Conservation Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Landscape changes and watershed erosion in Prince George's County, Maryland

AbstractThis study evaluated erosion rates and sediment production in streams, and factors potentially influencing them throughout the Anacostia, Patuxent, and Potomac (non‐Anacostia) River watersheds within Prince George's County, Maryland, US. As part of the County's watershed‐scale biological monitoring program, from approx. 1999 to 2008, permanent monuments were established to allow measurement of stream channel cross‐sectional (XS) area. The intent of this study was to characterize the intensity and spatial distribution of fluvial geomorphic instability across the county and use the results to target and plan stormwater management and stream restoration actions. For this study, 78 stream locations were re‐surveyed in 2020, representing a time lapse of from 12 to 21 years. Data collected included XS dimensions, modified Wolman 100‐particle pebble counts, and reach‐specific soil bulk density. Land use/land cover data were compiled from the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD), precipitation from the National Weather Service Center for Environmental Information (NCEI), and soils from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey (NRCS/WSS). We calculated percent change in XS area, rates of erosion, sediment yield, and assigned geomorphic classifications, and interpreted them in the context of spatial positions relative to changes in land cover characteristics. Sediment yields among the 78 reaches exhibited a combination of those undergoing enlargement/erosion (67.9%), reduction/deposition (25.6%), and the remaining 6.4% with essentially no change over the period of record. Of the top 20 most geomorphically active reaches surveyed in the County, 12 are in the Anacostia River basin, with the other scattered among the Patuxent River and Potomac River basins.

The impact of herbaceous plants on biodiversity and stability of pine plantations in Western Polissia

In the field of ecology, more and more attention is paid to the analysis of the interaction of herbaceous plants with the structure of ecosystems, including forests. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of herbaceous plants on the biodiversity and stability of pine plantations in Western Polissia of Ukraine. To achieve this goal, in 2010-2023, the State Enterprise “Research Farm “Horodetske” assessed the diversity of herbaceous plant species, measured their number and cover, evaluated soil physical properties and biometric parameters of pine trees, and assessed how changes in the pine plantation ecosystem caused by herbaceous plants can affect carbon sequestration and oxygen productivity. The study found that herbaceous species among pine plantations in Western Polissia perform important ecological functions that contribute to the conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The presence of these plants enriches the soil with organic matter and helps maintain the structural and functional stability of ecosystems. The study showed that herbaceous plants contribute to the restoration of pine plantations by providing protection and support for young trees, and have a positive impact on their biometric parameters, increasing the total phytomass. Herbaceous plants also improve soil physical properties, such as pH, humus content, aggregate water resistance and water permeability, which can contribute to soil structural stability and the health of pine stands. In addition, the presence of herbaceous plants contributes to more efficient carbon sequestration and oxygen production, which is important for the balance of the air environment in the ecosystem. The results obtained are of great importance for environmental management and conservation of natural resources in the Western Polissia region, as they provide scientific basis for developing strategies for the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems, taking into account the role of herbaceous plants in their functioning

Ethiopian ecotourism potentials/nature-based tourism

One of the economic sectors that generates significant cash and ensures the maintenance of protected areas is ecotourism, which is environmentally conscious travel to natural places. Ecotourism is a potential example of an off-farm activity that generates revenue in a different way and benefits the community while also conserving natural resources. By providing local people with cash while protected areas fulfil their conservation aims, ecotourism may serve as a bridge between them and nearby communities. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to review the Ecotourism potentials of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's tourist sector is now expanding quickly in pace with the growth of tourism globally. There is definitely a lot of room for growth in Ethiopia's tourist sector. There are a lot of wonderful natural, historical, and cultural tourism areas in Ethiopia, One of the most significant tourist locations on earth. Ethiopia occasionally saw an increase in foreign visitors. The environmental impacts of tourism are often minimal, and it also aids in the management and conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources. The establishment and management of protected areas, the re-greening of landscapes, the conservation and restoration of historical and cultural resources, and the promotion of environmental awareness among the local people (both residents and visitors) can all be done with a certain amount of the revenue made from tourism.

THE RÔLE OF LAW PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES - CASE STUDY OF ALGERIA

This study aims to shed light on the vital role that the law plays in preventing environmental damage, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the conservation of natural resources, on the basis that this protection still witnesses many contradictions at the theoretical or even applied levels, knowing that the international community has gone through many Among its institutions, especially the United Nations, it stipulated resolutions and charters affirming the right of peoples to self-determination and their right to complete control over their wealth and natural resources. Some countries even went so far as to care about the environment to make its preservation a constitutional principle, such as the Indian Constitution of 1976 and the Algerian Constitution of 2020. Due to the importance of environmental law in regulating the impact of human activities on the natural environment, through legislation protecting land, water resources, wildlife, air, soil, and others that are implemented through bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental law also includes penalties for violating behavior, such as fines and even imprisonment in some cases. It also relied mainly on the analytical approach, by analyzing and allocating the legal texts related to environmental protection in a way that enables us to determine the extent of their adequacy or deficiency in providing the necessary protection for various environmental interests, after which the descriptive approach is an exception. This is a situation that requires raising the following problem: How effective and efficient are laws in protecting the environment and natural resources? The study was divided into two sections, in the first section it dealt with the role of law in protecting the environment, and in the second section it addressed the role of law in protecting natural resources - a case study o

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TARGET DESIGNATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS

This article examines the problem of changing the designated purpose of agricultural land in the context of a modern market economy. The author draws attention to the priority of agricultural land use established by law and the importance of efficient use of these resources for the development of other sectors of the economy and in accordance with the needs of the population. The study examines the factors that influence the decision to change the designated purpose of land and discusses the possible consequences of such changes for agricultural production and environmental sustainability. The subject of this research is an analysis of the problem of changing the designated purpose of agricultural land in the current conditions of a market economy. The research methodology includes an analysis of current legislation, a study of the practice of applying its provisions, as well as a review of current research and statistics in the field of agriculture and land relations. The purpose of the article is to reveal the importance of the priority of agricultural land use and the need for efficient use of these resources in a market economy. The study shows that changing the designated purpose of agricultural land can have a significant impact on the economy, environment and social sphere. It is shown that, despite the need for other uses of some land plots, the priority of agricultural land use is a key factor in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development. Based on the analysis of research, the author concludes that it is necessary to implement comprehensive measures for the conservation and rational use of agricultural land. The proposed strategies include the development of effective legislation, promotion of alternative forms of agricultural production, such as organic agriculture, as well as control over compliance with land legislation and the introduction of tools for monitoring changes in land designation. The article examines the list of principles of land management, including the principles of sustainable use, rational use, environmental safety and others. The author emphasises the importance of taking these principles into account when making decisions on planning and use of agricultural land in order to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and preservation of the environment. The study found that economic, environmental and social aspects are important among the principles that influence changes in the designated purpose of agricultural land. Economic principles include the value of land, its efficient use and market competitiveness. Environmental principles focus on the preservation of soil, water resources and biodiversity. Social principles take into account the interests of the local population, ensuring food security and even development of territories. The conclusion of the study emphasises the need to take these principles into account when developing strategies for land use, sustainable agricultural development and the conservation of natural resources. In addition, it is important to develop land management mechanisms based on the principles of economic efficiency, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Such an approach states the need for a balanced approach to changing the designated purpose of land, taking into account the interests of the agricultural sector, the needs of the population and environmental requirements. This approach will help to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and efficient use of land resources in the current economic and environmental challenges.

Reviewing the impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption

This review provides a succinct overview of the review on the impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption: Energy-efficient appliances play a pivotal role in mitigating energy consumption and promoting sustainability in households. This review examines the significant impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption patterns and energy usage. The review begins by elucidating the importance of energy efficiency in mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. It underscores how household consumption accounts for a substantial portion of total energy usage, making it imperative to explore the role of energy-efficient appliances in curbing energy consumption. Key findings reveal that energy-efficient appliances offer substantial benefits, including reduced energy bills, lower environmental impact, and enhanced comfort and convenience for households. Through advanced technologies and design innovations, these appliances minimize energy wastage while maintaining optimal performance standards. Moreover, the review delves into the diverse range of energy-efficient appliances available to consumers, spanning from refrigerators and washing machines to HVAC systems and lighting fixtures. It examines the energy-saving features and efficiency standards governing these appliances, highlighting their role in promoting sustainable consumption habits among households. Furthermore, the review evaluates the economic and environmental implications of adopting energy-efficient appliances. It explores how energy savings translate into cost reductions for households, contributing to economic resilience and financial well-being. Additionally, it analyzes the environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of natural resources, associated with the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances. Challenges and barriers to the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances are also scrutinized, including upfront costs, consumer awareness, and market availability. Strategies to overcome these challenges, such as financial incentives, public awareness campaigns, and regulatory frameworks, are discussed to facilitate greater uptake of energy-efficient appliances among households. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption patterns and energy usage. It advocates for continued efforts to promote the adoption of energy-efficient appliances through policy interventions, technological advancements, and consumer education initiatives, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for households worldwide.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF LAND USE CHANGE IN SLAWI SUBDISTRICT, TEGAL REGENCY, 2014 - 2024 USING HIGH RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGERY DATA

This research aims to analyze land use change in Slawi Sub-district, Tegal Regency, from 2014 to 2024 using high-resolution satellite image data. This study used Worldview-2 high resolution satellite image data in 2014 and Geoeye-1 in 2024. This study was classified into 14 land use classes consisting of rivers, roads, railways, agriculture, green open space, other vegetation, industry, housing, government, public service facilities, trade services, transportation, defense and security and open land. The spatial analysis method was used to map changes in land area based on the main use classes such as agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. The results showed a significant decrease in agricultural land area as well as an increase in residential land area and infrastructure, reflecting the changing pattern of regional growth and development. In conclusion, an in-depth understanding of land use dynamics in Slawi Sub-district is important to support environmental management policies, natural resource conservation, and sustainable regional development in the future.

Sustainability Education in Pakistan: A Qualitative Content Analysis of The 10th Grade Pakistan Studies Textbook

Using the Sustainability Framework proposed by Tavanti (2010), depiction of sustainability in 10th grade Pakistan Studies textbook. This textbook was selected through purposive sampling. For data analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis was used facilitated by NVivo 12 software. The findings of the study revealed that sustainability in the 10th grade Pakistan studies textbook was limited and lacked integration and concentration among several dimensions of sustainability as per Tavanti’s framework of sustainability. Partial coverage has been given to social, economic, cultural, and values dimensions of sustainability. Also, it lacks depth and does not discuss them critically. On the other hand, the environmental and institutional dimensions are almost non-existent. The textbook mostly emphasizes the economic use of natural resources and relatively ignores the role of environmental conservation and responsible use of natural resources. Moreover, the textbook failed to cover the role of indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity, and values in the promotion of sustainable development. Keywords: , textbook, Pakistan Studies, qualitative content analysis, Nvivo

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Farmers Towards Restoration of Degraded Land; the Cases of Harbo and Adea districts in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Land restoration is one of Ethiopia's top priorities for aligning development efforts with a climate-resilient green economy. In Ethiopia, initiatives to rehabilitate degraded land are generally evaluated in terms of the local people's economic and environmental impacts. Farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions toward land restoration, on the other hand, have to be taken into consideration for long-term natural resource conservation. As a consequence, this study examines the relationships between farmers' knowledge, attitude, and contributions to behavioral change in the restoration of degraded land. Data were collected from 120 farmers who participated in the restoration of degraded land. Structural equation models and mediation analyses were utilized for path analysis. The findings indicated that farmers had a good understanding of land restoration techniques. Analysis of the causal models revealed that farmers' attitude toward land restoration is highly influenced by their knowledge level of farmers. The outcome also revealed that positive attitudes of farmers resulted in behavioral change towards land restoration. Effective local community participation in the land restoration process and strengthening of their knowledge and attitudes that influence their behavior should be the cornerstones of sustainable land restoration.

Spatial patterns transformation due to deforestation in the Paraguayan Pantanal Ecoregion from 1987 to 2020

Understanding the effects of land use on landscape configuration as a proxy for ecological connectivity is necessary to envision territorial management and planning and promote natural resource conservation. This study aimed to identify the landscape configurations that resulted from land-cover change processes within the Paraguayan Pantanal Ecoregion (PPE), one of the largest and most biodiverse wetlands, in 1987, 2004, and 2020, with a special emphasis on forest and aquatic vegetation spatial patterns. Forest fragmentation between 1987 and 2020 was determined using landscape ecology metrics. In 1987, natural vegetation was highly connected, with two main forest patches of 12 887 and 15 910 km2. However, in 2004 and 2020, several categories of forest patches were identified, with the largest measuring 9197 and 2461 km2, respectively. Although forest and aquatic vegetation remnants remained viable in 2020, appropriate measures to reduce forest loss should be adopted to ensure the long-term viability of PPE biodiversity.

TVARIOS GYVENSENOS UGDYMAS IKIMOKYKLINIAME AMŽIUJE

The article discusses the aspects of integrating the topics of education of sustainable living and development strategy into the daily activities of the preschooler. Preschooler’s acquired knowledge and built habits of sustainable living remain further at school, if supported by family. Therefore, it is extremely important to apply the methods of sustainable living in teacher’s everyday activities and to introduce such educational activities which would become effective and applied without additional efforts. The habits of sustainable living at kindergarten “Rūtelė” in Plunge are being built following personal experiences by creating educational routine and including the main aspects of sustainable development strategy, such as: saving and conservation of environmental, natural and other resources, expansion of biological varieties in the territory of the kindergarten, socioemotional education, daily physical activity and healthy nutrition. Educational activities are being planned with the reference to the principles of the sustainable living, the basis of which is the perception that School is a consonant community, fostering ecology and health favourable ideas, as well as respect to a person and nature. Key words: sustainable living, strategy of sustainable strategy, preschool education, competence of natural sciences, recycling, organic nourishment, food waste

Estimation of water inflows to reservoirs of irrigation dams in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT The study was carried out in the northern Ghana to estimate water inflows to nine reservoirs of irrigation dams for a period of 20 years (1999–2018) using the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number model. The key input parameters of the model were hydrologic soil group, rainfall amount, landuse/landcover, weighted curve number, antecedent moisture condition, and potential maximum soil moisture retention. The annual rainfall within the reservoir catchments was found to vary between 617.20 and 1,382.30 mm. The estimated annual runoff depths ranged from 54.10 to 125.55 mm. A high degree of positive correlation was found between rainfall and runoff depths with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 79.80 to 90.70%. Hydrologic soil groups accounted for about 67.2 and 62.5% of the variation in runoff depth and percentage runoff, respectively. The estimated annual water inflows to the reservoirs ranged from 145,206 ± 125,814 m3/y at Gambibgo to 47,074,634 ± 4,395,860 m3/y at Tono. The variation in the annual water inflows and annual storage capacity recharge among the various reservoirs was noted to be influenced by reservoir size, catchment size, rainfall, and soil characteristics in the reservoir catchments.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF A LARGE RESERVOIR, ESTABLISHING AND FINDING ITS MAIN ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS

Water plays an important role in the normal life of a person as a member of society. The presence or absence of fresh water reserves is one of the most important economic and social factors for the successful existence and development of any country in modern conditions. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of having large fresh water reserves for every sector of the economy. Ukraine has one of the largest such reserves in the world. Over time, as established by research and forecasts, the value and cost of fresh water will only increase. Therefore, preserving, protecting, properly utilizing and maintaining large, man-made water reservoirs is an important and always relevant task for the people of Ukraine. This strategy seems especially important in the current state of full-scale military aggression by the neighboring enemy. Thus, it seems reasonable to care about the preservation and proper use of fresh water in the context of the current geopolitical conflict. Water resources indeed play a critical role in all areas of the economy and daily life. Fresh water supplies are essential for agriculture, industry, drinking water for the population, as well as for energy and other industries. Ukraine, as a country with large freshwater reserves, has the opportunity to use this resource to ensure sustainable development and reduce dependence on imports. Water reservoirs can also play a strategic role in the face of possible threats and military conflicts. The storage and maintenance of water reservoirs is a necessary precautionary measure in case of any possible threats to infrastructure and access to fresh water. It is also important to develop and implement strategies for water conservation and efficient use to guarantee long-term resilience and sustainability in the water supply sector. The context of armed conflict can pose additional challenges to water management. It is therefore important to have contingency plans in place and to ensure the safety of water bodies in such circumstances. The development and improvement of water supply systems, as well as the implementation of effective water management strategies, will contribute to the sustainable development and conservation of an important natural resource, which is fresh water. Taking into account the sufficient importance and relevance of all these issues, in the following studies, a certain mathematical model of a large modern reservoir is proposed and investigated in the form of such a volumetric geometric structure as a spatially horizontally oriented elliptical half cylinder with the corresponding parameters that correspond to the specific dimensions of a real reservoir, such as the length, width and depth of filling such a structure with water.It is believed that the height (depth) of the filling can change, and this fact is essentially the most important factor in the corresponding change in the current volume of stored water and the potential energy of the accumulated liquid.The main results of this work are the possibility of determining the value of the current volume and the accumulated potential energy of such a reservoir. The paper presents a geometric view of the model of such a structure, formulas and their results for finding the values of the mentioned energy characteristics of a reservoir of the corresponding geometry, draws conclusions, points out the advantages and possible disadvantages of the given mathematical model, and provides opportunities for the future creation of an alternative mathematical more adequate model of a modern reservoir in the form of a horizontally oriented elliptical half cone.

Choosing the Right Tool: A Comparative Study of Wetland Assessment Approaches

There are over 700 aquatic ecological assessment approaches across the globe that meet specific institutional goals. However, in many cases, multiple assessment tools are designed to meet the same management need, resulting in a confusing array of overlapping options. Here, we look at six riverine wetland assessments currently in use in Montana, USA, and ask which tool (1) best captures the condition across a disturbance gradient and (2) has the most utility to meet the regulatory or management needs. We used descriptive statistics to compare wetland assessments (n = 18) across a disturbance gradient determined by a landscape development intensity. Factor analysis showed that many of the tools had internal metrics that did not correspond well with overall results, hindering the tool’s ability to act as designed. We surveyed regional wetland managers (n = 56) to determine the extent of their use of each of the six tools and how well they trusted the information the assessment tool provided. We found that the Montana Wetland Assessment Methodology best measured the range of disturbance and had the highest utility to meet Clean Water Act (CWA§ 404) needs. Montana Department of Environmental Quality was best for the CWA§ 303(d) & 305(b) needs. The US Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Riparian Assessment Tool was the third most used by managers but was the tool that had the least ability to distinguish across a disturbance, followed by the US Bureau of Land Management’s Proper Functioning Condition.

REVIEW ON PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF FLY ASH: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

A rapidly developing economy creates surge in energy demand and forced to find various alternative energy sources. Though many non-conventional energy sources have come up in the energy landscape, the t dependency on coal-based energy has not been reduced. Continuous coal burning generates huge quantity of Fly Ash and creates problems of storage, transportation, and management for power plants. If the fly ash generated is not handled properly, it poses a serious threat to ecology and the environment. The present study begins with focusing on the importance of coal in the Indian energy sector and discuss the status of fly ash generation and utilization throughout the years. It also focuses on how enforced laws and regulations help for management of fly ash. It emphasizes fly ash classification and physical-chemical characteristics, then, elaborates on the different sectors that have adopted fly ash as resource material and proven its worth over a time. This review attempts to highlight the current status of fly ash management in India which contributes to environmental and natural resources conservation.

Forest Community Spatial Modeling Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Data

This study examines the application of unsupervised classification techniques in the mapping of forest vegetation, aiming to align vegetation cover with the Braun-Blanquet classification system through remote sensing. By leveraging Landsat 8 and 9 satellite imagery and advanced clustering algorithms, specifically the Weka X-Means, this research addresses the challenge of minimizing researcher subjectivity in vegetation mapping. The methodology incorporates a two-step clustering approach to accurately classify forest communities, utilizing a comprehensive set of vegetation indices to distinguish between different types of forest ecosystems. The validation of the classification model relied on a detailed analysis of over 17,000 relevés from the “Flora” database, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in matching satellite-derived vegetation classes with field observations. The study’s findings reveal the successful identification of 44 forest community types that was aggregated into seven classes of Braun-Blanquet classification system, demonstrating the efficacy of unsupervised classification in generating reliable vegetation maps. This work not only contributes to the advancement of remote sensing applications in ecological research, but also provides a valuable tool for natural resource management and conservation planning. The integration of unsupervised classification with the Braun-Blanquet system presents a novel approach to vegetation mapping, offering insights into ecological characteristics, and can be good starter point for sequestration potential of forest communities’ assessment in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Информационно-аналитические аспекты обеспечения количественной и качественной характеристики деятельности организаций аграрной сферы в ходе межотраслевых отношений

The modern agricultural economy is going through a qualitatively new stage of development, due to the formation of information and analytical systems to improve the quality of operational work, ensure accounting operations and evaluate the performance of organizations. The domestic agricultural sector, striving to achieve sustainable development goals, is exposed to threats and risks from the global information space. At the epicenter of the most important challenges are sectors of the economy, on the one hand, responsible for food security, and on the other, for the conservation of natural resources. Integrating elements of information and communication technologies during the implementation of inter-industry relations makes it possible to reduce losses of production resources and create a system of transparency in the movement of products from the manufacturer to the end consumer. The authors characterize the main current information and analytical systems, which include not only performance indicators of production, economic and management activities of organizations in the agricultural sector, but also reflect their industry specifics.

Effect of rubberized concrete integrating uncoated and coated crumb rubber on the flexural behavior of the RC beams reinforced with steel and GFRP bars

In this investigation, crumb rubber (CR) was a viable substitute for concrete's conventional natural fine aggregate (FNA). This approach carries dual advantages: the conservation of natural resources and the environmentally conscious recycling of rubber waste, diverting it from traditional disposal methods. The study incorporated varying proportions of CR (5%, 10%, and 20%) by volume of the sand used in the mixtures. The primary study objective is to enhance the bond between CR particles and the surrounding concrete components by coating the CR with cement or fly ash slurry (CTR and FATR). For the limitation of the previous research discussed the CR effect on the beam’s behavior, fourteen beams were poured with different rubberized concrete (RuC) and tested in flexure. This comprehensive approach sought to assess the influence of diverse factors, including rubber content, treatment materials, and the nature of internal reinforcement, on the overall performance and characteristics of the beams. The results assumed that the compressive strength was raised by 6.0–11.0% and 13.0–22.0% for the mixes cast with CTR and FATR, respectively, compared to the corresponding mixes cast with UR. Consequently, the tensile strength of the RuC-integrated CTR and FATR was raised by 5.9–11.0% and 14.0–22.0%, respectively, compared to the mixes integrating uncoating CR. Moreover, the beams cast with FATR concrete experienced the highest flexural capacities among all the steel RC beams. Furthermore, using the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars as internal reinforcement for the RC beams showed the highest load capacities.

AI-based Environmental Sustainability: Transforming Conservation Efforts

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has the potential to enhance sustainability efforts in the face growing environmental issues, especially in the areas of resource management and climate change mitigation. This study focuses at how artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability interact, examining the various ways AI might help solve urgent environmental issues. AI provides innovative methods to maximize utilization of resources, predict environmental trends, and promote accurate decision-making processes through the use of advanced computational algorithms and data analytics. This study analyses multiple applications of AI in environmental sustainability, from pollution prevention and natural resource conservation to climate modelling and renewable energy optimization. In addition, an evaluation is done about moral implications and possible socio-economic effects of AI-driven environmental solutions. Using an in-depth review of the majority of current research by applying case studies, this research identifies significant challenges and opportunities for more research and application while highlighting the revolutionary potential of AI in achieving environmental sustainability goals. Ultimately, the paper encourages ethical application of artificial intelligence (AI) as important part of larger strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change and developing a future that is environmentally conscious.

Are crop insurance discount programs for cover crops effective? Evidence from Iowa

AbstractCover crops are promoted by agronomists and governments due to their on‐farm and off‐farm benefits. Incentive programs were created because high planting costs have hindered cover crop adoption in the United States. Crop insurance discount programs are novel incentives that subsidize farmers’ crop insurance premiums by $5 per acre ($12.36 ha−1) on cover cropped land. While this payment is smaller than those typically offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state‐level cost‐share programs, crop insurance discount programs have the potential to reach a significant proportion of farmers who purchase crop insurance. This paper uses data from a survey of Iowa farmers to quantify whether participation in the Iowa Crop Insurance Discount Program (ICIDP) affects the area planted to cover crops. I find that 11% of the ICIDP area would not have been planted to cover crops in the absence of the program, which is similar to other programs after considering the lower payment rate.