Seminar on "How academics can help, and influence, the climate change policy of governments and business"

School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong

Distinguished talk on Climate Change

How academics can help, and influence, the climate change policy of governments and business

Professor Tim Flannery

 

21 March 2012 (Wednesday)

It is the honor of the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, to have invited Professor Tim Flannery to deliver a talk on How academics can help, and influence, the climate change policy of governments and business at the University on 21 March 2012 (Wednesday), 3:30 – 5:00 pm. At the Talk, Professor Flannery will discuss the role universities and academics can play in improving understanding, developing solutions and influencing government and business policy.


It will be our pleasure if you find interest in the Talk. Attached please find an electronic flyer with the registration form. You may wish to note that the Talk will be held at a lecture theatre in CityU campus. The exact venue will be confirmed once the number of registrants is known by mid-March 2012. We will inform the registrants by email then. Registration is free and can be done online at http://www6.cityu.edu.hk/see/reg/tk20120321.asp or by fax/email.

 
Should you have any question, please feel free to contact Miss Michelle Wong, Executive Officer, at (852) 3442 9481 (tel) or mmswong@cityu.edu.hk (email).

For more information: http://cap.cityu.edu.hk/postEmail.aspx?ro=1&id=H6yF7jdeqzVFrtS%2fCY9Cqpy5eNcdgKXaJsC8QR9n7yd4Lc0S0Z0GaQ0bxfY14V0x7vLgWFqnwRmSvE6aTRknZcE9PIn2FdIfA7slCSYaU8A%3d

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Call for Papers, Review Articles and Special Issues

Environmental Policy and Governance

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment

Edited By: Andy Gouldson
Online ISSN: 1756-9338
Associated Title(s): Business Strategy and the Environment, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Sustainable Development
Call for Papers, Review Articles and Special Issues

Environmental Policy and Governance invites submissions of papers and proposals for review articles and special issues. 

* Paper submissions 
* Review articles 
* Special issues  
 * Notes for Authors

For more information: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291756-9338/homepage/call_for_papers__review_articles_and_special_issues.htm%20%20

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New Book: Regulatory Regimes and Risk in Asia: A Comparative Analysis of Mining Sector Governance by Terry O'Callaghan and Vlado Vivoda

 Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (February 18, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1461416167
• ISBN-13: 978-1461416166 
• Publication Date: February 18, 2012    

About this book  

* Provides the first region-wide study of mining regulation available  
* Develops a new framework for assessing regulatory performance  
* Puts forward a set of policy recommendations to assist regional governments and regulating agencies to improve the governance infrastructure of their mining sectors 

The mining sector is a major issue for most Asian governments as well as a controversial one, drawing criticism from indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations and politically-motivated elites. In addition, corruption and a lack of institutional capacity frequently plagues the sector. Despite significant resource wealth and positive regulatory reform over the past decade, investors have continued to treat the region with caution. Poor performance of the governance structures and non-performing regulatory regimes in the mining sector is behind the high level of risk for foreign mining investors and the low levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in many of these countries. The objective of this book is to identify key drivers for poor regulatory performance in six mineral-rich Asian countries (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines) and suggest particular causes of action to improve regulatory architecture in the region.

For more information: http://www.springer.com/social+sciences/political+science/book/978-1-4614-1616-6

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New Publication: 'Planetary boundaries’ — exploring the challenges for global environmental governance.

Author(s): Galaz, Victor., Frank Biermann, Beatrice Crona, Derk Loorbach, Carl Folke, Per Olsson, Måns Nilsson, Jeremy Allouche, Åsa Persson and Gunilla Reischl.

 

Reference: 'Planetary boundaries’ — exploring the challenges for global environmental governance. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 4 in press. 2012.

 

 Type: Articles

 

Abstract:

A range of studies from Earth system scientists argue that human activities drive multiple, interacting effects that cascade through the Earth system. Recent contributions state and quantify nine, interacting ‘planetary boundaries’ with possible threshold effects. This article provides an overview of the global governance challenges that follow from this notion of multiple, interacting and possibly non-linear ‘planetary boundaries’. Here we discuss four interrelated global environmental governance challenges, as well as some possible ways to address them. The four identified challenges are related to, first, the interplay between Earth system science and global policies, and the implications of differences in risk perceptions in defining these boundaries; second, the capacity of international institutions to deal with individual ‘planetary boundaries’, as well as interactions between them; third, the role of international organizations in dealing with ‘planetary boundaries’ interactions; and fourth, the role of global governance in framing social–ecological innovations.

Link:

Article in Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

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Public Lecture on 'Towards a low carbon transition for the energy system', Feb 23, 2012

Towards a low carbon transition

for the energy system

Introduction

Engineering Distinguished Lecture by Prof Geoffrey P Hammond

 

 

Date:23 Feb 2012

 

 

Time:17:00 - 18:00

Venue: T4, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Speaker: Professor Geoffrey P Hammond
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Founder Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (I-SEE) University of Bath, UK

Abstract:
Energy sources of various kinds not only affect human development, but also put at risk the quality and longer-term viability of the biosphere as a result of unwanted, 'second order' effects. These side effects give rise to potential environmental hazards on a local, regional and global scale. Consequently balancing economic and social development with environmental protection is at the heart of the notion of sustainable development. Electricity generation contributes a large proportion of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom (UK), due to the predominant use of fossil fuel (coal and natural gas) inputs. Indeed, the various power sector technologies [fossil fuel plants with and without carbon capture and storage (CCS), nuclear power stations, and renewable energy technologies (available on a large and small {or domestic}scale)] all involve differing environmental impacts and other risks. Three UK transition pathways for a more electric future out to 2050 have therefore been evaluated in terms of their life-cycle energy and environmental performance within a broader sustainability framework, applied on a ‘whole systems’ basis (from ‘cradle-to-gate’). It highlights the significance of ‘upstream emissions’ and their technological and policy implications. Lessons for the wider international energy community will be drawn based on this UK experience.

Speaker:
Professor Geoffrey Hammond is Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Founder Director of the University of Bath's Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (I-SEE), and also holds an Honorary Professorship in Sustainable Bioenergy at the University of Nottingham. His current research is focused on the technology assessment of energy systems and transitional pathways towards a low carbon future. He is the joint recipient of the Dufton Silver Medal and the George Stephenson Prize for publications in his field.

Please click on the following link for a full biography:
http://engg.hku.hk/pdf/Prof_Geoffrey_P_Hammond.pdf
To register, please visit the following web page:
http://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=18488&guest=Y

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2012 Chief Executive Candidates Environmental Policy Forum on March 3

In response to an appeal from the public, the three Chief Executive candidates – Albert Ho, C.Y. Leung and Henry Tang – have agreed to attend this Environmental Policy Forum. The Forum is intended as a platform for dialogue on environmental issues between the candidates and the public. Candidates will speak about their views on Hong Kong’s environment and related policies, as well as answer questions submitted beforehand and put to them by the audience during the session.
This forum concerns our city’s environmental future. Do not miss out!


Date: March 3 (Saturday)        Time: 08:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Wei Hing Theatre, The City University of Hong Kong


Facilitators:
- Professor Lam Kin Chi  (Director of Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, CUHK)
- Professor Ho Kin Chung  (Dean of School of Science & Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong)

Deadline for registration: February 20 (Monday)
For enquiries contact us at greenceforum2012@gmail.com
Green Groups’Position Paper submitted to the CE Candidates (PDF)

Website: http://www.greence.hk/

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2012 The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF)

Date: 29 -31 March 2012
Venue: Macao













The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) is a high-powered annual platform to promote solutions for a low carbon future, and sustainable urban development for cities. Initiated and actively led by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR), the exhibition and conference is strategically positioned to nurture business, technology and information exchange and co-operation between the Pan-Pearl River Delta region in Southern China and the international markets.

MIECF has been enjoying the special support of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China. MIECF is also co-organized by the provincial / regional governments of the 9+2 region of the Pan Pearl River Delta, namely Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hong Kong SAR. The strong support from the provincial governments cements MIECF as the business and networking platform for the move towards sustainable cities in the region and is attested by its continued visitor growth figures.

Organized by: Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the Peoples's Republic of China

For more information: http://www.macaomiecf.com/miecf2012/

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4th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE 2011) from 27-29 February

Date: 27-29 February 2012
Venue: Thailand

The Conference & Major Topics

The SEE 2011 Conference will cover both fundamental and applied aspects of different technological developments as well as policy and economic considerations under the 6 major topics described below:

Topic A: Bioenergy & Biofuels
Topic B: Renewable and low carbon energy technologies
Topic C: Energy efficiency
Topic D: Cleaner use of fossil fuels and emission control
Topic E: Energy and climate policy Topic F: Pollution and GHG emissions and mitigation

organized by: The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment
website: http://www.4th-see.com//

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2012 AECEN Regional Forum from 28-30 March 2012

Date: 28 Mar 2012 - 30 Mar 2012
Location: The Conrad Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

 

Sponsors: Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network; United States Agency for International Development; Institute for Global Environmental Strategies; Thailand Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Pollution Control Department; Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning

 

 

– 2012 AECEN Regional Forum –

Climate Change and Environmental Compliance in Asia:

Identifying Opportunities for Sharing Best Practices

 

Background
The Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN), a regional practitioner network dedicated to sharing improved policies and practices on compliance and enforcement in Asia, organizes a regional forum regularly to report on activity results, conduct regional training, transfer of knowledge and experience among members, and plan new activities. An overarching objective of all AECEN forums is to develop or improve effective strategies in national and regional replication of innovative approaches in environmental compliance and enforcement in Asia. The forum also affords members an opportunity to collaborate and learn from other international enforcement networks and development partners. To support and encourage improved opportunities for women in environmental compliance and enforcement, AECEN presents the AECEN Award for Outstanding Service and Commitment by a Woman at the forum.

 

Program Objectives
On 28-30 March 2012, the AECEN will convene its 2012 Regional Forum in Bangkok, Thailand hosted by the Thailand Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide principal funding support for the forum with assistance from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), the AECEN Secretariat from 2012.The primary objectives of the regional event are as follows:

1. Share best practices and build practitioner capacity on climate change and environmental compliance and enforcement in Asia;
2. Showcase innovative environmental compliance and enforcement policies and programs in Thailand which deliver climate change benefits;
3. Identify and strengthen effective strategies in national and regional replication of innovative approaches in environmental compliance and climate change in Asia;
4. Discuss a regional input to the Rio+20 event in Brazil in 2012;
5. Share results and network accomplishments for the year; and,
6. Present the 2011 Award for Outstanding Service and Commitment by a Woman.

For more information: http://www.aecen.org/events/regional-forum-2012

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Public lecture on "Seafood Sustainability"

Seafood Sustainability

Introduction

LOHAS 365 - 食盡海洋之海產滅門篇 (GE Public Lecture)

Date:15 Feb 2012

Time:18:30 -20:00

 Venue: K223, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong

Medium of Instruction: Cantonese
Summary: Dr. Allen To, an alumnus of HKU and a staff of WWF, will explore how seafood sustainability may help our ocean recover. He will overview the seafood purchasing system, from business to personal, as well as advising us on seafood selection in terms of healthy and sustainable development. This lecture is part of a General Education Course about LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability).

Please register at: http://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_regform.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=18501

Enquiry: 2241 5044 or gened@hku.hk

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International Conference on "Religious Response to Ecological Challenges"

Objectives
1. to explore the ecological insights in different religions
2. to present some innovative, relevant programmes and models before the public.
3. to arrange a common platform for environmental activists to share their ideas.
4. to discern the

Organized by: Nilackal St Thomas Church& Ecumenical Centre Trust

Website: http://www.nilackaltrust.org/

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Call for papers: Environment and Natural Resources Journal

Environment and Natural Resources is an English language journal published by the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Thailand.


Objective
Environment and Natural Resources is published as a central media to disseminate articles concerning the environment, natural resources, energy conservation, and related fields, with no philosophical or political bias.

Research and academic review essays published in Environment and Natural Resources are drawn from work conducted by Mahidol University and from papers submitted by external researchers with the aim of promoting awareness of environmental conservation and natural resource management for the benefit of society.

The views and interpretations expressed in the journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Editorial Board or the Executive Administration of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies.

Schedule
Environment and Natural Resources is published as a national periodical three times a year in April, August, and December.

Website: http://www.en.mahidol.ac.th/journal/index.php

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2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

ON

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

16-17 April 2012

Organized by:

Office of Research and Industrial Linkages

Universiti Teknologi MARA (Perak)

Introduction

The main goal of this conference is to present and discuss new innovation and technology to conserve, sustain and manage our built environment in various discipline.

Professionals, Academicians, Research scholars and Post Graduate students are invited to present their original work and experience as technical paper in the conference under the related topics. The paper should not have been presented before in any other National or International Conference/ Journal.

For more information: http://www.perak.uitm.edu.my/ncitsbe2012/

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2nd Annual District Energy Asia Summit from 13-14 February

Date: February 13 - 14, 2012
Venue: Beijing, China


As the only international event of its kind in China, District Energy Asia is a premium platform that gathers policy makers, investors and operators for district heating, cooling and CHP projects from China and throughout Asia. Topics at this premium conference cover energy highlights from China’s 12th five-year plan and its impact for district energy market

Website: http://www.districtenergyasia.com/Event.aspx?id=598844&MAC=DL

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2012 1st Journal Conference on Environmental Science and Development from 7-8 April

Date:  April 7-8, 2012
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

2012 1st Journal Conference on Environmental Science and Development (JCESD 2012 1st) aims to provide a forum for researchers,  pactitioners, and professinals from the industry, academia and government to discourse on research and development, professional practice in  environmental science and development. JCESD 2012 1st  will be held in Bangkok, Thailand During April 7-8, 2012. It is one of the leading international conferences for presenting novel and fundamental advances in the fields of environmental science and development. It also serves to foster communication among researchers and practitioners working in a wide variety of scientific areas with a common interest in improving environmental science and development related techniques.

All submissions will be peer reviewed and evaluated based on originality, technical and/or research content/depth, correctness, relevance to conference, contributions, and readability. Submissions will be chosen based on technical merit, interest, applicability, and how well they fit a coherent and balanced technical program. 

For more information: http://www.ijesd.org/jcesd/1st/

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New Book: Handbook of Climate Change and India: Development, Politics and Governance by Navroz K Dubash

Handbook of Climate Change and India: Development, Politics and Governance
Edited by Navroz K Dubash
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN-10: 1849713588 | ISBN-13: 978-1849713580
Publication Date: November 14, 2011 | Edition: 1

Description:
How do policymakers, businesses and civil society in India approach the challenge of climate change? What do they believe global climate negotiations will achieve and how? And how are Indian political and policy debates internalizing climate change? Relatively little is known globally about internal climate debate in emerging industrializing countries, but what happens in rapidly growing economies like India’s will increasingly shape global climate change outcomes.

This Handbook brings together prominent voices from India, including policymakers, politicians, business leaders, civil society activists and academics, to build a composite picture of contemporary Indian climate politics and policy. One section lays out the range of positions and substantive issues that shape Indian views on global climate negotiations. Another delves into national politics around climate change. A third looks at how climate change is beginning to be internalized in sectoral policy discussions over energy, urbanization, water, and forests. The volume is introduced by an essay that lays out the critical issues shaping climate politics in India, and its implications for global politics.

The papers show that, within India, climate change is approached primarily as a developmental challenge and is marked by efforts to explore how multiple objectives of development, equity and climate mitigation can simultaneously be met. In addition, Indian perspectives on climate negotiations are in a state of flux. Considerations of equity across countries and a focus on the primary responsibility for action of wealthy countries continue to be central, but there are growing voices of concern on the impacts of climate change on India. How domestic debates over climate governance are resolved in the coming years, and the evolution of India’s global negotiation stance are likely to be important inputs toward creating shared understandings across countries in the years ahead, and identify ways forward. This volume on the Indian experience with climate change and development is a valuable contribution to both purposes.

For more information: http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/books/details/9781849713580/

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Seminar on China Energy Issues in the 12th Five Year Plan and Beyond Conference from 23 -24 February

Dates: 23 – 24 Feb, 2012
Location: Traders Hotel

Abstract:
The Chinese government is changing its thinking about its long-term economic and energy development strategies. The 12th Five Year Plan (FYP), spanning 2011 to 2015, is said to be the country‟s “Rebalancing Blueprint”, intended to spur a fundamental policy shift. With a clear focus on clean energy, the 12th FYP includes targets for developing energy efficient technologies, increasing the share of renewables and reducing emissions, carbon intensities and pollution. The policy framework is likely to be more sophisticated than in the past, with the phasing in of market-based mechanisms and greater „bottom-up‟ measures in the provinces and cities. This conference will examine the economic, environmental and security aspects of China‟s energy and carbon mitigation strategies and discuss the outlook beyond China‟s 12th FYP.

For more information: http://www.esi.nus.edu.sg/eventitem/2012/01/25/china-energy-issues-in-the-12th-five-year-plan-and-beyond-conference-(-23---24-february-2012)

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“European Experiences in Promoting Sustainability” by Prof. dr. Jacqueline Cramer on 14 Feb 2012

Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability (IEES)

requests the pleasure of your company at a Seminar

by

Prof. dr. Jacqueline Cramer

Professor in Sustainable Innovation, Utrecht University

Director of the Utrecht Sustainability Institute

Former Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, The Netherlands

on

“European Experiences in Promoting Sustainability”

on Tuesday, 14 February 2012 at 4:30pm

at

Cho Yiu Hall

G/F, University Administration Building

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Shatin, the New Territories

Professor Cramer will describe the evolution of implementing sustainable development within industry, government and society at large. She will dwell upon the past, present and future of sustainability. By taking a historical perspective (from the 1970s onwards), she will show how the role of industry, government and society has changed over time and how the focus has shifted from environmental pollution to sustainability. The lecture will also address current sustainability issues inEurope.

Source and  Registration: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/cpr/lectures/cramer

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