Natural Resources Perspective Research Articles

FinTech and sustainable financing for low carbon energy transitions: A biodiversity and natural resource perspective in BRICS economies

BRICS countries grapple with formidable challenges, declining biodiversity, and energy crises. This study examines the transformative potential of financial technology and sustainable financing in driving low-carbon energy transitions. It aims to achieve two objectives: first, to investigate the effectiveness of FinTech and sustainable financing in driving low-carbon energy transitions; and second, to probe the relationship between these mechanisms and the imperatives of biodiversity and sustainable natural resource utilization in the context of BRICS economies. Through the application of advanced econometric techniques such as fully modified OLS (FMOLS), dynamic OLS (DOLS), fixed effect-OLS (FE-OLS), and Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), this study investigates the impact of FinTech, sustainable financing, and biodiversity and natural resource utilization on low-carbon energy transitions. Our empirical findings underscore a robust, long-term co-integrating relationship among low-carbon energy advancement, financial technology, financial development, biodiversity preservation, and natural resource utilization. Notably, both FinTech innovations and accessible sustainable financing mechanisms positively influence the adoption of low-carbon energy practices. Moreover, economies rich in biodiversity and with higher income levels exhibit a strong inclination toward low-carbon energy sources. However, overreliance on natural resource extraction hampers the sustained adoption of low-carbon energy practices. This study recommends strategies that leverage FinTech and sustainable financing, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding natural resources and promoting environmental management. These measures effectively address the energy crisis and foster policies and practices for low-carbon energy transitions.

Natural resources perspective of economic performance: Streamlining mineral resources as a path to sustainable development

In the scholarly discussion concerning the significance of natural resources in economic development, particularly in the era of digitalization, the data is still inconclusive. The present study focuses on the impact of digitalization and natural resource components on China's economic output. Using the expanded dataset from 1987 to 2022, this analysis also takes the effects of trade and energy efficiency into account. Due to the mixed order of integration, this research employs the ARDL bound testing technique to check the equilibrium condition between the variables in both the short-run and long-run. The result of the effect demonstrates that commerce and energy efficiency are significant long- and short-term contributors to China's economic production. But digitization is the primary impediment to achieving continuous economic development. On the other hand, it has been discovered that the influence of natural resources (mineral and natural gas rentals) is notably favorable in the short run but changes to a negative state over time. Such impact helps to explain China's resource curse. The long-term robustness of these estimates is supported by four robust estimators. The causality analysis revealed a significant unidirectional and bidirectional causal relationship between the variables. Based on the empirical data, this study suggests a variety of policies that might help the country achieve sustainable economic development.

Natural resources, tourism resources and economic growth: A new direction to natural resources perspective and investment

Natural resource exploration is one of the key areas of discussion these days. Its role is vital in the context of its input to the country's economic expansion. Unlike past studies, this research evaluates the effects of natural resources and economic expansion in a different setting with the role of tourism and renewable resources of energy for BRICS economies from 1990 to 2020. To tackle non-normality of the data, the present study utilizes the novel panel method of moments quantile regression analysis along with the heterogeneity of slopes, cross-section dependence, Westerlund cointegration and Pesaran unit root test. This study found that tourism and foreign investment have substantially progressive effects on economic expansion across the quantiles. However, natural resources and renewable energy adversely influence economic growth across quantiles. The estimated robustness further validates the authenticity via bootstrap quantile regression. Based on the study's empirical outcomes, this study recommends policies concerning the promotion of tourism, and renewable energy use, and sustainable use of natural resources. Also, investment in developmental projects is recommended to attract foreign investment and capital flow.

Do industrial robots reduce carbon intensity? The role of natural resource rents and corruption control.

Although the research on the impact of robotics on carbon emissions is increasing, there are still relatively few studies on the impact of robots on carbon intensity from the perspective of natural resources and corruption. In order to fill in the research gaps, panel data from 66 countries between 1993 and 2018 are collected, and linear and nonlinear panel regression approaches are developed. Natural resource rent and corruption control are used as threshold variables, robot penetrationis used as explanatory variables, and carbon emission intensity is the explained variable. The results of the linear model show that robot penetration is negatively correlated with carbon emission intensity, which means that robot penetration reduces carbon emission intensity. The results of the nonlinear model show that when natural resource rents and corruption control are used as thresholds, the relationship between robot penetration and carbon emission intensity presents a U shape and an inverted U shape, respectively. Specifically,the threshold for natural resource rents is 4.7%. When the natural resource rent is lower than this threshold, the robot penetration rate reduces the carbon emission intensity, but when the natural resource rent is higher than this threshold, the robot penetration rate increases the carbon emission intensity. The threshold value of corruption control is -0.4349. When the corruption control is lower than this threshold, the robot penetration rate increases the carbon emission intensity. If the corruption control is higher than this threshold, the robot reduces the carbon emission intensity. Finally, policy recommendations for better use of robotics to reduce carbon emission intensity are put forward from the perspective of natural resource rent and corruption control.

Sustainable development goals perspective of natural resources: Does it paves the way for renewable sources of energy? A global case study

Sustainable development goals perspective of natural resources: Does it paves the way for renewable sources of energy? A global case study

Green finance and ecological footprints: Natural resources perspective of China’s growing economy

Economies across the globe are targeting various economic and financial instruments to attain environmental sustainability. This study explores the influence of green finance on ecological footprints in the case of Chine throughout 1998Q1-2020Q4. Also, it analyze the role of renewable electricity output, natural resources, economic growth, and research and development in realizing ecological footprint. Using time series cointegration approach, the study validates the long-run equilibrium relationship between variables. Three long-run estimators have been used to attain coefficients for each variable. The results asserted that economic growth and natural resources are vital in increasing environmental pollution. However, green finance, research and development expenditure, and renewable electricity significantly reduce ecological footprints and strengthen environmental sustainability. The Granger causality test depicts the bidirectional causal connection between the variables, except for green finance. The results suggest the enhancement in green financing budget, research and development expenditure, and renewable electricity investment are imperative to ensure ecological sustainability.

From COVID to conflict: Understanding the deriving forces of environment and implications for natural resources

In the contemporary world, the importance of natural resources is increasing day by day especially due to extraordinary circumstances, i.e., COVID-19 and global conflicts. The abundance of natural resource is considered competitive advantage and crucial for sustainable development. However, the role of natural resources can be questionable especially if its impact on the economy is negative. Sustainable use of natural resources is currently the biggest challenge for governance. Following these footprints, the study aims to revisit a novel perspective of natural resources in the context of global conflicts using data from Asian economies for the period of 1996–2020. In this pursuit, this study investigates how governance balances macroeconomic variables with sustainable development to account for effective climate change adaptation, mitigation efforts and integral to control conflicts. The second-generation test of CIPS and CADF are used to deal with cross-sectional dependence issues and Westerlund cointegration to estimate long-run relationships. Furthermore, the long-run coefficients are estimated by the PMG estimator using dynamic panel ARDL approach. The findings confirm that surpassing the threshold level of governance is essential to promote environmental quality and preservation of natural resources. The region needs to promote steward policy for resources. This can take the form of nationalizing resource assets, increasing taxes and royalties on resource extraction to ensure sustainable development. The handlers need to design polices supportive to renewable energy consumption, endorse IT based industry solution, encourage high-tech inward FDI, promote green financing and support sustainable development.

How do countries along the Maritime Silk Road perform in sustainable use of natural resources? Progress of natural resources-related SDGs

Depletion of natural resources is one of the obstacles for coastal countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Assessing the performance in sustainable use of natural resources (SUNR) at the national level is of great significance for MSR countries to meet the SDGs. However, few studies have evaluated the sustainability of MSR countries regarding resource utilization or measured progress against SDGs from the perspective of natural resources. This paper aims to assess national performance in SUNR by proposing an index system based on SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 14 (Life below water), and SDG 15 (Life on land), thereby providing evidence needed for effective resource utilization strategies. Here, the progress of 35 coastal states along the MSR in 2020 is evaluated. Concepts of strong and weak sustainability are introduced, the Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) function and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method are used for calculation, and the robustness of the proposed index system is validated by uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Our results show that scores in the weak sustainability scenario are generally higher than those in the strong sustainability scenario. The significant differences in target (SDG) scores between the two sustainability scenarios reveal the uneven performance across indicators (targets). The relatively low scores of MSR countries in Target 6.3, 6.4, 7.2, 14.5, 14.a, 15.1, and 15.6 suggest that governments should take appropriate actions for improvement. In terms of individual SDGs, Croatia and Italy lead all SDGs, whereas Iran and Somalia lag. As for the overall performance in SUNR, the top five performers are Croatia, Italy, Greece, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, while Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen rank last. The regional ability of SUNR is, in descending order, Europe, Asia, and Africa, related to the economic development level and resource endowment. The proposed index system is also compared with the actual SDG indices in the United Nations' SDGs Reports. The prime reason for the distinct differences in SDG rankings is that the proposed index system considers some critical issues absent in the actual SDG indices. These findings provide a scientific basis for MSR countries to identify their strengths and deficiencies in resource utilization and provide a reference for improving their resource policies to achieve sustainable development.

Analysis of Different Volume of Production of Shrimps, Milk Fishes and Seaweeds in The Province of West NusaTenggara And East Nusa Tenggara

The production of shrimp, milkfish and seaweed farming is able to contribute to food sources in Indonesia, especially in the province West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) areas. This study aims to determine the differences in the volume of production of shrimp, milkfish and seaweed in NTB and NTT in the last decade.This study use t test. The results of this study were accepts H1 that is there is a significant difference between the volume of shrimp production in NTB and NTT, for the results of the test the different volumes of seaweed production The result obtained is a significance value of 0.004 which is smaller so that it accepts H1 i.e. there is a significant difference between the production volume in the provinces of NTB and NTT, and the last one for the results of the different test results in the volume of milkfish production, the significance value of 0.06 is greater than 0.05, which means that it accepts Ho, there is no significant difference between the volume of milkfish production in the provinces of NTB and NTT. In this study, there was a significant difference in the volume of production of shrimp and seaweed between the provinces of NTB and NTT, so that areas with lower provincial average volumes were able to participate in the management of shrimp and seaweed cultivation in the aquaculture development process from the perspective of natural resources and human resources.

Sufficiency and the state: A prospective project

Sufficiency as a social organizing principle can be applied to individuals, organizations, and economies. But if the encompassing social structure, namely, the state, is still organized around expansionist principles like efficiency and growth, the outcome will be the same—excess, the exceeding of regenerative capacities biophysical and social, local to global. A prospective project of effecting fundamental social change argues that sufficiency must be applied to the state. From a natural resources perspective defining features of the state form are concentration and surplus both of which tend to excess and require endless frontiers. Re-organizing to counter this tendency and institutionalizing sufficiency requires imaginative politics. A long multicultural human history of reorganizing to adapt to environmental conditions bodes well. Resistance, though, even as the contradictions play out, is to be expected.

Enhancing Regional Tourism Development in the Protected Areas Using the Total Economic Value Approach

This research aims to boost tourism development in natural protected areas through the classification of the tourism hiking trails based on biodiversity ecosystem services values. The Total Economic Value (TEV) approach was used as the main research method to estimate the monetary value of the various ecosystem resources in Abu Qubies Syrian protected area. Five main tourism hiking trails in Abu Qubies were identified in order to be classified based on the economic value of their ecosystem resources. The study findings highlighted the importance of protected areas in enhancing tourism activities, especially natural-based ones. Additionally, this research identified the most economically valuable tourism hiking trails in the reserve, thus providing a supporting tool for decision-makers regarding tourism development in protected areas. This study presents the importance of the conservation perspective of natural resources in protected areas without ignoring their physical monetary value that can help governments in boosting local communities as well as the national, regional and local economies.

Implementasi Silent Demonstration pada Open Learning Environments (OLEs) sebagai Penguatan Keterampilan 4C

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of Silent Demonstration in Open Learning Environments and how these activities can integrate students to critical thinking, creative, communication, and collaboration in social studies subjects. The method used by the researcher is a phenomenological qualitative approach by describing the behavior, responses, actions of individuals and groups in the form of words and language, naturally (naturally). Data collection techniques through observations in grades VIII G and VIII H, in-depth interviews with subject teachers and group leaders of 14 students and documentation during the research. The research results are that the implementation of silent demonstrations in OLEs attracts students' attention through observations in understanding production, consumption and distribution activities so that learning objectives are achieved. This learning activity integrates integrated skills between Silent Demonstration which attracts students' attention through observation and Open Learning Environments (OLEs) which presents the context of a natural resource perspective from the environment.to build multiple points of view through tools/media as an effort to strengthen 4C learning (critical thinking, creative, collaborative and communicative)

Waste valorisation opportunities for bush encroacher biomass in savannah ecosystems: A comparative case analysis of Botswana and Namibia

Bush encroachment of savannah ecosystems in countries like Botswana and Namibia has been identified as a major problem threatening biodiversity, grazing land productivity and the generation of groundwater. Incidentally, the same problem presents a huge biomass energy resource opportunity which can be exploited through various technologies. This paper defines the scope of the problem in Botswana, comparing with the well documented and partly proven case of encroacher bush waste valorisation in Namibia. This biomass is therefore a large homogeneous sustainable waste resource base that is perennially available, due to the drought-hardiness of the encroachers. It is however, necessary to conduct preliminary studies to explore prospects and possibilities, benchmarking with globally renowned biomass experts like Germany and the United Kingdom. The study shows that the issue of bush encroachment in Botswana has been documented from as far back as 1971, though earlier studies were mostly evaluations from a natural resources perspective which did not proffer solutions. Besides a project by United Nations Development Programme to try and benchmark from Namibia’s biomass to charcoal initiatives from their encroacher bushes, there is no documented effort by Botswana to derive value out of the vast resource which has invaded thousands of hectares of rangelands. Meanwhile, Namibia has recorded significant success in converting the encroacher bushes into wood chips for use in boilers (heat production) for a cement plant, charcoal for domestic and commercial heating/cooking and briquettes for power generation. Feasibility studies have been made for the possibility of scaling up these projects, while exploring other existing and emerging sustainable technologies like pelletizing, gasification, pyrolysis and engineered wood products. Essentially, a review of the existing problem in Botswana, experiences for various cases and recommendations by experts make this compilation valuable for the nation and other regions experiencing the same problem.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor; Prospects and Challenges for Balochistan, Pakistan.

Balochistan is rich in natural resource but due to the extremely harsh geographical environment and under-developed civil infrastructure (including roads, energy and water supplies), these natural resources could not have been tapped adequately in the past. With the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (C-PEC), there are ample opportunities for the exploitation of these resources that are expected to pave the way for unprecedented economic activities in Balochistan. From the perspective of natural resources these activities include, but not limited to, development and management of water resource, mining of coal and minerals, exploration of unexplored hydrocarbons, exploitation of dimension stones and construction material, and the establishment of related and subsidiary industries. All these activities require human resource development, better health, and educational facilities especially institution for technical and skill development of masses and most importantly the sustainable development of water resources and reservoirs for drinking, municipal and industrial purposes. In this paper key natural resources of Balochistan are identified in the context of their sustainable use under the C-PEC induced development projects. These include water, minerals, hydrocarbons, shale-gas, and coal. Suggestions are presented for a way forward to take maximum advantage of these resources for revenue generation and for the ultimate benefit to the local communities in Balochistan. A large number of mega projects including development of deep-sea Gwadar port, power generation plants, highway construction, and the establishment of special economic zones have been part of the C-PEC and are already being undertaken. However, it appears that small and medium-sized local industries and production units have not been given due attention. It is proposed here that the local people through local bodies may be identified and matched with relevant Chinese counterparts to develop joint ventures. Most of the areas of production and development identified in this paper are those whose products are already being exported to China through Karachi port. Hence the demand for these products in China is already established and need not any further survey. The products proposed in this paper are considered viable as all kinds of transport for C-PEC shall be passing through a large part of Balochistan where these resources occur naturally.

The water footprint of second-generation bioenergy: A comparison of biomass feedstocks and conversion techniques

Bioenergy is the most widely used type of renewable energy. A drawback of crops applied for bioenergy is that they compete with food and use the same natural resources like water. From a natural resources perspective, it would be more efficient to apply the large potential of available crop residues. In this paper, we calculate the water footprint (WF) of ten crop residue types and a few other second-generation bioenergy feedstocks (miscanthus, eucalyptus and pine). Further we estimate the WF of energy carriers produced through different conversion techniques (heat or electricity from combustion and gasification, bioethanol from fermentation and oil from pyrolysis), using the global WF standard. The WFs of crop residues, miscanthus and wood show a large variation. Crop residues have a smaller WF than miscanthus and wood. Given a certain feedstock, the WF of pyrolysis oil is smaller than the WF of bioethanol from fermentation. The WFs of heat from combustion or gasification are similar. The WF of electricity by combustion ranges from 33 to 324 m3/GJ and the WF of electricity by gasification from 21 to 104 m3/GJ. This research concludes that it is relatively water-efficient to apply crop residues, and that the production of miscanthus and wood for bioenergy is less favourable. Crop residues can best be converted to oil rather than to ethanol. Electricity from gasification has a smaller WF than electricity form combustion; heat from combustion has a smaller WF than heat from gasification. By showing the water efficiency of different feedstocks and techniques to produce second-generation bioenergy, the study provides a useful basis to wisely choose amongst different alternative forms of second-generation bioenergy.

Introduction of Dorper sheep into Australian rangelands: implications for production and natural resource management

The growing popularity of the Dorper breed of sheep potentially may have implications for the ecological sustainability of the semiarid and arid rangelands of southern Australia. The implications are heightened by forecasts of a warming and drying climate in these rangelands, which may in itself place native vegetation under increasing stress. While the Dorper breed of sheep offers important production advantages, little is known from research under Australian conditions about their grazing ecology and management requirements from a natural resource perspective. Key factors identified from this review of literature from other countries include a high fertility and fecundity, a generalist feeding strategy, a high growth rate and a capacity to survive and reproduce under low-rainfall conditions. The wider range of plant species selected by the Dorper compared with the traditional Merino breed of sheep potentially creates both opportunities and risks for rangeland condition. Less selective grazing may reduce pressure on some species but the capacity to harvest sufficient nutrients over a smaller area could concentrate grazing and promote resource degradation. High reproductive efficiency under a wide range of seasonal conditions may lead to more rapid onset of overgrazing and will require close attention to both natural resources and animal marketing if resource degradation is to be avoided.

The Population Policy Debate from a Natural Resource Perspective: Reflections from the Wentworth Group

AbstractGenerations of Australians, especially those who live in rural or remote areas, have struggled to better understand, manage, and adapt to Australia's unique environmental conditions. Increased awareness of pressures and impacts of population growth has renewed the long‐standing debate on the nation's capacity to sustainably manage natural resources. Since 2002, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists has been active in debates linking science and public policy with a declared intent to inform decision‐makers on ways to adapt to changing Australian environmental conditions, assuming a growing population. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the population policy debate from the perspective of an entity that has as its prime objective to improve the nation's capacity to adapt to these changing conditions by influencing public policy on natural resource management.

Relação da granulometria do solo e morfologia do saprolito com a infiltração de água em Neossolos Regolíticos do rebordo do Planalto do Rio Grande do Sul

Os Neossolos Regolíticos apresentam baixo potencial de uso devido a sua pequena profundidade efetiva, à presença de pedregosidade/rochosidade, ao contato lítico próximo à superfície e à ocorrência frequente em terrenos declivosos. Análises mais detalhadas são necessárias para a melhor interpretação desses solos, visto que a filtragem da água de percolação, retenção de solutos e fluídos e sua possível transformação são de interesse ambiental. Nesse sentido, este estudo gerou informações sobre a infiltração de água em cinco áreas de Neossolos Regolíticos, na região do Rebordo do Planalto do Rio Grande do Sul. Para cada área foram descritos e analisados três perfis, sendo a infiltração de água determinada pelo método dos duplos anéis concêntricos. Mesmo com idêntica classificação taxonômica até o quarto nível categórico, os Neossolos apresentaram variações no seu comportamento hídrico, inclusive quando comparados entre os perfis do mesmo ponto de coleta. Os dados sugerem que a infiltração, nesses Neossolos, é influenciada pela configuração de fraturas do saprolito, granulometria, condições de relevo e uso do solo.

Natural Resources Perspective of the Balanced Scorecard: Balance and Boundaries

Natural resources perspective of the balanced scorecard: balance and boundaries. DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v29i2_kelly

Natural Resources Perspective of the Balanced Scorecard: Balance and Boundaries

Natural Resources Perspective of the Balanced Scorecard: Balance and Boundaries