Environmental Sustainability Challenges Research Articles

Food-Energy-Water Nexus in compliance with Sustainable Development Goals for integrating and managing the core environmental verticals for sustainable energy and circular economy

Food, energy, and water resources are intricately interconnected, and nexus provides a holistic approach for addressing these complex links to minimize inefficiencies and waste. Nexus approach and circular economy are considered as effective solutions for sustainability. Quantification of these relations is the first step towards incorporating nexus modeling which helps sustainable production and consumption. For achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, understanding and effectively managing the FEW nexus becomes imperative. With an integral performance perspective, there is a need to address the interdependencies and trade-offs among food, energy, and water systems and challenges of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the FEW nexus, identify key opportunities and challenges, and propose integrated strategies for managing these core environmental verticals sustainably. The study addresses the accomplishment of these goals through nexus approaches and outlines the need for technological advancements for shared benefits among resources, contributing to conceptual development of nexus and circular economy. The results highlight the critical importance of adopting a nexus approach to advance sustainable development goals, enhance resource efficiency, and promote synergistic solutions across food, energy, and water systems.

Economic strategies for efficient use of natural resources: The impact of carbon taxation and fiscal policy

This study examines the efficacy of fiscal policies and carbon taxation as mechanisms to promote the efficient utilization of natural resources within the BRICS economies, against the backdrop of environmental sustainability challenges. Analyzing data from 1995 to 2018, the study incorporates Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG), to provide robust empirical evidence. These methodologies adeptly address unobserved heterogeneity across cross-sections, offering insightful analyses into the impact of fiscal tools and carbon taxes. By leveraging a comprehensive dataset and engaging in a detailed policy analysis, the paper highlights the pivotal role of these economic instruments in mitigating environmental externalities associated with resource-intensive industries. Furthermore, it delineates how fiscal interventions complement market-based incentives like carbon taxes to enhance resource efficiency and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We contribute valuable insights to the discourse on policy development and sustainable resource management within the BRICS economies.

Combining the role of urbanization and renewable energy in sustainable development: testing the EKC hypothesis for Africa.

The pressing necessity to curb greenhouse gas emissions due to climate change has sparked significant scientific interest in comprehending the factors behind CO2 emissions, particularly concerning environmental sustainability challenges. Nonetheless, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of how the process of urbanization interacts with the utilization of renewable energy to impact CO2 emissions. This research endeavor seeks to evaluate the complex interplay among urbanization, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions across 46 African nations spanning from 1990 to 2019. To accomplish this objective, a variety of econometric methodologies are employed, including Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, IV-GMM, and method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) panel estimations to address issues like cross-sectional dependencies, endogeneity, heterogeneity, and panel Granger causality examination. The empirical results suggest that urbanization leads to an increase in CO2 emissions, whereas the consumption of renewable energy plays a role in enhancing environmental quality by reducing CO2 emissions. A significant outcome of the study is the revelation that a combination of urbanization and renewable energy leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is validated. Lastly, through the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test, it is uncovered that urbanization and renewable energy consumption exhibit a bidirectional relationship with CO2 emissions. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb CO2 emissions, policymakers should promote renewable energy usage in urban areas.

Circular economy in business, management, and accounting: A bibliometric study of the construct

Context. Studying and applying the Circular Economy (CE) is becoming a trend and its presence is increasing as a business model that can balance achieving business objectives and preserving the well-being of future generations through the company's positive impact on the environment.
 Problem. This study is crucial for understanding the global landscape of CE research, pinpointing influential factors in highly cited works, and guiding future research initiatives. The findings will contribute to shaping the direction of academic endeavors in Circular Economy and supporting informed decision-making for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners invested in sustainable practices. The research aims to investigate the evolution of CE research in key geographic regions, understand the pivotal drivers and performance measures influencing the most cited research articles in this domain, and identify crucial future research directions. "The research problem aims to investigate a central question and its specific dimensions. The primary inquiry is: 'How has the field of Circular Economy (CE) evolved and become more significant, particularly about business models and increasing environmental awareness?' This general question is then broken down into three specific research questions: How has the volume of CE research evolved based on key geographic regions? What types of key CE drivers and performance measures relate to the most cited research articles? What are the most important future research directions in the field of CE research?
 Purpose. The main purpose of this research was to further examine the study methods of the Circular Economy, specifically within the fields of business, management, and accounting. The goal was to highlight the current trends and directions of research related to the CE. This information is intended to guide current and future research on key issues in corporate sustainability.
 Methodology. The process used as a method is through a bibliometric review of scientific articles on CE published in the Scopus database, analyzing the period from 2008 to 2023. Co-occurrence maps of circular economy keywords, titles and summaries were created. Representation networks were carried out with the bibliometric analysis software VOSviewer, version 1.6.8 (Van & Waltman, 2018).
 Theoretical and Practical Findings. The main theoretical contribution revealed a significant and steadily accelerating volume of academic interest in the field of CE and its relevance on business contexts. And, as a practical contribution, it was found that future research should focus not only on quantitative bibliometric analysis but also on the qualitative aspects to fully comprehend the development and direction of this crucial field.
 Transdisciplinary and sustainable innovation originality. The proposed research is valuable and innovative because it acknowledges that the discourse on CE is not a static field but an evolving conversation. This evolution is shaped by the ongoing interaction of research, business practices, policy-making, and societal needs. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the CE conversation, the proposed research aims to make a significant contribution by monitoring and analyzing emerging trends.
 The ability to adapt and respond to the ongoing interactions between research, business practices, policies, and societal needs ensures that the findings of this research are relevant and applicable in a constantly changing context. Furthermore, the research goes beyond merely analyzing the evolution of the CE conversation; it also seeks to identify the key factors driving it. By highlighting these fundamental drivers, the research can shed light on critical areas that require attention and guide the future development of the CE.
 Conclusions and limitations. Therefore, the increasing pace of publications and citations signals not only the growth of the field but also the increasing urgency and significance of transitioning towards a CE in a world grappling with the dual challenge of economic development and environmental sustainability.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability Through Vertical Farming: A Review

Vertical farming presents a transformative approach to agriculture with the potential to address pressing environmental sustainability challenges. This abstract explores the role of vertical farming in advancing environmental sustainability. By utilizing innovative techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics, vertical farming optimizes resource use, reduces land footprint, and minimizes environmental impact. Through the vertical stacking of crops in controlled indoor environments, it maximizes land use efficiency and minimizes water consumption compared to traditional farming methods. Moreover, vertical farms located in urban areas reduce transportation emissions by shortening the food supply chain. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs and energy consumption remain barriers to widespread adoption. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are crucial to overcoming these challenges and scaling up vertical farming practices. Despite obstacles, vertical farming holds significant promise for promoting environmental sustainability by enhancing food security, conserving natural resources, and reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture.

Utilization of Eggshell-Derived Calcium Carbonate as an Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Enhancing Growth of Rosa Abientina, Rosa, and Fragaria × ananassa, and Soil Health

This research paper investigates the potential of eggshells as an eco-friendly fertilizer for enhancing the growth of Fragaria Ananassa (commonly known as strawberry), Rosa Abientina, and Rosa while also exploring its influence on soil microbial dynamics through calcium carbonate enrichment. The study employs a multifaceted approach, integrating greenhouse experiments and soil analyses to comprehensively assess the impact of eggshell-derived calcium carbonate on plant physiology and soil microbial communities. The findings aim to contribute valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices and the utilization of organic waste materials for improved crop cultivation. Eggshell-derived calcium carbonate emerges as a compelling solution for environmentally mindful fertilization, offering multifaceted benefits in enhancing plant growth and fortifying soil health. By controlling the potential of kitchen waste repurposing, farmers can revolutionize agricultural practices, concurrently improving soil fertility while mitigating waste accumulation. This study's insights underscore the transformative potential of eggshell-based fertilizers, not only in optimizing agricultural productivity but also in fostering a sustainable approach to food production. Furthermore, the experimental findings reveal promising results, especially with species such as Rosa Abientina, Fragaria Ananass, and Rosa, where all three species showed a significant increase in height after being treated with powdered eggshells. This underscores the efficacy of eggshell-derived calcium carbonate in promoting robust growth across diverse plant species. Embracing these innovations holds promise for addressing the pressing challenges of environmental sustainability and global food security, marking a significant stride towards a more resilient and resource-efficient agricultural ecosystem.

Inter-cropping patterns and nutrient management effects on maize growth, yield and quality

ContextIntercropping, a sustainable agricultural practice, is pivotal in enhancing land use efficiency, soil fertility, and overall crop productivity. This study zeroes in on the dynamics of Maize-Cowpea intercropping in the Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, a region characterized by its fertile soil and diverse agro-ecological conditions. The practice of intercropping, particularly in regions like West Bengal, holds immense potential in revolutionizing traditional farming methods by maximizing yield per unit area while ensuring sustainability. The study aims to unravel the complexities and benefits of this practice, especially in the context of the monsoon dependent Kharif season, which is crucial for agricultural productivity in the region. ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the effects of various Maize-Cowpea intercropping patterns and nutrient management strategies on maize growth, yield, and quality during the Kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. It hypothesizes that intercropping, combined with optimal nutrient management, can significantly enhance maize performance. MethodsEmploying a split-plot design, the study analysed 25 treatment combinations of intercropping and nitrogen fertilization under sub-tropical sub-humid conditions. Advanced quantitative methods, including regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to assess the interactions between intercropping systems and nutrient management practices. ResultsThe findings revealed that while sole maize cultivation showed better growth and yield, Maize-Cowpea intercropping, especially in a 1:1 row ratio, significantly increased the total system yield by 13.6%. This method also improved grain quality, notably enhancing crude protein content and nutrient percentage. A combination of 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through chemical means with 25% RDN through organic sources, including seaweed, was particularly effective in boosting maize performance. ConclusionsThe study confirms the superior performance of Kharif maize in an intercropping setup, particularly when integrated with cowpea. It demonstrates the effectiveness of specific nutrient management strategies in enhancing both quantitative and qualitative traits of maize. ImplicationsThis research significantly contributes to the field of sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of field crops research and practice. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability in similar agro-ecological regions globally. The study underscores the benefits of integrating legumes with cereals in intercropping systems, paving the way for innovative agricultural practices that can meet the dual challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. The implications of this research are far-reaching, providing a robust framework for future agricultural strategies in regions facing similar climatic and soil conditions.

Investigation of innovative designs of high-velocity channels for damping kinetic energy of flows.

In our contemporary world, demanding sustainable resource management, the study focuses on innovative fast flow channel designs. It investigates their efficacy in reducing flow kinetic energy, aiming to optimize water and energy management and diminish flood risks. Employing diverse methodologies, it analyzes and develops these designs, proving their substantial impact on stream energy management. These innovations not only enhance energy efficiency but also mitigate risks associated with excess kinetic energy, promoting safer stream management. This research significantly contributes to fluid dynamics and engineering, deepening the understanding of kinetic energy control in flows and offering potential solutions for water supply, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure safety challenges.

Isolation of Rhizosphere and Phyllosphere Bacteria from Cereal Samples

This study presents the isolation of rhizosphere and phyllosphere bacteria from cereal samples, highlighting their importance in agricultural ecosystems. Employing surface sterilization techniques, selective media and molecular analysis, diverse bacterial communities were identified on the root and leaf surfaces of cereal crops, encompassing taxa from the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla. A total of 40 rhizosphere and phyllosphere bacteria were isolated from different cereal crops This research contributes to our understanding of microbial dynamics within cereal crop ecosystems and informs strategies for optimizing agricultural practices to meet the challenges of global food security and environmental sustainability.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Enhancing Cereal Crop Production: A Review

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a holistic approach that aims to optimize nutrient use efficiency in cereal crop production by combining various sources of nutrients, including organic and inorganic fertilizers. The integration of organic materials, such as crop residues and manures, with chemical fertilizers is emphasized to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The synergistic effects of combining different nutrient sources contribute to balanced nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and increased resilience to changing climatic conditions. This abstract highlights the significance of integrated nutrient management as a comprehensive strategy for achieving higher cereal crop yields while addressing the challenges of nutrient management and environmental sustainability in modern agriculture. Integrated Nutrient Management not only boosts the growth, yield attributes, overall yield, and quality parameters of cereal crops but also fosters soil health, thereby fostering long-term agricultural sustainability.

Food shortage driven crop residue burning and health risk

Ending global hunger is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces. The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), Zero Hunger, seeks to simultaneously address global environmental sustainability and food security challenges. However, ending hunger and food shortage would lead to the increase of agricultural activities and crop yields, which in turn might rise crop residue biomass burning, leading to adverse environmental and health consequences. This study estimated the health risk using modeled airborne benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a common indicator of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) released from crop residue biomass burning, and demonstrated the dependence of incremental lifetime lung cancer risk (ILCR) on the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU). Results showed that 10.4% of the global population are exposed to BaP concentration levels exceeding the EU target value (1 ng/m3) due to crop residue burning. The dependence of ILCR on PoU was attributed to increasing post-harvest crop residue biomass burning consequent to growing crop yield motivated by food shortage. Although global mean ILCR from crop residue burning BaP emission was positively correlated with the mean PoU at a correlation coefficient of r = 0.87 (p < 0.0001), positive and negative associations between PoU and ILCR were found among different less-developed countries. Eighty-nine less-developed countries were clustered into five groups, and the response of each group's ILCR to their respective PoU was assessed, which was interpreted by a human development index (HDI) that measured key dimensions of human development. Results also revealed that sustainable agriculture and implementation of air emission control measures play key roles in the association between hunger and ILCR.

Enhancing water productivity and cost-effectiveness in hemispherical solar stills using sandy beds, reflectors, and a vapor extraction fan

The objective of this study was to enhance the performance of hemispherical solar stills (HSS) through experimental investigations utilizing various types of sand beds as thermal storage materials. The research examined the influence of sand type (yellow and black) and sand bed heights (1, 2, and 3 cm) on the efficacy of HSS. Additionally, the study explored the effects of external reflectors and a vapor extraction fan on the performance of sand-based HSS. The experimental results indicated that HSS using black sand demonstrated superior performance compared to other operating conditions in terms of both productivity and efficiency. Particularly, the most significant improvement in performance for the black sand hemispherical solar still (BSHSS) was observed when employing reflectors and a fan with a sand bed height of 1 cm, resulting in a substantial 154% increase in production, where the production for hemispherical SS and BSHSS + fan and reflectors was 4100 and 10400 mL/m2.day, respectively. Under these optimized conditions, the thermal efficiency of BSHSS + R + F reached 56%. In conclusion, an economic analysis was conducted, revealing that the cost for water treatment was $0.022 per liter for the conventional hemispherical solar still (HSS) and $0.012 per liter for the BSHSS equipped with reflectors and a condenser. These findings represent a significant advancement in enhancing the feasibility and efficiency of solar distillation systems, thereby addressing the global challenges of water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Does the South-to-North Water Diversion Project promote the growth of enterprises above designated size in the water-receiving areas?-Evidence from 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China.

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) is believed to drive the next phase of sustainable productivity growth, meeting growing water demand, so as to address increasing environmental sustainability challenges. The Middle Route of SNWDP is regarded as an extremely large long-distance inter-basin water diversion project, which has benefited Henan, Hebei, Tianjin and Beijing since 2014 with great sustainable changes to the cities, groundwater, ecological environment, industrial structure and social development of the beneficiary areas. Taking the number of industrial enterprises above designated size (IEDS) in the water-receiving areas as the research object, this paper takes the year of policy implementation 2014 as the basic time point, evaluating the change of the number of IEDS in the beneficiary areas of the Middle Route of SNWDP through difference-in-difference model. The results show that: (1) The Middle Route of SNWDP promotes the additional growth of the number of IEDS in the beneficiary areas. (2) When the Middle Route of SNWDP promotes the growth of the number of IEDS in beneficiary areas, there is no regional difference for regions with different development levels. (3) The reasons why the Middle Route of SNWDP contributes to the additional growth of the number of IEDS are composed of promoting mixed ownership reform of enterprises in beneficiary areas, increasing water supply and increasing population. However, the Middle Route of SNWDP has not had a significant impact on the traditional total factor productivity or the components of production factors, technology and capital. From the final outcome, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project has played a facilitating role in the sustainable development of large-scale enterprises in the water-receiving areas.

Challenges and Opportunities of Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice in the Face of Climate Change and Ecological Crisis in Japan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate challenges and opportunities of environmental sustainability and social justice in the face of climate change and ecological crisis in Japan&#x0D; Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.&#x0D; Findings: Japan faces challenges in environmental sustainability and social justice due to its reliance on fossil fuels and an aging population. Transitioning to renewables and addressing healthcare for the elderly are critical. However, Japan's technological prowess presents opportunities for cleaner energy solutions. The country's strong sense of community can aid social justice efforts during climate-related disasters, promising a more sustainable and equitable future.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental justice theory, ecological modernization theory &amp; political ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies on challenges and opportunities of environmental sustainability and social justice in the face of climate change and ecological crisis in Japan. Policymakers and practitioners should adopt integrated strategies that consider both environmental sustainability and social justice in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Governments and international organizations should incorporate environmental justice principles into climate policies, ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to environmental benefits and are protected from environmental harms.

Nanotechnology-driven Solutions: Transforming Agriculture for a Sustainable and Productive Future

Nanotechnology offers immense potential to revolutionize agriculture and address key challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and nutritional enhancement. Diverse nanomaterials and nano-enabled innovations are being developed targeting nearly all aspects of the agricultural system. Nanoparticle crop protection products, nano-biosensors, nanofertilizers, and nanobioactives can enhance productivity, crop quality, and resource use efficiency. Smart nanoformulations for controlled nutrient release, nanoparticle plant growth regulators, and nanoencapsulation of agrochemicals allow precise delivery with lower doses than conventional products. Nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and nanobactericides provide more effective crop protection with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional pesticides. Nanosensors and nanobarcodes enable real-time monitoring of soil conditions, plant health, pest/disease outbreaks, and supply chain tracking. Water-saving nanofiltration techniques support expanded reuse of drained water and wastewater in agriculture. Nanocatalysts, nanozymes, and nanobiotechnology approaches offer new solutions to agricultural pollution and waste issues. Nanotechnology-enabled agriculture can help meet escalating food demands while fostering sustainable intensification, furthering the goals of food and nutrition security. However, potential health and environmental risks of nanomaterials must be rigorously assessed. Overall, nanotechnology presents promising opportunities to enhance productivity, resource efficiency, food quality and safety – vital steps toward productive and sustainable agricultural systems.

Taking Flight for a Greener Planet: How Swarming Could Help Monitor Air Pollution Sources

As the world grapples with the pressing challenge of environmental sustainability, the need for innovative solutions to combat air pollution has become paramount. Air pollution is a complex issue that necessitates real-time monitoring of pollution sources for effective mitigation. This paper explores the potential of swarm algorithms applied as a novel and efficient approach to address this critical environmental concern. Swarm algorithms offer a promising framework for coordinating fleets of drones to collaboratively monitor and analyze air pollution sources. The unique capabilities of drones, including their agility, accessibility, and versatility, make them ideal candidates for aerial data collection. When harnessed in a swarm, these drones can create a dynamic and adaptable network that provides a more comprehensive and fine-grained understanding of air pollution dynamics. This paper delves into the conceptual foundations of using swarm algorithms in drone-based air pollution monitoring.

Green pesticide practices and sustainability: empirical insights into agricultural services in China

ABSTRACT In a world grappling with the overuse of pesticides, China emerges as a key consumer and producer, facing substantial challenges in environmental and agricultural sustainability. This study investigates how agricultural services can foster eco-friendly pesticide use among farmers. It leverages data from the ‘China Land Economic Survey’ (2020-2021) by Nanjing Agricultural University, covering 52 villages and 2600 households. Using a multi-dimensional fixed effects model and propensity score matching, the research addresses biases inherent in the data. Results show that agricultural business services significantly boost green pesticide adoption, outperforming agricultural technology and input sectors. These services increase the use of safer pesticides and the recycling of their containers by 11.6% and 6%, respectively. Farmer satisfaction and regular internet use also play a role in reinforcing this trend. Based on these insights, it recommends enhancing support for low-toxicity pesticides and recycling programmes, creating tailored policies for diverse agricultural needs, and implementing resource management and incentive mechanisms to promote sustainable practices. These strategies aim to bolster sustainable agriculture, balancing environmental health with economic viability.

Microorganisms and algae (GEA soil) use in the cultivation of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Research objective: This research aims to evaluate the biostimulant potential of an innovative microbial product on the development of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulbs and roots under controlled conditions Materials and Methods: The experiments began in early July 2022 (mean temperature 22.5 °C), were carried out price experimental greenhouses of the CREA-OF of Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, on bulbs of onion (cv “Rossa di Tropea”) and garlic (cv “Bianco Polesano”). The bulbs were placed in pots ø 14 cm; 40 bulbs for thesis divided into replicas of 20 bulbs each, for all onion and garlic. The three experimental theses in cultivation were: i) group control irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; biofertiliser Ecklonia maxima irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; Gea soil (GEA) group irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilised. On 26 January 2024, bulbs weight, bulb diameter, roots weight, number of microorganisms were determined. In addition, the mortality of the bulbs in the nursery was assessed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of biostimulants based on microorganisms and algae can significantly improve the size, weight and root growth of onion and garlic bulbs. In particular, the GEA soil thesis showed a significant increase in bulb length, weight and root growth compared to Ecklonia maxima and the untreated control thesis. There was also a significant increase in microbial colonisation of the substrate with GEA soil, a very interesting aspect that certainly had an effect on the growth of onion and garlic bulbs. The micro-organisms also by direct stimulation on the plants or by colonisation of the substrate significantly reduced bulb mortality in Gea soil, compared to BIOAL and the control. In recent years, horticulture has had to face the challenge of economic and environmental sustainability, reducing fertiliser use while adopting strategies to increase water use efficiency. Numerous forecasting models have shown that in the next 30 years many production areas could become semi-arid and among these is the Mediterranean basin, where many horticultural crops are grown. Increasing water use efficiency in this context appears essential for the development of sustainable horticulture. Many microorganisms or fungi can promote the plant's utilisation of nutrients and water in the soil. There are numerous strains of bacteria that promote root growth and are classified according to whether they act at the rhizosphere and rhizoplane level. Conclusions: Microbial biostimulants can be a valuable strategy to mitigate environmental stresses that have been emphasised by climate change in recent years. Microbial biostimulants, by increasing the biodiversity of the agro-ecosystem and creating long-lasting symbiotic relationships with the plant, are, in fact, a sustainable and effective solution to prevent the reduction in productivity caused by abiotic stresses and to optimise the use efficiency of human inputs in the agrarian ecosystem.

Risk-indicative or sustainable consumption? Consumers’ risk perception on conventional and organic food products in Poland

The consumption of organic food is becoming increasingly popular and, to avoid numerous threats to human health and the natural environment, the issues devoted to it require greater attention from decision-makers, producers, and consumers. Consumer decisions have an impact on shaping food consumption patterns and recently the trend of the consumption of conventional versus organic food products has been widely discussed. This is especially true given the fact that the area of human health is strongly related to the consumption of food products produced under the challenges of environmental protection and sustainability. The study aimed to investigate if the perception of consumption among Polish respondents was risk-indicative or sustainable based on the animal, fruit, and vegetable products purchased from conventional or organic production. The results revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption was not identically related with socio-demographic features, but the income level equally affected consumer choices regarding the purchase of organic food products. Gender and marital status only influenced decisions regarding the purchase of organic fruit. The consumption of animal products regarding the frequency of their consumption did not reveal the features of sustainability. The metal accumulation index (MAI) for conventionally cultivated vegetables was not higher for all of the investigated vegetables, namely pumpkin, spring onion, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and garlic. Our study contributes to addressing the knowledge gap on consumer choices about organic food products in Poland.

Research on the Impact of Inflation Reduction Act on the New Energy Vehicle Market in China and America

This study aims to explore in depth the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the new energy vehicle market in China and the United States. As a key solution to address environmental pollution and energy sustainability challenges, the development of new energy vehicles is influenced by both government policies and market factors. Inflation is a widely concerned issue that may have multiple impacts on the automotive market, but its specific effects have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we first reviewed the current situation and trends of the new energy vehicle market, with a focus on analyzing the comparison between the Chinese and American markets. Subsequently, we delved into the background, main content, and legislative motivations of the Inflation Reduction Act. Through a comprehensive examination of market data and policy text analysis, we have conducted a detailed study of market changes before and after the implementation of the bill, with a particular focus on the trends in sales volume and price stability. Finally, we have drawn some preliminary conclusions that the inflation reduction bill may have complex impacts on the new energy vehicle market in China and the United States, including sales volume, price stability, corporate strategy, and technological innovation.