Read the summary and the most important questions on Understanding and Assessing Technologies for Sustainability

• 1 System thinking

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• What are the importance of feedback loops in Meadows system thinking.

  It shows the interconnectedness between elements and the functions/purpose of a system.  It also provides some information about the system and is gives insight into effective information flow to make impactful interventions.
  
  
  
  

  • Work as an opportunity to leverage a system in a certain way: by regulating negative feedback loops and driving positive ones
  • Important in equilibrium creation - consistent behaviour patterns over a long period of time is the first hint of the existence of feedback loops.

• What an how are the rules of the system defined and influence the system as a leverage point?

  Define its scope, boundaries, and degree of freedom. 
  
  
  Designed and created by mental models and paradigms we have regarding the systems:
  

  • Human-Made Systems --> purpose is explicit and does not evolve over time
  • Natural/social systems --> purpose is implicit and may evolve over time.

• 1.3 Senge P

• Why does the statement “nothing happens until it happens” matter in sustainability discussions? 

  “Like the total awareness of a problem only happens when there is a form of chaos, the urge of the matter becomes clear, only then are people likely to change.” 
  o For example, the energy transitions. Global emissions are rising with concerning problems. Thus, we will change towards electric cars and make other valuable transitions to tackle this problem. 

• 2 Energy efficiency

• Why does the statement “nothing happens until it happens” matter in sustainability discussions?

  Like the total awareness of a problem only happens when there is a form of chaos, the urge of the matter becomes clear, only then are people likely to change.”
  
  
  

  • For example, the energy transitions. Global emissions are rising with concerning problems. Thus, we will change towards electric cars and make other valuable transitions to tackle this problem.
    

• 2.1 Julian Allwood

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• What is understood by energy/material service? What is its relevance in the energy/material efficiency discussion?

  As humans, we rely on energy to obtain products and services that provide us with comfort and utility, such as heating. We naturally strive to improve our circumstances by generating more energy or indulging in luxurious comforts. This, in turn, leads to an increase in demand for materials. Nevertheless, we should strive to attain the same comfort level with fewer resources.

• According to Allwood et al., what are the motivations for studying material efficiency?

  • Reducing the energy demand, reducing emissions and other environmental impacts of the industry, and increasing national resources security 
    
  • Growing population - growing demand
  • To decrease the GHG emissions

• How can economy, sociology and policy support our understanding of material efficiency?

  · Economy: Understanding the cost-benefit analysis of using materials more efficiently and potential economic impacts.
  · Sociology: Examining how societies value and use materials and how cultural attitudes influence consumption and waste.
  · Policy: Setting the framework for how nations or regions approach material use, offering incentives, and establishing regulations..

• Table on different types of barriers to promote energy (and material) efficiency:

  Technical Barriers
  Limitations due to current technology, lack of innovation, or outdated infrastructure.
  Economic Barriers
  High upfront costs, lack of financial incentives, or low return on investment.
  Behavioural Barriers
  Resistance to change, lack of awareness, or misaligned priorities.
  Regulatory Barriers
  Policies or regulations that deter energy-saving measures or innovations.
  Informational Barriers
  Lack of knowledge about the benefits, methods, or technologies for efficiency.

• Model to explain mechanisms to promote energy/material efficiency:

  • Government Policy: Setting regulations, incentives, and standards.
    

  
  

  • Innovation: Development of new technologies and practices.
    

  
  

  • Education: Informing consumers and businesses about benefits and methods.
    

  
  

  • Economic Incentives: Price mechanisms, tax breaks, and subsidies to promote efficient practices.
    

• 3 Climate Change

• 3.1 Hayha T et al. (2018)

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• What are the key messages when discussing the operationalisation of the Planetary Boundary framework? 

  • It requires a deep understating of the cooperation of scientists and policymakers.
    
  • Existing policy processes and strategies can serve as an entry point, for benchmarking the Planetary Boundaries framework.
    
  • Due to differing characteristics and local considerations, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to operationalising planetary boundaries.
    
  • Also, the operationalisation goes beyond national borders.