Search

This article traces conceptualizations of technology from narrow definitions to a broader understanding that encompasses the larger social and environmental context within which technology operates. In doing so, the associated social and environmental drivers and impacts of technology are identified and conclusions are drawn for the roles of technology and technology change in achieving sustainability. (Contains 1 figure.)

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2006.05.012 Byline: Matthias Ruth (a), Clark Bernier (b), Alan Meier (c), John 'Skip' Laitner (d) Keywords: Energy Efficiency; Efficiency gap; Simulation game; Energy policy; Greenhouse gas emissions; Consumer choice; Household appliances; Experimental economics; Technology policy Abstract: Computer models are widely used to analyze decisions about energy efficiency improvements in the residential and commercial sectors. Few models exist that can actually be run interactively by decision makers to play out alternative future scenarios. None are available that interactively capture the dynamics, subtleties and complexities of interdependent decisions by utilities, households and firms in an ever-changing technological and economic environment. This paper presents the features and experiences of PowerPlay, a computer-facilitated game which fills that gap and does more: it is a game to be played by at least a dozen player groups who interact with each other, make deals (or break them), plan for the future and revise decisions. The computer model functions like a game board to trace actions and offer choices. The observed behaviors can be analyzed to advance understanding of investment strategies and consumer choices; to generate experimentally-based data on energy efficiency changes; and to provide the basis for analyses that can substantiate or complement historical, time-series driven specifications of energy models. Author Affiliation: (a) Center for Integrative Environmental Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (b) Environmental Policy Program, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (c) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA (d) American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Washington, D.C., 20036, USA Article History: Received 19 September 2005; Revised 24 April 2006; Accepted 1 May 2006

The effects of volatile climatic conditions on energy domestic and commercial energy consumption levels in a region are analyzed by focusing on state of Maryland.

A series of scenarios illustrating the supply structure evolution of the competing fuels, natural gas and fuel oil, as well as the relationship between fuel prices and substitution is presented. The study investigates, how investment responses will shape the Mexican energy sector in the future.

The United States' iron and steel industries have 2 main sectors: firms producing outputs from fossil fuels and virgin materials, and; electric arc furnaces using electricity and scrap. The paper examines the sectors' carbon emissions profiles, energy usage, and carbon costs and compares this to various climate and technology policies.

The effects of fishing and implications of the design of marine protected areas have been modeled with attention to juvenile fish responses to variations in seafloor habitat. The model was applied to a theoretical patch of hard-bottom substratum and to a case study based on seafloor distributions at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Gulf of Maine, Northwest Atlantic). Shape of response surfaces patterns that show relationships between juvenile cod (Gadus marhua) survivorship and density as well as movement rate were similar no matter what the functional response type. It was seen that juvenile cod movement rates and post-settlement density were critical for predicting effects of marine protected-area size on survivorship. Habitat change caused by fishing was seen to have significant negative effects on juvenile cod surviving. It showed use of marine protected areas can be ameliorating.

Economic activities utilize materials and energy from the environment for production, consumption and the discharge of waste. The role of change in technology in an economic system considered part of the ecosystem is explored by using a physical model of production. It quantifies the thermodynamic irreversibility of the production process and of the economic system. Markets determine technological innovation. Governments need not intervene in R&D. Government regulations also provide for public policies for energy and material conserving technological change.

Byline: Matthias Ruth This paper is based on the premise that without integration of knowledge across disciplines, without integration of research with education, and without dialogue between science and stakeholders, opportunities to bound the complexity of environmental processes will be missed. Without adequate integration, solutions to environmental challenges will be partial at best, and new problems and unintended impacts will likely arise that prevent natural resource, economic and social systems from flourishing. On that premise, the paper explores what specifically needs to be integrated, and why, how that integration may occur, and what emotive, social and institutional conditions need to be achieved that may foster integration.