Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Controlling Structural And Floristic Variation Of Riparian Zones In A Mountainous Landscape Of The Western United States, A G. Merrill, Tracy Benning, J A. Fites

Environmental Science

We examined landscape patterns in the physical conditions and vegetative composition of montane riparian zones to identify their most important sources of variation. Information on plant species cover and on physical characteristics that occur at coarse, medium, and fine scales was collected for 144 riparian plots located throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin, which straddles the California-Nevada border in the western United States. Constrained and unconstrained ordination analyses were used to identify the most important correlates of physical form and plant species composition. Through multivariate analysis of environmental variables (principal components analysis), vegetation data (detrended correspondence analysis), and the combined relationship …

Cooperation Mechanisms: A Shift Toward Policy Development Cooperation, Stephanie Ohshita

Environmental Science

As humankind tries to address the climate change problem, we find the need to look upstream—to change the ways in which we use energy—and the need for more programmatic or systems-oriented approaches. To achieve significant energy savings, we need cooperation mechanisms that can spur widespread improvements in energy efficiency and conservation. These mechanisms must address large quantities of energy, have significant impact and induce lasting change. Project-based technology cooperation only gets us so far in that effort; only a limited number of projects can be conducted with public funds. To achieve widespread improvements, we need something more; we need policies …

Cooperation Structure: The Growing Role Of Independent Cooperation Networks, Stephanie Ohshita, S Wiel, G Heggelund

Environmental Science

Existing cooperation on energy efficiency in East Asia involves a variety of organizations, from large multilateral institutions to small think-tanks and foundations. Cooperation mechanisms range from exchanges of experts and trainees, to the sharing of policy information at regional forums, to multi-million dollar technology installations. A variety of sectors have been targeted, from appliances to buildings to industry and electricity. Some cooperation efforts emphasize measurement of resulting energy savings, while others undertake less quantifiable routes to promoting energy conservation. Cooperation activity on energy efficiency has increased substantially over the past 10 to 15 years, yet those engaged in the cooperation …

Cooperation Targets: From Industry To Energy Services, Stephanie Ohshita, A Meier, S Wiel, G Heggelund

Environmental Science

Our research has identified three key trends in existing energy efficiency cooperation. The first, discussed in Chapter 3, is the growing role of independent, international cooperation networks in facilitating large-scale energy efficiency improvements. The second, explored in Chapter 4, is the increasing importance of policy development cooperation as an effective mechanism for promoting significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions. In Chapter 5, we examine cooperation activity sector by sector and note increasing activity in certain economic sectors with numerous, diverse actors, most notably in appliances, transportation and buildings. In the industrial sector, there is a trend from “hard” technology …

Effects Of Economic And Environmental Reform On The Diffusion Of Cleaner Coal Technology In China, Stephanie Ohshita, L Ortolano

Environmental Science

Coal is both the major fuel for China's economic development and the major source of its severe air pollution. China's reliance on coal for nearly three-quarters of its primary energy has contributed to local air pollution, regional acid rain and global climate change. At the same time, the country's coal consumption has electrified its growing cities and helped Chinese steel and chemical industries to become international powerhouses.

This contribution considers how the intertwined issues of environmental reform and economic reform have affected efforts to reduce coal-related air pollution in China. Our analysis focuses on government efforts to promote the diffusion …