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Soaring energy demand in developing Asian countries presents a challenge for existing centralized systems and monopolistic electric utilities since these often fail to reliably provide energy service security. Inclusive energy governance could serve as a hedging mechanism against several inherent problems such as supply disruptions and corruption practices, and thus improve energy service security. This study therefore (i) proposes a conceptual framework for energy governance in developing countries and (ii) applies this framework to qualitatively assess the energy service security perspectives of the electricity system in Bangladesh via an interpretive research approach. Relevant governance indicators were first identified in an inductive thematic analysis of systematically selected literature. Bangladesh’s electricity system was then subsequently qualitatively analyzed on the basis of secondary data and official reports. The findings indicate the presence of weak institutions in the electricity sector and a lack of market competition, and the need for consistent policy implementation, proper pricing and information disclosure mechanisms. In addition, other challenges such as endemic corruption and bureaucratic complexities, underdeveloped grids and insufficient resource logistics also need to be addressed. While international interventions and national policies favor a heavy take-up of fossil fuels in order to achieve energy security and energy equity, environmental sustainability is largely ignored. The study concludes that the integration of energy governance and energy security perspectives is crucial to understanding and addressing the challenges of a just energy transition in the face of the standard energy trilemma in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe new bovid remains from the Late Miocene-Early Pliocene of Padhri in the Potwar Plateau of Pakistan. A comparison with the closely allied genera from the Siwaliks revealed that a maxillary fragment and a hemimandible belong to Tragoportax punjabicus, two isolated teeth can be assigned as cf. Tragoportax sp. and a mandible fragment belongs to Gazella lydekkeri. We suggest that Tragoportax is represented by two valid species and Gazella by three species. The extinction of Tragoportax and Gazella from the Siwaliks during the Early Pliocene could be associated with habitat loss, as these used to live in forest and shrublands respectively which were replaced with the grassland towards the beginning of the Pliocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roof systems are considered a best practice for climate change adaptation and mitigation in urban areas affected by heat waves and stormwater flooding. Green roofs mitigate urban heat islands, improve urban air quality, buffer stormwater and improve runoff quality, absorb emissions and increase the thermal efficiency of buildings. Green roofs therefore are an interesting technology for densely populated urban areas in Thailand, but still at a rather low diffusion stage. The aim of this paper thus is to identify and quantify the main factors that influence green roof adoption using a mixed-method research design. The relevant factors were (1) identified in a qualitative content analysis, (2) structured alongside two dimensions (internal/external and positive/negative factors), and (3) quantitatively assessed in an Analytical Hierarchy Process based on expert judgments. The analysis yields three main factors influencing the diffusion potential of green roofs in Thailand: While their potential to mitigate urban heat islands is the most important facilitating factor, the lack of proper subsidy schemes as well as the lack of knowledge and skilled workforce, represent major adoption barriers. In spite of the discussed challenges and issues, a light trend towards greener buildings can already be observed among planners, architects, and also on policy levels in Thailand. If the identified issues are addressed properly, green roofs eventually could become a significant contributor to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]