Volkmar Lauber - Böcker

Voluntary agreements and other approaches based on co-operation between public authorities and (agro) industrial polluters are rapidly gaining importance throughout Europe. This so-called Joint Environmental Policy-making (JEP) is increasingly being presented as a 'third way', alongside direct regulation through laws and the use of financial sticks and carrots in the form of eco-taxes and subsidies. Successes and failures are reported from JEP experiences in various European countries. This book seeks to evaluate these experiences. Is JEP really the panacea it is sometimes claimed to be? To what extent does JEP actually fit into different national policy systems and cultures? Is the application of JEP dependant on specific circumstances? In answering these and other questions, the book focuses on the forces and institutional conditions that are likely to promote the introduction, determine the form, and contribute to the successful functioning of JEP arrangements. Against the background of both deregulation and ecological modernization tendencies in European environmental policy, this book offers detailed analysis of JEP in three European countries (Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands) and in three areas: industrial energy efficiency, food labelling, and package waste. The volume contributes to a better understanding of JEP in Europe and formulates policy recommendations for its successful implementation. But it also contributes to comparative environmental policy studies in providing an innovative approach.

Long characterized by stability--even rigidity--Austrian politics is becoming more dynamic and combative. Tracing the disruption of the "postwar pattern" in Austria, this book explores the recent dramatic evolution in Austria's political system. The contributors examine the decline of the established Social Democratic and Conservative parties and c

Tracing the disruption of the "postwar pattern" in Austria, this book explores the dramatic evolution in Austria's political system. It assesses the implications of sweeping changes on the country's polity, economy, and society.

Renewable energy has enjoyed relatively good - and sometimes extraordinary - growth in recent years, in particular photovoltaics and wind; but it will be difficult to sustain such rates of diffusion on a global basis. A more complete transition to renewable energy is required on a demanding timescale set by climate change and fossil fuel depletion. This book analyses strategies for promoting renewable energy within the context of a rapid energy transition, using case studies from different countries over the past 30 years.Having described the global context in detail, covering oil and gas depletion, climate change, third world development and the potential for renewable energy, the authors evaluate support mechanisms at national and international levels, offering readers a clear understanding of the regulatory framework and an opportunity to promote renewable energy effectively.This book offers energy policy makers, renewable energy professionals, energy consultants and students a platform for development and an invaluable research text.Contributing authors include: Jorg Schindler and Werner Zittel, Ludwig Bohlkow-Systemtechnik, Germany; Ian Rowlands, University of Waterloo, Canada; Giulio Volpi, WWF Europe; Kristian Hvitfelt Nielsen, Aarhus University, Denmark; Staffan Jacobsson, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden; Peter Connor, University of Warwick, UK; Ole Langniss, Centre of Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany; Ryan Wiser, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US; David Elliott, The Open University, UK; and Frede Hvelplund, Aalborg University, Denmark