Environmental Sustainability Challenges Research Articles

Citizen science in schools: Engaging students in research on urban habitat for pollinators

AbstractCitizen science can play an important role in school science education. Citizen science is particularly relevant to addressing current societal environmental sustainability challenges, as it engages the students directly with environmental science and gives students an understanding of the scientific process. In addition, it allows students to observe local representations of global challenges. Here, we report a citizen science programme designed to engage school‐age children in real‐world scientific research. The programme used standardized methods deployed across multiple schools through scientist–school partnerships to engage students with an important conservation problem: habitat for pollinator insects in urban environments. Citizen science programmes such as the programme presented here can be used to enhance scientific literacy and skills. Provided key challenges to maintain data quality are met, this approach is a powerful way to contribute valuable citizen science data for understudied, but ecologically important study systems, particularly in urban environments across broad geographical areas.

Research and development on membrane IS process for hydrogen production using solar heat

Thermochemical hydrogen production has attracted considerable interest as a clean energy solution to address the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. The thermochemical water-splitting iodine-sulfur (IS) process uses heat from nuclear or solar power and thus is a promising next-generation thermochemical hydrogen production method that is independent of fossil fuels and can provide energy security. This paper presents the current state of research and development (R&D) of the IS process based on membrane techniques using solar energy at a medium temperature of 600 °C. Membrane design strategies have the most potential for making the IS process using solar energy highly efficient and economical and are illustrated here in detail. Three aspects of membrane design proposed herein for the IS process have led to a considerable improvement of the total thermal efficiency of the process: membrane reactors, membranes, and reaction catalysts. Experimental studies in the applications of these membrane design techniques to the Bunsen reaction, sulfuric acid decomposition, and hydrogen iodide decomposition are discussed.

Challenges for environmental sustainability in a mountain destination: insights from the Shiroumadake District of North Japan Alps

This article analyzes the complex challenges for environmental sustainability of mountain destinations through a case study of the Shiroumadake District of North Japan Alps. The area is known for its scenic peaks including Mount Shirouma, powdery winter snow and the rich variety of alpine wildflowers in summer. However the area has a long history of human habitation and visitation; and its emergence as one of the most famous mountain resorts of Japan has resulted in significant ongoing visitor impact on the landscape. Currently a general warming trend and change of snow conditions threaten this area. The case study adopted a qualitative method based on interviews and content analysis to gain important insight on the complex interrelationship between the biophysical (geological, geomorphological, ecological) and social (mainly tourism) aspects of the area. It was found that while climate change is keenly perceived by local stakeholders due to its threat on livelihoods; anthropogenic fragmentation of geo-ecological connectivity and its transformation over time are poorly understood. Standard management decisions favor stabilization of key geomorphic processes that have shaped the dynamic environment through perpetual change at least since the Holocene deglaciation; such human actions fragment ecological resilience of the place. The article posits that the understanding of the past and key natural change pathways is of critical importance for sustainable future of mountain destinations, and recommends downscaling of economic activities such as large-scale tourism for reducing the level of anthropogenic impact.

Making ‘greener’ connections

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (‘Green innovation’ – connecting governance, practices and outcomes) brings together a set of papers that focus on social and technological innovations designed to address the environmental sustainability challenges that we face today. Several contributions were first presented as part of the Economic and Social Research Council seminar series, ‘Green Innovation: Making it Work’, which took place between 2015 and 2017.1 Co-organized by Nottingham Trent University and The Open University, the series examined many types of pro-environmental innovation, with a particular focus on the factors that constrain and enable their practical implementation. The choice of the broad and populist term ‘green innovation’ (Schiederig et al., 2012), rather than more specific terms like ‘eco-innovation’ or ‘environmental innovation’, was quite deliberate and intended to signal the intention to create a forum for the interchange of ideas and research findings between academics with sustainability-related research interests, and sustainability practitioners drawn from the private, public and voluntary sectors. Practitioner engagement and participation was a prominent feature of the series, reflecting a desire to maximize the impact of the seminars outside academia. We were fortunate not merely to have practitioners attend the seminars, but to include papers from a number of them during the course of the series. Among the practitioners who gave papers during the course of the series were a Principal Administrator from the Energy Directorate of the European Commission, a transport consultant, a local authority transport planner, a property developer and a representative of a leading European train manufacturer. The Special Issue includes an article based on one of these practitioner-led presentations, while other seminar contributions have informed its overall shape and focus.

Logistics Best Practices for Regional Food Systems: A Review

The modern industrial food supply system faces many major environmental and social sustainability challenges. Regional food systems, in which consumers prefer geographically proximate food producers, offer a response to these challenges. However, the costs associated with distributing food from many small-scale producers to consumers have been a major barrier to long-term regional food system success. Logistics best practices from conventional supply chains have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regional food supply chains (RFSCs). This paper provides a structured and in-depth review of the existing literature on RFSC logistics, including recommended and implemented best practices. The purpose of the review is to provide RFSC researchers and practitioners with convenient access to valuable information and knowledge derived from years of experimentation and research. This information will help to inform practitioners’ implementation decisions and to increase researchers’ awareness of the existing work on RFSC logistics, the unmet needs of practitioners, and topics that have not been fully explored, yielding insights into potential future directions for RFSC research. The overarching aim of the paper is to facilitate improvements in RFSC logistics, thereby improving regional food system viability.

Economic value added and ecology value added as a measure for disaster preparedness linked to corporate social responsibility: Japan as a test-bed bridging Asia and North America

Japan's disaster preparedness drill at the Hokkaido Electric Power Plant at Tomari to be resilient to possible 3.4 meters tsunami test-beds the inter-linkage of disaster preparedness and corporate social responsibility. Vibrant Asia and re-focused North America (new leadership in the USA) prepares for shared value-based global supply chains, amidst the threat of disaster disruptions and environmental sustainability challenges. This paper posits Economic Value Added (EconVA) and Ecology Value Added (EcoVA) to objectively structure disaster preparedness. Research gap exists in the disaster preparedness domain as a sustainability measure for corporate social responsibility. This paper draws on recent literature including the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and Sendai Framework for Disaster Rick Reduction 2015-2030 to configure the following research propositions: a) can the linkage of EVA and Eco-VA be embedded into organisation's CSR agenda to create competitiveness through savings through disaster preparedness with focus on Japan?; b) could the disaster preparedness linked CSR measure be unified for Asia and North America through a comprehensible visual metric (dash-board) evolved with Japan? Ordinal regression analysis were performed with EcoVA parameters: i) water; ii) waste; iii) energy and EconVA attributes: a) cost of capital; b) return on assets; c) operating assets, with dependent variables of CSR and disaster preparedness. Significance of 0.012 justifies the research propositions.

From simple-minded MDGs to muddle-headed SDGs

ABSTRACTRespectable progress was made towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The challenge that remains is two-fold: environmental sustainability and high inequality. However, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to be reached by 2030, dodge these challenges because the relevant targets lack precision and clarity. Agenda 2030 is not universal in scope because the few targets that are verifiable – those that contain conceptual clarity, numerical outcome and specific deadlines – apply primarily to developing countries. The omission of targets for overweight/obesity and breastfeeding exemplifies the reluctance of developed countries to commit themselves to specific, quantitative and time-bound targets. Most SDG targets that are verifiable are actually not dissimilar from the MDGs. They clearly constitute a difficult intergovernmental compromise, made increasingly arduous by the deepening North–South divide, a return of East-West tensions, and a resurging sense of nationalism in several member states. To a large extent, the context of weak multilateralism explains why the SDGs are not fit for purpose to address the dual challenge of environmental sustainability and high inequality. The article concludes by proposing two vital steps to help realize their transformative potential.

Twitter communication of agri‐food chain actors on palm oil environmental, socio‐economic, and health sustainability

AbstractPalm oil is the world most used vegetable oil and its use as food ingredient is criticized for creating environmental, socio‐economic, and health sustainability challenges. In Europe, the debate on palm oil sustainability has strongly intensified in the latest years involving several agri‐food chain actors and stakeholders. The research explores Twitter content of key palm oil agri‐food chain actors on palm oil multiple sustainability dimensions, focusing on the European context. First, the study applied a qualitative deductive approach to categorize palm oil sustainability dimensions. Second, among the 463 palm oil agri‐food chain companies identified, 198 have an active Twitter account, including world palm oil producers, European bakery and chocolate manufacturers, and European food retailers. One hundred seven accounts tweet on palm oil. Third, a term frequency analysis and an in‐depth textual analysis of tweets on palm oil sustainability issues were carried out. Results confirms that all agri‐food chain actors communicate about palm oil sustainability, adopting a multi‐dimension outlook. Palm oil producers actively use Twitter to promote palm oil sustainability, whereas European manufacturers and retailers limit their activity to react to consumers' questioning. Whereas palm oil producers tend to shape consumers' opinion over the benefits and the opportunities of palm oil use, food manufacturers and retailers adopt a purely informative approach on sustainability certification, avoiding the engagement over sensitive issues. Health is the most mentioned sustainability dimension. The study also confirms differences between agri‐food chain actors' marketing communication. Finally, the study confirms that, in the case of sensitive issues, as for palm oil sustainability, Twitter is as able to drive companies' communication.

A review study of the current research on energy hub for energy positive neighborhoods

Energy positive neighborhoods and cities are emerging concepts aimed at addressing the current energy and environmental sustainability challenges. In this paper, the concept and current research on energy hubs relating to energy positive neighborhoods are presented. In addition to discussing advantages and challenges of energy positive neighborhoods and energy hubs, opportunities for future research and development are also conversed.

Editorial: Special issue on empirical research on information systems addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability: an imperative for urgent action

Editorial: Special issue on empirical research on information systems addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability: an imperative for urgent action

Microgrid to enable optimal distributed energy retail and end-user demand response

In the face of unprecedented challenges in environmental sustainability and grid resilience, there is an increasingly held consensus regarding the adoption of distributed and renewable energy resources such as microgrids (MGs), and the utilization of flexible electric loads by demand response (DR) to potentially drive a necessary paradigm shift in energy production and consumption patterns. However, the potential value of distributed generation and demand flexibility has not yet been fully realized in the operation of MGs. This study investigates the pricing and operation strategy with DR for a MG retailer in an integrated energy system (IES). Based on co-optimizing retail rates and MG dispatch formulated as a mixed integer quadratic programming (MIQP) problem, our model devises a dynamic pricing scheme that reflects the cost of generation and promotes DR, in tandem with an optimal dispatch plan that exploits spark spread and facilitates the integration of renewables, resulting in improved retailer profits and system stability. Main issues like integrated energy coupling and customer bill reduction are addressed during pricing to ensure rates competitiveness and customer protection. By evaluating on real datasets, the system is demonstrated to optimally coordinate storage, renewables, and combined heat and power (CHP), reduce carbon dioxide emission while maintaining profits, and effectively alleviate the PV curtailment problem. The model can be used by retailers and MG operators to optimize their operations, as well as regulators to design new utility rates in support of the ongoing transformation of energy systems.

Relay cropping as a sustainable approach: problems and opportunities for sustainable crop production.

Climate change, soil degradation, and depletion of natural resources are becoming the most prominent challenges for crop productivity and environmental sustainability in modern agriculture. In the scenario of conventional farming system, limited chances are available to cope with these issues. Relay cropping is a method of multiple cropping where one crop is seeded into standing second crop well before harvesting of second crop. Relay cropping may solve a number of conflicts such as inefficient use of available resources, controversies in sowing time, fertilizer application, and soil degradation. Relay cropping is a complex suite of different resource-efficient technologies, which possesses the capability to improve soil quality, to increase net return, to increase land equivalent ratio, and to control the weeds and pest infestation. The current review emphasized relay cropping as a tool for crop diversification and environmental sustainability with special focus on soil. Briefly, benefits, constraints, and opportunities of relay cropping keeping the goals of higher crop productivity and sustainability have also been discussed in this review. The research and knowledge gap in relay cropping was also highlighted in order to guide the further studies in future.

Heavy metal music meets complexity and sustainability science.

This paper builds a bridge between heavy metal music, complexity theory and sustainability science to show the potential of the (auditory) arts to inform different aspects of complex systems of people and nature. The links are described along different dimensions. This first dimension focuses on the scientific aspect of heavy metal. It uses complex adaptive systems theory to show that the rapid diversification and evolution of heavy metal into multiple subgenres leads to a self-organizing and resilient socio-musicological system. The second dimension builds on the recent use of heavy metal as a critical thinking model and educational tool, emphasizing the artistic component of heavy metal and its potential to increase people’s awareness of environmental sustainability challenges. The relationships between metal, complexity theory and sustainability are first discussed independently to specifically show mechanistic links and the reciprocal potential to inform one domain (science) by the other (metal) within these dimensions. The paper concludes by highlighting that these dimensions entrain each other within a broader social-cultural-environmental system that cannot be explained simply by the sum of independent, individual dimensions. Such a unified view embraces the inherent complexity with which systems of people and nature interact. These lines of exploration suggest that the arts and the sciences form a logical partnership. Such a partnership might help in endeavors to envision, understand and cope with the broad ramifications of sustainability challenges in times of rapid social, cultural, and environmental change.

Bijagos Archipelago: Impacts and Challenges for Environmental Sustainability

ABSTRACT The Archipelago of Bijagos in Guinea-Bissau is currently subject to numerous external impacts affecting their secular equilibrium. The islands were never contemplated by the colonial development, with the exception of two modest ports in Bubaque and Bolama. The latter place was the capital of the country from 1913 to 1941. The archipelago has attracted increasing interest on the part of economic agents, most of which are incompatible with the guarantee of sustainable development. There has been a general impoverishment as regards the preservation of marine resources, particularly with regard to the internal demographic pressure from a population that has doubled since 1981 and due to other external factors related to the neighboring and subsequent migration depletion of resources not renewable. The article analyzes the main vulnerabilities that the archipelago is currently facing and how natural resources have been preserved. The article follows an interdisciplinary approach between different areas of knowledge especially in projects involving both different academic fields (biology, ecology, geography, anthropology and history), for the non-scientific practices that include actors and institutions. Keywords: Natural Resources; Sustainability; Potentials; Vulnerabilities. ARQUIPELAGO DOS BIJAGOS: impactos e desafios para a sustentabilidade ambiental RESUMO O Arquipelago dos Bijagos na Guine-Bissau e actualmente sujeito a numerosos impactos externos que afetam o seu equilibrio secular. As ilhas nunca foram contempladas pelo desenvolvimento colonial, com a excecao de dois portos modestos em Bubaque e Bolama. Este ultimo lugar foi capital do pais entre 1913 a 1941. O arquipelago tem despertado cada vez mais interesse por parte de agentes economicos, na maioria dos quais incompativeis com a garantia de um desenvolvimento sustentavel. Tem-se assistido a um empobrecimento geral no que respeita a preservacao dos recursos marinhos, particularmente no que diz respeito a pressao demografica interna de uma populacao que duplicou desde 1981 e devido a outros fatores externos relacionados com as migracoes vizinhas e consequente esgotamento de recursos nao renovaveis. O artigo pretende analisar as principais vulnerabilidades que o arquipelago atualmente enfrenta e o modo como os recursos naturais tem vindo a ser preservados. O artigo segue uma metodologia interdisciplinar entre diversas areas do saber e do conhecimento sobretudo em projetos que envolvam tanto as diferentes areas academicas (biologia, ecologia, geografia, antropologia e historia), quanto as praticas nao-cientificas que incluem atores e instituicoes diversas. Keywords: Recursos Naturais; Sustentabilidade; Potencialidades; Vulnerabilidades. ARCHIPEL DES BIJAGOS: impacts et defis pour la durabilite de l'environnement RESUME L'Archipel des Bijagos en Guinee-Bissau est actuellement soumis a de nombreux chocs externes affectant leur equilibre seculaire. Les iles ont jamais ete envisagees par le developpement colonial, a l'exception de deux ports modestes Bubaque et Bolama. Le dernier endroit etait la capitale du pays de 1913 a 1941. L'archipel a attire l'interet croissant de la part des agents economiques, dont la plupart ne sont pas compatibles avec la garantie d'un developpement durable. Il y a eu un appauvrissement general en ce qui concerne la preservation des ressources marines, en particulier en ce qui concerne la pression demographique interne a partir d'une population qui a double depuis 1981 et en raison d'autres facteurs externes lies a l'epuisement des voisins et la migration ulterieure des ressources non renouvelable. Cet article analyse les principales vulnerabilites que l'archipel est actuellement confrontee et comment les ressources naturelles ont ete preserves. L'article suit une approche interdisciplinaire entre les differents domaines de la connaissance et de la connaissance en particulier dans les projets impliquant a la fois differents domaines academiques (biologie, ecologie, geographie, anthropologie et d'histoire), pour les pratiques non-scientifiques qui comprennent des acteurs et des institutions. Mots cles: Ressources Naturelles; Developpement Durable; Potentiel; Vulnerabilites.

Reducing Food Loss and Waste to Enhance Food Security and Environmental Sustainability

While food shortage remains a big concern in many regions around the world, almost one-third of the total food production is discarded as food loss and waste (FLW). This is associated with about one-quarter of land, water, and fertilizer used for crop production, even though resources and environmental constraints are expected to limit food production around the world. FLW reduction represents a potential opportunity to enhance both food security and environmental sustainability and therefore has received considerable attention recently. By reviewing the recent progress and new developments in the literature, this paper highlights the importance of FLW prevention as a complementary solution to address the Grand Challenge of global food security and environmental sustainability. However, raising awareness only is not enough to realize the expected FLW reduction. We identify the knowledge gaps and opportunities for research by synthesizing the strategies of FLW reduction and the barriers, including (1) filling the data gaps, (2) quantifying the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of FLW reduction strategies, (3) understanding the scale effects, and (4) exploring the impacts of global transitions. It is urgent to take more aggressive yet scientifically based actions to reduce FLW, which require everyone's involvement along the food supply chain, including policy makers, food producers and suppliers, and food consumers.

The contribution of Geography to Environmental Assessment (EA) practice and research in South Africa

After 100 years of academic Geography in South Africa, the emerging field of Environmental Assessment (EA) has occupied an important position vis-a-vis Geography. In this paper the contribution of Geography to practice and research in EA is investigated for South Africa. Firstly, Geography core competences are compared to the requirements for training Environmental Assessment practitioners, followed by reflection of the utility of Geography competences for Environmental Assessment research. It is evident that Geography competences are fundamental to EA practice, that EA skills are taught in some Geography curricula, and that the greater part of published EA research is produced by Geographers. We conclude that Geography as a discipline has embraced the environmental sustainability challenges by engaging actively in EA training and research.

Population and lifestyle trend changes in China: implications for environmental quality

ABSTRACTDemographic changes have considerable impacts on a country’s long-term growth trajectory through the savings, consumption and labour market channels. Population changes, including ageing, migration and urbanization, as well as lifestyle shifts may affect growth for fast-growing countries like China. Rural population migrating to cities consumes more energy services and produces larger emissions since urban lifestyles are generally more energy- and carbon-intensive. Household structures also keep changing across the majority of Chinese cities. Migration and urbanization together drive China’s energy consumption, CO2 emissions upwards and environmental quality downwards if the current trend continues over time. It is, thus, necessary for China to draw useful lessons from experiences in other countries by reconciling population development and environmental changes. This study provides insights into the challenge of environmental sustainability, resulting jointly from population and lifestyle changes in China over the period 1978–2012. The empirical analysis generates empirical findings documenting that population changes and consumption behavioural changes contributed significantly to increased carbon emissions over the last three decades. The modelling results are highly relevant for policymakers who seek to adopt new policies to mitigate lifestyle change-driven environmental challenges that China has to cope with in the foreseeable future.

Review of photocatalytic water-splitting methods for sustainable hydrogen production

This paper examines photocatalytic hydrogen production as a clean energy solution to address challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. Advantages and disadvantages of various hydrogen production methods, with a particular emphasis on photocatalytic hydrogen production, are discussed in this paper. Social, environmental and economic aspects are taken into account while assessing selected production methods and types of photocatalysts. In the first part of this paper, various hydrogen production options are introduced and comparatively assessed. Then, solar-based hydrogen production options are examined in a more detailed manner along with a comparative performance assessment. Next, photocatalytic hydrogen production options are introduced, photocatalysis mechanisms and principles are discussed and the main groups of photocatalysts, namely titanium oxide, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide/sulfide and other metal oxide-based photocatalyst groups, are introduced. After discussing recycling issues of photocatalysts, a comparative performance assessment is conducted based on hydrogen production processes (both per mass and surface area of photocatalysts), band gaps and quantum yields. The results show that among individual photocatalysts, on average, Au–CdS has the best performance when band gap, quantum yield and hydrogen production rates are considered. From this perspective, TiO2–ZnO has the poorest performance. Among the photocatalyst groups, cadmium sulfides have the best average performance, while other metal oxides show the poorest rankings, on average. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature on Product Yields and Energy Recovery from Co-Feeding of Cotton Gin Trash, Cow Manure, and Microalgae: A Simulation Study.

The intensive search of new and cleaner energy catches interest in recent years due to huge consumption of fossil fuels coupled with the challenge of energy and environmental sustainability. Production of renewable and environmentally benign energy from locally available raw materials is coming in the frontline. In this work, conversion of the combined biomass (cotton gin trash, cow manure, and Microalgae [Nannochloropsis oculata]) through batch pyrolysis has been investigated. The effect of temperature to the production of energy fuels such as bio-oil, char, and biogas have been simulated considering the yield and energy content as responses. Result of the investigation generally revealed that the proportions of the different biomass did not significantly affect the product yield and energy recovery. Significant effect of temperature is evident in the simulation result of energy recovery whereby maximum conversion was achieved at 400°C for char (91 wt%), 600°C for syngas (22 wt%), and 551°C for bio-oil (48 wt%). Overall energy conversion efficiency of 75.5% was obtained at 589°C in which 15.6 MJ/kg of mixed biomass will be elevated to pyrolysis products.

Sustainable commercialization of new crops for the agricultural bioeconomy

Abstract Diversification of agroecological systems to enhance agrobiodiversity is likely to be critical to advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability of agriculture. Temperate-zone agroecological systems that are currently organized for production of summer-annual crops can be diversified by integration of fallow-season and perennial crops. Integration of such crops can improve sustainability of these agroecological systems, with minimal interference with current agricultural production. Importantly, these crops can provide feedstocks for a wide range of new bio-products that are forming a new agricultural bioeconomy, potentially providing greatly increased economic incentives for diversification. However, while there are many fallow-season and perennial crops that might be used in such a “bioeconomic” strategy for diversification, most are not yet well adapted and highly-marketable. Efforts are underway to enhance adaptation and marketability of many such crops. Critically, these efforts require a strategic approach that addresses the inherent complexity of these projects. We outline a suitable approach, which we term “sustainable commercialization”: a coordinated innovation process that integrates a new crop into the agriculture of a region, while intentionally addressing economic, environmental and social sustainability challenges via multi-stakeholder governance. This approach centers on a concerted effort to coordinate and govern innovation in three critical areas: germplasm development, multifunctional agroecosystem design and management, and development of end uses, supply chains, and markets. To exemplify the approach, we describe an ongoing effort to commercialize a new fallow-season crop, field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.).