A multiple-case exploratory study is used to describe intrapersonal,
behavioral, and environmental assets that may build bridges for
Deaf adults between the Deaf and hearing worlds. A study of three
exemplary former community college students provides new information
about internal resources that may empower Deaf individuals to achieve
work and social success in interaction with environmental support,
despite the vulnerabilities associated with their deafness. This
study identifies 15 assets that may support resilience in Deaf adults,
including authenticity and comfort with solitude. The
authors hypothesize that social authenticity and comfort with solitude
may be resilience-fostering intrapersonal assets of unique importance
in the Deaf community. From the positive psychology perspective of
recognizing and building on human strengths, the authors suggest that
support of mutual asset-building with learning partners in the classroom
is one way professors might promote optimal student achievement and life
success for all students.
Abstract:Agriculture is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact. The use of renewable energy sources has potential to decrease these impacts. Maize is one of the most significant crops in South Africa and approximately 241,000 hectares are irrigated. This irrigation is most commonly powered by grid electricity generated using coal. However, South Africa has high solar irradiation, which could be used to generate photovoltaic electricity. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental mitigation potential of replacing grid-powered irrigation in South African maize production with photovoltaic irrigation systems using Life Cycle Assessment. The study included the value chain of maize production from cultivation to storage. Replacing grid electricity with photovoltaic-generated electricity leads to a 34% reduction in the global warming potential of maize produced under irrigation, and-applied at a national level-could potentially reduce South Africa's greenhouse gas emissions by 536,000 t CO 2 -eq. per year. Non-renewable energy demand, freshwater eutrophication, acidification, and particulate matter emissions are also significantly lowered. Replacing grid electricity with renewable energy in irrigation has been shown to be an effective means of reducing the environmental impacts associated with South African maize production.
Keyword LCA • sustainable economy • transition • decision-making • policy • circular economy 1. How can decision-makers use life cycle-based approaches to boost sustainable decisions? 2. Which life cycle-based approaches are best suited to reveal opportunities and risks for sustainability within the different economic sectors? 3. Which instruments are most useful for combining environmental, economic, and societal aims?These issues were additionally discussed in bilateral sessions, where experts exchanged their knowledge in Communicated by Matthias Finkbeiner.
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