Environmental Sustainability Challenges Research Articles

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.

Optimizing Biomass Pre-Treatment Technologies for BBJP Plants in Indonesia: A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach

The challenges of energy consumption and environmental sustainability are pronounced in the dynamic landscape of contemporary industries driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. Indonesia, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, charts a course toward a clean energy future with a National Energy Transition Roadmap for Net Zero Emission by 2060. This transition involves innovative strategies such as biomass co-firing and waste utilization in Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) plants, known as Bahan Bakar Jumputan Padat (BBJP) plants. To optimize these BBJP plants, this study employs Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies, specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), to evaluate and select pre-treatment technologies. Criteria include capacity, conversion process, waste type, electricity consumption, operational ease, land requirement, and investment cost. Comparing bio-drying, thermal drying, and mechanical drying, AHP ensures consistent criterion weights, with TOPSIS ranking bio-drying as the most favorable, followed by thermal and mechanical drying. The study acknowledges global waste management challenges and introduces a mobile-modular containerized BBJP/SRF plant model, addressing installation, maintenance, scalability, and adaptability issues. While recognizing challenges, especially in pre-treatment processes, the research emphasizes the need for efficient and cost-effective solutions. Practical implications include enhanced decision-making in biomass drying, identification of technology advantages and disadvantages, and a commitment to address challenges for sustainable implementation. The study contributes to Indonesia's energy transition discourse, advocating the pivotal role of BBJP plants in balancing Industry 4.0 demands and environmental protection, providing insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in advancing sustainable waste-to-energy initiatives.

Information provision and preferences for more sustainable dairy farming: Choice experimental evidence from Sweden

AbstractDairy farming in Europe faces profound environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges, which are of significant policy interest. These challenges support the need for a transition toward the uptake of more sustainable dairy farming practices. This paper examines the effects of an advisory instrument “balanced sustainability information” on farmers’ preferences for more grass-based feeding systems using a between-subjects design and a discrete choice experiment among a sample of Swedish dairy farmers. Conceptually, we develop a state-dependent utility framework with Bayesian updating to motivate the impact pathway. Our results demonstrate that on average, balanced sustainability information has negligible effects on farmers’ feed choices, which could be a consequence of opposing responses to the information, among others. Considering farmer heterogeneity based on their identities and prior knowledge, we find support for some evidence of treatment effects. Our findings highlight important and policy-relevant critical reflections about overoptimistic expectations of information provision as an instrument to nudge behavioral change toward more sustainable farming practices.

The role of financial and trade globalization in enhancing environmental sustainability: Evaluating the effectiveness of carbon taxation and renewable energy in EU member countries

The study addresses the pressing issue of environmental degradation, pinpointing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as its primary driver, posing a threat to global environmental sustainability, including the member countries of the European Union (EU). Global warming problems persist, but previous studies have not adequately explored the factors that contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions in EU countries. The paper fills the gap by assessing the efficacy of carbon tax and eco-innovation in mitigating CO2 levels from 1994 to 2019, considering the influence of renewable energy and various aspects of globalization. The study establishes long-term associations among the indicators examined using advanced methodologies, including the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag approach and the Westerlund cointegration method. Notably, the results highlight that carbon taxes, eco-innovation, renewable energy, and globalization contribute to slowing environmental deterioration, and economic progress plays a role in mitigating environmental sustainability challenges in EU member states. These findings reinforce the importance of robust strategies for reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Impact of sustainability reporting on financial performance and risks: Evidence from the emerging market

This study investigates the impact of sustainability reporting (SR) on the financial performance of industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2016 to 2022. Focusing on return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and earnings per share (EPS), the research addresses the persistent challenges in economic sustainability (ES), environmental sustainability (ENS), and social sustainability (SOCS) among Jordanian industrial companies, which are attributed to limited disclosure indicators in annual reports. Methodologically, the study employs tests for normal distribution, multicollinearity, Pearson correlation matrix, variance inflation factor (VIF), stationary testing, and regression analysis with lagged independent variables. The findings reveal that economic, environmental, and SOCS positively affect ROA and ROE, whereas these factors have not significantly impacted market performance indicators such as EPS and Tobin’s Q. Market fluctuations appear to be driven more by speculation than by sustainability disclosures. These results highlight the complex interplay between sustainability practices and financial outcomes, offering valuable insights for decision-makers, investors, and stakeholders.

Harnessing potassium peroxymonosulfate activation of WO3/diatomite composites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline.

The increasing prevalence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic ecosystems poses profound challenges for both environmental sustainability and public health. Addressing this pressing issue requires the development of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient remediation approaches. Here we report the synthesis of WO3/diatomite composites and their photocatalytic degradation in conjunction with potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By leveraging the synergistic effects, we observe a remarkable degradation of tetracycline, a significant pharmaceutical contaminant, under visible light. Analytically, we have elucidated the driving factors for the enhanced performance, emphasizing the optimal amount of WO3 (10%) in the composite and PMS concentration (3 mM). Specifically, the WO3/diatomite catalyst presents a degradation rate of 80.75% tetracycline (40 mg L-1) after 180 min of visible light irradiation. Also, we elucidate the primary roles of ˙SO4 - radicals in driving the photocatalytic reaction using free radical trapping studies. Our approach not only offers a direct solution to controlling pharmaceutical contamination but also opens new possibilities for advancing the design of composite-based photocatalysts by taking advantage of nature-derived materials.

JUST TRANSITION TO GREEN ENERGY - A CASE STUDY ON INDIA AND DENMARK

The transition towards green and decent jobs is a critical imperative for sustainable economic growth and environmental well-being. However, amidst global efforts to combat climate change, India faces the challenge of achieving inclusive economic growth. This paper delves into the juxtaposition of two distinct narratives in the realm of green and decent jobs, exploring the disparities between India and Denmark, an exemplar of sustainable development in Europe. Currently Denmark runs mostly on renewable Energy, around 75% of energy comes from renewable energy sources, with Denmarks trajectory in achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030, it serves as an aspirational benchmark against which we assess Indias CO2productivity. Indias coal dependency extends further due to its massive coal reserves, estimated at around 100 billion tons, primarily concentrated in the eastern states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. It was estimated that 74% of Indias energy generation came from coal fired plants in 2021. Therefore, it is essential to have a just transition which also ensures upskilling and employing workers in green Jobs. Linear regression models for Denmark and India have been constructed to understand the relationship between CO2 productivity and various predictor variables. The model for Denmark exhibits a good fit, implying that all predictor variables collectively explain 95% of the variance in CO2 productivity. The model for India shows a strong fit, indicating that approximately 97.5% of the variance in CO2 productivity is explained by the predictor variables. This suggests that the model is highly significant in understanding the factors influencing CO2 productivity in India. In conclusion it has been recommended that India can incorporate Denmarks policy for a smooth transition towards green energy, using the five Rs, these key elements provide a roadmap for policymakers, governments, and local stakeholders to navigate the complex challenges of economic restructuring and environmental sustainability.

Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming

This research paper investigates the intersection of sustainable development and vertical farming, aiming to address the growing global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. Vertical farming represents an innovative agricultural approach with the potential to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of food production while ensuring a stable supply of fresh produce. The study examines the environmental benefits, resource efficiency, and economic viability of vertical farming practices. It also explores the social and policy implications of integrating vertical farming into urban environments. By analyzing current developments in the field, this research provides valuable insights into the role of vertical farming in achieving sustainable food production and the broader goals of sustainable development.

Innovative Applications of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review.

The utilization of alternative and sustainable food sources has garnered significant interest as a means to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. Tenebrio molitor larvae, commonly known as mealworms, have emerged as a promising candidate in this context, as they are a rich source of nutrients and can be reared with relatively low resource input. This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the diverse range of food products developed using T. molitor larvae and the distinctive properties they bestow on these products. The review encompasses an exploration of the nutritional composition of the larvae, emphasizing their rich protein content, balanced amino acid profile, fatty acids with health benefits, vitamins, and minerals. It delves into how these attributes have been harnessed to enhance the nutritional value of a variety of food items, ranging from protein-rich snacks and energy bars to pasta, bakery goods, etc. Each of these applications is discussed with regard to how T. molitor larvae contribute to the nutritional content and sensory characteristics of the final product. Furthermore, this review sheds light on the innovative techniques and processing methods employed to incorporate T. molitor larvae into different food matrices. It addresses challenges related to taste, texture, and appearance that have been encountered and the strategies devised to overcome related problems. Overall, this comprehensive review elucidates the diverse food products that have been developed utilizing T. molitor larvae as a key ingredient. Highlighting the nutritional, sensory, and sustainability aspects of these products, this review offers valuable insights to harness the potential of this alternative protein source to meet the evolving needs of modern food systems.

Is there public desire for a federal takeover of water resource management in Australia?

Multi-jurisdictional water governance issues remain an ongoing challenge in transboundary and other water resource areas. Achieving coordinated and effective governance at the local, state, federal and international levels remains critical for good water governance. Under Australia's 1901 Constitution, states have the power to allocate water resources. To date, water resources in numerous areas have been overallocated to consumptive use, causing increasing environmental sustainability challenges. This is particularly prevalent in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), which spans four states and one territory, posing significant governance challenges. Due to the difficulties of changing and coordinating water management across multiple states, a growing number of Australians are calling for a complete Federal takeover of water resources through constitutional amendment. To change the Constitution, a double majority vote would be required, namely from both the Australian public nationally and from a majority of voters in a majority of the states. This study investigates the Australian public's desire for a Commonwealth takeover of water resources, focussing specifically on the MDB. It finds only lukewarm support for a Commonwealth takeover of water resources, with less than four in ten participants supporting the proposal. Overall, the ACT and South Australia are the only areas with a slight majority in favour of the takeover. One of the strongest predictors of support was location (such as living in a MDB state, and especially South Australia), but other significant factors included age, education, children, home ownership and trust in the Federal government and university researchers. We conclude that a complete water resource takeover by Federal government is highly unlikely to occur, but offer insights into other areas where increasing Federal intervention is warranted.

Electroless deposited NiP-fabric electrodes for efficient water and urea electrolysis for hydrogen production at industrial scale

Herein, an advanced approach for transforming ordinary cotton-polyester fabric into a flexible and catalytic current collector is demonstrated for water and urea electrolysis for industrial-scale H2 production, addressing challenges in energy and environmental sustainability. A controlled electroless plating is adopted to deposit conducting metallic Ni-nanoparticles together with NixPy-catalytically active phase on an open macroporous framework of fabric. NiP-fabric electrodes exhibit exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline, acidic, and in artificial Sea-water with overpotential values of 159 mV, 127 mV, and 94 mV at 10 mA/cm2 current density respectively. These electrodes also demonstrate the outstanding oxidation reaction for oxygen evolution and urea oxidation with the potential of just 1.509 V vs RHE (at 20 mA/cm2) and 1.312 V vs RHE (at 10 mA/cm2), with the in-situ formation of more active NiOOH species. A self-supported and macro-porous electrode configuration regulates the adsorption/desorption of intermediates species, enhanced charge and mass transport, and easier desorption of oxygen molecules. Finally, a two-electrode water and urea electrolyzer is constructed by NiP-fabric, which can deliver an H2-production at 100 mA/cm2 at a potential of 1.883 V and 1.611 V, respectively.

Green Supplier Assessment and Selection for Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) Processing Enterprise: Case Study in China

Green supply chain management is a crucial way to balance economic benefits and environmental impacts. As an important economic aquatic product in China, sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is facing the dual challenges of economic benefits (profit) and environmental sustainability (material input and emission output). Currently, the sea cucumber industry in China lacks a green supplier screening system, resulting in a fragmented pattern of cooperation among enterprises. Core enterprises in the supply chain cannot assume social responsibility to help and guide upstream and downstream enterprises to jointly improve environmental performance. This study focuses on the selection and evaluation of green suppliers for sea cucumber processing enterprises. Firstly, a green supplier assessment indicator system for sea cucumber processing enterprises was established, and the indicator weights were determined by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Next taking a large sea cucumber processing enterprise in Dalian, China, as an example, the importance level of each index was evaluated by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), and the score and ranking of existing suppliers were determined. The validity and practicality of the method were verified. The results show that Supplier 1 (S1) has the highest score, and the price of sea cucumber farming, the cleaner production level of sea cucumber farming, environmental awareness, and long-term cooperation willingness were the most important factors in the selection of green suppliers for sea cucumber processing enterprises, which provides useful clues on the best practice of making sustainable development decisions. With an in-depth understanding of the key factors, suppliers can formulate different prices according to the differences in sales channels to improve the economic deficiencies. Environmental pollution can also be reduced by using clean energy, establishing a recirculating aquaculture system, and using micro-ecological preparations. The conclusions of this study can provide technical support and decision-making suggestions for the application of green supply chain management in China’s aquaculture industry.

A Review of Transformation and Digital Literacy for the Sustainable Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion – Working Paper

This comprehensive review delves into the crucial interplay between transformation and digital literacy as drivers of sustainable development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). As this region grapples with the challenges of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity, understanding the dynamics of transformation – particularly the shift towards more sustainable industries and practices – is imperative. Equally significant is the role of digital literacy in enabling individuals and communities to harness the potential of digital technologies for personal and collective advancement. By examining the synergies between these two factors, this review sheds light on the strategies necessary to bridge disparities, protect the environment, and unlock the region's full potential in the context of sustainable development. The insights drawn from this working paper may offer valuable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to foster positive change in the GMS and, by extension, contribute to the global sustainability agenda.

THE IMPACT OF OIL SPILLS ON THE ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

<p>This paper critically assesses the multifaceted consequences of oil spills, particularly emphasizing their ramifications on the environment and the economy. With globalization intensifying reliance on maritime transport—accounting for nearly 90% of global trade—the potential for oil spills and their subsequent repercussions have become an alarming concern. Such spills can inflict enduring damage on marine ecosystems and lead to substantial economic setbacks in industries like fishing, tourism, and maritime operations. The enormity of the challenge extends beyond immediate environmental and economic impacts; it necessitates an interdisciplinary comprehension spanning environmental science, economics, legislation, and technology. Furthermore, oil spills underscore the need for international collaboration, as their consequences can breach national boundaries. This systematic literature review methodically analyzes existing research on the topic, employing databases like PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Through a rigorous filtering process, the review synthesizes empirical studies, theoretical analyses, government reports, and field assessments. The endeavor is to delineate prevailing themes, methodologies, conclusions, and lacunae in the extant literature, aiming to bridge the gap between economic growth imperatives and environmental sustainability challenges.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: Q53, Q57, L91, Q35, F18, Q58, O13, Q22</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0039/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Oil and Gas Extraction in Nigeria and its Impacts on Environment: Radical Measures to Deep-Seated Challenges of Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Law is a contemporary issue and this invasive subject houses number of other disciplines like economics, sociology, social sciences, oil and gas law, law of the sea, international law and many others. These disciplines have made some efforts to understand the best way to approach the environment with divergent views through interdisciplinary approach in assessing their choice of policy and ideas. As a result, this work will delve into a qualitative approach in exploring the perspectives that influence ways of thinking and making policies that are reflected in Nigerian environmental laws and policies and judicial processes in maintaining a sustaining environmental development and conserving its bio-diversity.

Simplified and High Accessibility Approach for the Rapid Assessment of Deforestation in Developing Countries: A Case of Timor-Leste

Forests are essential for sustaining ecosystems, regulating the climate, and providing economic benefits to human society. However, activities such as commercial practices, fuelwood collection, and land use changes have resulted in severe forest degradation and deforestation. Timor-Leste, a small island nation, faces environmental sustainability challenges due to land use changes, limited infrastructure, and agricultural practices. This study proposes a simplified and highly accessible approach to assess deforestation (SHAD) nationally using limited human and non-human resources such as experts, software, and hardware facilities. To assess deforestation in developing countries, we utilize open-source software (Dryad), employ the U-Net deep learning algorithm, and utilize open-source data generated from the Google Earth Engine platform to construct a time-series land cover classification model for Timor-Leste. In addition, we utilize the open-source land cover map as label data and satellite imagery as model training inputs, and our model demonstrates satisfactory performance in classifying time-series land cover. Next, we classify the land cover in Timor-Leste for 2016 and 2021, and verified that the forest classification achieved high accuracy ranging from 0.79 to 0.89. Thereafter, we produced a deforestation map by comparing the two land cover maps. The estimated deforestation rate was 1.9% annually with a primary concentration in the northwestern municipalities of Timor-Leste with dense population and human activities. This study demonstrates the potential of the SHAD approach to assess deforestation nationwide, particularly in countries with limited scientific experts and infrastructure. We anticipate that our study will support the development of management strategies for ecosystem sustainability, climate adaptation, and the conservation of economic benefits in various fields.

The battle to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Two: The role of environmental sustainability and government institutions.

The current period marked by addressing environmental sustainability challenges and the instability of government institutions has heightened the issue of food security, especially in developing countries as they work towards achieving Zero Hunger as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goals. To assess the effect of environmental sustainability and government institutions on food security in West Africa with data from 1990 to 2021, two models have been deployed. The Generalized Method of Moments was deployed as the main model and while Two-Stage Least Squares was used as the robustness check. The findings of the study reveal that carbon emissions which represent environmental sustainability has no direct significant effect on food security, while government institutions has negative effect on food security. The study also reveals that income and urbanization promote food security, while renewable energy and population growth reduce food security. The findings of the study could be a reflection of the current political instability and attitude towards tackling carbon emissions mitigation in the region. Government institutions are encouraged to exercise authority without fear to implement policies that would encourage food security and restrict the use of high-emission technologies.

Spatial Analysis of Water Infiltration Potential in the Miu Watershed of Sigi Regency

Abstract. The sustainable management of the Miu watershed Basin is something that needs to be considered in line with the increasing complexity of environmental sustainability challenges and current water availability, not limited to maintaining the flow of water but need to pay attention to the balance of the ecosystem. Ecosystem conditions that are maintained influence high water absorption capacity, thereby reducing surface water runoff.. This research was conducted in the Miu watershed Basin with the aim of identifying the potential for water absorption, the method used in this study was a scoring method with four parameters, namely soil type, slope, rainfall, and land use. Data analysis was carried out using a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. The results showed that the water absorption conditions in the Miu watershed Basin were classified as good (8.29%), normal good (73.91%), starting to be critical (14.51%), moderately critical (3.29%), and critical ( 0.00%).

Solution plasma synthesis of Pt-decorated Bi12O17Cl2 photocatalysts for efficient upcycling of plastics

Photocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste is a promising approach to relieving pressure caused by solid waste, but the rational design of novel efficient photocatalysts remains a challenge. Herein, we utilize subnano-sized platinum (Pt)-based photocatalysts for plastic upcycling. A solution plasma strategy is developed to fabricate Pt-decorated Bi12O17Cl2 (SP-BOC). The Pt in an oxidant state and oxygen vacancies optimize the electronic structure for fast charge transfer. As a result, SP-BOC displays high performance for upcycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polylactic acid (PLA) into acetic acid and formic acid, with yield rate and selectivity of 6.07 mg g−1cat. h−1 and 94 %, and 47.43 mg g−1cat. h−1 and 55.1 %, respectively. In addition, the dichlorination efficiency of PVC reaches 78.1 % within 10 h reaction, effectively reducing the environmental hazards associated with PVC waste disposal treatments. This research provides insight into the effective conversion of plastics into high-value chemicals, contributing to the reduction of carbon and toxic emissions in a practical and meaningful way, and offering a useful way for solving challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability.

Urban planning schemes for developing low-carbon cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council region

Sustainable cities aim to achieve a harmonious balance between human socioeconomic activities and the natural environment to foster low-carbon and livable societies. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the role of urban planning in creating sustainable cities, particularly in the Global South, where carbon emissions are expected to exceed 127% of those from the world's most developed economies by 2040. Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which heavily relies on fossil fuels for energy generation and transportation, various low-carbon schemes have been implemented to address environmental sustainability challenges. However, the effectiveness of these schemes has been subject to debate, with some critics seeing them primarily for greenwashing and image-building purposes rather than promoting urban sustainability and achieving SDG targets. This study analyzes the implementation of urban planning schemes and their potential in developing low-carbon cities in the GCC region, focusing on buildings, infrastructure, urban form, transportation, and urban greening. Based on desktop research, the study found that the UAE dominates half of the green building market in the region and generates 82% of total renewables. However, wastewater recycling rates remain low, averaging 34% and ranging from 90% in the UAE to 13% in Kuwait. In terms of urban form, GCC cities have population densities that are less than one-third of the 15,000 persons/km2 recommended by UN-Habitat for sustainable cities. While low-carbon transportation through rail and bus transits are concentrated in capital cities, urban greening initiatives for carbon capture and storage are gaining momentum in various cities. This study highlights the importance of integrating energy and water demand reduction measures into land-use planning and promoting sustainable lifestyles among the public.