This paper explores the problem of integrated interdisciplinary research in the field of sustainable cities. The problematique of urban sustainability is studied in the historical and international context. Current research in the field is reviewed, and major gaps in interdisciplinary analysis...

This paper explores the problem of integrated interdisciplinary research in the field of sustainable cities. The problematique of urban sustainability is studied in the historical and international context. Current research in the field is reviewed, and major gaps in interdisciplinary analysis...

The fuel driving the engine of growth and sustainable development of any nation is the nation's access to reliable and adequate energy. Access to energy is a crucial enabling condition for achieving sustainable development. Prudent energy policies and research can play an important role in...

Weltweit streben immer mehr Regionen Energieautonomie an. Angesichts der Zukunftsrisiken Klimawandel und Erdölverknappung beabsichtigen sie, ihren Energiebedarf zu 100 % aus eigenen erneuerbaren und daher CO2-neutralen Quellen zu decken. Während viele Regionen bei der Produktion von...

This paper discusses structure, impact, costs, and efficiency of renewable energy supply in the eight largest advanced economies (the G-7 plus Spain), with focus on Germany. Renewables production costs are compared to benefits, defined as reductions in net carbon emissions; technological...

A new research agenda and ground breaking approaches should be adopted in order to overcome energy system inertia and pass through the current carbon constrained economy to new prosperous and more sustainable energy development paths. The wide consensus of the energy sector community (business,...

A growing literature on socio-technical transitions argues that structural change in societal subsystems is necessary to move towards more sustainable societies. Proponents of policy approaches such as 'transition management' have prescribed an important role to governments in such processes,...

Transition management has become an important topic in scientific research on sustainable development over the last decade. A recurring question is whether, and if so how, transitions towards sustainability can be governed. In this paper we address this question by theoretically comparing...

The debate about peak oil has been raging for the last 40 years, yet, the fact remains that oil is not a sustainable resource and will eventually run out. It is unclear whether the consumer has accepted this fact. In the meantime, preparation is needed to find truly 'alternative' fuels; however,...