Information Systems and the Environment PDF Download

Are you looking for read ebook online? Search for your book and save it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Download Information Systems and the Environment PDF full book. Access full book title Information Systems and the Environment by National Academy of Engineering. Download full books in PDF and EPUB format.

Information Systems and the Environment

Information Systems and the Environment PDF Author: National Academy of Engineering
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309062438
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 239

Book Description
Information technology is a powerful tool for meeting environmental objectives and promoting sustainable development. This collection of papers by leaders in industry, government, and academia explores how information technology can improve environmental performance by individual firms, collaborations among firms, and collaborations among firms, government agencies, and academia. Information systems can also be used by nonprofit organizations and the government to inform the public about broad environmental issues and environmental conditions in their neighborhoods. Several papers address the challenges to information management posed by the explosive increase in information and knowledge about environmental issues and potential solutions, including determining what information is environmentally relevant and how it can be used in decision making. In addition, case studies are described and show how industry is using information systems to ensure sustainable development and meet environmental standards. The book also includes examples from the public sector showing how governments use information knowledge systems to disseminate "best practices" beyond big firms to small businesses, and from the world of the Internet showing how knowledge is shared among environmental advocates and the general public.

Information Systems and the Environment

Information Systems and the Environment PDF Author: National Academy of Engineering
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309062438
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 239

Book Description
Information technology is a powerful tool for meeting environmental objectives and promoting sustainable development. This collection of papers by leaders in industry, government, and academia explores how information technology can improve environmental performance by individual firms, collaborations among firms, and collaborations among firms, government agencies, and academia. Information systems can also be used by nonprofit organizations and the government to inform the public about broad environmental issues and environmental conditions in their neighborhoods. Several papers address the challenges to information management posed by the explosive increase in information and knowledge about environmental issues and potential solutions, including determining what information is environmentally relevant and how it can be used in decision making. In addition, case studies are described and show how industry is using information systems to ensure sustainable development and meet environmental standards. The book also includes examples from the public sector showing how governments use information knowledge systems to disseminate "best practices" beyond big firms to small businesses, and from the world of the Internet showing how knowledge is shared among environmental advocates and the general public.

Science for Environmental Protection

Science for Environmental Protection PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309264898
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188

Book Description
In anticipation of future environmental science and engineering challenges and technologic advances, EPA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the overall capabilities of the agency to develop, obtain, and use the best available scientific and technologic information and tools to meet persistent, emerging, and future mission challenges and opportunities. Although the committee cannot predict with certainty what new environmental problems EPA will face in the next 10 years or more, it worked to identify some of the common drivers and common characteristics of problems that are likely to occur. Tensions inherent to the structure of EPA's work contribute to the current and persistent challenges faced by the agency, and meeting those challenges will require development of leading-edge scientific methods, tools, and technologies, and a more deliberate approach to systems thinking and interdisciplinary science. Science for Environmental Protection: The Road Ahead outlines a framework for building science for environmental protection in the 21st century and identified key areas where enhanced leadership and capacity can strengthen the agency's abilities to address current and emerging environmental challenges as well as take advantage of new tools and technologies to address them. The foundation of EPA science is strong, but the agency needs to continue to address numerous present and future challenges if it is to maintain its science leadership and meet its expanding mandates.

Community-based Environmental Protection

Community-based Environmental Protection PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Conservation of natural resources
Languages : en
Pages : 144

Book Description


New Tools for Environmental Protection

New Tools for Environmental Protection PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309084229
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 369

Book Description
Many people believe that environmental regulation has passed a point of diminishing returns: the quick fixes have been achieved and the main sources of pollution are shifting from large "point sources" to more diffuse sources that are more difficult and expensive to regulate. The political climate has also changed in the United States since the 1970s in ways that provide impetus to seek alternatives to regulation. This book examines the potential of some of these "new tools" that emphasize education, information, and voluntary measures. Contributors summarize what we know about the effectiveness of these tools, both individually and in combination with regulatory and economic policy instruments. They also extract practical lessons from this knowledge and consider what is needed to make these tools more effective. The book will be of interest to environmental policy practitioners and to researchers and students concerned with applying social and behavioral sciences knowledge to improve environmental quality.

Institutions for the Earth

Institutions for the Earth PDF Author: Peter M. Haas
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 9780262082181
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 466

Book Description
Can environmental institutions be effective at bringing about a healthier environment? How? Institutions for the Earth takes a close look at the factors influencing organized responses to seven international environmental problems - oil pollution from tankers, acid rain in Europe, stratospheric ozone depletion, pollution of the North Sea and Baltic, mismanagement of fisheries, overpopulation, and misuses of farm chemicals to determine the roles that environmental institutions have played in attempting to solve them. Through rigorous, systematic comparison, it reveals common patterns that can lead to improvements in the collective management of these problems and suggests ways in which international institutions can further the case of environmental protection.The contributors identify three major functions performed by effective international environmental institutions: building national capacity, improving the contractual environment, and elevating governmental concern. The international organizations analyzed within this framework include the United Nations Environment Program, the Intergovernmental Maritime Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, numerous fisheries commissions, the Commission for Europe, the Oslo and Paris Commissions, the Helsinki Commission, and the United Nations Fund for Population Assistance.

Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation

Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation PDF Author: Christopher E. Moorman
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421432730
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 279

Book Description
Brings together disparate conversations about wildlife conservation and renewable energy, suggesting ways these two critical fields can work hand in hand. Renewable energy is often termed simply "green energy," but its effects on wildlife and other forms of biodiversity can be quite complex. While capturing renewable resources like wind, solar, and energy from biomass can require more land than fossil fuel production, potentially displacing wildlife habitat, renewable energy infrastructure can also create habitat and promote species health when thoughtfully implemented. The authors of Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation argue that in order to achieve a balanced plan for addressing these two crucially important sustainability issues, our actions at the nexus of these fields must be directed by current scientific information related to the ecological effects of renewable energy production. Synthesizing an extensive, rapidly growing base of research and insights from practitioners into a single, comprehensive resource, contributors to this volume • describe processes to generate renewable energy, focusing on the Big Four renewables—wind, bioenergy, solar energy, and hydroelectric power • review the documented effects of renewable energy production on wildlife and wildlife habitats • consider current and future policy directives, suggesting ways industrial-scale renewables production can be developed to minimize harm to wildlife populations • explain recent advances in renewable power technologies • identify urgent research needs at the intersection of renewables and wildlife conservation Relevant to policy makers and industry professionals—many of whom believe renewables are the best path forward as the world seeks to meet its expanding energy needs—and wildlife conservationists—many of whom are alarmed at the rate of renewables-related habitat conversion—this detailed book culminates with a chapter underscoring emerging opportunities in renewable energy ecology. Contributors: Edward B. Arnett, Brian B. Boroski, Regan Dohm, David Drake, Sarah R. Fritts, Rachel Greene, Steven M. Grodsky, Amanda M. Hale, Cris D. Hein, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Jessica A. Homyack, Henriette I. Jager, Nicole M. Korfanta, James A. Martin, Christopher E. Moorman, Clint Otto, Christine A. Ribic, Susan P. Rupp, Jake Verschuyl, Lindsay M. Wickman, T. Bently Wigley, Victoria H. Zero

Public Policies for Environmental Protection

Public Policies for Environmental Protection PDF Author: Paul Portney
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136524797
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 306

Book Description
The first edition of Public Policies for Environmental Protection contributed significantly to the incorporation of economic analysis in the study of environmental policy. Fully revised to account for changes in the institutional, legal, and regulatory framework of environmental policy, the second edition features updated chapters on the EPA and federal regulation, air and water pollution policy, and hazardous and toxic substances. It includes entirely new chapters on market-based environmental policies, global climate change, solid waste, and, for the first time, coverage of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Portney, Stavins, and their contributors provide an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and journalists---anyone who needs up-to-date information on U.S. environmental policy. With their careful explanation of policy alternatives, the authors provide an ideal book for students in courses about environmental economics or environmental politics.

Research to Protect, Restore, and Manage the Environment

Research to Protect, Restore, and Manage the Environment PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309049296
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 255

Book Description
This book assesses the strengths and weaknesses of current environmental research programs, describes the desirable characteristics of an effective program, and recommends cultural and organizational changes to improve the performance of environmental research. Research areas in need of greater emphasis are identified, and overall directions for environmental research are recommended. The book also comments on the proposal to establish a National Institute for the Environment and on the elevation of the Environmental Protection Agency to cabinet status.

Sorbents Materials for Controlling Environmental Pollution

Sorbents Materials for Controlling Environmental Pollution PDF Author: Avelino Nunez-Delgado
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323851843
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 778

Book Description
Sorbents Materials for Controlling Environmental Pollution: Current State and Trends presents data on current use and future trends regarding sorbent materials employed against soil, water, and air pollution. The book is organized first by use and research for a variety of geographic areas. It will then focus on different sorbent materials and their uses, followed by various pollutants and their management. Including updated and extensive data from an assortment of sources, the book is organized to be very accessible, including with an interactive table to help identify the results of appropriate sorbents for each environmental compartment. The growing concern regarding soil, water and air pollution all over the world has implications for climate change and sustainability, making Sorbents Materials for Controlling Environmental Pollution: Current State and Trends an important reference for environmental scientists to identify tools for moving forward in solving these problems. - Includes data and examples from various geographic locations worldwide - Synthesizes data for a variety of sorbent material from different sources - Presents data for various kinds of pollutants across environmental spheres, including soil, water, and air - Utilizes an interactive table for quicker access to data and results

Environmental Technology and Sustainability

Environmental Technology and Sustainability PDF Author: Basanta Kumara Behera
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 012819104X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 222

Book Description
Environmental Technology and Sustainability: Physical, Chemical and Biological Technologies for Clean Environmental Management provides a dependable source of information on the fundamental scientific evidence involved in environmental protection and sustainable development. The book provides the basic natural sciences that underpin the understanding, development and application of environment technologies that support a clean inhabitable world that includes environmental technologies and sustainable, renewable energy systems. It considers the science and technology for environmental benefits, including the development of both smarter, cleaner technologies for environmental protection, conservation, and more. - Provides methods and processes for CO2 Sequestration - Focuses on technologies for reducing greenhouse gases and for biofuel production - Outlines issues surrounding contaminated water and provides solutions for water management - Describes problems facing air pollution, including sources and mitigation - Includes contaminated soil management