Sustainability Transitions Research Articles

Sustainability in the Czech Republic: From a Green Growth Laggard to a Degrowth Hotspot

The Czech Republic is a notorious laggard in green transition policies. This begs the question of how stable the current socio-political setting is and whether it can resist deeper sustainability transitions in the long run. The paper combines institutional literature with sustainability transition research to describe the current situation and outline possible future developments in terms of the economic discourse. It shows that the reluctance towards the green transition may be caused not only by the strong position of incumbents but also by the limited relevance of the green competitiveness approach for the country’s situation. Based on recent developments and existing vulnerabilities, the paper identifies the possible strengths of the more radical approach to sustainability entailed in degrowth. Rather than a pure hegemony of one of the niche paradigms, however, it proposes as likely a pluriversal pathway combining elements of both in a patchwork manner.

Institutional voids and business model convergence in the recycling industry

Considering that recycling is seldom economically viable, this study analyzes how recycling organizations perceive institutional voids and adapt their business models to propel a transition from waste crisis to establishing waste management services. The analysis is embedded in the sustainability transitions literature and is approached from an institutional void and business model lens. Qualitative research was conducted with 23 organizations in the recycling industry of Lebanon. The main findings revealed that public voids mainly cause constraints with few exceptions of opportunities, whereas some market voids are perceived as constraints at times and opportunities at others, and coping with these voids leads to a convergence of business models. This study contributes to business model adaptation by examining its role in the transition process and to sustainability transitions research by focusing on how niche-level actors introduce waste management services that are otherwise the regime's responsibility.

A fix that may fail: A qualitative model to explore potential rebound effects of digital textile microfactories

AbstractFast fashion principles and mass production within globalised supply chains are pivotal in driving the economic success of the fashion industry, but they also contribute significantly to its severe environmental impacts, which must be mitigated. Digital textile microfactories are innovative small‐scale fully digitalised design and manufacturing systems that present a promising technological solution. These offer the companies that adopt them environmental and economic advantages. However, their widespread adoption in the industry may have unintended consequences. This study hypothesises a rebound effect within the industry and proposes a qualitative modelling approach based on causal loop diagrams. We present a model for identifying rebound mechanisms that may accelerate purchases, along with a mitigation strategy emphasising the consideration of customer behaviour. The contribution of this paper is twofold: Firstly, it provides a starting point for detailed quantitative studies, and secondly, it offers insights for policy‐making towards a sustainable transition in the industry.

Inertia and resistance to change in multi-actor innovation processes – Evidence from two cases in the Netherlands

Existing transitions literature often highlights successful experiments for changing practices through multi-actor processes but overlooks the challenges of adjusting incumbent practices and engaging actors in reflexive learning. The current article addresses this gap through two qualitative case studies of water-related co-creation processes in the Netherlands. Each case met inertia and resistance from various actors in different forms. We examine the difficulties encountered using data from semi-structured interviews and observations of micro-level interactions from embedded action research. We find that using transactional learning perspective combined with Practical Epistemology Analysis is useful for obtaining a worm-eye view of dynamics of incumbency on the actor-level, in contrast to the eagle-eye view commonly adopted in transitions studies. Our main contribution is the identification of specific barriers to change and demonstrating how a worm-eye perspective offers detailed insights into micro-level interactions that hinder sustainability transitions.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

More Incentive, Less Pollution: Environmental Responsibility of Local Cadres and Environment Governance

SYNOPSIS In this paper, we study how the environmental responsibility of local cadres shapes their environmental governance. Using the staggered implementation of the government environmental audit in China as a quasi-experiment, our difference-in-differences estimation shows that, after strengthening the environmental responsibility of city leaders, pilot cities experience a significant increase in fiscal environmental expenditure and a reduction in air pollution. The effect is more pronounced among cities whose leaders have stronger promotion incentives, but less pronounced among cities with higher economic costs on pollution governance. In addition, firms located in pilot cities exhibit a significant increase in environment-related investments and green patent applications, which is motivated by government-awarded environmental subsidies. Overall, our results shed new light on the role of the environmental responsibility of city leaders in environmental governance and provide policy implications to promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practice and sustainable transition in a top-down approach. Data Availability: Data will be made available on request.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Associated With Multidisciplinary Pediatric Airway Clinics: A Program Evaluation Study.

Health care is a significant contributor to the climate crisis. Multidisciplinary clinics (MDC) may reduce carbon emissions by combining multiple appointments into one. This is the first program evaluation study to quantify the carbon footprint associated with multidisciplinary pediatric airway clinics. Retrospective. Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center, London, Canada. Pediatric airway MDC allows patients to see otolaryngology and respirology in one appointment. The carbon and financial savings (Canadian Dollars) of all patients attending the MDC from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were calculated. Patient postal codes and institutional parking rates were inputted into the CASCADES carbon accounting tool. Total distance was divided into unsustainable (vehicles) and sustainable (transit, walking, cycling) transportation to calculate carbon emissions. Travel costs included cost/kilometer for vehicles (maintenance, license/registration, insurance, fuel) and costs/ride for transit. A total of 560 MDC appointments for 300 patients saved 77,785 km. Total carbon emissions saved from travel averted was 16.21 tonnes. The total carbon emissions saved, minus public transit, was 15.60 tonnes. Using the Natural Resources Canada Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 16.21 tonnes are approximately equivalent to 5 passenger vehicles, 6906 L of gasoline, 3.8 homes' energy, and 10.8 homes' electricity use for one year, 36.6 barrels of oil consumed, and 675 propane cylinders. Travel costs of $28,891.83 (no parking), $30,519.40 ($4 minimum parking fee), or $33,774.55 ($12 maximum parking fee) were saved. MDC effectively reduced carbon emissions and offered patients financial savings. Similar models can be adapted across institutions to help mitigate climate change.

Navigating the path to sustainable energy transition in Oman: a systematic literature review and future research opportunities

Navigating the path to sustainable energy transition in Oman: a systematic literature review and future research opportunities

Sustainable Energy Transition in Jordan: Policies, Progress, and Promising Trends

Sustainable Energy Transition in Jordan: Policies, Progress, and Promising Trends

The nexus between foreign direct investment, economic progress, and quality of institutions in fostering sustainable energy efficiency: Evidence from BRICS economies

This paper analyzes the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), economic growth, and institutional quality to maintain sustainable energy efficiency in BRICS. The objective of our study is to decompose which elements collectively impact the uptake of sustainable energy practices. A comprehensive dataset and an advanced econometric model Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) are employed to investigate the dynamics at play. It has been done through comprehensive research to understand these FDI mechanisms driving the sustainable energy transition, bringing forth the fundamental role of strong institutions and sustained growth. In contrast to existing models, the analysis incorporates institutional quality, providing a fresh perspective on the impact of this factor on FDI and economic development in the BRICS economies. Findings show the crucial position FDI holds in developing sustainable energy and the institutional structure's effectiveness in accomplishing the current objectives. We have kept the position of economic growth, which serves as the essential driver for environmentally friendly use of energy resources. Our results have shown that FDI in sustainable energy is a requisite for economic growth improvement and the need for such progress to be supported by effective institutions to facilitate intra-regional investments.

Exploitation and Development of Oil/Gas Marginal Fields in Nigeria and Romania: Technology, Rising Market Development Challenges & Sustainable Energy Transition

Exploitation and Development of Oil/Gas Marginal Fields in Nigeria and Romania: Technology, Rising Market Development Challenges & Sustainable Energy Transition

Economic and Environmental Limitations of Sustainable Energy Transition in Europe

In recent decades, the concept of sustainable development has become increasingly widespread since the United Nations Convention on Climate Change was adopted. However, it is also being overused, imitated, politicized, or even ignored. This study analyzes the current conditions and long-term consequences of the European energy transition and discusses the limitations and true economic and environmental implications of implementing energy sustainability. The paper is aimed at forming an understanding of the current environmental conditions and challenges associated with the economic, financial, and environmental consequences of introducing renewables in Europe. Research has revealed that renewables, while cleaner energy sources are not necessarily sustainable as initially suspected. There are various implications and limitations, that is: an initial carbon footprint, land footprint, recycling issues, harmful impacts on wildlife and humans, moreover the efficiency and economic implications when transitioning to a net zero. As a result, it is concluded that the basic principles of the energy transition are to be introduced and considered for it to become indeed sustainable. It is also concluded that when introducing or improving an energy model, it is crucial to consider the country's initial energy and resource base. Nuclear energy should not be disregarded and should considered to be a clean energy source, as well as a safe one, particularly in the context of national security, which is heavily dependent on energy transition.

Street vendors as actors of a sustainable food system—The case of Mexico City

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the role of street vendors in enhancing access to sustainable food, using Mexico City as a case study. Through observational fieldwork, we quantify and spatialize the street food offer of two municipalities, which we compare to food offer in outlets (shops and restaurants). We use Mexican traditional food as a proxy for a sustainable diet. Street vendors represent 55% of the food retailers present in the study area. Over half of street vendors only sell traditional food (against 45% of food outlets), but most sell food to be consumed in moderation (e.g. tacos). A weak statistical correlation suggests that street vendors and food outlets tend to cluster in mixed‐use areas; as such, street vendors' role in the urban food system is mainly to provide an alternative food offer in well‐served areas, rather than providing a food offer in neighbourhoods where the formal offer is scarce. We conclude that street vending is a significant element of Mexico City's urban food environment and increases the availability of traditional food, thus enhancing food sovereignty and contributing to a sustainable food system. Street vending, as an unplanned, traditional daily practice that inadvertently contributes to a sustainable food system, is an example of ‘already existing sustainabilities’, which exploration can provide crucial insights to achieve sustainability transitions.

Explorando la Transición hacia la Sostenibilidad, la Creación de Trayectorias y los Espacios de Oportunidad para la Política de Desarrollo Sostenible

This conceptual literature review explores the nuanced terrain of sustainability transitions, path creation, and opportunity space within the theoretical framework of evolutionary economic geography. Grounded in the foundational principles of this field, which examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of economic evolution, the paper applies a systematic approach to meticulously select and analyze twelve scholarly articles dated from 2010 or after. The methodology involved the creation of a comprehensive database organizing and systematizing the relevant data, so offering a robust foundation for the exploration of theoretical approaches and constructs related to sustainability transitions, path creation, and opportunity space. Drawing from the field of evolutionary economic geography, the paper emphasizes key contributions from this theoretical perspective. A common thread identified across these concepts is the pivotal role of change agency. The paper concludes by underlining the contributions of sustainability transitions, path creation, and opportunity space to sustainable development policy, providing insights into their potential impact on shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.

An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition

An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition

Combating Global Warming and Modern Wars is much about Sedimentology

The Paris Agreement on climate change came into force on 4 November 2016 which was adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris on 12 December 2015. Under this agreement, 175 countries are legally bound to commit themselves to limit the increase of global warming temperatures to under 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, mitigation and adaptation policies have been adopted at the national and international levels. Mitigation measures include decarbonisation policy, for example the large-scale development of low-carbon energies to replace fossil fuel energy in a sustainable way. At present, efforts are focussed on the energy transition from fossil fuel driven energy to low-carbon energy which is mineral intensive. Rare earth elements (REEs) are core components of clean energy technologies such as solar, wind turbines and electric vehicles in the process of energy transition. In the quest for slow down the global temperature rise, development of low-carbon energy to achieve carbon emission reduction goals, rare earth elements are the key components to the energy transition. The criticality of supply and demand of raw materials is the key issue in planning the sustainable transition from fossil fuel driven energy to green energy. Over the past few years many countries established critical raw materials lists, in which rare earth elements have been given most attention.

Demand-pull and technology-push environmental innovation: a policy mix analysis on EU ETS and EU Cohesion Policy

ABSTRACT Existing literature on the sustainability transition towards a low-carbon economy provides conceptual frameworks for designing combinations of policy interventions but lacks empirical evidence regarding their application. This paper aims to test whether a mix of policy instruments represents a potential valid solution to manage carbon abatement effectively. We refer to the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) as an example of demand-pull environmental policy, while we include the Structural and Cohesion Funds (SCFs) and the Horizon 2020 funds as examples of technology-push policies. Through the application of a panel event study, we find that the EU ETS generates a positive impact on environmental patent applications in the light manufacturing sector during the period 2013–2020, while EU ETS participation and financial support contribute to environmental innovation and CO2 emission reduction in the energy sector. Hence, those sectors where market dynamics allow avoidance of complete internalization of the carbon price may benefit from financial support to re-direct the technological change towards the sustainability transition. We demonstrate that the analysed policy mix contributed to a reduction of about 2.2% of total emissions produced by energy firms in the EU ETS during Phase III, which is in line with EU climate targets. Overall, our work may support policymakers in understanding the relevant factors that affect the impact of the policy mix on the environmental transition.

The Effect of Green Project Financing, Investment Sustainability, and Green Bonds Policy on the Growth of Renewable Energy Industry in Indonesia

This study investigates the effect of green project financing, investment sustainability, and green bonds policy on the growth of the renewable energy industry in Indonesia through a quantitative analysis. A cross-sectional survey design is utilized to collect data from stakeholders involved in renewable energy projects, financial institutions, government agencies, and other relevant entities. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3 software is employed to analyze the data and examine the relationships between the latent constructs. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between green project financing, investment sustainability, green bonds policy, and the growth of the renewable energy industry. These results underscore the importance of supportive policy frameworks, access to finance, and sustainable investment practices in driving renewable energy deployment. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing renewable energy development in Indonesia and provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable energy transitions.

The influence of demographics and sustainable “net zero” transition on the demoeconomic quality of life in the implementation of “Demoethics” values

Object: The goal of the work is to develop components of demoeconomics based on the value of demoethics that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals, which stipulates their consideration in the context of the influence of demographic processes and the transition to “net zero”. Methods: A systematic approach was applied, aimed at a theoretical analysis of the development of the concept of demoeconomy components based on demoethical values and consideration of their impact on demographic processes and the transition to “net zero”. Theoretical analysis of the literature made it possible to identify promising directions for the components of demoeconomics. Findings: Based on the value of demoethics, components of the concept of demoeconomics were developed in the context of social cohesion (SC), social responsibility (SR), social justice (SJ), social rationality (SR), social security (SS), which contribute to the achievement of a sustainable transition of a “net zero” and stabilization of demographic processes, increasing the quality of life of the population. Conclusions: The proposed method, together with the demo-economic components of social cohesion (balance), responsibility (SR), justice (SJ), rationality (SR), security (SS), will allow the formation of a strong and competitive civil society. It is also a tool for resolving contradictions during the transition to sustainable development and ensuring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.