Erik Edward Nordman

The science of ecological economics: A content analysis of Ecological Economics, 1989–2004

The Ecological Economics journal is a primary source for inquiry on ecological economics and sustainability. To explore the scholarly pursuit of ecological economics, we conducted a content analysis of 200 randomly sampled research, survey, and methodological articles published in Ecological Economics during the 15‐year period of 1989–2004. Results of the analysis were used to investigate facets of transdisciplinarity within the journal. A robust qualitative approach was used to gather and examine data to identify themes representing substantive content found within the span of sampled journal papers. The extent to which each theme was represented was counted as well as additional data, such as author discipline, year published, etc. Four main categories were revealed: (1) foundations (self‐reflexive themes stemming from direct discussions about ecological economics); (2) human systems, represented by the themes of values, social indicators of well‐being, intergenerational distribution, and equity; (3) biophysical systems, including themes, such as carrying capacity and scarcity, energy, and resource use, relating directly to the biophysical aspects of systems; and (4) policy and management encompassing themes of development, growth, trade, accounting, and valuation, as well as institutional structures and management. The results provide empirical evidence for discussing the future direction of ecological economic efforts.

Enhancing public engagement on offshore wind energy using genius loci: A case study from a Lake Michigan coastal community

We describe a novel approach to public engagement on offshore wind energy based on genius loci (“spirit of a place”). North America lacks offshore wind farms but they could be viable in the Great Lakes. Cultural ties between coastal Michigan, USA and the Netherlands offered opportunities to learn from the Dutch offshore wind experience. Residents from a Lake Michigan coastal community with Dutch heritage videoconferenced with a Dutch tourism specialist regarding the Egmond aan Zee offshore wind farm. Important differences and

The science of ecological economics

The Ecological Economics journal is a primary source for inquiry on ecological economics and sustainability. To explore the scholarly pursuit of ecological economics, we conducted a content analysis of 200 randomly sampled research, survey, and methodological articles published in Ecological Economics during the 15‐year period of 1989–2004. Results of the analysis were used to investigate facets of transdisciplinarity within the journal. A robust qualitative approach was used to gather and examine data to identify themes representing substantive content found within the span of sampled journal papers. The extent to which each theme was represented was counted as well as additional data, such as author discipline, year published, etc. Four main categories were revealed: (1) foundations (self‐reflexive themes stemming from direct discussions about ecological economics); (2) human systems, represented by the themes of values, social indicators of well‐being, intergenerational distribution, and equity; (3) biophysical systems, including themes, such as carrying capacity and scarcity, energy, and resource use, relating directly to the biophysical aspects of systems; and (4) policy and management encompassing themes of development, growth, trade, accounting, and valuation, as well as institutional structures and management. The results provide empirical evidence for discussing the future direction of ecological economic efforts.

An integrated assessment for wind energy in Lake Michigan coastal counties

The benefits and challenges of onshore and offshore wind energy development were assessed for a 4-county area of coastal Michigan. Economic, social, environmental, and spatial dimensions were considered. The coastal counties have suitable wind resources for energy development, which could contribute toward Michigans 10% renewable energy standard. Wind energy is cost-effective with contract prices less than the benchmark energy price of a new coal-fired power plant. Constructing a 100 MW wind farm could have a

Phragmites Removal Increases Property Values in Michigan’s Lower Grand River Watershed

54.7 million economic impact. A patchwork of township-level zoning ordinances regulates wind energy siting. Voluntary collaborations among adjacent townships standardizing the ordinances could reduce regulatory complexity. A Delphi Inquiry on offshore wind energy in Lake Michigan elicited considerable agreement on its challenges, but little agreement on the benefits to coastal communities. Offshore turbines could be acceptable to the participants if they reduced pollution, benefited coastal communities, involved substantial public participation, and had minimal impact on property values and tourism. The US Coast Guard will take a risk-based approach to evaluating individual offshore developments and has no plans to issue blanket restrictions around the wind farms. Models showed that using wind energy to reach the remainder of the 10% renewable energy standard could reduce SO2 , NOx , and CO2 pollution by 4% to 7%. Turbines are highly likely to impact the areas navigational and defense radar systems but planning and technological upgrades can reduce the impact. The integrated assessment shows that responsible wind energy development can enhance the quality of life by reducing air pollution and associated health problems and enhancing economic development. Policies could reduce the negative impacts to local communities while preserving the benefits to the broader region.

Relative resistance of willow and poplar biomass production clones across a continuum of herbivorous insect specialization: Univariate and multivariate approaches

The presence of Phragmites australis, an invasive wetland plant, negatively affects coastal property values and home prices rise with distance from Phragmites. Home prices increased as distance to Phragmites increased at a rate of

Energy transitions in Kenya's tea sector: A wind energy assessment

3.90/meter. Removing Phragmites from a property so that the next closest Phragmites was 400 m away results in a property value increase of over

Public purchases and private preferences: Challenges for analyzing public open space acquisitions

1,500. Removing all Phragmites within 400 m of any property results in a total property value impact of

Regional Response to a Statewide Renewable Energy Standard: Status and Trends of Wind Energy Development in West Michigan

837,000. This generates about

Laser Wind Sensor Performance Validation with an Existing Gage

13,457-