Ranjan Deka, A.K. Pachauri and Bharat Bhushan
The purpose of this paper is to strive to develop a rock fall velocity model in C++ language and to give spatial attributes to the model using Geographic Information System (GIS…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to strive to develop a rock fall velocity model in C++ language and to give spatial attributes to the model using Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities. Interaction between the parameters involved in the model is evaluated through GIS embedded techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The mathematical model developed in C++ is based on the physical law of gravitation pull, adjudging the potential fall between two points at different elevation. Further, parameters influencing the velocity gradient – namely local relief, coefficient of land use friction, slope amount and slope length – are incorporated in the model. GIS is used extensively to generate the data required for the model. GIS capabilities are also explored for visualisation and interpretation of the model output. Section profiles and a co‐relation coefficient further strengthen the velocity map.
Findings
The rock fall velocity map generated using GIS shows variations in the velocity gradient at selected sections. It is concluded from analysis that friction values play a pivotal role in drastically changing the velocity gradient.
Research limitations/implications
The model presented is restricted to rock fall velocity evaluation for a rectangular matrix of input data and spatial extent, rather than for specific locations. Incorporating parameters to delineate source areas and runout zones would produce a more realistic scenario. Trials along this line are in progress and are expected to be executed successfully very shortly.
Practical implications
The paper presents a versatile model with easily extractable parameters to compute rock fall velocity at a regional scale, conditioned for rugged terrain. The model has specific implications in infrastructure development and planning management for rocky terrain. Moreover, the model's output can be implemented effectively in preliminary investigations of the protection of forest development and erecting defensive measures in rock fall‐prone areas.
Originality/value
Not many models are available for rock fall velocity estimation on a regional scale. The model developed through this research work provides a platform for a regional‐scale study using parameters that can be easily derived from DEM and a land use map. It is reiterated that the model output is helpful for land planners and managers engaged in mountain development. The model is an effective tool in the strategic development of hazard management plans in slide‐prone areas.
Details
Keywords
As a scholar from Tonga, I developed this reflection based on my own experiences as a training Pastor for the Free Wesleyan Church (FWC), working in Pacific Island region on the…
Abstract
As a scholar from Tonga, I developed this reflection based on my own experiences as a training Pastor for the Free Wesleyan Church (FWC), working in Pacific Island region on the area of climate change and religion. Here, I am taking a quote from the Bible (e.g. Luke 18:27) and used it as a theme to tell the story of Pacific people about Moana and how this state-of-the-art idea helps in shaping resilience (Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction). In the context of the Pacific (e.g. Tonga), the meaning of Moana is complex. Using this leading-edge idea as a guide, I model a framework named ‘Moana: Nothing is impossible with God’. By implementing this model to affected communities, Resilience Moana and Sustainable Development Goals are expected to be achieved by 2030 and beyond.
Ummi Hani Mahamad Anuar and Nor Eliza Alias
Climate change is expected to alter the major components of hydrological regime such as streamflow and water availability. The magnitude and their impacts are still uncertain…
Abstract
Climate change is expected to alter the major components of hydrological regime such as streamflow and water availability. The magnitude and their impacts are still uncertain. Therefore, it is highly required to study streamflow and flood vulnerability in tropical river basins particularly urbanised basin such as Langat River Basin. This study aims to model the future streamflow of Langat River Basin due to climate change using Rainfall-Runoff Inundation (RRI) model. Daily rainfall data obtained from Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia and topographic data from HydroSHEDS at 15-second resolution were used. The projected future rainfall (2075–2099) is extracted from MRI-AGCM3.2s under the worst carbon emission scenario, RCP8.5. The annual maximum series of 1-day rainfall is selected for statistical bias correction using Quantile Mapping. The General Circulation Model data were found to be greatly corrected with reasonable Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, Percent bias and Root Mean Square Error values. The mean of maximum 1-day future rainfall in Langat River Basin is found to be inconsistent where parts of the upstream will experience an increment at about 7% while other parts decrease at 8%. Meanwhile, the rainfall at downstream area are expected to decrease at 40%. Based on RRI simulation, the future streamflow can achieve up to 92% increment.
Details
Keywords
Clare Hindley, Willy Legrand and Gabriel C.M. Laeis
This chapter aims to establish the relation of luxury tourism to sustainability and questions whether tourism in its current form is not itself a luxury. By analysing consumer…
Abstract
This chapter aims to establish the relation of luxury tourism to sustainability and questions whether tourism in its current form is not itself a luxury. By analysing consumer travel motivation and demands of luxury tourism, we examine the impact of these perceptions and ask whether Anthropocene tourism does not by definition have a negative impact on the environment. A new concept of luxury has developed clearly illustrated by a move from Maslow’s (1943) ‘esteem’ to the top tier of ‘self-actualisation’ as reflected in Pearce and Lee (2005) Travel Career Ladder and top tier of personal fulfilment. This move has led to a decline in physical trophy collection, but rather the desire for luxury is taking on a new definition more about a perception of environmental connection, personal fulfilment and finding a brand or experience that shares similar values to the consumer. The commodification of nature has led to new forms of tourism concentrating on connecting to places, people and causes. An analysis of tourism growth impact in the Global North and South, and neo-colonisation in tourism highlights the contradictions within sustainable goals and tourism. It is increasingly difficult to categorise tourism as sustainable or unsustainable, luxury or non-luxury, but rather this chapter questions whether tourism itself has become an unsustainable pandemic and an indefensible luxury.
Details
Keywords
Ferhan K. Sengur and Onder Altuntas
Aviation is not only one of the key contributors to the economy and social structure of the world but it is also an industry whose environmental impacts are being closely…
Abstract
Aviation is not only one of the key contributors to the economy and social structure of the world but it is also an industry whose environmental impacts are being closely monitored. Aircraft efficiency and technological advancements have significantly reduced aviation noise and emissions in recent decades. Nevertheless, as the need for passenger and freight transportation grows, the aviation sector is becoming a primary source of environmental issues and a significant driver of global warming. This chapter focusses on environmentally sustainable aviation with a net-zero emission target. It also highlights sustainable aviation policies and collaborative initiatives in the aviation industry to meet the 2050 net-zero emission goal. While the industry's efforts have increased opportunities recently, the industry has also had to face several challenges to achieve the net-zero aviation target.
Details
Keywords
Fahrettin Okcabol and Joan Hoffman
There is growing apprehension about climate change and the role played by fossil fuels. Exploration of renewable sources of energy as an alternative to fossil fuels reveals that…
Abstract
There is growing apprehension about climate change and the role played by fossil fuels. Exploration of renewable sources of energy as an alternative to fossil fuels reveals that there is no path forward toward a true green economy that does not have negative environmental side effects. Thus, the improvement of managerial and financial accounting to provide more environmental information and accountability by governmental and nongovernmental institutions is increasingly important in guiding us toward wiser choices. Since the 1970s, the increasing concerns about the environment in the United States have led to improved regulation and more comprehensive environmental reporting requirements and accounting standards. Also, global institutions have been created to foster voluntary reporting of both direct and indirect environmental impacts of their activities by institutions. However, evidence suggests that, while some large global firms have found it useful to engage in sustainability reporting throughout their operations, in general, the US organizational environmental reporting is not strong and is oriented toward the legal minimum when present. If we are to take account of the many direct and indirect ways in which our production choices affect our environment, then our institutions need to play a larger role in informing our choices. Both the Environmental Managerial Accounting Initiative and an enhanced balanced scorecard approach are recommended as frameworks for future efforts; public and private institutions must also include life cycle analysis in decision-making systems in order to enhance their ability to help achieve sustainable economic progress.
Details
Keywords
Nicolas J. A. Buchoud and Carine Bernede
The proverbial administrative complexity of Paris and its region, which also includes a metropolitan authority since 2016, has not prevented multiple and rapid changes to take…
Abstract
The proverbial administrative complexity of Paris and its region, which also includes a metropolitan authority since 2016, has not prevented multiple and rapid changes to take place in the last decade. A national government decision has initiated the construction of a new regional metropolitan public transportation infrastructure that has leveraged more than €15 billions of green bonds. Mounting environmental challenges are triggering new societal priorities and legal changes, heightened by the COVID-19 crisis context. Since 2014, projects and plans led by local governments to value nature-based solutions (NBS) have met a rising interest from national and international investors and developers, in a context of multiple climate and biodiversity initiatives from the private sector and the civil society. However, assessing their long-term value remains a challenge for both governments and researchers while the calls for nature to remain a common good stir new forms of vigorous social engagement. The Paris case shows that the art of creating NBS that maximize biodiversity and support CO2 reduction at large metropolitan scale depends on two priorities. The first is strengthening global commitments. The second is refocusing existing massive investments in grey infrastructure systems, so far major drivers of public investments, as infrastructure for distribution, unlocking local biodiversity valuation potential, and supporting social innovation.
Details
Keywords
This chapter presents a South American perspective on the environmental and financial sustainability of energy integration incorporating recent financial lessons from the United…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter presents a South American perspective on the environmental and financial sustainability of energy integration incorporating recent financial lessons from the United States and Europe. An illustrative project called UNASUR-GRID is presented to highlight new thinking on funding ecologically sensitive development (post-carbon electricity generation) and regional energy sovereignty via a new regional development bank for the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) called Bank of the South, Banco del Sur (BDS)1,2. Sustainable BDS finance rules are presented that aim to break the link between development funding, environmental damage, and sovereign debt owed to banks outside the region, tapping into alternative finances to buffer the region against changes in global financial flows from core nations in the Great Recession.
Methodology/approach
The author attended presidential meetings of MERCOSUR and UNASUR supplementing this with presidential declarations comparing these with ongoing development planning from IIRSA, also interviewing a COSIPLAN representative. He also cooperated (as an independent researcher) with the Ecuadorian Central Bank research group called ‘New Architectures for Regional Finance’ (NAFR) and conducted technical interviews at South American energy institutes specialising in integration.
Findings
Development finance must reflect changes in both energy supply and demand while replacing fossil fuel inputs in electricity generation. Demand planning is necessary to attain sovereignty over a post-carbon electricity supply while maintaining dependability.
Practical implications
Successful energy cooperation is more than just energy infrastructure (UNASUR-GRID), cross-border confidence building is also required, reinforced by commercial treaties for energy exports and imports. Public and private national and regional energy companies need real incentives to trade internationally (improving competition) or renationalisation of supply and distribution may be necessary.
Originality/value
Highly original, this chapter incorporates government, UN and civil NGO inputs into primary research. BDS policy sources include government, ministerial and presidential speeches with interviews and participation in meetings with social movements. For indigenous ecological and social economic concepts such as Sumak Kawsay, the author has travelled extensively in South America and was an active participant at the first World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the 2010 Rights of Mother Earth (World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, 2014) in Cochabamba, Bolivia, along with ecologists and tribal representatives.