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In this article, a framework is suggested to deal with the analysis of global environmental risk governance. Climate Change is taken as a particular form of contemporary environmental risk, and mobilised to refine and characterize some salient aspects of new governance challenges. A governance framework is elaborated along three basic features: (1) a close relationship with science, (2) an in-built reflexivity, and (3) forms of governmentality. The UNFCCC-centered system is then assessed according to this three-tier framework. While the two-first requisites are largely met, the analysis of governmentality points to some institutional weak spots.

In this article, a framework is suggested to deal with the analysis of global environmental risk governance. Climate Change is taken as a particular form of contemporary environmental risk, and mobilised to refine and characterize some salient aspects of new governance challenges. A governance framework is elaborated along three basic features: (1) a close relationship with science, (2) an in-built reflexivity, and (3) forms of governmentality. The UNFCCC-centered system is then assessed according to this three-tier framework. While the two-first requisites are largely met, the analysis of governmentality points to some institutional weak spots.

In this paper we present a study on the use of remote sensing data combined to the 3D modeling of radiative transfer (RT) and energy balance in urban canopies in the aim to improve our knowledge on anthropogenic heat fluxes in several European cities (London, Basel, Heraklion, and Toulouse). The approach is based on the forcing by the use of LandSAT8 data of a coupled radiative transfer model DART (Direct Anisotropic Radiative Transfer) (www.cesbio.upstlse.fr/dart) with an energy balance module. LandSAT8 visible remote sensing data is used to better parametrize the albedo of the urban canopy and thermal remote sensing data is used to enhance the anthropogenic component in the coupled model. This work is conducted in the frame of the H2020 project URBANFLUXES, which aim is to improve the efficiency of remote-sensing data usage for the determination of the anthropogenic heat fluxes in urban canopies [5].

In this paper we present a study on the use of remote sensing data combined to the 3D modeling of radiative transfer (RT) and energy balance in urban canopies in the aim to improve our knowledge on anthropogenic heat fluxes in several European cities (London, Basel, Heraklion, and Toulouse). The approach is based on the forcing by the use of LandSAT8 data of a coupled radiative transfer model DART (Direct Anisotropic Radiative Transfer) (www.cesbio.upstlse.fr/dart) with an energy balance module. LandSAT8 visible remote sensing data is used to better parametrize the albedo of the urban canopy and thermal remote sensing data is used to enhance the anthropogenic component in the coupled model. This work is conducted in the frame of the H2020 project URBANFLUXES, which aim is to improve the efficiency of remote-sensing data usage for the determination of the anthropogenic heat fluxes in urban canopies [5].

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the use of external support for the adoption of resource efficiency practices and the extent and profitability of this adoption by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). We distinguish between direct financial support and indirect support in the form of advice and consulting services related to the adoption of resource efficiency practices. We use data from the 2013 FLASH EUROBAROMETER survey of a sample of European manufacturing SMEs. Our results show that the effects of the adoption of resource efficiency practices on production costs are higher among firms that receive external financial support for adoption, as well as among those firms that adopt a wide set of process reengineering measures for resource efficiency. However, external technical and business advice plays an important role in the extent of adoption of different resource efficiency measures.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the use of external support for the adoption of resource efficiency practices and the extent and profitability of this adoption by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). We distinguish between direct financial support and indirect support in the form of advice and consulting services related to the adoption of resource efficiency practices. We use data from the 2013 FLASH EUROBAROMETER survey of a sample of European manufacturing SMEs. Our results show that the effects of the adoption of resource efficiency practices on production costs are higher among firms that receive external financial support for adoption, as well as among those firms that adopt a wide set of process reengineering measures for resource efficiency. However, external technical and business advice plays an important role in the extent of adoption of different resource efficiency measures.

How moving beyond GDP will improve well-being and sustainability. Never before in human history have we produced so much data, and this empirical revolution has shaped economic research and policy profoundly. But are we measuring, and thus managing, the right things—those that will help us solve the real social, economic, political, and environmental challenges of the twenty-first century? In Measuring Tomorrow, Éloi Laurent argues that we need to move away from narrowly useful metrics such as gross domestic product and instead use broader ones that aim at well-being, resilience, and sustainability. By doing so, countries will be able to shift their focus away from infinite and unrealistic growth and toward social justice and quality of life for their citizens. The time has come for these broader metrics to become more than just descriptive, Laurent argues; applied carefully by private and public decision makers, they can foster genuine progress. He begins by taking stock of the booming field of well-being and sustainability indicators, and explains the insights that the best of these can offer. He then shows how these indicators can be used to develop new policies, from the local to the global. An essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers, Measuring Tomorrow covers all aspects of well-being—including health, education, and the environment—and incorporates a broad range of data and fascinating case studies from around the world: not just the United States and Europe but also China, Africa, the Middle East, and India. (Publisher's abstract)

How moving beyond GDP will improve well-being and sustainability. Never before in human history have we produced so much data, and this empirical revolution has shaped economic research and policy profoundly. But are we measuring, and thus managing, the right things—those that will help us solve the real social, economic, political, and environmental challenges of the twenty-first century? In Measuring Tomorrow, Éloi Laurent argues that we need to move away from narrowly useful metrics such as gross domestic product and instead use broader ones that aim at well-being, resilience, and sustainability. By doing so, countries will be able to shift their focus away from infinite and unrealistic growth and toward social justice and quality of life for their citizens. The time has come for these broader metrics to become more than just descriptive, Laurent argues; applied carefully by private and public decision makers, they can foster genuine progress. He begins by taking stock of the booming field of well-being and sustainability indicators, and explains the insights that the best of these can offer. He then shows how these indicators can be used to develop new policies, from the local to the global. An essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers, Measuring Tomorrow covers all aspects of well-being—including health, education, and the environment—and incorporates a broad range of data and fascinating case studies from around the world: not just the United States and Europe but also China, Africa, the Middle East, and India. (Publisher's abstract)