The previous chapter presented some transport data and illustrated how transport planning is organised in England, highlighting the major challenges identified in the literature. It continued by on outlining important inputs of SEA to more sustainable transport planning without neglecting some of the most common weaknesses or opportunities for improvement of the process. This literature review would not, however, be enough to attain the aim proposed and completely answer the objectives (see section 1.2), unless it would be supported by the analysis of a ‘real-case scenario’, where some of the inputs of SEA could potentially be applied, and by gathering opinions and experiences of professional working in the area, in order to better realize current experience. The methodology used throughout the study is described and explained in this chapter.
3.1 Research Design
Following an initial literature review, a case study approach was followed in order to better investigate the contribution of SEA to decision-making in the transport sector and a number of semi-structured interviews were carried out to gain insight into different stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences and, therefore, to better elaborate on the objectives. This type of qualitative research, which is related to in-depth exploratory studies, is recommended when an opportunity for ‘quality’ responses exists (Biggam, 2008).
The case study selected was identified by some of the people contacted as a good example of an SEA process, where it could have influenced decision-making and contributed to a perceptible improvement in the environmental and sustainability concerns of the transport plan/ strategy.
A first thought on reviewing Environmental Reports was dropped, ...
... middle of paper ...
...ther hand, most interviewees have limited their participation to less than 30 min for time constraints. Longer interviews could have generated better quality information.
The fact that the case study selected is approximately 5 years old could be seen with criticism, once SEA practice has obviously evolved ever since. Nonetheless, other options such as LTP2, would have similar limitations and the most recent SEA in the transport sector – LTP3, which are mainly being carried out in-house because of generalised cost-reductions – are still in a preliminary stage, what would not inform the study on the outcomes of SEA and its influence on the decision. On the other hand, the recent Ports National Policy Statement's appraisal of sustainability has been criticised. Interviewing people who were involved in the development of LTP3 was thought to minimise this limitation.
"Oceans." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2014. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 8 May 2014.
cut back on the problems in the Bay. Scientists have given an unthinkable amount of attention to the Bay of the past several years and researchers from countless numbers of agencies and institutions have dove deep into the issues and studying every nook and cranny to create answers to every politicians’ questions. The biggest concern with the Bay, and the most concentrated ...
Safety within SEA, as in any other organization, must start with commitment from the top. That begins with top level executives and stakeholders whom must share the same drive and commitment to safety as Steve does. Those upper management individuals must in turn ensure the performance of middle managers, the quality of...
Again, divergent views of the mission and goal of the project as a result of alternative interpretations of the team structure led to confusion. My stubbornness in believing that the primary goal was to promote Navy’s environmental stewardship and unwillingness to consider any other altern...
6. Bowermaster, Jon. Oceans: The Threats to Our Seas and What You Can Do to Turn the Tide: A Participant Media Guide. New York: PublicAffairs, 2010. Web. 11 Jan. 2014. .
The national transportation system was composed of relatively discrete units of rail, road and water transportation sub-systems, which interfaced by necessity rather than by design. Today, due to increasing cargo volumes and competition from other national port systems, the cornerstone of our national port and waterways system must be the recognition that intermodalism maximizes the efficiency of our system and provides the well marked pathways to future planning and development efforts. Intermodalism requires a seamless transportation system, which provides smooth transition of cargo from one transportation mode to the other. It also requires the recognition that the waterborne and land based infrastructure must develop with the needs of the users in mind. These developments must include developing technology in the areas of ship design and onboard equipment, vessels traffic systems, aids, and port access programs that efficiently link marine transportation systems to their rail and road links.
For this essay I have chosen an area of the coastline in Hervey Bay to represent and explain the coastal and environmental issues. The area of coastline chosen is at Torquay beach, between Bideford Street and Macks Road.
As sea ice begins to melt, opportunity in sea transportation strikes as an interesting topic for the Canadian economy. Wintertime shipping has proven to be difficult in the Canadian arctic, due to heavier and thicker ice (Fergal & Prowse, 2007). Summertime has always been a preferable season for sea transportation partially due to the softened ice, and the amount of daylight produced, compared to wintertime darkness (Ferg...
Within the marine environment, we consider the way decision-makers providing elements for assessing the environmental impact of specific interventions. The aim is to protect the environment to ensure a better quality of life, protect species and guarantee its survival, protect human health and the ability to persevere reproduction of
In conclusion, Blue Ocean Strategy is a book with promise that unfortunately does not follow through. Although the book is well-written in the aspect of professionalism, visuals, and evidence, Blue Ocean Strategy’s content is what makes it a poor book. After finishing the book, readers are left wondering what to take away, as the book was over filled with examples and repetition. More importantly, readers feel as if the content is self-evident and that nothing new or awe-inspiring was written. For these reasons, my colleague and I do not recommend reading the book Blue Ocean Strategy.
Soshkin, M. (2014, May 1). IBIS World Industry Report 48311- Ocean & Coastal Transportation in the US. Off-campus Access Login. Retrieved June 11, 2014, from http://clients1.ibisworld.com.proxy.library.georgetown.edu/reports/us/industry/majorcompanies.aspx?entid=1138#MP10472
Oceans are such so vast that people underestimate the impact their actions —seeming so insignificant— have on them. Humans have by and large taken the oceans for granted; not considering how important a healthy ocean is to our survival. A popular mind-set is that the oceans are a bottomless supply of fish, natural resources, and an infinite waste dump. There are myriad reasons why the oceans should be saved and the most obvious one is marine life. With 71% of the Earth being covered by water, it is obvious that sea creatures are predominant form of life, making up 80% of the species of life on Earth. However, as important as marine life is, that is not the only reason why saving the oceans is crucial. The ocean floor provides natural resources such as, oil, natural gas, petroleum, minerals, medications, and ingredients for foods and products. The economic benefits of the oceans are huge and significant, as well. Fishing and fish products have provided employment to 38 million people and have generated about $124 billion in economic benefits. However, oceans are on the verge of crisis, marine life, natural resources, transportation, the economy, and important ingredients are at risk due to overfishing, pollution, and acidification. Thus, in this essay I will argue that, oceans are not impervious to human activity and threatening the health of the ocean threatens the health of humanity, since oceans key to our survival.
...ransportation and navigation challenge: Experts had made judgment related to sea behavior, weather condition. However navigation and transporting 19 precast segments at different open sea location in 24 hrs was a challenge.
At one point in the last year there were three ships in Tauranga’s harbour, the were the Voyager of the Seas which held 3000 people, the Seven Seas Mariner with 700 people on board and Seaborne Odyssey with 462. These three ships were investigated by the international network Friends of the Earth, they found out that all three failed the environmental assessment set by them. Royal Caribbean international had A 's for sewage and water quality, but F for air pollution. The same goes for The Seaborne Odyssey but Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the worst with a C+ for sewage, A for water Quality and again F for air pollution. The F means that they failed to co-operate with Friends of the Earth processes. Having all three cruises in Tauranga running for a day or two would have had bad impacts in Tauranga’s clean air, the average cruise ship realises more sulphur dioxide than 13 million cars. To fix this problem, Friends of the Earth are influencing people to choose their cruise after looking at the environmental effects right now Carnival cruises has the best environmental rating. To limit air pollution at New Zealand ports, more cruises opt to use off shore power while
Water transport is not flexible because it is restrained within water bodies. The use of containers has becomes the best inter-modal option for water transport whereby goods are placed in containers and transported through truck or rail to the port where it is loaded in to a container ship. Upon arrival to the destination port it is offloaded and transported again by track or rail to the consumer of customes.This helps reduce staffing needs, transit time and damages (Haulk, 1998).