ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF FOSSIL FUEL ACTIVITIES IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Urbanization and rapid economic development have been recognized as transformative forces in cities worldwide, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Although living standards have been improved by economic growth, increased pollution levels have been observed, potentially compromising public health. While extensive research has been conducted on the individual effects of economic development, pollution, and health outcomes, limited attention has been given to their intersection—particularly regarding public perception and its influence on health. In this study, the relationship among economic development, perceived pollution, and health outcomes in urban communities is examined, with an emphasis on how pollution is perceived by residents within their economic contexts and how this perception correlates with health status. A mixed-methods approach is employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Key variables are identified, including perceived pollution levels, health outcomes, and economic indicators such as income, employment status, and access to public services. Data are analyzed using SPSS software, through which correlations and potential causal relationships among these variables are investigated. The findings indicate that a significant association is observed between economic development and pollution perception: in wealthier communities, pollution tends to be perceived less negatively despite higher recorded pollution levels. Furthermore, negative perceptions of pollution are strongly associated with poorer health outcomes, particularly in lower-income urban areas. These results underscore the necessity for integrated urban planning strategies in which economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health promotion are harmonized. By addressing public perceptions of pollution and their impact on health, policymakers can be better guided in developing interventions that support equitable and sustainable urban development. Socioeconomic disparities must be accounted for, and environmental health should be prioritized to improve overall well-being in rapidly evolving urban environments.

The purpose of this article is to solve the problem of whether there is a correlation between sustainable economic and environmental development strategies in China. Currently, there are few studies on the relationship between sustainable development strategies in the economic and environmental sectors. The main objective of this study is China’s sustainable economic and environmental development strategies. The author mainly uses literature research and quantitative analysis to prove if there is a correlation between economic and environmental development strategies. The author divides the development of environmental strategies in China into four phases. The first two phases are characterized by “pollute first, clean up later” development mode, which shows no sign of the correlation between economic and environmental development strategies. The latter two phases are featured by the balance between sustainable economic and environmental development, which clarifies the correlation between sustainable economic and environmental development strategies. It is shown that sustainable economic and environmental development strategies are correlated with each other. There is a mutually reinforcing relationship between sustainable economic and environmental development strategies. They are interdependent and mutually supportive.KeywordsChinaSustainable economic development strategiesSustainable environmental development strategiesCorrelationReinforcing relationshipJEL ClassificationJ24C54J64

Sustainability and sustainable development have become a global aspiration of many nations aimed at ensuring economic growth, protecting environmental resources, and ensuring better living conditions for the present and future generations. The objective of the study was to make an evidence-based content analysis of how environmental, social and economic sustainability can collectively contribute to Nigeria’s development. The study established that only by integrating and interlinking economic, social and environmental sustainability can negative synergies be arrested, positive synergies fostered, and real development encouraged in Nigeria. Also applying social sustainability in Nigeria will be based on emphasis upon satisfying human needs in such essential areas as education, social equity, nutrition, health care, and fostering equitable resource distribution for economic development of the nation. The study recommended among others that sustainable resource management practices should be vigorously pursued in Nigeria to ensure that national and natural resources are utilized responsibly in line with United Nation’s SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production). Also, since increase in economic growth will increase carbon footprint and green house emission that may affect sustainability, Nigerian governments should focus on economic policies that have consideration for environmental and social impacts on citizens in order to achieve sustainable development.

Exergy and Sustainability: Insights into the Value of Exergy Analysis in Sustainability Assessment of Technological Systems

The impact of human activity on the environment is becoming increasingly evident in the modern world. Growing industrialization, the use of natural resources, and environmental pollution lead to serious environmental problems at the global level. In this context, preserving natural resources in rural areas is particularly important. Villages and rural areas, an essential component of society, also play a crucial role in ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. Balanced environmental and economic sustainability in rural areas is a task that requires a comprehensive approach and interaction between different actors, including local authorities, communities, businesses, and civil society organizations. Environmental sustainability involves preserving the diversity of nature, maintaining ecosystems, and using resources rationally without harming the environment. Economic sustainability is the development of agriculture and enterprises that provide vital goods and services while preserving the region's ecological integrity. The study aims to analyze the ecological and economic sustainability of rural areas and provide recommendations on preserving natural resources and ensuring their sustainable development. This article analyzes various aspects of the environmental and economic sustainability of rural areas in Ukraine. The importance of preserving natural resources, the possibility of using new technologies for sustainable agriculture, and the role of communities and the state in achieving these goals are considered. The trends and critical issues are assessed across dimensions like natural resource management, pollution in rural areas, etc., drawing upon data from national statistics, government reports, academic studies, and field surveys. It is determined that it is necessary to implement measures aimed at conserving natural resources to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas. This is achieved by introducing resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, developing alternative energy sources, promoting environmental culture, and improving the socio-economic situation in rural areas. This is achieved by creating new jobs, developing infrastructure, and providing social services. An essential condition for ensuring the sustainable development of rural areas is an integrated approach that considers all these factors. Rural areas play an essential role in ensuring food security and sustainable development of the country. However, in the process of economic activity in rural areas, significant environmental and economic problems arise that threaten the sustainability of these areas. Particular attention should be focused on integrated approaches that enhance synergies between the economic, environmental, and social spheres rather than individual initiatives. The importance of involving rural residents is emphasized to implement sustainability principles in rural lifestyles and institutions. Keywords: sustainable development, rural areas of Ukraine, theoretical aspects, practical aspects, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, natural resource conservation, agriculture, communities.

Abstract. The paper examines the necessity of implementing digital technologies and automation to enhance the efficiency of maritime industry enterprises in the context of sustainable development. It demonstrates that the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain optimizes resource utilization, enhances environmental sustainability, and ensures corporate social responsibility. The aim of the article is to explore the possibilities of using digital technologies and automation to improve the efficiency of implementing the principles of sustainable development of the maritime business.The paper also analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of digital solutions, offering strategies for integrating innovative technologies to achieve economic sustainability and infrastructure development. The importance of automated systems for reducing CO2 emissions, improving vessel efficiency, and enhancing seafarer working conditions is emphasized.The introduction of digital technologies and automation in the marine industry is key to achieving sustainable development. Digitization makes it possible to increase the economic stability of enterprises by optimizing resources and reducing costs with the help of artificial intelligence and automated control systems. Social responsibility is increased through the introduction of technologies for monitoring working conditions and compliance with international standards. In addition, big data and blockchains help control environmental indicators, which contributes to reducing emissions and ensuring environmental sustainability. The integration of smart technologies in ports optimizes logistics processes and promotes the development of infrastructure, which is important for the global economy.As examples and key performance indicators (KPIs) show, digital solutions signifi-cantly improve all four strategic areas – economic and environmental sustainability, social responsibility and infrastructure development. Keywords: sustainable development, maritime industry, digitalization, automation, environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility

The United Nations sustainable development goals aim to promote global industrialization and innovation and achieve sustainable and inclusive economic development by 2030. The sustainable growth of provincial economies has emerged as a critical component of the national plan as China’s economy transitions to a new normal. This article builds an assessment index system encompassing the four "economy–society–ecology–innovation" dimensions to better assess the degree of sustainable economic development in China’s regions. It then uses the gray correlation analysis method to measure and analyze the sustainable economic development of China’s regions from 2006 to 2017. Additionally, the spatial evolution characteristics of each region’s sustainable economic development and spatial pattern are investigated through exploratory spatial data analysis and GIS spatial analysis techniques. This essay seeks to support the region’s economy in achieving sustainable development by offering theoretical underpinnings and useful advice for the creation of successful regional development plans. The study’s findings indicate that in 2017, the assessed value of the level of economic sustainability of China’s regions averaged 0.7156, an increase of 7.3% compared to 2006 while the degree of sustainable economic development in the rest of China, except Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang, has steadily increased between 2006 and 2017, the gap between the regions has also widened, with the eastern region having a much higher level of sustainable economic development than the central and western regions. An analysis of the spatial evolution reveals that the degree of sustainable economic development in every region of China generally increases in positive spatial correlation. Its spatial agglomeration is becoming increasingly apparent, with more regions becoming high-high-type and low-low-type agglomerations. Regional wealth disparities, ecological governance capabilities, and technological innovation levels were identified at the local level as essential factors for provincial economic sustainable development, with varying impacts across different regions.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Requires Transdisciplinary Innovation at the Local Scale

Green-Win is the proposal where that government, society, and business can all reap benefits while at the same time playing a vital role in the transition to sustainable development and lower carbon futures. We argue that, while the Green-Win proposition is central to many state and expert models of sustainability transitions, as a construction, it belies more complex trade-offs and cognitive models of sustainability and societal transitions. Cultural models are cognitive representations shared by a community which provide both models of the world, which aid in interpreting what is in the world, how it works, what is possible (or not) and why, and models for the world, which suggest how to act in it to bring about desired outcomes (cf. Geertz 1973). We surveyed 225 respondents in Shanghai, China, Istanbul, Turkey, and Beirut, Lebanon to assess their basic beliefs about sustainability, specifically whether it is possible to implement concrete practices that realize environmental sustainability goals in conjunction with economic development—the Green-Win proposition. We found important similarities and differences among urban stakeholders’ cultural models of sustainable development. For example, Chinese and Lebanese respondents displayed a strong belief that economic growth and environmental sustainability are compatible, while Turkish respondents showed significant disagreement with this proposition. We argue that such basic notions about the possibility of Green-Win opportunities between environmental sustainability and economic development are important to understand in the context of mitigating and adapting to climate change in critical urban environments. Cultural models of and for green development may either enable or inhibit transformations in urban systems according to local conditions. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of cultural models’ research for targeting communications and engendering collaborations among diverse stakeholders in order to align perspectives and overcome barriers that may otherwise limit successful visioning, planning, and implementation for transformation towards sustainable development.

Background and Aims: Air pollution exposure is a complex and heterogeneous condition. The association of air pollution with disease is consistently established in many epidemiological studies. This creates a need for an infrastructure to measure both air pollution levels and health outcomes geospatially. Methods: As part of the North American Public Health Institute, we developed a multidisciplinary, international research team encompassing Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan, USA. While this geographic region consists of a single air-shed it exhibits different socioeconomic conditions and health delivery systems. We deployed 100 active and/or passive pollution samplers across this common air-shed based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for ambient air monitoring to determine levels of gaseous (i.e., NO2, SO2), volatile and particulate pollutants at a resolution greater than what is currently available. We are collecting asthma-related health outcomes for the populations residing within this region using emergency room, clinic, and hospital encounters from American and Canadian health care providers. Utilizing global positioning satellite for pollution sampler allocation and geocoding technique for patient address location, we created a complex mappable system to relate air pollution components and levels to health outcomes. Results: Air pollution levels can be linked to asthma events by several mechanisms. The first step is to use direct measurement value of the closest sensor by creating Voronoi polygons and mapping the asthma events to that geographic area. Associations between pollution level and asthma exacerbation can be examined between these data set. Models of the pollution levels using land use regression can increase the resolution beyond the point values. Longitude/latitude coordinates can be mapped to a pollution level in the surface generated by the model. Conclusion: Establishing a geospatial information system (GIS) integrated database with both pollution measurements and health outcomes creates a comprehensive resource. This infrastructure is flexible enough to investigate the effects of air pollution on many diseases, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, by physical and mathematic modeling. We can also compare health outcomes by health delivery system.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are grouped under three main titles; economic development, environmental sustainability, and improvement of social well-being. Environmental sustainability is one of the most important components of sustainable development goals because it is obvious that without a sustainable environment, economic and social development goals will be abandoned. While the unplanned use of the environment and natural resources threatens environmental sustainability, it can be said that one of the most important actors in this process is sports. Mass production and consumption, facility establishment, and increase in organizations in sports accelerate environmental and natural destruction. The sustainability of sports is directly proportional to environmental sustainability. Therefore, reduction of the sports-induced negative environmental impacts will make great contributions to environmental sustainability. In this way, it will be possible to transfer both the natural environment and sports to future generations. This study was limited to environmental sustainability, which is one of the three main titles set for sustainable development goals and the effects of sports on environmental sustainability were evaluated in the light of available literature. Again, regarding the existing literature, suggestions were developed to reduce the negative environmental impacts of sports.

This study explores the impact of renewable energy on economic transformation and sustainable development. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the Scopus database, focusing on articles, reviews, and book chapters published between 2014 and 2023. The search employed keywords such as “renewable energy,” “development,” “economy,” and “sustainable development,” with filters applied for language, subject area, geography, and document type. The analysis reveals that adopting renewable energy reduces ecological footprints and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability. Specific renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, are identified as effective catalysts for sustainable economic development. The study highlights the role of renewable energy consumption in supporting economic growth, tourism, and GDP growth. The significance of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, along with its production from renewable sources, is also emphasized. The findings underscore the crucial role of renewable energy technologies in driving economic transformation and sustainable development by enhancing environmental sustainability, stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, challenges persist, requiring supportive policies, financial inclusion, and technological advancements to optimize the benefits of renewable energy adoption. Future research should expand geographical coverage, improve data quality, standardize methodologies, explore socio-political dimensions, assess distributional impacts, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively address the complex challenges associated with renewable energy and economic development.

Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to give an interpretation to the limits of Indonesia’s forestry policy through the sustainable development approach analyzing the crossroads between economic development and environmental sustainability. There is an expansion and intensification of industrial plantations such as palm oil, as part of the economic development strategy, which must coexist with ongoing efforts of conservation of forest resources in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, including policies such as the Forest Moratorium. Design/methodolgy/approach The study explores the influence of the economic development of the palm oil industry in the environmental sustainability of the Forest Moratorium during the period 2011–2014. A case study on the Forest Moratorium is presented analyzing the operativeness of sustainable development principles in the discourse and concrete actions of this specific policy. Findings The study evidences that there is a basic problem in Indonesia’s forestry policy and the sustainable development approach, not only because of its inherent contradictions, but also due to the flaws in its interpretation and implementation. It is necessary to rethink the sustainable development, its scopes and limitations, taking into consideration its hybridity, dynamism, and constant transformation. It is also necessary to consider the feasibility of a paradigm shift or a search for sustainable solutions based on other parameters. One way of doing it should include a more participatory approach with a joint work by the government, local communities, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and academia. Research limitations/implications First, as this is a case study the findings are not generalizable; and second, the social dimension of sustainable development is not incorporated in its entirety, as this study focuses mainly on the economic and environmental dimensions. Practical implications The findings contribute to the discussion in the theoretical and public policy fields, on the crossroads between economic development and environmental sustainability in the international agenda for sustainable development. Originality/value The study allows capturing the discussion in a concrete case and learning from the experience of Indonesia, its institutional failures, and the causes of its environmental problems.

Topics of sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability are worldwide considered as fundamental for every strategy of urban transformation, renewal and regeneration. In particular, urban regenerations are urban re-development programs involving the rebirth or renewal of selected urban areas or district that have faced periods of decline due to compounding and intersecting pressures. The programs cover many aspects of the area to be re-generated such as physical, social and environmental contexts. Re-use of already built up areas and buildings, reduction of the demand for new soils to be developed, increasing of appealing of dense city areas, increasing of social and spatial resilience are among the positive consequences of these programs. However, in the current debate about urban regeneration, few studies have evaluated the real environmental outcomes and effectiveness of regeneration programs in terms of physical variables such as new provided greenspaces, accessibility to public transportation, climate change or seismic risk reduction. This paper proposes a method to quantify the real outcomes and effectiveness of urban regeneration programs with reference to the above mentioned variables. As a real experience of urban planning, the new Local Spatial Plan for the Municipality of Catania, a medium sized city in Southern Italy, is presented. The city is characterised by a high density urban fabric, a general lack of urban greenspaces and high levels of traffic congestion due to a massive use of private transportation. The urban fabric is also very vulnerable to seismic and climate change risks. Among the transformation tools, the new Local spatial plan proposes regeneration actions aimed at the complete regeneration of old and dilapidated areas, not classified as historical heritage and heavily vulnerable to seismic risk. These actions include the complete demolition and reconstruction of these areas within clearly defined boundaries, contributing to minimise soil consumption, maintaining as open public spaces the majority of existing non urbanised areas within the densely built-up settlement. The program of regeneration can dramatically contributes to the reduction of seismic and climate change risk and achieve a general requalification of the urban environment. Starting from this planning experience, this paper focus on the evaluation of the regenerations programs included in the Local Spatial Plan. Regeneration Areas (RAs) have been identified by the municipality as characterized by high level of seismic vulnerability, urban degradation, lack of public services and urban environment quality. For the chosen areas, this study proposes the evaluation of the transformations potentially occurring in the urban context by the proposed regeneration program. The following aspects are evaluated: reduction of risks (in terms of exposition and vulnerability to seismic and climate change related risks) 2 International Scientific Conference GEOBALCANICA 2016 256 mobility (concerning the presence of public means of transports, distance to the transit stops, roads, pedestrian and cycling lanes) accessibility increase (in terms of access to trip attractions) land-use diversity (in terms of number and distribution of different land uses) public spaces and services (in terms of extension and functions) Each of the aforementioned aspects are evaluated by spatial indicators calculated by GIS. All indicators are calculated at different and size increasing units, in order to understand the effect of a single regeneration project and of a number of concurrent projects within the considered geographical units. The geographical units are the RAs and districts. Different combinations of regeneration projects will be thus evaluated to highlight which projects produce the most relevant effects, calculated with the proposed indicators. This will allow the municipality to define scenarios of regeneration priority, in terms of which projects might be financed and implemented firstly because of their higher positive effect on the urban environment. Such scenarios will generate positive effects not only to the single areas to be regenerated but also to wider urban contexts, significantly reducing the urban vulnerability to seismic and climate change risks and at the same time producing more livable and healthy urban environment.

Renewable energy transition and regional integration: Energizing the pathway to sustainable development