Environmental Prosperity Research Articles

The triple helix of environmental prosperity: Economic policy uncertainty, financial expansion, and green energy in a financially flourishing bloc

The triple helix of environmental prosperity: Economic policy uncertainty, financial expansion, and green energy in a financially flourishing bloc

Climate Change Effect in Nigeria Mitigation, Adaptation, Strategies and Way Forward in the World of Internet of Things

This paper delves into the comprehensive impact of climate change in Nigeria, emphasising the critical role of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in formulating mitigation and adaptation strategies. It highlights the significant threats climate change poses to Nigeria's ecological balance, economy, and societal structure, including altered temperature patterns, more frequent extreme weather events, and ramifications for agriculture, water supply, and health. It underscores the urgency for effective responses to protect the nation's welfare and economic integrity. The study showcases the potential of IoT technology as a pivotal tool in crafting innovative responses to climate change challenges. It demonstrates how IoT can bolster Nigeria's resilience through enhanced agricultural methods, better management of water resources, and more efficient energy utilisation. IoT devices' real-time data gathering and analytical prowess facilitate precise environmental monitoring, timely disaster warnings, and resource optimisation. The discussion extends to mitigation tactics like shifting towards renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and sustainable land use, alongside adaptation strategies that include building climate- resilient structures, advocating for water conservation, and applying climate-smart agricultural practices to safeguard food security. Advocating for a cooperative strategy that integrates efforts from the government, private sector, academia, and communities, the paper stresses the importance of incorporating IoT solutions into national climate action and development strategies for a unified and robust approach to climate-related challenges. It concludes with a roadmap for the future, proposing policy reforms, investments in IoT infrastructure, skill development, and heightened public awareness as essential moves towards a sustainable, climate-resilient Nigeria. By strategically deploying IoT technologies, Nigeria can mitigate the detrimental impacts of climate change and tap into new avenues for economic and environmental prosperity.

A definition for circular bio-based cities based on a reductionist metabolic approach

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic demonstrated that moderation in living and consumption styles can contribute towards a more environmentally sustainable and resilient future. However, such restrained lifestyles are associated with the risk of global economic stagnation. Transitioning from linear to circular economy can potentially provide a framework to decouple environmental benefits from economic stasis. Circular cities are placed in the centre of such efforts to cradle and nurture humanity’s shift towards a sustainable future. However, we investigated the current state of circular cities around the world finding that a bio-based focus is not always prioritised. The lack of emphasis on bio-based solutions could lead to missed economic and environmental opportunities. A symbiosis between “circular”, “regenerative” and “bio-based” is here proposed as the foundation for sustainable societies transitioning to circularity. This Short Communication discusses the vision of circular bio-based cities and proposes a definition based on a reductionist metabolic approach. The aim is to set the basis for an international dialogue on urban development models capable of delivering both human and environmental prosperity beyond the reuse, refurbish and recycle concepts, and towards fully integrated regenerative urban systems which foster symbiotic relationships between urban communities and the natural ecosystem.

Driving research on eco-innovation systems: Crossing the boundaries of innovation systems

Sustainability is now a part of all areas of today's society and has become a cornerstone of economic, social, and environmental prosperity. Its pivotal role means that sustainability has also influenced the innovation process. Over the last few decades, new innovation-related concepts linked to sustainable development have emerged in the form of environmental, green, sustainable, and eco-innovations; nevertheless, technological and innovation developments still occur within the boundaries of an innovation system. Innovation systems possess unique characteristics that shape activities, actions, and decisions. The separate bodies of literature on eco-innovation and innovation systems are extensive; however, the status of the literature on the intersection of these two topics is less clear. This study provides an overview of the scientific literature in the area where eco-innovation and innovation systems meet, and a bibliometric analysis shows that the joint study of eco-innovation and innovation systems is an unexplored knowledge field. Thus, the main authors and documents that provide the foundation of the literature on eco-innovation and innovation systems were identified, and theoretical knowledge was grouped into four clusters according to thematic areas: Cluster 1 related to eco-innovation; Cluster 2 related to innovation systems; and Clusters 3 and 4, which include the elements that constitute and interact within eco-innovation systems. We hope that this study will encourage scholars to conduct research on eco-innovation systems, which could have positive implications for the design and implementation of new policies and instruments to achieve sustainable development.

Study of the dyeing properties of saffron and ultrafiltrated saffron powders, as colourants for natural and synthetic fibres

AbstractThere is a noticeable growing interest in the use of natural dyes in contemporary textile dyeing, motivated by the requirements imposed, in favour of environmental prosperity. The use of natural dyes reduces significantly both the energy requirements and the environmental impact of the process. In the present work natural and synthetic fibres were dyed with the dyestuff isolated from Crocus sativus L., after aqueous extraction of the dried stigmas of the plant. Additionally, part of the powder was purified by using ultrafiltration technology. The saffron extract and the ultrafiltrated saffron retentate were used to dye cotton, wool, nylon and polyester, in various depths of shade and temperatures. Both saffron and ultrafiltrated saffron successfully dyed not only the natural substrates, but also the synthetic ones, while higher dyeing temperatures produced level dyeing with all substrates used. Ultrafiltrated saffron powder produced brighter and much stronger dyeing to the original saffron powder, due to the elimination of extraction by‐products. Isothermal adsorptions for both colourants were performed on all substrates in order to investigate their adsorption mechanism. It was found that saffron and ultrafiltrated saffron follow a Freundlich‐type adsorption isotherm on cotton, wool and nylon which is a typical mechanism for a planar‐directed dye of big molecular weight. Nernst‐type adsorption was found to occur on polyester which again is typical for the adsorption of disperse dyes on polyester. Thus, saffron can be claimed as a universal dye, able to successfully dye natural and synthetic substrates.

The impact of clean energy development on economic growth in China: from the perspectives of environmental regulation.

Given the finite nature of fossil energy and rising environmental pressures, countries are increasing focus on clean energy. By employing provincial panel data from 2003 to 2019 in China, this study sheds light on the effect of clean energy development on economic growth and the role of environmental regulation in the relationship. The study utilized moderating and threshold effect models for empirical estimation. Results show that clean energy development has a positive impact on economic growth in general. In terms of region heterogeneity, the contribution of clean energy development to economic growth is more pronounced in regions with higher levels of economic development. Furthermore, we provide evidence that market-based environmental regulation has a single threshold, which has a positive regulating effect on the relationship between clean energy development and economic growth, while administrative environmental regulation has a double threshold, which has a negative regulating effect on the relationship between the two. The findings of our study provide useful policy directions for maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental prosperity.

The SDGs: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

Microbes as Requisite Additives for Organic Waste Management: A Brief Review

Owing to the changes in human lifestyle and resource deterioration impelled by rapid population growth and unsustainable industrialization, waste management has emerged as an extensive contrivance for human welfare and environmental prosperity. Unmanaged waste impacts both rich and poor hurting their economy and environment. Organic waste, being the largest component of MSW in developing countries, can be developed into a valuable resource by utilizing microorganisms. A brief repository about the exertion of microbes for sustainable degradation of organic waste was presented in this article describing the ways how organic waste can be transformed in marketable asset generating remarkable profits.

Nexus implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) for sustainable public sector buildings in Pakistan

The United Nations (UN) has introduced 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intending to achieve a conventional trio of social, economic, and environmental prosperity across the world. Pakistan is making a fair contribution to SDG achievement under its ‘Vision 2025’. However, the introduced strategy for SDG implementation is a sectoral based approach which leads to severe resource inefficiency. The objective of this study is the development and implementation of a nexus strategy of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) in Pakistan due to their indepth interlinkage and interdependence, to achieve sustainability in Energy, Water, and Environment. This study comprises an onfield Energy-Water-Sustainability assessment of 24 public sector premises across Punjab to create a pilot model for future implementation. The Pearson correlation analysis of the SDGs substantiates the argument of the nexus approach. The results of this work show the energy conservation potential of approximately 12.8 MW and renewable energy installation potential of 40.4 MW to achieve SDG 7. Moreover, rainwater harvesting is calculated to be 0.035 million cm3 per annum, contributing to approximately 7% reduction in water use to achieve SDG 6 and minimizing the environmental impact on cities by reducing 14.8 million tons of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) per annum to achieve SDG 11 and 13. The results show that due to indepth interlinkage, the nexus implementation approach enhances the execution process while eliminating resource duplication to reduce inefficiency.

Are abundant energy resources and Chinese business a solution to environmental prosperity in Africa?

Africa is abundantly endowed with oil and mineral resources and investment (Habiyaremye, 2020; Zakari and Khan, 2021). However, the region has failed to transform this ample advantage for environmental prosperity. This study centers on the influence of energy resources, Chinese investment, and trade in Africa on the environmental quality of the 40 SSA countries. To achieve this objective, we applied Panel Driscoll-Kraay Standard Errors (PDSE) and System-Generalized Method of Moment (S-GMM) estimators for yearly data spanning the period of 1992–2018. The empirical finding demonstrates that there is a positive relationship between energy resources and environmental degradation. This suggests that energy resources cannot help improve the environmental degradation in Africa. However, we find a negative relationship between Chinese investment, trade, and environmental degradation, indicating that Chinese investment and trade are associated with improving environmental quality. In the light of this, we strongly advise that the SSA states should direct their foreign business to China. With that, environmental-friendly technologies can be obtained to cut down environmental pollution. However, the government should formulate and enforce regulations against non-environmentally friendly energy resources systems capable of damaging the environment.

Charcoal Production in Palestinian villages - The Paradox of resistance to innovation driving rural development

An attempt to implement new charcoal-production technology in Palestinian villages in the West Bank, Jenin area, is examined in this research. The ‘retort’ system avoided air pollution associated with traditional kilns by recycling flue gases. The attempt was made against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and life under Israeli military rule. The study analyzes the relationship between supporters and opponents of the new technology and the moves leading to rural development. Based on a survey, in-depth interviews and field observations, the research identifies environmental, political, socio-cultural and economic interests, power relations and the interdependence between conflicting parties. The findings reveal the leading hamulas' (extended families) use of resistance tactics against the technology to preserve their dominant status within the socio-cultural structure, while traditional kiln usage was prevented by Israel. As a consequence, new strategies were adopted by various parties. Flexible negotiation led to an agreed resolution that opened new opportunities of social mobility and brought economic and environmental prosperity to the rural area. The study contributes to the resistance to innovation theory in traditional rural communities.

Compatibility of house design with Fung Shui and its relationship to housewife's life quality

Residents is a foundation for sustainable development and planning. Quality of life is a multi-dimensional issue that includes physical health, mental health, social relationships, economic and environmental prosperity, which is one of the goals of interior design. It is believed that a house designed according to the principles of Feng Shui can bring prosperity and wealth and avoid some problems for residents such as economic stress, poor health, and frequent accidents and household disturbances. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to study the relationship between housing design according to Feng Shui principles and housewife's life quality. The research tools were the general family data form, the questionnaire of housing design according to the principles of Feng Shui with its following aspects (house location and its architecture, house furnishing, and house decorating), and a questionnaire of housewife's life quality in its dimensions (residential - psychological - health - social - economic). The research sample consisted of 200 married females, have two or more children, belonging to different socio-economic levels. The research followed the descriptive and analytical approach, and the most important results : there was a positive correlation between the design of the housing design according to the principles of Feng Shui and the housewife's life quality in its dimensions (residential - psychological - health - social - total quality of life), and the results showed no differences in the total of housing design according to the principles of Feng Shui depending on the education level of the housewife, which explains the lack of knowledge of these principles at the different educational levels. It also cleared that there are no statistically significant differences in the housing design according to these principles according to the level of the family’s income. This confirms the possibility of following these principles when designing houses for low and medium families income, especially in the developing countries, without stressful financial costs. As Feng Shui aims to make it sustainable in harmony with nature and stimulate the success, health, wealth and happiness of its inhabitants, to create an effective building with prosperous activity that shows its material, social and economic impact on society. The results also showed that there is a statistically significant discrepancy between the housewife's life quality according to the education level of the housewife, in favor of the higher educational level, as well as according to the level of financial income of the family in favor of higher income. We recommend those in charge of developing educational curricula in Arab countries to include the science of Feng Shui and its principles in the academic curricula to confront the knowledge deficiency in those countries, because of its positive effects on the quality of life of individuals in its dimensions.

Moving from Protection to Prosperity: Evolving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the next 50 years.

The people of the United States and the world owe the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) a debt of gratitude for preserving, protecting, and defending human health and the environment for the past half century. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. EPA, there are two truths about the agency that are difficult to deny: (1) U.S. EPA and its people constitute a renowned agency that has greatly improved both environmental and public health in the United States, and has served as the leading model for nations around the world; and (2) the approaches, tools, structures, and legal frameworks that created the achievements of the U.S. EPA must evolve-and grow-to deal with the issues facing the country and the planet in the next 50 years. Building on the creativity, innovation, and brilliance of individuals and groups working at the U.S. EPA over the course of the last half century, we present 10 recommendations organized in three areas: organization, paradigms, and strategies and tools. Underlying these recommendations are the frameworks of sustainability and systems thinking and guiding these recommendations is the goal of evolving the Environmental Protection Agency to the Environmental Prosperity Agency.

Decentralized governments: local empowerment and sustainable development challenges in Africa

This study examines the extent to which decentralization is being utilized as a vehicle for sustainable economic development outcomes at all levels of governance in Africa. Research shows that decentralization is missing the triple-bottom line of sustainability: economic, social and environmental prosperity that meets current needs and does not take away from future generations in regions settled by indigenous communities. In this study, selected peer-reviewed literature and reports from conservation organizations on decentralization are analyzed. This research explores ways decentralization can be integrated with sustainability to minimize the short-term and long-run consequences of human actions on the environment at local levels. Factors enabling local sustainability—the legal structures, mediating factors and the decision-making sphere—are used to identify sustainability processes and activities in the governance and decentralization outcomes. This study is guided by the argument made by the United Nations in Agenda 21 and the 2030 Agenda that local governments are best placed to implement sustainability through the development of programs that educate and engage with local communities. Under these circumstances, the best avenue to advance sustainable development initiatives is through the framework of decentralization in order to produce durable economic outcomes, minimize civil disputes and improve the living standards of local communities. The results demonstrate that there are no concrete national initiatives that have been developed to date to promote sustainability within the decentralization framework.

Designing Sustainable Prosperity “DSP”: A collaborative effort to build resilience in mining producing regions

ABSTRACT Mines are frequently located in remote areas with little conventional employment and few opportunities for the local population. The development and operation of the mines results in several years of intense activity followed by a near-complete reduction in employment and opportunities after the mines are closed. Designing Sustainable Prosperity is a method for rectifying this situation by designing for long-term economic activity in areas that host mines. This process involves the participation of local and national governments, local community, mining companies, investors, academics, and those with sector expertise. The mines will be the catalyst for regional sustainable development. If successful, long-term economic and environmental prosperity should result for the areas affected by mining and could promote the regions as centers of excellence for a particular industry. This paper describes how the concept works using the copper producing region of Peru and Chile as an example. Designing sustainable prosperity starts by looking at regions based on the natural resources and skills available, the infrastructure, and possible energy sources. Integrated natural resource models and innovative market studies, followed by education and skills requirements, are then established to determine the potential for the region and what needs to be done to realize the possibilities.

The effects of energy use on infant mortality rates in Africa

Abstract The availability and supply of electricity remains pivotal to the social and economic wellbeing of people and society. Researchers have confirmed that access to electricity greatly impacts quality of life as well as life expectancy. Today, while most developing nations continue to grapple with the consequences of an epileptic power supply and its effects on their socio-economic and environmental prosperity, developed nations are focused on promoting policies and programs to sustain and improve the provision of adequate electricity that guarantees less emissions, pollution and hazards to human health. At the moment, about a hundred million people lack access to enough clean, affordable and reliable energy to meet their daily needs. However, the growing need for electricity to power our world and our lives portends dangerous consequences that must be prevented. This paper examines the effects of energy use on the infant mortality rate in Africa by using a panel of 23 African countries for the period from 1999 and 2014. The Gary Becker hypothesis and the Grossman models are used to examine the relationship between energy related predictors and infant mortality fundamentals. The results of the study show that energy predictors have a negative and significant impact on infant mortality rates among the African countries examined. Further results show that a high degree of pollution causes a rise in mortality rates, whereas proceeds from natural resource rents reduce the level of infant mortality. Thus, this empirical estimation suggests that there is an urgent need for government intervention programs to rescue the region from this energy dilemma.

Dampak Program Gerakan Pakan Ikan Mandiri (GERPARI) terhadap Kesejahteraan Petani Ikan di Kelurahan Jembatan Emas Kecamatan Pemayung Kabupaten Batang Hari

GERPARI Program through giving capital and fish feeding machine to fish farming farmers in Kelurahan Mas Bridge sub-district, Batang Hari District is expected to provide space to farmers to be able to realize the welfare of farmers In accordance with the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) III. Therefore, it is necessary to see the success rate by evaluating and reviewing the program using welfare indicators according to the Central Statistic Agency (BPS) 2015. This research aims (1) describing the welfare condition of farmers of the GERPARI Program in the village of Bridge Mas Pemayung District of Batang Hari, and (2) analyzing the impact of the GERPARI Program on changes in welfare conditions Farmers. The research method is a survey method using questionnaires. Number of samples as many as 25 farmer program recipients. Descriptive analysis is used to obtain an overview of the welfare level of farmers of the GERPARI Program in Jembatan Emas Village using welfare indicators according to BPS, 2015. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyse the impact of the GERPARI Program on the welfare of farmers in Jembatan Emas village. The results of the study showed (1) the welfare level of farmer households of GERPARI Program before receiving the low-category program of 88% and medium category as much as 12%, after receiving the welfare level program of farmers Increased to medium category as much as 44% and with high category as much as 56%. The average level of farmer welfare based on revenue indicators, health, education, levels and consumption patterns, and housing and environment before accepting the program belongs to the low category, while the after receive the program, family consumption standards and patterns, as well as residential and environmental prosperity levels belong to the medium category, while family health and education belong to the high category. (2) The assistance of the program of GERPARI that received fish farming farmers in the Kelurahan Mas Bridge Sub-district of Batang Hari District gave a significant change to the improvement of household welfare of farmers.

The role of renewable energy to validate dynamic interaction between CO2 emissions and GDP toward sustainable development in Malaysia

Closing the gap between economy activity and environmental quality is one of the solutions for reaching “sustainable development” in Malaysia. To do so, the cubic polynomial functional form of EKC is utilized by accommodating renewable energy into the base of the EKC model and validating its hypothesis between CO2 emissions and GDP growth for the 1971–2015 period. The F-bounds, VECM Granger causality, CUSUM, and CUSUMSQ tests are utilized. The estimated results consistently show that the inverted N-shaped EKC hypothesis holds in Malaysia. Ceteris paribus, the CO2 emissions will be declined when the GDP reach RM2841.9 billion in 2030, which is beyond the sample period. The renewable energy has a negative significant effect on CO2 emissions, and the direction of causality is running from CO2 emissions to renewable energy. Also, the GDP growth will be the remedy for environmental pollution problems and that renewable energy is one of important elements to be considered for improving environmental quality. A tighter and concentrated environmental policy is needed to direct the environment–economic growth nexus toward a downward trend. Consequently, these results may help Malaysian policymakers to establish an energy policy that guarantees a balance between economic growth and environmental prosperity.

Experimental Study for Phycoremediation of &lt;i&gt;Botryococcus&lt;/i&gt; Sp. on Greywater

Greywater (GW) is identified as waste disposal from home activites that is discharging from laundry, bath and wash-basin. GW useful in irrigation of a garden and aids to reduce cost as well as maintain the environmental prosperity. This paper discussed the effectiveness of Botryococcus sp. to clean GW in phycoremediation treatment. This process involves as growing the Botryococcus sp. in the GW which is contributing to utilize supplements in GW for its grow. The results indicated that Botryococcus sp. is effective to reduce COD (88%), BOD (82%), TIC (76%), TC (58%), TN (52%), TOC (39%), Phosphate (37.5%) and pH (7%) for 100% concentration of GW. Meanwhile, for the 50% of GW concentration Botryococcus sp. capable to remove such as COD (83%), TIC (82%), BOD (68%), TN (67%), Phosphate (36.8%), TC (34%), TOC (31%) and pH (1.2%). Then, the study concludes that Botryococcus sp. can grow effectively in GW and be able to reduce the rate of nutrient in GW.

Using vehicle monitoring technology and eco-driver training to reduce fuel use and emissions in tourism: a ski resort case study

Ground-based transport moves more tourists than any other form of transportation and contributes c. 32% of tourism's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – yet remains a largely neglected area of emission/carbon management research. This study examines the value of vehicle monitoring technology (VMT) and eco-driver training as a means to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions for a fleet of vehicles at the largest ski resort operation in Ontario, Canada. The VMT was installed in 14 fleet vehicles. After eco-driver training, the fleet reduced its average daily speed (−14%), hard decelerations (−55%), hard accelerations (−44%), and idling time (−2%), resulting in decreased fuel costs (−8%) and CO2 emissions (−8%). The process requires very low capital expenditures, can pay for itself in as little as one year, and has safety paybacks. It also has valuable externalities: tourism businesses that instill sustainability awareness and values to their employees contribute to environmental prosperity generally, because eco-trained drivers also drive more efficiently in their everyday lives. This is the first known study to quantify the benefits of driver training and behavioral intervention within a tourism context, demonstrating the potential to enhance environmental sustainability while simultaneously reducing operating costs. Technicalities, issues, and future application possibilities are discussed.