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By the winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Economics, an essential and paradigm-altering framework for understanding economic development--for both rich and poor--in the twenty-first century. Freedom, Sen argues, is both the end and most efficient means of sustaining economic life and the key to securing the general welfare of the world's entire population. Releasing the idea of individual freedom from association with any particular historical, intellectual, political, or religious tradition, Sen clearly demonstrates its current applicability and possibilities. In the new global economy, where, despite unprecedented increases in overall opulence, the contemporary world denies elementary freedoms to vast numbers--perhaps even the majority of people--he concludes, it is still possible to practically and optimistically restain a sense of social accountability. Development as Freedom is essential reading.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Environmental sustainability and climate change implications in the mountain ecosystems in general and mountainous regions of the Global South in particular are key concerns of the present-day world. In particular, the mountainous regions in the Global South are excessively being subjected to haphazard developmental activities making them vulnerable to all possible aspects of climate change. Ecologically fragile and biodiversity-rich (considered ¿hotspot¿ of biodiversity) Himalayan Region (HR) is subjected to high vulnerability due to climate change and unsustainable developmental activities. A major portion of the Indian HR, for instance, has gradually been endangered by intense environmental burden owing to rapid and haphazard urbanization, extreme weather events, etc. Unfortunately, environmental sustainability studies in many parts of the region are stillinadequate. Accordingly, in this book, the authors provide a detailed account of the Himalayas in the epoch of Anthropocene¿¿the most recent period in Earth¿s history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet¿s climate and ecosystems" (as defined by the National Geographic Society). It is no secret that the haphazard developmental activities in the Himalayas are having tremendous impacts on the local ecosystems. Many of such impacts are irreversible over the next hundreds of years and it should ring an alarm to all of us alike. Therefore, it becomes increasingly imperative that we document the existing anthropogenic challenges in the Himalayas, analyse them and find a way where environment and development can go hand in hand. This book is an attempt in that direction. The authors aim to address issues ranging from unorganized tourism practices to the big dams in the Himalayas and from mining and quarrying activities to climate change implications and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The book provides an overview of the Slow Onset Disasters (SLOD) in the urban built environment discussing potential strategies to assess and mitigate multiple climate change related risks. Climate change evidence has been reported in the last decades, suggesting that the anthropogenic activities are accelerating these changes towards a warmer and more polluted environment. In this context, SLODs have been linked to climate change related disasters and have been stated to have a higher impact risk within dense built environment (BE). Therefore, the book presents a description of the most relevant SLODs, their significance, and confluence, the way in which scientists and entities are monitoring their progression at different scales, a structured risk assessment strategy and the deconstruction of the BE characteristics that make it more prone to SLODs risk. In addition, it highlights the necessity of adapting the traditional risk assessment methods, to account for different vulnerabilitytypes, including the morphology and materiality of the BE, and the BE users¿ characteristics. In fact, individual features influence users¿ responses and tolerance to environmental stressors, because of age, health, gender, habits, and behaviour, thus impacting the users¿ vulnerability. Exposure can then amplify these issues, since it defines the number of users that can be effectively affected by the SLOD. Starting from this perspective, the book first traces literature-based correlations between individual features, use behaviour, and individual response to the SLOD-altered open spaces. Then, a novel methodology, to quantify the variations of users¿ vulnerability and exposure, is offered, to support designers in quickly defining input scenarios for risk assessment and mitigation. Lastly, it demonstrates, through a case study, the SLOD risk assessment framework proposed and the evaluation of the efficacy of risk mitigation strategies.

This contributed volume offers a wide variety of cases exploring how humanity can adapt to a changing climate. The volume features a wide variety of contributions from geographers, primarily in India but with plenty of global cases to provide a broad comparative perspective. A primary goal of this book is to bridge the gap from conceptual and data-driven analysis of climate change and adaptation to practical planning approaches and strategies. The book compiles contributions that address human well-being and environmental effects related to climate change, including analysis and modelling of ecosystem services, socio-ecological research and sustainable governance of ecosystems. Results reported in this book are conducive to a better understanding of the climate emergency, climate-related impacts and adaptation and mitigation strategies. The cases here also provide researchers with new examples of applications of vulnerability assessment methods. The volume offers insights regardingvulnerable areas in India, an exploration of how some regions have coped with these issues, and a discussion of the impacts that public policy has had on vulnerability in the regions studied. The focus on vulnerability will assist decision-makers in and outside India in targeting policies aimed at poverty reduction in agricultural communities as well. Though the cases here primarily focus on India, the methodologies presented here are transferable to many other parts of the world.

Digital technologies are playing a growing role in achieving the UN¿s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are both a tool both for achieving developmental outcomes and a driver of change. However, the use of digital technologies also entails certain legal challenges. The purpose of this book is to highlight these challenges and suggest solutions. Written by leading researchers from six countries, who analyse legislative solutions from around the world, it includes chapters on the benefits of asset tokenisation, the role of artificial intelligence in achieving sustainable development, legal issues in the green digital transformation, and human rights in a digital world. Through a mixture of fundamental analysis and real-world examples, readers will learn how emerging digital technologies can help achieve various SDGs and what legal challenges arise from their application. This important resource will be of interest to academics, government andlegal officials whose work involves the legal regulation of the introduction and use of new digital technologies, as well as sustainable development challenges. Legal experts engaged in the design of new legal infrastructures during the current phase of digital, climatic and social transformation in private, public and social organizations will also find it useful.

Environmental impacts created by the entire textile and fashion supply chain have been an important topic of discussion in recent decades. Different life cycle phases of a textile product from raw material extraction through manufacturing to consumer use and disposal are all responsible for various magnitudes of environmental impact. Mitigating the environmental impacts created by the textile manufacturing sector is of paramount import as manufacturing is a critical point to alleviate the impacts arising from the entire textiles and clothing supply chain. This contributed volume is meant to illustrate and draw useful conclusions from initiatives taken by the textile manufacturing sector and to identify key practices invented and being practiced by textiles and clothing manufacturers toward making the industry more sustainable.

Bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable and versatile building materials, driving the development of multiple techniques for its study and utilization. With new techniques to better analyze, comprehend, and exploit its uses, the plant can be used in numerous applications. From direct building material to composites, this book explores the latest developments in the application of bamboo in the sustainable construction industry.

This book provides a knowledge base of the existing indigenous and local water knowledge, values, and practices, and how this water knowledge can be mainstreamed into the decision-making process. The book not only demonstrates the perks of using indigenous knowledge but also illustrates the barriers and gaps that should be considered while planning for mainstreaming traditional knowledge and values at a local scale. The chapters incorporate case studies from various parts of the world demonstrating how indigenous, and religious and cultural values of water have translated into water use and conservation behavior among indigenous people ensuring resource sustainability over a long period of time. There has been global attention towards combining indigenous and local knowledge with new information and innovation to attain future water security. In this regard, this book is timely, relevant, and significant as it is the first attempt, as per the best of our knowledge, to publish a book that solely addresses indigenous and local knowledge, values, and practices regarding water management, quality monitoring, use, and conservation. With increasing emphasis on the inclusion of indigenous and local knowledge into natural resource governance and conservation by international agencies like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the proposed book will significantly contribute to the existing knowledge base and demonstrate the importance of mainstreaming indigenous water knowledge and practices into water governance and decision making. The UN SDGs, recognizing the significance of indigenous knowledge systems, emphasized its inclusion in most aspects and principles of SDGs. Apart from direct links with SDGs like zero hunger (SDG 2), no poverty (SDG 1), and climate action (SDG 13), indigenous and local knowledge system is considered to be directly connected to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). The book will be useful to researchers and students in the field of indigenous knowledge and education, water governance, community-level planning, and water sustainability. The book can be referred to for postgraduate courses and beyond, as well as policymakers, conservationists, non-governmental organizations, development practitioners, and local government officials.

This book discusses recent trends and concepts in the field of biorefinery. It discusses optimal and economic strategies for converting biomass to value-added products to maximize profits with minimal environmental impact with a sustainability approach. The chapters of the book are focused on the current technologies, techno-economical aspects, life cycle assessment, and case studies. The book is divided into three sections; the first section presents strategies for the production of biofuels like bioethanol, biomethane, biohydrogen, bio-oil, gasification, etc., from the biomass in a sustainable way. The second sections review the extraction of bioactive chemicals, phenolic antioxidants, enzymes, and carboxylic acid from the biomass residue. The last section examines the utilization of biomass for the production of bioactive materials, including biofertilizers, bioadsorbents, activated carbon, nano-materials, and pigments. This book explores the relation between biofuels and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7.

This book sheds light on systems that learn extensively, with purpose and naturally interact with humans. Improving operations and increasing competitive differentiation among manufacturing organizations by harnessing the power of cognitive abilities, IoT can help build and influence the flow of information¿making the shop floor more cognitive through effective processing, analysis, and operational optimization. Now we are seeing the first-hand potential of cognitive computing¿its ability to transform businesses, governments, and society. The real potential of the cognitive age can be realized by combining data analysis and statistical reasoning of machines with uniquely human qualities, such as self-directed goals, common sense, and moral values, improving operations and increasing competitive differentiation among manufacturing organizations. By harnessing the power of cognitive abilities, IoT can help build and influence the flow of information¿making the shop floor more cognitive through effective processing, analysis, and operational optimization. Cognitive initiatives come in all shapes and sizes, from change to strategy and everything in between. What most successful projects have in common, no matter how ambitious, is they start with a clear view of what technology can do. Therefore, the first job of a cognitive scientists is to gain a firm understanding of cognitive abilities, as presented in this book.

En parte una película documental de viaje, parte reportaje social inspirador y parte modelo de negocio motivador, Fomentando el Cambio es sobre la cruzada obstinada de un gerente medio reservado para cambiar el mundo del café. Durante sus 24 años en Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Rick Peyser ha sido una voz persistente incidiendo por una mejor calidad de vida en las comunidades productoras de café. Se ha unido a su amigo de muchos años y escritor Bill Mares para contar la historia de su carrera y de sus viajes alrededor de tierras cafetaleras en América Latina y África del Este. Una apertura de los ojos y conmovedor, Fomentando el Cambio es una historia que nos muestra la naturaleza indomable del espíritu humano y nos recuerda de los cambios dramáticos que son posibles cuando los individuos luchan por un mundo equitativo. El libro hace una crónica del irresistible viaje personal de Peyser y ofrece una visión interna fascinante de una de las compañías más exitosas en el negocio del café.

"Each of us one day will have to answer this question: What did I do to protect the planet for our children, grandchildren and so many species while we still had time?" - Jane Fonda (American actress, activist) We as humans think that our natural resources are infinite and we can be supported indefinitely. Where are we going wrong? How do we make sustainable amendments in our lifestyle? How to tread the planet more gently? All this and more. Sustainability explained through easy-to-understand and even easier-to-implement examples. This book will make you wonder why you didn't start much sooner! If you want to change the world You must change man. If you want to change man You must make him want to change. - Esther Gress (1921-2002) This book will make you want to change. Start with [I]

The book addresses the interdisciplinary and multiscale theme of the design of sustainable, inclusive and creative urban green spaces in relation to the socio-ecological transition and in line with the systemic vision promoted by the 2030 Agenda, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles outlined by the New European Bauhaus (European Commission, 2021). The publication refers to the International Study Day organized in June 2022 by the Unit for Internationalization of the PDTA Department of the Sapienza University of Rome, develops and updates its themes, with essays that deepen theories and methodologies pursued in specific disciplinary and research fields, and with case studies of design experiments and achievements that constitute best practices at an international level in the sign of a conscious sustainability.The book is therefore part of an international and interdisciplinary dialogue and discussion focused on the challenges of climate change, economic crises and social inequalities as well as the questions that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. These issues are fundamental in the rethinking and reconfiguration of the role of urban green spaces, conceived as a priority place for the existence of citizens, the archetype of European culture, the conservation of biodiversity, and the relationship with nature.

In the age of immediate technical expansion, our world faces a multifaceted challenge: ensuring the sustainability of our digital transformation. Governments and organizations have wholeheartedly embraced innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and e-governance, but in doing so, they have encountered a complex web of issues. These range from cybersecurity concerns in an increasingly digitalized world to the need for intelligent systems capable of managing automation infrastructure and interconnected environments. Sustainable Development in AI, Blockchain, and E-Governance Applications offers a forward-thinking approach that harnesses the synergy between intelligent systems, machine learning, deep learning, and blockchain methods. It explores data-driven decision-making, automation infrastructure, autonomous transportation, and the creation of connected buildings, all aimed at crafting a sustainable digital future. By delving into topics like machine learning for smart parking, disease classification through neural networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for smarter cities, this book equips academic scholars with the tools they need to navigate the complex terrain of technology and governance. Academic scholars and researchers in technology, governance, and sustainability will find this book to be an indispensable resource. It caters to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of current and future trends in the integration of intelligent systems with cybersecurity applications.

In today's business landscape, a pressing challenge looms large - the harmonious integration of digitalization, innovation, and sustainable development. As organizations grapple with the dizzying pace of digital transformation, they also confront the imperative of sustainability. Yet, the synergy between these two crucial facets remains uncharted territory, leaving a void in both academic discourse and practical application. Convergence of Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Business emerges as the much-needed solution to the complex interplay of digitalization, innovation, and sustainable development. Drawing from the insights of leading scholars and practitioners convened at the International Conference on Digitalization, Innovations, and Sustainable Development, this book offers a meticulously curated selection of papers that illuminate the path forward. For university professors, researchers, students, and industry practitioners, this book is an indispensable resource. It offers a multifaceted exploration of the intersection between digitalization and sustainable development, empowering organizations with a diverse array of digital innovative solutions and strategies. With topics spanning sustainable supply chain management, renewable energy innovations, smart cities, sustainable finance, and more, this book is poised to make a profound impact on academia and real-world decision-making processes.

The book offers a multi-scale, epistemically diverse, and sense-making perspectives on the food system. The book argues that sustainable food system transformation is a complex proposition that can better thrive upon the inclusion of consumer perspectives. The book brings together scholarly works of critical scholars and practitioners who bring to bear the uniqueness of places, cultures, histories and interactions in the milieu of food.

The purpose of this book is to discuss the challenges that have arisen due to petroleum hydrocarbon wastes, their harmful effects to the ecosystem, and limitations as well as improvement of current biological techniques¿ use for management of petroleum hydrocarbon wastes. This book focuses on the role of advanced green engineering technologies for sustainable petroleum waste management in building an economic supportable society as a basic need of developing countries. The rapid economic growth achieved in last decade has been paralleled by an increase in global energy consumption resulting generation of massive amount of industrial wastes. Petroleum wastes release through spillages and leakage from underground tanks, steamers, unplugging of oil wells, and abandoned oil refinery sites that cause extensive contamination of surface soils, groundwater, seas, and ocean resulting in ecosystem damage. Apart from these, petroleum industries release a significant amount of hydrocarbonwastes during processing of crude oil. Improper waste management technique of these petroleum wastes may cause a serious effect toward the living beings. The presence of these hazardous wastes in the environment will make vulnerable conditions to the aquatic as well as terrestrial life. Till date, a number of conventional techniques have been implemented to treat these petroleum hazardous wastes, but biological treatment is more efficient among all on basics of economic and environmental point of view. Bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and combinatorial bioaugmentation and biostimulation waste management strategies are implemented to treat these wastes. In addition to these techniques, biocomposting/biopile, land treatment, and bio-slurry methods have also been employed to reduce the endanger effects of petroleum wastes. Integrating waste management through environmental sustainability and economic development is one of the prime milestones in the circular economy. There is anexigent necessity for developing countries to go ahead toward a circular economy for achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.

This book analyses issues surrounding the efficient integration of demand response programmes in residential communities. It also explores the benefits and energy efficiency co-ordination corresponding to demand response service in a cooperative system. The author explains how sensors, communication technologies, computational ability, and control can be effectively combined to create a demand planification system. Smart appliances (SAs) and other connected devices, together with smart communities (SCs)¿which enable energy consumers to pursue common goals through cooperation and coordinated behaviour within the framework of the Internet of things (IoT)¿have raised expectations regarding deployment of the information and communication technologies (ICTs) to encourage uptake of demand response (DR) energy efficiency programmes. DR programmes pursue a reduced carbon footprint, balanced supply and demand, and behavioural change in consumers. The book provides sustainable evidence of ICT-supported energy management that can help consumers flexibly manage demand through the formation of sustainable SCs that maximise renewable energy use through large-scale cooperative management mechanisms. SCs cooperating securely in identifying consumption patterns can foster sustainable and efficient energy use, with the outcome of benefits for the participants and for the environment.

This book presents detailed descriptions of the most relevant sorbent based and solvent-based microextraction techniques. The development of such miniaturised techniques is an important focus area in Green Analytical Chemistry as it allows for the reduction of toxic solvents and hazardous substances and decreases the complexity, cost, and time of analytical procedures. Numerous advances have been made in this field, and currently, there are a great number of microextraction techniques thanks to the development of novel materials such as nanomaterials and green solvents. This book provides an overview of the two main groups of microextractions, sorbent-based, and solvent-based. Each chapter focuses on the description of the technique fundamentals, the main applications, and the novel developments carried out in recent years written by a renowned expert or group of experts in the field. The main audience will be graduates, postgraduates, and researchers. It is also a useful resource for Master and Ph.D. students that are working in the development of sustainable extraction techniques

Placemaking and cultural landscapes are worldwide multidisciplinary global concerns that cover many points of view of the common impacts of socio-economic cultural and rights jurisprudence planning, wellbeing and related advancements. Concerned with the complex interactions between the development and environment of those factors, it is important to seek ways, paths and implications for framing sustainability in all social activities. This book is mostly based on the 10th ACLA ¿ Asian Cultural Landscape Association International Webinar Symposium that took place during September 26¿27, 2020, in the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. It examines contemporary social¿cultural issues in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) and associated cultural and sacred landscapes. There, the emphasis is on awakening deeper cultural sensitivity in harmonizing the world and the role of society and spiritual systems, drawing upon multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural interfaces¿all within the scope of the future of the earth. The book¿s chapters add a new dimension of cultural understanding in the broad domain of emerging human geoscience, considered as key policy science for contributing towards sustainability and survivability science together with future earth initiatives.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices. The publication is needed at this time because the world is facing urgent environmental and social challenges, such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, which require a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems. The transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices offers a promising pathway to address these challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.The purpose of the publication is to provide a holistic and practical guide for policymakers, business leaders, investors, and other stakeholders who are interested in advancing sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices. The book covers a range of topics, including the drivers of the transition, policy frameworks and regulations, technology and innovation, business models and financial instruments, and the role of stakeholders in facilitating the transition. It also emphasizes the importance of integrated approaches that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives, and provides practical examples and case studies of successful sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices from around the world.The new contribution of this publication is its interdisciplinary and practical approach to sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices. The book draws on the latest research from various fields, including economics, engineering, environmental science, and social science, and provides a synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from a diverse range of stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. The publication also provides a roadmap for how stakeholders can work together overcome the challenges of the transition and create a more sustainable and equitable future.The book is a timely and essential guide for anyone who is interested in advancing sustainable development goals. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices and offers practical solutions and case studies from around the world. Its interdisciplinary and practical approach makes it a valuable resource for policymakers, business leaders, investors, and other stakeholders who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

This book is an interdisciplinary work that reveals the contemporary sustainability narratives in India within the context of various SDGs. Several case studies are presented, each of which sheds light on the challenges and constraints that are impeding the process of achieving SDGs and investigates potential long-term answers to socio-economic and environmental issues. Through empirical case studies from different parts of India, the book explores the current status of achieving sustainable development goals in India. The volume immensely benefits scientists, researchers, policymakers and practitioners as it offers a thematic and comprehensive understanding of challenges associated with mainstreaming SDGs at national, sub-national, and micro scales in India.

Sustainable Engineering: Concepts and Practices provides insights into current perspectives on sustainable engineering research. It highlights the drivers, motivations, and challenges affecting the development and adoption of sustainable engineering in various sectors of the economy and how they impact sustainable development. Contributions from researchers representing multiple branches of engineering in academia, government laboratories, and industry present alternative approaches to traditional engineering practices. These approaches effect change, making the design, construction, production, and management of products, processes, and systems more environmentally friendly, socially beneficial, and economically profitable. The book will be a trusted reference for graduate students, practicing engineers, and other professionals interested in developing or using sustainable products and systems.

This book demonstrates how humans can become sensitised to, and intervene in, environmental degradation by writing, reading, analysing and teaching poetry. For educational professionals engaged in teaching environmental, sustainability, and development topics, particularly from a humanities-led perspective.