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Elsevier

Books in Development

  • Local Development and Sustainability

    Territorial Dynamics Between Economy and Ecology
    • 1st Edition
    • Luca Salvati + 1 more
    • English
    Local Development and Sustainability: Territorial Dynamics Between Economy and Ecology advances a novel synthesis of local development by integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives including applied economics, regional science, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. This edited volume examines the relationships between social inequalities, demographic change, territorial disparities, and environmental challenges in advanced economies, with empirical evidence spanning Europe, the Middle East, and global contexts. The book uniquely links local development with sustainability, wellbeing, and quality of life, emphasizing the kaleidoscopic and unpredictable nature of territorial transformations. The book is organized into four thematic sections covering geo-economic and territorial issues, socio-demographic implications, socio-environmental perspectives, and planning and governance. Topics include urban expansion, landscape valorization, spatial demography, wildfire behavior, land degradation, administrative reforms, and resilience plans. Each chapter is authored by respected scholars from various countries, offering case studies, visual data, and comprehensive analyses that highlight applied approaches and policy implications. This reference benefits academics, researchers, and students in economics, geography, sociology, demography, socio-environmental science, and planning. It also serves practitioners such as planners, architects, and policymakers interested in sustainable local development and territorial governance. The book supports teaching at B.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, providing an accessible yet advanced resource for understanding complex socio-ecological systems and their sustainable management.

  • Technological Inclusion and Climate Innovation

    Comparative Pathways for Just and Equitable Transitions Across Global Societies
    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel Chukwujindu Nwokolo + 3 more
    • English
    Technological Inclusion and Climate Innovation: Comparative Pathways for Just and Equitable Transitions Across Global Societies offers a groundbreaking, equity-focused roadmap that redefines climate innovation by integrating sociotechnical inclusion, institutional foresight, and comparative global metrics. Sections cover global disparities in climate exposure and technological capacity, social equity, governance, cultural interfaces, national strategies, geopolitics, smart cities, circular economies, digital climate governance, innovation ecosystems, climate education, and future scenarios. Novel indices such as the Inclusion-Readiness Nexus (IRN), Innovation Gradient Index (IGI), and Synergistic Transition Potential (STP) are introduced to assess and compare climate-tech inclusion.The work also presents strategic foresight models and policy roadmaps for equitable climate technology deployment aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. It is invaluable to interdisciplinary scholars, policymakers, strategists, and practitioners engaged in sustainability, technology, governance, and equity. It benefits environmental scientists, political scientists, urban planners, STS scholars, digital sociologists, global governance experts, climate policy researchers, innovation economists, and professionals in public-private partnerships, climate-tech startups, and multilateral organizations.

  • Tech-Powered Sustainability

    Revolutionizing Green Public Services
    • 1st Edition
    • Maria José Sousa + 3 more
    • English
    Tech-Powered Sustainability: Revolutionizing Green Public Services explores how technology can transform the public sector by integrating sustainability and innovation. it begins with innovations in public administration and green services, discussing topics like the integration of green innovation and the efficiency of digital solutions. The second part focuses on tech-powered public services, exploring human machine collaboration, blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity. The third part presents real-world case studies from various countries, showcasing sustainable technological innovations in public services. Finally, the book examines management systems and discusses how to evaluate green public policies, offering future scenarios for sustainable governance.A must-read for professors, students, public managers, policymakers, researchers, and technology specialists, this book equips its audience with the knowledge and strategies necessary to implement effective digital governance. With insights into overcoming challenges and enhancing public service quality, readers will be positioned at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the public sector.

  • Global Risks and Energy System Resilience

    • 1st Edition
    • Jun Zhao + 2 more
    • English
    Global Risks and Energy System Resilience examines the intricate interplay between various global risks and the resilience of energy systems. This comprehensive reference delves into the complex geopolitical, economic, and financial factors that shape energy security today, offering a structured framework for understanding and addressing challenges. It covers crucial topics such as the evolution of energy system resilience, the development of an evaluation framework, and the quantification of the impacts of geopolitical, financial, and economic risks. Researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals in energy strategy and policy evaluation, energy system resilience optimization, and risk avoidance policies will find this book invaluable.This book follows the logical framework of “indicator measurement-impact assessment-scenario prediction.” It first analyzes the current situation and provides an overview of global risks and the energy system resilience, then measures the levels of different types of global risks and energy system resilience, and then analyzes the spatio-temporal evolution law. Second, the theoretical transmission mechanism of different kinds of risks on energy system resilience is analyzed through literature and theoretical review. Next, the actual impacts of different kinds of risks on energy system resilience are assessed by corresponding econometric models. Finally, the influencing factors affecting the resilience of energy systems under a digital background are identified to predict the future development of energy system resilience.

  • Rethinking Rural

    Data-Driven Approaches for Sustainable Development
    • 1st Edition
    • Luca Salvati
    • English
    Rethinking Rural: Data-Driven Approaches for Sustainable Development offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of sustainable rural development through a quantitative lens. Drawing on official statistics, spatial analysis, and refined indicators, this edited volume brings together leading scholars from ecology, economics, and planning to rethink the environmental-econom... nexus shaping rural territories. With a focus on Europe and the Mediterranean, but applicable globally, the book emphasizes continuous, spatially explicit monitoring of socioecological and socioeconomic complexities to inform effective, place-specific policies that enhance sustainability and resilience.Structure... in three parts, the book first presents integrated perspectives on rural system evolution, including climate change impacts, land use, and socioeconomic drivers across diverse contexts such as Mediterranean landscapes and Colombia’s deforestation. The second part details traditional and advanced tools for monitoring rural environments, from territorial indicators to wildfire and habitat assessment. The final section addresses planning and policy challenges, evaluating natural disaster management, resilience strategies, environmental degradation costs, and socio-demographic influences on tourism insurance.

  • Spatial Analysis for Complex Territorial Systems

    Geo-information Technologies and European Official Statistics
    • 1st Edition
    • Luca Salvati
    • English
    Spatial Analysis for Complex Territorial Systems: Geo-information Technologies and European Official Statistics offers a multidisciplinary exploration of spatial analysis, geo-information technologies, and official statistics, focusing on their applications in environmental, economic, and planning challenges in Europe and the Mediterranean. Comprising 16 insightful chapters authored by leading scholars from Southern and Eastern Europe, Ireland, and the United States, the book delves into the complexities of socio-ecological monitoring through data integration and refined statistical indicators. Key topics include climate monitoring, land degradation, settlement patterns, and disaster resilience, providing a comprehensive understanding of local contexts and policy implications.The book begins with contributions from a traditional ecological, agronomic, and environmental vision, then continues with a set of studies with stricter socio-demographic and economic focus. It then discusses how other quantitative approaches (e.g., based on big data and primary surveys) may clarify the role of policies and planning, addressing sustainable development goals in the ‘kaleidoscopic’ European landscapes. Conclusions confirm the urgent need of integrating the vast potential of geo-information techniques, together with spatial analysis and official statistics, into more flexible sustainable development strategies that reflect local conditions and spatially explicit background contexts.

  • Future Smart Cities

    A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Living
    • 1st Edition
    • Uday Chatterjee + 1 more
    • English
    Future Smart Cities: A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Living provides a guide to the intricate process of urban development in the 21st century. As an extensive manual for those involved in urban planning, policy-making, technology, and community leadership, it provides a clear blueprint for constructing cities that are intelligent and fair, ecologically conscious, and economically sustainable.Examinin... the convergence of technology, sustainability, and social fairness from an interdisciplinary perspective, it offers valuable insights into the transformative capabilities of smart city programs. The content explores fundamental concepts such as digital innovation, data-driven decision-making, inclusive governance, and sustainable design. These principles are shown through the analysis of real-world case studies and the presentation of best practices. The book aims to inspire practical approaches for urban development that prioritize the well-being of all people, minimize environmental impact, and promote resilience in the face of global crises by highlighting the significance of inclusion and sustainability.Futur... Smart Cities: A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Living provides readers with the necessary knowledge, resources, and motivation to contribute to a future in which cities flourish as dynamic, inclusive, and environmentally-frie... centers of innovation and potential.

  • Integrated Planning for Sustainable Resilient Regions

    • 1st Edition
    • Rui Alexandre Castanho
    • English
    Integrated Planning for Sustainable Resilient Regions explores the dynamic relationship between sustainable development and effective regional planning. With a focus on harmonizing the diverse elements of social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation, this book offers a deep dive into the interplay among human activities, natural systems, and the landscapes they inhabit. Considering both theoretical foundations and real-world case studies, this book equips readers with the tools to navigate the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world. It examines how sustainable development goals can seamlessly integrate into regional planning initiatives, offering a roadmap for fostering resilient communities and landscapes.Through sustainability transitions, territorial dynamics, and community engagement techniques, this book offers fresh perspectives on urban planning, environmental science, and regional studies. This book resonates with a diverse audience, seeking to drive positive change through strategic and sustainable regional planning. From community engagement techniques to innovative policy frameworks, readers will find actionable guidance to transform theoretical concepts into practical and impactful development projects. By providing an essential bridge between theory and implementation, this book inspires meaningful conversations and actions that will shape the future of our regions, cities, and landscapes sustainably and harmoniously.From governments crafting policies that balance progress and environmental stewardship to architects and developers designing eco-conscious spaces, researchers, professionals, and students alike will find valuable information and practical tools to critically analyze the complex interactions among human activities, natural systems, and regional landscapes, fostering a holistic understanding of sustainable development within diverse regions.

  • Developing China's Green Trade

    Comprehensive Evaluation, Impacts, and Advancement Trajectories
    • 1st Edition
    • Kangyin Dong + 1 more
    • English
    Developing China's Green Trade: Comprehensive Evaluation, Impacts, and Advancement Trajectories gives an extensive exploration of the intricate dynamics of green trade and its consequences. The book establishes a comprehensive indexing system for China's green trade and calculates a green trade composite index. Sourcing data from the Chinese Customs import and export trade database, the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and more, the book employs a range of econometric methods to empirically evaluate the economic, environmental, and social impacts of green trade. It also investigates advancement approaches through environmental regulation, technological innovation, financial inclusion, an more.The book primarily follows a framework of "measuring trade promotion paths." It begins by assessing the provincial green trade index in China after reviewing the concept and current state of green trade. Subsequently, it evaluates the potential impacts of green trade, considering its effects on the economy, environment, and society. Finally, it delves into a "five-pronged approach" of green trade advancement strategies, covering aspects of regulation, technology, finance, energy, and economy.

  • Technological Pathways for Africa's Net-Zero Economy

    Technology Solutions to Unlock Africa’s Sustainable Future
    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel Chukwujindu Nwokolo + 3 more
    • English
    Technological Pathways for Africa's Net-Zero Economy: Technology Solutions to Unlock Africa’s Sustainable Future explores the potential of African countries to transition towards a net-zero economy. It highlights sustainable development challenges and opportunities Africa faces and provides insights on technological pathways toward this goal. The book emphasizes the importance of harnessing renewable energy resources, promoting green innovation, and building resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future. It calls for strong policy frameworks and international collaboration to support African countries in their transition. The book outlines seven scenarios supporting Africa's technological paths to a net-zero economy: leapfrogging, hybridization, adaptation, decentralization, sustainable development, promotion, and finance.These scenarios aim to adopt innovative technologies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in education and capacity-building programs is crucial for African countries to effectively implement sustainable energy solutions, so the book also highlights the role of education and awareness in fostering a culture of sustainability among African communities and empowering them to actively participate in climate action initiatives.

  • Homelessness to Hope

    Research, Policy and Global Perspectives
    • 1st Edition
    • Uday Chatterjee + 4 more
    • English
    Homelessness to Hope: Research, Policy and Practices on Global Perspectives brings together stories, observations and critical appraisals that have emerged out of interdisciplinary studies spanning the global North and South. It explores how diverse accounts on homelessness and homeless people are situated within the structural-instituti... arrangements of the developing and developed worlds. Through its comparative framework, the book offers a broader understanding of the multiple ways in which homelessness is experienced, perceived, and addressed. The book uses cross-cutting theoretical framings (such as resilience, wellbeing, social-ecological systems, sustainability, urban planning, institutions, gender) and emerging discourses on homelessness to complement current empirical findings.In addition, it provides insights on diverse concepts, meanings, perceptions, identities, and values concerning homelessness across rural and urban settings to promote a comprehensive understanding. In doing so, the book critically addresses the limits of contemporary discussions on homelessness, eviction, and poverty. Broadly, the book's authors explore the causations and processes of homelessness to shed light on physical, social, ontological, territorial, and cognitive facets of homelessness at both local and regional contexts across the world. Furthermore, the book lays a strong focus on viable transitions through identifying, comparing, and advocating for inclusive, collaborative, actionable measures and policies.

  • Cross-Border Resource Management

    • 4th Edition
    • Rongxing Guo
    • English
    Cross-Border Resource Management, Fourth Edition addresses theoretical and analytical issues relating to cross-border resource management, particularly in a changing world. The book holistically explores issues where two entities share a border, such as sovereign countries, dependent states and others, where each seeks to maximize their political and economic interests regardless of impacts on the environment. This new edition has been completely revised to reflect current issues, with new cases and videos in every chapter and expanded coverage of natural disasters, climate change and modeling.Serving as a single resource to explore the many facets of managing and utilizing natural resources when they extend across defined borders, this new edition provides environmental managers and researchers in environmental management and policy with practical solutions for cross-border cooperation in the exploitation and utilization of natural and environmental resources.

  • Cross-Border Resource Management

    • 3rd Edition
    • Rongxing Guo
    • English
    Cross-Border Resource Management, Third Edition covers theoretical and analytical issues relating to cross-border resource management. This book holistically explores issues when two entities share a border, such as sovereign countries, dependent states and others, where each seeks to maximize their political and economic interests regardless of impacts on the environment. This new edition has been completely revised to reflect current issues, with new cases from North America and Europe and discussions and issues regarding air and space. Users will find a single resource that explores the many facets of managing and utilizing natural resources when they extend across defined borders.

  • Amnesty International

    The Human Rights Story
    • 1st Edition
    • J. Power
    • English
    Traces the history of Amnesty International from its beginnings in 1961, describing the difficulties and disappointments, how the organization works, and its special campaigns. Includes case studies focusing on the Soviet Union, China, Africa, Brazil and South America and first hand information on current activities in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The book is illustrated by photographs from Amnesty's archives

  • The Right to be Intelligent

    • 1st Edition
    • L.A. Machado
    • English
    'The only weapon effective against State force is the intellectual power of the citizens'. In this first translation of his bestseller in the Spanish-speaking world, Dr. Machado advances the fundamental tenets for humane socialism in the developing Third World. The colossal technological dominance by the developed nations must be faced by a strong and ringing claim to the educational emancipation which opposes totalitarianism and technocracy alike. 'No one is born civilised or primitive. The difference...is educational' - with this opening salvo Dr. Machado starts his demolition of the passive notions of 'natural intelligence' and 'natural superiority' which smooth the totalitarian path