Changes In Environmental Quality Research Articles

Exploring the role of conventional energy consumption on environmental quality in Brazil: Evidence from cointegration and conditional causality

The study explores the nexus between energy, export, import, population and economic growth on environmental quality in Brazil. Hence the long-run equilibrium association and dynamic causality amongst environmental quality—proxy with CO2 emission—energy consumption, trade policy, and population growth in Brazil is empirically estimated. Annual frequency time-series data from 1971 to 2016 is employed within the ARDL bounds testing methodological framework. The conditional Granger causality procedure within the VECM is followed to examine dynamic short-term and long-run causations in the estimated model. Thus, a stable long-run relationship is empirically established in the estimated model. Hence, within the CO2 emission energy-augmented model—via the channel of real GDP per capita, real per capita exports/imports, and population growth—CO2 emissions converge to its long-run equilibrium by an average speed of 37.47% on an annually basis. Additionally, a 1% increase in energy consumption increases CO2 emissions by 1.259%. Similarly, an increase in GDP growth and export worsens environmental quality by increasing CO2 emissions by 0.033% and 2.202% respectively. The result of the impulse responses and variance decomposition in response to exogenous shocks in the model collaborate the findings of the ARDL model. Shock to energy use, real GDP per capita, real exports per capita, real imports per capita, and population growth causes changes in environmental quality—both in the short-run and long-run period—with significant implication for environmental conservation in Brazil. The short-run causality supports the imperative of energy for economic growth. Thus, suggests caution in following conservation policy so as not to jeopardize real economic growth, whilst contemplating environmental sustainability in Brazil.

Lessons from Globalization and the COVID-19 Pandemic for Economic, Environmental and Social Policy

The rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 not only brought many countries in the world to a state of health crisis, but also increasingly drove economic and social crisis. The roots of these crises, however, run far deeper and can be traced to decades of neoliberal political and economic actions and driving forces of globalization. Increasing globalization and liberalization of markets led to the increasing privatization of many public goods while collectivizing risks such as environmental disasters, pandemics and economic crises. This paper presents the context and emergence of these crisis states and derives public policy implications in the areas of externalities management, digitalization, and basic income based on a broad literature review. These key issues need to be addressed both during and after the crisis in order to address the problems of environmental quality and climate change mitigation, as well as rising inequality and injustice for current and future generations.

“Towards West African coastal social-ecosystems sustainability: Interdisciplinary approaches”

The coastal system can be regarded as co-evolving socio-economic and ecological systems undergoing intense environmental pressures owing to the mechanisms of change exerted by human activities against a background of natural change. Understanding and managing ecological responses to these changes in the coastal areas require interdisciplinary approaches. Here, we develop a new approach of coastal socio-ecological systems (CSES) based on earlier work on the press-pulse dynamics (PPD) socio-ecological systems. To show the relevance of the modified (mPPD) framework, we applied it to two unique features (mangroves and beach systems) of the western African coastal (WAC) systems. Then, we constructed plausible 21st-century coastal systems scenarios at the coast based on a set of descriptive indicators (population growth, economic development, environmental quality, governance, technological advancement and climate change) for a better understanding and sustainable management planning of WAC systems.We found that different indicators characterizing each scenario will exert different pressures on the WAC systems, under the forms of the long-term press and short-term pulse events. The cross-cutting narratives of the different future scenarios in the face of climate change using the mPPD framework offer valuable insight into the development of WAC management strategies, policies and other agendas. It helps to define the plausible implications of following, or not, a particular management path. The inconsistencies between the aspirations of different resource users and lack of coordination of human activities taking place on land and in the coastal zone, partly due to fragmentation of institutions and weak coastal governance are revealed. In this context, the mPPD-CSES framework can be used to investigate how ecosystems can experience different (intensities of) press as well as different frequencies of the pulse. Thus, its adaptability to construct future coastal vulnerability scenarios adds to its usefulness as a robust and dependable integrated coastal zone management tool.

Study on the long-term impact of economic globalization and population aging on CO2 emissions in OECD countries

Both economic globalization and population aging have given rise to changes in environmental quality, but the research that integrates these two crucial factors into the same environment policy framework is still a blank. Therefore, using panel data of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) over the period 1971–2016, this study examines the long-term impact of economic globalization and population aging on CO2 emissions. First, second-generation panel regression approaches are employed to verify the panel data, including unit root tests, cointegration tests and causality tests. Next, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) are respectively used for empirical analysis of the long-term impact between variables. The augmented mean group (AMG) is also applied to ascertain the robustness results of the estimation coefficients. Finally, using Dumitrescu and Hurlin non-causality test to examine the causal associations between variables to avoid the contingency of the results. The overall results show that economic globalization and population aging decrease the long-term CO2 emissions. The inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution confirms the effectiveness of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in OECD countries. In addition, unidirectional causal relationships have been found from economic globalization and population aging to CO2 emissions in this study. Policy suggestions in response to these findings are discussed.

How do pollutants change post-pandemic? Evidence from changes in five key pollutants in nine Chinese cities most affected by the COVID-19

Under the COVID-19 global pandemic, China has weakened the large-scale spread of the epidemic through lockdown and other measures. At the same time, with the recovery of social production activities, China has become the only country which achieves positive growth in 2020 in the major economies. It entered the post pandemic period. These measures improved the local environmental quality. However, whether this improvement can be sustained is also a problem that needs to be solved. So, this study investigated the changes of five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO) in the nine cities most severely affected by the pandemic in China during the lockdown and post pandemic period. We emphasized that when analyzing the changes of environmental quality during the epidemic, we must consider not only the impact of the day and short-term changesbut also the cumulative lag effect and sustainable development. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, it is found that the concentration of pollutants decreased significantly during the lockdown compared to the situation before the epidemic. PM10 and NO2 are falling most, which downs 39% and 46% respectively. During the lockdown period, the pollutant concentrations response to the pandemic has a lag of 3–7 days. More specifically, in the cities related to single pollutants, the impact on the pollutant shows a significant correlation when the measures are delayed for seven days. In the cities that are related to multiple pollutants, the correlation is usually highest in 3–5 days. This means that the impact of policy measures on the environment lasted for 3–5 days. Besides, Wuhan, Jingmen and Jingzhou have seen the most obvious improvement. However, this improvement did not last. In the post pandemic period, the pollutants rebounded, the growth rates of PM10 and NO2 reached 44% and 87% in September. When compared with the changes of pollutants concentration in the same period from 2017 to 2019, the decline rate has also been significantly slower, even higher than the average concentration of previous years. The research not only contributes to China's economic “green recovery” plan during the post epidemic period, but also provides references for environmental governance during economic recovery in other countries.

Parasite diversity of introduced fish Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and endemic Haplochromis spp. of Lake Victoria, Kenya.

This study reports on the status of metazoan fish parasites in Lake Victoria following the establishment of introduced Lates niloticus (Latidae) and Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae) and changes in environmental quality. For this study, 412 fish specimens were examined for parasites: 103 L. niloticus, 165 O. niloticus, 82 Haplochromis piceatus and 62 H. humilior (endemic cichlids). In total, 25 parasite taxa were identified: Lates niloticus (6), O. niloticus (19) and Haplochromis spp. (13). The myxosporean Henneguya ghaffari, prevalence (P) = 79% and the monogenean Diplectanum lacustris (P = 34%), were the dominant parasites on L. niloticus. Myxobolus sp. (P = 44%) was dominant on O. niloticus while for the haplochromines, metacercariae of 'Neascus' sp. (Diplostomidae) was dominant (P = 37%). Contrary to reports of high diversity of monogeneans on endemic species, the haplochromines harboured only Cichlidogyrus gillardinae (P = 6.9%). Oreochromis niloticus harboured seven monogenean species: Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. tilapiae, C. quaestio, Scutogyrus longicornis, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum and G. malalai-they appear to have been co-introduced with the fish. Cichlidogyrus gillardinae, C. quaestio, G. malalai and the acanthocephalan Acanthogyrus (Acathosentis) tilapiae are recorded for the first time in Lake Victoria, representing new geographical records. Presence of A. (A) tilapiae in Haplochromis spp. indicates possible spillover from O. niloticus. Low prevalence and diversity of monogeneans, crustaceans and glochidia on the fish corresponded with increased pollution in the lake. Overall, changing environmental conditions and introductions of fish species have contributed to parasite community changes in Lake Victoria.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESMENT OUTFLOWS AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: HIDDEN COINTEGRATION ANALYSIS FOR TURKEY

The relationship between foreign direct investment, which is a type of cross-border and long-term investment, and environmental quality is a current issue that is heavily debated. Foreign direct invesments can ensure economic growth and development of countries, while also causing a change in environmental quality. In the research conducted, it is seen that changes in carbon dioxide emissions with foreign direct capital inflows are mainly investigated from the point of view of the host countries. However, foreign direct invesment outflows may have an impact on the environmental quality of the home country. Because foreign direct invesment outflows can enable the transfer of more environmentally friendly techonogies to the country and strengthen management skills. The impact of foreign direct investment outflows on the home country's environmental pollution is shaped by many factors (scale, technique, and composition effects). In addition to these effects, it is necessary to pay attention to the regional and sectoral distribution of capital outflows. The main aim of this study is to examine the links between Turkey's foreign direct invesment outflows and carbon dioxide emissions for the period 1990-2018. For this reason, a unit root test was applied to variables whose natural logarithm was taken. Tests showed that all series are stable of the same degree. Engle&Granger(1987) and Granger&Yoon(2002) tests were used to determine the cointegration relationship between variables. The crouching error correction model(CECM) was applied to determine the causality relationship. According to the results of the analysis; i) In terms of the Engle&Granger(1987) test, there was no long-term relationship between variables. ii) According to the Granger&Yoon(2002) test, it was determined that there is a bidirectional hidden cointegration relationship between the positive shocks of carbon dioxide emissions and negative shocks of foreign direct invesment outflows. iii) There is a bidirectional asymmetric causality relationship between the positive shocks of carbon dioxide emissions and the negative shocks of foreign direct invesment outflows. iv) It is observed that 1% negative shocks in foreign direct invesment outflows reduce positive shocks in carbon dioxide emissions by 0,26%. As a result, since negative situations in foreign direct invesment outflows have an effect on improving the quality of the environment, the environmental dimension should be taken into account in the policies to be made.

The role of changes in environmental quality in multitrait plastic responses to environmental and social change in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Intraspecific variation plays a key role in species' responses to environmental change; however, little is known about the role of changes in environmental quality (the population growth rate an environment supports) on intraspecific trait variation. Here, we hypothesize that intraspecific trait variation will be higher in ameliorated environments than in degraded ones. We first measure the range of multitrait phenotypes over a range of environmental qualities for three strains and two evolutionary histories of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in laboratory conditions. We then explore how environmental quality and trait variation affect the predictability of lineage frequencies when lineage pairs are grown in indirect co‐culture. Our results show that environmental quality has the potential to affect intraspecific variability both in terms of the variation in expressed trait values, and in terms of the genotype composition of rapidly growing populations. We found low phenotypic variability in degraded or same‐quality environments and high phenotypic variability in ameliorated conditions. This variation can affect population composition, as monoculture growth rate is a less reliable predictor of lineage frequencies in ameliorated environments. Our study highlights that understanding whether populations experience environmental change as an increase or a decrease in quality relative to their recent history affects the changes in trait variation during plastic responses, including growth responses to the presence of conspecifics. This points toward a fundamental role for changes in overall environmental quality in driving phenotypic variation within closely related populations, with implications for microevolution.

Benthic invertebrate assemblage changes in an urban bay of Lake Ontario: 1990 to 2012

Invasions by dreissenid mussels and the round goby have altered the makeup of benthos in many areas of the Great Lakes complicating the use of benthic invertebrate composition as an indicator of environmental conditions. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has been monitoring the composition of benthos at nearshore stations since the 1990s. The interactive influences of environmental change and invasive species have been evident in areas of the Toronto Waterfront such as Humber Bay (HB), an area of intensifying urbanization. Dreissenid mussels were first detected in HB in 1994, became abundant in 2000, and were followed by the round goby in 2005. Both invasions overlapped with increasing population density in the watershed and efforts to reduce pollutant and nutrient inputs. Benthic invertebrate diversity increased post-dreissenids, with densities of gastropods and amphipods increasing during peak mussel abundance (2000–2003). Dreissenid abundance declined after 2005, and snails (Valvatidae) disappeared, corresponding with increasing goby abundance. Abundance of sphaeriid clams declined over the monitoring period. Water clarity increased and the chlorophyll a level declined in the mid-1990s, before dreissenids were abundant at the site. Trophic conditions inferred from invertebrate composition shifted from oligotrophic in 1990 to mesotrophic and back to oligotrophic in 2012. There was little change in sediment quality other than a subtle increase in clay and fine silt at the primarily silty site. The trajectory of changes in the benthos was more strongly correlated with the dreissenid and goby invasions than changes in environmental quality.

STATUS KUALITAS AIR DI KAWASAN PARIWISATA NUSA PENIDA

Environmental water quality is very influential on environmental sustainability and tourism in the Nusa Penida Tourism Area. Changes in environmental water quality are influenced by human activities in utilizing environmental resources. As a developing tourism area, Nusa Penida has a source of environmental water from springs, groundwater and has marine waters with biodiversity that become underwater paradise. The method used by analyzing water quality uses a standardized quality approach based on Bali Governor's Regulation No. 16 of 2016 concerning Environmental Quality Standards and Environmental Damage Quality Criteria and to find out the water pollution index using the approach of the Decree of the Minister of Environment No. 51 of 2004, then compared with environmental water quality using environmental water quality tests that have been carried out in the Study of Analysis Regarding the Environmental Impact of the Nusa Penida Tourism Area in 1998.Tests for the quality of sea water, well water and spring water in 2019 each showed relatively better results compared to the results of quality tests for sea water, well water and spring water in 1998. Influential parameters The index of sea water pollution, well water and spring water in Nusa Penida are turbidity parameters, free ammonia (NH3-N) dissolved residue (TDS) and total coliform, respectively.Keywords: environment; quality; water; tourism; Nusa Penida.

Anthropogenic Heat Flux Estimation Based on Luojia 1-01 New Nighttime Light Data: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province, China

With the rapid process of urbanization, anthropogenic heat generated by human activities has become an important factor that drives the changes in urban climate and regional environmental quality. The nighttime light (NTL) data can aptly reflect the spatial distribution of social-economic activities and energy consumption, and quantitatively estimate the anthropogenic heat flux (AHF) distribution. However, the commonly used DMSP/OLS and Suomi-NPP/VIIRS NTL data are restricted by their coarse spatial resolution and, therefore, cannot exhibit the spatial details of AHF at city scale. The 130 m high-resolution NTL data obtained by Luojia 1-01 satellite launched in June 2018 shows a promise to solve this problem. In this paper, the gridded AHF spatial estimation is achieved with a resolution of 130 m using Luojia 1-01 NTL data based on three indexes, NTLnor (Normalized Nighttime Light Data), HSI (Human Settlement Index), and VANUI (Vegetation Adjusted NTL Urban Index). We chose Jiangsu, a fast-developing province in China, as an example to determine the best AHF estimation model among the three indexes. The AHF of 96 county-level cities of the province was first calculated using energy-consumption statistics data and then correlated with the corresponding data of three indexes. The results show that based on a 5-fold cross-validation approach, the VANUI power estimation model achieves the highest R2 of 0.8444 along with the smallest RMSE of 4.8277 W·m−2 and therefore has the highest accuracy among the three indexes. According to the VANUI power estimation model, the annual mean AHF of Jiangsu in 2018 was 2.91 W·m−2. Of the 96 cities, Suzhou has the highest annual mean AHF of 7.41 W·m−2, followed by Wuxi, Nanjing, Changzhou and Zhenjiang, with the annual mean of 3.80–5.97 W·m−2, while the figures of Suqian, Yancheng, Lianyungang, and Huaian, the cities in northern Jiangsu, are relatively low, ranging from 1.41 to 1.59 W·m−2. This study has shown that the AHF estimation model developed by Luojia 1-01 NTL data can achieve higher accuracy at city-scale and discriminate the spatial detail of AHF effectively.

The gap between public perceptions and monitoring indicators of environmental quality in Beijing

This paper explores the differences between public perceptions and existing monitoring indicators in environmental quality in Beijing. The results reveal, existing indicators do not accurately reflect public perceptions of the environment. Some environmental problems, such as fluffy catkins, are not reflected in the existing indicators, yet have a relatively large influence on public perception. The policymakers and public's variegated understanding of the environment, the lag period of public perceptions of environmental quality change, and lack of standards and monitoring for emerging problems are the three main reasons that resulted in a deviation of monitoring indicators from the public perceptions. Resultantly, to improve the level of environmental governance, it is necessary to take relevant measures that reduce the difference between public perceptions and monitoring indicators. Residents should be surveyed regularly to obtain their public perceptions, and the selection of indicators should not be limited to environmental pollution. In particular, some indicators based on public perception should be developed to complement the existing environmental monitoring protocol. In addition, due to the emerging environmental problems, quality standards and monitoring systems should be updated regularly.

Social rank modulates how environmental quality influences cooperation and conflict within animal societies.

Although dominance hierarchies occur in most societies, our understanding of how these power structures influence individual investment in cooperative and competitive behaviours remains elusive. Both conflict and cooperation in animal societies are often environmentally regulated, yet how individuals alter their cooperative and competitive investments as environmental quality changes remain unclear. Using game theoretic modelling, we predict that individuals of all ranks will invest more in cooperation and less in social conflict in harsh environments than individuals of the same ranks in benign environments. Counterintuitively, low-ranking subordinates should increase their investment in cooperation proportionally more than high-ranking dominants, suggesting that subordinates contribute relatively more when facing environmental challenges. We then test and confirm these predictions experimentally using the Asian burying beetle Nicrophorus nepalensis. Ultimately, we demonstrate how social rank modulates the relationships between environmental quality and cooperative and competitive behaviours, a topic crucial for understanding the evolution of complex societies.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Adaptation to Beach Loss Due to Climate Change in Japan

To measure economic effects of changes in environmental quality caused by climate change in Japan, we estimate beach loss damage costs in Japan and in each prefecture and evaluate the economic effectiveness of hypothetical adaptation measures to restore sandy beaches. For analyses, we use a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) that integrates a utility function with environmental quality factors as an independent variable derived from a recreation demand function in a travel cost method (TCM). We use future projections of beach loss rates in 2081–2100 based on ensemble-mean regional sea-level rise (SLR) for four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCPs) scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5). The main findings of our study are presented as follows. (1) In 2081–2100, beach loss damage costs were estimated respectively as 398.54 million USD per year for RCP2.6, 468.96 (m.USD/year) for RCP4.5, 494.09 (m.USD/year) for RCP6.0, and 654.63 (m.USD/year) for RCP8.5. (2) For all RCPs, six prefectures for which the cost–benefit ratio exceeds 1.0 were Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Saga, and Kumamoto. Our hypothetical adaptation measure of an artificial beach enhancement is expected to be quite effective as a public works project in these prefectures.

Comparative analysis of formation and development of electronic government in Ukraine and Estonia

The article reveals the essence of e-government and conducts comparative analysis of the formation and development of e-government in Estonia and Ukraine. The comparative analysis in this study is used to establish logical patterns that influence the formation and development of e-government, as well as to search for advantages, determine the boundaries and possibilities of using the experience of Estonia for the development of e-government in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of ICT infrastructure, since its inconsistency with the current level of development is one of the main problems for the country, and the solution of this issue is important to increase the level of readiness for the introduction of e-government, the development of which, in turn, is one of the main factors for successful reforming and improving the country’s competitiveness. Comparative analysis of the indicators of the ICT-infrastructure of Ukraine and Estonia at the regional and global levels has been conducted. For a holistic study of the environment in which e-government is developing, an ecosystem approach is used that provides the ability to analyze both direct and indirect impacts on the ICT ecosystem and assess the consequences of environmental quality changes (digital, legal, etc.) for the development of the process under study. Based on the analysis of the possibilities of using the Estonian experience in Ukraine, an assessment of the expected effect of the implementation of the proposed measures is carried out. The main directions of the further development of e-government in Ukraine in the legal, administrative, financial, infrastructure and social spheres are identified.

Did Boa Viagem Beach Environmental Quality Change after 10 Years?

Araújo, M.C.B.; Costa, M.F.; Silva-Cavalcanti, J.S., and Magarotto, M.G., 2020. Did Boa Viagem beach environmental quality change after 10 years? In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 748-752. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Boa Viagem is an urban beach located in the northeast of Brazil. It exhibits a high degree of development and use. Although characterized by typical tourist activities, it is under pressure and the quality of its environment and socioeconomic function can be jeopardized. This study assessed the temporal variation of the quality of the beach over a decade (2007-2017), in order to determine whether its conditions have improved or worsened, and whether the parameters used in 2007 were still effective for this type of assessment. Four indicators (A = excellent, B = good, C = fair, and D = bad) based on the assessment of 60 parameters subdivided into two subsystems (natural and anthropic) were used. All the 30 natural parameters were assessed based on an attribute scale ranging from the worst (1) to the best (3) quality. For the anthropic parameters, only positive or negative categories were attributed. For both subsystems, a scale from 1 (not important) to 3 (very important) was used to obtain the weight of each parameter. The sum of each subsystem was used to obtain a score. The results obtained in the second assessment were very similar to those obtained in the first. The most central part of the beach, which suffered from erosion problems and absence of backshore, was the most affected in both assessed periods; whereas the northern and southern extremes remained in better conditions. Indicators A and D did not occur in the two periods assessed. There was a slight improvement in the infrastructure (such as the extension of the bike path to the entire length of the beach, and safety signaling for users), and there was a very small reduction in quality of the natural subsystem (<5%).

Adaptation Through Social Policy: Temperature, Violence and Cash Transfers in Mexico

Why do damages from changes in environmental quality differ across and within countries? Causal investigation of this question has been challenging because differences may stem from heterogeneity in cumulative exposure or differences in socioeconomic factors such as income. We revisit the temperature-violence relationship and show that cash transfers attenuate one-half to two-thirds of the effects of higher same-day temperatures on homicides. Our results not only demonstrate causally that income can explain much of the heterogeneity in the marginal effects of higher temperatures, but also imply that social protection programs can help the poor adapt to rising temperatures.

Monitoring the effects of land consolidation on the ecological environmental quality based on remote sensing: A case study of Chaohu Lake Basin, China

As a kind of activity to break down the original land ecosystem, land consolidation causes the ecosystem to undergo a process of “stability-unstable-stable”. The Chaohu Lake Basin is a typical traditional agricultural planting area and extensive implementation of large-scale land consolidation projects. By monitoring the impact of land consolidation activities in a specific time period in the basin on the project areas and surrounding environment, the spatial and temporal impacts of large-scale land consolidation on regional eco-environmental quality are analyzed. This study mainly monitors crop growth, soil moisture and temperature changes in the land consolidation project area, and the corresponding changes in the surrounding environment. The response of ecological environment factors caused by land consolidation can be embodied in indicators such as humidity, greenness, heat and dryness. Four indicators of NDVI, WET, LST, and NDBSI were selected, using principal component analysis, monitoring the environmental quality changes in the land consolidation areas of Chaohu Lake Basin. Result shows that the ecological environmental quality of the study area exhibits long-term convergence and short-term divergence, and the correlation between the ecological indicators is not significant. The average contribution rate of the first principal component eigenvalue is 67.94 %. The implementation period of the land consolidation project will seriously interfere with the ecological environment, but it can be restored within 3–5 years after implementation, and the ecological environmental quality of the project area will continue to improve. Land consolidation not only can improve the quality of the ecological environment in the consolidation area, but also can promote the surrounding environment. The findings provide theoretical basis and decision guidance for the improvement of land consolidation planning and design (reconstruction) in China, and offer suggestions on strategy-oriented support and scientific basis for promoting the long-term development of land consolidation worldwide.

Planning the “unknown”: Perception of urban green infrastructure concept in Romania

Urban areas are under constant pressure, owing to population growth and societal challenges. The higher perceived quality of life characterising urban areas is beginning to decrease, owing to changes in environmental quality, security levels, employment, and public health. Urban planning must adapt to overcome these challenges. The urban green infrastructure (UGI) approach aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, and to improve the overall quality of urban life by providing a wide variety of ecosystem services.While the UGI concept has been presented as successfully implemented in some European and North American countries, for other cities the struggle continues. Our study presents the results of a perception analysis for three groups of stakeholders in Romania: citizens, public authorities, and economic agents. We sent 970 questionnaires to our targeted groups, of which 300 were validated for further processing. We determined the knowledge levels on the UGI concept, and the main challenges these actors have in planning and managing this type of infrastructure.Our results emphasise that the UGI concept is considered nothing more than a modern reinterpretation of green spaces, and the development of such urban features is considered an unnecessary expenditure for local budgets Available and unbuilt land is being considered more suited for real estate development. While citizens and public authorities acknowledge the benefits of UGI, our findings raise a red flag over the urgency to bridge the gap between the scientific community and urban practitioners, for the latter to further concentrate on planning and developing these kind of networks within the urban settlements.

Study on How to Improve Surface Water Quality Monitoring

Under the guidance of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, China’s environmental protection initiatives have made remarkable achievements, both in terms of system optimization and in terms of solving problems left by history. The masses also put forward suggestions and opinions on the achievements of China’s environmental protection departments, and the public awareness of environmental protection has been constantly enhanced. In this context, more and more enterprises and individuals begin to pay attention to the changes in environmental quality. Surface water quality monitoring, as an important task to clarify the environmental quality of surface water, provides a wealth of information for the relevant technical personnel to clarify the change of environmental quality. Therefore, in the process of design and production, our environmental protection personnel and other industry engineers will put forward the requirements for quality monitoring of surface water where the project is located, and different industries have different requirements for their testing accuracy. It can be seen that improving surface water quality monitoring has become an urgent task for environmental protection engineers.