Ecological Transition Research Articles

The rights of nature and the human right to nature: an overview of the European legal system and challenges for the ecological transition

Introduction: The recognition of the Rights of Nature has been established though several constitutional, legislative, and judicial enactments, which aim to provide legal protection for non-humans’ entities and natural systems. Although some countries have made progress in recognizing the rights of nature, the prevailing assumption remains that nature is a resource to be exploited for human benefit. In the context of ecological transition debates, it is important to understand how the European legal system perceives Nature and its rights. Achieving a significant shift in legal and cultural norms that prioritize nature’s protection may be challenging.Methods: This paper reports on research conducted in a sample of 6 countries within the PHOENIX consortium, a European H2020 project that aims to develop participatory methodologies and democratic innovations to facilitate the ecological transition as envisioned by the European Green Deal, whose objective was to find out how these countries embodied the Rights of nature into their legal systems, both at constitutional level and at the level of environmental and related laws and policies.Results: The results indicate that in legislative terms, concepts of nature are absent, and instead, the term environment or natural resources are used. Furthermore, rights of nature are rarely recognized in all countries, with anthropocentric and in instrumental views prevailing. In contrast, the human right to Nature is widely recognized in all countries, referring to the right of all individuals to access to and live in a healthy environment.Discussion: Despite the importance of the human right to Nature as a matter of equity and justice, failure to recognise the rights of nature and protect/respect its limits may constitute a potential barrier to ecological transition.

When ecological transitions are not so infrequent: Independent colonizations of athalassohaline water bodies by Arcellidae (Arcellinida, Amoebozoa), with description of four new species.

The salinity and humidity barriers divide biodiversity and strongly influence the distribution of organisms. Crossing them opens the possibility for organisms to colonize new niches and diversify, but requires profound physiological adaptations and is supposed to happen rarely in evolutionary history. We tested the relative importance of each ecological barrier by building the phylogeny, based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) sequences, of a group of microorganisms common in freshwater and soils, the Arcellidae (Arcellinida; Amoebozoa). We explored the biodiversity of this family in the sediments of athalassohaline water bodies (i.e. of fluctuating salinity that have non-marine origins). We found three new aquatic species which represent, to our knowledge, the first reports of Arcellinida in these salt impacted ecosystems, plus a fourth terrestrial one in bryophytes. Culturing experiments performed on Arcella euryhalina sp. nov. showed similar growth curves in pure freshwater and under 20g/L salinity, and long term survival at 50g/L, displaying a halotolerant biology. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all three new athalassohaline species represent independent transition events through the salinity barrier by freshwater ancestor, in contrast to the terrestrial species, which are monophyletic and represent a unique ecological transition from freshwater to soil environments.

Consumers’ awareness of the ethical issues associated with textile materials in the context of the ecological transition

The ecological transition requires the transformation of consumers’ practices. However, for this transformation to occur, consumers must first be aware of the impacts of their practices. This article aims to understand how such awareness is achieved, through the study of textile materials in clothing. The analysis of 21 interviews conducted twice reveals the stages of the awareness process of textile materials. Reflection (moving from lived experience to representations) and then disadaptation (events creating a discrepancy between reality and representations) lead to conceptualization, from which the ethical issues involved gradually emerge. The first level of awareness concerns the impacts of textile materials on the durability of clothing. The second level concerns their impacts on the living world. These results, which fall within the scope of Transformative Consumer Research, provide guidelines to support changes in consumers’ practices toward a more ethical consumption.

Functional Duplication of the Short-Wavelength-Sensitive Opsin in Sea Snakes: Evidence for Reexpanded Color Sensitivity Following Ancestral Regression

Abstract Color vision is mediated by ancient and spectrally distinct cone opsins. Yet, while there have been multiple losses of opsin genes during the evolution of tetrapods, evidence for opsin gains via functional duplication is extremely scarce. Previous studies have shown that some secondarily marine elapid snakes have acquired expanded “UV–blue” sensitivity via changes at key spectral tuning amino acid sites of the Short-Wavelength Opsin 1 (SWS1) gene. Here, we use elapid reference genomes to show that the molecular origin of this adaptation involved repeated, proximal duplications of the SWS1 gene in the fully marine Hydrophis cyanocinctus. This species possesses four intact SWS1 genes; two of these genes have the ancestral UV sensitivity, and two have a derived sensitivity to the longer wavelengths that dominate marine habitats. We suggest that this remarkable expansion of the opsin repertoire of sea snakes functionally compensates for the ancestral losses of two middle-wavelength opsins in the earliest (dim-light adapted) snakes. This provides a striking contrast to the evolution of opsins during ecological transitions in mammals. Like snakes, early mammals lost two cone photopigments; however, lineages such as bats and cetaceans underwent further opsin losses during their adaptation to dim-light environments.

Application of the neural network approach to predict the efficiency of the use of ecological neutrality transition technologies by power plants

The issues of improving the environmental friendliness of power plants are relevant in Russia and in the world. The objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing heat losses in cooling towers are important. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is relevant for both the urban economy and public health. Reducing thermal energy emissions from power plants within the city is also relevant, because. improves the quality of life of residents and guests of the city, reduces the load on air conditioning in summer, allows you to direct the released electrical energy to the development of the urban economy. There are many technologies that can be used to effectively utilize the thermal energy of cooling towers. The article presents those of them that have shown their technical and economic feasibility. The task of predicting the effects for a particular plant is complicated by the need to temporarily shut down part of the generating capacity, which is unacceptable for the city’s power supply system. Therefore, predictive models based on artificial neural networks are becoming the main tool. The assumptions used in solving problems of this class are shown, an example of a set of input factors is given, and the resulting errors are shown. It is shown that the combination of technologies for the transition to environmental neutrality of power plants can become the center of attraction for many urban projects that can increase economic efficiency, increase the number of jobs, develop import-substituting industries, and increase the efficiency of land use around generation facilities that were previously operated insignificantly.

Mechanical and Environmental Performances of Warm Mix Asphalt with Reclaimed Asphalt and Plant-Based Binder

Abstract The environmental challenges facing society today are forcing the road construction industry to tackle the twin challenges of decreasing consumption of nonrenewable raw materials and limiting its carbon impacts. Yet, roadworks can deliver some genuine environmental benefits, along with low greenhouse gas emissions, by becoming a carbon sink. Recycling very high proportions of road construction materials and gradually incorporating bio-based products into their composition is now a proven solution. To this end, Eiffage Route has developed a range of plant-based binders, suitable for recycling, which incorporate a high proportion of materials recovered from existing pavement. This article reviews the so-called Biophalt innovation that won the 2019 award presented at the Road and Street Innovation Committee established by the Transport Infrastructure Department of the French Ministry of the Ecological Transition. It consists of a warm mix asphalt (WMA), including a high amount (>30 %) of recycled asphalt and a plant-based patented binder, suitable for any type of traffic. Both environmental and mechanical performances of Biophalt, assessed through SEVE TP modeling and several mix design studies carried out in the framework of different jobsites, are presented. They underline the “carbon sink” properties of the bio-based WMA as well as its compliance with standards defined by the norms of the French asphalt mix design method. It thus demonstrates Biophalt’s ability to combine both sustainability and excellent mechanical characteristics.

Investigation of the possible valorization of dredged sediments in compressed earth blocks

The construction sector is currently facing an environmental challenge and construction materials with low CO₂ emissions are needed. In view of this ecological transition, earth constructions are an interesting solution given their low environmental impact and their hygrothermal properties. On the other hand, the ports must be regularly maintained by dredging operations in order to provide the necessary water depth for navigation. This induces huge amounts of sediments that should be valorized as they cannot be discharged in the sea with the evolution of dredging practices laws. This study investigates the potential use of “Arcachon Bay” dredged sediments in South West France in Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB). Several sediment samples were collected from eight different locations along the bay to take into consideration their variability. The characterization of the sediments has been conducted in a cross way by laboratory and field tests to provide a feedback on the limitations and the complementarity of the two approaches and improve the current practices. The correlation between geotechnical and field tests has been also analysed. The field tests allow the characterization of sediments through sensory and cohesion tests such as appearance, smell, plasticity, clay content, cigar, pellet, shine, hand washing and adhesion. The conducted laboratory tests were wet sieving granulometry, sedimentation, Atterberg limits, Organic Matter (OM) content and Methylene Blue Value (MBV). The GTR classification has been also determined and the results showed that most of the sediments are silty clay of class A2 or A3. Based on those data, the compliance of these sediments with the CEB manufacturing recommendations is analysed. Several mix optimization techniques have been proposed to improve the mechanical properties such as adapting the granulometry by adding sand or opting for a chemical stabilization. In addition, a machine learning model based on a dataset collected from the literature has been developed to predict the compressive strength of CEB and optimize the mix and fabrication conditions.

Social Enterprises – a Key Factor in Strengthening Cohesion and a Fair Transition

Abstract The European Union is facing an increasing concern related to numerous social and environmental issues (climate change, precarious conditions of society supported by a regressive living condition, as well as the uneven effects expected in the context of the green and digital transition) that reinforce calls for solutions that could address all these shortcomings as comprehensively as possible. Social enterprises are seen as the tool that could face the challenges of our times on a three-dimensional level, addressing economic, social, and environmental problems at the same time. These are even more important for the European model as they prioritize social value and development as a driving force for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Social entrepreneurs are a part of civil society that have chosen to be actively involved in solving the issues that surround us by promoting innovative business models that support a sustainable and harmonious development. Policy makers must create a unified framework at European level regarding social enterprises and strengthen their role in the European economy by including in the main EU policies that would support their financing and development. Therefore, the objective of this article is to examine how social enterprises could act to ensure the premises of an inclusive ecological transition, as well as to stimulate discussion and research on the topic of social enterprises.

The Ecological Transition of Women Peasants’ Movement and the Changing Multispecies Relationship in the Age of Climate Crisis

The Ecological Transition of Women Peasants’ Movement and the Changing Multispecies Relationship in the Age of Climate Crisis

Energy and Environmental Justice in China: Literature Review and Research Agenda

Energy and environmental justice (EEJ) is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the social, economic, and political dimensions of energy and environmental transitions. Studying EEJ in China is crucial as the country accelerates its transition towards environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality, highlighting the need for the development of more equitable energy and environmental policies. This paper offers a comprehensive review of academic research on EEJ in the Chinese context. Our review indicates that Chinese EEJ scholarship has identified instances of injustice in China's energy and ecological transitions and highlighted specific characteristics, including regional disparities, urban-rural inequality, and the disproportionate impact on migrant populations. However, the tendency to apply Western justice principles (e.g., distributive, recognition, and procedural justice) undermines the appreciation of the diverse and contextual interpretations of justice-related research in China. Furthermore, there is a lack of critical justice research that explores the root causes of injustice in China. The review suggests that future research can advance theoretical development by conducting cross-cultural studies, while also adopting a more critical approach that foregrounds the role of power in reproducing injustice. This review is useful for those interested in researching the social justice dimensions of energy and ecological transitions in China.

Multi-Criteria Life-Cycle Assessment of bus fleet renewal: A methodology with a case study from Italy

To decarbonize the transport sector, national and local government have introduced policies to incentivize the replacement of old diesel-powered vehicles with new clean-fuel ones (e.g., battery electric, hydrogen fuel-cells). This paper focuses on both the economic and ecological transition of local public transit (LPT) bus fleets. A methodology based on a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach of both costs and environmental impacts is proposed to identify suitable pathways for the renewal of the existing buses: these are compared using a multicriteria decision matrix. The application to the Italian basin of the provinces of Como, Lecco and Varese (with about 860 operating buses almost all equipped with diesel engines) has allowed to validate the approach for both the urban and the ex-urban context. In the urban context, the study has shown that the full-electric scenario has the lowest environmental impact since there are zero tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG) are lower than all the other scenarios. For the ex-urban service, that is characterized by medium and long-distance routes, a “full-electric” scenario is not yet feasible, considering that long-range BEBs having sufficient battery autonomy to guarantee efficient operations on medium-long distance routes are not yet widely marketed. Liquefied natural gas-powered buses could be a suitable solution in these contexts, however it was found that they have even worse environmental performances compared to diesel buses (+14% GHG emissions and more than doubled direct emissions). Hybrid electric vehicles would be an option for decarbonising ex-urban LPT, but the costs of the transition in such direction should be considered with care.

P-460 The Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on Climate Change : The French Case

Abstract Study question How much tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) are generated by Assisted Reproductive Technologies in France in a year ? Summary answer It is estimated that Assisted Reproductive Technologies generated 55 691 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in France in 2022. What is known already Since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). Created in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. On December 12th 2015, 196 Parties adopted The Paris Agreement at COP 21 (Paris), a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The French health sector is only beginning to measure it's carbon emission footprint. Study design, size, duration This study was conducted in Poissy/Saint-Germain-En-Laye Hospital during the year 2022 in the Department of reproductive medicine and biology. Greenhouse gas emissions were classified into three scopes. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions divided into four categories : stationary combustion, mobile combustion, fugitive emissions, process emissions. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions, including both upstream and downstream emissions (separated into 15 categories). Participants/materials, setting, methods Every couple that required IVF or ICSI (including donors) during the year 2022 was included in this study. Number of personnel, transportation of patients, total medication prescribed, electricity consumption and medical furnitures were considered for the calculus of total emissions. Emission factors to calculate carbon emission were taken on the Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME) database. Extrapolation to all of France's ART clinics was possible using the BioMedical Agency (ABM) 2020 report on ART activities. Main results and the role of chance Assisted Reproductive Technologies generated 55 691 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in France in 2022 from 30 963 ICSI and 15 674 IVF procedures. We estimate that every oocyte retrieval procedure generated 1.19 tCO2e (ICSI and IVF). Department of Reproductive Medicine and Biology of Poissy/Saint-Germain-En-Laye (PSGEL) generated 796 tCO2e from 666 oocyte retrieval procedures (449 ICSI, 217 IVF), representing 1.43% of all IVF and ICSI in France. Electricity consumption at PGSEL generated 1 051 tCO2e based on a total of 14 200 kw/h (average price of 0.1740 euros) in 2022. Drugs prescriptions (758 069 euros) and Furniture (194 648 euros) at PGSEL generated respectively 409.584 tCO2e and 61.314 tCO2e in 2022 . 32 members of medical and non-medical at PGSEL staff generated 320 tCO2e in 2022. Transportation of patients to PGSEL generated 4.44 tCO2e in 2022. This is the first study to report an estimation of the carbon emission footprint of French ART. Limitations, reasons for caution Not all data was available (CO2 emissions created by the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Asia) or taken into account (waste management, anesthesia type, hospital construction, etc). Fertility preservation procedures were not considered in our calculations. Results are therefore an under-estimation of real CO2 emissions. Wider implications of the findings French Healthcare was responsible for 46 MtCO2e (8% of national total) in 2021. The biggest impact we can have in ART to lower our carbon footprint is optimise the pharmaceutical supply chain of drug manufacturing and use recycled materials for drug packaging (plastic, glass, aluminium, steel) as much as possible. Trial registration number not applicable

The multi-level regulation of clownfish metamorphosis by thyroid hormones

Most marine organisms have a biphasic life cycle during which pelagic larvae transform into radically different juveniles. In vertebrates, the role of thyroid hormones (THs) in triggering this transition is well known, but how the morphological and physiological changes are integrated in a coherent way with the ecological transition remains poorly explored. To gain insight into this question, we performed an integrated analysis of metamorphosis of a marine teleost, the false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). We show how THs coordinate a change in color vision as well as a major metabolic shift in energy production, highlighting how it orchestrates this transformation. By manipulating the activity of liver X regulator (LXR), a major regulator of metabolism, we also identify a tight link between metabolic changes and metamorphosis progression. Strikingly, we observed that these regulations are at play in the wild, explaining how hormones coordinate energy needs with available resources during the life cycle.

Integrating Competency Approach in Arts Education through Project Activity

The article examines natural science competencies according to normative documents and standards in Bulgaria, aimed at the preschool-age child’s ecological transition and sustainable development. That is an ecological transition that supports the preschool-age child in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for a more sustainable life, the so-called "sustainability competences" described in the European sustainability competence framework GreenComp2). It creates a condition for changing consumption patterns. It directs the public's attention to adopting a healthier lifestyle in harmony with the environment. The content parameters of the preschool-age children’s natural science competences in orientation in the surrounding world have been outlined. Special attention has been paid to their manifestation in the 6 – 7-year-old child by means of digital photography, guided by the idea that photography is regarded not only as a visualization technique, but also as a subjectively significant activity for the child in their orientation in nature.

Development of the 6 – 7-Year-Old Child’s Natural Science Competences through Technologies

The article examines natural science competencies according to normative documents and standards in Bulgaria, aimed at the preschool-age child’s ecological transition and sustainable development. That is an ecological transition that supports the preschool-age child in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for a more sustainable life, the so-called "sustainability competences" described in the European sustainability competence framework GreenComp2). It creates a condition for changing consumption patterns. It directs the public's attention to adopting a healthier lifestyle in harmony with the environment. The content parameters of the preschool-age children’s natural science competences in orientation in the surrounding world have been outlined. Special attention has been paid to their manifestation in the 6 – 7-year-old child by means of digital photography, guided by the idea that photography is regarded not only as a visualization technique, but also as a subjectively significant activity for the child

The ecological transition of the extreme energy events experiment

The need for reducing the emission of gases, potentially contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, has impacted many fields, including scientific research. The Extreme Energy Event (EEE) collaboration started, already several years ago, a series of tests aiming at finding a more eco-friendly replacement for the gases used in the Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) of its network.These tests identified a promising binary gas mixture, and data taking has begun with a subset of the telescopes of the EEE network, making EEE the first experiment in the world completely implemented with MRPCs and operating with an eco-friendly gas mixture. Here the results of the tests and a preliminary comparison of the telescope performance measured with the standard (non eco-friendly) and the new eco-friendly gas mixtures are presented and discussed.

TOWARDS THE DESIGN OF SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY SYSTEMS: OBJECTIVES AND BARRIERS FROM THE FRENCH LOCAL AUTHORITIES’ PERSPECTIVE

AbstractWithin the on-going ecological transition, mobility systems are considered as sociotechnical systems that raise several challenges for local authorities due to the different levels of decision, a complex stakeholder network and the numerous objectives to be dealt with. Designers are therefore seeking to develop new frameworks to support local authorities moving towards more sustainable mobility systems. Based on the French context, this study relies on an analysis of the regulation and an interview-based survey that depict the mobility design from the local authorities’ perspective. First, it investigates the objectives defined in the law and the difficulties met by local authorities. Then, it highlights the main political, organisational, and knowledge barriers for sustainable mobility. Finally, it proposes a set of recommendations to create a framework to better define and prioritise the objectives, ensure efficient planning and monitoring, clarify the interactions between actors, and enhance mobility plans.

The contribution of green public food procurement to sustainability: evidence from two case studies in Spain

ABSTRACT Green Public Food Procurement (GPFP) has revealed itself to be an ally for achieving ecological transition objectives, however there is little work attempting to assess its contribution. This work proposes a set of sustainability and health indicators that comprise a tool able to evaluate the performance of GPFP. A Delphi analysis and a participatory process is used to determine Key Performance Indicators that have been tested through two case studies in Spain. The results obtained show that the presence of short marketing circuits and food sovereignty and institutions rooted in the territory contribute to improved economic sustainability and good performance in terms of health. However, for environmental issues the performance is somewhat lacking, as instruments such as renewable energies and the circular economy are not implemented on a local scale. Elements linked to territorial cohesion and social capital are key for the principles of social and labor justice, as well as governance, to prevail. The Mediterranean diet integral to the case studies presented results in adequate health indicators. These types of indicators would be a useful tool for introducing sustainable food certification as a driving force for changing the food model.

#5120 CARBON FOOTPRINT OF IN-CENTER HEMODIALYSIS: RESULTS OF A FRENCH PILOT STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims Since the beginning of the industrial era, human activities have led to a significant increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere and are the cause of climate change, the negative effects of which on human health are already visible (1). Paradoxically, the health sector also exerts a major pressure on the environment through carbon-based care activities that emit GHGs (2). In this context, a few studies have highlighted the significant carbon footprint associated with hemodialysis (3). However, to date, no similar study has been conducted in France. Method The objective of this work was to evaluate the carbon footprint of a hemodialysis unit in France using the Bilan Carbone ® approach developed by The French Agency for Ecological Transition and the Bilan Carbone Association. Activity data associated with hemodialysis provision at the Charles De Gaulle facility in 2021 was collected and converted to a common measurement unit of tonnes of CO2 equivalents (t CO2-eq) via established emissions factors. This facility, that belongs to the ARTIC 42 association, is located in the town of Saint-Priest en Jarez and provides hemodialysis through a total of 56 hemodialysis generators. Results Over the year 2021, the Charles de Gaulle facility provided a total of 25270 hemodialysis treatments ensuring the care of approximately 162 patients (at a rate of 3 sessions per week). The associated annual carbon footprint for the facility was 1436 t CO2-eq. Annual carbon footprint amounted to 8.9 t CO2-eq/patient/year corresponding to 57 kg CO2-eq /treatment. Emissions were essentially indirect, with more than 90% coming from scope 3. The main sources of emissions were: products and services purchase (30% of total emissions, that is 437 t CO2-eq), patients and staff travels (25% of total emissions, that is 361 t CO2-eq), and fixed assets (21% of total emissions, that is 299 t CO2-eq). Energy consumption (particularly electricity) and waste treatment accounted for a small proportion of GHG emissions (respectively 8% et 6%). Conclusion Our results confirm the high carbon footprint associated with in-center hemodialysis, showing that it is mainly attributable to indirect emissions. These empirical data will serve as a basis for reflection in the development of a strategy to reduce GHG emissions associated with hemodialysis. This work will hopefully be paving the way for the necessary ecological transition of medical practices, focused on the patient and the ecosystems on which he/she depends.

How Blockchain Technology Can Address Circularity and Trace Emission in the Energy Sector

This paper outlines the European perspective on circularity in the energy sector and details how blockchain could support it. Moreover, while the need for raw materials and e-fuels is increasing (due to the economic, industrial, and societal ecological transformation to slow down the pace of climate change), their supply becomes more and more risky. Therefore technologies to support tracing and certification are on the spot. To achieve resilience to new threats, Europe is pointing at circularity in all fields. Circularity requires the need for tracing substances and devices, food, and products, to retrieve and recycle as much as possible. Else than the need to limit the exploitation of the planet’s resources and thus stay within the planetary boundaries, circularity is tightly connected to strategic dependencies from highly unstable or politically distant countries. This issue is further aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Digital technologies, like Distributed Ledger Technologies, can well support the implementation of circularity in many fields. The paper identifies challenges and proposes potential solutions related to the implementation of circularity. It also explores the application of circularity principles in the energy sector, with a focus on energy communities. Energy communities involve local stakeholders coming together to generate, consume, and manage renewable energy collectively. Overall, the paper provides insights into the European perspective on ecological transition, highlighting the importance of systemic transformation, resilience, and circularity in addressing climate change and achieving sustainability goals. It explores the role of digital technologies, such as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs), in supporting circular practices and discusses specific applications in the energy sector.