Environmental Advocacy Groups Research Articles

Marine Pollution and Waste Management

Water covers more than 70% of the surface of the globe. The ocean, which is amazing and significantly controls the world's climate, also has a hidden crisis, namely marine pollution. In the modern world, marine pollution is becoming a bigger issue. Article 1 (1) (4) of UNCLOS : says that “Pollution of the marine environment” means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment, including estuaries, which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, a hindrance to marine activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of seawater and reduction of amenities”. Chemicals and garbage, most of which originate on land and are blown or carried into the water, are the two main components of marine pollution. Marine pollution, caused by human activities like improper disposal, shipping, and overfishing, harms ecology, health, and global economic institutions. Solutions include international agreements, sustainable fishing, improved waste disposal, and raising awareness. Education-based campaigns have the power to inspire citizens, groups, and governments to action. The legislative reforms and sustainable practices are significantly aided by environmental organizations and advocacy groups. The government has made several notable efforts, such as the plastic ban, marine protected areas, clean-up programs, and environmentally friendly fishing. Several countries have enacted plastic bags, which have significantly reduced the amount of plastic pollution, while the ocean may not be affected. Creating marine protected zones helps safeguard biodiversity and gives damaged ecosystems a place to recover. This article gives a general overview of the complex issue of marine pollution and shows how important it is to have efficient waste management plans. It investigates diverse marine pollution types and causes, emphasizing the dangers it poses, such as biodiversity loss, potential health hazards for humans, and significant financial expenses.

The Role of Tangguh Development Projects in Achieving Welfare for the Papuan Community

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine and analyze the role of the Tangguh Development Project in realizing the welfare of the Papuan people. Methods: Describe the methodology used in the study, such as data collection methods, analysis techniques, and any relevant frameworks or theories employed to assess the impact of the Tangguh Development Project on Papuan welfare. This could involve surveys, interviews, case studies, or statistical analysis. Results and Discussion: Present the findings of the study regarding the role of the Tangguh Development Project in promoting the welfare of the Papuan people. Discuss the positive impacts, if any, as well as any shortcomings or challenges faced by BP Tangguh in fulfilling its commitments. Analyze the discrepancies between BP's claims and the actual conditions on the ground, particularly in the economic sector. Implications of the Research: Discuss the implications of the findings for various stakeholders, including BP Tangguh, the Indonesian government, local communities in Papua, and environmental advocacy groups. Address the potential socio-economic, environmental, and political implications of the Tangguh Development Project on Papuan welfare and broader regional development. Originality/Value: Highlight the original contributions of the study to the existing literature on corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, and resource extraction projects in indigenous or marginalized communities. Emphasize the value of the research in informing future policy decisions, corporate practices, and community engagement strategies aimed at promoting inclusive development and equitable distribution of benefits from resource projects like the Tangguh Development Project.

Public awareness and perceptions of ocean plastic pollution and support for solutions in the United States

We conducted a nationally-representative survey of United States (U.S.) adults (n=1,960) in 2021 to gather insights on the knowledge, perceptions, and concerns about threats to the ocean, with a specific focus on plastics and microplastic pollution. Responses from the U.S. adult survey group were compared to a group of highly-engaged, Ocean Conservancy members who are very attuned to ocean issues (n=882). Ocean Conservancy is a U.S.-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest challenges. Plastic pollution was the primary ocean concern identified by both U.S. adults and Ocean Conservancy members, surpassing eight other threat categories including oil spills, chemical and nutrient pollution, and climate change. Broad concern was reported for both study groups about the impacts of ocean plastics on marine wildlife, with human health and coastal community impact concerns being less prominent. About half of U.S. adults and 90% of Ocean Conservancy members had heard of microplastics. Both study groups indicated widespread support for microplastic pollution prevention measures in the U.S. and believed industry to be most responsible for taking action to address it. Ocean Conservancy members were generally better informed and more concerned about plastic pollution impacts and microplastics than U.S. adults and reported significantly greater levels of personal action to reduce their plastic footprint when compared to U.S. adults. In general, U.S. adults reported a willingness to refuse single-use plastics, but less frequently brought personal food containers to restaurants for takeout, or contacted local representatives or businesses about reducing plastic waste and pollution. Overall, our survey results provide new insights about public understanding of ocean threats and plastic pollution, willingness to participate in individual plastic-reduction actions, and support for needed solutions.

Ecosystem Services and Urban Planning

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to explore ecosystem services and urban planning.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to ecosystem services and urban planning. Preliminary empirical review emphasized the need for sustainable urban planning practices that integrate ecological considerations, prioritize green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation, and address disparities in access to ecosystem services. Urban planners and policymakers are key actors in ensuring the well-being of urban populations and the environment, making informed decisions about land use, transportation, and sustainability practices crucial. These findings have implications for environmental advocacy groups and policymakers, as they underscore the importance of advocating for eco-friendly urban development to protect and enhance critical ecosystem services, ultimately creating more resilient and equitable cities that benefit both people and the environment.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Urban Political Ecology Theory (UPE), Ecological Modernization Theory and Resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on ecosystem services. The study provided recommendations to enhance urban planning practices. It suggests integrating ecosystem services into planning processes, emphasizing the importance of green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation within cities, and promoting community engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. These recommendations aim to create more resilient and sustainable urban environments that prioritize the well-being of residents while safeguarding and enhancing the valuable ecosystem services urban areas provide.

Awareness about Climate Change among Students: A Sustainable Future

Climate change is a pressing global challenge that demands immediate attention and collective action. This study aims to assess the level of awareness about climate change among students and explore the potential implications for building a sustainable future. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of students across various educational institutions. The quantitative phase involves distributing structured surveys to assess the baseline knowledge of students regarding climate change, its causes, consequences, and potential mitigation strategies. Additionally, the survey explores students’ attitudes towards sustainable practices and their perceptions of the role of individuals, governments, and corporations in addressing climate change.The qualitative phase consists of in-depth interviews with a subset of survey participants to delve deeper into their understanding of climate change concepts, sources of information, and factors influencing their attitudes and behaviours. These interviews provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing educational efforts and identify potential barriers to fostering sustainable behaviours among students.Preliminary findings reveal a range of awareness levels among students, with some displaying a comprehensive understanding of climate change while others exhibit misconceptions or limited knowledge. The study identifies formal education, social media, and environmental advocacy groups as key sources of information for students. Furthermore, it highlights the role of personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic factors in shaping students’ perspectives on climate change. This study underscores the significance of integrating comprehensive climate change education into curricula across all educational levels. It also emphasizes the need for targeted awareness campaigns that leverage digital platforms and community engagement to enhance students’ understanding of climate change and inspire pro-environmental behaviors. By equipping students with accurate information and a sense of agency, educators and policymakers can contribute to a more informed and ecologically responsible citizenry, thereby fostering the foundation for a sustainable future.

Optimal profitable allocation of associated natural gas resource on a countrywide basis to mitigate flaring

The flaring of large volumes of the natural gas that is produced as a by-product of crude oil, has puzzled the energy-hungry world for long. In recent years, it has also drawn the angst of the environmental and global-warming advocacy groups. The issues behind gas flaring are complex, as they involve a dynamic interplay of geosciences, engineering, economics, finance and natural resource policy-making.The purpose of this research is to analyze the associated gas problem quantitatively from a country-wide perspective. Unlike prior studies, this work focusses on the upstream side where the crucial strategic decisions are made upfront. To this end, a mathematical model is proposed for seeking the optimal integrated management strategy for the said national resource. The model is based on the Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) technique and consists of scores of techno-economic decision variables and constraint equations along with a profit maximization objective.The model is general in nature but is applied herein to Nigeria as a case study. Several simulation runs are made to provide results for explanatory and prediction purposes. Model results indicate, for example, that a minimum gas price of $4.4/Mscf and minimum spend of $22B are jointly required to achieve zero-flaring, yielding a $10B profit. This is achievable via a strategy of reinjecting all associated gas produced from medium and large-sized fields, but gathering and selling all gas from small fields. Capital availability, rather than nationwide government-decreed flaring control, is shown to be the dominant determinant of profitable flaring mitigation. The model has proven to be a valuable tool for establishing the inter-relations between the key problem parameters under various pricing and resource base scenarios, and for prognosticating the trajectory of the gas industry in various jurisdictions.

Green hydrogen in India: Prioritization of its potential and viable renewable source

Green hydrogen, a carbon-neutral fuel, has the potential to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas and plays a vital role in mitigating climate change. Its potential is immense in renewable-rich Asian economies, however, its production is yet to start with key factors such as safety parameters, resources, proper government incentives, and public acceptability affecting its optimal generation. This study employs three multi-criteria decision-making approach like analytic hierarchy process (AHP), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and Fuzzy-AHP followed by the sensitivity analysis to identify and prioritize the robustness of the five primary potentials (social, political, economic, technical, and environmental). Subsequently, categorized into 22 sub-potentials of green hydrogen and ideal renewable resource for the sustainable development objective of India. The results of the DEMATEL analysis suggest that the social is the key predictor and the last one is Technical. The Fuzzy-TOPSIS method suggests that solar is the best renewable energy resource followed by wind, small hydro, and biomass energy. Hence, the government's intervention and robust policy frameworks are required to increase its production with special emphasis on cost considering solar energy. The finding of this study will guide the governments, energy sector players, producers, environmental advocacy groups, and users to make a strategic decision regarding the choice of the most viable source of renewable energy to achieve the targets of sustainable development Goals (SDGs-7).

Infrastructure development and environmental risk perceptions in the Wild Coast, South Africa

Government’s proposal to construct the N2 Toll Road in the Wild Coast was lauded for its ‘developmental agenda’ in the historically neglected Wild Coast communities of the Eastern Cape province. This project, the government and business groups envisaged, would open up the coastal communities of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to economic development of the region and the nation in general. However, the road project has equally been criticised by several local communities and environmental advocacy groups who associate the road with the controversial plan to mine titanium in the region and its anticipated social and ecological disasters. Using a qualitative research approach that utilised face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data review and observations, the study found that different communities associate the project with high risks regarding their environment.Contribution: The study was anchored on the cultural theory of risk perception, which helped in exploring how people’s preferences differ in terms of how life should be organised, their perceptions of risk, and their responses to it.

Data to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houston.

Exposures to environmental contaminants can be influenced by social determinants of health. As a result, persons living in socially disadvantaged communities may experience disproportionate health risks from environmental exposures. Mixed methods research can be used to understand community-level and individual-level exposures to chemical and nonchemical stressors contributing to environmental health disparities. Furthermore, community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches can lead to more effective interventions. We applied mixed methods to identify environmental health perceptions and needs among metal recyclers and residents living in disadvantaged neighborhoods near metal recycling facilities in Houston, Texas, in a CBPR study, Metal Air Pollution Partnership Solutions (MAPPS). Informed by what we learned and our previous findings from cancer and noncancer risk assessments of metal air pollution in these neighborhoods, we developed an action plan to lower metal aerosol emissions from metal recycling facilities and enhance community capacity to address environmental health risks. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and community surveys were used to identify environmental health concerns of residents. A diverse group from academia, an environmental justice advocacy group, the community, the metal recycling industry, and the local health department collaborated and translated these findings, along with results from our prior risk assessments, to inform a multifaceted public health action plan. An evidence-based approach was used to develop and implement neighborhood-specific action plans. Plans included a voluntary framework of technical and administrative controls to reduce metal emissions in the metal recycling facilities, direct lines of communication among residents, metal recyclers, and local health department officials, and environmental health leadership training. Using a CBPR approach, health risk assessment findings based on outdoor air monitoring campaigns and community survey results informed a multipronged environmental health action plan to mitigate health risks associated with metal air pollution. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11405.

Gene‐Edited Food Adoption Intentions and Institutional Trust in the United States: Benefits, Acceptance, and Labeling☆

AbstractNew gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR‐Cas9, have created the potential for rapid development of new gene‐edited food (GEF) products. Unlike genetically modified organism foods, there is limited research and literature on U.S. public opinions about GEFs. We address this knowledge gap by examining how crop‐based GEF adoption is linked to public trust in institutions and values using the Theory of Planned Behavior. We employ ordinal regression models to predict adoption intentions (direct benefits, acceptability, willingness to eat, and labeling) using a unique and nationally representative survey of n = 2,000 adults in the United States. We find that adoption hinges on public trust in institutions overseeing GEF development, especially trust in university scientists. The 29 percent of Americans likely to adopt GEFs highly trust government food regulators and the biotech industry. A nearly equal number of likely non‐adopters distrust current regulatory systems in favor of consumer and environmental advocacy groups. However, most Americans (41 percent) are uncertain about GEF adoption and whom to trust. Although 75 percent of Americans want GEFs labeled, few trust government agencies who have authority to issue labels. Our findings suggest public trust in GEFs and labels can only be obtained by tripartite oversight by universities, advocacy groups, and government food regulators.

A Just Transition for Labour: The Challenges of Moves to a Circular Economy

Proposals for a just transition for labour have been largely restricted to debates about transitions from the coal and oil industries. However, the transitions under way, especially in the context of the climate crisis, are more widespread. Hence the debates about a just transition from carbon-intensive industries should be refined and extended; otherwise, there is a prospect of rhetorical gesturing and little substantive change. Alongside these debates, planning guidelines are in place to encourage the adoption of circular economy practices to address questions relating to material sustainability, especially in the context of the encroaching climate crisis. Relatively little attention has been given to the implications for work and employment relationships of realizing the increasingly popular ambition to reuse, recycle and re-manufacture material inputs, waste and end-of-life products. To address these themes, the focus here is on the importance of a developed worker-focused just transition in Australian housing construction, and by implication other industries. The argument is twofold. First, an effective worker-based approach means participative and engaged labour unions pursuing transition objectives. Second, moves toward a circular economy require a just transition for the workforce. Such a transition must be planned and inclusive, with workers and their organizations as active subjects in the process. Hence, different strategies are required when unions are not in a position to speak for the whole workforce. We propose that alliances based on unions and other bodies that support workers and their households (such as environmental and other advocacy groups) become critical to the creation of a sustainable and just circular economy. Alliance politics, supported by appropriate government regulation, can become the basis to overcome the partiality and fragmentation of union representation. Abstract Proposals for a just transition for labour have been largely restricted to debates about transitions in coal regions. Yet a just transition for labour should apply to all industries. Alongside these debates, planning guidelines are in place to encourage the adoption of circular economy practices to address questions relating to material sustainability, especially in the context of the encroaching climate crisis. Surprisingly, few people have considered the implications of such changes for work and employment relationships. Unless a just transition is pursued, current inequalities in the housing construction industry are likely to intensify and remain embedded. The argument is that moves toward a circular economy in Australian housing construction require a just transition for the workforce. Such a transition must be planned and inclusive.

Regulation Negotiation

This article examines the use of regulation negotiation as an alternative to traditional rule making processes in state level bureaucracies. Direct observation of the Special Protection Water Program regulation negotiations at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from January, 1995 through August, 1996, shows that regulation negotiation can only be applied to issues with clearly defined policy alternatives, a limited number of affected parties and a distinct but not imminent deadline. All parties must be willing to bargain or negotiated agreement will not be reached. On a positive note, a survey of regulation negotiation participants revealed that agency administrators, environmental advocacy groups, and the regulated business community all perceive real benefits in the process.

The Power of Emotional Appeal in Motivating Behaviors to Mitigate Climate Change among Generation Z

ABSTRACT This study examines how emotionally evocative viral videos on climate change may promote Generation Z’s actions addressing climate change. Through an online survey of 583 participants, this study provides empirical evidence supporting the conceptual framework incorporating problem recognition, involvement recognition, and motivation mediators to understand the mechanism underlying the effects of emotions on advocacy behaviors from passive information seeking, to proactive willingness to speak out, and willingness to alter behavior to mitigate climate change. Results of the study provide guidelines for environmental nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups on how to educate Generation Z on the climate change issue and engage this young generation to mitigate climate change.

Crisis and opportunity: the impacts of COVID-19 on water advocacy in Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT This article provides results from interviews and a focus group conducted at two different points in time in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which explored impacts of the pandemic and adaptation among water advocacy organizations in southern Ontario, Canada. Our findings show that despite the destabilizing and sometimes devastating impact of COVID-19 on grassroots organizations and their programs, by disrupting business as usual the pandemic also created the conditions for experimentation, innovation, the establishment of new capacities and strategic foci. In this paper, we share descriptive narratives from water activists in our geographic area about how they adapted and innovated their work despite the challenges of the pandemic. Our findings illustrate and add nuance to themes emerging in the literature about the impacts of the pandemic on environmental advocacy groups and other nonprofit organizations, and generate new themes for further exploration.

Trade‐In or Sell in My P2P Marketplace: A Game Theoretic Analysis of Profit and Environmental Impact

As more customers purchase pre‐owned apparel, firms are increasingly adopting resale based business models. These models typically operate as either (i) a trade‐in and resale program, wherein a firm offers a trade‐in discount on a new product and resells the traded‐in products, or (ii) a P2P resale marketplace where customers can buy and sell used products to each other. Since different firms choose different resale strategies, it is not clear which strategy is more profitable. Furthermore, although firms that adopt each resale model also promote their environmental benefits, there are concerns that these firms are greenwashing, that is, misrepresenting the environmental benefits of their business models. Hence, we investigate the profitability and environmental impacts of these resale marketplace models and find that the trade‐in model may be more profitable despite the lower reverse logistics cost in the P2P model, and the P2P resale marketplace may be more profitable despite the trade‐in program having direct control over the supply and demand of used products. Furthermore, both models can be better for the environment depending on the product characteristics and perceived quality difference between the used products sold in these programs. We further identify when each model is better for profitability and environment concurrently and when there is misalignment. Other results and managerial insights include comparative pricing of new and used products, market coverage, total sales, and resales, and the impact of product durability on pricing. The insights presented in this study provide useful guidelines for firms, non‐governmental organizations, and environmental advocacy groups.

A contingent diffusion model of local climate change policy adoption: Evidence from Southern California cities

Climate change policy is an essential driver of urban sustainability, yet minimal research has examined how they emerge and spread across cities in shared metropolitan areas. While policy diffusion or policy mobility theories could explain the aforesaid, much of the international scholarship have not utilized an amalgamation of these two complementary theoretical perspectives. As a result, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the regional dynamics and spillover effects local governments can generate for urban sustainability. This article proposes a contingent diffusion model to examine the intra-regional adoption of local climate action plans within Southern California from 2000 to 2018. We find that neighboring jurisdictions that adopt climate policy increase the likelihood of a home city's adoption. Yet, neighboring effect is contingent on the home city's existing pro-environmental policy propensity. However, in contrast to conventional wisdom, this study finds no evidence that local environmental advocacy groups play a crucial role in the diffusion of municipal climate initiatives. Altogether, the results suggest that a regional diffusion model of policy innovations is more likely successful when adaptive capacity is in place to facilitate green infrastructure. These findings provide implications for policymakers and planners who want to achieve successful spillovers of urban climate policies across local governments.

A Contingent Diffusion Model of Local Climate Change Policy Adoption: Evidence from Southern California Cities

Climate change policy is an essential driver of sustainability, yet minimal research has examined how they emerge and spread across cities in shared metropolitan areas. While policy diffusion or policy mobility theories could explain the aforesaid, much of the international scholarship have not utilized an amalgamation of these two complementary theoretical perspectives. As a result, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the regional dynamics and spillover effects local governments can generate for urban sustainability. This article proposes a contingent diffusion model to examine the intra-regional adoption of local climate action plans within Southern California from 2000 to 2018. We find that neighboring jurisdictions that adopt climate policy increase the likelihood of a home city’s adoption. Yet, neighboring effect is contingent on the home city’s existing pro-environmental policy propensity. In contrast to conventional wisdom, this study finds no evidence that local environmental advocacy groups play a crucial role in the diffusion of municipal climate initiatives. Altogether, the results suggest that a regional diffusion model of policy innovations is more likely successful when adaptive capacity is in place to facilitate green infrastructure. These findings provide implications for urban policymakers who want to achieve successful spillovers of urban climate policies across local governments.

Air quality monitoring goes local

On average, people of color in the US live in places with poorer air quality than do White people. More-granular air quality measurement technologies involving ground-based sensor networks and pollution-monitoring satellites can find differences in air quality between neighborhoods. Researchers hope these technologies will allow people who reside in neighborhoods with poor air quality to attach hard numbers to their experiences and help identify and address health inequities. Activists and community leaders plan to use the data from these tools to help persuade policy makers and industry to support targeted pollution mitigation efforts to the neighborhoods that stand to benefit the most from them. When Cesunica Ivey moved to Southern California to start her lab at the University of California, Riverside, in 2018, one of the first things she did was meet with a local environmental advocacy group. An expert in air quality modeling and exposure, Ivey wanted to know

Just “performance nonsense”?: How recipients process news photos of activists’ symbolic actions about climate change politics

Abstract In this article, I investigate how recipients make sense of images that show symbolic actions by environmental activists during two recent United Nations Climate Change Conferences. Environmental advocacy groups are successful in creating visibility for their symbolic actions via news visuals, but little empirical evidence exists about how ordinary media recipients engage with this type of imagery. Can they understand the intended meaning of complex visual rhetoric used by environmental activists? I use think-aloud protocols to uncover the cognitive strategies which are used in processing these stylised visual claims. Results show that news photos rarely manage to communicate the intended meaning of symbolic actions. By systematically analysing various stages of visual frame processing, this study offers insights into specific configurations of the image-viewer relationship that cause high levels of ambiguity and prevent staged visual claims from being understood as intended. Yet I also find empirical evidence for a visual framing approach that works well and describe this recipe for effective communication via symbolic action photography.

The new revolving door

This Article demonstrates that a new revolving door is emerging between environmental-advocacy groups and the private sector. Since the birth of the modern regulatory state, scholars have raised concerns that the revolving door between corporations and government agencies could induce government officials to pursue corporate interests rather than the public interest. The legal and political-science literatures have identified several benefits that may arise from the revolving door, but the thrust of the scholarship to date has emphasized the potential harms. Using several data sources, we demonstrate that as the private sector has begun to play an increasing role in environmental governance in recent years, a new revolving door has emerged between environmental-advocacy groups and corporations, institutional investment firms, and private equity firms. We demonstrate that this new revolving door is surprisingly common, and we examine the implications for the future of public and private environmental governance. Although this new revolving door creates new risks, we argue that it may turn on its head the central concern about the revolving door: The movement of environmental advocates into corporate management positions may play the role of greening corporate behavior and may accelerate the development of private environmental initiatives. We focus on the movement of employees in the environmental area—a new green revolving door—but we suggest that this new revolving door also may be emerging in labor, health and safety, and other regulatory areas.