Search

Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) remain the panacea to addressing challenges relating to climate change, low rainfall, and low agricultural productivity in many rural parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These practices include but are not limited to crop rotation, intercropping, cover cropping, and conservation tillage. The aforementioned practices have been scientifically proven to enhance crop productivity while safeguarding environmental resources. This review assesses the trends, effectiveness, and challenges associated with the adoption and utilization of SAPs among smallholder farmers in the SSA region, analyzing the literature and reports from 2000 to 2024 sourced from databases such as Google Scholar and Scopus. The inclusion criteria focused on key concepts such as SAPs, adoption, and challenges. Findings indicate that crop rotation, intercropping, improved seed varieties, manure, and mulching are among the most adopted practices. In reality, practices such as conservation tillage, agroforestry, and water harvesting systems remain the least adopted practices in many rural parts of SSA. The review further reveals that challenges relating to land tenure insecurity, lack of knowledge, training, and limited access to financial institutions all have a direct or indirect influence on farmers' choice of adoption. Overcoming the aforementioned challenges through policy interventions and capacity building is vital for improved crop productivity and rural livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwest region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to a range of climatic threats, including cyclones, prolonged flooding, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion. The study investigates how these different drivers affect aquaculture systems and aims to provide critical insights for sustainable management. The survey work focused on the problems, vulnerabilities, migration, and adaptive strategies of communities of the southwest region of Bangladesh, that rely heavily on shrimp, fish, and crab production for their livelihoods. Data were collected from the 80 respondents across four unions (Atulia, Burigoalini, Gabura, and Bhurulia) in Shyannagar Upazila, Satkhira District, using a structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that climate change events have significantly changed shrimp farming in enclosures, pond aquaculture, and crab point management, and negatively impacted livelihoods. Pond aquaculture appeared to be the most vulnerable to climate change conditions, followed by shrimp farming in enclosures and crab points. Furthermore, the adverse effects of climate change compelled human migration within the study area, primarily driven by the search for employment. This study provides evidence of the effects of various climate change stressors on shrimp, fish, and crab production systems and the adaptive difficulties of the communities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. As the natural calamity like cyclone cannot be prevented, understanding the impact of previous events may help people of the affected area as well as the policy makers to plan for better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article investigates the intricate interplay between climate change, global sea level rise (SLR), and the impacts of sea level rise on the coastal regions of India. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper provides an overview of the global consequences of SLR on coastal communities, exploring economic, social, and environmental impacts on agriculture, communities, and coastal areas. The study examines the displacement of communities and its impact on food security, infrastructure, tourism, and ecological loss based on a comprehensive literature review. This paper emphasizes the sustainable preservation of coastal ecosystems and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. This research aims to offer a detailed understanding of the evolving landscape of coastal livelihoods, providing valuable insights for adaptive strategies, policy formulation, and sustainable development. Ultimately, this article contributes to the scientific discourse by shedding light on the complex dynamics between climate change, SLR, and coastal communities, guiding efforts toward a resilient and sustainable future. The insights are drawn from secondary data resources, including books, scholarly journals, and reports from organizations such as the IPCC and NOAA. Based on a thorough review of the relevant literature, it critically examines the existing and potential consequences of sea level rise induced by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwest region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to a range of climatic threats, including cyclones, prolonged flooding, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion. The study investigates how these different drivers affect aquaculture systems and aims to provide critical insights for sustainable management. The survey work focused on the problems, vulnerabilities, migration, and adaptive strategies of communities of the southwest region of Bangladesh, that rely heavily on shrimp, fish, and crab production for their livelihoods. Data were collected from the 80 respondents across four unions (Atulia, Burigoalini, Gabura, and Bhurulia) in Shyannagar Upazila, Satkhira District, using a structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that climate change events have significantly changed shrimp farming in enclosures, pond aquaculture, and crab point management, and negatively impacted livelihoods. Pond aquaculture appeared to be the most vulnerable to climate change conditions, followed by shrimp farming in enclosures and crab points. Furthermore, the adverse effects of climate change compelled human migration within the study area, primarily driven by the search for employment. This study provides evidence of the effects of various climate change stressors on shrimp, fish, and crab production systems and the adaptive difficulties of the communities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. As the natural calamity like cyclone cannot be prevented, understanding the impact of previous events may help people of the affected area as well as the policy makers to plan for better survival.

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, primarily stemming from its misuse and overuse in both veterinary and public healthcare systems. The consequences of AMR are severe, leading to more severe infections, increased health protection costs, prolonged hospital stays, unresponsive treatments, and elevated fatality rates. The impact of AMR is direct and far-reaching, particularly affecting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the urgency for concerted global actions to achieve these objectives. Disproportionately affecting underprivileged populations, AMR compounds their vulnerabilities, pushing them further into poverty. Moreover, AMR has ramifications for food production, jeopardizing sustainable agriculture and diminishing the livelihoods of farmers. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in underprivileged areas heightens the risk of complications and mortality. Climate change further contributes to AMR, as evidenced by increased instances of foodborne salmonellosis and the development of antibiotic resistance, resulting in substantial healthcare costs. Effectively addressing AMR demands collaboration among governments, entrepreneurs, and the public sector to establish institutions and policies across all regulatory levels. Expanding SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development, would facilitate global antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, technology transfer, surveillance systems, and investment in vaccine and drug research. The World Bank's SDG database, tracking progress towards sustainable development, reveals a concerning picture with only a 15% success rate till 2023 and 48% showing deviation, underscoring a global gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tackling AMR's global impact necessitates international cooperation, robust monitoring, and evaluation methods. The five priorities outlined guide SDG implementation, while impoverished countries must address specific challenges in their implementation efforts. Addressing AMR and its impact on the SDGs is a multifaceted challenge that demands comprehensive and collaborative solutions on a global scale.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, primarily stemming from its misuse and overuse in both veterinary and public healthcare systems. The consequences of AMR are severe, leading to more severe infections, increased health protection costs, prolonged hospital stays, unresponsive treatments, and elevated fatality rates. The impact of AMR is direct and far-reaching, particularly affecting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the urgency for concerted global actions to achieve these objectives. Disproportionately affecting underprivileged populations, AMR compounds their vulnerabilities, pushing them further into poverty. Moreover, AMR has ramifications for food production, jeopardizing sustainable agriculture and diminishing the livelihoods of farmers. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in underprivileged areas heightens the risk of complications and mortality. Climate change further contributes to AMR, as evidenced by increased instances of foodborne salmonellosis and the development of antibiotic resistance, resulting in substantial healthcare costs. Effectively addressing AMR demands collaboration among governments, entrepreneurs, and the public sector to establish institutions and policies across all regulatory levels. Expanding SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development, would facilitate global antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, technology transfer, surveillance systems, and investment in vaccine and drug research. The World Bank's SDG database, tracking progress towards sustainable development, reveals a concerning picture with only a 15% success rate till 2023 and 48% showing deviation, underscoring a global gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tackling AMR's global impact necessitates international cooperation, robust monitoring, and evaluation methods. The five priorities outlined guide SDG implementation, while impoverished countries must address specific challenges in their implementation efforts. Addressing AMR and its impact on the SDGs is a multifaceted challenge that demands comprehensive and collaborative solutions on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research uses advanced statistical methods to examine climate change mitigation policies' economic and environmental impacts. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of carbon pricing, renewable energy subsidies, emission trading schemes, and regulatory standards in reducing CO2 emissions, fostering economic growth, and promoting employment. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining regression analysis, cost–benefit analysis (CBA), and computable general equilibrium (CGE) models. Data were collected from national and global databases, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Key findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in CO2 emissions by 0.45% for each unit increase in carbon pricing (p < 0.01). Renewable energy subsidies were positively correlated with a 3.5% increase in employment in the green sector (p < 0.05). Emission trading schemes were projected to increase GDP by 1.2% over a decade (p < 0.05). However, chi-square tests indicated that carbon pricing disproportionately affects low-income households (p < 0.05), highlighting the need for compensatory policies. The study concluded that a balanced policy mix, tailored to national contexts, can optimise economic and environmental outcomes while addressing social equity concerns. Error margins in GDP projections remained below ±0.3%, confirming the models' reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megaprojects serve as the foundation of societal progress, providing essential infrastructure for a country's development and meeting its societal needs. There is a growing interest within the academic community to untangle the complex nature of megaprojects. This study conducts a comprehensive systematic literature review on megaprojects from the perspective of business, management, and accounting studies to provide a general map of the research conducted in this field and to highlight gaps for future research. The findings reveal thematic areas, including (i) sustainable development and decision‐making, (ii) governance approach, (iii) project management, (iv) risk assessment, and (v) economic and social effects/social responsibility. Moreover, identified gaps encompass limited consideration of the use/operation and end‐of‐life phases, inadequate evaluation of environmental and social impacts in economic terms, insufficient focus on sustainability reporting, inclusive governance, and using novel methodologies for complex system analysis in the field of megaprojects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates the profound impacts of climate change on migration patterns within Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, focusing on two critical case studies: Tuvalu and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. By analysing the governmental responses and adaptation strategies in Tuvalu and the Mekong Delta, the paper highlights the urgent need for integrated policy frameworks that address the multifaceted nature of climate migration and the importance of international cooperation and initiatives to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of climate migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic melting is an effect of climate change; the use of fossil fuels in marine shipping emits large amounts of air emissions that impact climate change, and Arctic aquatic and human life. Swedish pulp and paper mills generate large amounts of waste and side streams that could be utilized. The production of forest-based biofuel may be a promising solution to achieve sustainable Arctic marine shipping. This review highlights the socio-economic impacts associated with the production of forest-based biofuel in Sweden, the related opportunities, challenges, knowledge gaps, and further need of research. From the economic perspective, it was found that the production and use of forest-based biofuel have short and long-term economic sustainability benefits: (a) short-term benefits, the use of the waste and side streams of the pulp and paper industry is a low-cost available feedstock, unlike first-generation biofuel from crops like corn forest-based biofuels neither require additional land use, water resources nor compete with food. (b) Long-term benefits: (i) the Swedish shipping sector depends on imported fossil fuels, these new biofuels can replace partly those imported fossil fuels that will reduce shipping costs, and generate economic benefits for local consumers. (ii) Usage of forest-based biofuels as blends with conventional fuels in existing engines will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Arctic shipping to the set limits in the region. (iii) One of the important socioeconomic impacts of forest-based biofuel production and use is the new job creation and employment opportunities that will impact the local communities and livelihoods of indigenous people in the area. From a societal perspective, stakeholder involvement is essential to address the sustainability challenges of biofuel production: EU policymakers need to encourage the production and use of biofuels by developing policies that promote biofuel use. Further studies are needed to develop more efficient and low-cost biofuel production routes, more investments in related research and development are required as well. Local indigenous communities must be involved in the decision-making process through surveys, local dialogues, and research studies. The production of forest-based biofuels has great potential and many social-economic impacts alongside the environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, the use of vulnerability assessments has grown substantially to support rural communities in developing countries. These studies aim to help these communities achieve their livelihood goals, such as sustainable resource use and adaptation to global changes, by evaluating their susceptibility to climate change impacts. This systematic review critically examines the extensive body of literature on Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) assessments related to climate change impacts in developing countries. By synthesizing findings from various studies, this review highlights patterns and methodologies used to understand the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. Key focus areas include geographical distribution, methodological approaches, and the frameworks utilized in vulnerability assessments. The review identifies prominent frameworks, such as the LVI and LVI-IPCC, which integrate indicators of sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity to evaluate climate risks. Findings reveal a concentration of studies in Asia and Africa, with a strong emphasis on agricultural and coastal ecosystems. Methodologically, there is a notable reliance on stratified random sampling to accurately capture community and household-level vulnerabilities. A detailed comparative analysis of the LVI, LVI-IPCC, and Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) is also presented, highlighting their characteristics, benefits, and limitations. The review underscores the need for methodological refinements to better address temporal and regional variations in vulnerability. It concludes with recommendations for future research, integrating broader climate scenarios, exploring sectoral interdependencies, and adopting dynamic approaches to enhance the accuracy and applicability of vulnerability assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition in hydrocarbon-rich regions like Qatar is crucial for addressing climate change. This study, acknowledging gaps in our understanding of societal perspectives on this transition, specifically investigates public views on renewable energy (RE) in Qatar. A mixed-methods questionnaire was employed to capture a broad spectrum of public knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding RE. A distinctive feature of this research is its integrative approach, which encompasses environmental, economic, and policy alongside public perception and media influence. This methodology effectively bridges the research gaps in Qatar, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s energy transition. Multiple analyses of responses (n = 604) revealed significant trends and sociodemographic factors influencing these detailed societal opinions on RE. The findings demonstrate a cautious yet optimistic public viewpoint toward RE, with substantial support for increasing its usage over traditional oil and gas. They also highlight the importance of governmental initiatives and the global shift toward sustainable practices, along with the need for enhanced public education to bridge gaps in understanding various RE sources. The study uncovers complexities in public attitudes, shaped by sociodemographic factors, and underscores the discrepancy between initial enthusiasm for RE and its sustained daily use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many actions are underway at global, national, and local levels to increase plastics circularity. However, studies evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of such a transition are lacking at regional levels in the United States. In this work, the existing polyethylene terephthalate and polyolefin plastics supply chains in Michigan were compared to a potential future ('NextCycle') scenario that looks at increasing Michigan's overall recycling rate to 45%. Material flow analysis data was combined with environmental and socio-economic metrics to evaluate the sustainability of these supply chains for the modeled scenarios. Overall, the NextCycle scenario for these supply chains achieved a net 14% and 34% savings of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts, when compared with their respective baseline values. Additionally, the NextCycle scenario showed a net gain in employment and wages, however, it showed a net loss of revenue generation outside of Michigan due to the avoided use of virgin resins in Michigan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as famine weed in South Africa, is one of the most invasive weeds worldwide, accountable for losses to biodiversity, agriculture, the economy, and the health of livestock and human beings. The spread of this weed is not easy to manage or reverse. With globalization, trade, and human movement, it will continue to spread, allowing its range to expand into new areas. This weed has serious adverse effects on rangeland and agricultural crop production. Because of its unique characteristics, its invasiveness and competitive success rates are attributed to its high reproductive ability, fast growth rate, tolerance to environmental stresses, climate change adaptability, allelopathic potential, and unpalatability to animals. Parthenium hysterophorus dominates diverse habitats by spreading quickly as a contaminant of grain and other crop products and through farm machinery. It is widely distributed and has become problematic in various countries, including South Africa. It has successfully invaded several provinces in the country since its introduction in 1880. Since plant invasions are not universal, this study aimed to review research that has been conducted on the aggressive weed P. hysterophorus to understand the ecological characteristics that enable its successful establishment, the economic costs associated with its detrimental impacts, and to briefly assess knowledge gaps to improve its management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of land consolidation works carried out in Cihanbeyli district to provide solutions to important structural problems in Turkey's agricultural enterprise structure. The aim of the research is to evaluate in detail the socioeconomic effects of the consolidation process on farmers' land holdings and number of parcels and the legal dimensions of the process. The study was carried out using multi-layered data sources such as land registry and cadastral records, court cases and field observations, as well as surveys conducted with 26 farmers in villages such as Damlakuyu, Karatepe, Sağlık, Ülerziktepe and Taşpınar in Cihanbeyli district. The research was supported by various statistical tests such as regression analyzes and Wilcoxon Sign Test using the SPSS version 25 statistical package program. Analyzes revealed that there is a significant relationship between factors such as education level, agricultural experience and number of tractors and changes in farmers' land holdings and number of parcels after land consolidation. Satisfaction levels were found to be closely related to the success of the land management and consolidation process, and it was also emphasized that cooperative membership and participation in agricultural training programs were effective in the success of this process. Findings highlight challenges and opportunities associated with land consolidation, including concerns about property rights, legal disputes, and infrastructure development. Despite some dissatisfaction among farmers, the research underscores the potential of consolidation in enhancing agricultural productivity and informing policy decisions for rural development strategies. The study provides valuable insights into the development of agricultural policies and rural development strategies and guide policy makers and practitioners for the effective management of consolidation processes. The research provides a scientific basis for future applications by illuminating the factors that will increase farmer satisfaction and the effectiveness of the consolidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic melting is an effect of climate change; the use of fossil fuels in marine shipping emits large amounts of air emissions that impact climate change, and Arctic aquatic and human life. Swedish pulp and paper mills generate large amounts of waste and side streams that could be utilized. The production of forest-based biofuel may be a promising solution to achieve sustainable Arctic marine shipping. This review highlights the socio-economic impacts associated with the production of forest-based biofuel in Sweden, the related opportunities, challenges, knowledge gaps, and further need of research. From the economic perspective, it was found that the production and use of forest-based biofuel have short and long-term economic sustainability benefits: (a) short-term benefits, the use of the waste and side streams of the pulp and paper industry is a low-cost available feedstock, unlike first-generation biofuel from crops like corn forest-based biofuels neither require additional land use, water resources nor compete with food. (b) Long-term benefits: (i) the Swedish shipping sector depends on imported fossil fuels, these new biofuels can replace partly those imported fossil fuels that will reduce shipping costs, and generate economic benefits for local consumers. (ii) Usage of forest-based biofuels as blends with conventional fuels in existing engines will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Arctic shipping to the set limits in the region. (iii) One of the important socio-economic impacts of forest-based biofuel production and use is the new job creation and employment opportunities that will impact the local communities and livelihoods of indigenous people in the area. From a societal perspective, stakeholder involvement is essential to address the sustainability challenges of biofuel production: EU policymakers need to encourage the production and use of biofuels by developing policies that promote biofuel use. Further studies are needed to develop more efficient and low-cost biofuel production routes, more investments in related research and development are required as well. Local indigenous communities must be involved in the decision-making process through surveys, local dialogues, and research studies. The production of forest-based biofuels has great potential and many social-economic impacts alongside the environmental benefits.

The study utilizes a GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis to evaluate the viability of solar, wind, and biomass energy in Iraq, focusing on enhancing the nation's energy independence and meeting international climate objectives. Detailed spatial analysis revealed specific zones suited for the efficient installation of energy power plants. Zones with an energy surplus factor of less than 0.2 are deemed not viable for development, whereas regions with factors less than 0.4 are ideal for harnessing solar, wind, and biomass resources. Furthermore, zones with surplus factors greater than 0.6 are highly recommended for energy projects. Notably, the results show that strategic development of these zones can cater to between 45 % and 68 % of the country total energy demand, potentially reducing the CO2 footprint by 0.5. Moreover, with an increase in the construction threshold, the CO2 reduction potential has shown a decrease to 1.29E+08 tones, particularly evident in areas with rigorous construction standards. A plateau in reduction figures is observed once the construction threshold surpasses 3.5, stabilizing between 2.5E+07 tones. As the threshold exceeds 5, a further stabilization is noted, consistently around 2.17E+07 tones, persisting even when the threshold approaches 8. The outcomes underscores the critical role of strategic zoning in maximizing renewable energy potential, highlighting pathways for the country to achieve energy self-sufficiency and make significant strides in climate goals.

Recognising the urgent need to address water scarcity resulting from climate change, there is a growing push to enhance the resilience of water (and related) systems. For instance, policymakers are now urging companies to shift from short-term focused strategies towards long-term approaches to effectively manage water scarcity. This paper utilises a custom-built dynamic multisectoral model to assess the socio-economic impacts at a macro-level of temporary water scarcity. The focus of the analysis is to identify the effects that varying levels of investment foresight may have on economic resilience. Specifically, the model incorporates often overlooked factors such as behavioural and resilience aspects. By considering these key elements, a more comprehensive understanding of the system-wide implications of water scarcity on the broader economy is provided. The analysis shows how firms' foresight, or lack thereof, impacts their response to water scarcity and the subsequent impact on the economy. Sector-specific analyses shed light on the potential negative impacts of water scarcity on sectors like agriculture, food, and electricity production and distribution. Yet, the analysis also reveals that certain sectors can benefit from competitiveness effects, which can mitigate the adverse economic implications of water scarcity. However, it should be noted that these sectors may contribute to a catch-up effect on water use. The policy recommendations arising from this research emphasise the promotion of anticipation and preparedness among firms. It is crucial to prioritise resilience-building measures in all sectors, whether they directly rely on water or not.

Many actions are underway at global, national, and local levels to increase plastics circularity. However, studies evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of such a transition are lacking at regional levels in the United States. In this work, the existing polyethylene terephthalate and polyolefin plastics supply chains in Michigan were compared to a potential future (‘NextCycle’) scenario that looks at increasing Michigan’s overall recycling rate to 45%. Material flow analysis data was combined with environmental and socio-economic metrics to evaluate the sustainability of these supply chains for the modeled scenarios. Overall, the NextCycle scenario for these supply chains achieved a net 14% and 34% savings of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts, when compared with their respective baseline values. Additionally, the NextCycle scenario showed a net gain in employment and wages, however, it showed a net loss of revenue generation outside of Michigan due to the avoided use of virgin resins in Michigan.

Cultural events are largely associated with several socio-economic benefits for tourism destinations and host communities. This article explores the case of the Ankos Masquerade Festival (AMF), which takes place annually in Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana). Although this area is known for its tourism potential, it still needs development to attract international tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges as it stopped international travel and necessitated the cancellation of all types of events. In this context, the main objective of this article is to present a case study of the AMF to: (i) identify the profile of the foreign visitors/participants of the festival, their perceptions and their satisfaction level; (ii) understand the perceptions of stakeholders about the socio-economic potential of this event for the local community; and (iii) elaborate policy recommendations to inform and support the local authorities' decision-making. The AMF case study revealed new evidence about the relevance of this type of event for the development of cultural and creative tourism, for attracting international tourists, for improving the destination's image and for creating socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Copyright of Journal Public Administration & Social Management / Administração Pública e Gestão Social is the property of Administracao Publica e Gestao Social 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.)

Despite the world economy's tremendous growth, significant environmental and sustainability concerns need adequate attention. Ecological, environmental conservation is facilitated by "green production" and the promotion of 100% renewable energy development goals." The 100% renewable energy development goal is hailed in the developed economies as a fresh set of policy initiatives that, primarily via the use of renewable energy and resource efficiency, seek to achieve social objectives, including socio‐economic impacts and the reduction of economic inequality. This study examines the potential energy transition based on current technology and the green productivity of 40 industrialized nations from 1990 to 2020. In most industrialized nations, green growth is positive, efficiency change is negative and technology advancement is the primary factor behind economic and environmental improvement. Furthermore, our empirical findings show that trade between nations encourages green output in developed nations. The potential energy transition rate across industrialized nations is 5.21% on average. This suggests that, on average, 5.11% of each advanced nation's total energy usage can be changed from dirty to clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the public health system and socioeconomic sector, one of the worst being the impacts on the informal economy. Despite their past survival, the current pandemic-induced crisis has cast doubt on informal economy resilience. This study aims to capture the informal economy resilience facing the unprecedented economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed 42 selected peer-reviewed journal articles to synthesise a general concept of informal economy resilience during pandemic-induced crisis. We found that strict lockdown during a pandemic becomes the main driver that exacerbates the vulnerability of informal economy. The impacts are spatiotemporally varied, different within the group, and have multilevel characteristics (from individual to society). This vulnerable condition has triggered the informal economy to conduct several coping mechanisms to face economic disadvantages. Both individual coping mechanisms and government intervention have altered the informal economy's resilience throughout time. The current combination of defense mechanisms results in four possibilities: bounce back better, bounce back, recover but worsen, and collapse. This review offers valuable insights into the appropriate actions that governments should undertake in response to economic downturns resulting from pandemics. It highlights the importance of considering vulnerable groups when formulating policy during a crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of road infrastructure is one of the priorities of the Indonesian government to accelerate the recovery of Indonesia's economic conditions after the economic crisis that took place during the New Order government. This study aims to explore and analyze data and facts that will show various local social and economic issues in the farming community in the GORR construction site. This study uses a qualitative method. The results of this study indicate that In Gorontalo, the Gorontalo Outer Ring Road (GORR) road infrastructure development project is one of the government's strategies to improve the welfare of the people of Gorontalo. The construction of the ring road is intended to reduce traffic congestion (congestion), speed up the distribution of goods and people from the port to Djalaluddin Airport. However, in reality, the project also had an unfavorable impact on the farming community around the road infrastructure development area. This reality is the background for writing this scientific paper with the formulation of the problem of how the socio-economic impact of the construction of the Gorontalo Outer Ring Road (GORR) has been for farming communities in Talulobuto Selatan Village, Tapa District, Bone Bolango Regency which is the location for the GORR construction.

Renewable energy (RE) penetration assessment and the development typical meteorological year (TMY) for five cities are considered together in this study. Thus, an integrated method is utilised encompassing RE status assessment and the Sandia method to generate the typical meteorological months of TMY. TMY and long-term data (LT) are then compared as well as a PV system of 3kWc output using TMY and LT under statistical errors. Until 2020 only 11.27% out of 360.02 MW capacity in power demand was RE (hydro and solar). LT and TMY are close for all the towns with a better closeness for Sokode. The latter predicts PV system performance within 2% of the LT in all the sites. More investment has to be put in RE sector because of its potential: 5.27 kWh/m2/day of mean solar radiation, 1238.21 mm of average annual precipitation and 7 m/s of mean wind speed at 50 m above the ground.

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association 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.)

Native plants that expanded into new geographical areas after human-induced disturbances and climate change are referred to as expansive species. This study aimed to model the current and future distribution of Cadia purpurea and Tarchonanthus camphoratus, two expansive shrubs in the Desa'a dry Afromontane Forest in northern Ethiopia, and analyze their socio-economic impacts. Using ArcGIS and MaxEnt, the distributions were modeled under two shared socio-economic pathways (SSP2.6 and SSP8.5) of climate change scenarios for three time periods: 1970–2000 (current), 2050s, and 2070s (future). About 124 records of species occurrence, elevation, aspect, slope, and 19 bioclimatic variables were used to determine the current and future distribution. The socio-economic impacts of the two expansive shrubs were assessed through household surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants. We used a t-test for continuous variables and a chi-square for categorical variables to test the significance of differences in means between invaded and uninvaded areas by the expansive shrubs using R software. The result showed that the mean area under the curves (AUC) for the replicate runs were 0.901 and 0.903 for Cadia purpurea and Tarchonanthus camphoratus, respectively, indicating that the model's predicted result was very accurate and reliable. Precipitation was determined to be the most significant bioclimatic variable, accounting for 82.6% and 79.5% of the variability in the distribution of Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Cadia purpurea, respectively, in the study area. The socio-economic result indicated that human activities such as illegal cutting, settlement expansion, road construction, agricultural expansion, and free grazing were found to facilitate the spread of these species. The expansive species provide a number of services, such as firewood, charcoal production, construction material, shading, erosion control, bee forage, medicine, and fencing. However, they also have adverse impacts, such as biodiversity loss, reduced crop yields, reduced water sources, suppressed grass growth, and reduced tourism income. Local communities recommended physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms to manage and control the expansion of these species in the Desa'a forest, as their negative impacts outweigh their positive impacts.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as famine weed in South Africa, is one of the most invasive weeds worldwide, accountable for losses to biodiversity, agriculture, the economy, and the health of livestock and human beings. The spread of this weed is not easy to manage or reverse. With globalization, trade, and human movement, it will continue to spread, allowing its range to expand into new areas. This weed has serious adverse effects on rangeland and agricultural crop production. Because of its unique characteristics, its invasiveness and competitive success rates are attributed to its high reproductive ability, fast growth rate, tolerance to environmental stresses, climate change adaptability, allelopathic potential, and unpalatability to animals. Parthenium hysterophorus dominates diverse habitats by spreading quickly as a contaminant of grain and other crop products and through farm machinery. It is widely distributed and has become problematic in various countries, including South Africa. It has successfully invaded several provinces in the country since its introduction in 1880. Since plant invasions are not universal, this study aimed to review research that has been conducted on the aggressive weed P. hysterophorus to understand the ecological characteristics that enable its successful establishment, the economic costs associated with its detrimental impacts, and to briefly assess knowledge gaps to improve its management strategies.

Decentralized renewable energy projects, such as solar photovoltaic water pumping, have been deployed to provide access to water in rural areas with strong involvement of the local community. However, the ways in which communities benefit from such projects has been insufficiently studied, and the establishment process has been better documented. Moreover, relevant studies from developing countries are limited. This study was conducted to provide empirical evidence of the local impacts of community-scale renewable energy projects in a developing country, using the case of solar water pumping in Indonesia. A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the socio-economic impacts perceived by the beneficiaries, and, subsequently, qualitative and statistical analysis were conducted. The results showed that the capacity of the local management team and satisfaction in saving money were perceived as the most significant impacts. However, the economic benefit of financial savings did not translate to welfare improvement. These findings provide insights that shows that (1) members of rural communities gained knowledge regarding the renewable energy technology through project deployment and (2) creating a support mechanism along with project deployment is crucial to achieve greater development opportunities in the context of rural poverty alleviation.

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum) is used to extract inulin, a fructose polymer used as a natural sweetener and prebiotic. However, bitter tasting sesquiterpene lactones, giving chicory its known flavour, need to be removed during inulin extraction. To avoid this extraction and associated costs, recently chicory variants with a lower sesquiterpene lactone content were created by inactivating the four copies of the germacrene A synthase gene (CiGAS-S1, -S2, -S3, -L) which encode the enzyme initiating bitter sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory. In this study, different delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas9 reagents have been compared regarding their efficiency to induce mutations in the CiGAS genes, the frequency of off-target mutations as well as their environmental and economic impacts. CRISPR/Cas9 reagents were delivered by Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation or transient delivery by plasmid or preassembled ribonucleic complexes (RNPs) using the same sgRNA. All methods used lead to a high number of INDEL mutations within the CiGAS-S1 and CiGAS-S2 genes, which match the used sgRNA perfectly; additionally, the CiGAS-S3 and CiGAS-L genes, which have a single mismatch with the sgRNA, were mutated but with a lower mutation efficiency. While using both RNPs and plasmids delivery resulted in biallelic, heterozygous or homozygous mutations, plasmid delivery resulted in 30% of unwanted integration of plasmid fragments in the genome. Plants transformed via Agrobacteria often showed chimerism and a mixture of CiGAS genotypes. This genetic mosaic becomes more diverse when plants were grown over a prolonged period. While the genotype of the on-targets varied between the transient and stable delivery methods, no off-target activity in six identified potential off-targets with two to four mismatches was found. The environmental impacts (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy demand) of the methods are highly dependent on their individual electricity demand. From an economic view - like for most research and development activities - employment and value-added multiplier effects are high; particularly when compared to industrial or manufacturing processes. Considering all aspects, we conclude that using RNPs is the most suitable method for genome editing in chicory since it led to a high efficiency of editing, no off-target mutations, non-transgenic plants with no risk of unwanted integration of plasmid DNA and without needed segregation of transgenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]