The Australian Government has proposed a portfolio standard requiring 20 per cent of electricity to be supplied by renewable energy. It has introduced a number of policy measures…
Abstract
Purpose
The Australian Government has proposed a portfolio standard requiring 20 per cent of electricity to be supplied by renewable energy. It has introduced a number of policy measures to drive this target; however based on the resources and commercially available technology is this enough? This paper aims to look at the application of both Federal and State measures and to determine whether this will drive the deployment of technology at the rate required to meet the targets set.
Design/methodology/approach
Research and modelling was undertaken on the anticipated generation technologies (based on proposed policy measures and commercial availability of the technology), which indicate a shortfall in renewable generation by 2018.
Findings
The findings indicate that additional policy measures will be required to meet the objectives set. These measures will need to be introduced at a State level where the policy measure can target those renewable resources in which the State has both an economic and abundant supply.
Practical implications
Within any country (particularly one the size of Australia) different regions will have different renewable resources and policy will need to target those resources in which the region has an abundant and economically viable supply.
Originality/value
Currently all discussion in relation to policy measures to combat global warming issues within Australia has been focused at the Federal level. The paper highlights the need to focus policy at State level when looking at deploying technology at specific renewable resources.
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This paper seeks to outline a theoretical argument for movement towards a positive, holistic approach to environmentalism, one aspect of which is to make environmental action more…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to outline a theoretical argument for movement towards a positive, holistic approach to environmentalism, one aspect of which is to make environmental action more satisfying, interesting, and fun. The paper aims to identify new approaches and techniques for individual behaviour change that can explain and promote the broad lifestyle change needed.
Design/methodology/approach
Self‐determination theory was applied to the problem of unsustainable resource consumption by Australian households. To achieve sustainable levels of Australian household carbon emissions, individuals will have to adopt and maintain high impact pro‐environmental behaviours across a number of behavioural domains.
Findings
It is hypothesised that motivation type will be a critical factor in bringing about personally sustainable changes. In particular, self‐determined (autonomous) motivation will be essential for generalisation of pro‐environmental behaviour. It is also proposed that supporting other psychological needs of relatedness and competence for environmental action will further enhance self‐determination for pro‐environmental behaviour. If these hypotheses are supported, the next challenge is to identify optimal ways of promoting autonomous behaviour change, drawing on, and expanding from self‐determination theory. Initial proposals for autonomy, competence, and relatedness supporting interventions are presented.
Practical implications
Changes achieved through the motivational approach have the potential to significantly impact household carbon footprints.
Originality/value
The paper moves away from incentive/punishment based approaches to changing pro‐environmental behaviour and provides a rationale for a new approach that focuses on supporting optimal motivation types for maintained and generalised pro‐environmental behaviour.
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The paper's purpose is to investigate the opportunities for better integration of environmental valuation (EV) methodology into the natural resource management (NRM…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's purpose is to investigate the opportunities for better integration of environmental valuation (EV) methodology into the natural resource management (NRM) decision‐making process in the context of NRM practices in South Australia and to offer a practical valuation tool to the NRM agencies for assisting the NRM decision‐making process.
Design/methodology/approach
This research examines the theoretical approach to EV methodology in an attempt to reduce certain limitations of the methodology. Data for this project were collected through interviews with various South Australian state NRM authorities. Both theoretical and empirical findings led to the development of a natural resource valuation (NRV) tool based on a modification of the contingent valuation (CV) technique.
Findings
The data obtained indicate a range of reasons for under‐utilisation of EV methodology in NRM practice in South Australia such as the controversial nature of the methodology and low level of awareness among NRM practitioners about the benefits of undertaking EV studies. These findings are addressed by the NRV tool aimed at promoting EV in NRM community consultation practices.
Originality/value
The results described in the paper are of value to NRM practitioners in offering a new valuation tool for better‐informed decision making. As a theoretical assessment of certain aspects of EV methodology, this research is of value to the academic community.
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Kartik Venkatraman and Nanjappa Ashwath
Landfill capping is a mandatory post closure procedure in Australia to isolate the deposited wastes from the outside environment, mainly water. Compacted clay caps are…
Abstract
Purpose
Landfill capping is a mandatory post closure procedure in Australia to isolate the deposited wastes from the outside environment, mainly water. Compacted clay caps are predominantly used in Australian landfills. Recent studies have shown that clay caps have shorter life span and fail to prevent percolation of water due to cracking. This paper aims to discuss a new technology called “Phytocapping” that has been trialled at Lakes Creek landfill in Rockhampton.
Design/methodology/approach
In this technique, trees were used as “bio‐pumps” and “rainfall interceptors” and soil cover as “storage” of water. The field performance of the phytocapping system was measured based on its ability to minimise water percolation into waste. Tree growth, transpiration, canopy rainfall interception and methane emission were monitored over three years. The percolation rate was modelled using HYDRUS 1D code for two different scenarios (with and without vegetation) for the thick (1,400 mm soil) and thin (700 mm soil) phytocaps respectively.
Findings
Results from the modelling showed percolation rates of 16.7 mm yr−1 in thick phytocap and 23.8 mm yr−1 in thin phytocap, both of which are markedly lower than those expected from a clay cap. Results from monitoring and observations showed that 19 of 21 tree species grew well in the harsh landfill environment. However, the correct species selection is very important for the long‐term sustainability of the phytocap. Results also show that phytocaps can reduce a significant amount of methane emission from landfills.
Practical implications
The cost of landfill capping is escalating and is putting a lot of financial and legal pressure on the small and medium sized local governments in Australia. The phytocapping technique not only offers financial benefits but also has some environmental and commercial benefits.
Originality/value
The paper focuses on a new technology being used in waste management.
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Noni Keys, Dana C. Thomsen and Timothy F. Smith
The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms and strategies involved in individual and local responses to complex global sustainability issues such as climate change.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms and strategies involved in individual and local responses to complex global sustainability issues such as climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes an innovative approach to understanding the role of informal leadership and its utility in influencing societal attitudes and practice. The approach builds on theories of diffusion in which learning about new ideas, practices or technologies occurs through interpersonal communication with informal opinion leaders. It draws on findings from studies in other fields of social research, such as community health, development aid, and agriculture, in which the engagement of opinion leaders has been found to speed up the spread of responsive behaviours. The approach also analyses linkages between the concepts of response capacity to climate change and social capital with the strategies of opinion leaders for influencing societal change through informal social networks.
Findings
Research related to social change in response to climate change has focused predominantly on the need for reform at the public policy and institutional level, and at the other extreme, on individual behaviour change. The role of leaders has been cited as an important component of social change in case studies of adaptive management of natural resources, sustainability studies, and in research on social capital.
Originality/value
Development of the approach will contribute to the understanding of social mechanisms and processes involved in community engagement with complex problems and more specifically, response capacity for climate change at the regional level.
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Sultana Nasrin Nury, Xuan Zhu, Ian Cartwright and Laurent Ailleres
The purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in Victoria, Australia, and to visualize the complex geometry as a decision support tool for sustainable water management.
Design/methodology/approach
A 3D visualization of the aquifer is completed, based on subsurface geological modelling. The existing borehole database, hydrogeological data, geological information and surface topography are used to model the subsurface aquifer. ArcGIS 9.2 is employed for two‐dimensional (2D) GIS analysis and for 3D visualization and modelling geological objects computer aided design (GOCAD) 2.5.2 is used. The developed methodology of ArcGIS and GOCAD is implemented for creating the 3D geological model of the aquifer system.
Findings
The 3D geomodel of the Barwon Downs Graben provides a new perspective of the complex subsurface aquifer geometry and its relation with surface hydrogeology in a more interactive manner. Considering the geometry, estimated volume of the unconfined Eastern View aquifer is as 0.83 × 1010 m3 and for the confined aquifer is about 1.02 × 1010 m3. The total volume of overlying strata of this aquifer is about 3.09 × 1010 m3. The water resources of the study area are affected by the pumping from this aquifer. This is also significantly influenced by the geometry of the Graben.
Originality/value
The 3D model utilises comprehensive and generally available datasets in the public domain. Although the used 3D geomodelling tools are mainly developed for applications in the petroleum industry, the current paper shows its ability to be adapted to hydrogeological investigations.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature and ideas on how local climate change action (both mitigation and adaptation) could be intensified.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature and ideas on how local climate change action (both mitigation and adaptation) could be intensified.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review of Australian and international academic journals and policy documents on the current views of effective local climate action was conducted. Additional data on Australian grassroots community activities was compiled from the internet, participant observation and secondary sources.
Findings
The paper argues that local climate action is important and three key aspects could provide effective avenues to step‐up local climate action. These three avenues are: increased attention to local adaptation; the linking of adaptation and mitigation efforts together and with other local ecological concerns; and greater engagement with active community members and grassroots community‐initiated climate change actions. These three key aspects could give climate change a local saliency and tangibility, spur more effective action, build community resilience and reduce vulnerability.
Research limitations/implications
Research is in the explorative stages and, therefore, only tentative conclusions and possible future directions can be suggested.
Practical implications
The avenues identified to scale‐up local action on climate change could be readily utilised by local governments and/or other interested groups.
Originality/value
The paper disseminates three compelling ways that climate action could be intensified at the local scale, and possibly create greater public engagement and avenues to innovative approaches to tackle climate change.
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Sarah Buelow, Helen Lewis and Kees Sonneveld
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which consumers in Melbourne understand recycling information on packaging labels and their resulting recycling behaviour.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which consumers in Melbourne understand recycling information on packaging labels and their resulting recycling behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed research methods were used in the study (qualitative and quantitative approaches) in the form of randomly distributed surveys and structured face‐to‐face interviews. Both methods were administered with consumers from three demographically different areas in the metropolitan Melbourne (Australia) region. The software program SPSS was used to analyze some of the results.
Findings
The research shows that despite good intentions, consumers' understanding of packaging materials and labelling for common products, and therefore resulting sorting behaviour, is often very poor. The confusion surrounding current labelling and recycling schemes can be attributed to incorrect labelling and system complexity combined with a lack of consumer understanding and care.
Practical implications
Correct sorting of recyclable and non‐recyclable packaging means materials finish in the correct waste stream and recyclable materials have the opportunity to be reprocessed and eventually reused, saving raw materials as well as reducing other environmental impacts. If consumers do not correctly sort materials, recyclable packaging will go to landfill and non‐recyclable materials will contaminate the recycling stream.
Social implications
The results of the research, when completed, could be used to design more effective labelling schemes for packaging to inform consumers about its recyclability. The social benefits potentially include increased diversion of recyclable materials from the waste stream and reduced costs of both recycling and waste disposal.
Originality/value
There has been very little research undertaken on the role and adequacy of labelling in driving consumer‐recycling behaviour, and therefore this paper fills that gap. The results in the paper may be used to further enhance environmental package labelling through policy development or commercial applications.
Adam Loch, Henning Bjornlund and Geoff Kuehne
Prolonged drought and climate change uncertainty have created an urgent need to re‐distribute water away from irrigators and back to environmental flows. Previous approaches to…
Abstract
Purpose
Prolonged drought and climate change uncertainty have created an urgent need to re‐distribute water away from irrigators and back to environmental flows. Previous approaches to achieve this objective have had mixed results. The current approach focuses on purchasing water from irrigators to bolster river flows for ecosystem health. However, governments are purchasing entitlements, not allocations, which do not provide large amounts of water for the money that is spent. This paper aims to review the policies and events that have driven this process.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a the review of the policies and events, the paper identifies how the regulatory/market‐based approaches have resulted in a status quo or path dependent situation, to the detriment of achieving sustainable water use.
Findings
Previous approaches have so far simply maintained path dependency, i.e. the consumptive pool at more or less existing levels. Government intervention to purchase entitlements from irrigators for the environment through water markets is meant to break the status quo, but questions whether this can be achieved from a solitary focus on entitlement recovery.
Practical implications
It is suggested that both historical approaches offer less reform value, and that appropriate market intervention is warranted. However, entitlement water purchasing alone may limit provision of wet water to key environmental sites during critical periods and perpetuate a continuation of the path dependency arrangements.
Originality/value
A suggested expansion of the water‐purchasing programme that utilises allocation based products to meet adaptive environmental flow strategies is provided. Such an approach may offer a more suitable framework for dealing with the uncertain outcomes of climate change and ecosystem needs.