Post-doctoral Research Opportunity

May 14th, 2012

At least two new post-doctoral positions are to open up, starting August 2012, at Northeastern University to expand capabilities in analysis and modeling of urban sustainability challenges. Specific topics for research may include, but will not be limited to urban resilience; urban adaptation to global change; urban material and energy use; and urban climate, public health and environmental justice.

Qualified applicants must have completed by August 2012 a PhD in geography, urban studies, civil and environmental engineering, ecological economics, industrial ecology or a related field, and possess strong analytical skills and relevant modeling experiences (e.g. dynamic modeling, econometrics, GIS) as demonstrated by prior coursework, dissertation, and publication record. Solid understanding of one or more of the following is highly desirable: complex system dynamics; climate change economics and policy; regional science; and urban systems analysis.

For more information and to apply, see the following link: https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/19695

Tags: civil engineering, dynamic modeling, Ecological Economics, Econometrics, georgraphy, GIS, idustrial ecology, Northeastern University, Post-Doctoral Position, urban studies
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1st Interdisciplinary Symposium on Sustainable Development

May 4th, 2012

Which transition for our societies?

31st January and 1st February 2013, Namur, Belgium

Call for Papers

Context:

Our societies are currently in the grip of a systemic crisis. We are indeed witnessing an environmental crisis, with climate change caused by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, an unprecedented loss in biodiversity and an overall depletion of natural resources. The world is also undergoing an economic crisis, with tensions in the long-term supply of raw materials and energy, an amplification of the financial crisis affecting both banks and States and an increased number of bankruptcies. Finally, all this is amplified by a social crisis, with fears of not obtaining permanent jobs and growing worries about the quality of life.

The nature and magnitude of this crisis raise several questions and call for an in-depth reflection on the functioning of our societies and their transition towards a more sustainable path. More particularly, this implies conceiving new ways to use and to produce energy and a complete rethink as to land use, housing and transportation means. Also worth considering will be what forms farming, finance, computer technology, chemistry, teaching, research and collective modes of organisation will take on in a post-carbon society.

Science alone cannot solve all the challenges brought about by this crisis. However, it can provide accurate data on the situation and point out the critical zones; study and assess the parameters of alternative scenarios; analyse and conceive technologies as well as political, legal and social devices which would allow society to initiate the required transition.

In this perspective, the present symposium aims to:

• encourage scientific approaches which are likely to offer breakthroughs along different aspects of the systemic crisis through their far-reaching vision of sustainable development and a critical positioning regarding the present dominant paradigms;
• promote an interdisciplinary approach in general and the opening of economics to other scientific disciplines in particular. Innovation actually requires cross-fertilisation between disciplines as well as a systemic approach;
• enhance the recognition of scientists working on sustainable development.

Symposium themes:

The overarching theme of the symposium is to analyze how the concept of transition ties in with the notion of sustainable development. Accordingly, contributors will be asked to address at least one of the following questions in their manuscript: What are the issues that justify a transition? Which kind of transition and how to put it in place? Is it scientifically, economically and socially achievable? What are the barriers? What positive experiences are there?

More specifically, contributions must tie in with one of the six areas proposed for the parallel sessions:

A. Specific sessions

1. Global commons: Energy, climate, biodiversity (particularly stock-based versus flow-based economy; energy thresholds and peaks in resources – fossil fuels, rare earths, metals, phosphorus, wood, fishing resources; implications for production patterns and our lifestyles – consumption and transport; prevention of and adaptation to systemic crises; management of public goods …)
2. Food, agriculture and animal farming: (human and environmental health; organic food; fossil fuel free farming; interdependence between living organisms; relationship to the biosphere ; promotion of producer-to-consumer schemes; access to land; urban agriculture, …)
3. Housing and land-use planning: (transport, renovation of existing buildings, transition towns, housing location regarding access to services, gentle mobility, intermodality …)

B. Cross-sectoral sessions

1. Transition models: Sustainable development (SD), prosperity without growth, green capitalism or degrowth? (drawbacks and shortcomings of each of these concepts; role of indicators, currency and finance; SD and social justice ; ethical issues).
2. The role of public authorities in the transition: What kind of governance? How to induce behavioural changes? Which policies for supporting technologies? Law and public policy developments (legislative assessment, impact assessment, integration principles, advisory councils; embedding SD into national constitutions and international treaties; SD and fundamental rights).
3. Transition and non-governmental actors: Role of the various stakeholders: citizens, consumers, workers, large institutions, social movements; scientific research, education, culture, media; participatory democracy and modes of collective intelligence.

These parallel sessions will last 3 hours. Presentation of the papers by one the authors will be followed by a discussion involving at least one person active in the field.

Submission guidelines:

Abstracts should be 2 pages long (Arial, 11pt) and must be submitted in Word format to submission@congrestransitiondurable.org. They should provide the following elements:

• Author’s name, e-mail and affiliations
• Author’s scientific background
• Theme chosen from the six proposed themes
• An indicative reference list

Abstracts should also address the following four aspects:

• theoretical frameworks
• diagnosis
• explanation of data (such as indicators)
• mention of successful experiences.

Echoing the main title of the symposium, interdisciplinary contributions will of course be favoured. If relevant, specific attention to the North-South dimension is welcome. Abstracts will be reviewed by two referees. Upon acceptance, authors will have to submit their full paper in accordance with the standards that prevail for scientific articles. Papers should have a length of minimum 5000 words and maximum 10000 words. It is also possible to submit a proposal for the poster session (to be mentioned in the submission). For this specific session, special attention will be paid to submissions by young researchers. A collection of all the contributions will be distributed in paper format to the participants at the beginning of the symposium. The scientific committee is considering selecting the best papers in view of a collective submission to a peer-reviewed international journal.

Important dates:

Abstract submission deadline: 1st June 2012
Notification of acceptance: 2nd July 2012
Full paper submission deadline: 1st October 2012

In the weeks following the full paper submission, minor modifications may be requested from the authors with reference to their publication in the aforementioned collection.

General information:

The 1st Interdisciplinary Symposium on Sustainable Development is organised with the support of the Walloon Minister of Sustainable Development and Research. This symposium is co-chaired by the Professors Jean-Pascal van Ypersele (Université catholique de Louvain) and Marek Hudon (Université libre de Bruxelles). This is an international scientific symposium which also seeks to encourage the participation and the involvement of both decision makers and civil society.

Scientific Committee: Pr. Christian Arnsperger, Pr. Isabelle Cassiers, Dr. Gauthier Chapelle, Pr. Johan Eyckmans, Pr. Marek Hudon, Pr. Pierre Lannoy, Dr. Kevin Maréchal, Pr. Sybille Mertens, Pr. Delphine Misonne, Dr. Pierre Ozer, Pr. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele et Pr. Edwin Zaccai.

The academic secretariat of the symposium is coordinated by Dr. Kevin Maréchal.

For further information, please look at the symposium website www.congrestransitiondurable.org or write to info@congrestransitiondurable.org

To read this in French click here.

Tags: Interdisciplinary Symposium; Namur Belgium; call for papers; February 2013
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Senior Research Leader/Reader in Sustainable Development

May 2nd, 2012

ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

STOCKHOLM ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE (SEI)

Senior Research Leader/Reader in Sustainable Development (Ref: 2326)

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) York Centre in the Environment Department at the University of York is seeking to appoint an intellectually exciting and highly competent Senior Researcher/Reader to lead research within the Rethinking Development theme of SEI.

We are looking for candidates with expertise in the broad field of SEI’s Rethinking Development Theme “identifying alternative pathways to sustainable futures”. The ideal candidate will be a leading authority in their field with a strong track record in journal publication and research funding and will lead an established team, foster strong research partnerships, raise research income and influence policy.

The appointment would be at grade 8, or as a Reader for those candidates with an outstanding record of research leadership with a strong international profile. For interested candidates, there would also be an opportunity for involvement in the BSc and MSc programmes within the Environment Department.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Johan Kuylenstierna, Tel: + 44 1904 32 2897, Email: johan.kuylenstierna@york.ac.uk or Elena Dawkins Tel: + 44 1904 32 4403, Email: Elena.dawkins@york.ac.uk.

Salary will be within the range £45,486 – £52,706 a year for appointment at Senior Research Leader level and £45,486 – £55,908 per annum for appointment at Reader level. The post will be full time however reduced hours may be considered.

Closing date: Wednesday 20 May 2012.

Interview date: 15 June 2012

For further information and to apply on-line, please visit our website: https://jobs.york.ac.uk. Alternatively contact HR Services on +44 (0)1904 324835.

The University of York is committed to promoting equality and diversity.

Tags: Johan Kuylenstierna, senior research leader; Univeristy of York, Stockholm Environment Institute, Sustainable Development
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Sustainable Innovation 2012 – Call for Papers Deadline

April 26th, 2012

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Are You a Future ISEE Conference Organizer?

April 20th, 2012

ISEE holds its conference biennially. These conferences normally attract 500-900 social and natural scientists. In 2010 we met in Oldenburgl, in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro.

For 2014 we are now looking for individuals / groups who might be interested in applying for organizing a conference. Organizing a conference is an opportunity to highlight the profile of a research group (or several groups in a country). ISEE offers advice based on past experience and key points have been summarised in a conference handbook. We encourage people with enthusiasm for the field of ecological economics and for bringing people together.

If you are interested, please send an Expression of Interest by June 15, 2012 to Roldan Muradian (R.Muradian@maw.ru.nl) / Secretariat@ecoeco.org.

1. Contact information of point person and other already committed members of the local organizing committee (LOC) (individuals and groups in the host location or country willing to help organizing the conference). List all individuals that you would like to involve in the conference committee and any staff resources for local assistance in organizing the conference logistically.
2. Proposed location: Please identify a suitable meeting venue that can accommodate conference participants. The proposed meeting facilities must be able to accommodate the following: Plenary sessions, about 10 concurrent sessions, poster and exhibition area, information and registration desk, receptions, catering area and other potential functions, such as computer and internet access, student workshops, and other small meeting rooms.
3. Accessibility and lodging: Please describe transportation and lodging options and ease of conference site. The location of the conference venue should be reasonably accessible for international and national participants and not too costly or time-consuming. Accommodation should be available in broad price and quality ranges for all conference participants.
4. Finance, potential sponsorships and in-kind support: The LOC is responsible for all financial aspects linked with the administration and organization of the conference that should be self-financing. Next to conference registration fees, sponsoring and in-kind support may play an important role. It is advisable that the LOC organizes fund-raising activities: financial, scholarships, and in-kind contributions towards the conference are welcome. Please describe your ideas in this respect.
5. Amenities of the location: including restaurants, arts, recreation and other attractions.
6. Sustainability and environmental advantages: please list the advantages your site and conference can offer in this area. This can refer to offerings by local hotels, food and waste options, (public) transportation, etc.
7. Previous experience in organizing scientific meetings or conferences: Please list events, responsible individuals / groups (who are also members of the ESEE conference LOC) and participant numbers.

A proposer is not expected to have firm answers to all questions at this stage. However, these items are important as a first checklist for you and for the ISEE Board to decide upon future ISEE conference venues. A final decision for the conference venue of ISEE 2014 is expected to be taken by December 2011. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Tags: ISEE Conference, ISEE Conference 2014, Roldan Muradian
Posted in News - ISEE | 2 Comments »

Professor in Environmental Economics

April 16th, 2012

The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University (AU), Denmark, invites applications for a position as full professor in environmental economics to strengthen and expand the research capacity and the research-based consultancy and teaching activities within the area of environmental social sciences. The position is to be filled by June 1st 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

The Department of Environmental Science

The Department of Environmental Science is a newly established and highly interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Science and Technology at Aarhus University. The expertise ranges from physics, chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, and computer science, to social science, geography, economics and policy analysis. Both basic and applied research is conducted on some of the major challenges facing society, such as pollution and pollution control mechanisms, management of soil, water, air and biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, climate change, and energy systems. Currently, about 130 staff and PhD-students are working at the department, however, this number is expected to increase to 160-170 within the next four to five years. Further information may be found at http://www.au.dk/en/about/organisation/departments/departmentofenvironmentalscience (the website is under construction).

The professor will be affiliated with the Section for Environmental Social Science, employing 20 staff. The section conducts interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of environmental economics, political science and sociology. The strategic aims of the section include bioeconomic modelling, the economics of ecosystem services, and the understanding of actions and actors in policy formulation and implementation.

Description of the position

The professor in environmental economics is expected to strengthen the research in environmental economics at the department and

• Take a leading role in the establishment and consolidation of a strong externally funded research program in environmental economics
• Develop and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration within the department and bridge with other faculties at AU, as well as with national and international universities and research groups
• Supervise graduate (Master and PhD level) students in their research projects
• Contribute to the teaching of graduate courses and to the development of a new education in environmental science
• Contribute to advisory activities of relevant regulatory authorities.

The department is particularly interested in strengthening the research activities in the area of ecosystem services assessments, valuation of non-market and market goods and services, cost-effectiveness and cost-minimisation analysis and modelling, as well as integrated modelling using econometric methods, optimisation models and welfare economic assessment methods.

Particular issues are costs and benefits of environmental policies to deal with air pollution, water and soil quality, toxic substances, solid waste, biodiversity, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), risk assessment and health.

Qualification requirements

The successful candidate has strong research background in environmental economics and a strong background in applying quantitative methods, including econometrics and modelling. Experience in applied and empirical work on spatial and integrated modelling, valuation and ecosystem service assessments is preferable. The qualifications must be documented by a considerable number of published contributions in international high-quality research outlets.
A demonstrated research leadership and ability to define and manage research projects is expected. A successful record of external research funding is also expected. Capability and interest in developing educational programmes within the Danish higher education system is preferable, as is familiarity with advisory activities of regulatory authorities.

The successful applicant must be involved in international and national networks of researchers and have an ability to provide inspiration and guidance for other researchers and colleagues at the department. The position requires a highly motivated scientist who is comfortable working in teams.

Foreign candidates are expected to learn Danish.

Work location

The place of work will be at AU in Roskilde, Denmark. The city of Roskilde (www.roskilde.dk) is located close to Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits. Within about 5 years, the department is expected move to Copenhagen.

Filing of the application

Applicants are expected to add additional value to our existing research and educational programmes and propose viable plans for further developing them. Therefore, the application (written in English) should contain:

• A short (1 page) letter of intent
• A 2-3 page statement describing your research expertise and interests, including a description of how you envision you will be able to strengthen the research, consultancy and teaching at the department
• A detailed CV, including description of previous employments, history of grant support, and consultancy experience
• A teaching portfolio (may potentially be included in the detailed CV)
• A list of publications
• Documentation of academic degrees (university transcripts of diplomas)
• Reprints of your five most significant international peer-reviewed articles
• Names and e-mail addresses of three academic references that may be contacted

Please note that the evaluation of eligibility will be based solely on the submitted material.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Head of Department Dr. Niels Kroer (nk@dmu.dk; +45 871 58 701) or Head of Section Dr. Berit Hasler (bh@dmu.dk; +45 871 58 637).

Formalities and salary range

The Faculty of Science refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). The recommended level of detail.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Deadline

All applications must be made online and received by 13 May 2012.

Please apply online

http://science.au.dk/en/positions-and-fellowships/academic-positions/

Aarhus University offers an inspiring education and research environment for 40,000 students and 11,000 members of staff, ensuring results of a high international standard. The budgeted turnover for 2012 amounts to DKK 6.2 billion. The university’s strategy and development contract are available at www.au.dk/en.

Tags: aarhus university, au, bioeconomic modlling, Denmark, Environmental Economics, Professor
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PhD position available at the University of Iceland

April 10th, 2012

PhD position available at the University of Iceland Assessment of the environmental cost of geothermal utilization.

A PhD position is available at The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences as well as the School of Social Sciences at the University of Iceland

Objective:

The aim of the project is to develop and test a methodology that can be used to evaluate economically the environmental cost of geothermal utilization.

The project is funded by the Icelandic Research Council, through the GEORG research cluster, and is a collaborative project between the University of Iceland, EFLA and Reykjavik Energy.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a masters degree in e.g.: economics, environmental sciences, earth sciences, or engineering. Work or research experience related to environmental economics or assessment of the environmental cost of development projects such as power plants, is considered a plus. In addition to education, applications will be evaluated based on research interests, prior experience and knowledge related to geothermal energy and references.

The duration of the position is for three years, beginning as soon as possible.

How to apply:

For more information please contact Dr. Brynhildur Davidsdottir (bdavids@hi.is) at the University of Iceland. All applications should be sent to the Division of Human Resources, University of Iceland, Main Building at Sudurgata, 101 Reykjavík or to starfsumsoknir@hi.is, before April 31 2012. All applications will be answered and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made.

Tags: EFLA, GEORG, Icelandic Research Council, Natural Sciences, PhD Position, Reykjavik Energy, School of Engineering, Social Sciences, University of Iceland
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PCF World Forum Easter Egg

April 9th, 2012

PCF World Forum Easter egg: Overview of worldwide initiatives in carbon/environmental footprinting.

Happy Easter from the PCF World Forum team, which will return on Tuesday, 10 April!

As you may know the PCF World Forum has closely followed developments around international initiatives in carbon and environmental footprinting and is now also integrating developments on renewable resource use (energy and materials) in products and value chains, all in the ambition to contribute to low carbon and overall sustainable production and consumption.

We are happy to now share the PCF World Summit companion, which includes an overview of worldwide initiatives on the above mentioned issues. You can also find a description of these initiatives and videos from representatives on the PCF World Forum website in the "Initiatives" section, www.pcf-world-forum.org/initiatives, including videos from representatives of most of the initiatives.

The inventory of initiatives is by no means complete and we will continuously add further initiatives to the PCF World Forum website. Please be invited to suggest further relevant initiatives to be included in the inventory.

Tags: carbon footprint; environmental footprint, PCF World Forum, pcf world forum easter egg
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Political Ecology, Environmental Justice, and Conflicts

March 27th, 2012

Summer School and Workshop on
Political Ecology, Environmental Justice, and Conflicts

Barcelona, July 2nd – July 11th 2012

Course (July 2^nd – July 11^th 2012)

This course (in English, for masters and doctoral students) (20 hours of lectures, 2.5 ETCS) examines the global movement for environmental justice and focuses on socio-environmental conflicts at different scales and in different forms. The course is based on lectures and discussions and will also use videos and other materials prepared by ICTA/UAB researchers on their own research. The course is linked to some of the European research projects at ICTA: EJOLT, ENGOV, CLICO and URBLIV.

The course is divided into three parts: a first introductory section on theoretical underpinnings of environmental justice and conflicts, a second section presenting and discussing cases and dimensions of environmental conflicts (including climate justice, hydric justice, mining, oil and forest resources conflicts, and urban conflicts) and a third section on mechanisms to address and redress environmental injustice and inequalities.

The course can be taken for credit and is recognized by the European Transfer Credit System. It will be taught by Isabelle Anguelovski, Marco Armiero, Stefania Barca, Robert Bullard, Giorgos Kallis, Joan Martínez-Alier, David Szablowski, Jesus Ramos Martin, and associated ICTA researchers. Course sessions will take place at the UAB in Cerdanyola del Vallès, close to Barcelona.

International Workshop on Environmental Justice
and Conflicts (July 5th and 6th)

The workshop will be organized around keynote presentations and three roundtables. Speakers for the workshop include Stefania Barca, Robert Bullard, David Pellow, Lisa Sun-Hee Park, Peter Newell, David Szablowski and Rikard Warlenius. It will take place at La Pedrera, a building designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí in the Eixample district of Barcelona.

Roundtable 1: Conducting Environmental Justice (EJ) studies: challenges of methods and approaches (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods; action or collaborative research vs. individual research; rural versus urban research; and multidisciplinary research)
Roundtable 2: The breadth of environmental justice research: What is EJ scholarship? What is the role and place of conflicts (open and latent) in EJ studies? What are the cutting-edge and relevant types of EJ studies?

Roundtable 3: Needed and future directions for EJ research. What issues need to be examined? What are the theories that require further development? Where does EJ start and where does it stop? How can we incorporate feminist approaches? How can we move beyond the North South divide and engage in critical comparative research?

Course + Workshop fee: 350€

Workshop only, including materials and coffee breaks: 40€

Deadline for Application: April 30th 2012. Please send CV + one-page cover letter to
Julien.Brun@e-campus.uab.cat

For more information, check the website
www.environmentalconflicts.com
or email Isabelle.Anguelovski@uab.cat

Tags: Barcelona, CLICO, conflicts, EJOLT, ENGOV, environmental justice, ICTA, obra social, political ecology, Summer School, UAB, URBLIV
Posted in Short Courses | 1 Comment »

Joan Martinez-Alier Interview

March 16th, 2012

Interviewed by Lorenzo Pellegrini

Joan Martinez-Alier has been Professor of Economic History and Institutions at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona since 1975. He was Director of the Doctoral Programme in Environmental Sciences at ICTA-UAB between 1997 and 2009, where he helped to create a strong international group on ecological economics and political ecology. He studied economics as an undergraduate at the Universitat de Barcelona and agricultural economics as a graduate student at the University of Oxford. He received his PhD from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. During his career, he has been Research Fellow at St Antony’s College, Oxford, and has held visiting positions at Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Sao Paulo), Freie Universit¨at Berlin, Stanford University, the University of California (Davis), FLACSO (Ecuador) and Yale University. He was a founding member, member of the board and president of the International Society for Ecological Economics. Professor Martinez-Alier is member of the editorial board of Ecological Economics, Environmental Values, Journal of Agrarian Change and Journal of Peasant Studies. He is the author of numerous renowned books and articles (see the selected list below) that have contributed to illuminating the relationship between economic systems, resources (materials and energy) and social issues. A foundational contributor to the development of ecological economics, he has also engaged with social movements at the local and international scale.

To read the complete interview click here.

Tags: Joan Martinez-Alier; lorenzo pellegrini; insitute of social studies, online library, wiley
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