The potential contribution of disruptive low-carbon innovations to 1.5 °C climate mitigation

This paper investigates the potential for consumer-facing innovations to contribute emission reductions for limiting warming to 1.5 °C. First, we show that global integrated assessment models which characterise transformation pathways consistent with 1.5 °C mitigation are limited in their ability to analyse the emergence of novelty in energy end-use. Second, we introduce concepts of disruptive innovation which can be usefully applied to the challenge of 1.5 °C mitigation. Disruptive low-carbon innovations offer novel value propositions to consumers and can transform markets for energy-related goods and services while reducing emissions. Third, we identify 99 potentially disruptive low-carbon innovations relating to mobility, food, buildings and cities, and energy supply and distribution. Examples at the fringes of current markets include car clubs, mobility-as-a-service, prefabricated high-efficiency retrofits, internet of things, and urban farming. Each of these offers an alternative to mainstream consumer practices. Fourth, we assess the potential emission reductions from subsets of these disruptive low-carbon innovations using two methods: a survey eliciting experts’ perceptions and a quantitative scaling-up of evidence from early-adopting niches to matched segments of the UK population. We conclude that disruptive low-carbon innovations which appeal to consumers can help efforts to limit warming to 1.5 °C

Toward a Comprehensive Approach to the Collection and Analysis of Pica Substances, with Emphasis on Geophagic Materials

Pica, the craving and subsequent consumption of non-food substances such as earth, charcoal, and raw starch, has been an enigma for more than 2000 years. Currently, there are little available data for testing major hypotheses about pica because of methodological limitations and lack of attention to the problem.In this paper we critically review procedures and guidelines for interviews and sample collection that are appropriate for a wide variety of pica substances. In addition, we outline methodologies for the physical, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of these substances, with particular focus on geophagic soils and clays. Many of these methods are standard procedures in anthropological, soil, or nutritional sciences, but have rarely or never been applied to the study of pica.Physical properties of geophagic materials including color, particle size distribution, consistency and dispersion/flocculation (coagulation) should be assessed by appropriate methods. Quantitative mineralogical analyses by X-ray diffraction should be made on bulk material as well as on separated clay fractions, and the various clay minerals should be characterized by a variety of supplementary tests. Concentrations of minerals should be determined using X-ray fluorescence for non-food substances and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy for food-like substances. pH, salt content, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon content and labile forms of iron oxide should also be determined. Finally, analyses relating to biological interactions are recommended, including determination of the bioavailability of nutrients and other bioactive components from pica substances, as well as their detoxification capacities and parasitological profiles.This is the first review of appropriate methodologies for the study of human pica. The comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to the collection and analysis of pica substances detailed here is a necessary preliminary step to understanding the nutritional enigma of non-food consumption

The effect of fashion e-blogs on women's intention to use

The aim of this study is to identify (i) the key elements and consequences of fashion e-blogs and (ii) what effects fashion e-blogs have on women’s intention to use them. There is a large body of research in domains ranging from e-blogs, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. The significance of this research is that even though the social media, e-WOM and e-blogs are becoming normal ways to communicate, the effects and influence of them on businesses are limited. Data were gathered from women who interacted in five e-e-blogs. This article contributes to the growing literature on e-blog brands. This study samples a significant segment of fashion blogging consumers. Key implications for managers and researchers are highlighted

The effect of Fashions e-Blogs on Women’s Intention to Use

The aim of this study is to identify (1) the key elements and consequences of fashion e-blogs and (2) what effects fashion e-blogs have on women’s intention to use them. There is a large body of research in domains ranging from e-blogs, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and intention to use. The significance of this research is that even though the social media, e-WOM and e-blogs are becoming normal ways to communicate, the effects and influence of them on businesses are limited. Data were gathered from women who interacted in five e-blogs. This chapter contributes to the growing literature on e-blog brands. This study samples a significant segment of fashion blogging consumers. Key implications for managers and researchers are highlighted