NationsUniversity

Questions of engagement loom large for the use of genetic modification technologies in conservation. As scientific teams rapidly move towards implementing changes that will fundamentally alter entire species, concerns are regularly raised that associated engagement activities are inadequate. It is therefore vital to take stock of recent social research that critically examines how engagement is being enacted: who is engaged and by whom, how and on what terms, and for whom or what those processes serve. Despite a rise in calls for engagement, our review shows emergent gestures towards engagement by developers and regulators lean strongly towards narrow instrumental approaches that reinforce knowledge hierarchies and existing power imbalances. It contributes to engagement practices that are often vague and tokenistic, and focused on one-way education and snapshots of opinion, rather than mutual reciprocity and dialogue. To counter these undercurrents, our review draws attention to the ways social researchers are seeking to reorient engagement for genetic modification towards its more substantive and democratic possibilities, through articulating process, amplifying plurality, and acknowledging contestation.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental, economic, and health impacts of climate change already being felt by vulnerable countries. It features personal stories from local pastoralists, peasant farmers, youth activists, and vulnerable workers worldwide, highlighting the human side of climate change. The book presents the work that the Climate Vulnerability Forum (CVF) and its V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) have done to push for urgent global cooperation on the climate crisis. Detailed case studies from many CVF-V20 countries illustrate the need for adaptation and resilience and offer a blueprint for action that can be followed by others. The book offers invaluable insight for students of environmental studies and economics, Earth sciences, human and political geography, and political science, as well as for activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Translucent facade systems with a high percentage of glazing are currently being designed. During the warm season, buildings with such facades experience overheating of the premises and increased energy costs for air conditioning. Energy-saving glazing with various coatings is used in such facades to regulate heat gain from solar radiation. Energy-saving glazing reflects part of the heat gain from solar radiation both in the cold and in the warm season. In the construction calculations of the coefficient of natural illumination of the premises of buildings, the reflective properties of the facade decoration are also taken into account. Domestic and foreign researchers are developing methods that take into account the influence of the reflected component of solar radiation on heating and lighting of rooms. Due to the fact that data on the reflection of solar radiation by energy-saving glazing are widely used in these calculations, it is necessary to update the background information on their properties in a timely manner, as well as to have an indicator for assessing the applicability of a particular type of coating in a given climate, which is considered in this paper.

Abstract In response to the ongoing biodiversity crisis among arthropods, it is essential to implement efficient conservation strategies to safeguard both species diversity and the vital ecosystem services they provide. Developing such strategies requires reliable predictive models that can identify the species that are the most vulnerable to current and future threats, including those posed by climate and land-use change. Species life histories are central to these models, as they influence both population dynamics and spread rates. To support this effort, we compiled a dataset with key traits for arthropods based on several literature sources and expert knowledge. The dataset contains data on body size, life history, thermal niche and ecology for 4874 northwestern European species across 10 different orders. By gathering these essential trait data, we aim to create a robust foundation for predicting species vulnerability and anticipating shifts in arthropod communities in response to global change.

ABSTRACT This paper explores the concept of e-resilience in educational systems, particularly in Public Affairs Education, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate the drivers and challenges faced by actors from an educational system perspective, which is conceptualized by adjusting Bronfenbrenners’ ecological model using dimensions of Technology, Human, and Intersections and levels Macro, Meso and Micro, during this global shock. Utilizing a multiple case study approach across Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa, the Netherlands, and the United States, we examine e-resilience through 36 group interviews involving 41 students, staff, administration, and program directors. Our findings reveal that challenges within the technological system impact overall system performance, while human-level challenges disrupt learning and pose greater obstacles for the system. Despite these challenges, each context exhibits various drivers, providing insights for building more robust educational systems. By better understanding the dynamics of e-resilience within each educational system context, we can enhance educational systems in the face of unprecedented shocks.