SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science – serie

To promote China’s sustainable city construction and development, this Brief has preliminarily used an assessment indicator system and development index of a sustainable city, based on a summary and analysis of the existing Sustainable City theories and practices both at home and aboard. Meanwhile, mainly based on the data from 2008, this Brief has made a tentative assessment of the development level of Sustainable City in some major Chinese cities.

In recent years, the importance of biogas energy has risen manifold and has become universal. This is due to the realization that biogas capture and utilization has great potential in controlling global warming. By capturing biogas wherever it is formed, we not only tap a source of clean energy, but we also prevent the escape of methane to the atmosphere. Given that methane has 25 times greater global warming potential than CO2, methane capture through biogas energy in this manner can contribute substantially towards global warming control.

Water development projects have altered the environmental flow landscapes where dams and diversions have been built, and this could have effects on coastal resources, particularly in estuaries. Water is an important human resource and water needs grow as populations grow.  However, freshwater inflow to the coast is fundamental to the functioning of estuaries.  Can we have stable, secure, and sufficient water resources for people and still protect estuarine health?  Estuaries are the most productive environments on Earth, and this is in part due to freshwater inflow, which dilutes marine water, and transports nutrients and sediments to the coast.  Estuaries are characterized by salinity and nutrient gradients, which are important in regulating many biological processes.  As water is diverted for human consumption, it is common for many environmental problems to appear.  While many countries have water quality programs, few are dealing with water quantity alterations. The first step is to define marine resources to protect, and the water quality conditions those resources need to thrive. The second step is to determine the flow regimes needed to maintain the desired water quality conditions.  Finally, many regions are using adaptive management programs to manage freshwater resources.  These programs set goals to protect ecosystem resources, identify indicators, and monitor the indicators over time to ensure that the goals are appropriate and resources are protected.  Case studies demonstrate that monitoring and research can determine the ecological and socio-economical impacts of altered freshwater inflows, and stakeholders and managers can make well-informed decisions to manage freshwater inflows to local coasts wisely. ​

​This book starts with depiction of the phosphorus role in life creation and evolution. Then it outlines in which vital processes different phosphates participate in life of all flora and fauna, from DNA molecules till body tissues. Crucial function of phosphates was noticed long ago, but only in XIX century discovery of mineral fertilizers made it possible to sustain the needs of growing global population, thus initiating a “green revolution”. Though, for many decades after it, the complexity of interactions “fertilizer-soil-plant roots” was underrated, causing massive damages, such as soil destruction and eutrophication of waters. Still, mining of exhausting natural phosphate reserves continued worldwide. Lessons of what happened in XIX century due to scarcity of phosphates were ignored. In the meantime, production of phosphates reached its peak few years ago. Immediate implementation of phosphate recycling technologies from municipal wastes can help avoid imminent global disaster.​

This book underscores the re-emergence of the ozone hole problem and deals with it in its current context of exacerbating global warming. It traces the history of the ozone hole from the stage of formation of the stratospheric ozone ‘layer’, millions of years ago, into the late 20th century when the anthropogenic destruction of that ozone was discovered.  The chapters are written to bring the the reader up to the present day.  Factors that influence stratospheric ozone are discussed and the ways to halt ozone depletion are cataloged.  And more complex interrelationships are being discovered between ozone depletion and two other global concerns: climate change and ocean acidification. This book sheds light on the intricacy of the situation and its portants.The book will be useful to students and researchers looking for a current overview of the ozone hole problem.

This SpringerBrief focuses on the principles of ecotourism such as relevance of the field, origin, fundamental aspects, definitions, philosophy, implications in biodiversity conservation and environmental impacts. Special emphasis is also given to the interaction between ecotourism and education and it is supported by recent publications from the authors.

This book investigates the potential trade opportunity of climate friendly goods and technology (CFGT) in Asia and South Asia region, and uses a case study of India to clarify India's position on global warming and efforts to mitigate climate change impacts regionally and globally. In four main sections, the book applies econometric techniques to analyze the trade performance of CFGTs in nations in Asia and South Asia, in order to assess trade gaps and map the movement of CFGTs in these regions. The major themes addressed in the book include climate change and trade, issues that shape regional and national policies, and strategies for implementing global climate change mitigation on trade opportunities and developments. Section 1 introduces readers to some background on global climate change threats and its effects on trade, as well as the need to develop trade for CFGTs. Section 2 assesses the trade performance of CFGTs in Asia, and South Asia, and the competitiveness of CFGT trade. Section 3 uses a regional orientation index to analyze CFGT trade. Section 4 discusses the potential business applications of CFGT trade in the Asia, South Asia region, and uses a case study on India to analyze climate change mitigation effects on trade and policy. The book will be of interest to researchers, students, governments, and policy makers.

This book gives a selection of contributions from the 6th Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA)  Conference in Pescara, Italy. S-LCA is a social (real and potential) impact assessment method that aims to drive improvements in order to increase the value of products and services. It helps organizations to plan better, implement more effectively, and promote scale initiatives. More in general, the assessment activity also facilitates accountability and supports stakeholder communication.Consumers are greatly aware of the provenance of the goods they purchase. They have greater access to product information than ever before, also thanks to the new digital platforms. They are also empowered to make more responsible purchase decisions about what concerns sustainability aspects. Therefore the need to linger on the social aspects has been emerging recently. Although the business evolution of environmental methods and metrics has advanced significantly over the pastdecades, tools and metrics to estimate the social aspects of products and services are in progress.In this volume several sections provide methodological developments and tool focus, contextualizing S-LCA scientifically and explore the fields of applications. Through current development (conferences, articles, seminars and industry group publications), the method is spreading, evolving and gaining in maturity. However, it still is an evolving field, and main developments foresee, both at the level of methodology and results, interpretation and communication in order to find a path forward. S-LCA has been changing since the beginnings. From our observations as educators, researchers, practitioners, and peer reviewers in the S-LCA community, there are trends that are of importance us.

This book explores the significance of soil microbial diversity to understand its utility in soil functions, ecosystem services, environmental sustainability, and achieving the sustainable development goals. With a focus on agriculture and environment, the book highlights the importance of the microbial world by providing state-of-the-art technologies for examining the structural and functional attributes of soil microbial diversity for applications in healthcare, industrial biotechnology, and bioremediation studies. In seven chapters, the book will act as a primer for students, environmental biotechnologists, microbial ecologists, plant scientists, and agricultural microbiologists. Chapter 1 introduces readers to the soil microbiome, and chapter 2 discusses the below ground microbial world. Chapter 3 addresses various methods for exploring microbial diversity, chapter 4 discusses the genomics methods, chapter 5 provides the metaproteomics and metatranscriptomics approaches and chapter 6 details the bioinformatics tools for soil microbial community analysis, and chapter 7 concludes the text with future perspectives on further soil microbial uses and applications.

This brief explores several adaptive agricultural practices from around the world to fulfill current and future agricultural demands for food security due to the challenges posed by climate change and growing global population. Readers will discover how farmers adapt to environmental changes by adopting various agronomic practices at crop, farm and landscape levels.   Particular attention is given to systemic and transformational adaptation strategies employed by farmers such as mulching, organic farming and crop diversification.  This is a highly informative and carefully presented book that provides insights on how crops can build up resilience against periods of drought, high salinity, disasters such as floods, and diseases. The policy implications and future prospects of these adaptation strategies are also addressed. Environmental and plant scientists, agronomists and researchers in climate sciences will find this book interesting.

This book combines three different energy-economy-emissions modeling methodologies into one Integrated Modeling Framework (IMF) in an attempt to fill gaps in current modeling research as it applies to developing countries. Through the analysis of existing mathematical models, including large macro-economic models and technology-explicit energy models, the work proposes planning methodologies for developing countries that face challenges on their economy and infrastructure due to climate change. The three modeling methodologies discussed in the chapters are a decomposition analysis of trends in emissions intensity of GDP, linear programming techniques to determine optimum energy supply pathways given various resource and emissions constraints, and an input-output analysis to evaluate the impact of energy policies on income and equity. After a brief introduction to the history of the development of energy studies and the linkages between energy, economic, and environmental systems, the book delves into the component methodologies of the IMF and their intended outcomes. The decomposition analysis is intended to gauge the energy intensity of GDP and the structural composition of the economy to provide a basis on which scenarios are constructed in the following two methodologies. The linear programs are meant to develop a methodology to determine energy options under a variety of scenarios that capture the technical and economic characteristics of the power sector of developing countries. Lastly, the input-output analysis aims to build a methodology through which energy policy decisions can be understood and quantified to ensure the best possible impacts on developing economies and societies. Those who will be interested in this book include policy makers, academics, and students and professionals working on energy studies and energy-economy modeling.

This open access book presents current knowledge about ecosystem services (ES) in urban planning, and discusses various urban ES topics such as spatial distribution of urban ecosystems, population distribution, and physical infrastructure properties. The book addresses all these issues by: i) investigating to what extent ecosystem services are currently included in urban plans, and discussing what is still needed to improve planning practice; ii) illustrating how to develop ecosystem services indicators and information that can be used by urban planners to enhance plan design; iii) demonstrating the application of ES assessments to support urban planning processes through case studies; and iv) reflecting on criteria for addressing equity in urban planning through ecosystem service assessments, by exploring issues associated with the supply of, the access to and demand for ES by citizens. Through fully worked out case studies, from policy questions, tobaseline analysis and indicators, and from option comparison to proposed solutions, the book offers readers detailed and accessible coverage of outstanding issues and proposed solutions to better integrate ES in city planning. The overall purpose of the book is to provide a compact reference that can be used by researchers as a key resource offering an updated perspective and overview on the field, as well as by practitioners and planners/decision makers as a source of inspiration for their activity. Additionally, the book will be a suitable resource for both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in planning and geography.

This book discusses the identification of, solutions to, and management of threats to high population coastal cities and their seaports from global warming, climate change and endemic hazards. These include prevention of sea water intrusion of freshwater coastal aquifers, emplacement of barriers that mitigate the threats from sea level rise, and inundation of urban centers plus those from storm surges that cause flooding and salination of inshore terrain. The book assesses mitigation of the effects of extreme weather events such as drought, and major flooding from heavy rainfall on coastal urban centers, or on associated drainage basins. It also considers how coastal cities can counter vulnerabilities from other physical hazards (e.g., earthquakes - building codes) and health hazards (e.g., pollution, public health response - preparedness) that may be related to a city’s geological/geographical location andservice as a port of entry for goods and travelers (regional and international). The book also cites the high costs of safeguarding citizen and municipal assets, but notes possible sources of potential funding especially from less developed and developing nations. The book is written to give strong background information to students majoring in environmental sciences or those in other majors with interests in the effects of global warming/climate change, and will be of interest to social scientists, think tank personnel, government planners, and lay persons in environmentally oriented organizations.

This book presents the findings of a three-year study on urban heat in Doha, Qatar, and discusses guidelines and strategies for planning agencies to consider in the context of moderating temperatures to provide pedestrians with greater access to outdoor spaces and greater choice in modes of transport. If modifying urban form can reduce extreme temperatures in one of the hottest places on the planet, then perhaps other communities can learn how to create livable cities during a time of rapid changes to the climate. In fact, despite the periods of extreme heat, strategic planning and management of urban areas can improve residents’ and visitors’ ability to live, work, and move throughout the city comfortably. Doha, Qatar, a city with one of the most extreme climates on earth, has undergone rapid development over the past 40 years. Although cities in the Middle East are expanding at three times the international average (UN Report, 2012), the rapid populationand physical growth remain largely unexamined, particularly in terms of the unique conditions, qualities, and characteristics that give rise to these emerging centres. Speed, quality, and extent of urbanization impact neighbourhood-scale environmental conditions, and this book provides evidence that urban forms and materials can help to mediate temporal variation in microclimates and that landscape modifications can potentially reduce temperatures and increase accessibility to outdoor environments. By applying the lessons in this book, communities around the world can better adapt to the increasing frequency, duration and intensity of extreme heat.

This book discusses the impact of climate change on rural forest areas. It analyses data provided by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) to not only demonstrate that climate change has occurred in Portuguese forests, but also to suggest how forestry practices can be adapted to minimise its effects. In turn, the book distils data collected over several years into a comprehensive and coherent review of the ways in which the climate has changed in Portugal. It addresses the changes in rainfall, temperatures, and climatic anomalies, and how these changes correlate with effects such as rural forest fires. Though the text chiefly focuses on Portugal, the tools implemented are easily transferable to other countries and regions, making it relevant to readers around the globe. The book offers a valuable asset for students, researchers, foresters and those working at environmental (research) institutions.

This SpringerBrief brings together a series of studies that delve into the details of French and Israeli green building practices and tell a tale of two countries which deviates considerably from what first impressions might suggest. In-depth data analysis, interviews with stakeholders, and on-the-ground documentation are used to paint a portrait of green neighborhoods in both large and small cities, and to shed light on the diversity of outcomes and the intricate web of interests leading to each one.In the Israeli cases, these dynamics reflect the fact that the private sector has become increasingly dominant in the residential building field, following a decades-long process in which the welfare state has shrunk, and the government has distanced itself from large social programs.The French solution to this dilemma is to mandate the inclusion of subsidized housing within its ecoquartiers, with the declared aim of promoting a diverse 'social mix' of population.Green building has yet to prove itself as a solution for the masses. The sale price of an apartment in a certified green building is significantly higher than what would be justified by either the additional construction costs required to build it, or the energy and water saving potential that can be realized by using it. The tale of two countries presented here suggests that neither the mechanisms of the market nor the proclamations of a welfare state can easily overcome this dilemma. What is needed is a new type of thinking, which can only emerge once the concept of "value" reflects not only the realities of a free-market economy, but also those of a planet which turns out to be distinctly limited in its resources.

This book gives an insight into the evaluation of drought in Slovakia and provides an assessment of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a method suitable for an evaluation of drought in agricultural land. Dry seasons in the time series from 1960 to 2014 were determined according to the monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). The field research was carried out on 12 sites including western Slovakia, Prešov, Trnava and Nitra regions. Data collected from satellite imagery, climate data analyses and drought indices was analysed to determine the value of NDVI as an evaluation tool.

This book investigates various aspects of the phenomenon of atmospheric oxygen depletion, and summarizes our current knowledge of atmospheric oxygen. The authors address the currently available records indicating that atmospheric oxygen is undergoing nonlinear decline. The consensus in the research community is that the main reason for this decline is the combustion of fossil fuels (which is growing nonlinearly). However, the short length of the currently available records, alongside the technological and social uncertainties that may risk speed up oxygen depletion, raise questions about the time scale of the decline, in particular, when oxygen depletion may cause physiological impact on humans and animals. The authors analyze this uncertainty to postulate the near term impact of depleted atmospheric oxygen, and perform multidisciplinary complex modelling of oxygen with long-term horizon estimations.

This book discusses applied life cycle and supply chain management approaches for the sustainable development of tourism in Asian countries. The book describes the current state of the tourism industry in Asia from a perspective of sustainability, and analyzes the trade-offs between the three pillars of sustainability (environment, society, economy) as they pertain to the implementation of sustainable tourism. In 5 chapters, this book offers guidance for students, researchers and corporations interested in applying sustainability in tourism related activities.Chapter 1 introduces readers to the life cycle and supply chain approaches to driving sustainable development in tourism, and discusses the need for these strategies in the face of current issues with the tourism industry in Asia. Chapter 2 provides more details on the role of life cycle approaches in the sustainable development of tourism, including proper practices and implications. Chapter 3 presents how knowledge and best practices among stakeholders in the tourism sector can be shared. Chapter 4 discusses how promoting sustainable tourism can improve tourists' experience, and chapter 5 concludes the book by addressing how life cycle and supply chain approaches can be used together for tourism enterprises.

This book focuses on environmental footprints that have attracted considerable interest and discussion within academia, policy makers and the public as a tool to assess anthropogenic effects on the environment. It begins with an overview which provides a starting point for understanding the concept of environmental footprints. On the basis of a thorough investigation into the theoretical and methodological aspects of selected environmental footprints that have been widely adopted, a unified framework for structuring, categorizing and integrating various footprint indicators is established. Furthermore, the book brings clarity to the relationship between footprint analysis and life cycle assessment, and challenges the isolation of environmental footprints and planetary boundaries. The findings provide novel insights into the development of environmental footprints for environmental impact assessment and environmental sustainability assessment.

This book provides an overview of air quality in Albania evaluated by moss biomonitoring and metals atmospheric deposition. It is based on the concentration data onto 51 elements in moss samples collected during 2010/2011 moss biomonitoring survey conducted at the same time with European moss biomonitoring survey. The elements under investigation were determined by using ICP-AES and ENAA analytical techniques. Moss species Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw) sps., a carpet-forming bryophyte, was used as bioindicator of trace metal atmospheric deposition. The goal of this study was to identify factors leading to the high levels of trace metals in at-mospheric deposition in Albania, to identify the risk factors and the origin of trace metals in atmos-pheric deposition. It may help the policy makers and regulators to take proper decisions to protect the public health and the environment. The distribution pattern of the elements was visualized by using the geographic information system, GIS 10.2.The predicted trends of the distribution were calculated by using time series (linear model) and the areas with high concentration of certain met-als were suggested for monitoring and to be under control.

This book examines the Ecological Footprint and biocapacity accounting within an applied development content  for Costa Rica. By doing so, it is possible to track changes as well as perhaps link these to overarching global issues, such as trade, globalization, and food security, among other emergent topics based findings stemming from this methodology. Based on a timeseries since 1961, it is possible to track cross-temporal changes of land-type categories (for crop land, grazing land, forest land, fishing ground, built-up land, and carbon) of the Ecological Footprint and biocapacity conveying whether a country is in ecological deficit and what may be contributing to such a trend

This book analyses climate change influences on rainfall erosivity and soil erosion across Central Asia, provides an overview (past and projections) on the Central Asian countries where projected changes in rainfall erosivity and erosivity density are the greatest, and discusses the potential impacts on the environment across the region. This analysis is accomplished primarily using the RUSLE model with past and future climate projections, spatiotemporal variations of rainfall erosivity and soil erosion based on WorldClim, and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models (for Central Asia and separately Kazakhstan). The relationship between precipitation characteristics and erosion has been well established, but spatial and temporal projections of future rainfall erosivity in a changing climate in Central Asia have not been published significantly. Therefore, assessing rainfall erosivity and its consequences can assist specialists andresearchers in achieving the best practices for soil conservation. The result of this type of research is all-encompassing, and may reflect normal variations in other parts of the world (for example, the arid and semi-arid regions) and is inherently limited to the Central Asian region.

This book is the first comprehensive review of the subsurface monitoring theory and practice. It presents all aspects of a subsurface monitoring system SM-NI to be organized in impacted areas of nuclear industry enterprises. The content of the book covers the whole set of the SM-NI projecting and implementation issues – from the theoretical and regulatory framework, through the description of the sources of impact on geological environment to examples of use the SM-NI to solve environmental problems on the main types of environmentally significant nuclear industry enterprises. Development of the SM-NI was based on long-term research studies including modeling of pollutants transport in the geological environment.The book is intended for a wide range of nuclear industry employees and specialists in environment protection and radiation safety of nuclear industry enterprises. It might be useful for ecologists, students and postgraduates concerned about environment protection inthe field of nuclear technology

This book discusses land degradation in India using statistical tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Regression Analysis (RA), and uses statistical analyses and graphical representations of the causal relationship between land degradation and land productivity to determine linkages with deforestation, climate change and agricultural productivity. While most studies of land degradation in India focus on economic outcomes and physical processes at macro and micro levels, this study addresses land degradation at the meso-level to fill in this gap and provide up-to-date information on often overlooked factors associated with land degradation issues using the latest available data. Districts in the study were selected by land degradation intensity, forming an index of the severity of land degradation in the area, with a focus on gullied lands, soil salinity/alkalinity and open and dense scrubs as indicators. Though the study areas are in India, researchers, policy makers and students around the world will be able to learn from these inputs regarding land degradation to address various challenges associated with sustainable land management and agricultural productivity.

This open access book introduces readers to a new methodology for assessing the risks to the marine environment following accidental oil spills. The methodology will soon be implemented on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and will be complemented by guidelines for its use in a regulatory framework.  The brief book is intended to provide international readers with a basic grasp of what the ERA Acute methodology consists of, what its applications are, and the underlying impact and restoration models used in its development. The content is divided into three main parts: an introduction and overview of risk management applications for generalists at the management level, a model overview for generalist scientists, and a more detailed final section for risk assessment professionals, which presents the results of the validation and sensitivity testing.

This book investigates the consequences of mountaineering (hiking, trekking, climbing) on the natural environment. These consequences are divided into three groups: 1) transformations caused by the mountaineer’s, or other people’s, stay in a mountaineering region; 2) transformations caused by the mountaineer’s travel (movement) through a mountaineering region, with the consideration of the ground type (rock, rock and grass, grass, residual soil, snow, ice), and 3) transformations caused by the use of mountaineering equipment. Each of the three groups are examined individually for their direct interference with the environment, i.e. caused by the main activities of climbing, trekking and hiking (both for elite and mass mountaineering) and their indirect interference caused by auxiliary activity (mainly in the case of mass mountaineering). Auxiliary activity includes guide services, transport of equipment, use of base camp facilities and the delivery of artificial support equipment, andsupports the main activity. The consequences of mountaineering on the natural environment are characterized in terms of individual components of the environment (land relief, soil, vegetation, fauna, and landscape) and location/zone of mountaineering activity (hiking, trekking or climbing zone). Because of the connections and interdependence between particular components of the environment (biotic and abiotic), only preservation of each of them can bring the desired effect – a reduction in the negative impact of mountaineering. This book presents comprehensive research outcomes and serves as a platform for more detailed, future studies.

This book focuses on more than 100 years of climatic oscillation in Bengal Duars, a unique foothill landscape of the Eastern Himalaya, to discuss the dynamics of life and livelihoods of forest dependent communities towards climate change related impacts. The authors describe the struggles the people of this region face, including climate vulnerability, displacement, migration, and human-animal conflict, and provides a unique and comprehensive analysis of the interconnection between perceptions and responses of forest villagers for survival and adaptation to climate change. The book presents advanced quantitative methods and field-based studies applied in the region to help researchers and policy makers comprehend and measure potential and actual adaptation attitudes of the villagers, while also understanding the present challenges, risk patterns, and potential impacts climate change has on the natural environment and community life. The book will additionally be of interest to students and researchers in geography, forestry, ecology and environmental science.

This book introduces basic and practical information on fertigation to researchers, extension agents and growers.  To provide understanding of the basic issues regarding the appropriate selection of fertilizer injectors, fertilizer compounds used in fertigation for growing various field and horticultural crops. The book provides useful basic principles and practical information concerning fertilizer management and fertigation techniques of field, horticulture, and medicinal and aromatic crops. The book focuses on the agronomic value of fertigation practice and provides the reader with best practical advice required for successful fertigation based on the field experience. This book summarizes the basic principles and practices of fertigation techniques to ensure accurate and efficient crop nutrition. The book consists of 5 chapters covering the following topics: Introduction to chemigation and fertigation, selecting an injector for fertilizer/chemicalinjection, fertilizers for fertigation, major, secondary, and micronutrient fertilizers used in fertigation, and fertigation practices: Egyptian case study. It also includes appendixes for fertigation calculation examples, calibration of an injection pump, calculating the quantities of fertilizers needed for fertigation,  nutrients requirements per each ton of crop yield produced, macronutrient requirements for some filed, fiber, fruit, vegetable crops, and medicinal and aromatic plants.Fertigation is one of the smart practices that help attains sustainable food production and minimize environmental pollution. Fertigation is the application of dissolved mineral fertilizers, soil amendments, and other water-soluble products to the roots of crops through irrigation water. This book provides understanding of the basic issues regarding the appropriate selection of injectors and fertilizer compounds used in fertigation for growing various field and horticultural crops which are essential to attain higher productivity, increasing food security and reducing food contaminations. It also clarifies the advantages of fertigation and set solutions to overcome its disadvantages.