Towards a Holistic Approach in EU Biomass Regulation

The energy transition requires a legal system that promotes the most sustainable forms of energy. This requires a holistic approach that accounts for all effects of energy production throughout the energy chain. This article analyses the presence of holistic elements in the current legal framework of biomass used for energy purposes. It finds that the most advanced example, sustainability criteria for biofuels, applies to only a fraction of all biomass uses, as the applicability is dependent on the production process used and the manner of consumption. Furthermore, the legal framework for biomass accounts for neither all direct effects, nor any indirect effects of production, nor the carbon debt resulting from biomass combustion. All this undermines the assumed sustainability of biomass. As a result, the current legal framework is far from holistic and poorly equipped to promote the most sustainable forms of energy

Extended application of 'best available techniques' as a means to facilitate ecological governance:Assessing the legality of an ecologically oriented interpretation in the European Union of 'best available techniques' under international trade law and in particular in relation to energy production

This article examines the possibility of using the concept of 'best available techniques' (BAT) to implement ecological governance in European Union energy law. Since extending the mandatory use of BAT in energy production would lead to increased implementation of rules on 'processes and production methods' (or process measures), this article primarily assesses the legality of such measures under international trade law. In this, the focus is on the implications for energy production. It appears that process measures are not categorically prohibited and that, thus, extension of the BAT concept is possible in principle. This would allow for a more holistic approach to energy production, rather than maintaining the current rigid, artificial distinction between products and processes. This new, integrated approach would enhance the level of ecological governance, which, in turn, can contribute to mitigating climate change

The effect of the Cape Flats Aquifer on the water quality of False Bay

Bibliography: leaves 71-79.The aim of this project was to investigate the effect that the Cape Flats Aquifer, situated on the north shore of False Bay, is having on the water quality of the bay. Following increased development on the Cape Flats, the risk of the aquifer becoming contaminated has increased as it is situated below the informal settlement of Khayelitsha (where there is poor sanitation) and the Philippi agricultural area (where fertilisers are widely used)

Rehabilitation needs in individuals with knee OA in rural Western Cape, South Africa: an exploratory qualitative study

Background: Current clinical practice guidelines have suggested that each individual with knee osteoarthritis (OA) should receive three core treatments from their health care provider. These core treatments comprise of exercise, education and weight loss. Identification of the health care and rehabilitation needs of individuals with knee OA in rural areas are imperative for focusing service delivery in a specific context in order to empower the individual. The aim of this study was to explore the rehabilitation needs of individuals with knee OA living in rural Western Cape in order to identify the gaps in services offered and inform rehabilitation programmes in these settings. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth individual interviews were performed on 16 individuals with knee OA living in rural settings of the Western Cape, South Africa. A deductive data analysis approach was used and the needs of the individuals were identified and categorised for interpretation and comparison with the reported services received. Findings: The three major themes identified were ‘I would like to know more’, ‘There’s not much support from the clinic’ and ‘I don’t feel myself anymore’. These themes relate to the lack of disease-specific education, barriers in the health systems and service delivery resulting in individuals lack of self-worth and poor mental wellbeing. The results revealed the integral relationship between health care systems, service delivery and the effect on patient wellbeing. Conclusion: The rehabilitation needs of individuals with knee OA in rural areas advocates for addressing barriers in rural primary health care system such as adequate human resources, referral systems and continuity of care. This will allow for a comprehensive, person-centred and context-specific multidisciplinary approach focused on empowering individuals with knee OA through disease-specific education, improving functional participation and symptom management strategies. This could improve the social inclusion and mental wellbeing of individuals living with knee OA.National Research Fund of South Afric

Towards ecological governance in EU energy law:with a focus on biomass regulation and the use of ‘best available techniques’

This dissertation analyses how a full life-cycle approach might be implemented in European energy law in order to facilitate and expedite the energy transition. In this, the legislation on biomass and biofuels served as guidance, as it imposes sustainability criteria that consider the full production chain. However, careful analysis showed that the current rules do not amount to a full life-cycle approach. Next, it was investigated to what extent ‘ecological governance’ can be implemented via increased mandatory use of ‘best available techniques’ (BAT). This legal instrument is central in the regulation of industrial emissions, but not throughout other parts of the production chain. In principle, a broad application of BAT to new legislative areas seems well possible. Then, it was assessed whether such a new application is in line with (international) trade law. It was concluded that there appear to be no categorical, legal barriers to such a new approach, provided certain conditions are met. Lastly, it was analysed whether the use of ‘technology neutral’ legal instruments, such as BAT, is desirable and/or necessary in implementing a system of (futureproof) ecological governance. It turned out that such instruments are not essential. On the basis of the four sub-studies (each published as seperate articles) and additional research, it is eventually concluded that implementing ecological governance is only possible if certain assumptions underlying the current (legal and economic) framework are simultaneously questioned. In particular the notion of (permanent) economic growth is at odds with implementing ecological governance in European energy law. Thus, a system change is required that goes well beyond the legal framework

Collaborative capacity development to complement stroke rehabilitation in Africa

This scholarly book focuses on stroke in Africa. Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults of all ages, contributing significantly to health care costs related to long term implications, particularly if rehabilitation is sub-optimal. Given the burden of stroke in Africa, there is a need for a book that focuses on functioning African stroke survivors and the implications for rehabilitation within the African context. In addition, there is a need to progress with contextualised, person-centred, evidence-based guidance for the rehabilitation of people with stroke in Africa, thereby enabling them to lead socially and economically meaningful lives. The research incorporated in the book used a range of primary and secondary methodological approaches (scoping reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, descriptive studies, surveys, health economics, and clinical practice guideline methodology) to shed new insights into African-centred issues and strategies to optimise function post-stroke