• Energy Research
• IT close
• Italian close
• University of Bergamo close

The seriousness of the environmental crisis and the current debate on ecological problems are at the basis of this survey, which intends to take a frontline position in this theoretical research in an attempt to reduce the epistemological and philosophical vacuum surrounding the foundations of the ecological idea and its possible evolutionary pathways. Compared to movimentist environmentalism that seeks concrete solutions and is often challenged by the urgency of all the issues massed together in the current circumstances, a more deeply pondered theoretical approach should fully develop a systemic-relational vision, both with respect to scientific investigations on the physical-biological origins of the tangle of life, and to ethical-political perspectives in order to design projects for the future. The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the ecological issue in the light of the recent developments of sciences that study the behaviour and evolution of complex systems and that place the investigation in the web of interconnections to which the dynamics of life and evolution can be ascribed. Having ascertained how the prevailing models in modern tradition are inadequate in addressing the environmental emergency, an ecological vision of complexity restores the essential character of interdependent unity to the ecological systems. This is a major contribution not only for superseding the purely utilitarian objectives that currently prevail in economics and politics, but also for basing human development on values of social justice and collective solidarity that could redirect the course of future history along more desirable pathways. Despite the implausibility of supporting any direct applicability of the models of natural sciences to the social, political and economic ambits, an in-depth analysis of the natural lifecycles could help us open up to the prospect of a more realistic positioning and integration of the human species in the cosmos. In this regard, the horizon of complexity - understood as gathering together, connecting, placing in relation - could reawaken a systemic awareness capable of generating more sustainable and liveable social-economic balances.

Introduction The momentum towards the green economy; strongly focused on innovation; highlights the urgent need to anticipate the new and emerging health and safety risks in green jobs with a view to ensuring adequate; safe and healthy working conditions. The present study has conducted a survey among relevant stakeholders; social partners; institutions and green companies to collect their perceptions of potential effects of green jobs on occupational health and safety; with particular regard to the renewable energy sector. Methods An online questionnaire posted on the "Research Activity" section of the INAIL website was used to conduct the survey. It involved a sample of 61 stakeholders including institutions (11); trade unions (11); employers associations (13); companies (11); research (15). Questionnaire results have been uploaded to a database in Microsoft Excel format and analysed using SPSS version 16.0 for Windows. Results Most of respondents claim that the green transition poses new risks that can be managed with current risk management procedures (38;2% of responses) or think that renewables entail the same types of risks as other forms of energy but new risk management procedures are required (27;3% of responses). As regards the occupational health and safety risks associated with the production of sustainable energy sources; this study shows that wind; photovoltaic and solar thermal energy (41;2%) entail low health and safety risks. Medium risks have been identified in geothermal (47;1%); hydro power (44;1%) and biomass (38;2%). Discussion This study provides an objective analysis of green experts' perception of emerging and poorly investigated issues concerning the potential implications of green technologies in the field of occupational health and safety. The poor perception of workers' health and safety protection brought to light by the survey is due to a delay of the Italian political; scientific and industrial world in the assessment of potential risks for workers' health and safety posed by the introduction of new green technologies.