Search

A key goal of environmental policies and circular economy strategies in the construction sector is to convert demolition and industrial wastes into reusable materials. As an industrial by-product, Waste marble (WM), has the potential to replace cement and fine aggregate in concrete which helps with saving natural resources and reducing environmental harm. While many studies have so far investigated the effect of WM on compressive strength (CS), it is undeniable that conducting experimental activities requires time, money, and re-testing with changing materials and conditions. Hence, this study seeks to move from traditional experimental approaches towards artificial intelligence-driven approaches by developing three models—artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid ANN with ant colony optimization (ACO) and biogeography-based optimization (BBO) to predict the CS of WM concrete. For this purpose, a comprehensive dataset including 1135 data records is employed from the literature. The models' performance is assessed using statistical metrics and error histograms, and a K-fold cross-validation analysis is applied to avoid overfitting problems, emphasize the models' reliable predictive capabilities, and generalize them. The statistical metrics indicated that the ANN-BBO model performed best with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9950 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.2017 MPa. Besides, the error distribution results revealed that the ANN-BBO outperformed the ANN and ANN-ACO with a narrower range of errors so that 98% of the predicted data points in the training phase by the ANN-BBO model experienced errors in the range of [-10%, 10%], whereas for the ANN-ACO and ANN models, this percentage was 85% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, the study employed SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to clarify the impact of input variables on prediction accuracy and found that the specimen's age is the most influential variable. Eventually, to validate the ANN-BBO, a comparison was performed with the results of previous studies' models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is severely affecting all regions of the world, and urban water management has become a major urban challenge. Although nature-based solutions (NBSs) have been widely implemented in developed countries in the Global North to address stormwater-related challenges in urban areas, implementation of such approaches in Viet Nam and other Asian countries remains limited. In addition, comprehensive and critical reviews of NBS adoption and development processes in Viet Nam are scarce. This study aims to clarify several aspects through a literature-based review: to understand the development of urban water management in Europe and Asia (China and Southeast Asian countries) along with the drivers for NBS implementation in Viet Nam, to explain the barriers to NBS adoption in Viet Nam, to present feasible solutions for promoting NBS adoption, and to explore future perspectives for NBS development in the context of Viet Nam. Although significant barriers exist, opportunities for NBS implementation are evident. The findings of this study can be used to promote NBS in other municipalities in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incentives have been extensively studied in the management and policy literature, with most attention focusing on their type, magnitude, alignment, and effects. More recently, scholars paid attention to discounting issues and how these issues impact the effectiveness of incentives. Building on the nascent literature related to incentive timing, we argue that timing can offer an additional dimension to better characterize incentives and leverage their power by exploiting windows of opportunity. Using conceptual reasoning, we identify several mechanisms by which the timing of incentives can be used to increase their behavioral power. Specifically, well-timed (green) incentives can harness temporal landmarks, intermittence, immediacy and surprise effects, and intrinsic motivation reinforcement to reach environmental goals without significantly increasing the overall costs. We also indicate new avenues for further research such as designing a timing menu or considering time itself as an incentive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the globe has been facing several challenges, and environmental deterioration has become more prominent. Therefore, to deal with such environmental issues, the globe has tried to introduce several green initiatives via the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, but the problem remains intact. However, practitioners have no more choice but to exclude emerging economies from this race. For instance, to understand the response of emerging economies toward a sustainable environment, this study considers BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies. Similarly, the current empirical study utilizes innovative environmental determinants such as real income, urbanization, entrepreneurial activities, per capita renewable energy, financial innovation and environmental policy for selected regions from 2000 to 2021. However, the findings of the advanced estimators' series show the significant contribution of per capita green energy consumption, environmental policy and entrepreneurial activities toward environmental sustainability. In contrast, income, financial inclusion and urbanization contribute to environmental damage. Because of green energy supportive behavior, this study makes an additional step to investigate the mediating effect on financial inclusion, environmental policy and entrepreneurship. However, the mediating effect only supports environmental policy and entrepreneurship activities to reduce environmental pressure. From the policy perspective, the specified economies should allocate their financial resources to clean & green projects to attain the desired level of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of environmental policies on trade and innovation, utilizing an expanded dataset sourced from the WTO Environmental Database (EDB). It makes two contributions to the literature: First, employing advanced text analysis algorithms, we extracted valuable information from the EDB, enhancing its usefulness for future research and policy analysis. Second, we leverage this augmented dataset to evaluate the impact of environmental measures on trade and green innovation. Our empirical findings suggest that environmental policies not only elevate demand for environmental goods and stimulate imports but also bolster competitiveness and amplify exports of environmental goods. Additionally, these policies appear to stimulate green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's Green Credit Policy (GCP) promotes environmentally sustainable practices, which are crucial for ecological responsibility. Despite its importance, the policy's impact on asset-debt maturity mismatches—a key determinant of financial stability—has not been systematically examined. This research scrutinizes the consequences of the Green Credit Guidelines on asset-debt maturity mismatches in China's heavily polluting enterprises, employing a difference-in-differences (DID) methodology. An analysis of data from Chinese-listed companies from 2009 to 2017 reveals that the implementation of the guidelines has precipitated a marked shift towards short-term debt as a financing mechanism for long-term assets, particularly noticeable in state-owned and large-scale enterprises. The effects intensify in regions with stringent environmental regulations and companies possessing significant collateral. Moreover, the guidelines amplify financial constraints and decrease long-term debts, prompting firms to strategically embrace greater asset-debt maturity mismatches in response to more rigorous financial conditions. Our findings indicate that although the GCP is designed to promote eco-friendly practices, it inadvertently affects corporate financial decisions, underscoring the complex relationship between environmental policy and financial strategy. This study enhances the understanding of the financial repercussions of environmental policies on corporate actions, offering valuable perspectives to regulators and financial institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A key goal of environmental policies and circular economy strategies in the construction sector is to convert demolition and industrial wastes into reusable materials. As an industrial by-product, Waste marble (WM), has the potential to replace cement and fine aggregate in concrete which helps with saving natural resources and reducing environmental harm. While many studies have so far investigated the effect of WM on compressive strength (CS), it is undeniable that conducting experimental activities requires time, money, and re-testing with changing materials and conditions. Hence, this study seeks to move from traditional experimental approaches towards artificial intelligence-driven approaches by developing three models—artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid ANN with ant colony optimization (ACO) and biogeography-based optimization (BBO) to predict the CS of WM concrete. For this purpose, a comprehensive dataset including 1135 data records is employed from the literature. The models’ performance is assessed using statistical metrics and error histograms, and a K-fold cross-validation analysis is applied to avoid overfitting problems, emphasize the models’ reliable predictive capabilities, and generalize them. The statistical metrics indicated that the ANN-BBO model performed best with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9950 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.2017 MPa. Besides, the error distribution results revealed that the ANN-BBO outperformed the ANN and ANN-ACO with a narrower range of errors so that 98% of the predicted data points in the training phase by the ANN-BBO model experienced errors in the range of [-10%, 10%], whereas for the ANN-ACO and ANN models, this percentage was 85% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, the study employed SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to clarify the impact of input variables on prediction accuracy and found that the specimen’s age is the most influential variable. Eventually, to validate the ANN-BBO, a comparison was performed with the results of previous studies’ models.

Corporate reporting practice seems to be treated towards activities that bordered investors’ interest with little or no information emphasizing on their impacts on the environment. Despite the harmful effects, such as pollution, resulting from the operations of these companies, there appears to be a reluctance to disclose detailed information about the extent of their environmental impact. This study offers empirical evidence through a sectoral analysis of corporate environmental reporting among listed manufacturing companies. It adopts an ex-post facto research design, examining a population of seventy-six (76) listed manufacturing companies across seven (7) sectors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of data collected through content analysis from the annual reports of the companies for a period of five (5) years (2018-2022). The results revealed sectoral differences in environmental disclosure, with the Oil and Gas sector leading in overall environmental reporting, especially regarding environmental policies. The Consumer Goods sector disclosed the most information on product and process-related environmental issues, highlighting the negative impacts of manufacturing. The study concludes that significant variations exist in corporate environmental reporting among sectors and recommends a standardized template for environmental disclosure to ensure uniformity among listed firms in Nigeria.

The management of post-mining reservoirs as part of urban blue infrastructure is linked to the implementation of pro-environmental policies at different levels (from local–municipal to European). Local communities, as beneficiaries of measures taken by city authorities, recognise the need for active participation in decision-making processes. They engage in making decisions on blue spaces in urban areas. These include public and natural watercourses and their surroundings, but also water-filled basins of various origins, including post-mining pits. This paper strives to answer how local communities are involved in activities for developing and managing post-mine areas filled with water within city limits. The methods used (including field observation, spatial analyses, and desk research) allowed us to classify post-mining pits according to their functions and the degree of social participation in their development process. The analysed post-mining pits were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of pit reservoirs transformed with the participation of local inhabitants into recreational grounds. The second comprised reservoirs transformed under local zoning plans (with residents consulted) expected to ultimately prop up the city's green infrastructure. In turn, the third group consists of quasi-natural reservoirs deemed natural enclaves by city residents. The environmental analysis showed that pits were naturalised. One of them was subject to legal protection on account of biodiversity. Post-mine areas in Bydgoszcz play an important environmental role, and some are integral recreational sites, e.g., the Balaton reservoir. They materially affect the inhabitants' daily contact with nature, which improves life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a very debated topic among academia, national and international institutions. Therefore, policies and tools for diminishing pollutant emissions are in place in a number of countries. Among them, taxation and renewable energy use seem to be among the most important. This paper aims at testing the impact of certain tools for climate change policy implementation, such as environmental taxes, renewable energy use, real productivity, employment rate taking into consideration the level of economic development and the GINI coefficient, on the greenhouse gas emissions in two important sectors of the economy: industry and commerce. Panel data analysis is used for a cluster of nine developing countries of the European Union that have the per capita GDP at purchasing power parity lower than 80% of the EU average, during 2008-2021. Similar to other studies, the results show a negative relationship between environmental taxation and greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector, and a positive one in the commercial sector. The latter is explained by the fact that transport, which is a main pollutant sector, is also one of the most difficult sectors to achieve green transition, given high associated costs. The analysis also shows that renewable energy use discourages the emissions of greenhouse gases, both in the industrial and commercial sectors, so that fostering investment in renewables is an important factor for addressing climate change and promoting a sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel governance concept has been increasingly coined by the EU environmental and climate adaptation policies, but its implementation in some countries faces the heavy dominance of state-level perspective in public discourse. This article explores interactions between regional policies (based especially on the Adaptation Strategy, the Nature Recovery Plan, and their action plans), institutional management (how public institutions approached environmental and climate adaptation needs through the design of their institutional areas), and individual needs (how individuals were considered and involved). Methodology includes the content analysis of documents framing regional policies and a questionnaire collected during September 2021 (in which 150 public institutions were addressed and 87 of them responded). Data show that even though the Košice region strived for holistic approach, cooperation, and participation, the proclaimed values and the real-life situation differed. The developed regional strategy was rather unbalanced, projects implemented by individual institutions seemed to be driven by financial aids rather than real needs, and individuals' needs as well as their participation on implementing environmental policies were often neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and environmental degradation are the two most pressing concerns faced by the world today for which regional cooperation is necessary. For regional cooperation, governments at the regional level must work together to coordinate activities, unify regulations and create risk-reduction plans. In South-east Asia, multiple initiatives have been taken for a shared framework for carrying out coordinated policy implementation. However, political and technical barriers have stymied efforts to suit the needs and benefits of partnering states. This article will analyse these problems and approaches in a few chosen South-east Asian nations and examine comprehensive action plans built on cooperative partnerships. It will offer a critical assessment of the environmental and climate-related issues South-east Asia faces and also offer recommendations on how to use policy tools to regulate and solve issues of regional environmental governance. It also looks at ways to counteract institutional and regulatory obstacles to reaching desired outcomes emphasising regulatory frameworks and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investing in projects that support environmental benefits, such as tree harvesting, has the potential to reduce air pollution levels in the atmosphere in the future. However, this kind of investment may increase the current level of emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate how much the policy affects the current level of CO2 emissions. This makes sure the policy doesn't increase the level of CO2 emissions. This study aims to analyze the effect of the One Billion Trees program on CO2 emissions in New Zealand by employing the 2020 input–output table analysis. This investigation examines the direct and indirect effects of policy on both the demand and supply sides across six regions of New Zealand. The results of this study for the first year of plantation suggest that the policy increases the level of CO2 emissions in all regions, especially in the Waikato region. The direct and indirect impact of the policy leads to 64 kt of CO2 emissions on the demand side and 270 kt of CO2 emissions on the supply side. These lead to 0.19 and 0.74% of total CO2 emissions being attributed to investment shocks. Continuing the policy is recommended, as it has a low effect on CO2 emissions. However, it is crucial to prioritize the use of low-carbon machinery that uses fossil fuels during the plantation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Pakistan has faced devastating floods, droughts, and cyclones, highlighting its vulnerability to climate change impacts. This article examines Pakistan's legal, regulatory, and environmental policies in the context of climate justice, considering socio-economic factors. Despite efforts to protect the environment and ensure fairness, challenges persist in implementation and enforcement. Key legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act of 1997 and the National Climate Change Policy of 2012, aim to mitigate climate risks. However, gaps remain in addressing issues like water management, forestry, and renewable energy. Enhancing community participation and meeting international climate commitments are crucial steps towards sustainable development in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAnticoagulant rodenticides are generalist toxicants that have lethal and sublethal effects on non-target species, leading to an impact on wildlife conservation due to poisoning and bioaccumulation of these substances. However, in Colombia, little research has been conducted on this environmental issue. This study evaluated the use of anticoagulant rodenticides in an urban area in Colombia from an ecological and regulatory perspective.MethodsFirst, the study analyzed the usage patterns of anticoagulant rodenticides for public health in the urban area of Medellı́n over a seven-year period. It also evaluated the potential impact of anticoagulant rodenticides deposits on the city’s Main Ecological Structure and the predator species that may be indirectly affected. Additionally, the study analyzed compliance with regulations on the sale and use of anticoagulant rodenticides in Colombia, specifically for products marketed online. A Hot Spot Analysis was conducted to determine the potential risk of the Main Ecological Structure and the predators selected to be exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides.deposit. On the other hand, the ecotoxicological information of the anticoagulant rodenticides commercialized online in Colombia was characterized, and it was verified whether they complied with the necessary sanitary and environmental national regulations.ResultsBetween 2016 and 2022, over 3 million grams of brodifacoum, were applied in the urban area of Medellı́n and critical ARs hotspots were identified. The use of anticoagulant rodenticides has significantly increased the doses and number of application sites each year. More than half of the points (51.13%) in which anticoagulant rodenticides were applied were within the Main Ecological Structure. The Strigiformes order represents the greatest risk of indirect exposure to anticoagulantrodenticides.DiscussionCurrently, many anticoagulant rodenticide products lack ecotoxicity studies for non-target species and fail to adequately inform consumers of the potential environmental impacts resulting from the use of these poisons. To gain a better understanding of the prevalence, transfer routes, and possible acute and chronic effects of anticoagulant rodenticides.

This study focuses on the environmental issue in Portugal after the 25th of April, analysing the problem from three main perspectives: the contextual diachronic perspective of the critical Anthropocene construction; the relevance of the environmental issue at national and international level and environmental policies in the Portuguese legislative framework, involving questions relating to the normativity of environmental law, legislative discourse and the semantic value of the expressions “environmental quality”, “nature conservation”, “self- sustaining development”, “sustainable development”, “environmental education”, “natural environment”, and “human environment” as concepts associated with the evolution of environmental policies in post-April 25th Portugal. The question is that the Portuguese legal framework use of these concepts may contain an ambivalent valuation, oscillating between conservationist or environmentalist goals and developmentalist aims. The qualitative research methodology is mixed, using the exploratory and the comparative method according to the principles of concordance and difference in analysing legislative discourse.

Environmental resources and ecological systems are significantly affected by the steady rise of the global temperature. However, the degree of temperature change at the regional and local levels is uncertain. The uncertainty arises from various factors, but mostly due to the short length of ground data and dependency of local studies on the large-scale and spatially coarse output of Global Climate Models (GCMs). Therefore, the output of GCM cannot be directly used in impact assessment studies at a regional and local level. In this study, the Statistical Down-Scaling Model (SDSM) is employed to investigate the magnitude of temperature changes (Minimum and Maximum Temperature) for the future period 2026–2100. The SDSM builds relationships between large-scale predictors and local climate variables, allowing for finer-resolution projections at a regional level. The study utilized the Climate Hazard Infra-Red Temperature with Station (CHIRTS-daily) to complete daily missing records in more than 90 ground stations. Additionally, predictors of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) for the historical period (1961–2010) and the Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) for the future period (2026–2100) are employed to calibrate SDSM and to build finer-resolution scenarios under two representative concentration pathways; RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. The methodology additionally involved validating the SDSM performance using observed historical data before applying it to future projections. The findings indicate that both minimum and maximum temperatures (T-min and T-max) will increase, with a more pronounced rise in minimum temperature (T-min). Over the future period (2026–2100), the projected average temperature rise is 1.10 °C (T-max) and 1.43 °C (T-min) under RCP2.6. For RCP8.5, the projected average increases are 1.56 °C and 2.3 °C for T-max and T-min, respectively. Overall, the most significant increase is projected to occur in the 2090s (2076–2100) under RCP8.5, particularly in the lowlands and wadis of Al Mahwit and Raymah governorate. In these areas, the minimum temperature (T-min) exhibited an increased absolute value of up to 3.2 °C. This high rise in temperatures is expected to result in increased evapotranspiration, prolonged droughts, and possibly breakouts of some plant diseases and pests. This would require effective adaptation measures such as harvesting rainwater and growing short-time and heat-resistance crops. Engaging in field visits and social discussions added depth to the study by introducing various traditional methods and indigenous practices. Valuable resources for future efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change are offered by these insights.

Environmental protection and tax policies are part of the crucial pillars and the evolving aspects of environmental sustainability drive. These policies are increasingly employed to counter the 21st century's global climate problem alongside providing economic relief for the implementing economies. Being on the frontier (i.e., the European Union [EU]) of these policies, the current study examines and compares the impacts of environmental protection expenditures and environmental tax on energy consumption on the ploy to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the panel of EU member countries. With the use of system generalized method of moments and panel causality analyses, the study established the effectiveness of both environmental protection expenditure and environmental tax at improving environmental quality by respectively mitigating GHG emissions by elasticities of ~2.08 and ~0.18. Importantly, environmental protection expenditure is found to be about two times more effective at mitigating GHG emissions than environmental tax policy, thus providing a novel perspective in the literature. Moreover, energy intensity and Gross Domestic Product help to improve environmental quality by mitigating GHG emissions while population causes more pollutant effects. Additionally, the investigation reveals evidence of Granger causality from environmental protection expenditure to GHG emissions in seven of the EU countries and Granger causality from environmental tax to GHG emissions in 10 European countries. Notably, measurable dimensions of policy guidelines that are relevant for globally and/or nationally defined sustainable development goals are induced from the result of this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased volumes of solid waste disposal continue to take their toll on US landfills which potentially have very dire consequences, especially regarding increased greenhouse gas emissions from methane and carbon dioxide. The objective of this research is to find out if mandatory recycling policies, such as the one implemented by California in 2012, have a significant reductive effect on landfill waste disposal. Using county-level panel data from 2001 to 2018, a two-way fixed effect difference-in-difference estimator is implemented to tease out the effect of this policy on California landfills using the state of Washington as a counterfactual. Results show that this policy led to 0.082 ton-reduction in landfill waste per capita per year which amounts to 9% reduction in the total volume of landfilled waste. Several robustness checks were carried out to ensure the reliability and stability of our findings. Thus, if cost effective, mandatory commercial recycling policies can be added to other waste reduction policies such as voluntary recycling and stimulation of the waste export market to attain maximum waste reduction benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of e-entrepreneurship in fostering the future economy, with a specific focus on Saudi women entrepreneurs. The emergence of digital technologies and the internet has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurship, especially for women facing traditional barriers to business participation. In particular, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has witnessed many women entrepreneurs who leverage e-commerce platforms to establish and grow their businesses. Combining e-entrepreneurship with environmental conscience depicts a future in which sustainable development and economic prosperity coexist. This research will explore the motivations, challenges, and strategies employed by Saudi women entrepreneurs in the e-commerce sector and analyse the impact of their entrepreneurial activities on the future economy. The study followed a quantitative and post-positivist approach. Data were collected cross-sectionally from the women working in different start-ups in the big cities of KSA. The study adopted the systematic random sampling approach to reach the respondents. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed. However, 388 were included for analysis after the screening process. The findings reveal that e-entrepreneurial significantly impacts women's entrepreneurial and economic growth. Moreover, Entrepreneurial self-efficiency significantly mediates the relationship between women's entrepreneurial and economic growth. The findings comprehensively understand complex dynamics and guide future research and practical applications in related domains. Furthermore, the study found that Saudi women entrepreneurs should receive financial and technical support to initiate their ventures. Moreover, policy recommendations of the study demand addressing cultural barriers and fostering an enabling environment for their entrepreneurial endeavours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in promoting consumer behaviors to mitigate climate change. The research on environmental policies over the past decades has not significantly increased knowledge regarding how effectively these policies help consumers embrace pro-environmental behaviors. Using the motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) framework, this systematic review reveals that regulatory policies that constrain opportunities are more likely to promote pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, economic policy instruments that facilitate opportunities are also more likely to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Despite being more commonly employed, informational policy instruments are less effective than regulatory and economic instruments. Although informational policy instruments that target opportunities instead of motivations and abilities can result in better outcomes, behavior change remains a challenge. This systematic review is significant because it clarifies mixed results in the literature regarding the effectiveness of environmental policies in promoting pro-environmental behaviors. Accordingly, a framework of MOA-based policy mix is proposed to help policymakers develop effective instruments that stimulate pro-environmental behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries where comprehensive policies addressing the environmental impact of ELV have been implemented, this mixed-methods study examines the complex relationship between knowledge and social acceptance of ELV policies in developing countries. The study integrates a quantitative survey with 150 participants and a qualitative phase featuring indepth interviews with 15 individuals. The quantitative survey explores participants' understanding and acceptance of various aspects of ELV policies, revealing diverse knowledge levels on environmental, economic, public health, safety, and technological dimensions. Notably, there is a solid willingness to comply with these policies, highlighting their perceived importance in safeguarding environmental and public health. The qualitative phase delves deeper, uncovering factors influencing social acceptance, such as limited awareness, positive attitudes, and considerations related to economic, safety, and health concerns. This study emphasizes the critical role of knowledge in shaping the social acceptance of ELV policies, demonstrating that an informed public is more inclined to have favorable attitudes and greater acceptance. By blending quantitative and qualitative insights, we obtain a holistic understanding of the interplay between knowledge and social acceptance concerning ELV policies. This comprehensive perspective is invaluable for policymakers and stakeholders, underscoring the necessity of well-informed strategies to boost public comprehension and acceptance of ELV policies. The findings indicate that effective communication and education initiatives could significantly enhance the implementation and effectiveness of ELV policies in developed nations, suggesting a pivotal role for targeted educational and awareness campaigns in achieving policy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum-derived hydrocarbons are chemical contaminants that are toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic, and that can impact an ecosystems trophic chain. These compounds are primarily generated through anthropogenic activities and are discharged into marine-coastal areas from industrial and maritime transportation sectors. For this study, a bioremediation technique involving the bioprospecting of bacteria with the capacity to degrade total hydrocarbons was employed. Subsequently, selective pressure was applied under conditions of a sole carbon source, successfully isolating 11 morphotypes in pure culture media supplemented with hydrocarbons, thus demonstrating the presence of microorganisms with biodegradative potential. Three zigzag sampling points along El Waffe Dock in Turbo, Antioquia, Colombia were analyzed. Additionally, a comparison of the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of the isolated strains with the relevant literature was conducted to approach microorganism identification. Finally, a review of the political or regulatory aspects surrounding hydrocarbon bioremediation and the generation of new knowledge in this field in Colombia was carried out.

Despite the plethora of studies on street-level bureaucrats, only a very limited body of research has focused on their role in the environmental scene. This is surprising; Because they play an important role in the chain of policy-making and in the actual realization and implementation of policies; Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of identifying and prioritizing the role of street-level bureaucrats in the implementation of environmental policies (case of study: the law on protection and exploitation of forests in the north of the country). To achieve this goal, first a qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis method. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Using purposeful sampling, subject saturation was achieved after conducting eleven interviews. The method of fuzzy hierarchical analysis process was used to give weight to these themes. The data of this stage was collected using a paired comparison questionnaire that was collected from a sample of eleven employees and foresters in three northern provinces. The extraction of semantic units led to the identification of 169 basic themes, 30 organizing themes and 9 overarching themes, in which nine main themes are "emotional attitude towards citizens, organizational characteristics, changing the nature of the policy, knowledge weakness of employees, individual decision characteristics" It was classified as the recipient, determining how to govern the forest, adopting coping strategies, localizing the policy and making the policy operational. The results of the fuzzy hierarchical analysis showed that among the nine main themes, changing the nature of the policy, determining how to govern the forest and adopting coping strategies were in the first to third place. The final weights of the subthemes were obtained by multiplying the weight of the main themes by the relative weight of the subthemes; Based on this, the sub-topics of adaptation of policies to local conditions, government-citizen relations, hidden politics and weak expertise and skills of employees were ranked first to fourth.The final weights of the subthemes were obtained by multiplying the weight of the main themes by the relative weight of the subthemes; Based on this, the sub-topics of adaptation of policies to local conditions, government-citizen relations, hidden politics and weak expertise and skills of employees were ranked first to fourth.The final weights of the subthemes were obtained by multiplying the weight of the main themes by the relative weight of the subthemes; Based on this, the sub-topics of adaptation of policies to local conditions, government-citizen relations, hidden politics and weak expertise and skills of employees were ranked first to fourth.The final weights of the subthemes were obtained by multiplying the weight of the main themes by the relative weight of the subthemes; Based on this, the sub-topics of adaptation of policies to local conditions, government-citizen relations, hidden politics and weak expertise and skills of employees were ranked first to fourth.The final weights of the subthemes were obtained by multiplying the weight of the main themes by the relative weight of the subthemes; Based on this, the sub-topics of adaptation of policies to local conditions, government-citizen relations, hidden politics and weak expertise and skills of employees were ranked first to fourth.

Invasive exotic species (IES) have the potential to promote biological invasions (BI), impacting environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and have increased in the last centuries, due to human activities. In order to efficiently prevent and manage IES, the participation of society in the formulation of public policies is pivotal. However, the popular perception of these subjects (IES and BI) is not commonly integrated into public policies. In this study, we investigated the popular perception and knowledge of IES, BI, their impacts, and awareness of public policies involving IES of residents of the state of Acre, in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon. We used a questionnaire form distributed online to the 22 municipalities of the state. We obtained a sample of 302 responded questionnaires. Objective responses were analyzed by comparison of frequencies, and open-ended responses were submitted to a textual analysis by hierarchization and similarity. Higher education levels amongst respondents were positively related to the level of understanding on the topic. Most respondents reported possessing knowledgeon issues involving IES and BI and about both negative and positive impacts caused by IES. More than 70% of respondents reported a lack of awareness of public policies to prevent or eradicate IES. Ourpioneering study presents evidence that the popular perception of IES and BI is complex. It provides relevant material showing the importance of understanding popular perception and assimilating this perception into the development of effective strategies to prevent IES in the future.

This paper examines the central role of European environmental law in promoting sustainable development, regional integration, and globalisation. It examines the evolution of European environmental law, highlighting its historical development and its importance in the European sustainable development agenda. The relationship between European environmental law and regional integration is analysed, with an emphasis on cooperation between Member States and harmonisation of national legislation. It also discusses the contribution of European environmental law to global efforts to address environmental challenges, including the convergence of international standards and the role of the EU in international negotiations and agreements.

By examining the mechanisms and practices used by the EU to promote public participation in environmental policy formulation and implementation, the study aims to highlight their importance in advancing global governance and regional cooperation for environmental protection. The paper begins with an overview of the current state of global environmental challenges and the importance of effective governance in addressing them. It highlights the growing recognition of the role of public participation in environmental policy-making and the need for inclusiveness and transparency in decision-making processes. It then examines the theoretical background to the concepts of transparency and public participation in environmental governance, highlighting their integration in international environmental agreements and the EU legal framework. The study reviews relevant literature on best practices and successful models of public participation in environmental decision-making.

We proceed from the understanding that humans are part of ecosystems, therefore, nature provides people with ecosystem services. At the same time, however, different social actors can perceive and evaluate the same place in totally different ways. The focus of this text is the case of Bolata bay, Bulgaria. Until the middle of the 20th century, the bay had an essential role in locals’ livelihoods (husbandry, fishing, etc.). The inclusion of the area within the Kaliakra reserve, the establishment of the socialist cooperative farms, and the construction of a military base in the vicinity changed access to, and the regime of use, of the bay. After the collapse of the socialist state (1989), and especially over the last two decades, the bay’s sandy beach gradually gained popularity as a tourist site. Thus, we examine local perceptions of nature as a source of livelihoods, paying attention to different management ideas regarding both economic growth and natural preservation, and conflicts caused by opposing aspirations among various social actors (local residents and entrepreneurs, local and state administration, NGOs, tourists, etc.).

Aquaponics combines hydroponics and recirculating aquaculture elements. Conventional hydroponics requires mineral fertilizers to provide plants with the necessary nutrients, but aquaponics systems use available fish water, rich in fish waste, as nutrients for plant growth. Another advantage of these combinations is that excess nutrients do not have to be removed by periodic exchange of freshwater enrichment, as is practiced in aquaculture systems. The system results in a symbiosis between fish, microorganisms and plants and encourages the sustainable use of water and nutrients, including their recycling. Within this synergistic interaction, the respective ecological weaknesses of aquaculture and hydroponics are turned into strengths. This combination substantially minimizes the need for nutrient input and waste removal, unlike when they are used as separate systems, so in the article we have a presentation of the evolution of aquaponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary explores the critical issue of air pollution policies and public engagement in Pakistan, a nation consistently ranked among the world's most polluted. Prolonged exposure to diverse pollution sources leads to severe health consequences, making public education and engagement pivotal for successful environmental policy implementation. By using the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) as a case, we identified key barriers to public engagement in Pakistan and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts through an integrated approach among civil society organizations (CSOs), news media, research institutions, and the public. In addition, we introduced the term communities of care to encourage more inclusive, participatory policy making approaches aimed at addressing air pollution crisis in the country. Finally, we argue that the elitist model of policy making, which historically dominated, should give way to a more participatory and inclusive approach to enhance policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas have long been the leading strategy to combat habitat fragmentation. However, studies have shown that this traditional approach can create habitat islands where populations are isolated, leading to their eventual extinction. As a result, conservation strategies have shifted to include more landscape-focused methods, including conservation corridors and ecological networks. However, what is not yet known is the extent to which South Africa's legislative and policy frameworks support this move. We identified and reviewed legislation and policies on conservation and protected areas in South Africa between 1976 to 2021 and outlined their shortcomings regarding a shift towards landscape-focused initiatives. None of the seven acts reviewed describe, protect, or enforce progressive landscape-based conservation methods. South Africa's environmental legislation is embedded in establishing and creating traditional protected areas while disregarding other methods. Moreover, the non-statutory policies reviewed were monotonous and had a limited scope that failed to provide an integrated and coordinated approach to conservation. Despite the plethora of protected area legislation and policies, South Africa's conservation approaches remain uninspiring and steadfast in traditional methods and have failed to evolve in 45 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigación is the property of Universidad Pedagogica Experimental Libertador and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the phenomenon known as the waterbed effect in the context of carbon emission reduction policies, focusing on a comparison between the EU-27 and China. This is an economic metaphor used to describe the migration of phenomena from one place to another following the implementation of restrictive policies, especially between regions with differing regulatory standards. Global trade dynamics play a crucial role, with trade relationships between the EU-27 and China influencing carbon emissions. Despite EU-27 efforts, the trade deficit with China has widened, leading to a disproportionate increase in emissions. Analysed data indicate the existence of a waterbed effect concerning carbon emissions between the two regions, potentiated by the redistribution of emissions due to disparities in environmental regulations and production outsourcing. Thus, the study reveals a correlation between trade imbalances and carbon emissions, with China's emissions surpassing those of the EU-27 in recent years. Efforts to curb emissions within the EU-27 are undermined by the waterbed effect, exacerbating global climate challenges. Moreover, the waterbed effect evolves into a "move the goalposts" phenomenon, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and collaborative climate policies. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between climate policy and the global distribution of carbon emissions, with notable implications for the development and future implementation of environmental policies worldwide. Addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach, with EU-27 climate policies playing a crucial role. To effectively mitigate climate change, EU-27 policies must advocate for international agreements, contribute to global conservation efforts, and implement domestic policies with minimal economic impact. Additionally, recognizing the interconnectedness of global emissions and trade dynamics is essential to developing sustainable solutions. Ultimately, a collective effort is needed to combat climate change, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and equitable climate policies on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With environmental problems have become a global concern, large number of environmental policies have been enacted worldwide. Though improving personal willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental protection is key objective of environmental policies, existing literature overlook the micro relevance of environmental policies and lacks the exploration of the relationship between environmental policies and WTP and related mechanisms. To fill the research gap, this study took China's energy-related environmental policies as a typical example, drew wisdom from policy feedback theory to develop a theoretical framework, and used CGSS 2018 data to analyse interpretative effect and resource effect of related policies on WTP. The empirical results show that policies have a positive impact on WTP of approximately ¥1.19, but this impact comes with complex mechanisms. On the one hand, policies increase energy knowledge, thus improving WTP (interpretative effect); on the other hand, policies alleviate energy poverty, which further reduces WTP (resource effect). The positive interpretative effect is larger than negative resource effect. The robustness of findings is confirmed by adjusting the samples, measurements and models. This study is among the first to examine the influence mechanism of environmental policies on personal WTP through the lenses of interpretative and resource effects and reveals an unexpected consequence of policies. Accordingly, this study provides policy recommendations for environmental governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sustainability in Debate / Sustentabilidade em Debate is the property of University of Brasilia, Center for Sustainable Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study is to employ panel data approach to investigate determinants of total GHG emissions in all European Union (EU) economies in years 1990–2018 and evaluate the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation. It incorporates the following variables potentially affecting the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: economic—gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and GDP per capita squared to control for non-linear relationship between economic output and GHG emissions; structural—economic structure reflected in the share of manufacturing in total gross value added (GVA); energy-mix—share of nuclear power and renewable sources in total gross electricity production; environmental policy—the amount of environmental taxes (as a percentage of GDP) and the number of European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) allowances auctioned or sold (as a percentage of GDP per capita). The main findings of this study confirm the long-run relationship between GHG emissions, GDP level, and energy-mix variables. It endorses that higher share of nuclear power together with renewables in gross electricity production has significant impact on GHG emissions in the long run. In turn, it also validates the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve for selected countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban planners who are environmentally conscious and aware will take action to take responsibility, inform, and control. Raising environmental awareness is essential in urban planning education to understand environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to educate urban planning students on environmental ethics. This study investigates the environmental attitudes and behaviors of urban and regional planning students, who will shape the environment in the future within the context of the value-belief-norm theory. Moreover, to find clues that will shape environmental education in the course curriculum. The study included 226 students from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the Faculty of Architecture of Yıldız Technical University (YTU) and Amasya University (AU). Questionnaire data has been evaluated using principal components analysis, correlation analysis, T-test, and ANOVA analysis. According to the study findings, urban planning students have adopted biocentric, ecocentric, and anthropocentric value orientations. The study has found that students with ecocentric value orientation tend to show more pro-environmental behavior. The study concludes that the student’s characteristics also affect how they show pro-environmental behavior and evaluate environmental policies. In conclusion, focusing on ecocentric approaches in urban planning education can positively affect adopting pro-environmental behavior and policies. Additionally, study findings show that students with relatively better economic conditions are more inclined to have a biocentric value orientation. Based on the literature and these study findings, pro-environmental behavior is not a single-dimensional structure caused only by individuals' personal and professional characteristics. People's environmental attitudes and behaviors are shaped by their upbringing, school, friends, and culture. It shows that pro-environmental behavior has a multidimensional complex structure, and a conceptual framework can provide guidance to explain these kinds of behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful integration of Circular Economy (CE) within economic systems can significantly contribute to sustainable development by promoting economic growth through closed-loop systems. Nonetheless, despite CE principles aligning closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their integration into public policy faces limitations. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing insights from academic literature and European legislation, so as to shed light on the challenges and barriers obstructing the effective implementation of CE principles within the framework of the EU. Focusing on regulatory obstacles, this research analyzes the intersection of Sustainability Economics (SE) with CE, identifies major CE principles and observes the challenges involved in incorporating them into public policy. It then reviews European Union (EU) milestones in adopting CE, under both the Juncker Commission and the von der Leyen Commission, and assesses the obstacles in integrating CE within EU public policy. The study found that major challenges highlighted in the literature include insufficient awareness, limited infrastructure for recycling and reusing materials, and ensuring collaboration between governments, industries, and consumers. Continuing to implement comprehensive policy frameworks is essential for promoting CE practices in the EU.