Ecological Degradation Research Articles

International container intermodal competitiveness: An empirical study from Chinese hub ports

The global energy crisis and environmental degradation have prompted ports to strive for green transformation. Intermodal transport, as a green and efficient form of organization in the transport sector, currently has a lot of room for development. How can the competitiveness of intermodal transport be enhanced while realizing the green sustainability of ports? This study objectively evaluates the competitiveness of international container intermodal competitiveness of hub ports and analyzes the characteristics of 16 Chinese ports from 2011 to 2020. The obstacle degree model (ODM) and the panel Tobit model considering random effects are utilized to explore the complex multidimensional elements affecting the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports. In addressing the imbalanced characteristics of intermodal transport in ports, a variety of augmentation pathways are devised using the dynamic multi-time period fuzzy-sets qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The results found that: (1) The competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports shows a “three echelons” structure, requiring the implementation of appropriate augmentation strategies. (2) Elements affecting the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports are multidimensional, underscoring the significance of holistically considering internal and external elements. (3) The key to enhancing the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports lies in striking a balance between economic development and prudent attention to multiple dimensions to ensure sustainability. This study enriches the empirical research on intermodal transport in ports. It provides valuable references for ports seeking new avenues of growth and for governments with effective management practices.

Evolution of an arid social-ecosystem with different water utilization spanning 12,000 years

Understanding the regime shifts of social-ecological systems (SES) and their local and spillover effects over time is crucial for ensuring future sustainability. However, limited research has focused on regime changes in SES under different modes of water resource utilization. In this study, we employ a concise theoretical framework to analyze regime shifts in the arid Tarim River Basin, considering changes in SES components. Additionally, we explore the drivers and local and regional effects of these shifts. The regime shifts in SES are categorized into four evolutionary phases: “Low productivity,” “Slow population expansion,” “Rapid environmental destruction,” and “Ecological restoration and improvement” over the past 12,000 years. The reciprocal coupling of SES components plays a vital role in determining the regime of SES, which is heavily influenced by the utilization of water resources and the degradation of the environment. While increasing water consumption is a core factor leading to environmental destruction, it also drives socioeconomic growth. During the process of SES shift, the rational allocation and use of water resources can shape an ideal regime that promotes regional ecosystem restoration. The empirical connections between the different phases of SES in the regime shift, their drivers, and their adverse or beneficial impacts provide valuable insights for sustainable SES management. Lessons from basin management that solely pursues single goals and focuses on local aspects, without considering these connections, have significant implications for long-term planning and policy formulation in arid basins worldwide.

Exploring the underwater life in transitional environments: Benthic foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts – Biotic trends and EcoQS assessment in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian sea, southern Italy)

Coastal areas have historically thrived as centers of human activities due to their resources, economic opportunities, and natural allure. The rapid growth of coastal populations has however brought forth a multitude of challenges to tackle, with pollution emerging as a significant and far-reaching issue. Our study focuses on the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), a lagoon-like coastal basin (separated in two sub-basins) that, since decades, has been heavily affected by human activities and aquaculture, leading to environmental deterioration. Although past studies have looked at environmental conditions in the Mar Piccolo from a chemical perspective, the biological component (e.g., biological indicators) has been mostly neglected. In this study, we firstly aim to examine the distribution and diversity of foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts in December 2016 and compare our findings with data collected in December 2011. Foraminiferal and ostracod communities exhibit similar patterns in the two sampling campaigns, while the communities of encysted dinoflagellates show differences concerning both densities and diversity. Then, we evaluate the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) using ecological indices. While the indices in the inner basin appear to reflect an actual ecological degradation, they yield conflicting results in the outer basin. In the outer basin, indeed, the indices overestimate the EcoQS. This study highlights the potential of these indices for characterizing the EcoQS but emphasizes the need for improvements in their reliability. This research also contributes to a more holistic understanding of environmental condition in the Mar Piccolo and underscores the importance of integrating biological quality elements into ecosystem management and remediation strategies.

Quantifying Environmental Degradation through Renewable Energy, Financial Development and Economic Sustainability: Insights from Panel Quantile Regression Analysis

The degradation of the environment is a global concern that needs serious attention, including the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. This article examines the effects of renewable energy, financial development and economic sustainability on the environmental quality of newly industrialized countries (NICs) from 1998 to 2021 in light of the increasing severity of environmental problems associated with industrialization. This study utilized different panel cointegration estimation techniques and panel quantile regression (PQR) estimates to obtain robust findings by examining the variance of each quantile. The results of the cointegration tests confirm the long-run relationship among the variables. Nevertheless, the outcomes from the PQR unveiled that renewable energy negatively and significantly influences CO2 emissions in NICs, namely in the lower and middle quantiles (20th–50th). Financial development showed heterogeneity in the results of all the quantiles. It results in an increase in CO2 emissions from the 70th to 90th quantiles in NICs. The EKC hypothesis is relevant to these findings as this study presents the economic sustainability index, which postulates that when NICs achieve sustainability, they give greater importance to environmental preservation and sustainability. This shift is characterized by reduced emissions throughout all quantiles, ranging from the 10th to the 90th. Economic sustainability corresponds to the falling part of the U-shaped curve of the EKC, wherein sustainability gets priority, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. Analogous results have been confirmed by comparing heterogeneous panel estimators; nonetheless, there was a significant variation in the intensity of their parameters. Moreover, the robustness analysis through quantile slope equality and symmetric quantiles tests proved legitimate results. The study’s findings offer policymakers with valuable policy recommendations. JEL Codes: C1, F36, F43, O44, Q56

Global movements for accelerating climate change action: the case of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration

ABSTRACT Much can be learned from burgeoning climate action movements in thousands of majority world rural communities. Land degradation has increased the vulnerability of over three billion people to famine, food insecurity, water shortages, and increasingly severe weather events, trapping climate-vulnerable communities in vicious cycles of impoverishment. Yet, many communities are learning through local climate action how to escape these cycles. We offer the case of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as one example to understand the conditions under which impoverished rural communities address ecological degradation. Combining simple reforestation action with a community engagement approach enables farming households using FMNR to regreen their landscapes, increase food security, reduce poverty, increase resilience to climate change and transform rural development. Communities in at least 29 countries are practising FMNR, reforesting tens of millions of hectares of land, strengthening communities, and restoring landscapes. Synergies between FMNR and faith-based moral principles help boost its embrace. Across the majority world, moral imagination and reasoning help motivate emotions that sustain farmers’ local action through their hope of a better future and scale up globally important community-based agricultural movements. Such collective action movements harness synergies between climate justice, poverty reduction, and human flourishing.

Natural resources as a double-edged sword towards ecological quality: Can environmental regulations and green human capital rectify the adverse impacts?

Natural resources are the backbone of any economy and the bedrock of ecological health. However, the relentless exploitation of these resources has given rise to ecological degradation. This threatens ecosystem stability, presenting the urgent need to balance natural resource utilization with ecological integrity. Environmental regulations and green human capital are pivotal in striking this balance and progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study explores how natural resources impact ecological quality in Ghana from 1990 to 2019 within the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework, considering the role of environmental regulations and green human capital. The study employs the novel dynamic ARDL simulation method, presenting insights that diverge from patterns noted in previous studies. The study's findings reveal that natural resources intensify ecological quality in the short term but degrade ecological quality over the long term. Environmental regulation reduces ecological harm, while green human capital negatively impacts ecological quality. Environmental regulation and green human capital undesirably and beneficially impact how natural resources relate to ecological quality, with the undesirable effects occurring in the short term and the beneficial effects emerging over the long term. Further, a U-shaped relationship is observed between economic growth and ecological pollution in the short term, which transforms into an inverted U-shaped relationship in the long term, thus validating the EKC hypothesis in Ghana. The study concludes by recommending the implementation and enforcement of environmental regulations as a pathway toward achieving ecological quality and SDGs, particularly SDG 13, SDG 12, and SDG 7.

Enhancing sustainability: Exploring the evolution and dynamics of the grassland social-ecological system in Inner Mongolia over the past 260a

Understanding the intricate relationship between social-ecological systems (SES) coupling and long-term regional sustainable development is critical for effective management strategies. While recent research has predominantly focused on human-earth coupling, there is a dearth of knowledge concerning the transition of grassland SES from one regime to another and the underlying drivers. This study employs a comprehensive SES framework to identify and analyze interactions within typical pastoral areas of Inner Mongolia, aiming to shed light on the evolution of the grassland SES over the past centuries. Our research defines five distinct evolutionary phases in the grassland SES since the mid-Qing Dynasty. Each phase is characterized by unique social and ecological features, providing a nuanced understanding of the system's dynamics. We establish empirical links between the phases and their driving forces and impacts by assessing the main changes between these periods. Specifically, our findings reveal instances of negative cross-scale effects emerging during the evolution process. We observe that unreasonable resource utilization and an inability to curb ecological degradation may lead to unsustainable traps, posing challenges to long-term sustainability. To illustrate, during the transition from Phase 3 to Phase 4 in the late 19th century, a shift towards sedentary pastoralism led to increased land degradation due to intensified grazing practices. This unsustainable trajectory highlights the importance of adaptive management strategies to mitigate such negative consequences. This study contributes insights into the social and ecological management of grassland pastoral areas in China and for global analogous regions. By addressing the identified phases and their associated challenges, our research provides a foundation for crafting sustainable policies and practices to ensure the resilience of grassland SES in diverse geographical contexts.

Environmental DNA can inform the trade‐off between proactive and reactive strategies for crayfish conservation

AbstractThe introduction of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus to British rivers has led to ecological degradation and the decline of the native white‐clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. To manage and mitigate the impact of the signal crayfish, conservation agencies and government bodies employ multiple conservation strategies. These take the form of proactive native crayfish breeding and stocking programs and reactive invasive crayfish control programs. Here, we used eDNA to assess the populations of native and invasive crayfish species across 50 sites in 10 river catchments in Norfolk, United Kingdom (UK). The sites were chosen to enable assessment of the potential of eDNA to inform proactive and reactive crayfish conservation strategies. Three of the catchments sampled were selected to assess the success of recent A. pallipes reintroduction, whereas the remaining seven were selected to better understand the distribution of each species at the landscape scale. Combining results of eDNA‐based methods with net searches within an occupancy model enabled us to confidently determine the presence of P. leniusculus at eight sites, and A. pallipes at three sites, which was more than visual searches alone (five and two study sites, respectively). Neither eDNA nor net searches detected A. pallipes at sites where A. pallipes had been reintroduced. We recommend that practitioners using eDNA‐based surveys for management and conservation of crayfish should consider: (1) designing eDNA surveys with an emphasis on large spatial scales to comprehensively describe the distributions of native and invasive crayfish in a region of interest; (2) work with local conservation organizations and/or government bodies to inform the selection of study sites to generate results that are meaningful to real‐world conservation actions; and (3) use results from eDNA‐based crayfish surveys to target limited conservation resources to appropriate proactive and/or reactive conservation actions.

Artisanal gold mining in guinea and security concerns

One of the continents richest in gold reserves is Africa. According to the World Bank, about 20 % of gold in African countries is still mined using artisanal methods. There is no officially recognized, generally accepted definition of artisanal small-scale gold mining. In essence, artisanal or small-scale gold mining is a labor-intensive, financially and technologically underdeveloped gold mining activity. Artisanal gold mining can be either informal, illegal, without state permission, or formal (legalized, streamlined). In the modern world, artisanal mining in African countries is experiencing rapid growth after their liberation from colonial oppression. The paper examines the environmental costs or ecological footprint of artisanal gold mining, such as: mercury intoxication of ecosystems, gold miners and local populations; deforestation, destruction of ecosystems; pollution of watercourses; industrial injuries and occupational diseases of gold miners; crime and social instability. Practical recommendations for improving safety are given.

Assessment of Societal Health Risks: Spatial Distribution and Potential Hazards of Toxic Metals in Street Dust Across Diverse Communities

On a global scale, the urban design of city centers is a topic of discussion concerning various aspects such development and its impact on public health. This research examines the health effects of urban agglomeration in city centers with compact, close development. In this work, the potentially toxic metals in street dust were studied by collecting and measuring street dust samples, measuring trace metal concentrations, and using index assessment, spatial analysis, correlation analysis, and health risk assessment models. Eskişehir, located in the part of Central Anatolia close to the Aegean region, west Türkiye, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular, known for having many narrow and old buildings in urban environments. The present paper investigates the atmospheric dust-related chemical speciation, urban environmental pollution, and human health risks in Eskişehir City by studying 66 dust samples collected at 11 points in the selected streets in August 2023. the study found that the concentrations of trace elements followed the order Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cu. The primary source of these high levels is believed to be traffic-related contamination involving Cd, Pb, and Ni. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks has shown that the significant sources of potential toxic metals exposure for both children and adults are i) through ingestion and ii) dermal contact. The Hazard index (HI) for selected metals decreased in the order Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu for both children and adults without imposing possible non-carcinogenic risk (HI<1). On the contrary, Cr posed cancer risks above the safety threshold (> 10-4) through ingestion. Based on the available findings, Eskişehir still suffers from considerable environmental and ecological degradation and severe health risks due to street dust contamination. However, while high pollution was detected in the city center, where there is commercial land use, low values were observed in the region, rich with the water surface, bicycle paths, landscape design, and where traffic is slowed down.

THE IMPACT OF STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

The low awareness and behaviour of environmental care and the increasing cases of environmental damage caused by human behaviour are the background of the research. Environmental problems caused by humans continue to occur and increase every year, ranging from the destruction of ecosystems to the emergence of waste that damages the environment. Environmental care behaviour is an important part that must be owned by every human being on earth, because this is related to the survival of every creature, both plants, animals, and other humans. This study aims to determine the effect of students' participation in environmental education programmes on pro environmental behaviour. This research is a type of quantitative research with survey method. Data collection techniques were obtained by means of observation and questionnaires. The research subjects were 5th grade elementary school students totalling 45 people. Data analysis was conducted using paired sample t test to measure the influence between variables and linear regression analysis to measure the amount of influence given. The results showed that there was a positive influence of student participation on pro environmental behaviour with sig. 0.004 &lt; 0.005, with rcount = 0.419 &gt; rtable = 0.294 so that it can be interpreted that the higher the participation of students in the environment, the better the environmental care behaviour, where R2 = 0.175 shows the influence of student participation with pro environmental behavior by 17%, while 83% is influenced by other factors. From these results, it shows that students' participation in environmental education programs plays an important role in supporting environmental care behaviour that leads to attitudes to protect the environment. The implication of the research is as a database and evaluation of education, especially in the environmental care behaviour of elementary school students.

Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches

Sunscreen was developed to combat the harmful effects of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but organic UV filters like oxybenzone pose a threat to coral reefs by promoting bleaching incidents, damaging coral DNA, and interfering with coral larvae. Oxybenzone has also been found to cause a wide range of reproductive and developmental harm within other marine organisms, like fish and invertebrates. While there are alternative sunscreens that are less detrimental to coral such as mineral-based products, toxic oxybenzone-based sunscreens are still popular among cosmetic companies and consumers. Scientific findings in the past decade have demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of chemical UV filters and the destruction of marine ecosystems. This knowledge has prompted some governments in coastal regions to pass legislation aiming to limit the use of sunscreens containing these chemicals. These regulations provide beneficial case studies that can be used to develop further effective policies to federally ban these products in the United States. The jurisdictions of Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Key West are model examples of successful implementation of such laws domestically. Based on efforts from such coastal communities, our suggested best practices to eliminate the threat posed by harmful sunscreens are to promote alternative sunscreen use, to define ‘reef-safe’ within the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, and to impose a nationwide ban on oxybenzone. These recommendations provide a comprehensive plan to protect the United States’ fragile marine ecosystems.

Do world uncertainty and income inequality moderate the efficacy of environmental innovation in driving global renewable energy generation?

ABSTRACT Environmental innovation is pivotal in tackling climate change by offering diverse and practical solutions to reduce carbon footprints, promote resource conservation, and enhance ecological sustainability. As anthropogenic activities continue to accelerate global environmental degradation, innovative solutions are imperative for mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainability. However, the effectiveness of these innovations is threatened by global uncertainties and rising income inequalities. Uncertainties in geopolitical landscape and economic disparities may impede the development and widespread adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices. Given the above background, this study empirically investigates the influences of environmental innovation, world uncertainty and income inequality on renewable energy generation for a balanced panel of 58 countries between 1990 and 2020. The estimated models also control for the effects of globalisation and economic growth. After diagnosing for necessary panel diagnostic tests including cross-sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and panel unit-root, the Westerlund cointegration test confirms a significant long-run relationship between the variables of the study. Using panel Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimation, the results reveal that while environmental innovation continues to promote the renewable energy generation, global uncertainty and income inequality hamper it. More importantly, the moderating effects of world uncertainty and income inequality reduce the favourable impact of environmental innovation on renewable energy generation. Besides, economic growth and globalisation continue to play critical roles in speeding up the quest for renewable energy. The PCSE estimation technique confirms the significance of these baseline findings. Potential policy implications are also discussed.

Influencing factors and the establishment of a basin ecological compensation mechanism from the perspective of water conservation: A case study of the upper Yangtze River in China

Under the dual impacts of global environmental degradation and human activities, ecosystem service functions have steadily declined. Ecological compensation has emerged as an important direct and efficient motivator for countries to implement ecosystem protection and restoration. At present, few studies have considered ways in which to establish ecological compensation mechanisms or have analyze the related influencing factors. The ecological compensation threshold is in the conceptual analysis stage; thus, quantitative simulation studies are lacking. In this study, the relationship between water conservation and ecological compensation was analyzed. Scenario simulation and the minimum data method were combined to establish an ecological compensation mechanism for the upper Yangtze River (UYR) basin, and the ecological compensation thresholds were quantitatively assessed. Finally, the factors influencing ecological compensation and the interactions among the factors were analyzed using an optimal parameters-based geographical detector. The results showed that (1) the different land use scenarios for the UYR resulted in notable water conservation differences, with greater differences under the fallow-to-forest scenario than under the fallow-to-grass scenario and existing scenario. (2) Furthermore, 27 subbasins were suitable for the implementation of the fallow-to-forest scenario, with an average ecological compensation threshold of 46.48 yuan/m3 and an average new water conservation amount of 22.02 × 108 m3; and 21 subbasins were suitable for the implementation of the fallow-to-grass scenario, with an average ecological compensation threshold of 107.87 yuan/m3 and an average new water conservation amount of 3.72 × 108 m3. (3) The drivers with the highest and lowest impacts on the ecological compensation thresholds were the grain yield and NDVI, respectively, while their impacts on ecological compensation were significantly enhanced by interactions among the influencing factors. In this study, the differences in ecological compensation standards were compared at the basin scale and administrative scale in different regions worldwide. Moreover, the need to establish a basin-scale ecological compensation mechanism as an effective reference for promoting the implementation and development of ecological compensation policies was explored.

Integrating spatial patterns and driving factors of cultural ecosystem services into territorial spatial governance: A case study of the Horqin Sandy Land with multi-ethnic settlements

Although the spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem services (CES) are often considered in land use management, there is a noticeable disparity in research coverage compared to biophysical ecosystem services (BES). Moreover, there is a lack of research focusing on human perceptions of CES. To address this gap, this study proposed a CES-BES framework that integrates spatial patterns, driving factors of CES, and their interactions with BES, based on the general framework of social and ecological systems. To alleviate the dual pressures of ecological degradation and cultural preservation, this study utilized the constructed CES-BES framework to offer land use recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable development in the Horqin Sandy Land. CES and BES were quantified through a combination of questionnaire surveys, SolVES model and process modeling, including aesthetic, biodiversity, cultural, economic, future, and historical values, as well as net primary productivity, crop production, wind protection, and sand fixation. The results revealed that CES in the Horqin Sandy Land exhibited a discernible pattern of "high in the west and low in the east." Notably, the factors perceived by respondents exerted a more substantial influence on CES than non-perceptual factors. Female respondents showed relatively lower sensitivity to CES overall, but higher sensitivity to biodiversity. Han respondents tended to prioritize biodiversity, while Mongolian respondents were more sensitive to cultural and historical values. Herders exhibited higher sensitivity to biodiversity, while respondents from other occupations showed higher sensitivity to cultural and future values. The influence of land use, topography, and accessibility on different CES was generally similar. All CES showed a positive correlation with elevation, slope, and distance to water, while they showed a negative correlation with distance to roads. Based on the results, the Horqin Sandy Land has been divided into five regions, with development recommendations provided for each region to ensure sustainable development. This study provides a novel perspective and methodological framework for CES supporting territorial spatial governance and land use management, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of CES.

Effects of Different N Fertilizer Doses on Phenology, Photosynthetic Fluorescence, and Yield of Quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is gaining recognition as a pseudocereal due to its nutritional attributes and adaptability to challenging conditions and marginal soils. However, understanding the optimal fertilization for quinoa growth remains a challenge. This study investigates the effects of nitrogen fertilization (0, 90, 120, and 150 kg using urea) on quinoa phenology, growth, and photosynthesis in the Loess Plateau region of China, a critical area facing soil erosion and ecological degradation. The results showed that nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced quinoa phenology, prompting early flowering and shorter growth at an optimum rate of 120 kg ha−1. Nitrogen application enhanced growth traits such as plant height, stem diameter, and chlorophyll content, particularly at the heading and flowering stages. Photosynthesis-related parameters, including net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration, were affected by nitrogen application, with higher values observed at 120 kg ha−1. Non-photochemical quenching was significantly increased by nitrogen application, indicating the efficient dissipation of excess energy. The study demonstrated a positive correlation between grain yield and growth traits, photosynthesis-related traits, and chlorophyll content. In conclusion, quinoa yield could be significantly improved at the Loess Plateau region under rainfed conditions by an optimal nitrogen fertilizer rate of 120 kg ha−1, which reduces the growth duration while increasing photosynthesis traits.

Habitat use of barbel (Barbus barbus) in a restored urban Danube tributary

Tributaries play a vital role in fish spawning and recruitment, significantly influencing mainstem river fish populations. However, in the Anthropocene era, tributaries within river networks suffered ecological degradation due to fragmentation and channelization. This has led to reduced distribution ranges and declining populations of various riverine species, underscoring the urgency of conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Our study explores the potential for reintroducing fish from the mainstem Danube River into the Wien River, an urban tributary that has undergone partial rehabilitation. We assessed habitat use and movement patterns of 20 adult barbel (Barbus barbus), a species classified as ‘near threatened’ in Austria, collected from the Danube River during the spawning season. These barbel were tagged with radio telemetry tags and relocated into the upper reaches of the Wien River, surmounting several artificial barriers in the lower sections. Although spawning activity was not observed among the barbel, possibly due to prevailing water temperatures, our data suggest that the Wien River could function as a viable temporary habitat. Barbel were notably inclined to inhabit deeper pool and run habitats. Their daily movements and home ranges were relatively limited, ranging from 0.0 to 1.1 km and 100 m to 2.9 km, respectively. One contributing factor to restricted movement was the presence of beaver and knotweed dams, which created temporary migration obstacles. On average, the barbel remained within the system for more than a month. Most of these fish migrated downstream at the onset of a significant high-flow event. Our assessment suggests that while the Wien River may not serve as a permanent habitat, it could function as a temporary habitat for migratory fish. However, to ensure accurate assessments of the restored Wien River as a spawning habitat, it is imperative to reevaluate the findings under stable spawning conditions and gather comprehensive data on relevant abiotic factors. This study advocates for the restoration of longitudinal connectivity between tributaries and mainstem rivers as a means to counteract biodiversity loss in Anthropocene river ecosystems.

Impact of pollution prevention practices and green environmental practices on sustainable performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese SMEs

Adequate protection of the environment is one of the hot spots of concern for all sectors of society due to severe environmental pollution. The solution to this issue is friendly management of the environment. With the rapid growth of Chinese Manufacturing SMEs for economic development, environmental pollution and abuse of resources are arising. To resolve these issues, Chinese manufacturing SMEs are accelerating the implementation of green innovation in their industries. However, it is a complex task that involves enterprise, government, and social considerations. Therefore, it is essential to identify the green drivers for this implementation. With a focus on China's current situation from previous research and views from experts, this study aims to investigate how Chinese Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are responding to resource misuse and environmental pollution by implementing green innovation, emphasising the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving environmental performance. This study primarily looks into the factors that influence the adoption of green innovations by analysing the growth paths of Chinese SMEs operating in highly polluting industries over a longer time frame than five years. Artificial Intelligence is a valuable tool for solving the issues of ecological degradation. A quantitative method has been implemented for the Chinese companies' samples from the deeply polluting industries for more than five years. The findings of this paper advise that the average board size, the governing board meetings, and organizational performance are positively connected with the Chinese firms' environmental process. Board independence and diversity of gender have irrelevant associations with ecological performance. A convenient threshold regression model has been used to accumulate the respondents' data. It also reveals that larger board sizes and more frequent governing board meetings are positively associated with improved environmental performance among these firms. The findings state the critical implications for the firm executives, policymakers, environmental activists, and regulators. This result supports the insight drained from the resource dependence, stakeholder, firm agency, and legitimacy theories.

Assessing the drivers and solutions of green innovation influencing the adoption of renewable energy technologies

The degradation of the environment in China is accelerating along with economic expansion. Adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) is crucial for reducing the adverse impacts of economic growth on the environment and fostering sustainable development. This study attempts to identify the green innovation drivers and sub-drivers that affect the adoption of RETs in China and provide solutions for boosting their implementation. The study prioritized the drivers, sub-drivers, and strategies of green innovation by combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methods. In the study, the triple bottom line (TBL) approach has been used to determine the economic, societal, and environmental driving forces. The study also suggests strategies for encouraging the use of RETs. The results of the AHP method revealed that economics is the most crucial driver, with a weight of 0.376, followed by environmental (0.332), and social (0.291) drivers. The findings of the SAW method indicated that government green innovation initiatives, consumer initiatives, and industry initiatives are the most significant strategies for deploying RETs in China. This study has important theoretical and practical ramifications for encouraging China to adopt RETs. The suggested approaches can help researchers, business professionals, and policymakers promote sustainable development in China.

Water populism and the Iranians' collective adipsia

AbstractThis article examines Iran as an example, where the water crisis is dealt with through denial, projection, and securitization approaches, described as “water populism.” The Iranian polity systematically adopts denial and projection approaches to obscure an underlying causal chain whose first ring is ideology, and then, it resorts to the securitization of water to safeguard these approaches against public criticism. Ideology prescribes an intensive hydraulic mission to facilitate “strategic industries clustered together in the central desert” and “self‐sufficiency in food production,” in the wake of its antagonism toward the world's powers and the ensuing international sanctions. This hydraulic mission depletes the country's water resources and results in “water bankruptcy” that is reflected in ecological degradation and socio‐economic disintegration. Ideology not only obstructs the genuine process of problem solving but also gives rise to water populism that serves as a political sedative by either disavowing the water crisis or attributing the crisis to a wide range of technical‐managerial factors or stifling dissenting voices. Any solution to Iran's water crisis seems infeasible in the absence of an ideological reform.