Resource-based view of sustainability engagement

This research examines local sustainability planning processes under the label of Local Agenda 21 in Italy from a resource-based view. Two types of resources, municipal (or internal resources) and relational resources, are considered. Relational resources stem from (1) dyadic relationships with higher levels of government and (2) network relationships (municipality-higher level of government-municipality). A model is proposed in which the integration of these resources explains the engagement of municipal authorities with Local Agenda 21-type processes. The model is tested by considering the perceptions of 108 local senior officials and politicians who are in charge of Local Agenda 21 processes in Italy. The respondents account for 31% of the members of a formal Italian Local Agenda 21 network. The results show moderate to low engagement with Local Agenda 21 processes, which is explained by moderate to poor levels of relational resources. Our findings indicate that local authority engagement with Local Agenda 21-type processes requires a systemic perspective, where higher levels of government and municipalities integrate and combine their resources and create new purposefully led resources through regular and intense interactions.     

Geoconservation for science and society: challenges and opportunities

Well managed and accessible geological and geomorphological sites are important to both science and society, for research, education, and, in some cases, for recreation. In this viewpoint paper we celebrate achievements in the field of geoconservation over the last 60 years since the first geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest were designated in the UK following the passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act in 1949. With a range of new political, social, economic and environmental challenges and opportunities coming to the fore, geoconservation now needs to innovate and adapt in order to sustain and enhance its influence and effectiveness. In advance of the 2011 Geologists’ Association Annual Meeting, Geoconservation for Science and Society: An Agenda for the 21st Century, we give our view on the challenges and opportunities facing geoconservation and the areas in which new approaches and partnerships are required to secure the long-term conservation of our geological and geomorphological heritage.     

可持续性转型研究动态与经济地理学展望

近年来,可持续性转型概念进入经济地理学者视野,用于探究区域绿色技术、消费市场和产业转型的多维因果过程与空间动力机制,已成为演化经济地理学和环境经济地理学新兴议题之一。为掌握该研究动态,本文对2000—2020年来共计2453篇可持续性转型文献进行回顾,重点探讨了转型地理研究进展和理论不足,阐述了经济地理学对可持续性转型研究的理论价值和融入方向。本文发现：① 可持续性转型是创新研究和可持续管理领域热门议题,呈多学科介入特点;其中,转型地理研究正不断崛起,并聚焦区域绿色新兴产业发展的社会-技术共演过程、多尺度动力机制、环境经济和社会效应及其转型地理性等问题。② 经济地理学对转型研究有三个视角优势：时空语境敏感性;转型过程、机制和结果的空间多样性;新产业系统的地方嵌入及其合法化的地理性。③ 经济地理学对可持续性转型研究含三个提升方向：概念内涵深化（含地方、尺度和空间）、多范式互动融合（演化、制度和政治经济地理）、分析框架构建方向（多地理尺度性与多层次视角,区域创新系统与技术创新系统）。④ 中国转型地理研究在三个议题上有广阔前景：基于国家语境敏感的地方转型探索、绿色利基发展与转型空间机制研究、以及区域新产业路径发展与转型研究。     

The Council at Work

Abstract

The field of geography education is sadly lacking in empirical data that might inform and underpin decisions about standard setting, curriculum design, materials development, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. Large quantities of high-quality data are necessary if geography is to be successfully implemented in the American education system. This article advances four needs that, if met, would generate the data necessary to make the case for geography in America's schools. We need a new attitude towards research, a series of baseline studies, a research agenda, and a research clearinghouse if we are to make a convincing case for geography in America's schools.     

Long-term variability of the Be/X-ray binary EXO 2030+375

We present a multi-wavelength study of the Be/X-ray binary system EXO 2030+375. We report that the Be companion is currently in a low-activity phase as indicated by the notable decrease of the infrared and optical emission. If this trend continues the source will lose its circumstellar envelope. Infrared spectroscopy in the IJHK bands is presented for the first time, along with optical and X-ray observations. These infrared spectra agree with the optical companion being an early-type (B0) main-sequence star. When active EXO 2030+375 shows an X-ray outburst at each periastron passage of the neutron star. In addition to the maximum X-ray luminosity displayed at orbital phase ∼0.0, we find a smaller maximum in the light curve at phase ∼0.5. This second intensity peak may be explained if the velocity of the wind is lower than or comparable to the orbital velocity of the neutron star at apastron. We also comment on the relation between the optical/infrared behaviour and the X-ray emission and argue that the X-ray inactive period observed between 1993 August and 1996 April is a result of centrifugal inhibition of accretion of matter rather than a low-activity circumstellar disc.     

Sweden and the Baltic Sea pipeline: Between ecology and economy

Building a submarine pipeline in the Baltic Sea to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany contradicts targets to reduce fossil fuel dependency and seems to ignore a long history of environmental challenges in the area. This article examines the tensions between the environmental, economic, and national security arguments framing the Swedish government decision to allow the pipeline to be laid on the Baltic seabed passing through the Swedish economic zone. At first sight, the decision seems to run contrary to Sweden's ambitious environmental policy. However, by framing the issue within a broader understanding of the country's tradition of consensual decision-making, and considering the tensions and contradictions inherent in policies for sustainable development, the permission fits well with the logic that, in case of conflict, economic growth is given priority even when the environment is at stake.     

Housing,Homelessness, and Mental Health: Mapping an Agenda for Geographical Inquiry*

This paper proposes that work by geographers on the relationships between housing, homelessness, and mental health should take into account recent literature concerning the nature of home in contemporary society. Towards this end, we distinguish between literal, incipient, and metaphorical homelessness. We argue that this distinction raises new research questions concerning the experience of households “on the edge of homelessness” and others who are well-housed but, for various reasons, are not “at home” in their present circumstances.     

Transformative potential in sustainable development goals engagement: Experience from local governance in Australia

Localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is often associated with the act of localising goals, targets and indicators, as well as the activities to measure and monitor progress. However, local communities worldwide are starting to engage with the SDGs by other means, for example, by incorporating the SDGs into local governance. In these efforts to make the SDGs part of an existing local governance process, which we call SDG engagement, the SDGs can be valued differently. They can be valued for their potential to support a widespread and fundamental change in society (the SDG transformative potential) or for their moderate addition to ongoing practices and activities (the SDG conventional value). Currently, how local governments can engage with the SDGs in different local governance activities is underexplored. This study introduces eight modes through which local governments can engage with the SDGs in local governance and discuss the unique transformative potential of those engagements via synthesising knowledge across 14 empirical studies of local communities in Australia. Building on the findings of this study, we propose a framework to aid SDG engagement in local governance activities, highlighting the transformative potential of the engagements. The study highlights the need for future explorations on the opportunities to enact a deliberate and more ambitious transformation driven by governance institutions.     

Urban growth monitoring and projection using remote sensing and geographic information systems: a case study in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area,Minnesota

This study investigates urban growth dynamics from regional to local scales in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and demonstrates how metropolitan growth can be driven by policies. Urban change from 1975 to 2006 was detected using Landsat imagery. Future growth in 2030 was modelled based on two scenarios with or without regional development policies incorporated. City- or township-level growth was examined by a zonal analysis. Results show urban grew 126,700 ha from 1975 to 2006. The Markov-Cellular Automata model projected at least another 67,000 ha of urban growth from 2006 to 2030. When regional development policies were incorporated, homogeneous and compact growth patterns were predicted along the urban periphery; however, actual land supplies within the cities along the urban edge are facing challenges to accommodate the projected growth as large portions of suitable lands are located outside of the 2030 Municipal Urban Service Area boundary.