Papers by Heike Schroeder
REDD+ in Uganda: access rights and equity must come first
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that results in cognitive and behavioral impairmen... more Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that results in cognitive and behavioral impairment. Conventional treatment strategies, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs, often fail due to their poor solubility, lower bioavailability, and ineffective ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Nanotechnological treatment methods, which involve the design, characterization, production, and application of nanoscale drug delivery systems, have been employed to optimize therapeutics. These nanotechnologies include polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, and liquid crystals. Each of these are promising tools for the delivery of therapeutic devices to the brain via various routes of administration, particularly the intranasal route. The objective of this study is to present a systematic review of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Who Rules the Earth? How Social Rules Shape Our Planet and Our Lives by Paul Steinberg (review)
Global Environmental Politics, 2016
WithWho Rules the Earth? Paul Steinberg produces a highly readable and engaging narrative that ev... more WithWho Rules the Earth? Paul Steinberg produces a highly readable and engaging narrative that evokes an urgent question: what would it take to move the world onto a more sustainable path? Quite simply, change the rules, he argues throughout his book. And to be able to change the rules, one must first become aware of them, and recognize their powerful force. The book is targeted at, as he puts it, “intelligent readers who are concerned about the environment and eager to learn what can be done” about it (p. 6). It is rich and colorful, minutely researched and practical, and inspiring in its tone. Through vivid storytelling Steinberg sharpens the reader’s perception of the immaterial and invisible, yet influential, web of rules that penetrate the surface of the Earth and determine relations of power among humans and their effects on the natural environment. Refreshingly, he leaves aside much of the institutional jargon that is endemic in academic conversation. In 279 pages, Steinberg ...
As national efforts to reduce CO 2 emissions intensify, policy-makers need increasingly specific,... more As national efforts to reduce CO 2 emissions intensify, policy-makers need increasingly specific, subnational information about the sources of CO 2 and the potential reductions and economic implications of different possible policies. This is particularly true in China, a large and economically diverse country that has rapidly industrialized and urbanized and that has pledged under the Paris Agreement that its emissions will peak by 2030. We present new, citylevel estimates of CO 2 emissions for 182 Chinese cities, decomposed into 17 different fossil fuels, 46 socioeconomic sectors, and 7 industrial processes. We find that more affluent cities have systematically lower emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP), supported by imports from less affluent, industrial cities located nearby. In turn, clusters of industrial cities are supported by nearby centers of coal or oil extraction. Whereas policies directly targeting manufacturing and electric power infrastructure would drastically undermine the GDP of industrial cities, consumptionbased policies might allow emission reductions to be subsidized by those with greater ability to pay. In particular, sectorbased analysis of each city suggests that technological improvements could be a practical and effective means of reducing emissions while maintaining growth and the current economic structure and energy system. We explore city-level emission reductions under three scenarios of technological progress to show that substantial reductions (up to 31%) are possible by updating a disproportionately small fraction of existing infrastructure.
The research community has highlighted for several decades the implications of greenhouse gas emi... more The research community has highlighted for several decades the implications of greenhouse gas emissions for climate change. In response, world governments have agreed to limit global temperature change to 2°C, which requires drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In advanced economies, a commitment to a 2°C limit generally represents a reduction of emissions of between 80-95% from the 1990 baseline. Despite this, emissions from international aviation increased by 53 % between 1990 and 2011 in those countries. Academic researchers are among the highest emitters, primarily as a result of emissions from flying to conferences, project meetings, and fieldwork. Here we review the rationale for and alternatives to the current high-carbon research culture. We find no clear obstacles to justify an exemption for the research community from the emission reduction targets applied elsewhere. While stimulating ideas and creating personal links of trust are important benefits of face-to-f...
Governing Urban Sustainability Transformations
Urban Planet, 2018
Energy Policy, 2018
Frequent modifications to energy statistics have led to considerable uncertainty in China's abili... more Frequent modifications to energy statistics have led to considerable uncertainty in China's ability to achieve its carbon mitigation targets. Here, we quantitatively measure the impact of energy data revisions on China's ability to achieve its mitigation targets. Our results indicate the following effects of data revisions: 1. Mitigation challenges have increased by 5%, and the achievement of national mitigation targets (as well as international pledges) might be postponed by two years. 2. Greater than expected carbon space or emission quota (from 22.94 to 31.31 Gt) will be obtained from 2015 to 2035. 3. CO 2 peak levels may become highly uncertain, with the uncertainty varying from 12% to 29%. In addition to national mitigation targets, data revision has profound implications for key industrial sectors. For example, raw coal consumption by the cement and iron and steel industries has long been underestimated, bringing uncertainty to the achievement of industrial mitigation targets. Our results reveal considerable uncertainty in China's energy data, and this uncertainty suggests that previous mitigation achievements have been overestimated and that the mitigation targets, carbon space values, and peak level estimates proposed by future mitigation schemes may not be reached.
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 2016
The alluring yet nebulous concept of transformative change is increasingly gaining traction in co... more The alluring yet nebulous concept of transformative change is increasingly gaining traction in conversations about pathways to more sustainable futures and responses to climate change. This shift in focus from incremental change to potentially radical experiments in sustainability at multiple levels of governance suggests that new conceptual tools are needed to illuminate new types of actors, interests, and capacities at play. This paper draws upon a diverse suite of theoretical tools, derived from multi-level governance theory, sustainability transitions scholarship, and sustainability entrepreneurship literature, to interrogate the transformative potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of urban sustainability transitions/transformations. SMEs are an often overlooked, albeit potentially significant group of actors. Through a systematic literature review we (1) identify characteristics of SMEs that might make them relatively more able and likely to produce radical innovations, (2) explore dimensions of the broader socio-political context that influence the likelihood of this potential for innovation to be translated into action in urban spaces, and (3) discuss implications of these dynamics for transformative sustainability governance.
As national efforts to reduce CO 2 emissions intensify, policy-makers need increasingly specific,... more As national efforts to reduce CO 2 emissions intensify, policy-makers need increasingly specific, subnational information about the sources of CO 2 and the potential reductions and economic implications of different possible policies. This is particularly true in China, a large and economically diverse country that has rapidly industrialized and urbanized and that has pledged under the Paris Agreement that its emissions will peak by 2030. We present new, citylevel estimates of CO 2 emissions for 182 Chinese cities, decomposed into 17 different fossil fuels, 46 socioeconomic sectors, and 7 industrial processes. We find that more affluent cities have systematically lower emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP), supported by imports from less affluent, industrial cities located nearby. In turn, clusters of industrial cities are supported by nearby centers of coal or oil extraction. Whereas policies directly targeting manufacturing and electric power infrastructure would drastically undermine the GDP of industrial cities, consumptionbased policies might allow emission reductions to be subsidized by those with greater ability to pay. In particular, sectorbased analysis of each city suggests that technological improvements could be a practical and effective means of reducing emissions while maintaining growth and the current economic structure and energy system. We explore city-level emission reductions under three scenarios of technological progress to show that substantial reductions (up to 31%) are possible by updating a disproportionately small fraction of existing infrastructure.
Global Environmental Politics, 2016
With Who Rules the Earth? Paul Steinberg produces a highly readable and engaging narrative that e... more With Who Rules the Earth? Paul Steinberg produces a highly readable and engaging narrative that evokes an urgent question: what would it take to move the world onto a more sustainable path? Quite simply, change the rules, he argues throughout his book. And to be able to change the rules, one must first become aware of them, and recognize their powerful force. The book is targeted at, as he puts it, "intelligent readers who are concerned about the environment and eager to learn what can be done" about it (p. 6). It is rich and colorful, minutely researched and practical, and inspiring in its tone. Through vivid storytelling Steinberg sharpens the reader's perception of the immaterial and invisible, yet influential, web of rules that penetrate the surface of the Earth and determine relations of power among humans and their effects on the natural environment. Refreshingly, he leaves aside much of the institutional jargon that is endemic in academic conversation. In 279 pages, Steinberg takes his reader on an insightful expedition across the planet. He traces the flight path of the endangered cerulean warbler from Peru to West Virginia to illustrate the power of property rights (to know who rules the earth, we must "understand who owns it," 66). Property rights also play out in the lack of rules governing the market in many developing countries. Legal proof of property is so difficult to obtain that most businesses operate outside the law, making it impossible for them to secure loans or expand their businesses, and ultimately to "enjoy the fruits of economic growth" (103). Early in the book, Steinberg leads the reader to the small town of Hudson, Quebec, Canada, where Doctor June Irwin discovered that many ailments of her patients (particularly children) could be traced to pesticide residue in their blood, leading her to convince local regulators to create rules banning nonessential pesticide use in urban spaces. Other local communities across Canada soon followed suit. Having lost the fight in Canada, pesticide manufacturers crossed the border to the United States to prevent the same outcome from taking shape there, and got most U.S. states to adopt preemption rules forbidding local control of pesticide use. This story illuminates the power of an individual to change the rules in such far-reaching and influential ways. Another highlight of the book is traveling deep into the heart and soul of Europe and meeting a man, originally from Cognac on the French Atlantic
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions, 2016
China is the world's largest energy consumer and CO2 emitter. Cities contribute 85% of the total ... more China is the world's largest energy consumer and CO2 emitter. Cities contribute 85% of the total CO2 emissions in China and thus are considered the key areas for implementing policies designed for climate change adaption and CO2 emission mitigation. However, understanding the CO2 emission status of Chinese cities remains a challenge, mainly owing to the lack of systematic statistics and poor data quality. This study presents a method for constructing a CO2 emissions inventory for Chinese cities in terms of the definition provided by the IPCC territorial emission accounting approach. We apply this method to compile CO2 emissions inventories for 20 Chinese cities. Each inventory covers 47 socioeconomic sectors, 20 energy types and 9 primary industry products. We find that cities are large emissions sources because of their intensive industrial activities, such as electricity generation, production for cement and other construction materials. Additionally, coal and its related products are the primary energy source to power Chinese cities, providing an average of 70% of the total CO2 emissions. Understanding the emissions sources in Chinese cities using a concrete and consistent methodology is the basis for implementing any climate policy and goal.
Energy Policy, 2018
Frequent modifications to energy statistics have led to considerable uncertainty in China's abili... more Frequent modifications to energy statistics have led to considerable uncertainty in China's ability to achieve its carbon mitigation targets. Here, we quantitatively measure the impact of energy data revisions on China's ability to achieve its mitigation targets. Our results indicate the following effects of data revisions: 1. Mitigation challenges have increased by 5%, and the achievement of national mitigation targets (as well as international pledges) might be postponed by two years. 2. Greater than expected carbon space or emission quota (from 22.94 to 31.31 Gt) will be obtained from 2015 to 2035. 3. CO 2 peak levels may become highly uncertain, with the uncertainty varying from 12% to 29%. In addition to national mitigation targets, data revision has profound implications for key industrial sectors. For example, raw coal consumption by the cement and iron and steel industries has long been underestimated, bringing uncertainty to the achievement of industrial mitigation targets. Our results reveal considerable uncertainty in China's energy data, and this uncertainty suggests that previous mitigation achievements have been overestimated and that the mitigation targets, carbon space values, and peak level estimates proposed by future mitigation schemes may not be reached.
Jordan, A.J., Rayner, T., Schroeder, H., Adger, N., Anderson, K., Bows, A., Le Quere, C., Joshi, M., Mander, S. and L. Whitmarsh (2013) Going Beyond Two Degrees? The Risks and Opportunities of Alternative Options. Climate Policy 13, 6, 738-50 Climate Policy
Francis and Routledge Open articles and Taylor & Francis and Routledge Open Select articles poste... more Francis and Routledge Open articles and Taylor & Francis and Routledge Open Select articles posted to institutional or subject repositories or any other third-party website are without warranty from Taylor & Francis of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Any opinions and views expressed in this article are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor & Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
Changes in Land-Use Governance in an Urban Era
Rethinking Global Land Use in an Urban Era, 2014
Land use is being fundamentally transformed worldwide. G overnance mechanisms that manage land us... more Land use is being fundamentally transformed worldwide. G overnance mechanisms that manage land use are changing from territorial organizations to global institutions anchored to specific resource flows between urban and rural areas. This shift reflects an underlying change of v alues attached to land, from the creation of new monetary values to the assertion of social values. Such a r evalorization has, in turn, fueled global competition and led to governance arrangements that may appear fragmented from the vantage point of any particular land plot. In addition, rising urbanization impacts and reflects governance arrangements for land use. This chapter addresses the governance of land use in an urban era, with a focus on the emergence of global arrangements to address land competition and the t elecoupling effects that arise between coupled multiscalar systems.
Science (New York, N.Y.), Jan 16, 2012
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions, 2016
China is the world's largest energy consumer and CO2 emitter. Cities contribute 85% of the total ... more China is the world's largest energy consumer and CO2 emitter. Cities contribute 85% of the total CO2 emissions in China and thus are considered the key areas for implementing policies designed for climate change adaption and CO2 emission mitigation. However, understanding the CO2 emission status of Chinese cities remains a challenge, mainly owing to the lack of systematic statistics and poor data quality. This study presents a method for constructing a CO2 emissions inventory for Chinese cities in terms of the definition provided by the IPCC territorial emission accounting approach. We apply this method to compile CO2 emissions inventories for 20 Chinese cities. Each inventory covers 47 socioeconomic sectors, 20 energy types and 9 primary industry products. We find that cities are large emissions sources because of their intensive industrial activities, such as electricity generation, production for cement and other construction materials. Additionally, coal and its related products are the primary energy source to power Chinese cities, providing an average of 70% of the total CO2 emissions. Understanding the emissions sources in Chinese cities using a concrete and consistent methodology is the basis for implementing any climate policy and goal.
Climate Policy, 2013
Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content")... more Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content") contained in the publications on our platform. Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Versions of published Taylor & Francis and Routledge Open articles and Taylor & Francis and Routledge Open Select articles posted to institutional or subject repositories or any other third-party website are without warranty from Taylor & Francis of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Any opinions and views expressed in this article are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor & Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, 2021
Examples of new modes of communication for empowering climate action "The definition of insanity ... more Examples of new modes of communication for empowering climate action "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." This quote by Albert Einstein highlights our need for new formats of communication to address the knowledge-action gap regarding climate change and other sustainability challenges. This includes reflection, and communication spaces, as well as methods and approaches that can catalyze the emergence of transformative change and action. In this article we present and reflect on experiments we carried out at international climate negotiations and conferences.
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Papers by Heike Schroeder