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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between climate change and internal migration in the Americas. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review type of research synthesize the state of knowledge; it was searched through the Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, among other databases, for articles that focused on climate migration, gender, water stress and models for predicting movement. Findings: Decreased water availability and increased prevalence to water-related disasters causes internal migration. Also, male out migration is quite prevalent in South American nations with women being left to take care of the families. Research limitations/implications: There is a need for further primary research to analyse what actions the Americas are taking to carve out a large policy-making space for themselves in climate change and internal migration. Originality/value: The 32 papers explored in the discussion section present a novel insight into climate change, water usage, gender and internal migration. The papers also elucidate that cultural and ideological conflicts are bound to occur as the communities move with the receiving society finding it hard to accommodate the needs of the climate migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Carbon dioxide emission is one of the key causes of global warming and climate change. This study investigates the effects of domestic credit and manufacturing indicators on the emission of carbon dioxide in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The paper relied on time series data from 1975 to 2014 and employed regression and variance decomposition methods to analyze the data. Findings: In the long run, manufacturing output increases total carbon emissions and emissions from solid fuel; manufactures trade reduces carbon emissions and domestic credit reduces emissions from the manufacturing industries and construction. The long-run effect of the changing technical characteristics of the manufacturing sector is sensitive to the estimation technique used. In the short run, however, changing technical characteristics of the manufacturing sector affect the level of carbon emissions. Income increases emissions from manufacturing industries and construction and urbanization increases total carbon emissions. Research limitations/implications: Policymakers have to initiate effective policies to promote energy-efficient technologies among manufacturing firms. Originality/value: The paper examines the effect of manufacturing on carbon dioxide emissions in South Africa. It also examines the possible effect of manufactures trade on carbon emissions. Moreover, the possible effect of the changing characteristics of the manufacturing sector on carbon emissions is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Paris agreement for climate changes brought new attention to the themes of reduce carbon emissions, green ecosystems, the circular economy and the need to ensure the emergence of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. This study aims to investigate entrepreneurship from the perspective of circular economy and waste collection in the Portuguese context. Design/methodology/approach: Following a quantitative approach, the sample comprises 2,690 firm-year observations related to 354 firms from different industries within the waste from electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) scope. Findings: The results show that a large part of SMEs started to comply with waste management regulations as of 2006 and are still not prone to innovation. Regulatory compliance is expected to have a positive impact on innovation, with a significant and positive change in the number of patents and the value of intangibles after companies comply with the waste management regulation. Originality/value: This paper is original because it addresses equally to entrepreneurial ecosystems and circular economy (studies that address these two aspects are rare), with the Portuguese context in an embryonic stage with an extensive path to follow in the applicability of circular economy to business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the local-level initiatives through coastal afforestation, the natural and socio-economic context of the study area (Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District, Bangladesh) and the adaptation and DRR strategies generated through coastal afforestation in coastal Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approach Field observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, and transects were accomplished in both the dry and wet season. Spatial database generated and land use mapping integrated social and technical investigation. Five FDG sessions with participants from different livelihood options (fishermen, farmers and social representatives) were organised and, on average, 15~18 participants participated in each participatory session.Findings Mangrove plantation can be used to access new land and create alternative livelihoods, which are important for local community adaptation and to reduce disaster risks. Mangrove plantations provide chances for new land management options to be developed for use in Bangladesh.Research limitations/implications This study was conducted only at the south-central coastal district of Bangladesh. Data collection to summarise all the socio-economic issues is limited.Practical implications This paper can be used for the integration of geospatial and social research techniques to understand the community approach to fight against climate change-induced impacts.Originality/value The research is solely conducted by the authors. The conducted approach is a blend of social and technical knowledge and techniques in generating community resilience at the south-central coast of Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare environmental performance of two shackle insulator manufacturing enterprises in India by evaluating and quantifying the life cycle environmental impacts in these enterprises using ISO 14040 guidelines.Design/methodology/approach All relevant life cycle phases – raw material, manufacturing, transportation and disposal – are considered. Primary inventory data for the two enterprises are collected through observations of processes at the sites. Ecoinvent 3.0 database is used as secondary data source. Process flow models are developed using Umberto software. ReCiPe impact assessment methodology is adopted to calculate environmental impacts in terms of endpoint categories of ecosystem quality, human health and resource availability; and midpoint categories of climate change, fossil depletion, human toxicity, metal depletion, ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification and water depletion.Findings This study has found that manufacturing phase followed by raw material extraction and transportation phases are responsible for most of the environmental impacts. This study also found that raw materials used in glaze preparation (manganese and ferrite), electricity, heavy fuel oil (C-9) and cotton have high environmental impacts in the manufacturing phase.Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study is that most of the inventory data are collected from only two manufacturing plants.Practical implications The researchers/enterprises can use the knowledge body for modelling and result comparison under different conditions. The enterprises can do the micro analysis of environmental effects of processes to improve environmental as well as economic performance. The government agencies can use the data for policy development and deployment.Originality/value The main contribution of the research is the creation of a knowledge body in the area of ceramic product environmental impacts. The paper provides inventory for the life cycle assessment (LCA) of shackle insulators using primary source (measured values) as no secondary data source is available for the shackle insulators. The inventory and results of this study can be used as reference for the future LCA studies in ceramic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the measures taken by the Mexican Government in relation to the country’s climate change and its management to improve it.Design/methodology/approach Much of the information which has guided this review was sourced from official documents referred to the climate change initiatives in Mexico, especially technical reports and working papers. The selection of literature was considered based on its recency, academic importance and veracity. The studies selected mainly ranged from 2001 to 2017.Findings This review finds that further research is required to assess Mexico’s climate change efforts objectively, which will help to ascertain if the nation’s plans and commitment are as ambitious and strong as the country claims.Research limitations/implications Most of the literature considered in this review was sourced from official documents and has not been subject to extensive academic peer review to guarantee that national decision and policy making are based on reliable scientific knowledge.Originality/value Mexico is one of the first countries to introduce a law dedicated to climate change, and its inclusion of short-term climate pollutants in its National Climate Change Strategy makes it more ambitious than that of many other Latin American countries. However, literature on the subject is limited and fragmented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Prolonged drought and climate change uncertainty have created an urgent need to re-distribute water away from irrigators and back to environmental flows. Previous approaches to achieve this objective have had mixed results. The current approach focuses on purchasing water from irrigators to bolster river flows for ecosystem health. However, governments are purchasing entitlements, not allocations, which do not provide large amounts of water for the money that is spent. This paper aims to review the policies and events that have driven this process. Design/methodology/approach - Following a the review of the policies and events, the paper identifies how the regulatory/market-based approaches have resulted in a status quo or path dependent situation, to the detriment of achieving sustainable water use. Findings - Previous approaches have so far simply maintained path dependency, i.e. the consumptive pool at more or less existing levels. Government intervention to purchase entitlements from irrigators for the environment through water markets is meant to break the status quo, but questions whether this can be achieved from a solitary focus on entitlement recovery. Practical implications - It is suggested that both historical approaches offer less reform value, and that appropriate market intervention is warranted. However, entitlement water purchasing alone may limit provision of wet water to key environmental sites during critical periods and perpetuate a continuation of the path dependency arrangements. Originality/value - A suggested expansion of the water-purchasing programme that utilises allocation based products to meet adaptive environmental flow strategies is provided. Such an approach may offer a more suitable framework for dealing with the uncertain outcomes of climate change and ecosystem needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — Headlines of increasing financial losses caused by natural hazards and the potential impact of climate change on these raise broad interest in risk management. This paper seeks to claim that the existing decision-making support, for example through spatial planning, can easily integrate risk assessment schemes. Design/methodology/approach — The paper is based on the results of two EU funded research projects and further applications of those — as well as on conclusions drawn from presentations and discussions at the International Disaster Reduction Conference. Findings — Discussion around risk governance highlights the role of integration. This discussion is still very much in need of further development and successful ways to implement integrative, participatory governance. Practical implications — The research results presented have been elaborated in close cooperation with stakeholders. One example is based on a commissioned EU task that analyzed the effectiveness of European Regional Fund projects in the case of environmental risks. The other one describes how a town council took a decision which was based on information drawn from a project focusing on climate change adaptation. Originality/value — The paper describes two examples of successful implementation which make us ask if new approaches are actually required or whether current spatial planning and development practices might be sufficient, when properly applied and fine-tuned, to respond towards natural hazards and climate change impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of groundwater-surface water interaction when studying, modeling and assessing climate change impacts on river water management. Design/methodology/approach – The investigations were focused on River Vantaa and its tributaries in southern Finland. The main methods used involved aerial infrared photography, thermal profiling of river sediments, water quality measurements, isotopic composition of oxygen and hydrogen δ18O, δ2H and river water temperature measurements. The authors present the first results of the field measurements targeted to identify the groundwater recharge and discharge zones within the river system. Findings – Groundwater discharge zones were found to have a significant impact on water quality and volume in River Vantaa and its tributaries. In the drainage basin, the aerial infrared photography seemed to be a feasible and cost-effective method to identify areas of groundwater discharge across the entire river basin. Around 350 groundwater/surface water interaction sites along the 220 km river system could be identified. Practical implications – The interaction sites identified during the season of low flow rate should be considered as potential risk areas because during flood periods groundwater quality might be at risk due to bank infiltration. This should be considered in river basin management within predicted changing climatic conditions. Originality/value – This is the first attempt in Finland to map systematically groundwater and river water interactions. The focus of the paper is relevant, because according to the existing climate scenarios, flooding of the main rivers in Finland will be more frequent in future, increasing the probability of groundwater-surface water interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the risk due to climate induced disasters in coastal regions. Coastal areas, being economically attractive and ecologically fragile, need altogether different development approaches. The paper also explores the applicability of stakeholder theory for managing coastal regions in a sustainable manner. This paper should help policymakers when making their decisions to maintain coastal regions' prosperity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper opted for an exploratory study using secondary information available at various levels. This paper presents the case study of the coastal region of Gujarat. It starts by evaluating the present status of the coastal resources and their degradation. It then assesses the risk due to climate induced coastal hazards. It has critically reviewed the policy response towards coastal issues and problems. The applicability of stakeholder approach had been tested for coastal management. Findings – The paper has identified that in an absence of stakeholder approach, the current planning strategies have failed to deal with coastal issues and problems. The coastal region needs a special attention for sustaining its development. An integrated regional framework for coastal development is required which encompasses trade-off among various sectors. The region needs a long-term regional land use planning, which can facilitate the disaster resilience and adaptation strategies for local communities. Finally adopting a stakeholder approach is recommended, to improve the ecological productivity and biodiversity of the coastal region. Research limitations/implications – The research has important policy implications for the state of Gujarat and infers that the stakeholder approach is the most appropriate approach for planning the development of the coastal region. Practical implications – The paper has direct policy implications for the government of Gujarat and Government of India. Coastal planning needs a systematic approach to have an integrated development. The use of stakeholder approach can solve many issues and problems of coastal conflicts. Such an approach is very important for the protection and sustainable development of the coastal region. This also has colossal relevance for any developing countries preparing coastal region development plans. Social implications – The suggestions incorporated in the paper have also looked into the consideration of environmental conservation and protection of rights to livelihood for marginalized groups such as fishing communities. Originality/value – The use of stakeholder theory for public sector planning is a new approach in a research. The paper has delved into the requirement of stakeholder approach in coastal planning for developing the coastal economy and conserving the coastal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is the introduce corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Abu Dhabi, the biggest Emirate and one with the largest oil reserve in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi set the first renewable energy policy in the region in January 2009. The policy calls for at least 7 percent of Abu Dhabi's power generation capacity to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. In 2006, the leadership of Abu Dhabi made a strategic decision to establish a globally competitive renewable energy sector in the country and hence the Masdar Initiative was created. It is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), also called Masdar. Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on the corporate social responsibility of Masdar and the role the firm is playing as the "prime mover" in the renewable energy sector in UAE and the region. The paper is structured in the following manner. First, the literature on corporate social responsibility is reviewed. Second, the environmental challenges of UAE are highlighted. Third, the paper discusses the different business units of Masdar and their related projects and investments at local, regional and global levels. Finally, the role of ADFEC as a "prime mover" in sustainability and corporate social responsibility is highlighted. Findings - Masdar has taken leadership in CSR and sustainable energy technologies in Abu Dhabi, UAE and the region. Originality/value - The case demonstrates the willingness of oil-producing countries to become more sustainable and to do something about climate change. The Masdar Initiative, which includes the first carbon-neutral city, can be regarded as a benchmark for future similar projects in the region and around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - There is a consensus about the negative effects of transportation and some activities related to hospitality on the environment. In this sense, several proposals have been pointed out to pursue environmental sustainability of tourism activities and minimize their impact on climate change. In particular, some applications of information and communication technologies (ICT) have a direct contribution to the reduction of the demand of supplies and energy by the hospitality industry. The present paper has a double aim: first, to focus on evaluating the potential of several ICT applications to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality and tourism activities. Second, considering the Spanish tourism industry, the paper aims to analyze the level of development of the environmentally sustainable technologies and the difficulties experienced in their implementation as well as the future challenges. Design/methodology/approach - A content analysis was conducted based on the literature in hospitality. Findings - The use of online promotion and booking, information analysis and report management systems, ERP systems, ICT systems connected to providers, GPS and ambient intelligence, among others, may help hospitality companies to minimize the environmental impact of their activities. Originality/value - Taking into consideration the evidence obtained from Spain, the second tourism destination in the world, the paper provides a set of implications for practitioners and policy makers that may orientate their decisions on ICT for the tourism and hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature and ideas on how local climate change action (both mitigation and adaptation) could be intensified. Design/methodology/approach - A literature review of Australian and international academic journals and policy documents on the current views of effective local climate action was conducted. Additional data on Australian grassroots community activities was compiled from the internet, participant observation and secondary sources. Findings - The paper argues that local climate action is important and three key aspects could provide effective avenues to step-up local climate action. These three avenues are: increased attention to local adaptation; the linking of adaptation and mitigation efforts together and with other local ecological concerns; and greater engagement with active community members and grassroots community-initiated climate change actions. These three key aspects could give climate change a local saliency and tangibility, spur more effective action, build community resilience and reduce vulnerability. Research limitations/implications - Research is in the explorative stages and, therefore, only tentative conclusions and possible future directions can be suggested. Practical implications - The avenues identified to scale-up local action on climate change could be readily utilised by local governments and/or other interested groups. Originality/value - The paper disseminates three compelling ways that climate action could be intensified at the local scale, and possibly create greater public engagement and avenues to innovative approaches to tackle climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms and strategies involved in individual and local responses to complex global sustainability issues such as climate change. Design/methodology/approach - This paper describes an innovative approach to understanding the role of informal leadership and its utility in influencing societal attitudes and practice. The approach builds on theories of diffusion in which learning about new ideas, practices or technologies occurs through interpersonal communication with informal opinion leaders. It draws on findings from studies in other fields of social research, such as community health, development aid, and agriculture, in which the engagement of opinion leaders has been found to speed up the spread of responsive behaviours. The approach also analyses linkages between the concepts of response capacity to climate change and social capital with the strategies of opinion leaders for influencing societal change through informal social networks. Findings - Research related to social change in response to climate change has focused predominantly on the need for reform at the public policy and institutional level, and at the other extreme, on individual behaviour change. The role of leaders has been cited as an important component of social change in case studies of adaptive management of natural resources, sustainability studies, and in research on social capital. Originality/value - Development of the approach will contribute to the understanding of social mechanisms and processes involved in community engagement with complex problems and more specifically, response capacity for climate change at the regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To contribute to the design of the energy service companies (ESCOs)' environment in the Mediterranean countries, mainly focusing on the constraints this company's environment face and the actions that can fulfil its needs and aims, taking also into consideration the opportunities and threats emerging from the energy liberalization and climate change. Design/methodology/approach — The methodology that was followed (based in a large part on the context of two projects targeted to the Mediterranean region and funded by the European Commission) incorporated four steps, the desk analysis for energy efficiency potential in the Mediterranean, the data collection, the assessment of the constraints and the final assessment of the ESCOs' environment. Findings — Provides information regarding the current status of ESCOs' development, in the dimensions of the ESCOs' environment (political/legal, economical/financial, social/cultural and technological), both in the European Union (EU) (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain) and non-EU (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey) Mediterranean countries. Originality/value — There are no papers investigating the activation environment of ESCOs in a coherent and integrated way in the Mediterranean. This paper provides to decision makers a supportive framework for policy design and formulation of policy priorities for ESCOs development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to identify research priorities to guide transportation stakeholders in their practice, education, and research. Design/methodology/approach -- A literature review of published, conference proceedings, agency reports, books, and web site documents was conducted, aiming at the identification of the diverging strategies and practices undertaken by transportation stakeholders in order to be able to generate initial meaningful insights about a sustainable transportation system. Findings -- Sustainable transportation systems are in certain way a new paradigm where a business-as-usual approach is not possible. Vehicle makers produce more energy efficient vehicles. Nevertheless, fossil fuel is still the predominant source of energy. Regarding the level of carbon dioxide (CO[sub 2]) emissions, non-motorized transport modes are preferable over motorized transport modes, and public transportation modes preferable to private transportation modes. It is also import to include environmental consideration along the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the transportation infrastructure. While vehicles powered by alternate fuel such as biofuel, electricity, and/or fuel cell are becoming more popular, shifting to more sustainable transport modes would also require changes on commuter behaviors and individual preferences. Practical implications -- The paper discusses the efforts that are underway for decoupling transport and CO[sub 2] emissions, being useful for transportation stakeholders to implement or improve the effectiveness of their potential or current sustainability transport initiatives through the identification of strategies, opportunities, and barriers. Originality/value -- Although there is plenty of good information about sustainability and transportation modes in literature, most of the articles analyzed focus on specific factors of the whole transportation system. The originality/value of this paper is found in the holistic perspective, here presented, of the state of the art issues that a sustainable transport system would encompass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The cumulative effects of climate change exacerbate interruption of social-ecological system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the consumption smoothing along with other socioeconomic parameters of households affects the common pool resource base of a forest in an economic depression resulted from climate change triggered disasters. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a field level study of Koyra sub-district in the Southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Several parameters namely climatic trends and events, damage pattern suffered by households, change in land ownership and occupation pattern and consumption dependency pattern were considered. Methods used for data collection were household questionnaire survey and focus group discussions in the study area. Findings – Both the intensity and frequency of climate change led catastrophes are found higher in the study area resulting damage of assets and capital goods of households. The average annual disaster damage borne by per household is found US$177. Over the last two decades 8.21 per cent households become landless. During same time span more than 25 per cent households switched from cropping to other non-agricultural occupations and more than 26 per cent households depend on forest resource for their consumption smoothing. Originality/value – The paper provides insights how climate change led disasters induce the households to depend on the resource from the mangrove forest Sundarbans for their livelihood earning as well as consumption smoothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The extent to which research into the design and development of environmental health indicators (EHIs) has translated into operational programmes is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to identify EHI initiatives worldwide, distil the EHIs and draw lessons from the experience. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic internet-based review was undertaken. Programmes were selected for inclusion if they: first, had the ability to monitor both the physical environment and associated health outcomes; and second, the parent agency had the ability to influence policies related to the environment and health. Findings – The small number of eligible programmes indicates EHI initiatives are not yet well established, especially in developing countries. The use of indicators was also limited by uncertainties in the exposure-response relationships that they implied, and the consequent inability to translate the indicators into a common measure of health impact. In addition, there is no information on the extent to which the indicators have been applied in decision making, nor on the policy implications of using indicators. Practical implications – More effort is needed to encourage the development and use of more balanced and informative sets of indicators, and to evaluate their use and outcomes in terms of health benefits. Originality/value – The time is right for a substantial review paper on EHIs as they are now being used by a number of organisations and to the knowledge this is the first review of operational EHI programmes worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the expected economic and social effects of the “Local Energy Plan” – a programme of the local administration that aims to transform the Romanian town Avrig until 2020 into an energy independent town relying exclusively on renewable energy resources. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a mixed-method approach to investigate the effects of a small town's transition to renewable energy. This approach consists of a series of in-depth interviews with the local authorities, investors, other representatives of the business sector and citizens of Avrig and economic modelling to determine the direct effects generated by the implementation of different renewable energy projects. Findings – The results of this study show that transitioning to renewable energy could have a significant positive impact on the town's economy, however, improvements of the Local Energy Plan are needed especially regarding the planned capacities and the involvement of the local community. Practical implications – While investigating, through in-depth interviews, the overall perceptions and attitudes of the different stakeholders regarding the transition of the town to renewable energy a communication gap has been observed. The study may represent a turning point for the local administrations strategy towards its energy goals. Originality/value – Combining economic modelling and quantitative research methods this paper provides a holistic image of the socioeconomic impacts of the Local Energy Plan in the small town Avrig. The results and suggestions could contribute to the successful transition to renewable energy of Avrig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The onset of climate change is expected to result in variations in weather patterns which can exacerbate water scarcity issues. This can potentially impact the economic productivity of nations as economic activities are highly dependent on water especially for agricultural countries. In response to this, the concepts of virtual water and water footprint have been introduced as metrics for measuring the water intensity of products, services and nations. Researchers have thus looked into virtual water trade flows as a potential strategy for alleviating water scarcity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach Environmentally extended input-output models (IOMs) are often used to analyze interactions between economic and ecological systems. This work thus develops a multi-regional input-output model for optimizing virtual water trade between different geographic regions in consideration of local environmental resource constraints, product demands and economic productivity.Findings A case study on agriculture crop production and trade in different regions of the Philippines is utilized to demonstrate the capabilities of the model. The results show that the optimal strategy does not necessarily limit a water-scarce region to produce less water-intensive crops.Research limitations/implications The model uses an input-output framework whose fixed coefficients reflect a fixed technological state. As such, the model is best used for short-term projections, or projections for mature technological state (i.e. where no major gains in efficiency or yield can be foreseen).Practical implications The proposed modeling framework can be used in any geographic region (provided relevant statistical data are available for calibration) to provide decision support for optimal use of limited water resources.Originality/value The model proposed in this work has general applicability to the optimal planning of agro-industrial systems under water footprint constraints. This modeling approach will be particularly valuable in the future, as climate change causes changes in precipitation patterns and water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]