{"title":"Anticipatory stakeholder engagement provides insights for gene drive in invasive species through the case of gene drive grey squirrels","authors":"Sarah Hartley , Robert D.J. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive and non-native species present a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services and quality of life that has resulted in calls for more ambitious and radical management approaches. One such approach is gene drive technology that in theory could remove an invasive species from an ecosystem. In 2019, researchers proposed using gene drive technology to remove invasive grey squirrels from the UK. We use this case to explore what expert stakeholders think about gene drive technology and identify key issues that concern them. Through anticipatory stakeholder engagement, we provide the first empirical stakeholder engagement data for gene drive in Europe. Results reveal six prominent matters of concern: The problem to be solved; efficacy of the gene drive; type of gene drive; existing management alternatives; target organism; and public perceptions. We develop these matters of concern into a heuristic capable of providing insights to those funding, developing and governing gene drive technologies for invasive species management, not just in the case of gene drive grey squirrels but for all potential gene drive applications in conservation. Lastly, we argue that such knowledge-focused engagement would be a productive way to shape and govern gene drive trajectories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103939"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142698996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joakim Wising , Camilla Sandström , William Lidberg
{"title":"Forest owners’ perceptions of machine learning: Insights from swedish forestry","authors":"Joakim Wising , Camilla Sandström , William Lidberg","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Machine learning is becoming increasingly important in environmental decision-making, particularly in forestry. While forest-owner typologies help in understanding private forest management strategies, they often overlook owners' relationships with technology. This is crucial for ensuring that data-driven advancements in forestry benefit society. Using Swedish forestry policy as a case, we applied Q-methodology to explore forest owners' perceptions of machine learning. We conducted 11 qualitative interviews to generate 33 <strong>statements</strong>, which were then ranked by 26 participants. Inverted factor analysis identified four ideal-type perceptions of machine learning, interpreted through self-determination theory. The first perception views machine learning as unhelpful and socially disruptive. The second sees it as a complement to forest governance. The third expresses no strong opinions reflecting a relative disengagement from forestry. The fourth considers it essential for decision-making, particularly for absentee forest owners. The extracted perceptions align with existing forest owner typologies when it comes to reliance on others and willingness to take advice. The discussion includes concrete policy recommendations, focusing on privacy concerns, educational initiatives, and strategies for communicating uncertainty.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103945"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malcolm S. Johnson , Vanessa M. Adams , Jason A. Byrne
{"title":"Understanding how landscape value and climate risk discourses can improve adaptation planning: Insights from Q-method","authors":"Malcolm S. Johnson , Vanessa M. Adams , Jason A. Byrne","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103947","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103947","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change poses significant risks to socio-ecological systems, especially at the local level. Local government climate change adaptation strategies must respond to the physical impacts of a changing climate <em>as well as</em> community perceptions about climate change risks and impacts. However, adaptation strategies often overlook diverse stakeholder perspectives and expectations, potentially leading to ineffective and inequitable outcomes. To build stakeholder support for actions that may be unpopular, honest conversations and debate about policy alternatives are necessary. Using Q-method, we identify different discourses about climate change risk and landscape values among residents of Huon Valley, Lutruwita/Tasmania, and consider how discourses, values, and risk perceptions can inform adaptation planning. Our research revealed four distinct landscape value discourses (“Pristine wilderness”; “Accessible places”; “Rural lifestyle”; and “Coastal connections”). Discourses were differentiated by wilderness preference, prioritization of accessibility, and the significance of industry in the region. We also identified five distinct climate change risk discourses (“Governments must mitigate”; “Individuals must act”; “Community will respond”; “It may be too late”; and “Local government must adapt”). These discourses reveal differing stakeholder perspectives about perceived government responsibility, the prioritization of adaptation over mitigation, and risk appetites versus innate resilience. Results highlight relationships between risk perception and landscape values. If attentive to coupled risk-value discourses, and welcoming of debate about alternative options, policymakers and practitioners could formulate adaptation strategies that better respond to community needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103947"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The multiple meanings of knowledge in scholarship at the science-policy interface","authors":"Nicole Klenk","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103948","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103948"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142698994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahardika Fadmastuti , David Nowak , Joep Crompvoets
{"title":"Flood data platform governance: Identifying the technological and socio-technical approach(es) differences","authors":"Mahardika Fadmastuti , David Nowak , Joep Crompvoets","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Data platform governance concept focuses on what decision must be made in order to reach the data platform mission and who makes that decision. The current study of the data platform governance framework is applied for the general platform ecosystem that values managing data as an organizational asset. However, flood data platforms are essential tools for enhancing the governance of flood risks and data platform governance in flood platforms is understudied. By adopting a data governance domains framework, this paper identifies the technological and socio-technical approach(es) differences in public value(s) of flood data platforms. Empirically, we analyze 2 cases of flood data platforms to contrast the differences. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we combined web-observations and interviews to collect the data. Regardless of its approach, integrating flood data platform technologies into government authorities’ routines requires organizational commitment that drives value creation. The key differences between these approaches lies in the way the government sectors see this flood data platform technology. Empirically, our case study shows that the technological approach values improving capabilities and performances of the public authority while the socio-technical approach focuses more importantly providing engagement value with the public users. We further explore the differences of these approaches by analyzing each component of decision domains in the data governance framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103938"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gillian Paxton , Stewart Lockie , Vincent Backhaus
{"title":"Articulating futures: Community storylines and assisted ecosystem adaptation in the Great Barrier Reef","authors":"Gillian Paxton , Stewart Lockie , Vincent Backhaus","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103944","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Public discourse about the Great Barrier Reef – a globally significant coral reef system stretching 2300 kilometres along the coast of northeast Australia – has become dominated by forecasts of its decline due to climate change. While a common and understandable response to fears about the Reef’s imminent loss is advocacy for stronger action on climate change, there have also been increased calls for a shift toward resilience-based management supported by technological interventions to help coral ecosystems survive and adapt to inevitable temperature rises. This paper explores how local community perspectives are formed and expressed within this broader dialogue. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 80 people living and working in proximity to the Reef, we use composite narrative maps to illustrate how narratives of the Reef’s imminent loss are used by communities to articulate alternative futures in the possibility of social change and in the ongoing efficacy of local protection and care. However, we also show how these narratives of loss can constrain the articulation of responses to technologically assisted adaptation, forcing the majority of participants into an uncomfortable moral binary between offering practical help to an imperilled Reef or allowing its imminent loss to catalyse social change. We reflect on what this might mean for fostering a productive and inclusive dialogue about assisted ecosystem adaptation in the Great Barrier Reef.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103944"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Matias , Bruno Pinto , Neide P. Areia , A. Rita Carrasco
{"title":"Insights into the public engagement of coastal geoscientists","authors":"Ana Matias , Bruno Pinto , Neide P. Areia , A. Rita Carrasco","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103943","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103943","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The scientific field of coastal geoscience and engineering addresses crucial issues such as coastal evolution, the impacts of sea level rise, and effective coastal management. These concerns have become increasingly relevant in the current global scenario marked by socio-demographic development along coastal areas facing the effects of climate change. Furthermore, communication by scientists/engineers in this field can contribute to informed participatory decision-making. The objectives of this study were to gain insights into the science engagement of coastal geoscientists and engineers by examining international science communication practices, target audiences, motivations, and barriers. An online questionnaire directed at geoscientists/engineers was used to collect socio-demographic data and experts’ perspectives and practices on this communication. The analysis of 133 valid responses, primarily from Europe, North America, and Oceania, revealed that nearly all participants (95 %) actively engage in public communication. For most analysed aspects, differences in opinion according to gender, age, and professional category were not significant. A preference was observed for direct interaction with audiences (e.g., lectures) over indirect ways of communicating (e.g., media), with a focus on coastal risk (75 %) and climate change impacts (69 %). The public sector (e.g., municipalities) and school students were the preferred audiences. These findings align with the prevalent altruistic motives pointed out by respondents: to engage with society (76 %) and to help citizens make informed decisions (68 %). While the present research provides valuable insights, further studies are necessary to delve deeper into the analysis and further enhance our understanding of this important interconnection between coastal experts and society.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103943"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Päivi Haapasaari , Mika Marttunen , Veera Salokannel , Jukka Similä
{"title":"Navigating the pathway from collaborative governance to impacts under uncertainty: A theory of change for watershed visions","authors":"Päivi Haapasaari , Mika Marttunen , Veera Salokannel , Jukka Similä","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collaborative governance is considered effective in environmental problem solving. However, it is not always successful in delivering benefits. In Finland, collaborative ‘watershed visions’ are gaining popularity as a way to advance holistic water management. Watershed visions bring the public, private, and civil society actors across sectors together to agree on a desired future for a river basin and to plan steps for achieving it. The capability of watershed visions to lead to positive environmental impacts is, however, highly uncertain. We applied a Theory of Change approach to conceptualize an outcome-oriented impact pathway for the watershed visions to enhance the understanding of their possibilities to achieve their desired long-term impacts. Using empirical material, we structured a watershed vision process into an impact pathway of nine phases necessary for achieving the desired future. From each phase, we identified assumptions suggesting why and under what conditions the impact pathway successfully works, risks to its realization, and key uncertainties inherent to the risks. Focusing on the uncertainties, we developed a tool for ex-ante, interim, and ex-post evaluation of the watershed visions. We suggest that a longitudinal Theory of Change is a useful tool for addressing change and managing uncertainty in any collaborative process with long-term aims, and that applying this tool can increase the success of collaborative governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103937"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pipiet Larasatie , Emily Jones , Eric Hansen , Siegfried Lewark
{"title":"A wake-up call? A review of inequality based on the forest-related higher education literature","authors":"Pipiet Larasatie , Emily Jones , Eric Hansen , Siegfried Lewark","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103942","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103942","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With increasing world population, it is critical to manage global forests for sustaining both human and natural systems and this requires highly educated, professional foresters. However, there are concerning lackluster enrollment trends due to negative public impressions of unsustainable practices and a lack of social diversity (e.g., gender and race/ethnicity). As inequality can shape academic and scientific practice in forest-related fields at different levels, this study aims to identify forms of inequality by utilizing a qualitative, systematic review method manifested in the forest-related higher education literature. Results are then discussed regarding how forest-related higher education can be transformed into a mechanism for more inclusive collaboration and knowledge production. Forest-related educational programs should be strategically developed to align with current and potential emerging demand for employment expertise in the field of forestry. These programs should focus on the cultivation of professional foresters, enabling them to effectively address evolving challenges in natural resources management. The forest-related education sector should also prioritize the ongoing enhancement of human diversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103942"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A database on pharmaceuticals in the environment: What do stakeholders need?","authors":"Cristiana Cannata , Rodrigo Vidaurre , Ad M.J. Ragas , Caroline T.A. Moermond","doi":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pharmaceutical pollution has raised concerns about how these contaminants affect ecosystems. Data to assess the environmental risk of pharmaceuticals exist but are dispersed and not always publicly accessible. To address this issue, the European Commission recently proposed to develop a data source for human medicinal products, involving relevant stakeholders, including healthcare and industry representatives. The aim of our study was to define the user requirements for such a database on pharmaceuticals in the environment (PiE). We reached out to over 100 professionals that work on PiE, asking what data should be incorporated in the database and what features it should have. The results show that most stakeholders are affected by data gaps, mainly related to ecotoxicity, monitoring, transformation products, metabolites and removal rates in wastewater treatment plants. Interest in the mechanism of action of active pharmaceutical ingredients was specifically expressed by the pharma sector, including stakeholders related to the authorisation, production and use of medicines. Researchers and stakeholders dealing with environmental and water quality have greater interest for mass spectrum data, modelled environmental concentrations and data on transformation products and metabolites. While showing that the key actors working on PiE strongly endorse the development of an accessible and transparent database, we provide recommendations for creating such a data repository on pharmaceuticals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":313,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science & Policy","volume":"162 ","pages":"Article 103946"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}