy threats not only to local species but to distant species. Approximately 60% of provinces displace over half of their consumption-based biodiversity threats to other provinces. Nevertheless, individuals do not clearly realize their responsibility for the distant biodiversity they consumed, with a large mismatch both in popularity (Gini index = 0.51, Robin index = 39.57) and donation (Gini index = 0.69, Robin index = 54.58). To alleviate this phenomenon, our analysis suggests that the expansion of national-level nature reserves may be effectively beneficial to public biodiversity awareness, showing significantly positive partial correlation coefficients with individuals' popularity and donations. These insights provided by this study offer targeted information for conservation and call for synergistic collaboration between the civil society, especially consumers, and governments to turn the tide of biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Liu
- Key Lab. of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jinbao Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong province, P.R. China
| | - Han Zhang
- Key Lab. of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong province, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Hu
- Key Lab. of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Xia Li
- Key Lab. of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
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24
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Cepic M, Bechtold U, Wilfing H. Modelling human influences on biodiversity at a global scale–A human ecology perspective. Ecol Modell 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Kim DY, Shinde SK, Kadam AA, Saratale RG, Saratale GD, Kumar M, Syed A, Bahkali AH, Ghodake GS. Advantage of Species Diversification to Facilitate Sustainable Development of Aquaculture Sector. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:368. [PMID: 35336742 PMCID: PMC8945328 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intensified agrochemical-based monoculture systems worldwide are under adoption to meet the challenge of human population growth and the ever-growing global demand for food. However, this path has been opposed and criticized because it involves overexploitation of land, monoculture of few species, excessive input of agrochemicals, and adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The wide diversity among polyculture systems practiced across the globe has created confusion over the priority of a single strategy towards sustainable aquaculture development and safer products. Herein, we highlight the significance of polyculture and integrated aquaculture practices in conveying the successful transition of the aquaculture industry towards sustainable development. So far, the established thought is that the precise selection of aquatic species and a focus on compatible and complementary species combinations are supposed to facilitate rapid progress in food production with more profitability and sustainability. Therefore, the advantages of species diversification are discussed from an ecological perspective to enforce aquaculture expansion. This account asserts that a diverse range of aquaculture practices can promote synergies among farmed species, enhance system resilience, enable conservation, decrease ecological footprints, and provide social benefits such as diversified income and local food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Young Kim
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Surendra Krushna Shinde
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Avinash Ashok Kadam
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (A.A.K.); (R.G.S.)
| | - Rijuta Ganesh Saratale
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (A.A.K.); (R.G.S.)
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Manu Kumar
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Asad Syed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (A.H.B.)
| | - Ali H. Bahkali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (A.H.B.)
| | - Gajanan Sampatrao Ghodake
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
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Habibullah MS, Din BH, Tan SH, Zahid H. Impact of climate change on biodiversity loss: global evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1073-1086. [PMID: 34341937 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15702-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of climate change on biodiversity loss using global data consisting of 115 countries. In this study, we measure biodiversity loss using data on the total number of threatened species of amphibians, birds, fishes, mammals, mollusks, plants, and reptiles. The data were compiled from the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). For climate change variables, we have included temperature, precipitation, and the number of natural disaster occurrences. As for the control variable, we have considered governance indicator and the level of economic development. By employing ordinary least square with robust standard error and robust regression (M-estimation), our results suggest that all three climate change variables - temperature, precipitation, and the number of natural disasters occurrences - increase biodiversity loss. Higher economic development also impacted biodiversity loss positively. On the other hand, good governance such as the control of corruption, regulatory quality, and rule of law reduces biodiversity loss. Thus, practicing good governance, promoting conservation of the environment, and the control of greenhouse gasses would able to mitigate biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Badariah Haji Din
- College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Changlun, Malaysia
| | - Siow-Hooi Tan
- Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
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27
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Cooper DS, Wood EM, Katz ND, Superfisky K, Osborn FM, Novoselov A, Tarczynski J, Bacasen LK. Large Cities Fall Behind in “Neighborhood Biodiversity”. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.734931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is a major driver of global species loss. While cities with suitable habitats and conservation policies may support locally-high biodiversity levels, we suspected that the complexity of managing very large cities might counteract the advantage of large geographic area, and these cities may be less effective at biodiversity conservation. To answer this, we examined the relationship between the number of native indicator wildlife species (mean and maximum) in 112 cities across three metropolitan areas in California (Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose), with metrics related to scale and environmental variables. We found that indicator species richness is positively related to area, income (the luxury effect), and pervious cover—including trees, shrubs, and grasses. Despite having a high maximum number of indicator species within their boundaries, the largest cities in our study, Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, do a relatively poor job compared with smaller cities at distributing native biodiversity throughout neighborhoods, as measured by their mean species richness. Such variation in “neighborhood biodiversity” may exacerbate existing inequities in residents' access to nature. Using Los Angeles County as a case study, we compared biodiversity management within the County's 88 cities of various sizes and characteristics. We ranked General Plan wording in terms of references to biodiversity and conservation and created a management metric. We found that municipalities of various sizes that had high management scores generally had high indicator species richness. This suggests that robust policies may be able to overcome the challenges posed by city size and population.
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Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing global warming significantly, hence the need for manufacturing companies to include sustainability strategies in their supply chain to reduce emissions generated by their operations. This article aims to provide a systematic literature review on integrating sustainability issues into inventory management models to support scholars and practitioners in decision-making processes according to their market requirements. Thus, this paper discusses the most relevant papers published on inventory management topics that consider environmental criteria such as greenhouse gas emissions, ecological quality controls, unsold inventory, and fixed carbon costs. Therefore, we have extended the literature review to incorporate sustainability considerations in inventory models involving an industry’s environmental and social effects. As a result, in this article, a detailed analysis of the existing literature and related weaknesses provide meaningful discussions on crucial issues for future field research avenues in the field.
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29
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Biodiversity and Transportation Infrastructure in the Republic of Korea: A Review on Impacts and Mitigation in Developing the Country. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13110519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The construction and continued use of transportation infrastructure, specifically roads, has had a significant global impact on biodiversity and the environment. The Republic of Korea, or South Korea, has a road density of 1.13 km/km2. So far, three nationwide studies about vertebrate road-killed species have been reported, showing bias towards medium to large mammals, the most common victims being the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis), Korean hare (Lepus coreanus), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), and the common raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Road-kills, or wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), tend to occur in or near preferred habitat types or in highly fragmented areas, with roads additionally being linked to habitat fragmentation and loss. Alongside WVCs and habitat effects, information about other adverse effects on biodiversity is scant, although there are reports that heavy metals and other pollutants from road runoff impact marine biodiversity, vegetation, soil, and groundwater. Furthermore, roads have been linked to a prevalence of invasive plant species. To mitigate road impacts, the South Korean government has constructed, with mixed results, 530 wildlife crossing structures, mainly including overpasses and tunnels. To mitigate road impacts more effectively, the country will need more construction, monitoring, and consistent management of wildlife crossing structures. Further, incorporating plans for wildlife crossing structures in early stages of road development will be required.
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30
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Maller C. Turning things around: A discussion of values, practices, and action in the context of social‐ecological change. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cecily Maller
- Centre for Urban Research RMIT University Melbourne Vic. Australia
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31
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Liposki Biassi D, Baldissera R, Galiano D, Souza Rezende R. Effect of forestry (
Pinus
sp.) on the bat community (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Neotropical region. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Liposki Biassi
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ciências Ambientais Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó (UNOCHAPECÓ) ChapecóBrazil
| | - Ronei Baldissera
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ciências Ambientais Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó (UNOCHAPECÓ) ChapecóBrazil
| | - Daniel Galiano
- Laboratório de Zoologia Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Realeza (UFFS) Realeza Brazil
| | - Renan Souza Rezende
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ciências Ambientais Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó (UNOCHAPECÓ) ChapecóBrazil
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32
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Olivares-Castro G, Cáceres-Jensen L, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Villagra C. Insect Epigenetic Mechanisms Facing Anthropogenic-Derived Contamination, an Overview. INSECTS 2021; 12:780. [PMID: 34564220 PMCID: PMC8468710 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the human species has been recognized as the primary species responsible for Earth's biodiversity decline. Contamination by different chemical compounds, such as pesticides, is among the main causes of population decreases and species extinction. Insects are key for ecosystem maintenance; unfortunately, their populations are being drastically affected by human-derived disturbances. Pesticides, applied in agricultural and urban environments, are capable of polluting soil and water sources, reaching non-target organisms (native and introduced). Pesticides alter insect's development, physiology, and inheritance. Recently, a link between pesticide effects on insects and their epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) has been demonstrated. EMMs are capable of regulating gene expression without modifying genetic sequences, resulting in the expression of different stress responses as well as compensatory mechanisms. In this work, we review the main anthropogenic contaminants capable of affecting insect biology and of triggering EMMs. EMMs are involved in the development of several diseases in native insects affected by pesticides (e.g., anomalous teratogenic reactions). Additionally, EMMs also may allow for the survival of some species (mainly pests) under contamination-derived habitats; this may lead to biodiversity decline and further biotic homogenization. We illustrate these patterns by reviewing the effect of neonicotinoid insecticides, insect EMMs, and their ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Olivares-Castro
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Avenida José Pedro Alessandri 774, Santiago 7760197, Chile;
| | - Lizethly Cáceres-Jensen
- Laboratorio de Físicoquímica Analítica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago 7760197, Chile;
| | - Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Integrative Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cristian Villagra
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Avenida José Pedro Alessandri 774, Santiago 7760197, Chile;
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33
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Feng Y, Liu G, Zhang L, Casazza M. Review on pollution damage costs accounting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:147074. [PMID: 34088138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although the concept of damage cost accounting is already well-studied and applied, its application to pollution still lacks of an integrated accounting framework, while the spatial-temporal variability of accounting results has not been fully discussed. To fill this gap, this review frames the existing models and their limitations into static and dynamic categories, outlining the characteristics of different methods, which consider both human and non-human damages caused by pollution. Existing data sources, that could be used for accounting purposes, are detailed. Finally, this work discusses the relevance of spatial scales for the computation process, in order to obtain a more detailed information support for environmental policies for future compensatory actions. Conclusions highlights the need to develop a more comprehensive database of exposure-response relationships and to incorporate system alternatives into models to achieve a more accurate damage assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashuang Feng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Gengyuan Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Watershed Environmental Restoration & Integrated Ecological Regulation, 100875 Beijing, China.
| | - Lixiao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Watershed Environmental Restoration & Integrated Ecological Regulation, 100875 Beijing, China.
| | - Marco Casazza
- Department of Engineering, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80143 Naples, Italy
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34
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Zhang Z, Chen L, Cheng M, Liu M, Wang X. Biotransport of mercury and human methylmercury exposure through crabs in China - A life cycle-based analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125684. [PMID: 33765564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) has various toxic effects on humans. The evaluation of human MeHg exposure has previously focused on fish consumption. However, in this study, we found that MeHg levels in domestic crabs in China were also relatively high (range: 50-1400 ng/g, dry weight). The high MeHg levels in crabs and their high consumption do not match the risk assessment of MeHg, indicating an underestimated exposure risk, especially in MeHg-sensitive groups such as pregnant women. The annual crab MeHg content output in China was estimated to be 30 ± 27 kg. A total of 6.8% of the country's land area contributes 71% of the MeHg output. However, 66% of the output is redistributed to non-crab-producing regions via interregional food trade, posing risks to the population on a national scale. The daily intake of MeHg from crabs could easily exceed the reference dose (0.1 µg/kg of body weight per day) suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency with consideration of coexposure from fish, rice, and other food sources. We suggest that future MeHg exposure analysis includes crab MeHg as a coexposure pathway to estimate the dietary MeHg limit accurately and emphasize the influence of interregional food trade on MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Menghan Cheng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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35
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Agroecological Strategies to Safeguard Insect Pollinators in Biodiversity Hotspots: Chile as a Case Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13126728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Industrial agriculture (IA) has been recognized among the main drivers of biodiversity loss, climate change, and native pollinator decline. Here we summarize the known negative effects of IA on pollinator biodiversity and illustrate these problems by considering the case of Chile, a “world biodiversity hotspot” (WBH) where food exports account for a considerable share of the economy in this country. Most of Chile’s WBH area is currently being replaced by IA at a fast pace, threatening local biodiversity. We present an agroecological strategy for sustainable food production and pollinator conservation in food-producing WBHs. In this we recognize native pollinators as internal inputs that cannot be replaced by IA technological packages and support the development of agroecological and biodiversity restorative practices to protect biodiversity. We suggest four fundamental pillars for food production change based on: (1) sharing the land, restoring and protecting; (2) ecological intensification; (3) localized knowledge, research, and technological development; and (4) territorial planning and implementation of socio-agroecological policies. This approach does not need modification of native pollination services that sustain the world with food and basic subsistence goods, but a paradigm change where the interdependency of nature and human wellbeing must be recognized for ensuring the world’s food security and sovereignty.
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36
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Mapping the deforestation footprint of nations reveals growing threat to tropical forests. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:845-853. [PMID: 33782576 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Deforestation, a significant threat to biodiversity, is accelerated by global demand for commodities. Although prior literature has linked deforestation to global supply chains, here we provide a fine-scale representation of spatial patterns of deforestation associated with international trade. Using remote sensing data and a multi-region input-output model, we quantify and map the spatiotemporal changes in global deforestation footprints over 15 years (2001-2015) at a 30-m resolution. We find that, while many developed countries, China and India have obtained net forest gains domestically, they have also increased the deforestation embodied in their imports, of which tropical forests are the most threatened biome. Consumption patterns of G7 countries drive an average loss of 3.9 trees per person per year. Some of the hotspots of deforestation embodied in international trade are also biodiversity hotspots, such as in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Liberia, Central America and the Amazonian rainforest. Our results emphasize the need to reform zero-deforestation policies through strong transnational efforts and by improving supply chain transparency, public-private engagement and financial support for the tropics.
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37
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Wakiyama T, Lenzen M, Kadoya T, Takeuchi Y, Nansai K. Forest Tax Payment Responsibility from the Forest Service Footprint Perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3165-3174. [PMID: 33557524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been observed that market failure has hampered the development of sustainable forest ecosystem services such as CO2 absorption and fixation, water retention, and biodiversity. One of the reasons for this is that the link between forest land use and the beneficiaries of that use has not been widely recognized or clearly established. To address this problem, we conducted a footprint analysis to clarify the linkage between Japanese taxpayers as the beneficiaries of forest land use and the use of tax revenue and monetary donations for forest management. This study focuses on how the current forest tax collected from Japanese taxpayers (63 billion Japanese yen) could be allocated more fairly. The question of whether the collected taxes are sufficient is left for another time. At the core of our analysis, we examined the carbon footprint and established a linkage between the origins of CO2 emissions in Japan and their destinations by using a subnational multiregional input-output database and building a base table focused on various land use types and subnational regions at the municipality level. By clarifying these linkages and enhancing their transparency, we provide a basis for developing alternative financing schemes involving both taxation and taxpayer donations in support of forest management activities and protection of biodiverse habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Wakiyama
- ISA, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Institute for Global Environment Strategies, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0115, Japan
| | - Manfred Lenzen
- ISA, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Taku Kadoya
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Yayoi Takeuchi
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nansai
- ISA, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Center for Waste Management and Material Cycles Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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38
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Priya L, Varghese GK, Shah IK. Liability allocation in pollution involving multiple responsible parties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:45133-45147. [PMID: 32779067 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10350-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
World over, the instances where polluters are made to pay for the damages they have caused to the environment are on the rise. If more than one party is found responsible for pollution, our analyses of statutes of different countries, covering more than 57% of the world population and more than 45% of its land area, showed that liability is to be allocated among the involved parties on an equitable basis, often decided by the courts. Analyses of a number of court cases showed that the factors considered for allocation in such cases may be classified into two, technical and non-technical. It was also found that the legal liability of pollution was different from the technical liability in many cases due to the influence of non-technical factors that were very specific to the case. These non-technical factors often do not fall under the investigation purview of an environmental forensic expert who carries out technical investigations to find the responsible parties. Based on the analysis, it is suggested that the liability allocation be a two-stage process; the first stage being technical liability allocation done by the forensic expert and the second stage the final (legal) allocation by the court. It is also suggested that clear guidelines be prepared for technical liability allocation. There was also a felt need to quantify remediability to make the remediation liability allocation easier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Priya
- National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala, India
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39
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Combining Environmental Footprint Models, Remote Sensing Data, and Certification Data towards an Integrated Sustainability Risk Analysis for Certification in the Case of Palm Oil. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12198273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the potential impacts of the growing Bioeconomy (BE) is a crucial precondition for the development of viable and sustainable strategies. Potential environmental consequences from resource production for the German Bioeconomy can be assessed with the concept of environmental footprint modelling. Furthermore, remote sensing and sustainability certification are tools that can support risk assessment and mitigation i.e., regarding land use (change), biodiversity, carbon stocks, and water consumption. Thus, they can complement the results of footprint models and produce assessment results with a much higher resolution. Among other things, this can enable the development of strategies for more sustainable production practices in high-risk areas and avoid potential bans of biomass imports from entire countries/regions. The conducted case study on palm oil in this paper shows intersections between indicators used in sustainability certification systems and in footprint modelling considering processes on plantation and mill levels. Local best practices for the sustainable production of biomass are identified through a literature review and are extended by a survey, which evaluates the feasibility and conditions of implementing the selected practices on plantations. The conceptual approach outlined in this paper can be seen as a first step towards an integrated sustainability risk analysis of processes and products used within the BE that might be further developed from this starting point. It takes into account footprint modelling data, the use of sustainability certification systems, and data and results from remote sensing analyses. This will enable low-risk producers of renewable resources, who are located in regions generally flagged as high-risk when using environmental footprint modelling, not to be excluded from market activities but to set best practice examples that can then be expanded into these regions.
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40
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Yagi M, Kagawa S, Managi S, Fujii H, Guan D. Supply Constraint from Earthquakes in Japan in Input-Output Analysis. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2020; 40:1811-1830. [PMID: 32506698 PMCID: PMC7818455 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Disasters often cause exogenous flow damage (i.e., the [hypothetical] difference in economic scale with and without a disaster in a certain period) to production ("supply constraint"). However, input-output (IO) analysis (IOA) cannot usually consider it, because the Leontief quantity model (LQM) assumes that production is endogenous; the Ghosh quantity model (GQM) is considered implausible; and the Leontief price model (LPM) and the Ghosh price model (GPM) assume that quantity is fixed. This study proposes to consider a supply constraint in the LPM, introducing the price elasticity of demand. This study uses the loss of social surplus (SS) as a damage estimation because production (sales) is less informative as a damage index than profit (margin); that is, production can be any amount if without considering profit, and it does not tell exactly how much profit is lost for each supplier (upstream sector) and buyer (downstream sector). As a model application, this study examines Japan's largest five earthquakes from 1995 to 2017 and the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in March 2011. The worst earthquake at the peak tends to increase price by 10-20% and decrease SS by 20-30%, when compared with the initial month's prices/production. The worst damage tends to last eight months at most, accumulating 0.5-month-production damage (i.e., the sum of [hypothetical] differences in SS with and without an earthquake [for eight months] is 50% of the initial month production). Meanwhile, the GEJE in the five prefectures had cumulatively, a 25-month-production damage until the temporal recovery at the 37th month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiyuki Yagi
- Faculty of Economics and LawShinshu University3‐1‐1 AsahiMatsumotoNagano390‐8621Japan
| | - Shigemi Kagawa
- Faculty of EconomicsKyushu University744 MotookaNishi‐kuFukuoka819‐0395Japan
| | - Shunsuke Managi
- Urban Institute & Department of Civil EngineeringKyushu University744 MotookaNishi‐kuFukuoka819‐0395Japan
| | - Hidemichi Fujii
- Faculty of EconomicsKyushu University744 MotookaNishi‐kuFukuoka819‐0395Japan
| | - Dabo Guan
- Department of Earth System ScienceTsinghua UniversityRoom S801, S803, S805 Mengminwei Science and Technology BuildingHaidianBeijing100084China
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41
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Joseph J, Santibáñez F, Laguna MF, Abramson G, Kuperman MN, Garibaldi LA. A spatially extended model to assess the role of landscape structure on the pollination service of Apis mellifera. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Crenna E, Marques A, La Notte A, Sala S. Biodiversity Assessment of Value Chains: State of the Art and Emerging Challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:9715-9728. [PMID: 32667200 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of materials and products is one of the drivers of biodiversity loss, which in turn affects ecosystem functioning and has socio-economic consequences worldwide. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a reference methodology for appraising the environmental impacts of products along their value chains. Currently, a generally accepted life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) framework for assessing biodiversity impacts is lacking. The existing LCIA models present weaknesses in terms of the impact drivers considered, geographical coverage, as well as the indicators and metrics adopted. Sound ecological indicators and metrics need to be integrated in order to better assess the impacts of value chains on biodiversity on a global, regional, and local scale. This review analyses studies which, using a life cycle perspective, assess the impacts of products' and services' value chains on biodiversity. We identify and discuss promising synergies between the studies which look beyond the life cycle context, and apply other biodiversity metrics. Our results highlight that the existing metrics of biodiversity impact assessment in LCA are poor at capturing the complexities of biodiversity. There are operational models at the midpoint level that expand on the assessed dimensions of biodiversity (e.g., ecosystem structure), and the drivers of biodiversity loss (e.g., assessment of species exploitation), but efforts are required to fully include these models in the LCA framework. In the business domain, many initiatives are developing frameworks to assess impacts on biodiversity. Many approaches make use of LCIA methods and input-output databases. However, these are generally coupled with other biodiversity metrics. This shows that the current LCA framework is not yet sufficient to support decision-making based on different sets of biodiversity indicators. Ecosystem accounting may provide important ecological information for both the inventory and the impact assessment stages of LCA, helping to disentangle the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services. Looking beyond the LCA domain can lead us to new ways of advancing the coverage of biodiversity impacts, in a way that increases the relevance of LCA across a wider range of areas. Future work should assess the indicators provided in various policy contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Crenna
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Varese 21027, Italy
| | - Alexandra Marques
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Varese 21027, Italy
| | | | - Serenella Sala
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Varese 21027, Italy
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Abstract
Background: The current food system has major consequences for the environment and for human health. Alignment of the food policy areas of mitigating climate change and public health will ensure coherent and effective policy interventions for sustaining human health and the environment. This paper explores literature on demand-side policies that aim to reduce consumption of animal-based foods, increase plant-based foods, and reduce overconsumption. Methods: We searched for publications, published between January 2000 and December 2019, considering the above policy domains. Articles were distinguished for type of policy instrument, for topic via keywords and examples were given. Results: The majority of demand-side policies focus on preventing overweight and obesity, using all types of policy instruments including more forceful market-based policies. Hardly any examples of public policies explicitly aiming to lower animal-based foods consumption were found. Policies combining health and sustainability objectives are few and mainly of the information type. Discussion: Moving towards environmentally sustainable and healthy diets is challenging as the implemented demand-side policies focus largely on human health, and not yet on environmental outcomes, or on win-wins. Policies targeting foods from the health perspective can contribute to lower environmental impacts, by indicating suitable animal-based food replacers, and aiming at avoiding overconsumption of energy dense-nutrient poor foods. Preferred policies include a variety of instruments, including strong measures. Conclusions: Working solutions are available to ensure coherent and effective demand side food policies aligning public health and environmental aims. Implementation of aligned and effective policy packages is urgent and needed.
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Bjelle EL, Többen J, Stadler K, Kastner T, Theurl MC, Erb KH, Olsen KS, Wiebe KS, Wood R. Adding country resolution to EXIOBASE: impacts on land use embodied in trade. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC STRUCTURES 2020; 9:14. [PMID: 32117682 PMCID: PMC7021151 DOI: 10.1186/s40008-020-0182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiregional input-output (MRIO) databases are used to analyze the impact of resource use and environmental impacts along global supply chains. To accurately account for pressures and impacts that are highly concentrated in specific sectors or regions of the world, such as agricultural and land-use-related impacts, MRIO databases are being fueled by increasingly more detailed data. To date no MRIO database exists which couples a high level of harmonized sector detail with high country resolution. Currently available databases either aggregate minor countries into rest-of-the-world (WIOD and EXIOBASE 3), or the high country resolution is achieved at the cost of non-harmonized or lower sectoral detail (Eora, OECD-ICIO or the GTAP-MRIO). This aggregation can cause potentially significant differences in environmental and socioeconomic impact calculations. In this paper, we describe the development of an EXIOBASE 3 variant that expands regional coverage from 49 regions to 214 countries, while keeping the high and harmonized sectoral detail. We show the relevance of disaggregation for land-use accounting. Previous rest-of-the-world regions supply one-third of global land, which is used to produce a large range of different products under very different levels of productivity. We find that the aggregation of regions leads to a difference in the balance of land embodied in trade of up to 6% and a difference of land embodied in imports of up to 68% for individual countries and up to 600% for land-use-relevant sectors. Whilst the database can still be considered experimental, it is expected to increase the accuracy of estimates for environmental footprint studies of the original EXIOBASE countries, and provides the first estimates for the countries in the previous rest-of-the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind Lekve Bjelle
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johannes Többen
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Konstantin Stadler
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kastner
- Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBIK-F), Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Michaela C. Theurl
- Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl-Heinz Erb
- Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Kjartan-Steen Olsen
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kirsten S. Wiebe
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- SINTEF Industry, 7465 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Richard Wood
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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45
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Vasconcellos Oliveira R. A Methodological Framework for Developing More Just Footprints: The Contribution of Footprints to Environmental Policies and Justice. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:405-429. [PMID: 30924031 PMCID: PMC6978295 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-019-00100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The rapid growth of human population and associated industrialisation creates strains on resources and climate. One way to understand the impact of human activity is to quantify the total environmental pressures by measuring the 'footprint'. Footprints account for the total direct and/or indirect effects of a product or a consumption activity, which may be related to e.g. carbon, water or land use, and can be seen as a proxy for environmental responsibility. Footprints shape climate and resource debates, especially concerning environmental strategies. However, in general, footprints hold a dichotomous producer-consumer perspective that is not unanimously accepted. In addition, the current footprinting system transmits a simplistic message about environmental responsibility that taints the justice debate and jeopardises the validity of policies based on them. Consequently, it is crucial to question who is (and should be) accountable for adverse environmental effects. It is also critical to investigate how the methodological characteristics of footprints shape and affect the efficacy of policies on climate and natural resources. This article examines these challenges, focusing on negative justice and policy implications resulting from assigning environmental responsibility to a sole agent. The article proposes, and morally justifies, the development of a footprinting method that includes justice parameters in an attempt to render fair results that are more meaningful for environmental action. The second objective is to establish the potential of this new framework to promote environmental responsibility and justice while facilitating policymaking. The suggested justice elements aim at turning footprints into a concrete environmental policy instrument framed under the value of environmental fairness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vasconcellos Oliveira
- Programme for Applied Ethics, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Dragvoll, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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46
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Conceptual Framework for Biodiversity Assessments in Global Value Chains. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11071841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Land use and land use change are among the main drivers of the ongoing loss of biodiversity at a global-scale. Although there are already Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methods to measure this impact, they are still rarely used by companies and municipalities in the life cycle assessment of products and processes. Therefore, this paper highlights four main requirements for a biodiversity methodological framework within LCIA in order to facilitate biodiversity assessments: first, to consider the global uneven distribution of biodiversity and its risks with respect to vulnerability and irreplaceability; second, to account for the need to regionalize the impacts of land use; third, to consider the specific impacts that different land use types have on biodiversity; and fourth, to analyze the biodiversity impacts of different land use management parameters and their influence on the intensity of land use. To this end, we provided a review of existing methods in respect to conformity and research gaps. The present publication describes the development of a new methodological framework that builds on these requirements in a three-level hierarchical framework, which enables the assessment of biodiversity in LCA at a global-scale. This publication reveals research gaps regarding the inclusion of proactive and reactive conservation concepts as well as methods of land management into LCIA methodology. The main objective of this concept paper is therefore to describe a new methodological framework for the assessment of biodiversity in the LCA that could fill some of the research gaps, including compilation and suggestion of suitable data sets. The conclusion discusses both the benefits and limitations of this framework.
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47
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Marques A, Martins IS, Kastner T, Plutzar C, Theurl MC, Eisenmenger N, Huijbregts MAJ, Wood R, Stadler K, Bruckner M, Canelas J, Hilbers JP, Tukker A, Erb K, Pereira HM. Increasing impacts of land use on biodiversity and carbon sequestration driven by population and economic growth. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:628-637. [PMID: 30833755 PMCID: PMC6443044 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity and ecosystem service losses driven by land-use change are expected to intensify as a growing and more affluent global population requires more agricultural and forestry products, and teleconnections in the global economy lead to increasing remote environmental responsibility. By combining global biophysical and economic models, we show that, between the years 2000 and 2011, overall population and economic growth resulted in increasing total impacts on bird diversity and carbon sequestration globally, despite a reduction of land-use impacts per unit of gross domestic product (GDP). The exceptions were North America and Western Europe, where there was a reduction of forestry and agriculture impacts on nature accentuated by the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Biodiversity losses occurred predominantly in Central and Southern America, Africa and Asia with international trade an important and growing driver. In 2011, 33% of Central and Southern America and 26% of Africa's biodiversity impacts were driven by consumption in other world regions. Overall, cattle farming is the major driver of biodiversity loss, but oil seed production showed the largest increases in biodiversity impacts. Forestry activities exerted the highest impact on carbon sequestration, and also showed the largest increase in the 2000-2011 period. Our results suggest that to address the biodiversity crisis, governments should take an equitable approach recognizing remote responsibility, and promote a shift of economic development towards activities with low biodiversity impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Marques
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. .,Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Inês S Martins
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Kastner
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Plutzar
- Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Conservation Biology, Vegetation Ecology and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela C Theurl
- Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Eisenmenger
- Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mark A J Huijbregts
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Wood
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Konstantin Stadler
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Bruckner
- Institute for Ecological Economics, Vienna University of Business and Economics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joana Canelas
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jelle P Hilbers
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold Tukker
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Karlheinz Erb
- Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Henrique M Pereira
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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48
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Harnessing Insights from Social-Ecological Systems Research for Monitoring Sustainable Development. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11041190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations’ Agenda 2030 marks significant progress towards sustainable development by making explicit the intention to integrate previously separate social, economic and environmental agendas. Despite this intention, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted to implement the agenda, are fragmented in their formulation and largely sectoral. We contend that while the design of the SDG monitoring is based on a systems approach, it still misses most of the dynamics and complexity relevant to sustainability outcomes. We propose that insights from the study of social-ecological systems offer a more integrated approach to the implementation of Agenda 2030, particularly the monitoring of progress towards sustainable development outcomes. Using five key features highlighted by the study of social-ecological systems (SESs) relevant to sustainable development: (1) social-ecological feedbacks, (2) resilience, (3) heterogeneity, (4) nonlinearity, and (5) cross-scale dynamics. We analyze the current set of SDG indicators based on these features to explore current progress in making them operational. Our analysis finds that 59% of the indicators account for heterogeneity, 33% for cross-scale dynamics, 23% for nonlinearities, and 18% and 17%, respectively, for social-ecological feedbacks and resilience. Our findings suggest limited use of complex SES science in the current design of SDG monitoring, but combining our findings with recent studies of methods to operationalize SES features suggests future directions for sustainable development monitoring for the current as well as post 2030 set of indicators.
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49
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Sun Z, Tukker A, Behrens P. Going Global to Local: Connecting Top-Down Accounting and Local Impacts, A Methodological Review of Spatially Explicit Input-Output Approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:1048-1062. [PMID: 30525491 PMCID: PMC6391040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally Extended Input-Output Databases (EEIOs) provide an effective tool for assessing environmental impacts around the world. These databases have yielded many scientific and policy relevant insights, especially through the national accounting of impacts embodied in trade. However, most approaches average out the spatial variation in different factors, usually at the level of the nation, but sometimes at the subnational level. It is a natural next step to connect trade with local environmental impacts and local consumption. Due to investments in earth observation many new data sets are now available, offering a huge potential for coupling environmental data sets with economic models such as Multi-Region Input-Output (MRIO) models. A key tool for linking these scales are Spatially Explicit Input-Output (SIO) models, which provide both demand and supply perspectives by linking producers and consumers. Here we define an SIO model as a model having a resolution greater than the underlying input-output transaction matrix. Given the increasing interest in this approach, we present a timely review of the methods used, insights gained, and limitations of various approaches for integrating spatial data in input-output modeling. We highlight the evolution of these approaches, and review the methodological approaches used in SIO models so far. We investigate the temporal and spatial resolution of such approaches and analyze the general advantages and limitations of the modeling framework. Finally, we make suggestions for the future development of SIO models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiao Sun
- Institute
of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden
University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold Tukker
- Institute
of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden
University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
- The
Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, 2595 DA Den Haag, The Netherlands
- Phone: +31 71 5275632; e-mail:
| | - Paul Behrens
- Institute
of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden
University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden
University College The Hague, 2595 DG The Hague, The Netherlands
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50
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Conceptualization of an Indicator System for Assessing the Sustainability of the Bioeconomy. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11020443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The increased use of biogenic resources is linked to expectations of “green” economic growth, innovation spurts through biotechnology, development options for rural areas, and an increasingly regenerative resource base that is also climate-neutral. However, for several years the signs for unintentional and unwanted side effects have been increasing. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was published at the international level in order to address this problem and deliver a starting point for a comprehensive sustainability criteria evaluation catalogue. Impact indicators to quantify the environmental burden induced by national activities in foreign countries are especially lacking. In this article a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of the sustainability of the bioeconomy, considering key objectives and relevant criteria for environmental, economic, and social sustainability is developed. A special focus is set to the intersection area of the three pillars of sustainability, where the particularly important integrative key objectives and the indicators assigned to them (e.g., resource footprints) apply. This indicator set can be used as a basis for bio-economy monitoring, which uses and produces differently aggregated information on different levels of action, with a focus at the national level but also including global impacts of domestic production and consumption.
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