A novel transdisciplinary description of the mega-process called Global Change" in terms of functional patterns Syndromes" is presented. This approach to environmental analysis is inspired by medical sciences, where syndromes are perceived as typical combinations of pertinent co-factors. Sixteen main syndromes are identi ed as the subdynamics generating the worldwide environment and development process with all its negative aspects and impacts. The analysis relies on a speci c semi-qualitative methodology, which brings together elements from complex systems theory, fuzzy logic and expert-judgment e v aluations. The concept is illustrated by in-depth treatment and comparison of the syndromes Sahel" and Green Revolution". As a corollary of the syndrome approach, a simple operational de nition of Sustainable Development" is suggested.
The death toll of recent heat waves in developed countries has been remarkably high, contradicting the common assumption that high levels of economic and technological development automatically lead to lower vulnerability to weather extremes. Future climate change may further increase this vulnerability. In this article we examine some recent evidence of heat wave-related mortality and we conclude that while economic wealth and technological capacity might be a necessary condition for adequately coping with adverse climate change effects, they are not sufficient. Questions of awareness, preparedness, organizational issues, and actor networks have to be addressed in a proactive and focused manner in order to avoid future heat wave damages. We propose some practical consequences for heat wave adaptation measures by adopting a risk governance framework that can be universally applied, as it is sufficiently flexible to deal with the multi-level and often fragmented reality of existing coping measures.
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