Environmental Public Policy Research Articles

Integrating a Gamified Digital Application in Naturebased Settings to Improve Physical Activity and Health Outcomes Among Central Pennsylvanians: Using a Socioecological, Cross-disciplinary Guiding Framework

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-facilitated, digital application intervention at increasing physical activity in central Pennsylvania. Methods: We employed a game-based digital application within partnership- guided, nature-based programming to encourage physical activity. Partnerships with local healthcare and park/ recreation entities were established to facilitate recruitment and intervention sustenance. Self-reported psychological and physiological changes were evaluated in a repeated-measures design, contextualized by thematic coding of qualitative responses, and interpreted via the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Results: Partnerships were formed among 3 local healthcare entities, Berks Nature, and community organizations to conduct the intervention. There were increases in physical activity duration and time spent outdoors. We identified positive, consistent trends in perceptions of healthful behaviors and quality of life, health satisfaction, and perceived accessibility and barriers. There were low rates of allergies or wheezing. The game-based application improved sentiments of belongingness and familial engagement. These findings mostly aligned with the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Conclusions: An innovative, cross-disciplinary means to improve physical activity can inform approaches at the regional or national level, as well as guide legislative efforts in public health, environmental policy, and urban planning.

Plastics in the oceans: an analysis via the Bootstrap method

Plastics have been an important contaminant of the oceans. As a result, several countries have been developing public environmental policies to mitigate the presence of this contaminant in the food chain. Statistical planning must be present in environmental decision-making, being capable of providing robust answers through the analysis of the data obtained. Therefore, choosing an appropriate statistical method contributes significantly to obtaining reliable results. The Bootstrap Method (BM) has been widely used in several environmental studies, constituting an excellent statistical tool for analyzing data with anomalous values. This is very important because, when collecting data from the natural environment, values vary from background to extremely high values. Therefore, and within this context, the objective of the present work was to use the MB in the statistical analysis of data on the global per capita quantity of plastics emitted into the oceans. The data was collected from the free Our World in Data Platform. The results obtained showed that the MB is a very efficient statistical tool in environmental planning, when there is a need to analyze data sets with discrepant values originating from the natural environment.

Public environmental actions and urban land use planning in the Central-west Region of Brazil

The purpose of this study was to assess the dissemination of information on environmental actions carried out by public agents in municipalities in the Central-West region of Brazil. A Municipal Index of Public Environmental Actions (IMAPA) was created for this purpose, and the municipalities with the best results in terms of including ecosystem services in their planning were verified. Data from the 2017 Municipal Basic Information Survey provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics were also used. Statistical analyses were conducted using factorial and cluster analyses. The municipalities with the best results in terms of public environmental policies were identified, and their respective master plans were analyzed on their institutional websites (the master plan in Brazil is the instrument used to organize the development and urban expansion of municipalities). Furthermore, elements related to ecosystem services were identified using a script to collect information and analyze the content. According to the IMAPA findings, 20 municipalities in the Central-West region have the best indicators or information dissemination in the region for: 1) Environmental legislation on land use, 2) Local payment for environmental services, and 3) Specific environmental legislation to basic sanitation. Based on the script used, content analysis revealed that there are elements inserted in the master plans regarding ecosystem services, with the potential to expand this content in the documents.

Environmental public policies in the microregion of Pires do Rio, Goiás: government perspectives at national and state levels

This article investigates the evolution of public environmental policies, both at federal and state level, in the Pires do Rio micro-region, aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts caused by industry, with a focus on the agro-industrial chain. The research was based on a bibliographic survey and data collection from federal and state government agencies linked to the environment, as well as digital sources that host the relevant legislation. The period analyzed ranged from 2000 to 2015, and the methodology applied included a comparative analysis of the data collected. It was observed that the prioritization of economic growth in Goiás has relegated environmental preservation to the background, directing efforts towards industrialization and agricultural expansion. The history of production in the Pires do Rio micro-region reflected a predominant orientation towards agricultural growth, which had a negative impact on initiatives aimed at implementing state and federal environmental policies. This scenario has led to the advancement of productive activities to the detriment of environmental preservation.

The Influence of Fiscal, Monetary, and Public Policies on Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka

This study aims to determine the influence of the fiscal, monetary, and public policy environment in Sri Lanka and its impact on sustainable development before and after COVID-19. This study used the document analysis qualitative research method to obtain and analyse fiscal, monetary, and public policy data. It assigned and measured the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) values and trends. The goals were clustered into social, environmental, and sustainability-related intellectual capital to measure their dimensional capital status values and trends. Despite the economic crisis, Sri Lanka has moderately progressed in sustainable development, with most improvements in social capital. The environmental and sustainability-related intellectual capital dimensions follow. The 17 SDGs were advancing at various levels. Two were on track (Goal 4: Quality education and Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure). Five moderately improved goals (Goal 2: Zero hunger, Goal 3: Good health and well-being, Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation, Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production, and Goal 13: Climate action). Seven were stagnant (Goal 5: Gender equality, Goal 7: Affordable clean energy, Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth, Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, and Goal 17: Partnership for the goals). Two showed a decrease (Goal 1: Poverty and Goal 15: Life on land). No data are reported for Goal 10 (Reduce inequalities). Fiscal and monetary policies were overly focussed on economic repair and reconstruction. Public policy has nevertheless contributed to sustainable development. This is the first study to examine the multidimensional policy environment and its impact on sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

Microplastics and nanoplastics in cardiovascular disease-a narrative review with worrying links.

With the widespread use of plastic products and the increase in waste, microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become an important issue in global environmental pollution. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that MNPs may have negative impacts on human health. This review aimed to explore the association between MNPs and cardiovascular disease and provide an outlook for future research. Research has shown that there may be a link between MNPs exposure and cardiovascular disease. Laboratory studies have shown that animals exposed to MNPs often exhibit abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, such as increased blood pressure, vascular inflammation, and myocardial damage. Epidemiological surveys have also revealed that people exposed to MNPs are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and myocardial infarction. Although the specific impact mechanism is not fully understood, there are several possible pathways of action, including the effects of toxic substances on MNPs and interference with the endocrine system. In summary, MNPs exposure may have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, but further research is needed to confirm its specific mechanism and extent of impact to guide relevant public health and environmental policies.

The effect of environmentally oriented leadership and public sector management quality on supply chain performance: The moderating role of public sector environmental policy

This study examines the complex relationship between environmentally oriented leadership, public sector management quality, environmental policies, and supply chain performance within the public sector context in Indonesia. The research combines quantitative analysis and qualitative insights from key stakeholders to explore these dynamics comprehensively. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of supply chain performance optimization, where environmentally oriented leadership demonstrates a nuanced connection to performance outcomes. Public sector management quality significantly enhances efficiency and overall supply chain performance. Notably, well-structured environmental policies positively impact supply chain performance and contribute to organizational sustainability. However, a weak policy framework can dilute the positive influence of leadership. The moderating effect of environmental policies on the relationship between management quality and supply chain performance might be less pronounced. The implications of this study offer both theoretical and managerial insights. The findings emphasize the need for holistic supply chain management strategies that integrate leadership styles, management practices, and policy frameworks to achieve sustainable performance outcomes. The study acknowledges limitations related to the specific context and variables studied. Future research can explore broader variables, diverse sectors, and regions by enhancing the understanding of these complex interactions. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship between leadership, management quality, policies, and supply chain performance within the public sector context, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this vital area.

Association Between Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations in Lanzhou City, 2013-2020: A Time Series Analysis.

Extensive evidence has shown that air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) admissions. We aimed to explore the short-term effect of air pollution on CVD admissions in Lanzhou residents and their lag effects. Meteorological data, air pollution data, and a total of 309,561 daily hospitalizations for CVD among urban residents in Lanzhou were collected from 2013 to 2020. Distributed lag non-linear model was used to analyze the relationship between air pollutants and CVD admissions, stratified by gender, age, and season. PM2.5, NO2, and CO have the strongest harmful effects at lag03, while SO2 at lag3. The relative risks of CVD admissions were 1.0013(95% CI: 1.0003, 1.0023), 1.0032(95% CI: 1.0008, 1.0056), and 1.0040(95% CI: 1.0024, 1.0057) when PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 concentrations were increased by 10μg/m³, respectively. Each 1mg/m3 increase in CO concentration was associated with a relative risk of cardiovascular hospitalization of risk was 1.0909(95% CI: 1.0367, 1.1479). We observed a relative risk of 0.9981(95% CI: 0.9972, 0.9991) for each 10μg/m³ increase in O3 for CVD admissions at lag06. We found a significant lag effects of air pollutants on CVD admissions. NO2 and CO pose a greater risk of hospitalization for women, while PM2.5 and SO2 have a greater impact on men. PM2.5, NO2, and CO have a greater impact on CVD admissions in individuals aged <65years, whereas SO2 affects those aged ≥65years. Our research indicates a possible short-term impact of air pollution on CVD. Local public health and environmental policies should take these preliminary findings into account.

Salons 4: Sustainabilities

Abstract The “Sustainabilities” salons, organized by the Fellows of the American Folklore Society, drew together folklorists from the United States, Europe, and Asia, who were interested in frameworks for the study and stewardship of culture at the nexus of economy, ecology, nature, and the multi-species ethnographic and ontological turn. Conversations highlighted the continuing friction between public environmental policies grounded in Western instrumental, anthropocentric attitudes toward nature, and deeply relational values espoused by Indigenous and environmental justice communities, and by the growing numbers of climate refugees and host communities—urban and rural—with whom folklorists and heritage scholars are increasingly engaged. Exploring what is most needed from folklorists in a time of global environmental instability, participants identified ways to build on solid foundations developed over decades of public folklore's place-based community engagement.

The Gree-Blue City program for management of urban afforestation in the cities of Araraquara and São Carlos, State of São Paulo

The Gree-Blue City Program is an environmental public policy that established the Urban Afforestation as its main topic. In this regard, the general purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of the Urban Afforestation Directive of this Program for Management of Urban Afforestation in the cities of Araraquara and São Carlos, state of São Paulo. Therefore, the specific purposes were: 1) To investigate actions, best practices adopted, and difficulties found to meet criteria of the Urban Afforestation Directive in the cities of Araraquara and São Carlos, considering the context of the cities studied; 2) To know the feeling of the interlocutors from the mayor’s office of the respective cities. The methodology used was an exploratory qualitative approach, by employing the following methodological procedures: bibliographical research, documentary research, and semi-structured interviews with civil servants of the cities of Araraquara and São Carlos. One of the main results was the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the two cities, such important data for contextualizing each criterion of the Urban Afforestation Directive. It was found that the Urban Afforestation Directive (DAU) of the Gree-Blue City Program (PMVA) mobilized actions aimed at the Management of Urban Afforestation in the cities studied, taking into account their most different contexts. However, it is necessary to overcome gaps and challenges in order to comply with the DAU with continuous, lasting, and effective actions in the cities.

QUEIMADAS EM BIOMAS BRASILEIROS

Increasingly, forest fires are occurring in large parts of the world due to warmer weather, more frequent and severe droughts and continuous changes in land use. In Brazil, the weakening of environmental public policies has further aggravated forest fires with widespread impacts throughout the country. This study aimed to evaluate the association between short-term variations in fire focis by precipitation, temperature in biomes in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) – Midwest Brazil. Generalized additive negative binomial regression models with distributed nonlinear lag terms were adjusted with daily counts of fire focis as results and total daily precipitation and other meteorological variables as predictors, adjusting for seasonality and trend. In general, higher precipitation was associated with fewer fire focis, with higher relative risks for the cerrado biome for the dry cutting and for higher temperatures the number of fire focis with higher relative risk for the pantanal biome. Stronger associations were observed in dry cutting (winter/spring). It was found that higher temperatures are associated with more fire focis. Fire focis are strongly associated with precipitation and temperature variation, but in opposite directions. Higher precipitation can become more clearly associated with fewer fire focis and higher temperature to more fire focis. If we maintain the burning culture to clear pastures and planting areas, the burnings will become increasingly uncontrollable. Keywords: Hot Spots, Precipitation, Temperature, Weather, Risk Assessement, Regression Models, Fire Foci, Burned Area.

INTEGRATING OPTICAL AND RADAR IMAGERY TO ENHANCE RIVER DROUGHT MONITORING

Abstract. Drought events are growingly affecting European and Italian territories, hampering local environments and biodiversity, such as the ones relying on rivers for their subsistence. Monitoring of rivers is becoming an important issue to face drought crisis and may be exploited with different tools. Among the most commons, satellite imagery is exploited to map water coverage, basing on optical or radar sources. This work proposes a combination of the two sensors to overcome possible limitations of the single dataset exploitation, reaching a reliable result. The methodology is applied to a stretch of Po River in Lombardy region (Italy). Through Google Earth Engine platform, optical satellite Sentinel-2 and radar satellite Sentinel-1 data are processed. The combination of the radar data and of the optical spectral indices is carried out through a pixel-based supervised classification, with a Random Forest classifier. Maps of water coverage are obtained, numerical outcomes of water surface evaluation are recorded and validated by the mean of reference hydrometric data. A multitemporal analysis is then reported, aiming to prove the efficiency of the procedure. All iterations show reliable accuracies and correlation among water surface estimation and water table measurements in two sections of interest. In perspective, the proposed methodology will be implemented in tools for supporting drought monitoring to be integrated in environmental public administration policies.

Using the Impact-WEB_GIS Platform to Assess the Impacts of Environmental Sustainability Public Policies in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area

Urban environmental sustainability is a growing concern within the United Nations and the European Union’s ongoing policy agendas to fight climate change. This paper contributes to this debate by presenting the main impacts of the Operational Programme for Sustainability and Use of Resources (POSEUR 2014–2020) in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (NUTS II). The analysis was completed using the Impact-WEB_GIS platform, specially developed for this study, supported by a territorial impact assessment methodology. In addition to the production of general impact scores, five analytic dimensions were further analysed, supported by state-of-the-art (i) low-emissions economy, (ii) adaptation to climate change, (iii) risk prevention and management, (iv) environmental protection and (v) resource efficiency. At a strategic level, the research created awareness of the need to adjust regional policy to the region’s characteristics on environmental sustainability matters.

Public Health Data Applications Using the CDC Tracking Network: Augmenting Environmental Hazard Information With Lower-Latency NASA Data.

Exposure to environmental hazards is an important determinant of health, and the frequency and severity of exposures is expected to be impacted by climate change. Through a partnership with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network is integrating timely observations and model data of priority environmental hazards into its publicly accessible Data Explorer (https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/DataExplorer/). Newly integrated data sets over the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) include: daily 5-day forecasts of air quality based on the Goddard Earth Observing System Composition Forecast, daily historical (1980-present) concentrations of speciated PM2.5 based on the modern era retrospective analysis for research and applications, version 2, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily near real-time maps of flooding (MCDWD). Data integrated into the CDC Tracking Network are broadly intended to improve community health through action by informing both research and early warning activities, including (a) describing temporal and spatial trends in disease and potential environmental exposures, (b) identifying populations most affected, (c) generating hypotheses about associations between health and environmental exposures, and (d) developing, guiding, and assessing environmental public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing or eliminating health outcomes associated with environmental factors.

Public Environmental Conservation Policies Based on the Economic Instrument of Payment for Environmental Services: A Pioneer Experience in Mato Grosso Evaluated by its Actors

Objective: To understand how the public policy for payment for environmental services in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso, Brazil, is evaluated by its actors in the period 2014-2019. Theoretical framework: The contribution brought by economic instruments to improving social well-being made them popular among successful environmental public policies by reducing the distortion between the economic and social values attributed to natural resources. Method: Study characterized as theoretical-empirical, descriptive, which uses a qualitative approach in the application of semi-structured interviews during the first quarter of 2019 followed by case study procedures of interpretative analysis. Results and conclusion: Indicate the existence of difficulties common to other national initiatives, operational advantage and institutional limitations. There is exploratory potential for the growth and development of public policy, however, due to the lack of specific federal legislation regarding environmental services and local technical limitations, its institutional arrangement needs improvement. Implications of the research: It presents the common difficulties of implementing public environmental policies using the economic instrument of payments for environmental services in Brazil. Originality/value: Given the global need for the State to provide water supply through the conservation of natural resources, this study collaborates with the Public Administration by understanding the difficulties experienced by the municipal public administration in the face of the unprecedented experience in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil .

Harnessing Machine Learning for Enhanced Air Quality Prediction

Air pollution poses significant health risks and necessitates the need for accurate air quality monitoring systems. This research paper focuses on predicting the Air Quality Index (AQI) using both regression and classification models. Various machine learning algorithms such as Linear Regression, Decision Tree Regressor, Random Forest Regressor, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, and K-Nearest Neighbors Classifier were employed to estimate AQI based on pollutant concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, RSPM, and SPM. The performance of these models was evaluated using metrics like RMSE, R² score, accuracy, and Cohen's Kappa score. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the models in predicting AQI, with Random Forest models exhibiting superior performance in both regression and classification tasks. This study underscores the potential of machine learning techniques in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of air quality predictions, thereby contributing to better environmental management and public health policies.

Evaluating land use impacts on water quality: perspectives for watershed management

Human activities threaten the integrity of watersheds. We aimed to investigate the impact of land use on water quality, adopting a multiscale approach. We collected water samples from twelve streams in Southern Brazil and conducted limnological analyses (physical, chemical, and biological) during the dry season. We used the water quality index based on the quality standards of Canada and Brazil. Land use percentage was measured in two groups (local scale and network scale). Environmental variables were summarized through Principal Component Analysis, and we organized them into Linear Models, integrating the percentage of land use classes and terrain slope in the Multifit formula. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Results indicated contamination by lead, chromium, copper, nitrogen, and Escherichia coli in water samples. The Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life resulted in an index ranging from 23.3 to 47.3, compared to the Brazilian Resolution No. 357/2005 for Class 2, which had an index ranging from 47.5 to 100. This disparity is attributed to the more rigorous and sensitive monitoring approach adopted by the Canadian guidelines. Riparian forests which are up to 50 m wide are associated with improved water quality. Agricultural and urban activities were the main contributors to water quality degradation in an area extending up to 1000 m from the watershed. We emphasize the importance of a multiscale approach in watershed management and public policies, considering not only riparian forest preservation, but also human activities throughout the watershed. It is crucial to prioritize science-based environmental public policies and strengthen enforcement to prevent increasingly pronounced environmental collapses. We have identified the urgency to reformulate CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 with a more conservationist and ecosystem-oriented approach, as well as to propose modifications to the Brazilian Forest Code, particularly regarding the buffer zones of permanent preservation areas. Thus, this study can provide insights, such as incorporating the “effect scale,” to enhance water resource management in landscapes heavily influenced by human action, contributing to the advancement of future research in freshwater ecosystems.

Health Literacy Concepts, Themes, and Research Trends Globally and in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Bibliometric Review.

(1) Background: Health literacy (HL) debates have increased significantly in the last two decades. HL concepts/themes and models have achieved substantial development in the US and Europe. Although there have been some efforts to develop HL in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), these seem to be few and scattered. This paper reviews and discusses developments of HL concepts and themes globally and in LAC over the last two decades. (2) Purpose: This study aimed to identify the prevalent health literacy concepts/themes deployed globally and in LAC as reported in academic journals from 2005 to 2022. We looked into which fields of knowledge have been informing HL research over the last decades. (3) Methods: We conducted a structured search on the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, and SciELO databases to extract the textual data for bibliometric analysis. We analyzed the textual data with VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to better understand health literacy themes and strands currently being researched in the LAC region. We conducted the searches in two periods: the first in May 2023 and the second in October 2023. (4) Results: The bibliometric study highlighted five WoS categories informing most HL global studies: (i) public environmental occupational health; (ii) environmental sciences; (iii) health policy services; (iv) health care science services; and (v) communication. The two predominant categories in LAC are public environmental occupation health and health policy services. Journals hosting HL publications come from these WoS categories. Themes in HL publications can be organized into four thematic clusters: (i) analytical (research designs, analytic techniques, and criteria for examining HL data); (ii) psychometric (measurement properties of data collection tools); (iii) pragmatic (practical issues related to implementing HL programs); and (iv) well-being (effectiveness of HL programs on mental health and illness treatment). (5) Conclusions: There is expanding interest in health literacy among scholars. The number of publications has increased substantially, particularly over the last five years. These are dominated by the Global North. The metrics show that LAC and Africa are trailing in publications. There is an emerging focus on adult literacy, functional/low health literacy, and their effect on improving capabilities, comprehension, and communication regarding health-related topics.

Role of Actor Networks in Public Policy Formulation

This research discusses the role played by actor networks in the process of formulating public policy. With the increasing complexity in the public policy environment, the role of actor networks becomes crucial in influencing and shaping the resulting policy direction. This research uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews and documentary analysis. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that actor networks play a crucial role in the process of formulating public policy. These roles include the roles of subjects with high importance but low power, key players with high interest and power, other followers who represent group voices that may be less heard, and supporters who have power but low interest. However, the process of formulating public policy is faced with a number of challenges, including the complexity of organizational structures, conflicts of interest between actors, lack of resources, and resistance to change. To overcome these challenges, close collaboration between all parties involved, open communication, and wise management of differences and conflicts that arise is required. Through these efforts, the policy formulation process can become more inclusive, responsive and effective in meeting the needs of society as a whole.

Mexican legal and administrative framework for the evaluation of sea turtle restoration programs

This document provides a historical overview of the National Sea Turtle Conservation Program (pnctm) from the perspective of public policies on environmental matters. Initially, a timeline is presented, highlighting some of the most significant events since the beginning of the pnctm, considered one of the oldest conservation programs in Mexico. In the second part, the conceptual framework that underlies the Conservation of Species at Risk Program (pace) is analyzed as the tool for managing public policy and that, as such, must be subject to processes essential for project management, such as evaluation. In this context, the importance of the evaluation processes of public policies (their programs and projects) is highlighted as a means for insight that led to improvements in their contents and in the processes of program implementation, orienting them towards adaptive management to improve results. In this case, this entails the recovery of sea turtle populations. An overview of some exercises for the evaluation of species recovery plans at the international level and in Mexico is presented. From this we conclude that there is a critical urgency to evaluate the results of the recovery plans, such as pace. Keywords: Environmental public policy, public policy evaluation, sea turtles, PACE