Economic Climate Research Articles

Application of an implementation premortem: A novel qualitative approach leveraging prospective hindsight to enhance barbershop health interventions for Black men.

Barbershop-based efforts to promote health among Black men have been uniquely successful. Despite the success of these efforts, the emphasis on outcomes as opposed to how these outcomes can be achieved has created a gap in the literature. The present study addresses this gap by describing implementation-related program priorities that Black men identify for barbershop-based interventions. Twenty-three Black men participated in implementation premortem activities. Participants were: (i) given details about a barbershop-based health promotion effort, (ii) told that the effort had failed, and (iii) were asked to identify potential sources of program failure and strategies to overcome those challenges. The frequency of program priorities was calculated based on the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework, and focus group data were analyzed using an inductive thematic qualitative data analytic approach. Data analyses occurred in three phases: (i) excerpts were grouped by Phase, Domain, and Construct of the EPIS Framework; (ii) themes within each excerpt were then identified using an inductive approach; and (iii) themes were organized into conceptually similar and parsimonious categories. Participants suggested that the biggest source of program failure was that more attention needed to be paid to Program Fit during the Implementation Phase. Participants reported concerns with the accessibility and convenience of the effort. Additional participant concerns included economic issues, community ownership, climate, staffing processes, cultural sensitivity, engagement, and trust. The implementation of health promotion programs for Black men should pay particular attention to how the intervention fits the needs, lives, and contexts of potential participants.

Drifting Away from the Roots: Genderfluidity as Diola’s Mangrove Fishing Strategies in Three Island-Villages of Northern Guinea-Bissau

AbstractBiodiversity loss, habitat degradation, globalization, and societal transformations are challenging rural, and especially coastal communities in Guinea-Bissau where mangrove-dependent livelihoods are exposed to increased vulnerability. The Diola, traditional farmer-fishermen of the northern island-villages, have witnessed swift societal changes following the country’s economic liberalization, climate change, and youth migration from rural areas. Despite historically being a secondary subsistence activity with more predefined gender roles rooted in tradition, mangrove fishing has become a major source of cash income. Yet, women’s mangrove fishing contributions are still overlooked, resulting in general assumptions of static female fishing identities with limited control over their income. We present three case studies of Diola women’s involvement in mangrove fishing through a mixed method approach that combines qualitative techniques and household surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023. Specifically, we explore: (1) diverging societal coping strategies and livelihood developments in three Diola villages; (2) the primary drivers behind village-specific societal transformations; (3) social dynamics and female roles in mangrove fishing-related activities and village decision-making; and (4) the political ecology of interventions. Our findings underscore the complexity of gender-fluid small-scale fishing strategies as female roles beyond fish trade defy cultural generalizations. Contemporary Diola women make autonomous personal and work choices that meet their current needs and add to their household budget to face new welfare demands. Inclusive resource governance needs more gender-specific data for meaningfully implemented interventions adapted to local circumstances, enabling an active participation of all genders in conservation practices and development.

Primary healthcare services' accessibility and quality under compulsory social health insurance in Kazakhstan.

Between 2020 and 2022, there was a rise in employment and entrepreneurial activity, despite some unemployment growth. In the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), insured individuals, especially privileged and wage workers, increased. However, certain contributors, like those exempt from contributions and single social taxpayers, decreased, possibly due to legislative changes or the economic climate. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of medical services within the frameworks of Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care based on data regarding waiting times and the volume of services provided. This retrospective study analyzed data from 2020 to 2022 on patients receiving care under Kazakhstan's Mandatory Social Medical Insurance System (MSMIS) and Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care. Data included insurance status, labor market indicators, and medical service procurement. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and t-tests, with p-values indicating statistical significance (p < 0.05). It has been identified that overall, the execution of the plan for all types of medical care in Kazakhstan, including Almaty, reaches 100.0%, indicating sufficient financial support for the healthcare system. Rehabilitation centers and COVID-19 testing services stand out with shorter waiting times, whereas comprehensive diagnostic and advisory services require significantly longer waiting periods. The Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care typically offers a greater number of services with shorter waiting times compared to MSMIS, except for specialized medical care services in diagnosing new formations, where the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care also has shorter waiting times but provides a greater number of services. The study has allowed us to identify differences in the availability and volume of medical services provided between Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care.

Soil-Based Emissions and Context-Specific Climate Change Planning to Support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on Climate Action: A Case Study of Georgia (USA)

Soil-based emissions from land conversions are often overlooked in climate planning. The objectives of this study were to use quantitative data on soil-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the state of Georgia (GA) (USA) to examine context-specific (temporal, biophysical, economic, and social) climate planning and legal options to deal with these emissions. Currently, 30% of the land in GA has experienced anthropogenic land degradation (LD) primarily due to agriculture (64%). All seven soil orders were subject to various degrees of anthropogenic LD. Increases in overall LD between 2001 and 2021 indicate a lack of land degradation neutrality (LDN) in GA. Besides agricultural LD, there was also LD caused by increased development through urbanization, with 15,197.1 km2 developed, causing midpoint losses of 1.2 × 1011 kg of total soil carbon (TSC) with a corresponding midpoint social cost from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (SC-CO2) of USD $20.4B (where B = billion = 109, $ = U.S. dollars (USD)). Most developments occurred in the Metro Atlanta and Coastal Economic Development Regions, which indicates reverse climate change adaptation (RCCA). Soil consumption from developments is an important issue because it limits future soil or forest carbon (C) sequestration potential in these areas. Soil-based emissions should be included in GA’s carbon footprint. Understanding the geospatial and temporal context of land conversion decisions, as well as the social and economic costs, could be used to create incentives for land management that limit soil-based GHG emissions in a local context with implications for relevant United Nations (UN) initiatives.

(Non-)terrestrial and (Non-)local pathways of behavioral policy diffusion in European cities’ climate action plans: Contextual, cultural, and leadership framing

This study investigates the spread of innovative behavioral (green nudging) policies within city-level Climate Action Plans (CAPs) across the European Union, focusing on how these innovations diffuse and the factors influencing their adoption. Using textual analysis with a dataset consisting of CAPs from 40 cities across Europe, we categorized various green nudging innovations and then tracked their origins and uptake. Then, we employed fsQCA (Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis) to identify the key factors driving diffusion. The findings reveal that while certain innovations, particularly in the building and transportation sectors, have achieved widespread adoption, other initiatives like community co-creation and urban parks have seen lower diffusion. Local terrestrial factors, especially sectoral carbon emissions, are significant drivers, with cities facing higher emissions more likely to adopt these policies. Interestingly, local emissions levels and strong climate leadership emerge as more critical determinants than economic status or climate similarities. The study identifies two primary diffusion pathways—Cultural Leadership for Emission Reduction and Local Adaptive Synergy—demonstrating the diverse strategies cities employ based on their unique contexts. This research highlights the importance of expanding green nudging measures in CAPs beyond technological and infrastructure domains to promote low-carbon behaviors comprehensively.

Regional Economic Development, Climate Change, and Work Force in a Gender Perspective in Chile: Insights from the Input–Output Matrix

Most nations fulfilled the commitment to reduce their emissions after the Paris Climate Agreement, and as a result, each nation has produced suitable plans to reach those goals. In this sense, Chile is hardly an exception. The emission multiplier product matrix (eMPM) and labor multiplier product matrix (lMPM), which are associated with the gender differences in the labor market, a state-of-the-art technique that integrates CO2 emissions with multi-region input–output table (MRIO) databases and elasticity to estimate the pollution caused by inter-industrial activity in the nation’s various north, center, and south regions, are used in this article to analyze the emissions of Chilean industries. This approach, by studying the economic territorial consistency (ETC) issue, is expected to establish a connection between each region’s production structure and interregional relationships between gender and the main industries that produce emissions. Indeed, the study aims to determine which regions foster economic development from an equitable perspective through the ETC study. The ETC in Chile depends on some variables, such as labor force, gender and CO2 emissions. The improvement in terms ofion will depend on the use of technology and the proper state regulation in line with the promises gained by Chile following the convening of COP25.

What is the status of the European Union's water resources and sanitation services when sustainable development goals are evaluated?

Even when water scarcity and quality issues are not severe in the European Union (EU) countries, the impacts of climate change and external pressures vary across EU nations, leading to different outcomes. Achieving sustainability requires prioritizing the efficient management of water resources and sanitation services. To this end, conducting studies to identify countries needing appropriate measures is essential. This research focuses on evaluating and analysing the situation of water resources and sanitation systems in the European Union, with two specific objectives in mind. The first objective is to compare disparities between Member States (MSs) in a particular year and track their progress over two periods of five and ten years concerning variables related to water resources and sanitation services. By examining these disparities, the study aims to identify which countries have made significant improvements and which require more attention and resources to enhance their water management and sanitation systems. The second objective is to identify the countries best positioned to achieve certain Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6, SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 12).The results indicate that the countries best positioned in terms of meeting the SDGs and achieving sustainability in water and sanitation are Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. However, in contrast, Romania, Lithuania, and Slovakia face greater challenges, particularly in sanitation. Factors such as economic level and climate change, which impact southern countries more severely (Greece, Spain, Cyprus) where water scarcity is more acute, contribute to these difficulties. Additionally, the lack of information on wastewater management hinders decision-making and the proper management of these wastes.This study analyses the progress and current status of water and sanitation indicators from an environmental perspective for the first time. It introduces variables to assess sustainability in EU countries that are not listed as indicators on the United Nations website, aiming to evaluate compliance with the SDGs.

How do university students experience using photos to self-identify their character strengths? A Thematic analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated demand for mental and emotional well-being support. As a result of the pandemic and the prevailing economic climate, individuals and businesses in the UK have been ‘taking stock’. Positive Psychology Interventions provide the prospect of meeting these needs through strengths-based approaches which demonstrate a host of benefits. One of these is the use of photographs to transform the narratives that people ascribe to their experiences. This intervention may have a range of advantages, including a positive impact on well-being. However, there is relatively little research into the use of photos as a potential tool for self-identifying strengths. To gain an understanding of the lived experience of using photos to elicit strengths, a homogeneous participant sample of nine students studying psychology at a UK university were recruited. The participants undertook an intervention based on that used by Steger et al. (2014) in their pilot study. Each participant was asked to take 9-12 pictures of things that were meaningful to them over the period of one week. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse the data. Four themes were identified: Experiencing the strength, Feeling uplifted, Being reflective, and Looking to the future. It was found that that the participants experienced the intervention as profound and enriching. The use of the photographs was instrumental in the self-identification of strengths. This study provides valuable insights into the experience of this PPI and may have implications for positive psychology practitioners and coaches.

India’s Security and Climate Policy: Navigating the China Challenge

In a world rich in climate knowledge but short on climate action, it is important to understand the political reasons behind the apparent failure of states to address this planetary crisis. One underexplored dimension of this phenomenon is the impact of broader geopolitics and rivalry, in specific the ability and willingness of potential and actual security and economic rivals to leave their contention at the gates of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This article focuses on India’s multifaceted approach to its ‘China challenge’ with and outside the climate regime. While conventional scholarship focuses on the security and economic dimensions of this rivalry, this study offers a distinct perspective that examines whether this rivalry might lead to a breakdown of cooperation and an increased potential for conflict and weaponisation of seemingly disconnected issue areas. Drawing on a comprehensive triangulation of policy documents, government statements and scholarly literature, this article evaluates the domestic and international factors shaping India’s climate-related China policies, including the countries’ unique economic ambitions, development imperatives, energy needs and global climate commitments. Furthermore, the article examines Sino-Indian interactions in international arenas such as the UNFCCC and Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS), and how these interactions influence global climate governance.

‘For the Betterment of the Industry’: The establishment and work of the White Fish Commission, 1936–1939

Between the wars, the British fishing industry faced an invidious economic climate. Costs rose, over-fishing and falling prices depressed incomes, and structural faults that had mattered little in the years of growth prior to 1914 became serious handicaps. Government was thus obliged to intervene in a small but strategically important industry to a far greater extent than before, and did so in ways that reflected the broader thrust of interwar industrial policy. The Herring Industry Board has been well studied but the short-lived parallel body established to develop the bulk of the sea-fishing industry, the White Fish Commission, is all but forgotten, perhaps unsurprisingly since it did not even publish a report before it was suspended on the outbreak of the Second World War. This article surveys the situation facing the fishing industry between the wars and examines in detail the establishment of the White Fish Commission and its activities during its short life. It argues that, while the commission’s powers and resources were insufficient for the scale of its task, it laid the groundwork for much further-reaching intervention in the changed climate after 1945.

Cash Flow Dynamics: Amplifying Swing Models in a Volatile Economic Climate for Financial Resilience and Outcomes

In a volatile economic climate, understanding cash flow dynamics is crucial for companies to improve financial resilience and outcomes. This research focuses on amplifying swing models such as Cash Flow Management (CFM), Solutions (CFS), Dynamics (CFD), Boosters (CFB), Innovations (CFI), and Strategic (CFS) - on cash flow dynamics in a volatile economic climate. By examining the relationship between these models and determinant variables, the study aims to provide insights that can assist companies in achieving financial resilience and outcomes. The data were collected from finance and accounting representatives of 200 companies ((manufacturing (107), services (56), and trade (37)) in Kosovo in 2023 (quarters 1, 2, 3, and the first two months of quarter 4), while processing was done through exploratory factorial, reliability, and multiple regression analyses conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. The results of the study reveal a significant relationship between each cash flow model and the determinant variables. This highlights the importance of these models in comprehending cash flow dynamics within a volatile economic climate. Factors such as optimization strategy clarity, continuous monitoring, effective working capital management, accurate financial decision-making, and technological improvements contribute to positive cash flow. Additionally, precise management of fluctuations, financial advantage, cooperative departmental approaches, and effective communication also play a role in cash flow dynamics. By extending swings models, the study provides valuable insights that can assist firms in achieving financial resilience and overcoming the challenges of a volatile economic environment.

The International Legal Framework Governing the Protection of Cultural Heritage

The study delves deeply into the historical contexts of the countries involved, examining how the idea of cultural heritage and its protection under international law has changed through the years and in various social, economic, and political climates. When preserving cultural assets under public international law, we also consider the humanitarian aspect of this phenomenon. The study examines whether people and groups limit a state's power to act beyond limitations imposed by other states and international organizations. This research further examines the role of international human rights laws in this setting, the preservation of the individual's connection to cultural products, and whether or not an individual becomes a significant player in international law. The study's findings provide conclusive evidence of the pivotal catalytic role that UNESCO and similar international organizations play in the worldwide preservation of cultural heritage. UNESCO is the principal venue for monitoring whether or not states are adhering to international protection principles. Whether or not UNESCO can be effective without ratification processes for cultural preservation has to be investigated more deeply. The study's findings indicate that protecting cultural assets involves a wide range of aspects, including the rights and responsibilities of governments and the rights of cultures. In addition, our research suggests that the ever-evolving international legal system can improve its framework, which is relevant to preserving cultural treasures.

Development and benefit of FDI in India

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key source of funds for India's economic development. Totake advantage of India's evolving economic climate and lower labour, foreign firms engage directly in fastgrowingprivate Indian enterprises. There are so many advantages of Foreign Direct Investments in Indialike Promotion of investment in key areas, New technologies, Increase in Capital inflow, Increase inExports, Promotion of Employment opportunities, Promotion of financial services, Exchange ratestability and development of backward areas. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is critical to a country'seconomic development. The entry of foreign cash has allowed India to improve its infrastructure,increase productivity, and increase employment. FDI also serves as a vehicle for acquiring sophisticatedtechnology and mobilizing foreign exchange reserves. This Article is an attempt to explore new benefitsof FDI for the economic growth of the nation.

Review of biodiversity assessment and resource management orientation for sustainable rural development in Lang Son province, Vietnam

This study examines the conservation and biodiversity management efforts in Lang Son province, Vietnam, in the context of global environmental concerns. Under Decision No 2447/QD-UBND, the province’s Special-use Forest Planning focuses on conserving areas such as the Huu Lien Nature Reserve and the Mau Son special-use forests. This initiative covers a substantial planned land area to sustain biodiversity and foster rural development up to 2030. Recent surveys indicate a notable increase in plant species within these areas, from 842 species in 2017 to 961 in 2019, and significant efforts towards conserving endangered species like the Asiatic black bear and the Annam flying frog. The province encompasses diverse ecosystems spread across 832,075.82 ha, characterized by varied terrains and climates contributing to its rich biodiversity. These regions are crucial for various species, including those listed in conservation documents, such as the 77 plant species recorded. RAP-Plant analysis and Monte Carlo simulation indicate that Lang Son’s biodiversity, with a Shannon index of 2.85 and Simpson index of 0.75, is threatened by a projected forest area decline to 514,578.61 ha by 2040, risking extinction for rare species like Hoang dan and Lan kim tuyen. Furthermore, Lang Son’s strategic initiatives towards sustainable agricultural practices, forest management, and restoration efforts highlight the integration of biodiversity conservation into broader socio-economic development plans. The province’s approach aligns with global strategies emphasizing the protection of endangered and endemic species as essential to maintaining ecological balances and supporting sustainable development. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive regional planning and community engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts to mitigate economic development, illegal activities, and climate change challenges. Threats such as illegal logging and habitat fragmentation persist, necessitating more vital community-based conservation efforts and robust legal frameworks.

Valuing community awareness and willingness to pay for marine environment management: empirical analysis in coastal central region of Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with strengths in marine resources and economy. The coast provides habitats and livelihoods for millions of households but is in decline due to economic activity and climate change. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the awareness of people in the central coastal provinces of Vietnam about marine environmental values and their willingness to pay for the management and improvement of marine environmental quality. The study applied a binary random assessment model and surveyed 980 households in 4 coastal provinces to evaluate community payments. The results show that people have good awareness of tangible environmental values, associated with life and livelihood. They also highly agree with protecting marine environmental values and emphasize passing these values on to future generations. Community payment for sea environment management was estimated at 420 thousand/household/year in parametric model and 398 VND thousand/household/year in non-parametric model. Bid level, income and education are main factors affecting people’s ability to pay. The study also proposes implications for marine environmental management including strengthening community awareness and capacity, establishing financial mechanisms for community-led conservation at the local level, and integrating education marine environmental values for high school students to aim for sustainability in community awareness and behavior.

Asbestos and the skills gap

The asbestos sector is unique within the built environment. The history of asbestos extends well beyond the 100 years that we are commonly aware of. It is known to be one of the most devastating workplace killers, with figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) demonstrating a current trend of approximately 5,000 deaths annually attributed to diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. This paper looks at the highly specialised job roles that the industry struggles to attract fresh talent into. It summarises some of the statistics and make observations as to how asbestos continues to be a prevailing hazard affecting management, maintenance and modernisation of aging buildings across the UK. The aim is to continue to help educate the built environment sector about a unique culture of highly specialised persons that float between and around the realms of inspection, testing, certification, occupational hygiene, health and safety, and construction and demolition. The paper comments on the position of the industry in the current economic climate and proposes a change of attitude and understanding to progress and ensure the risk to human health posed by asbestos continues to be reduced and quality of service delivery improved.

Data envelopment analysis of cooperative efficiency and members’ deposit in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract Subject and purpose of work Cooperatives offer significant opportunities for economic empowerment of people in difficult economic climates. However, concerns exist in literature on the efficiency level of these organisations in relation to members’ deposits and financial-related factors. This study analysed the influence of members’ deposits and related financial factors on the efficiency level of cooperative organisations. Materials and methods Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Tobit regression model were used to analyse the secondary data collected from 99 cooperative organisations over 7 years. Results Empirical results indicate a low level of efficiency below 50%. Further evidence from Tobit regression identified the significant effect of loan (β = 2.05, t = 3.41, p &lt; 0.01), interest rate (β = 1.07, t = 2.16, p &lt; 0.05), surplus (p &lt; 0.05), expenses (p &lt; 0.01), cooperative age (p &lt; 0.01) and saving deposits (p &lt; 0.10) on cooperative efficiency. Conclusions The efficiency level of cooperatives is low, and the contribution of deposits is also negative, but potential to raise the level of efficiency exists with organisational management of loans and interest rates. Increasing cooperative efficiency is imperative to achieve the expected economic support from organisations.

Sistematik Literatur Review dampak Kepercayaan Diri pada Kesuksesan Pengusaha

This study aims to examine the impact of self-confidence on entrepreneurial success through a systematic review of existing literature. Self-confidence is an important psychological factor in entrepreneurship, influencing risk-taking, innovation, persistence, and business performance. The research method used is a literature review involving the search and analysis of various relevant empirical studies. The results of the study indicate that high self-confidence is positively correlated with greater risk-taking ability, creativity in innovation, resilience in the face of failure, and achievement of better business performance. In addition, factors such as experience, education and entrepreneurial training, social support, and culture and economic climate are also found to play a significant role in shaping and strengthening entrepreneurial self-confidence. This study also identifies several challenges and gaps in previous research, such as variations in the definition and measurement of self-confidence, and the lack of qualitative and longitudinal approaches. Keywords: Self-confidence, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Success

New climate dis-economies: The political economy of energy transitions in fragile fossil fuel producers

A global energy transition from carbon-based fuels to renewable energy will have major political and economic ramifications around the world, especially for fragile fossil fuel-producing states, but these impacts are not yet well understood let alone prepared for. In many fragile fossil fuel-producing countries, an energy transition is not simply a transformation of the energy sector, but also a fundamental challenge to the political economy of the state and the way politics is practiced. This challenge is likely to be destabilizing, politically fraught, and perhaps even violent, yet the “new climate economy” literature does not fully consider the implications of what the loss of these revenues will mean, and the solutions offered do not speak to the realities of how these states operate. This article examines the different risks and opportunities of an energy transition for these states and outlines a research agenda to better understand and prepare for these outcomes.

Heating up the divide: Climate change and the quest for inclusive growth in urban China

Climate change has profoundly affected human production and development, and also brought new challenges to China's goal of achieving inclusive economic growth. Using the data of 273 cities in China from 2001 to 2019, this research evaluates the impact of climate change on urban inclusive economic growth by constructing a temperature bin variable according to the daily average temperature. It is found that with the temperature bin [18 °C, 21 °C) as the benchmark group, both temperature rise and fall have a negative influence on inclusive economic growth. Notably, the adverse effects of high temperatures (above 27 °C) are statistically and economically significant, exhibiting a trend of increasing magnitude. The mechanism test shows that high temperature affects the inclusive growth level of the urban economy mainly by exacerbating the urban‒rural income gap. The heterogeneity analysis found that cities located in hot regions, southern regions or coastal areas are more sensitive to high temperatures and experience more prominent effects. This research holds significant practical implications for China to achieve a win‒win situation of balanced economic development and climate governance.