Increase In Affluence Research Articles

Pioneering historical LCA - A perspective on the development of personal carbon footprint 1860–2020 in Denmark

Mitigating climate change by reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is considered an urgent challenge for society. In this context, different philosophies exist. A classic debate, referred to as “boomsters vs. doomsters”, asks whether humanity's drive for technological innovations will mitigate climate change, or whether it is justifiable to compromise our living standards, affluence, and consumption patterns. A Danish research project has elucidated this topic through cross-collaboration between historians and engineers by quantifying the personal consumption-based carbon footprint (CF) of Danish citizens, taking into account the consumption segments of food, transport, housing, and furniture. Quantification is conducted through life-cycle assessments (LCA) of five decadal timesteps during the period 1860–2020. As only one other study conducting historical (retrospective) LCA with an extensive time horizon was identified in the scientific literature, our own study provides novel insights by exploring possible approaches in this field. Historical LCA has many similarities with prospective (future) LCA, providing inspiration to the approach. The main challenge of the study is to adjust both foreground and background systems in the inventory modelling phase. Data is largely based on national statistics, books, museum case studies, expert testimonials, and proxies such as using the steam turbine as an indicator of improvements to technological efficiency over time. The results show a slightly declining carbon footprint in the period 1860–1930, from 7.7 to 6.6 t CO2-eq per capita annually. Unsurprisingly the footprint peak is not found until the 1970s, at 11 t, reducing to 5.4 t in the 2010s. The residential energy consumption segment contributes half of this CF, followed by transportation by road and rail. Discussion of the results shows that whether technology can mitigate the impact from the increase in affluence depends on the specific consumption segment. For housing combined with residential energy, the results show that technology can mitigate increases in CF, despite the comforts of home having only increased over time. For the transportation segment, however, the past century has seen an eightfold increase in CF due to the pronounced evolution of personal modes of transportation. The findings suggests that the “boomsters vs. doomsters” debate is not so black and white after all. We further suggest that historical LCA, in tandem with prospective LCA, can provide valuable insights for decision support to facilitate a green transition and hence a green future.

Iconographic Trends in Roman Imperial Coinage in the Context of Societal Changes in the Second and Third Centuries CE: A Small-Scale Test of the Affluence Hypothesis

Abstract This article presents a quantitative analysis of iconographic trends in the depiction of deities in the coinage of the Roman Empire throughout the second and third centuries CE to explore temporal shifts in Roman imperial propaganda in the context of developments and pressures in affluence, prosperity, and political stability. Next to providing deeper insight into the topic of Roman imperial ideology, the article’s main objective is to test the validity of the so-called affluence hypothesis from the debate on cultural evolution. The hypothesis predicts that an increase in affluence and prosperity leads to the emergence of moralizing themes in religion. Based on the comparison of the iconographic trends in Roman coinage, as represented by the Online Coins of the Roman Empire project portal of coin types, with changes in affluence and prosperity indicators for the period of the second and third centuries CE, the results suggest that in times of political stability and prosperity, Roman Empire emphasized moralizing deities on coins more often than in times of crisis. In contrast, martial deities and those oriented on dominating power were promoted on coins more frequently in turbulent times. In this small-scale case study, the results support the arguments of the affluence hypothesis.

The impact of private equity investment and renewable energy on environmental degradation: evidence from BRICS countries

PurposeLarge-scale industrialization, growth and development have come at the cost of severe environmental degradation, primarily measured in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Apart from the several measures taken to reduce enviornmental degradation, provision of private capital is a necessity apart from the public capital. There is a debate on impact of carbon dioxide emissions with increase in affluence, technology, population and renewable energy. The purpose of the study is to look into the role of private equity investment on renewable energy and technological patents.Design/methodology/approachThe study extends the use of stochastic impact by regression on population, affluence and technology model to include another factor for investments and capital, i.e. private equity along with renewable energy, population, technology and GDP growth on carbon emissions for the BRICS countries. The time period for the study is from 2002 to 2021, and the relationship between the variables has been tested using pooled mean group/autoregressive distributed lag, fully modified ordinary least squares and panel quantile regression.FindingsFirst, the results depict a log-run relationship between the variables across the panel using cointegration. Private equity investments do not have a significant impact on carbon emissions. The study proposes important policy implications. There are two schools of thought on the impact of private equity on carbon emissions. For example, inherently private equity investments come with higher stakes and a shorter holding period because of which their primary focus remains on having higher returns instead of responsible investing. However, as private equity adds up to capital, which leads to an increase in productivity and eventually higher economic growth, this could affect carbon emissions. This study supports the first thought. Additionally, renewable energy also affects carbon emissions positively. The policymakers should look into the role and intent of the private equity investors in green investments and invest in technologies and patents that can lead to energy consumption.Originality/valueThe paper is the first of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to look into the impact of private equity on renewable energy and technological patents.

Climate risk, institutional quality, and total factor productivity

Climate risk severely affects natural ecosystems, and human social systems, especially the economy. Total factor productivity (TFP) has been considered a key factor in explaining long-term economic development. Using the global Climate Risk Index (CRI), we innovatively examine the relationship between climate risk and TFP as moderated by political and economic institutions. We find a negative impact of climate risk on TFP and a regional heterogeneity among countries with different levels of affluence, land area, and population size. The sensitivity of climate risk in poor areas decreases with an increase in affluence, and countries with larger land area and population size are less sensitive to climate risk. In addition, good political and economic institutions can mitigate the negative effects of climate risk, but these moderating effects are not significant in large countries. Finally, we make relevant recommendations for responding to climate risk and improving total factor productivity.

Livestock water and land productivity in Kenya and their implications for future resource use

Population growth and rising affluence increase the demand for agricultural commodities. Associated growth in production increases dependency on natural resources in countries that attempt to meet part or all of the new demand locally. This study assesses the impact of changing meat and milk production on natural resource use in Kenya under three plausible scenarios of socio-economic development, namely Business-As-Usual (BAU), Sustainable Development (SDP) and Kenya Vision 2030 (V2030) scenarios. The IMPACT model is used to estimate projected cattle, sheep, goats and camel production parameters for meat and milk. The BAU and SDP represent standard scenarios for Kenya of a global economic model, IMPACT, while V2030 incorporates in the model features specific to Kenya's medium-term national development plan. We use calculations of water footprint and land footprint as resource use indicators to quantify the anticipated appropriation of water and land resources for meat and milk production and trade by 2040. Though camel dairy production numbers increase the most by quadrupling between 2005 and 2040, it is cattle dairy production that significantly determined gains in production between the scenarios. Productivity gains under the SDP scenario does not match the investments made thereby leading to only slightly better values for water and land productivity than those achieved under the BAU scenario. Relative to the BAU scenario, improvement in land productivity under the V2030 scenario is the most dramatic for shoat milk production in the arid and semi-arid systems but the least marked for cattle milk production in the humid system. By quantifying water and land productivity across heterogenous production systems, our findings can aid decision-makers in Kenya and other developing countries to understand the implications of strategies aimed at increasing domestic agricultural and livestock production on water and land resources both locally and through trade with other countries.

Population aging, renewable energy budgets and environmental sustainability: Does health expenditures matter?

From the last few centuries, the human population has grown exponentially around the globe, and an increase in affluence has increased resource usage and pollutant emissions. In this respect, investment in renewable energy technologies plays an essential role in fighting against climate change and helps to achieve carbon neutrality targets. However, the pace of population aging is also increasing dramatically, which may require more health expenditures that may affect the renewable energy budgets. In this context, this study investigates the linkage between population aging, health expenditures, renewable energy budgets and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in G7 (Group of Seven) countries from 1985 to 2019. The second-generation estimation techniques robust to cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity are used. The findings of Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) depict that population aging and renewable energy budgets enhance the environmental quality of G7 countries by decreasing CO2 emissions. In contrast, health expenditures and economic growth attenuate environmental sustainability. The finding of CS-ARDL is also confirmed by the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) method. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test outcomes indicate the unidirectional causality from population aging and renewable energy to CO2 emissions. There is a feedback effect between health spending, economic growth, and CO2 emissions. Another interesting discovery is that population aging leads to health expenditures and consequently affects renewable energy budgets. We also find that population aging can affect renewable energy budgets directly. In addition, this paper also reveals a bidirectional causal relationship between health expenditures and renewable energy budgets. Finally, drawing on these consequences, this paper proffers some policy recommendations to help G7 countries to achieve climate-related goals.

Livestock Water and Land Productivity in Kenya and Their Future Implications for Resource Use

Population growth and rising affluence increase the demand for agricultural commodities. Associated growth in production increases dependency on natural resources in countries that attempt to meet part or all the new demand locally. This study assesses the impact of changing meat and milk production on natural resource use in Kenya under three plausible scenarios of socio-economic development, namely Business-As-Usual (BAU), Sustainable Development (SDP) and Kenya Vision 2030 (V2030) scenarios. The IMPACT model is used to develop projected livestock production parameters for meat and milk. The BAU and SDP represent standard scenarios for Kenya of a global economic model, IMPACT, while V2030 incorporates in the model features specific to Kenya’s medium-term national development plan. We use calculations of water footprint and land footprint as resource use indicators to quantify the anticipated appropriation of water and land resources for meat and milk production and trade by 2040. Though camel dairy production numbers increase the most by quadrupling between 2005 and 2040, it is cattle dairy production that significantly determined gains in production between the scenarios. Productivity gains under the SDP scenario does not match the investments made thereby leading to only slightly better values for water and land productivity than those achieved under the BAU scenario. Improvement in land productivity is the most dramatic for shoat milk production in the arid and semi-arid systems under the V2030 relative to the BAU scenario and is the least marked for milk production by cattle in the humid system under the V2030 relative to the BAU scenario. By quantifying water and land productivity across heterogenous production systems, our findings are aimed at aiding decision-makers in Kenya and other developing countries to understand the implication of strategies aimed at increasing domestic agricultural and livestock production on water and land resource both locally and through trade with other countries.

Material productivity, socioeconomic drivers and economic structures: A panel study for European regions

This paper provides an empirical investigation on the effects that regional economic structures exert on the socioeconomic determinants of material productivity. To this aim, first we develop a taxonomy of economic structures for more than 280 European regions that are classified in four overarching groups: agriculture-, industry-, intermediate- and service-based economies. Second, we perform a panel analysis to explore the impact of economic structures on the relationship between socioeconomic drivers and material productivity, during the period 2006–2015. Our results validate the basic hypothesis of the paper, i.e. the structural relationship between material productivity and its driving factors varies according to the underlying economic structures of the regions. In particular, we found that: (1) an increase in affluence leads to greater material productivity gains in material-intensive regions rather than in areas with service-oriented economies; (2) the degree of urban agglomeration seems to be the most important driver for material productivity, and its leverage effect is bigger among already densely populated regions. Our findings suggest that the influence of socioeconomic factors on material productivity behaves differently according to the idiosyncratic features that regions exhibit. Such diversity translates into different needs and opportunities that local policies should address by adopting a place-based perspective.

Kuwait Transformed: A History of Oil and Urban Life

Kuwait Transformed: A History of Oil and Urban Life

Affluence and Breast Cancer.

High income, high socioeconomic status, and affluence increase breast cancer incidence. Socioeconomic status in USA breast cancer studies has been assessed by block-group socioeconomic measures. A block group is a portion of a census tract with boundaries that segregate, as far as possible, socioeconomic groups. In this study, we used US Census income data instead of block groups to gauge socioeconomic status of breast cancer patients in relationship with incidence, prognostic markers, and survival. US state breast cancer incidence and mortality data are from the U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, United States Cancer Statistics: 1999-2011. Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State, 2010 to 2012, is from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2011 to 2013 Annual Social and Economic Supplements. County incomes are from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau. The American Community Survey is an ongoing statistical survey that samples a small percentage of the population yearly. Its purpose is to provide communities the information they need to plan investments and services. Breast cancer county incidence and survival data are from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) data base. We analyzed SEER data from 198 counties in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. SEER uses the Collaborative Stage (CS) Data Collection System. We have retained the SEER CS variables. There was a significant relationship of income with breast cancer incidence in 50 USA states and the District of Columbia in White women (r = 0.623, p < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between node involvement and income in Whites in 198 USA counties. Income was significantly correlated with 5-year relative survival in Whites with localized breast cancer. Income was not correlated with 5-year survival of Black race (p = 0.364) or other races (p = 0.624). The multivariate general linear model with income as covariate, 5-year survival by race as a dependent variable, showed a significant effect of income and White race on 5-year survival (p < 0.001), unrelated to Black race (p = 0.780) or other races (p = 0.618). In men, we found a nonsignificant positive correlation between county breast cancer incidence and income (r = 0.098, p = 0.168). Breast cancer risk factors, such as delayed childbirth, less breast-feeding, and use of hormone supplements, are more common in affluent women. Affluent women are more likely to have mammograms, which detect many cancers that might not otherwise be diagnosed. In addition, women in certain affluent ethnic groups-Ashkenazi Jews, Icelanders and the Dutch-are more likely to carry genetic mutations known to predispose to breast cancer. We hypothesize that women with more income can afford better cancer care and survive longer than poorer women. But our hypothesis does not explain why this effect should be limited to White women; or why node involvement increased with income in White women but not in Blacks or Hispanics. Further studies may be worthwhile.

Urbanization, openness, emissions, and energy intensity: A study of increasingly urbanized emerging economies

This paper analyses the impact of urbanization and trade openness on emissions and energy intensity in twenty-two increasingly urbanized emerging economies. We employ three second-generation heterogeneous linear panel models as well as recently developed nonlinear panel estimation techniques allowing for cross-sectional dependence. The empirical results show that population density and affluence increase emissions and energy intensity while renewable energy seems to be dormant in these emerging economies, but non-renewable energy increases both CO2 emissions and energy intensity. In addition, openness significantly reduces both pollutant emissions and energy intensity whereas urbanization significantly increases energy intensity, but it is insignificant in increasing emissions. This may be, in part, due to the recent increasing trend in adopting cleaner technologies in these increasingly urbanized developing economies.

English

The building industry represents huge consumer of sources and energy, heavy polluter and waste producer. The material and energy resources are limited with regard to current increasing population and affluence increase trends. The buildings during life cycle can make substantial contribution to energy and carbon conservation by sophisticated building approach. The environmental assessment of construction solutions by methodology life cycle assessment showed that using natural plant materials, which serve as long-term carbon store, ensure elimination of carbon footprint and energy consumption. The aim of multi-criteria analysis is to optimize the design of high environmental performance, energy effective and healthy constructions of green building.

Key role for nuclear energy in global biodiversity conservation.

Modern society uses massive amounts of energy. Usage rises as population and affluence increase, and energy production and use often have an impact on biodiversity or natural areas. To avoid a business-as-usual dependence on coal, oil, and gas over the coming decades, society must map out a future energy mix that incorporates alternative sources. This exercise can lead to radically different opinions on what a sustainable energy portfolio might entail, so an objective assessment of the relative costs and benefits of different energy sources is required. We evaluated the land use, emissions, climate, and cost implications of 3 published but divergent storylines for future energy production, none of which was optimal for all environmental and economic indicators. Using multicriteria decision-making analysis, we ranked 7 major electricity-generation sources (coal, gas, nuclear, biomass, hydro, wind, and solar) based on costs and benefits and tested the sensitivity of the rankings to biases stemming from contrasting philosophical ideals. Irrespective of weightings, nuclear and wind energy had the highest benefit-to-cost ratio. Although the environmental movement has historically rejected the nuclear energy option, new-generation reactor technologies that fully recycle waste and incorporate passive safety systems might resolve their concerns and ought to be more widely understood. Because there is no perfect energy source however, conservation professionals ultimately need to take an evidence-based approach to consider carefully the integrated effects of energy mixes on biodiversity conservation. Trade-offs and compromises are inevitable and require advocating energy mixes that minimize net environmental damage. Society cannot afford to risk wholesale failure to address energy-related biodiversity impacts because of preconceived notions and ideals.

Beyond Economic Growth

First paragraphs: We need a new vision of the future of agriculture, food systems, and communities. Most Americans seem preoccupied with a vision of economic growth — restoring it, promoting it, and sustaining it. They are unwilling to accept the fact that not only is economic growth not sustainable; it also is no longer either necessary or desirable. We need a new vision that will not compel people to sell themselves for the means of but instead use their time, talents, and energy to cultivate into fuller perfection, the art of life itself (Keynes, 1931/1962, p. 368). The consensus of research into psychological well-being or indicates that beyond some modest level of economic well-being, is related far more closely to the quality of social relationships and a sense of purpose in life than with additional income or wealth (Jackson, 2011; James, 2003). For example, a 2003 article in the Guardian references a recent British Cabinet report and concluded that despite huge increases in affluence compared with 1950, people throughout the developed world report no greater feelings of happiness (James, 2003, para. 4). Certainly, people in some areas of the world still need economic growth. However, the so-called developing nations need not aspire to the economies needed to support American lifestyles. A 2004 review of more than 150 scholarly studies concluded that beyond per-capita incomes of around US$10,000 to US$15,000 in developing nations, there is little if any correlation between increasing wealth and overall or well-being (Diener & Seligman, 2004). There is no reason to believe this relationship has change in the past decade....

Household electricity access and consumption behaviour in an urban environment: The case of Gauteng in South Africa

Being able to access modern energy forms is acknowledged as a pre-condition for achieving sustainability and improvement of quality of life. In an urban setting, wider selection of fuels is available for use, and policy makers are increasingly faced with the challenge of anticipating energy requirements of urban population, particularly as increases in affluence often translates to moving-up on the energy ladder from traditional fuels to modern energy. Using survey data, household electricity access and consumption behaviour in Gauteng province of South Africa was analysed with respect to some household socio-economic characteristics. The survey shows that household respondents are connected to electrical supply options as follows: 57.7% prepaid card; 35.5% conventional meter; 12.8% do not have an electrical supply; 7.6% solar; 1.4% do not know their electrical supply; 0.8% diesel generators and 0.5% connection to neighbours house. However, being connected with electrical supply does not imply that the households do not make use of other dangerous and risky fuel types such as kerosene and candles for cooking and lighting respectively. Factors behind the lack of use of electricity even though households have electricity supply options include among others, income and low price for other fuels relative to electricity.

Trends in meat science and technology: The future looks bright, but the journey will be long

With an increasing world population, an increase in affluence and a substantial growth in the demand for high quality protein, the meat sector faces a fantastic but challenging century. New scientific knowledge, technology and creative minds are the main ingredients in order to reach out for this great opportunity. Efficiency all the way from breeding and farming to processing and dispatch is crucial for success. Technology has brought us far, and there is still a huge potential for increased efficiency by implementing best practices on a global scale. New challenges include: hyper flexible automation, more accurate and faster measurement systems and meeting special consumer demands already at the production line. Systems for optimal animal welfare will be even more important and sustainability is no longer a consumer trend but a license to operate. The scientific meat society must provide knowledge and technology so we together can reach out for a seemingly bright future.

Optimization of construction solutions for green building

The building industry represents huge consumer of sources and energy, heavy polluter and waste producer. The material and energy resources are limited with regard to current increasing population and affluence increase trends. The buildings during life cycle can make substantial contribution to energy and carbon conservation by sophisticated building approach. The environmental assessment of construction solutions by methodology life cycle assessment showed that using natural plant materials, which serve as long-term carbon store, ensure elimination of carbon footprint and energy consumption. The aim of multi-criteria analysis is to optimize the design of high environmental performance, energy effective and healthy constructions of green building.

Smoking and socioeconomic status in England: the rise of the never smoker and the disadvantaged smoker

Since 2000 various tobacco control measures have been implemented in the UK. Changes in the smoking status of low and high socioeconomic status (SES) groups in England during this period (2001-08) are explored. Secondary analysis of the Health Survey for England general population samples was undertaken. Over 88 000 adults, age 16 or over, living in England were included. Smoking status (current, ex or never) was reported. SES was assessed through a count of seven possible indicators of disadvantage: National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NSSEC), neighbourhood index of multiple deprivation, lone parenting, car availability, housing tenure, income and unemployment. Smoking rates were four times higher among the most disadvantaged [60.7% (95% CI: 58.2-63.3)] than the most affluent [15.3% (95% CI: 14.8-15.8)]. Smoking prevalence declined between 2001 and 2008 except among the multiply disadvantaged. This trend appeared to be due to an increase in never smoking rather than an increase in quitting. Disadvantage declined among non-smokers but not smokers. In general never smoking and affluence increased in England over this period. The disadvantaged, however, did not experience the decline in smoking and smokers missed out from the increase in affluence. Smoking and disadvantage may increasingly coexist.

The price of protein

The paper examines micro-level price dynamics of the major dietary sources of protein in India, based on demand-supply fundamentals. As levels of affluence increase, the demand for proteins increases. But some categories show a long-term decline in availability, others show volatile growth due to structural imbalance between demand and supply, raising the prospect of price surges. Persistent price increases in commodities for which there are no effective substitutes raise wages and the potential rate of inflation over a period of time, warranting a monetary tightening. To the extent diets are affected human resources are weakened. Improving the agricultural supply response is urgent.

The rich, the poor, and the middle class: Thresholds and intensity indices

This paper contributes to the literature on the measurement of social classes by providing a wealth threshold for distinguishing the rich from the middle class and an intensity index for measuring the extent of affluence within a country. The empirical applicability of this approach is then illustrated with household-level survey data from the Bank of Italy; the results show an unambiguous decline in poverty and an increase in affluence in Italy between 2002 and 2004. Moreover, the findings indicate that social class is statistically linked to age, gender, marital status, household size, education, employment, and geography.