System Merits or Failures? Policies for Transition to Sustainable P and N Systems in The Netherlands and Finland

摘要: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles are absolutely vital in maintaining sustainable food systems. Human activities disturb the natural balance of these by creating enormous additional nutrient fluxes, causing eutrophication waterways pollution land To tackle this problem, management is required. This paper addresses two countries: The Netherlands Finland. We adopt a critical perspective on resource politics, especially towards opportunistic policy strategies for pollutant N P. Two research questions considered. First, what key systemic failures that occurred P systems Finland between 1970 2015? And second, which lessons can be drawn when addressing responses countries to cope with failures? cases analyzed within Weber Rohracher’s framework “failures” preventing transitions. results show number occurred, besides market (over-exploitation commons, externalization costs): lack directionality, coordination, institutions, capabilities, infrastructure, demand articulation, reflexivity. Policy both resulted ponderous frameworks were adequate problems from industrial sector municipalities. However, provided only moderate response terms system-wide integrated sectoral-transcending issues. agricultural use P, contrast detergents, has not been subjected strong regulatory measures.