| 1. |
- Harring, Niklas, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Public acceptability of policy instruments for reducing fossil fuel consumption in East Africa
- 2024
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Ingår i: Climate Policy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1469-3062 .- 1752-7457.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent decades, there has been increasing research interest in individuals’ support of and resistance to climate and environmental policy instruments. However, there is an empirical bias in the literature, as few studies have been conducted in low-income countries. Based on a survey with 4,766 respondents we identify the level of public acceptability for climate policy instruments and their determinants in East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda). While our sample is not fully representative of the East-African population, we capture highly educated individuals in urban areas, who are likely to have a large influence on policy processes. In line with previous studies in other contexts, we find that higher education and climate change concern are linked to the acceptability of policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption. Specifying how the revenue from a climate tax or subsidy removal would be used, almost doubled the support for these policy instruments. In contrast to earlier studies, we find that investments in social programmes, not environmental programmes, was the revenue specification that increased the acceptability the most. One possible explanation would be that in a context where poverty is more prevalent, social issues are more salient to people. We also find weak associations between trust in government and the acceptability of climate policy instruments in East Africa and large heterogeneity across the five focal East African countries. Besides establishing an empirical foundation for future research on climate policy support in East Africa, the study provides essential policy insights: Investing in education and improved information, contributing to increased awareness and understanding of climate concerns, can potentially increase support for climate policy proposals also in the East African context. Earmarking revenues from climate policy instruments for social programmes may also significantly boost support. However, as our study is not fully representative of the population in the five countries and relies on stated preferences, which may be subject to different biases, the results should be interpreted with caution.
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| 2. |
- Knaggård, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
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Researchers’ approaches to stakeholders: Interaction or transfer of knowledge?
- 2019
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-9011 .- 1873-6416. ; 97, s. 25-35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stakeholder interaction is important for enabling environmental research to support the societal transition to sustainability. We argue that it is crucial to take researchers’ approaches to and perceptions of stakeholder interaction into account, to enable more clarity in discussions about interaction, as well as more systematic interaction approaches. Through a survey and focus group interviews with environmental researchers at three Swedish universities, we investigate the effects of two models of stakeholder interaction, as well as high and low levels within each. The ‘transfer model’ implies that interaction is understood as communication and should be separated from research. The ‘interaction model’ implies that interaction happens throughout the research process. Our study shows some significant differences between researchers in the two models, but also between high and low levels of stakeholder interaction regardless of model. The result indicates that the transfer model needs to be considered in studies and practice of stakeholder interaction, but also that the low levels of the interaction model consists of a number of different types of approaches. The major difference between the two models was about how large researchers understood the benefits and risks with stakeholder interaction to be. Transfer researchers saw interaction as a threat to the integrity of research, whereas interaction researchers saw it as enabling research. © 2019 The Authors
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| 3. |
- Slunge, Daniel, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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REACH authorisation and the substitution of hazardous chemicals: The case of trichloroethylene
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526. ; 364
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Through a survey with European companies and expert interviews we study how REACH authorisation affects the phase-out of hazardous chemicals focusing on trichloroethylene, a well-studied solvent used in metal parts cleaning. We find that most of the firms have substituted trichloroethylene by perchloroethylene, which has similar chemical characteristics. This allows them to continue to use the same machines and routines at low costs. Although perchloroethylene is only classified as a suspected rather than a proven carcinogenic substance in Europe, the “improvement” as the result of much regulatory effort must be considered fairly limited, particularly in the light of less hazardous alternatives being used on the market for a long time. Our survey shows that the REACH authorisation process has some effect. Many firms cited as their main reason for substitution that they wanted to avoid the renewed application process. Still, the fact that many firms report using old machines reinforces the impression that some firms are not feeling enough pressure to modify routines and engage in a more fundamental substitution process. The results illustrate the limited effectiveness of a substance by substance approach in chemical risk management. When companies can substitute chemicals of concern to substances with similar chemical characteristics, the health and environmental objectives of chemical regulation are not achieved. An important policy conclusion is that additional incentives need to be introduced in order to realize the ambition of a non-toxic environment in the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. Increased use of measures targeting broader groups of structurally similar hazardous chemicals, in combination with fees that incentivize substitution, are promising avenues for a more sustainable European chemicals strategy.
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| 4. |
- Alpizar, Francisco, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Global Chemicals Outlook II. From Legacies to Innovative Solutions: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- 2019
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- 1. The size of the global chemical industry exceeded United States dollars 5 trillion in 2017. It is projected to double by 2030. Consumption and production are rapidly increasing in emerging economies. Global supply chains, and the trade of chemicals and products, are becoming increasingly complex. 2. Driven by global megatrends, growth in chemical-intensive industry sectors (e.g. construction, agriculture, electronics) creates risks, but also opportunities to advance sustainable consumption, production and product innovation. 3. Hazardous chemicals and other pollutants (e.g. plastic waste and pharmaceutical pollutants) continue to be released in large quantities. They are ubiquitous in humans and the environment and are accumulating in material stocks and products, highlighting the need to avoid future legacies through sustainable materials management and circular business models. 4. The benefits of action to minimize adverse impacts have been estimated in the high tens of billions of United States dollars annually. The World Health Organization estimated the burden of disease from selected chemicals at 1.6 million lives in 2016 (this is likely to be an underestimate). Chemical pollution also threatens a range of ecosystem services. 5. International treaties and voluntary instruments have reduced the risks of some chemicals and wastes, but progress has been uneven and implementation gaps remain. As of 2018, more than 120 countries had not implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. 6. Addressing legislation and capacity gaps in developing countries and emerging economies remains a priority. Also, resources have not matched needs. There are opportunities for new and innovative financing (e.g. through cost recovery and engagement of the financial sector). 7. Significant resources can be saved by sharing knowledge on chemical management instruments more widely, and by enhancing mutual acceptance of approaches in areas ranging from chemical hazard assessment to alternatives assessment. 8. Frontrunner companies – from chemical producers to retailers – are introducing sustainable supply chain management, full material disclosure, risk reduction beyond compliance, and human rights-based policies. However, widespread implementation of these initiatives has not yet been achieved. 9. Consumer demand, as well as green and sustainable chemistry education and innovation (e.g. though start-ups), are among the important drivers of change. They can be scaled up through enabling policies, reaping the potential benefits of chemistry innovations for sustainable development. 10. Global knowledge gaps can be filled. This can be achieved, for example, by taking steps to harmonize research protocols, considering health or environmental impact information and harm caused to set and address priorities (e.g. emerging issues), and strengthening the science-policy interface through enhanced collaboration of scientists and decision-makers.
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| 5. |
- Carney Almroth, Bethanie, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Circular economy could expose children to hazardous phthalates and chlorinated paraffins via old toys and childcare articles
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Hazardous Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3894 .- 2772-4166. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The European waste framework directive encourages reuse, refurbishment and recycling of products and materials in order to reduce plastic waste. However, thousands of chemicals are used in plastic materials. Many of these are potentially toxic, and may cause hormonal and developmental disruption in children. This includes phthalates and short chain chlorinated paraffins, which are used as plasticizers and flame-retardants. European legal frameworks regulate the amounts of these substances in toys in an effort to protect children's health and safety. Currently, limits are set to 0.1% for phthalates and 0.15% for SCCPs. Here, we have investigated levels of these compounds in toys and childcare products that were purchased prior to and after legislation on stricter exposure levels was implemented (total of 157 items, 54 and 103 new and old, respectively). We found that a larger portion of older toys and items (83.5%) contained amounts that exceed legal limits, compared to newer toys and items (29.6%). Concentrations of DEHP, BBP, DIDP, and SCCPs were significantly higher in old items, and both DEHP and DINP were found at concentrations exceeding 400,000 mg/kg in several old balls, which is approximately 40% of the weight of the toy, and 400 times above the legal limit. These findings indicate that old toys have the potential to pose a greater risk to children, and that regulations can be useful tools to protect children from exposure to toxic chemicals. We also stress that the waste framework directive, which urges reuse and repurposing of objects such as second hand items used for dress-up play, can lead to continued exposure via chemicals in older items. We conclude that movement towards circular economy threatens to expose children from legacy compounds already restricted on the market if efforts are not made to remove these items from circulation.
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| 6. |
- Slunge, Daniel, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Stakeholder Interaction in Research Processes - A Guide for Researchers and Research Groups
- 2017
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In many research projects, stakeholder interaction is ad hoc rather than strategic and systematic. This guide provides advice on good practice, strategies and tools for researchers and research groups interested in finding effective ways to involve stakeholders in their research and have an impact on society.
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| 7. |
- Slunge, Daniel, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Swedish Bilateral Support toEnvironmental Capacity Development – Overview of Key Results and Lessons Learned
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of this study is to document and analyse key results and lessons learned from Swedish bilateral support to environmental capacity development. The study is based on a review of evaluation reports and programme documents for eleven Swedish-supported programmes in Vietnam, Lao PDR, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Serbia and Western Balkan (Albania, Macedonia and Serbia). Interviews with Sida staff and technical advisors, a literature review and a lessons learned seminar at Sida have also been conducted as part of the study.
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| 8. |
- Slunge, Daniel, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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The implementation of the substitution principle in European chemical legislation: a comparative analysis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Environmental Sciences Europe. - : Springer. - 2190-4707 .- 2190-4715. ; 35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives is an important objective in European chemical policy, but implementation has been slower than expected. We conduct a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the implementation of the substitution principle in European regulations for pesticides, biocides, and industrial chemicals. Specifically, we examine and compare the criteria and processes associated with the identification of candidates for substitution and the assessment of alternatives. Results: We find only minor differences in the criteria applied to identify candidates for substitution amongst pesticides, biocides, and industrial chemicals, but larger differences concerning the processes used. While all substances that are to be approved as a pesticide and biocide are systematically evaluated against the established criteria for substitution, the substitution process for industrial chemicals only focuses on those substances identified as substances of very high concern. The main reason candidates for substitution remain on the market is the lack of identified safer chemical alternatives and the insufficient consideration of non-chemical alternatives, caused, at least to a large extent, by the comparatively weak incentives provided by current regulations. Conclusions: The systematic approach for the identification of industrial substances of very high concern (SVHC) under ECHAs “Integrated Regulatory Strategy” is much welcome. However, no final conclusion on SVHC properties or the need for regulatory action has been drawn for approximately 90% of the REACH-registered substances, as often even basic hazard and exposure data are missing. Hence, at least a screening-level evaluation of SVHC properties should become a mandatory part of the substance registration under REACH. To reduce the risk of strategic behaviour in the search for alternatives to industrial chemicals identified as SVHC, a setup in which regulatory authorities play a larger role as information and knowledge brokers should be considered. Investments in innovation as well as improved sharing of information and a better distribution of the workloads amongst European authorities might also improve the identification of safer alternatives. However, without stronger incentives, making it more costly for companies to continue using hazardous substances relative to safer alternatives, initiatives to promote substitution are likely to have limited success.
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| 9. |
- Wingqvist, Gunilla Ölund, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Governance Bottlenecks and Policy Options for Sustainable Materials Management - A Discussion paper
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Growing volumes and complexities of material flows pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems during different stages of the materials’ life-cycle. The gradual shift of base for manufacturing and chemical industries to developing countries has contributed to growth and employment but also lead to serious pollution of water, air and soil. Poor people tend to be most adversely affected by pollution and the health impacts from water and air pollution or dumping of hazardous waste is often dramatic. Managing mounting waste streams is currently one of the biggest challenges for rapidly growing urban centers in developing countries. Poor waste collection and dumping of waste in water bodies and uncontrolled dump sites is a major sanitation problem. Waste management is also an issue of global concern since the decay of organic material in post consumer solid waste contributes to about 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The growing flow of materials also includes a growing flow of chemicals in different products making waste streams more complex. It is increasingly recognized that a technical focus on end-of-pipe solutions is not sufficient to address these problems. A shift towards more upstream approaches that can assure cleaner and more resource efficient materials flows is necessary. The traditional focus on technical solutions needs to be combined with strengthening institutions and governance systems since the way national and local authorities govern, regulate and control material flows have profound impacts on human health, environmental sustainability and economic growth. Policy design for sustainable materials management is embedded in a political context with multiple actors and interests. In many cases, measures that strengthen important human rights principles such as the rule of law, transparency and public participation may be equally or more important than specific environmental policies or projects in order to improve materials management. The purpose of this paper is to describe how and in what way governance matters to achieve a sustainable materials management that contributes positively to development. The paper introduces key concepts, and discusses key governance mechanisms to achieve a more sustainable materials management in a developing country context.
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| 10. |
- Wingqvist, Gunilla Ölund, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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The Role of Governance for Improved Environmental Outcomes
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Climate change and escalating environmental degradation is becoming key constraints to a sustainable development. Managing the environmental challenges is important for the well-being of all citizens, particularly for the least well-off. There has been some progress in terms of policies and creation of environmental authorities and international environmental commitments. There is however, a growing gap between the commitments made and the actual implementation to improve environmental outcomes. It is increasingly recognised that technical solutions to environmental problems are not sufficient to obtain sustainable development. Measures that strengthen important human rights principles such as the rule of law, transparency and public participation may be equally or more important than specific environmental policies or projects in order to improve environmental outcomes. The purpose of the report is to explore the linkages between governance and the implementation of environmental legislation (including multilateral environmental agreements) and other environmental measures. The report is intended as a source of information and inspiration to individuals and organisations working with environment and development.
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