Patrick Schroeder - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Patrick Schroeder

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Jul 1, 2021

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Sep 1, 2018

Energy, 2018

Based on a household energy use survey, this paper explores the technical and economic potential ... more Based on a household energy use survey, this paper explores the technical and economic potential of residential energy savings in a Chinese city, Xiamen. The survey adopted a similar questionnaire used by the U.S. EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), covering the end-uses of cooking, water heating, plug-in appliances, lighting and space cooling. The analysis shows that the technical potential of energy savings in Xiamen's residential buildings is significant, around 20%. Of the technical potential, about two-thirds to four-fifths are costeffective from a whole society perspective. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the Levelised Cost of Conserved Energy (LCOCE) of advanced technical measures with the actual cost of conserved energy. The actual cost of energy is defined by adding the carbon emission cost and hidden government subsidies over the retail prices of energy. About threequarters of the technical energy-saving potential in Xiamen come from adopting efficient household appliances, therefore, further tightening the energy efficiency standards for key household appliances and promoting wide diffusion of efficient models of appliances by various

Sustainable Asia, 2017

The broader concept of sustainability can be viewed as a crisis management concept; it emerged ou... more The broader concept of sustainability can be viewed as a crisis management concept; it emerged out of the growing conflict between economic development and the ecological boundaries within which its activities and impacts must be contained. Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) then emerged as a practical approach to achieve human well-being, the supposed objective of development, within this crisis management concept of sustainability. An assessment of recent history of the co-evolution of the two concepts would show that SCP has rapidly evolved as an integrative framework for the various dimensions of sustainability, as well as the nuts and bolts of sustainable development (SD) [Akenji, 2014; Chappells and Trentman, 2015].

The topic of this thesis is China's transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system ... more The topic of this thesis is China's transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system based predominantly on renewable electricity supply. The specific focus is the concept of leapfrogging, frequently proposed as an alternative development strategy for China and other large developing countries to bypass the historical energy-intensive and polluting stages of development of the already industrialised countries. The thesis poses the question whether leapfrogging in China's renewable electricity sector occurred in the period from 2005 to 2010 and what the future potential for leapfrogging is. The specific technology focus of the thesis is renewable electricity and to some lesser degree renewable energy for heating. In this context five main areas have been looked at in detail: decentralised renewable energy technologies for rural development, innovative capacity and development of China's emerging renewable energy companies, application of renewable electricity and ...

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Abstract This paper aims to re-conceptualise and advance the existing frameworks and practical ap... more Abstract This paper aims to re-conceptualise and advance the existing frameworks and practical applications of the circular economy (CE) towards a broader approach to development in general and, more particularly, to combine it with the approach for Human Development (HD). The CE is an alternative to the current "take, make, waste” extractive industrial model and offers a practical solution to address global and local environmental challenges, such as resource depletion, marine plastic pollution, and for staying within planetary system boundaries. Although the CE and related concepts such as cradle to cradle provide a most promising alternative to the traditional linear economy model and its impacts on the planets eco-systems, some of the CE key elements have raised debate both in the academic community and among policy makers. One of the debates concerns the missing social or human dimensions of the CE. Likewise, the HD approach lacks considerations of environmental sustainability. Drawing on both academic and grey literature and the authorso research observations and professional experiences in the fields of promoting the CE and international development cooperation for HD, we attempt to develop an integrative conceptual framework of the CE and HD. This framework includes social-economic elements of the transformation from linear to circular economic models, combined with HD from the social sciences and development studies. We thereby complement the technological-material focused CE model that is primarily based on principles of industrial ecology and engineering. We utilize the existing ‘circular humansphereo concept to articulate the incorporation of HD into the discussion of CE. By bringing in explicit links with HD, we pursue a double aim: First, to raise awareness and understanding among the CE research community of the missing human dimension in current CE discourse, and second, to familiarise the international development community with the approaches of CE. This will advance the options for adopting CE practices in international development programmes and for the process of implementing the social SDGs concerning HD such as SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Finally, we hope that this CE and HD framework can contribute to the resolution of environmental and developmental issues.

Journal of Industrial Ecology

This paper identifies the extent to which circular economy (CE) practices are relevant for the im... more This paper identifies the extent to which circular economy (CE) practices are relevant for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of a literature review and a matching exercise to determine the relationship between CE practices and SDG targets show that CE practices, potentially, can contribute directly to achieving a significant number of SDG targets. The strongest relationships exist between CE practices and the targets of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The paper also explores synergies that can be created through CE practices among several of the SDG targets. Furthermore, it identifies several potential trade-offs between targets for decent work, safe working environments, human health and current CE practices relating to recycling of municipal waste, e-waste and wastewater, and provides suggestions how these can be overcome. The paper concludes that CE practices can be applied as a "toolbox" and specific implementation approaches for achieving a sizeable number of SDG targets. Further empirical research is necessary to determine which specific types of partnerships and means of implementation are required to apply CE practices in the SDG context.

Sustainability Science

The United Nations formulated the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a comprehensive... more The United Nations formulated the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a comprehensive global policy framework for addressing the most pressing social and environmental challenges currently facing humanity. In this paper, we analyse SDG 12, which aims to ''ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.'' Despite long-standing political recognition of this objective, and ample scientific evidence both on its importance and on the efficacy of various ways of promoting it, the SDGs do not provide clear goals or effective guidance on how to accomplish this urgently needed transformation. Drawing from the growing body of research on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), the paper identifies two dominant vantage pointsone focused on promoting more efficient production methods and products (mainly through technological improvement and informed consumer choice) and the other stressing the need to consider also overall volumes of consumption, distributional issues, and related social and institutional changes. We label these two approaches efficiency and systemic. Research shows that while the efficiency approach contains essential elements of a transition to sustainability, it is by itself highly unlikely to bring about sustainable outcomes. Concomitantly, research also finds that volumes of consumption and production are closely associated with environmental impacts, indicating a need to curtail these volumes in ways that safeguard social sustainability, which is unlikely to be possible without a restructuring of existing socioeconomic arrangements. Analysing how these two perspectives are reflected in the SDGs framework, we find that in its current conception, it mainly relies on the efficiency approach. On the basis of this assessment, we conclude that the SDGs represent a partial and inadequate conceptualisation of SCP which will hamper implementation. Based on this determination, this paper provides some suggestions on how governments and other actors involved in SDGs operationalisation could more effectively pursue SCP from a systemic standpoint and use the transformation of systems of consumption and production as a lever for achieving multiple sustainability objectives. Keyword Sustainable consumption and production Á SDG implementation Á Systemic approaches Á Public policy Transforming consumption and production-a key priority in the early 21st century Humanity is facing a number of severe global crises in the early 21st century: growing ecological overshoot and worsening climate change, widespread deprivation and unmet human needs, and increasing inequality and social exclusion (Steffen et al. 2015; Roser and Ortiz-Ospina 2017; Milanovic 2016). Each of these situations has the potential to trigger social unrest, and concurrently threatens to undermine democracy and peace. They are also intricately linked with each other, and such interconnections are likely to amplify the related risks. These wicked

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Civil Society Contributions to Policy Innovation in the PR China, 2015

This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable con... more This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), and how Chinese civil society organizations (CSOs) including both grassroots CSOs and think tanks are addressing these two issues. A particular focus of the chapter is on CSO participation in processes aiming to influence and contribute to policy making on national and local levels. As China’s climate change policies are a moving target and are still undergoing constant development, the chapter focuses more on trends and significant ongoing developments than on presenting an analysis of completed processes of policy innovation and public participation. The chapter first introduces the current state of the climate change problem, the interconnectedness between China and the EU on this issue through the perspective of SCP. That is followed by a general description of the background of public participation and civil society movements in the climate change issue. Then CSO initiatives on sustainable consumption, particularly lifestyle movements, are presented to ascertain the link between new social movement theories and various approaches of international movements on climate change, sustainable consumption and lifestyles. Furthermore, a comparison between China’s environmental CSOs and think tanks and ways of engagement in China’s climate change policy processes is presented, focusing in particular on the China Civil Climate Action Network (CCAN).

China's responsibility for climate changeEthics, fairness and environmental policy, 2011

Journal of Consumer Policy, 2016

This paper combines the concept of leapfrogging with systems-thinking approaches to outline the p... more This paper combines the concept of leapfrogging with systems-thinking approaches to outline the potentials for and barriers to enabling systemic shifts to strong sustainable consumption in the emerging economies of China and India. New urban consumers in China and India have the potential to “lifestyle leapfrog” the high impact lifestyle models of the industrialized countries while simultaneously improving their quality of life. This paper argues that by implementing systemic approaches in the consumption domains of mobility and housing, the historical trajectory of high environmental footprints of mobility and housing can be avoided. The analysis based on systems-thinking principles identifies existing barriers and possible solutions. The importance of policies for strong sustainable consumption is highlighted to induce positive feedbacks in the areas of markets and society facilitating both efficient technology uptake and behavioural changes.

Personal communication with Deng Wen, environmental expert from the NGO Sichuan Green River, 5 De... more Personal communication with Deng Wen, environmental expert from the NGO Sichuan Green River, 5 December 2009 (provided information on rural biogas developments) Personal communication with Spanish energy expert of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Tianjin, 16 June 2010 (provided information on Spanish-Chinese wind energy cooperation) Personal email communication with Binu Parthu, REEEP Deputy Director General, Beijing, May 2010 (provided information on REEEP cooperation and projects in China) Personal communication and email exchanges with Chris Lin, Manager of Tianwei Ltd, Beijing, between May 2009 and September 2010 (provided information on China's solar PV industry development and policies) Personal communication and email exchanges with Rocky Cao, Oasis Energy Company, Beijing, between June 2008 and June 2010 (provided information on China's solar PV industry development and policies).

Sustainable Cities and Society, 2014

Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdepende... more Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdependence on fossil fuels derived from petroleum for local consumption requirements should be a serious source of concern for the country in two ways-depletion of the resources and negative impact on the environment. This paper presents a critical review of the available renewable energy resources in Nigeria, namely; biomass, hydropower, solar and wind energy. It examines the current energy situation in the country and equally discusses the various energy policy documents developed by the government. Using the scenario-based International Atomic Energy Agency models, the projected energy demand and supply structure of the country through 2030 are presented and analysed. Overall, this study shows that Nigeria will overcome her present energy crisis if she explores the abundant renewable energy resources in the country. The data presented in this paper is a crucial eye-opener for relevant government agencies towards developing these energy resources in tackling the present energy crisis in Nigeria.

This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable con... more This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), and how Chinese civil society organizations (CSOs) including both grassroots CSOs and think tanks are addressing these two issues. A particular focus of the chapter is on CSO participation in processes aiming to influence and contribute to policy making on national and local levels. As China’s climate change policies are a moving target and are still undergoing constant development, the chapter focuses more on trends and significant ongoing developments than on presenting an analysis of completed processes of policy innovation and public participation. The chapter first introduces the current state of the climate change problem, the interconnectedness between China and the EU on this issue through the perspective of SCP. That is followed by a general description of the background of public participation and civil society movements in the climate change issue. Then CSO initiatives on sustainable consumption, particularly lifestyle movements, are presented to ascertain the link between new social movement theories and various approaches of international movements on climate change, sustainable consumption and lifestyles. Furthermore, a comparison between China’s environmental CSOs and think tanks and ways of engagement in China’s climate change policy processes is presented, focusing in particular on the China Civil Climate Action Network (CCAN).

Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdepende... more Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdependence on fossil fuels derived from petroleum for local consumption requirements should be a serious source of concern for the country in two ways-depletion of the resources and negative impact on the environment. This paper presents a critical review of the available renewable energy resources in Nigeria, namely; biomass, hydropower, solar and wind energy. It examines the current energy situation in the country and equally discusses the various energy policy documents developed by the government. Using the scenario-based International Atomic Energy Agency models, the projected energy demand and supply structure of the country through 2030 are presented and analysed. Overall, this study shows that Nigeria will overcome her present energy crisis if she explores the abundant renewable energy resources in the country. The data presented in this paper is a crucial eye-opener for relevant government agencies towards developing these energy resources in tackling the present energy crisis in Nigeria.

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Jul 1, 2021

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Sep 1, 2018

Energy, 2018

Based on a household energy use survey, this paper explores the technical and economic potential ... more Based on a household energy use survey, this paper explores the technical and economic potential of residential energy savings in a Chinese city, Xiamen. The survey adopted a similar questionnaire used by the U.S. EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), covering the end-uses of cooking, water heating, plug-in appliances, lighting and space cooling. The analysis shows that the technical potential of energy savings in Xiamen's residential buildings is significant, around 20%. Of the technical potential, about two-thirds to four-fifths are costeffective from a whole society perspective. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the Levelised Cost of Conserved Energy (LCOCE) of advanced technical measures with the actual cost of conserved energy. The actual cost of energy is defined by adding the carbon emission cost and hidden government subsidies over the retail prices of energy. About threequarters of the technical energy-saving potential in Xiamen come from adopting efficient household appliances, therefore, further tightening the energy efficiency standards for key household appliances and promoting wide diffusion of efficient models of appliances by various

Sustainable Asia, 2017

The broader concept of sustainability can be viewed as a crisis management concept; it emerged ou... more The broader concept of sustainability can be viewed as a crisis management concept; it emerged out of the growing conflict between economic development and the ecological boundaries within which its activities and impacts must be contained. Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) then emerged as a practical approach to achieve human well-being, the supposed objective of development, within this crisis management concept of sustainability. An assessment of recent history of the co-evolution of the two concepts would show that SCP has rapidly evolved as an integrative framework for the various dimensions of sustainability, as well as the nuts and bolts of sustainable development (SD) [Akenji, 2014; Chappells and Trentman, 2015].

The topic of this thesis is China's transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system ... more The topic of this thesis is China's transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system based predominantly on renewable electricity supply. The specific focus is the concept of leapfrogging, frequently proposed as an alternative development strategy for China and other large developing countries to bypass the historical energy-intensive and polluting stages of development of the already industrialised countries. The thesis poses the question whether leapfrogging in China's renewable electricity sector occurred in the period from 2005 to 2010 and what the future potential for leapfrogging is. The specific technology focus of the thesis is renewable electricity and to some lesser degree renewable energy for heating. In this context five main areas have been looked at in detail: decentralised renewable energy technologies for rural development, innovative capacity and development of China's emerging renewable energy companies, application of renewable electricity and ...

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Abstract This paper aims to re-conceptualise and advance the existing frameworks and practical ap... more Abstract This paper aims to re-conceptualise and advance the existing frameworks and practical applications of the circular economy (CE) towards a broader approach to development in general and, more particularly, to combine it with the approach for Human Development (HD). The CE is an alternative to the current "take, make, waste” extractive industrial model and offers a practical solution to address global and local environmental challenges, such as resource depletion, marine plastic pollution, and for staying within planetary system boundaries. Although the CE and related concepts such as cradle to cradle provide a most promising alternative to the traditional linear economy model and its impacts on the planets eco-systems, some of the CE key elements have raised debate both in the academic community and among policy makers. One of the debates concerns the missing social or human dimensions of the CE. Likewise, the HD approach lacks considerations of environmental sustainability. Drawing on both academic and grey literature and the authorso research observations and professional experiences in the fields of promoting the CE and international development cooperation for HD, we attempt to develop an integrative conceptual framework of the CE and HD. This framework includes social-economic elements of the transformation from linear to circular economic models, combined with HD from the social sciences and development studies. We thereby complement the technological-material focused CE model that is primarily based on principles of industrial ecology and engineering. We utilize the existing ‘circular humansphereo concept to articulate the incorporation of HD into the discussion of CE. By bringing in explicit links with HD, we pursue a double aim: First, to raise awareness and understanding among the CE research community of the missing human dimension in current CE discourse, and second, to familiarise the international development community with the approaches of CE. This will advance the options for adopting CE practices in international development programmes and for the process of implementing the social SDGs concerning HD such as SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Finally, we hope that this CE and HD framework can contribute to the resolution of environmental and developmental issues.

Journal of Industrial Ecology

This paper identifies the extent to which circular economy (CE) practices are relevant for the im... more This paper identifies the extent to which circular economy (CE) practices are relevant for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of a literature review and a matching exercise to determine the relationship between CE practices and SDG targets show that CE practices, potentially, can contribute directly to achieving a significant number of SDG targets. The strongest relationships exist between CE practices and the targets of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The paper also explores synergies that can be created through CE practices among several of the SDG targets. Furthermore, it identifies several potential trade-offs between targets for decent work, safe working environments, human health and current CE practices relating to recycling of municipal waste, e-waste and wastewater, and provides suggestions how these can be overcome. The paper concludes that CE practices can be applied as a "toolbox" and specific implementation approaches for achieving a sizeable number of SDG targets. Further empirical research is necessary to determine which specific types of partnerships and means of implementation are required to apply CE practices in the SDG context.

Sustainability Science

The United Nations formulated the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a comprehensive... more The United Nations formulated the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a comprehensive global policy framework for addressing the most pressing social and environmental challenges currently facing humanity. In this paper, we analyse SDG 12, which aims to ''ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.'' Despite long-standing political recognition of this objective, and ample scientific evidence both on its importance and on the efficacy of various ways of promoting it, the SDGs do not provide clear goals or effective guidance on how to accomplish this urgently needed transformation. Drawing from the growing body of research on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), the paper identifies two dominant vantage pointsone focused on promoting more efficient production methods and products (mainly through technological improvement and informed consumer choice) and the other stressing the need to consider also overall volumes of consumption, distributional issues, and related social and institutional changes. We label these two approaches efficiency and systemic. Research shows that while the efficiency approach contains essential elements of a transition to sustainability, it is by itself highly unlikely to bring about sustainable outcomes. Concomitantly, research also finds that volumes of consumption and production are closely associated with environmental impacts, indicating a need to curtail these volumes in ways that safeguard social sustainability, which is unlikely to be possible without a restructuring of existing socioeconomic arrangements. Analysing how these two perspectives are reflected in the SDGs framework, we find that in its current conception, it mainly relies on the efficiency approach. On the basis of this assessment, we conclude that the SDGs represent a partial and inadequate conceptualisation of SCP which will hamper implementation. Based on this determination, this paper provides some suggestions on how governments and other actors involved in SDGs operationalisation could more effectively pursue SCP from a systemic standpoint and use the transformation of systems of consumption and production as a lever for achieving multiple sustainability objectives. Keyword Sustainable consumption and production Á SDG implementation Á Systemic approaches Á Public policy Transforming consumption and production-a key priority in the early 21st century Humanity is facing a number of severe global crises in the early 21st century: growing ecological overshoot and worsening climate change, widespread deprivation and unmet human needs, and increasing inequality and social exclusion (Steffen et al. 2015; Roser and Ortiz-Ospina 2017; Milanovic 2016). Each of these situations has the potential to trigger social unrest, and concurrently threatens to undermine democracy and peace. They are also intricately linked with each other, and such interconnections are likely to amplify the related risks. These wicked

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Civil Society Contributions to Policy Innovation in the PR China, 2015

This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable con... more This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), and how Chinese civil society organizations (CSOs) including both grassroots CSOs and think tanks are addressing these two issues. A particular focus of the chapter is on CSO participation in processes aiming to influence and contribute to policy making on national and local levels. As China’s climate change policies are a moving target and are still undergoing constant development, the chapter focuses more on trends and significant ongoing developments than on presenting an analysis of completed processes of policy innovation and public participation. The chapter first introduces the current state of the climate change problem, the interconnectedness between China and the EU on this issue through the perspective of SCP. That is followed by a general description of the background of public participation and civil society movements in the climate change issue. Then CSO initiatives on sustainable consumption, particularly lifestyle movements, are presented to ascertain the link between new social movement theories and various approaches of international movements on climate change, sustainable consumption and lifestyles. Furthermore, a comparison between China’s environmental CSOs and think tanks and ways of engagement in China’s climate change policy processes is presented, focusing in particular on the China Civil Climate Action Network (CCAN).

China's responsibility for climate changeEthics, fairness and environmental policy, 2011

Journal of Consumer Policy, 2016

This paper combines the concept of leapfrogging with systems-thinking approaches to outline the p... more This paper combines the concept of leapfrogging with systems-thinking approaches to outline the potentials for and barriers to enabling systemic shifts to strong sustainable consumption in the emerging economies of China and India. New urban consumers in China and India have the potential to “lifestyle leapfrog” the high impact lifestyle models of the industrialized countries while simultaneously improving their quality of life. This paper argues that by implementing systemic approaches in the consumption domains of mobility and housing, the historical trajectory of high environmental footprints of mobility and housing can be avoided. The analysis based on systems-thinking principles identifies existing barriers and possible solutions. The importance of policies for strong sustainable consumption is highlighted to induce positive feedbacks in the areas of markets and society facilitating both efficient technology uptake and behavioural changes.

Personal communication with Deng Wen, environmental expert from the NGO Sichuan Green River, 5 De... more Personal communication with Deng Wen, environmental expert from the NGO Sichuan Green River, 5 December 2009 (provided information on rural biogas developments) Personal communication with Spanish energy expert of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Tianjin, 16 June 2010 (provided information on Spanish-Chinese wind energy cooperation) Personal email communication with Binu Parthu, REEEP Deputy Director General, Beijing, May 2010 (provided information on REEEP cooperation and projects in China) Personal communication and email exchanges with Chris Lin, Manager of Tianwei Ltd, Beijing, between May 2009 and September 2010 (provided information on China's solar PV industry development and policies) Personal communication and email exchanges with Rocky Cao, Oasis Energy Company, Beijing, between June 2008 and June 2010 (provided information on China's solar PV industry development and policies).

Sustainable Cities and Society, 2014

Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdepende... more Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdependence on fossil fuels derived from petroleum for local consumption requirements should be a serious source of concern for the country in two ways-depletion of the resources and negative impact on the environment. This paper presents a critical review of the available renewable energy resources in Nigeria, namely; biomass, hydropower, solar and wind energy. It examines the current energy situation in the country and equally discusses the various energy policy documents developed by the government. Using the scenario-based International Atomic Energy Agency models, the projected energy demand and supply structure of the country through 2030 are presented and analysed. Overall, this study shows that Nigeria will overcome her present energy crisis if she explores the abundant renewable energy resources in the country. The data presented in this paper is a crucial eye-opener for relevant government agencies towards developing these energy resources in tackling the present energy crisis in Nigeria.

This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable con... more This chapter presents an overview of the two related issues of climate change and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), and how Chinese civil society organizations (CSOs) including both grassroots CSOs and think tanks are addressing these two issues. A particular focus of the chapter is on CSO participation in processes aiming to influence and contribute to policy making on national and local levels. As China’s climate change policies are a moving target and are still undergoing constant development, the chapter focuses more on trends and significant ongoing developments than on presenting an analysis of completed processes of policy innovation and public participation. The chapter first introduces the current state of the climate change problem, the interconnectedness between China and the EU on this issue through the perspective of SCP. That is followed by a general description of the background of public participation and civil society movements in the climate change issue. Then CSO initiatives on sustainable consumption, particularly lifestyle movements, are presented to ascertain the link between new social movement theories and various approaches of international movements on climate change, sustainable consumption and lifestyles. Furthermore, a comparison between China’s environmental CSOs and think tanks and ways of engagement in China’s climate change policy processes is presented, focusing in particular on the China Civil Climate Action Network (CCAN).

Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdepende... more Over 80% of the current Nigerian primary energy consumption is met by petroleum. This overdependence on fossil fuels derived from petroleum for local consumption requirements should be a serious source of concern for the country in two ways-depletion of the resources and negative impact on the environment. This paper presents a critical review of the available renewable energy resources in Nigeria, namely; biomass, hydropower, solar and wind energy. It examines the current energy situation in the country and equally discusses the various energy policy documents developed by the government. Using the scenario-based International Atomic Energy Agency models, the projected energy demand and supply structure of the country through 2030 are presented and analysed. Overall, this study shows that Nigeria will overcome her present energy crisis if she explores the abundant renewable energy resources in the country. The data presented in this paper is a crucial eye-opener for relevant government agencies towards developing these energy resources in tackling the present energy crisis in Nigeria.