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The war in Ukraine has highlighted that the stability of the epistemic communities is not immune to the disruptions caused by international conflicts. This paper explores why some epistemic communities (ECs) continue to function with little change, some adapt, and some cease to exist in times of disruption. It also explores different factors that might explain their resilience to such shocks, thereby shedding light on resilience capacities among these communities. We review case studies of three ECs: the European Space Agency (ESA), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Arctic Council (AC). The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the possible ways of conceiving the epistemic communities differently than we had in the past, in light of disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Portland Metropolitan region, a single economic and ecological region with a bifurcated state and local governance structure, provides an opportunity to compare governance models and state policy environments in a single region. Using stakeholder interviews and secondary sources, we examine the role of state government policy in shaping and supporting different regimes. We find that Portland exhibits a stable, “smart-growth” regime that we characterized as a metropolitan eco-regime whereas Vancouver is in a period of fragmentation without a stable metropolitan regime. This is best explained by the differing state-level regulatory contexts and the different forms of polycentricity influenced by state action. Differences in regime and governance structure result in differently drawn and expanded urban growth boundaries with subsequent differences in land-use outcomes. We conclude with observations about state-level action and subsequent forms of polycentricity to support metropolitan eco-regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farming may present opportunities for job creation over and above those provided by conventional agriculture; this study is one of a small number to have empirically examined this proposition. We compared countywide averages of hired farm labor from the USDA’s 2007 Agricultural Census with data collected through a mirrored survey of organic farmers in the same counties in Washington and California. Based on mixed-effects linear models to estimate differences (if any) in employment between organic farms and countywide farm averages, our analysis indicated that organic farms employed more workers per acre (95% CI: 2–12% more). Further, a greater proportion (95% CI: 13–43% more) of hired labor on organic farms worked 150 days or more compared to the average farm, suggesting increased labor requirements—and potentially more secure employment—on organic farms. We conclude the present study by considering possible policy implications of our findings with regard to organic agriculture as part of regional economic development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Chinese government is vigorously promoting commercialization of renewable energy and bioproducts, given environmental issues plus food, energy, and national security concerns, according to Chinese industry experts at the August 2010 "China Bioenergy Workshop" and its related technical tours. Goals include replacing 15 percent of conventional energy with renewable energy by 2020 and providing necessary investment of about $800 billion. Government policies cited include financing (given the lack of venture capital); financial and taxation incentives; carbon taxes and credits; and mandatory usage requirements, but the speakers said more can and will be done. Although not yet released at the time of the workshop, the speakers expected the 12th 5-Year Plan to expand the momentum generated under the 11th 5-Year Plan. This article highlights novel issues gleaned from the experts' unique, "on-the-ground perspective" of current and future bioenergy and bioproduct research and commercialization in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]