Environmental Policy Analysis Research Articles

Turn to the right, turn away from the green?—A nuanced analysis on how a populist radical right party affects environmental policy making in Sweden

AbstractPopulist radical right parties are on the rise all over Europe. Recent literature investigates their effects on environmental policy, however, often applying an overly broad perspective on the policy area and neglecting causal mechanisms. This article addresses both gaps in an in‐depth case study of partisan effects on Swedish environmental policy in the wake of increasing populist radical right influence. A novel data approach deriving party positions and policy output from the hard figures of budget proposals between 2001 and 2023, allows a nuanced analysis of environmental policy and its subsectors (e.g., nature conservation and climate mitigation). In summary, a traditional partisan effect is confirmed as a major explaining factor for environmental policy change, while the effect unfolds through altered coalition formation strategies leading to the exclusion of “green voices.” This brings to the fore interactive environmental policy effects of the populist radical right and center‐right parties in the context of changing party competition constellations more generally.

Assessing microplastic pollution in a river basin: A multidisciplinary study on circularity, sustainability, and socio-economic impacts

Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental challenge worldwide, posing serious threats to ecosystems and human health. This study seeks to explore the interplay among circularity, sustainability, and the release of microplastics within the freshwater ecosystems situated along the western Black Sea coast- Düzce, Türkiye. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates environmental science, economics, and policy analysis, the research examines the current state of plastic pollution in the region, considering diverse land uses and socio-economic lifestyles. Conducted over four different seasons, the current study identifies the prevailing types of microplastics in the region. Fibers dominate, comprising 86.7% in each season, followed by film and fragments at 7.7% and 7.0%, respectively. Notably, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) emerges as the primary polymer types. The distribution of polymer types varies across different land uses within the region, emphasizing the influential role of land use in shaping the abundance polymer composition. The comprehensive assessment of pollution, as reflected in the overall pollution load index (PLI) of the Melen River indicating a concerning level of pollution (PLI>1). Finally, the study unveiled the relationship between socio-economic activities as well as the seasonal precipitation patterns, and microplastic contamination in the region. This underscored the importance of site-specific mitigation measures on reducing the amount of microplastics. Lastly, incorporating sustainable practices within the circular economy framework fosters a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental protection in Türkiye.

Leveraging Large Language Models for Information Retrieval from NEPA Documents

This paper explores the application of large language models (LLMs) to efficiently and accurately extract relevant information from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, specifically focusing on environmental impact statements (EIS). NEPA mandates federal agencies to evaluate the environmental effects of their proposed actions, and EIS documents are essential for this process. However, these documents are often lengthy and complex, making manual information extraction time-consuming and error-prone. We address this challenge by leveraging advanced natural language processing techniques and the newly introduced NEPAQuAD1.0 dataset, which contains 1,450 question-answer pairs generated under human supervision. Our approach involves fine-tuning the Meta-Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct model on this dataset. The results demonstrate significant improvements in retrieval accuracy and efficiency compared to baseline models, highlighting the potential of LLMs to streamline the environmental review process and provide valuable insights for environmental policy analysis. This work contributes to the broader field of natural language processing by offering a robust method for handling complex, domain-specific information retrieval tasks.

Resilience and Adaptation: Urban Muslim Communities in DKI Jakarta Facing Environmental Challenges

This study examined the ways in which Muslim communities in DKI Jakarta have adapted and demonstrated resilience in the context of environmental challenges. This study focuses on the adaptation strategies developed by Muslim communities in response to environmental disturbances, including flooding, pollution, and water quality degradation. To investigate these strategies, the study employs theoretical approaches drawn from the fields of socio-ecological resilience, climate justice, and urban green infrastructure. The research methods employed included a qualitative analysis of environmental policies, community practices, and adaptive responses. The findings indicated that the resilience of these communities was underpinned by robust religious values, social cohesion, and pioneering adaptation strategies. The implementation of urban green infrastructure has been demonstrated to enhance the adaptive capacity of communities in response to climate change. Furthermore, this study underscored the necessity for the equitable distribution of environmental benefits in order to safeguard vulnerable communities. One limitation of this study was that its analysis was predominantly qualitative and focused on Muslim communities in DKI Jakarta. The findings of this study made a significant scientific contribution by demonstrating that a holistic approach that integrated social, cultural, and ecological aspects could effectively enhance community resilience to climate change. Additional research is required to test this hypothesis in diverse contexts with a more comprehensive quantitative approach.

A study of the impact of the environmental protection tax on corporate employment: Evidence based on listed companies in polluting industries.

The implementation of the environmental protection tax (EPT) is a crucial step in the tasks of achieving the "double-carbon" objective and fostering comprehensive green economic and social growth. The literature on the effect of EPT policies has focused mainly on environmental effects and economic effects and has rarely paid attention to social effects, such as the impact of such policies on employment. By reference to data regarding pollution-intensive listed companies in China from 2014 to 2022, this article uses the 2018 EPT reform as a quasi-natural experiment to explore the effects of EPT on employment within these industries. The EPT reform is shown to have a significant dampening effect on corporate employment in the pollution industry, a conclusion that continues to hold after a number of robustness tests, including the differences-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) tests, the parallel trend test, the placebo test, and the PSM-DID test. Further analysis shows that the EPT reform suppressed employment in polluting industries mainly through two pathways: the output effect and the factor substitution effect. Moreover, the EPT reform generated more significant disincentives to employment in non-state-owned enterprises, large-scale enterprises, and mining industries. This study's findings can serve as a crucial reference for policies in China that aim to promote high-quality full employment in the context of environmental governance. The results of this research can also serve as a reference for a cost‒benefit analysis of environmental policies in China in terms of employment and provide a theoretical basis for and practical experience regarding the task of coordinating the relationship between environmental governance and employment regulation in China.

Hero or Devil: A comparison of different carbon tax policies for China

A carbon tax is a promising environmental regulation. Given its heavy industrial base and substantial reliance on coal, China is under immense pressure to transition to greener energy systems. This paper enriches Annicchiarico and Di Dio’s (2015) dynamic general equilibrium model for environmental policy analysis by integrating a Schumpeterian innovation-driven clean energy transition that endogenizes the carbon intensity of energy inputs. We analyze the environmental, energy, economic, and social impacts of various hypothetical carbon taxes – including an energy excise tax on households, an emission tax on general producers, and an energy tax on energy suppliers – across different tax rates and subsidy strategies for both short-term and long-term effects. We show that: (i) by internalizing carbon intensity, a carbon tax can achieve a “quadruple dividend”, encompassing emission reduction, energy transition, economic growth, and welfare enhancement; (ii) the optimal carbon tax strategy, integrating both an emission tax and an energy tax, directs revenue towards supporting the clean energy transition; (iii) under a single environmental regime, a composite carbon tax exceeding 250 CNY/ton is optimal, while under multiple regimes, 25 CNY/ton suffices to reduce carbon emissions per unit of output by over 90%; (iv) despite their benefits, all carbon taxes compel firms to reorganize production, inevitably risking unemployment.

Analysis of Environmental Management Policies, Livestock Husbandry Practices, and Production Technology on Cattle Farm Productivity in West Java

This research explores the effects of environmental management policies, livestock husbandry practices, and the adoption of production technologies on the productivity of cattle farms in West Java, Indonesia. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, data were collected from 100 cattle farms across three productivity levels. Statistical analysis, including multiple regression, was employed to assess the influence of these factors on farm productivity. The results indicate that the adoption of production technologies had the most significant positive impact on productivity, followed by adherence to environmental management policies and the implementation of advanced husbandry practices. Qualitative findings support the quantitative results, highlighting the role of governmental support and training in facilitating the adoption of effective farming practices. This study underscores the necessity of integrated approaches that enhance both sustainability and efficiency, recommending policies that support technological innovation and environmental compliance. The findings serve as a valuable reference for policymakers and farm managers aiming to optimize productivity and sustainability in livestock farming.

How constant is constant elasticity of substitution? Endogenous substitution between clean and dirty energy

The degree of substitutability between clean and dirty energy plays a central role in leading economic analyses of optimal environmental policy. Despite the importance, assuming a constant and exogenous elasticity of substitution has been a dominant theoretical approach. We challenge this assumption by developing a dynamic general equilibrium model with an endogenous elasticity of substitution that interacts with the relative share of clean inputs in the economy. We find strong dynamic feedback effects arising from endogenous substitution capacity that amplifies the impact of directed technical change and accelerates the transition to a green economy.

Analysis of Environmental and Energy Policies in Turkey, the European Union and the United States

Energy consumption plays a pivotal role in the development of societies. Sustainable Energy Resources are vital inputs for daily life, and energy and industrial products are essential for economic growth (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, 2022). Consequently, those responsible for managing a country's energy sector must ensure the uninterrupted, reliable, timely, clean, and affordable supply of energy, as well as diversify energy sources to enhance energy security.
 The concept of "sustainable development" has emerged in response to the need to prevent irreversible environmental damage caused by conventional energy sources and outdated technologies while ensuring access to energy as a fundamental human right under optimal conditions (Pamir, N 2005). Developed societies have transitioned from planning based solely on energy source acquisition and production to a planning approach that carefully considers the energy-economy-ecology balance (3E) while taking into account resource diversity and geopolitical realities (Energy Policies and Global Developments, emo.org.tr).
 Turkey remains heavily dependent on energy imports, accounting for approximately 74% of its energy needs (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, 2023). The multifaceted nature of Turkey's energy strategy and its energy dependence emphasize the importance of international relations in this field.
 U.S. energy policies have global ramifications, particularly in areas such as energy resource utilization, energy trade, and energy independence (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, 2022). U.S. energy policies play a significant role in international relations, impacting relationships with other countries, especially in matters related to energy exports and imports.
 In Europe, there is uneven progress towards clean electricity, with both successes and challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. While the European energy sector has taken significant steps towards decarbonization, there has been limited progress in some countries, and much more progress is needed. Achieving a fully decarbonized energy system in Europe requires united efforts and coordination to address the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependence and climate change.

Environmental citizenship: liberalism, cosmopolitanism and sustainability

The debate about the concept of environmental citizenship in the literature of the Social Sciences is currently marked by a conceptual dispute. Against this background, the text develops a critique of the concept of liberal environmental citizenship, using the concept of cosmopolitan environmental citizenship as the basis for this critique. The text examines the meaning of the concept of liberal environmental citizenship and then compares it to the cosmopolitan interpretation of the concept. Unlike other works that address these issues, this text allows us, among other things, to examine the connections between liberal environmental citizenship and national liberalism. Through this analysis, we hope to clarify some of the limitations that affect the concept of environmental citizenship, while exploring the possibilities that the cosmopolitan perspective offers for our understanding of the concept of environmental citizenship. Examining the concept of environmental citizenship proves to be fundamental to the analysis of environmental public policy, where the pursuit of sustainability is generally viewed as a process of public participation. This is particularly evident in areas such as environmental education, where environmental citizenship is generally seen as an essential dimension that constitutes it.

Impact analysis of environmental policies on shipping fleet planning under demand uncertainty

Considerations to decarbonize maritime shipping by implementing the Emissions Trading System (ETS) are underway at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This study seeks to investigate the impact of ETS on short-term fleet deployment decisions of liner shipping companies. Considering pragmatic scenarios of demand uncertainty and transshipment, we extend state-of-the-art maritime operational planning under climate policies and propose a fleet planning model accounting for carbon emissions to evaluate the decision-making nuances of a liner company. Numerical experiments are conducted to analyze ETS implementations with varying policy design parameters for their efficacy in mitigating emissions and potential impact on stakeholders. The findings indicate that, for liner shipping which is cross-regional by nature, regional ETS implementations are inadequate due to carbon leakage; the efficacy of open ETS policies is limited, particularly when carbon prices are low; strict carbon purchase caps integrated with robust carbon price-setting mechanisms are critical to designing an effective ETS.

Restructuring investment to promote a win–win situation for both the economy and the environment in China

Effective investment planning is crucial for achieving economic growth while also protecting the environment. An important premise of guiding investors is identifying low-carbon investment sectors; however, no previous research has attempted to discern high- and low-carbon areas at a macro-sector level or conducted a comprehensive assessment with a general equilibrium framework including both status quo and potential effects. Using an environment extended input-output model, structural path analysis model, and China energy and environmental policy analysis model (CEEPA), this study estimates overall carbon emissions driven by unit investment of various sectors in China, highlights the low- and high-carbon investment sectors by developing an investment carbon multiplier indicator, and provides valuable insights for sustainable investment planning by identifying the key sectors and supply chains that require transitions in investment demand and mode. The results show that China is making significant strides toward a greener future, with a shift toward low-carbon investments and economic development. There are currently four typical high-carbon investment sectors and 12 potential low-carbon investment sectors. Investments in agriculture and modern services contribute moderately economically and environmentally. The simulations also reveal that redirecting investments from metal products to computer-related manufacturing represents a promising approach for achieving both economic growth and environmental sustainability, whereas reducing carbon emissions through construction investment will result in socio-economic losses.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This paper presents and explores How to improve Environmental sustainability with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This study evaluates the potential environmental benefits of AI adoption, such as reductions in climate change, agriculture, ocean health, water resources, weather forecasting, and Disaster resiliency. Upon conducting a thorough analysis of the available literature, it was found that there is a research deficiency in the utilization of artificial intelligence and decision support systems, as well as optimization models. This study employs qualitative analysis to explore sustainable uses of AI and the environmental impact of AI. It emphasizes the importance of promoting environmental sustainability through AI and proposes an Environmental sustainability by AI approach as a prerequisite for developing transparent, responsible, and human-centered AI systems. The study primarily focuses on identifying ways in which AI can be utilized for sustainable environmental practices, with a particular emphasis on the role of AI in promoting environmental sustainability. This study has some limitations, one of which is its limited scope. The paper does not provide an extensive analysis of global environmental policies, which could potentially identify areas for cooperation or common ground. Additionally, the studys focus on environmental sustainability means that it neglects the economic and social aspects of sustainability, which could be further explored. The study can aid stakeholders in comprehending global efforts to enhance environmental sustainability through the implementation of AI. Additionally, as the technology is still in its nascent stage, this study can serve as a catalyst for promoting a sustainable environment approach to the development of AI technologies and their impact on the environment. KEYWORDS: Sustainable Environment, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental sustainability,Environmental sustainability with AI

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Australian states and territories: Determinants and policy implications

In order to implement effective climate mitigation policies, it is imperative to understand the determinants of GHG emissions. Our research indicates, no state and territory level analysis of Australia, for the determinants of GHG emissions has yet been carried out. This paper identifies the main determinants that affect GHG emissions growth in Australia and assesses their impact in the main Australian states and territories. It performs a rigorous statistical analysis and contrasts the significance of determinants using Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) Regression and the Linear Panel Data Model with Random effects for the period 1990–2018 for seven states and territories of Australia. We find a mix of GHG determinants in being significant for different states and territories while some show none of the determinants as being significant. Environmental policy analysis is later carried out and then compared with the empirical findings of this study. It is found that it is only in the latter half of the period under observation that some states and territories have instituted encouraging climate change policies while the rest lag behind. Heterogeneous climate mitigation policies, at state and territory level, will have to be implemented to decouple the significance of GHG emissions from its determinants. Also, the ready and comprehensive availability of data for unique variables, such as Savanna burning, will give clearer direction to heterogeneous and customized climate change policy solutions. Lastly, climate mitigation success in TAS (Tasmania), could serve as a leading case study to institute similar renewable energy measures in other states and territories.

Features of the implementation of Ukraine’s environmental policy at the local level

The article notes that the concept of “environmental policy” is often used in regulations, but its content is not disclosed. This determines the relevance of scientific research in this field. The article is devoted to the study of essence and substance, the specifics of the implementation of Ukraine’s environmental policy at the local levels. Environmental policy analysis through the prism of the legal nature of public administration in the field of environment allows the division of its directions and levels of implementation. The realization of state environmental policy on the ground is implemented simultaneously by three systems: the system of local councils and their executive bodies, the system of local state administrations and the system of territorial executive bodies in the field of environmental management. The subjects of these systems interact on the basis of coordination and subordination and endowed with broad powers in the field of environmental management within their territories. Research of the environmental component at the local level is inextricably linked with developments in the direction of environmental protection security of the region and the state. Adjacent to the concept of environmental policy is the concept of public administration: in the environmental sphere, nature management, natural resources, environmental protection. The concepts of “environmental management”, “environmental and economic management”, “environmental activities” and others are also common among scientists.

Environmental Policy Analysis of Pakistan: A Theoretical Perspective

Climate change has challenged environmental security in Pakistan. It has intensified weather conditions. Climate variations are affecting every sector of Pakistan. It is need of the hour to pursue the securitization of environment in Pakistan at national security policy level. The security discourse of Pakistan should prioritize environmental security and issue of climate change which has ever been ignored being concern of low politics. Although previous Governments of Pakistan has made national policies for protection of environment, but still environment holds immense vulnerabilities not only for citizens but also for livestock, agriculture, and overall food web of the state due to worsening climate change. There is a dire need to focus and prioritize the proper mitigation and adaptation measure of climate change in Pakistan to survive predicted calamities in coming years.

The European Union facing climate change: a window of opportunity for technological development and entrepreneurship

The fight against climate change is one of the significant challenges of the 21st century. The European Union's environmental policy has evolved as the perception of the problem has become more evident. This paper examines the environmental commitments made by the European Union on the global scene to verify its involvement and responsibility in environmental policy. A comprehensive analysis of the European Union's environmental policies compared to other countries has been carried out using a comparative methodological framework of these commitments. The results confirm the European Union's leadership in promoting and implementing policies to combat climate change and environmental sustainability, which therefore opens windows of opportunity for technological development and entrepreneurship. Future lines of research are proposed following the conclusions, considering the current economic and environmental situation in an environment of energy crisis and inflation.

The economic and environmental effects of an optimal emission reduction subsidy policy in the presence of business cycles

PurposeAs a by-product of the production process, emissions can follow output fluctuations. Hence, disregarding the relationship between economic fluctuations and emissions could result in undesirable environmental outcomes. This study aims to investigate the environmental and economic effects of abatement subsidies on overall emissions during business cycles in Australia.Design/methodology/approachA real business cycle (RBC) model is devised and parameterised in this paper. RBC models have been recently introduced to environmental policy analysis, and this study contributes to the literature by investigating the effects of a potential subsidy policy in an RBC framework. The model is also calibrated and provides solutions for the Australian economy.FindingsThe authors find that under a steady-state situation, supporting abatement can result in reducing emissions by 6.45% while it imposes welfare costs to the economy (by 0.61%). Simulation results show that an optimal abatement policy should be pro-cyclical, with the abatement subsidy increasing during expansions and decreasing during recessions. As well, in a subsidy policy setting, emissions would react pro-cyclically, i.e. emissions increase (decrease) when the gross domestic product increases (decreases). The abatement reaction by firms, however, is different, because when a positive productivity shock occurs, firms reduce abatement and allocate resources to production. Nonetheless, as time passes, the increased subsidy provides a strong enough incentive to allocate resources to abatement and, subsequently, abatement increases.Originality/valueThis paper investigates how an emission reduction subsidy should be adapted to macroeconomic fluctuations so that it can limit variations in emissions.

Analysis of European environmental policies: Improving decision making through eco-efficiency

There is extensive literature that defines eco-efficiency as the efficiency with which ecological resources are used to satisfy human needs. It ensures production while consuming fewer natural resources and thus reduces the environmental impact. The aim of this work is to fill the gap in the literature by defining eco-efficiency in terms of production and deaths due to pollution. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Index (MI) are used for this purpose. Both techniques are applied to 20 European countries during the period 2014–2018. In addition, the spatial dependence of eco-efficiency obtained in the DEA analysis is studied using geostatistical techniques. The results reveal the good performance of almost all European countries, which are conditioned neither by their wealth nor by their economic growth. Eastern European countries show the most room for improvement. Finally, the spatial dependence of eco-efficiency in Europe during the period 2014–2018 was confirmed by detecting a significant cluster of low eco-efficiency countries in Eastern Europe. Researchers and policymakers can benefit from the results to provide country-specific investment policies to achieve higher benefits towards eco-efficiency in Europe.

Is the future of AI sustainable? A case study of the European Union

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to raise awareness on the need for a more comprehensive approach on the interdependence between artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability. It provides an overview of existing sustainable AI policy initiatives at the national and regional level. More precisely, it discusses whether existing European Union (EU) environmental policies are suitable for the AI era or whether new regulations are needed in this field. Finally, this paper assesses cross-fertilisation opportunities between the EU and non-EU countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a qualitative analysis of sustainable applications of AI and the sustainability of AI. Emphasis is laid on the latter, and a “sustainable by design” approach is proposed, which in essence is a prerequisite for transparent, responsible and human-centred AI systems. The analysis primarily focuses on environmental sustainability.FindingsThe majority of studies focus on how to use AI to protect the environment with very little attention paid to sustainable design of AI. On the other hand, the EU’s comprehensive approach towards sustainable AI is closest to promoting “sustainable by design” AI. Several ways have been identified in which the EU’s actions can be translated beyond its borders.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the largest limitations of this study is its moderate scope. This paper is confined to the EU and as such provides a limited assessment of global policies and measures on the interplay between sustainability and AI. Consequently, the paper did not provide an in-depth analysis of environmental policies worldwide that could help provide a better picture of possible cooperation areas or common grounds. Another limitation of this study is that it primarily focuses on environmental aspects and as such accords little attention to the economic and social pillars of sustainability.Social implicationsWith less than 10 years to go before reaching the sustainable development goal deadline, this study can help stakeholders better understand what is being done worldwide in terms of sustainable AI. Moreover, given that the technology is still in its early phase, this study can inspire a “sustainable by design” approach to the development of AI technologies.Originality/valueAll national AI strategies published by 1 June 2021 were analysed to identify whether and to what extent they prioritise the interplay between environment and AI. Furthermore, the authors also looked at the EU policy and how it aims to address AI from a sustainable perspective.