Sustainable Development Efforts Research Articles

Why companies might under‐communicate their efforts for sustainable development and what can be done?

AbstractIn contrast with the increasing green demands from various stakeholders, corporations might prefer green blushing, that is, deliberately avoiding communicating their efforts for sustainable development. Surprisingly, these companies make substantial green achievements, but decide not to communicate their greenness. Using a broad literature review on green blushing and a conceptual reasoning backed up by anecdotal evidence, we expose the likely consequences of under‐communicating green achievements and develop several rationales that explain this apparent puzzle. We also propose that silent or timid corporations can make the best of two worlds, by taking advantage from communicating their greenness while avoiding its main pitfalls. We suggest practical ways to do it.

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Directions

Background: The proliferation of research on artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability has increased the lack of perspective on how future research can contribute to the big picture of sustainable development. This paper aims to synthesize and analyze academic research on AI and sustainability to reveal the main trends and propose a robust agenda to tackle future research on the theme. It answers four main research questions: (i) what is the current state of research on AI and sustainability? (ii) which are the most productive countries and journal outlets in this research area? (iii) how has the research in the area evolved? (iv) what are the research lacunae and, thus, the opportunity for future exploration? Method: To answer the research questions, we performed a bibliometric analysis of 3887 documents extracted from the Web of Science core collection of databases. Results: The primary finding of this research is that the motor themes pushing the research in AI for sustainability are related to energy efficiency, smart grid, and renewable energy. Yet the field suffers from eight main shortcomings: overreliance on ML; lack of study on human responses to climate crisis mitigation strategies; lack of performance measurement; lack of research about how cybersecurity risks may impact sustainable development efforts; lack of research about the adverse impact of AI development on the environment; lack of research on the impact of economics on AI for sustainability efforts; lack of discussion about policymaking and policy recommendation; and excessive focus on renewable energy. Conclusion: This paper contributes to scholarly conversations on the direction research on AI for sustainability should take by highlighting its shortcomings and proposing a robust research agenda to address them.

Exploration and characterization of chemical stimulators to maximize the wax ester production by Euglena gracilis

Euglena gracilis, a phototrophic protist, is a valuable biomass producer that is often employed in sustainable development efforts. E.gracilis accumulates wax esters as byproducts during anaerobic ATP production via the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, utilizing the storage carbohydrate β-1,3-glucan paramylon as the carbon source. Here, we report a library screening for chemical stimulators that accelerate both wax ester production and paramylon consumption. Among the 115 compounds tested, we identified nine compounds that increased wax ester production by more than 2.0-fold relative to the solvent control. In the presence of these nine compounds, the paramylon content decreased compared with the control experiment, and the residual paramylon content varied between 7% and 26% of the initial level. The most active compound, 1,4-diaminoanthracene-9,10-dione (OATQ008), stimulated wax ester production up to 2.7-fold within 24h, and 93% of the cellular paramylon was consumed. In terms of the structural features of the chemical stimulators, we discuss the potential target sites to stimulate wax ester production in mitochondria under anaerobic conditions.

Aspects Regarding Movila Verde-Independenta Water Supply Duct Protection from Water Hammer

Abstract In the context of sustainable development effort, the water supply systems in the rural area of Constanta County should be optimally designed, so that their safe, efficient operation is assured. The results obtained by numerical simulation showed that Movila Verde -Independenta water supply duct might be subject of cavitation occurrence during hydraulic shock. Further investigations showed that the duct is adequately protected by a relatively short closing law of the check valve and three air valves mounted in the nodes where cavitation might occur. Minimal pressure increases from -10 mwc to -0.6 mwc because of these protection measures. Furthermore, the slight increase of maximal pressure does not require additional protection devices.

Yenilenebilir ve Fosil Enerjiye Dayalı Elektrik Sektörlerinin İstihdam Etkilerinin Karşılaştırılması: Türkiye Örneği

Considering rapidly rising air pollution and unemployment problem in Turkey, renewable energy may be the most appropriate solution for both of the problems. While positive effect of renewable energy on the environement is widely acknowledged, there isn’t sufficient research about its effect on employment statistics. For this reason, in this study, the net employment benefit of the renewable-based electricity sector, against the fossil-based electricity sector, is investigated through Input-Output methodology. The estimation is done for both manufacturing/installation and operation/maintenance phases of solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal, coal, petrol, and natural gas-based electricity sectors, including all of the direct, indirect, and induced effects. According to the estimation results of both approaches and both of the phases, renewable-based electricity sectors are more effective than fossil-based electricity sectors in terms of employment generation. Therefore, besides its claimed benefits in terms of environment, the renewable energy sector may be a major instrument in the sustainable development efforts in Turkey, considering its employment benefits too.

Regional Hydrologic Classification for Sustainable Dam Operations in China: Exploratory Applications in the Yangtze River Basin

AbstractRegulated rivers worldwide are managed to meet human demands and reduce flood hazards but the resulting flow regime often fails to support ecological and hydrogeomorphic processes. Designing environmental flows (e‐flows) for regulated rivers has been the focus of recent studies, but in the absence of site‐specific monitoring data, it can be difficult to assign flow regimes. Given the recent development of dams throughout China, and the desire to minimize adverse downstream ecological effects, we classified river basins to identify characteristics for improved basin management. The purpose of the classification is to minimize the need for localized data when developing initial evaluations for planning e‐flow prioritization plans. Building on the functional flow framework of managing rivers to deliver environmental water in the right place, time, and amount, we use k‐means consensus clustering to group 185 subbasins of China’s Yangtze River into seven hydroclasses (consensus = 0.80). Similar hydrogeomorphic and ecological characteristics are used for the purposes of identifying flow regime components indexed against threatened aquatic species and anthropogenic pressures. This case study can inform water resource management and e‐flow requirements broadly. As hydropower dams are expected to more than double over the next 15 years globally, flexible management strategies that balance ecosystem needs with human demands can support efforts for sustainable development.

Beyond technology transfer: Innovation cooperation to advance sustainable development in developing countries

AbstractWhile technology continues to be seen as a key element in the move to sustainable development, international efforts around technology to support sustainable development transitions in developing countries have failed to yield results congruent with the needs. This review paper aims to contribute to, and help change, the conversation on international technology transfer (ITT) such that it leads to more productive international cooperative efforts for sustainable development in developing nations. We examine ITT in the health, agriculture, and climate and energy areas, juxtaposing it with relevant literature. Supporting domestic and international actors and processes, we highlight what are key elements for success in these areas of action to more effectively implement the SDGs in energy and environment in developing countries. Finally, we suggest that “innovation cooperation” is a better framing than “technology transfer” for advancing international efforts on technology for sustainable development. Such a framing allows for a broader and more comprehensive perspective on technology‐related cooperation between countries. It also emphasizes the need for equitable partnerships rather than donor–recipient relationships and for development of local innovation capabilities, leading to more effective marshaling of technologies to help developing countries achieve sustainable development.This article is categorized under:Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and PolicyEnergy and Climate > Systems and InfrastructureEnergy Research & Innovation > Climate and Environment

Scientific foundations for an ecosystem goal, milestones and indicators for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Despite substantial conservation efforts, the loss of ecosystems continues globally, along with related declines in species and nature's contributions to people. An effective ecosystem goal, supported by clear milestones, targets and indicators, is urgently needed for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and beyond to support biodiversity conservation, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to abate climate change. Here, we describe the scientific foundations for an ecosystem goal and milestones, founded on a theory of change, and review available indicators to measure progress. An ecosystem goal should include three core components: area, integrity and risk of collapse. Targets-the actions that are necessary for the goals to be met-should address the pathways to ecosystem loss and recovery, including safeguarding remnants of threatened ecosystems, restoring their area and integrity to reduce risk of collapse and retaining intact areas. Multiple indicators are needed to capture the different dimensions of ecosystem area, integrity and risk of collapse across all ecosystem types, and should be selected for their fitness for purpose and relevance to goal components. Science-based goals, supported by well-formulated action targets and fit-for-purpose indicators, will provide the best foundation for reversing biodiversity loss and sustaining human well-being.

Sustainable Development at University of Pécs

Since 2016, the University of Pécs (UP) has participated in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking. Thanks to its conscious, disciplined environmental ambitions and related achievements, UP has been able to move forward year after year in the ever-expanding rankings and in 2019 it has been ranked among the top 100 greenest universities in the world. UP believes that sustainability must be achieved not only in its operations and university-related services but also in the internal and external natural, social and economic environment associated with the university. UP presents its sustainable development efforts along the lines of achievements in the natural, social and economic environment and explores its future visions. UP stated its mission, that every useful practice, innovation, management in the environment tend to help sustainability and sustainable administration has to be encouraged, with the aid of education and science aiming to strengthen ecological consciousness. It was realized in the spirit of this mission, the development of the 24,8 billion HUF Modern Cities Programme for the built infrastructure of UP, the award of the title "Responsible Employer of the Year" in 2019, the award of the "Energy Efficient Institution" award as the first Hungarian university and the award of the Baranya County Environmental Prize was achieved. In the social and economic environment, as an Energy Efficiency Mentor organization, UP established the Baranya Virtual Power Plant Program in 2019, which, together with social and economic actors, saved 3.5 MW of energy in the South Transdanubian region of Hungary within 1 year. With the support of the Visegrad Fund, UP is trying to build a network of universities between the Visegrad countries and the universities of the Danube Region, where the fight against climate change will become even more effective by means of shaping attitudes. The University of Pécs intends to increase its environmental ambitions in the future

A Data-Driven Approach to Evaluation of Sustainability Reporting Practices in Extractive Industries

Sustainability reporting is one of the tools that contribute to incorporating sustainable development in the design of extractive operations (i.e., “Design for Sustainability”), and the demand for sustainability reports is increasing due to the increased focus on sustainable development and sustainable financing efforts. The extractive industries are believed to have unique strengths to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Nonetheless, companies are expected to be transparent and accountable not only to investors but to all stakeholders, including communities, suppliers, clients, employees, and governments. Therefore, extractive industries require effective sustainability accounting and reporting to transition and contribute to sustainable development. Through a data-driven approach, this paper examines the scope and consistency of sustainability indicators used in the sustainability reports of eight oil and gas and eight mining companies from 2012 to 2018. Through content analysis and relevant statistical methods, we analyze the ways in which companies reported on their contributions to sustainable development, with a focus on indicators used and trends over time both within each industry and between industries. We demonstrate that extractive industries’ sustainability reporting practices are not consistent over time and that internal issues are better represented than external issues, in particular transportation and supply chain issues. Furthermore, while there are similar trends across the industries in terms of social and environmental indicator reporting, there are significant differences in economic reporting. We conclude that although both industries have established sustainability reporting practices, there are trends that demonstrate what companies are focusing on more, as well as areas for improvement. We see this as an initial step for conceptualizing how these industries can more objectively, consistently, and effectively assess and contribute to sustainable development.

A rapid tree diversity assessment method for cocoa agroforestry systems

Biodiversity is recognized as an essential part of sustainable development efforts, however reducing biodiversity loss is a key global challenge that requires updated data on biodiversity status at different scales. Cocoa agroforests include tree species besides cocoa, a practice beneficial to biodiversity, ecosystem conservation and farming households. We present a stepwise procedure to test and select a method that rapidly assesses biodiversity in cocoa agroforests based primarily on species richness and counts of non-cocoa trees. Three rapid assessment methodologies (RapidBAM) with different sampling procedures were tested in three phases: calibration, testing and evaluation. Results showed the method using the lowest number of sample plots with a minimum area coverage and a consistent sampling time (regardless of farm context) provided the most accurate and straightforward assessment. Farmers accurately reported qualitatively on species, complimenting quantitative data produced by RapidBAM. Collecting biodiversity data with RapidBAM proved valuable to collect data at large-scales and is applicable to different landscapes. Monitoring biodiversity with fewer required resources than conventional methods is a relevant outcome, which can help defining efficient biodiversity-friendly farming practices.

Increasing risks for emerging infectious diseases within a rapidly changing High Asia

The cold and arid mountains and plateaus of High Asia, inhabited by a relatively sparse human population, a high density of livestock, and wildlife such as the iconic snow leopard Panthera uncia, are usually considered low risk for disease outbreaks. However, based on current knowledge about drivers of disease emergence, we show that High Asia is rapidly developing conditions that favor increased emergence of infectious diseases and zoonoses. This is because of the existing prevalence of potentially serious pathogens in the system; intensifying environmental degradation; rapid changes in local ecological, socio-ecological, and socio-economic factors; and global risk intensifiers such as climate change and globalization. To better understand and manage the risks posed by diseases to humans, livestock, and wildlife, there is an urgent need for establishing a disease surveillance system and improving human and animal health care. Public health must be integrated with conservation programs, more ecologically sustainable development efforts and long-term disease surveillance.

Regenerated hydrogel electrolyte towards an all-gel supercapacitor

Electrolyte regeneration is an important goal for environmental protection and sustainable development efforts. Herein, we report a facile strategy inspired by the transformation of edible dough from flour to regenerate hydrogel electrolytes from their dehydrated copolymer granules (CGs) via direct addition of water or salt solution. With the aid of heating, this procedure is efficient, relatively quick, and easily implemented. The dehydrated CGs are lightweight, reusable and stable under long-term storage. Even after 5 cycles of dehydration and regeneration, the regeneration efficiency of the hydrogel electrolytes, as evaluated based on retention of mechanical strength, is over 60%. The regenerated electrolytes possess considerable ionic conductivity, reprocessability, and 3D-printability. Furthermore, an all-gel supercapacitor assembled from the regenerated hydrogel electrolyte and activated carbon electrode with CGs as binder demonstrates excellent interfacial compatibility. The assembled all-gel supercapacitor can maintain 98.7% of its original specific capacitance after 100 bending tests, and can operate in a wide temperature range spanning from −15 to 60°C. This work may provide a new access to the development of renewable materials for various applications in the fields of intelligent devices, wearable electronics and soft robotics.

Multilingualism in Under-resourced Languages for Sustainable Development in Rural Communities

Cameroon, a central African country, is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Africa with about 280 living languages (Ethnologue 2020), for an estimated population of 26,727,521 people (Worldometer, 2020). Cameroon is second only to Papua New Guinea in terms of its multiplicity of languages for a relatively small population. Contrary to popular opinion, multilingualism exists even in rural communities; in fact, it is even more intense. In Lower Fungom, an incredibly linguistically diverse rural community in the Northwest region of Cameroon, high rates of individual multilingualism are the norm; it is common to find individuals who use more than seven distinct native languages to navigate through their daily lives. However, this multilingualism is usually neglected as a resource by foreign experts in the transmission of knowledge in linguistically diverse communities such as Lower Fungom. In their attempt to transmit knowledge in almost all ramifications including in the global pursuit of sustainable development, experts foreign to the target community typically focus only on the ‘understanding’ of their message, meanwhile ‘understanding’ could be totally inconsequential as far as the acceptance of a people is concerned. Sustainable development with trends away from the (socio-cultural and linguistic) norms of a community would be a complete farce. This paper aims at highlighting two key features indispensable for development to be extended to rural communities in Cameroon and for it to be sustainable. These aspects are the active collaboration with community members to obtain culturally appropriate interpretations and the use of all the languages existing in the community in transmitting knowledge. Data for this paper comprises recorded natural speeches, interviews, and observation notes due to prolonged stays in the area and resultant informal discussions with its indigenes. This study will not only add to the handful of studies on rural multilingualism. It will not also only promote multilingualism that has become an endangered practice, but it will also be a crucial addition to efforts of sustainable development in Cameroon.

Meneguhkan Peran Perempuan

Gender equality has been recognized and accepted as a normative framework for human development. The aim of this article is to explore in depth a pragmatic, action-based approach that will translate gender equality and women's empowerment programs into concrete reality. This study was carried out through action research in the Library Studies, in which the authors reviewed and analyzed gender-related studies for further conclusions to be drawn. The results of the study found that development goals regarding gender equality and women's empowerment are not only needed for sustainable development efforts in Indonesia; it also demands a pragmatic approach to appropriate policy formulation, program design, focused implementation and effective monitoring and evaluation in a climate of friendly political will, genuine commitment and a restoration of national orientation.

S4D AS A CHARACTER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDONESIAN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS PROFESSION IN THE 4.0 INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ERA

The purpose of this article is to discuss the development of the physical and sports professions in Indonesia in advancing the character of the industrial revolution 4.0 program towards the 2030 sustainable development program, achievements in the era of sustainable development goals (SDGs). In the development of the 4.0 revolution program, not only skills and technology are needed but the skills of a product in critical thinking, creative, innovative, learning technology, trying new and rich things, and being able to collaborate to realize new sciences. Through this S4D, it is hoped that it can maximize sports goals in accordance with RI Law NO. 3 of 2005, so that it can support the http://sdgs.bappenas.go.id/target-4 program in sustainable development efforts and achieving the era of sustainable Development Goals 2030. Keywords: S4D, UU RI NO 3 THAUN 2005

Mixed fleet based green clustered logistics problem under carbon emission cap

Sustainable transportation is an ever-demanding matter for cities and societies in light of minimizing global CO2 emissions. This paper introduces the mixed fleet based green clustered logistics problem (MFGCLP) under CO2 emission cap to deal with the sustainable development effort of the transportation industry. The mixed fleet consists of hydrogen vehicles and conventional vehicles. In the proposed distribution problem, customers are clustered in different segments based on similar characteristics. The customers belonging to a cluster must be served by the same vehicle before it visits customers from a different cluster or before it returns to the depot. The CO2 emission of the vehicles is realistically considered as a function of traveled distance, speed, and on-board cargo load. The problem also includes time windows for customers and maximum tour length for the routes. A new hybrid metaheuristic, combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) and neighborhood search, is proposed to solve the problem. Extensive computational experiments have been performed on newly generated problem instances, and benchmark problem instances adopted from the literature. The proposed hybrid PSO proved to be superior to the state-of-the-art algorithms available in the literature.

Future of Sustainable Management of Energy Companies in Terms of Attitudes and Preferences of the Younger Generation

The future of the energy sector depends on the younger generation. The paper presents the results of the study, the aim of which was to determine to what extent younger generation is pro-ecological and pro-social, and whether they will include pro-ecological and pro-social activities in the management of energy companies. It is especially important to implement sustainable management in the energy sector. The study found that only 33.9% of young people are highly pro-ecological and 28.6% highly pro-social. As many as 83.0% of the younger generation show low and medium interest in environmental protection. Declarations of young people concerning high degree of inclusion of pro-ecological and pro-social activities in management are at the level of 49.9% and 58.1%. However, in many cases, these intentions do not coincide with the high pro-ecological and pro-social attitude of young people. This means that their future activity for sustainable management may be low. According to the survey, the younger generation to a large extent is not prepared to continue efforts for sustainable development in the future in the energy companies.

Pengarusutamaan Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) Program Pengentasan Kemiskinan di Kota Pagar Alam

Poverty is one of the indicators in judging the succeded sustainable development efforts. This study aims to analyze correlation between poverty alleviation budget programs by the Government and Local Government of Pagar Alam City with the percentage of poverty levels and determine poverty alleviation priority programs can be pursued by the Local Government of Pagar Alam City related to the achievement of SDGs mainstreaming target on 2030. The analytical method in this study uses the Pearson Correlation and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results showed that the poverty allevation program budget had a signifiant corelation to the poverty percentage reduction in collaborative and synergistic budgeting through the APBD of Pagar Alam with APBN. Based on the assessment in the AHP model, the Social Welfare Services and Rehabilitation Program is first ranked or the first choice in the framework of poverty alleviation by SDGs mainstreaming.

Passive, Victims or Unintended Misrepresentation?

Sustainable development efforts to mitigate the challenges that women face in the midst of land grabbing could be significantly undermined or they could fail to address the concerns of rural African women if they are not driven by the everyday lived experiences of rural African women. Evidence suggests that current accounts of how rural African women experience land grabbing oversimplify the homogeneity of their experiences, depicting them as entirely passive and victims who lack the agency to react to the loss of their land. Addressing this gap in our appreciation of the impact of land grabbing on rural African women is significant to ensure equal access to land and secure tenure rights for women actually work. To this end, there are some in the literature that have, and continue to challenge the depiction of rural African women as entirely passive and victims, lacking agency. This paper builds on those studies to expand the parameter of inquiry by bringing fresh perspectives to the debate from Senjeh District in Liberia. Utilising data collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews in the district over a period of four months, this paper argues that there is a divergence between the well held notions by the literature and experts on the one hand and, women in Senjeh on the other hand. The paper also argues that rural women in Senjeh District exhibited various agency in multiple ways against the loss of their land to Sime Darby.