The book provides a systematic assessment of the evolution of development theory, its relationship to orthodox social science analysis and the liberal pluralistic orthodoxy that now dominates the mainstream approach to international development, showing how we can transcend its failure to address some key problems of late and uneven development

This book consists of two parts. The first part describes the context in which the Prefectures of Minamisoma and Kesennuma need to operate and what the meaning is of the multiple disasters that occurred in the area. The second part illuminates the design process and content of the Minamisoma and Kesennuma designs. Thirdly, the chapters are alternated with reflections on the design and analyses of the disaster on specific themes: energy, demographics and economic factors, environment, water and ecology. The book ends with observations and transcripts of participants in the process, highlighting the benefits of the approach, the appraisal of the process, the appreciation of the design and the parts that could be improved. This final element will lead to recommendation how to implement these kinds of approaches in the area itself and how to spread out over the Tohuku region (the tsunami hit region) and other regions in Japan and Worldwide.

This book follows up the debate on the future of science and technology at the Curious2022 – Future Insight Conference, the second event in this conference series initiated on the occasion of Merck’s 350th anniversary. In the chapters, some of the world’s top scientists, managers and entrepreneurs explore breakthrough technologies and how they can be applied to make a better world for humanity. The book begins with an introduction to the vision of the conference “United by science for a better tomorrow” and the impacts caused by the pandemic, highlighting the importance of gathering like-minded people to discuss and support the advancement of science and technology for the benefit of humanity. In the first part of the book, readers will also find a chapter written by the Executive Board of Merck KGaA discussing the importance of curiosity for innovation and an overview of the company’s contribution in the areas of life sciences, healthcare and electronics forward-moving the scientific discovery. The second part of the book offers insights of some of the scientific topics discussed at the conference, and particular attention is given to new therapies and sustainability. In the final part of the book, readers will find some thoughts on ethical principles guiding our application of science and technology to create a bright future for humanity, and diverse perspectives on topics such as health, life sciences, nutrition, material sciences, digitalization, AI, energy, mobility, space flight, robotics, the secrets of the human mind and new ways of working together. Given its interdisciplinary appeal, the book will inspire curiosity in a wide readership, from scholars and researchers to professionals with an interest in exploring the future of science and technology, solving the problems of today, and paving the way for a better tomorrow. Chapters 1 and 2 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com

New times create new needs – and new needs require new solutions. The New Pioneers is a practical guide for capitalists and idealists on how to navigate in the new economic world order. It is about the social megatrends that are shaping our lives in new ways and creating a new face of capitalism. And it is about the pioneers that are paving the way for the new business revolution: this century's generation of visionary leaders, social entrepreneurs and social intrapreneurs. 'Hardcore business people are realising that they can increase their profits by incorporating social responsibility into their business, and heartcore idealists are realising that the use of market methods helps them meet their social goals successfully,' argues Tania Ellis. With a wide array of cases from all over the world Tania Ellis explains the key principles of sustainable business success. Read The New Pioneers to gain insight into the new rules that are paving the way for business unusual – for the benefit of humanity and the bottom line. Learn more about The New Pioneers and join the movement of sustainable businesses and social entrepreneurs at www.thenewpioneers.biz

Using the latest mapping techniques, J.A.A. Jones, Chair of the IGU Commission for Water Sustainability, examines water availability, the impact of climate change and the problems created for water management worldwide as well as possible solutions. Water Sustainability: A Global Perspective is one of the first textbook to meld the physical and human aspects affecting the world's water resources. Part One outlines the challenges and investigates the human factors: population growth; urbanization and pollution; the commercialization of water, including globalization and privatization; and the impacts of war, terrorism and the credit crunch. Part Two examines the physical aspects: the restless water cycle, the impact of past and future climate change and the problems change and unreliability create for water management. Part Three discusses current and future solutions including improved efficiency and water treatment systems, desalination, weather modification and rainwater harvesting, and improved legal and administrative frameworks. Jones concludes by asking how far technical and financial innovations can overcome the limitations of climatic resources and examining the human and environmental costs involved in such developments. This book is the ideal text for any student of water sustainability whether approaching the subject from the point of view of international relations, geography or environmental management.