Proactive Environmental Management Research Articles

Novel methods for monitoring low chlorophyll-a concentrations in the large, oligotrophic Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa

The use of remote sensing for monitoring chlorophyll-a (chla) and modelling eutrophication has advanced over the last decades. Although the application of the technology has proven successful in ocean ecosystems, there is a need to monitor chla concentrations in large, nutrient-poor inland water bodies. The main objective of this study was to explore the utility of publicly available remotely sensed Sentinel-2 (S2) imagery to quantify chla concentrations in the nutrient-deficient Lake Malawi/Niassa/Nyasa (LMNN). A secondary objective was to compare the S2 derived chla with the Global Change Observation Mission–Climate (GCOM-C) chla product that provides uninterrupted data throughout the year. In situ chla data (n = 76) from upper, middle and lower sections of LMNN served as a reference to produce remote sensing-based quantification. The line-height approach method built on color index, was applied for chla concentrations below 0.25 mg/m3. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 3-band Ocean Color (MODIS-OC3) – was adopted when chla concentration exceeded 0.35 mg/m3. The MODIS-OC3 algorithm had generic model coefficients that were calibrated for each in situ sample by using GCOM-C Level 3 chla product. A weighted sum of the two algorithms was applied for chla concentrations that fell between 0.25 and 0.35 mg/m3. The above methods were then applied to the S2 data to estimate chla at each pixel. S2 showed a promising accuracy in distinguishing chla levels (MSE = 0.18) although the chla range in the lake was relatively narrow, particularly using the locally calibrated coefficients of the OC3 algorithm. Chla distribution maps produced from the S2 data revealed limited spatial variation across the LMNN with higher concentrations identified in the coastal areas. S2-derived chla and GCOM-C chla comparison showed fairly good similarity between the two datasets (MSE = 0.205). Accepting this similarity, monthly chla dynamics of the lake was profiled using the temporally reliable GCOM-C data that showed oligotrophic conditions (1.7 mg/m3 to 3.2 mg/m3) in most parts of the lake throughout the year. The study's findings advance the potential for both remote sensing approaches to provide vital information at the required spatial and temporal resolution for evidence-based policymaking and proactive environmental management in an otherwise very data deficient region.

Strategies for Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources for Koreaʼs Major Battery Producers (LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On)

The proliferation of global regulations concerning sustainability and environmental protection poses a significant challenge to maintaining corporate sustainability. Consequently, companies must strategically respond to navigate these regulations in their management plans. The objective of this research was to analyze how Korean companies(LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On) are responding to sustainable mining and procurement and how they adopt environmentally friendly practices in their mineral supply chain for battery manufacturing. We also proposed new actions to enhance their management strategies for sustainable mineral resource management. Our observations indicated that companies should implement a long-term performance measurement throughout their mineral supply chain. Additionally, there is an urgent need to develop a more proactive environmental management plan when evaluating suppliers from mineral extraction to utilization, adhering to global guidelines such as OECD regulation. In addition to the widely adopted monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, priority assessments must be undertaken concerning soil and water pollution, waste management, and biodiversity loss within the supply chain linked with climate change under the nature-positive concept. We recommended the establishment of a recycling system for battery waste(i.e., minerals), which is essential for a resilient battery supply chain.

Proactive Environmental Management's Drive for Green Technology Adoption in MENA Firms: Regulatory Mediation and Financial Moderation

This empirical study explores the determinants of Green Technologies and Practices (GTP) adoption within Middle East and North Africa (MENA) firms, focusing on Proactive Environmental Management (PEM), Environmental Regulation (ER), and Financial Exposure to Environmental Impediments (FEEI). Using World Bank Enterprise Survey data from 5381 firms across six MENA countries, we apply an ordered logit model and General Structured Equation Model (GSEM) to examine the direct and mediated effects of PEM on GTP adoption through ER, and moderation by FEEI. Our analysis reveals a significant impact of PEM on GTP adoption, enhanced by ER mediation. Additionally, FEEI moderation unveils a nuanced relationship between environmental financial exposures and green adoption propensity. The study also investigates control variables, revealing varying GTP adoption propensities across firm characteristics, and offers policy and firm-level recommendations to bolster GTP adoption in the MENA region.

High-resolution emission inventory of biogenic volatile organic compounds for rapidly urbanizing areas: A case of Shenzhen megacity, China

The effects of volatile organic compounds on urban air quality and the ozone have been widely acknowledged, and the contributions of relevant biogenic sources are currently receiving rising attentions. However, inventories of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are in fact limited for the environmental management of megacities. In this study, we provided an estimation of BVOC emissions and their spatial characteristics in a typical urbanized area, Shenzhen megacity, China, based on an in-depth vegetation investigation and using remote sensing data. The total BVOC emission in Shenzhen in 2019 was estimated to be 3.84 × 109 g C, of which isoprene contributed to about 24.4%, monoterpenes about 44.4%, sesquiterpenes about 1.9%, and other VOCs (OVOCs) about 29.3%. Metropolitan BVOC emissions exhibited a seasonal pattern with a peak in July and a decline in January. They were mainly derived from the less built-up areas (88.9% of BVOC emissions). Estimated BVOCs comprised around 5.2% of the total municipal VOC emissions in 2019. This percentage may increase as more green spaces emerge and anthropogenic emissions decrease in built-up areas. Furthermore, synergistic effects existed between BVOC emissions and relevant vegetation-based ecosystem services (e.g., air purification, carbon fixation). Greening during urban sprawl should be based on a trade-off between BVOC emissions and ecosystem benefits of urban green spaces. The results suggested that urban greening in Shenzhen, and like other cities as well, need to account for BVOC contributions to ozone. Meanwhile, greening cites should adopt proactive environmental management by using plant species with low BVOC emissions to maintain urban ecosystem services while avoid further degradation to ozone pollution.

The need for proactive environmental management of offshore aquaculture

The need for proactive environmental management of offshore aquaculture

Unveiling Nature’s Resilience: Exploring Vegetation Dynamics during the COVID-19 Era in Jharkhand, India, with the Google Earth Engine

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to global health and economic stability. Intriguingly, the necessary lockdown measures, while disruptive to human society, inadvertently led to environmental rejuvenation, particularly noticeable in decreased air pollution and improved vegetation health. This study investigates the lockdown’s impact on vegetation health in Jharkhand, India, employing the Google Earth Engine for cloud-based data analysis. MODIS-NDVI data were analyzed using spatio-temporal NDVI analyses and time-series models. These analyses revealed a notable increase in maximum vegetation greenery of 19% from April 2019 to 2020, with subsequent increases of 13% and 3% observed in March and May of the same year, respectively. A longer-term analysis from 2000 to 2020 displayed an overall 16.7% rise in vegetation greenness. While the maximum value remained relatively constant, it demonstrated a slight increment during the dry season. The Landsat data Mann–Kendall trend test reinforced these findings, displaying a significant shift from a negative NDVI trend (1984–2019) to a positive 17.7% trend (1984–2021) in Jharkhand’s north-west region. The precipitation (using NASA power and Merra2 data) and NDVI correlation were also studied during the pre- and lockdown periods. Maximum precipitation (350–400 mm) was observed in June, while July typically experienced around 300 mm precipitation, covering nearly 85% of Jharkhand. Interestingly, August 2020 saw up to 550 mm precipitation, primarily in Jharkhand’s southern region, compared to 400 mm in the same month in 2019. Peak changes in NDVI value during this period ranged between 0.6–0.76 and 0.76–1, observed throughout the state. Although the decrease in air pollution led to improved vegetation health, these benefits began to diminish post-lockdown. This observation underscores the need for immediate attention and intervention from scientists and researchers. Understanding lockdown-induced environmental changes and their impact on vegetation health can facilitate the development of proactive environmental management strategies, paving the way towards a sustainable and resilient future.

기업의 환경 경영 태도에 대한 유형화 및 결정요인 분석

Purpose - The main objective of this study is to cluster companies based on environmental management attitudes using various indicators, and analyze differences in activities among the clusters to gain insights into environmental management performance.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - The study encompasses panel data from 12 countries, 22 industry sectors, and 3,402 companies from 2013 to 2022. This study uses both machine learning methodology and conventional econometric methodology. The primary methodology involves using an unsupervised learning technique, K-means clustering, to categorize environmental management attitudes. Subsequently, Kernel Density estimation and Multinomial Logistic Regression were employed to conduct comparative analyses of environmental performance indicators within each cluster and identify the determinants shaping environmental management attitudes.
 Findings - The research revealed the existence of five distinct clusters of companies with varying environmental management attitudes. Through Multinomial Logistics Regression, it identified that variables such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, total assets, return on assets, and other significantly influence environmental management attitudes.
 Research Implications - By uncovering common characteristics and determinants within major countries and industries, this study offers valuable insights in promoting domestic environmental management in the context of rapidly changing international trade and investment environments. The findings provide policy implications and suggestions for fostering proactive environmental management practices among domestic companies.

Climate Resilience and Ecological Dynamics of the Mpameso Forest Reserve in Ghana: Insights from Land Surface Temperature Analysis

Climate change, characterized by shifts in weather parameters and escalating climate-related risks, has emerged as a global environmental concern. Among these concerns, chronic heat waves have garnered attention due to their far-reaching implications. This study delves into the profound impact of chronic heat waves on the Mpameso forest reserve in Ghana, an ecosystem of vital importance. Chronic heat waves have induced notable changes in the local climate, marked by increased temperatures, elevated evapotranspiration rates, and alterations in rainfall patterns over the past three decades. Ghana, like many regions worldwide, has experienced shifts in seasons and a rising global mean surface temperature, contributing to the intensification of global warming. The repercussions of chronic heat waves are particularly significant within forest reserves, and their effects on Ghana's Dormaa Central Municipality are explored in detail. Vegetation cover in Ghana has faced recurrent challenges from extreme heat waves, leading to diminished forested areas, heightened evapotranspiration rates, and instances of drought-induced water scarcity. To assess the severity of these impacts and devise proactive environmental management strategies, this study leverages the power of satellite remote sensing. Utilizing Landsat imagery, the study examines changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST) alongside the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Evapotranspiration (ET) within the Dormaa municipal area. Pearson correlation analysis is employed to uncover the intricate relationship between LST, vegetation health, and ET within the Mpameso forest reserve. The study's compelling findings reveal that chronic heat waves predominantly affect the settlement areas surrounding the forest reserve, sparing the reserve itself from significant LST-related health impacts. This nuanced understanding underscores the importance of proactive conservation efforts and climate resilience planning, emphasizing the value of integrated approaches to safeguarding vital ecosystems in the face of mounting climate extremes.

Environmental Responsibilities and Firms Financial Performance: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

The aim of this study is to present a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 512 studies on environmental responsibilities and firm financial performance literature. The study aims to track the research trend and identify the reasons behind heterogeneity in the studied association. The Scopus database was comprehensively searched to collect bibliographic material, giving an overview of contributing and influential research areas, key authors, journals, and countries. Network visualization is used to identify clusters. Content analysis of the literature revealed the essential topics of the investigation. The systematic review revealed that geographical constraints, regulatory constraints, and lack of standardizability are significant reasons for heterogeneity. We identify three major researched areas: a) economic and financial impact, b) innovation, environment management system, and standards, and c) supply chain management development. Discussion on the significant clusters concludes that studies showing positive economic benefits dominate the literature. Overall, the results of different scientific production do not indicate consensus in one direction, but mixed results help to build a new perspective and expand the research horizon. Using a systematic process, this study recognizes the value-creation potential of proactive environmental management practices.

Evaluating Strategies for Sustainability and Business Performance in the Hotel Industry of Cyprus

Several studies have been carried out on the topic of sustainability management. However, little has been done to evaluate the actual effects of environmental and energy management as applied to the hotel industry. This paper provides an assessment of sustainability aspects and the prospects of proactive environmental management in the hotel industry. For this purpose, interviews have been conducted to a representative sample of four- and five-star hotels in Cyprus. Hotels were chosen based on geographical stratification. Data was collected based on the responses of general managers of the selected hotel enterprises. The results of the study showed that proactive environmental management, and specifically life-cycle and conservation of water resources bring multiple benefits in the hotel industry. It is noteworthy that these benefits create a win-win situation for business and society.

Do Green Human Resource Practices Influence Employee Environmental Performance? The Mediating Effect of Proactive Environmental Management Maturity

This study investigates the influence of sustainable practices in human resources on employee environmental performance by exploiting environmental maturity and proactiveness. Ability-motivation-opportunity theory was utilized as the theoretical foundation for this endeavour. Social Exchange Theories provide a significant basis for supporting the framework. Data was gathered from employees working in Pakistani private sector banks within the Punjab district Sahiwal. An organized questionnaire was utilized to collect data, while a self-administered survey was administered to gather information. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed among respondents; 254 could be completed for further analysis; 55 surveys were returned as eligible responses. This study helps human resource professionals better appreciate the role played by proactive environmental management. Studies of the effects of green practices in human resource management on employee environmental performance within the banking industry can play an integral part in making decisions about it. Unfortunately, many human resource managers in Pakistani banks don't fully appreciate how green practices impact employee sustainability in this industry.

Sustainable Urban Planning: Stakeholder Perspectives on Resource Allocation Challenges

Urban areas are increasingly confronted with the necessity of integrating sustainable practices into their planning and development to balance growth with environmental and social responsibility. This study aims to explore the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in urban planning regarding the challenges they face in resource allocation and sustainability, focusing on understanding these dynamics to improve urban sustainability practices. A qualitative research design was utilized, centering on semi-structured interviews to collect data from a diverse group of stakeholders, including urban planners, government officials, developers, community leaders, and environmental advocates. The study aimed for theoretical saturation to ensure comprehensive coverage of the issues, with data analysis conducted through thematic analysis to identify key themes and concepts within the stakeholders’ perspectives. The study identified five main themes reflecting the core challenges and considerations in sustainable urban planning: Regulatory Challenges, Economic Factors, Social Impact, Technological Advancements, and Environmental Considerations. Within these themes, detailed categories and concepts emerged, highlighting the complexities of zoning laws, funding mechanisms, community involvement, technological innovations, and environmental management strategies. The findings illustrate the multifaceted and interdependent challenges of sustainable urban planning. It emphasizes the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks, robust economic incentives, inclusive community engagement, innovative technological applications, and proactive environmental management. The study underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in crafting sustainable urban spaces that are resilient, equitable, and conducive to long-term environmental stewardship.

The Role of Internet of Things in Smart City Environmental Monitoring: A Pollution Detection System

Smart cities represent a transformative vision of urban living, where technology seamlessly integrates with the urban landscape to enhance sustainability and quality of life. Central to this vision is the effective management of environmental factors, particularly air quality and temperature. This paper presents a comprehensive study on real-time environmental pollution detection within smart cities, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. We explore the intricate relationships between air pollutant indicators (o3_AQI, no2_AQI, co_AQI, and pm25_AQI) and temperature, shedding light on the dynamic interactions that underlie urban atmospheric conditions. Our research employs a robust dataset and employs statistical analysis, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, to uncover significant correlations between key environmental variables. These insights not only contribute to a deeper understanding of urban pollution dynamics but also enable the development of predictive models for temperature fluctuations based on pollutant levels. Such models hold promise for proactive environmental management and public health interventions. Furthermore, our study highlights the pivotal role of IoT sensors in revolutionizing smart city governance, offering real-time data-driven solutions for sustainable urban living. As cities worldwide strive to enhance their environmental resilience, this research provides valuable insights and tools for harnessing the potential of IoT technologies in the pursuit of cleaner and more livable urban environments.

Motivations for Adopting Proactive Environmental Management Accounting Practices: Evidence from South African Firms

By examining environmental management accounting practices (EMAP) in South African companies, the study assists the company management to better understand their EMAP more broadly and establish effective EMAP to improve environmental management. This paper explores EMAP adopted by South African companies in Gauteng province and understands the motivation for applying the EMAP. Companies from different industrial sectors were used as the study sample. To accomplish the major aim of the study, 202 questionnaires were received as valid from the environmental managers, accountants and production managers. The study establishes that the companies are mostly using environmental management system, environmental reporting, waste management and water conservation activities as the key EMAP. This indicates that South African companies opt for EMAP with little cost involved and EMAP that does not require advanced systems in place. Also, financial gains were identified as the major motivation of EMAP adoption. This is followed by stakeholder pressure, marketing pressure and regulatory pressure. This paper will amplify literature on the EMAP adopted within industrial sectors and the motivation of adopting EMAP from an emerging market standpoint.

Implementation of Proactive Environmental Protection Management Opportunities

Among the contemporary challenges facing sustainable development, the efficient consumption of resources, which have a huge ecological impact, is very much in the spotlight. Management of resource consumption is a task that many say should be put to resource recycling companies. The answer to the global demand for the development of a type of production that will not threaten future generations is made possible through the production process itself and the management priorities set. The global scale of harsh ecological problems indicates the need for proactive management implementation. In this light, internationally recognised and widely introduced environmental protection standards are well worth considering. This paper deals with the introduction of Environment Protection Management capacities based on the International Organisation for Standardisation ISO 14001:2015, globally, as well as in Georgia.

Predicting potential wildfire severity across Southern Europe with global data sources

The large environmental and socioeconomic impacts of wildfires in Southern Europe require the development of efficient generalizable tools for fire danger analysis and proactive environmental management. With this premise, we aimed to study the influence of different environmental variables on burn severity, as well as to develop accurate and generalizable models to predict burn severity. To address these objectives, we selected 23 wildfires (131,490 ha) across Southern Europe. Using satellite imagery and geospatial data available at the planetary scale, we spatialized burn severity as well as 20 pre-burn environmental variables, which were grouped into climatic, topographic, fuel load-type, fuel load-moisture and fuel continuity predictors. We sampled all variables and divided the data into three independent datasets: a training dataset, used to perform univariant regression models, random forest (RF) models by groups of variables, and RF models including all predictors (full and parsimonious models); a second dataset to analyze interpolation capacity within the training wildfires; and a third dataset to study extrapolation capacity to independent wildfires. Results showed that all environmental variables determined burn severity, which increased towards the mildest climatic conditions, sloping terrain, high fuel loads, and coniferous vegetation. In general, the highest predictive and generalization capacities were found for fuel load proxies obtained though multispectral imagery, both in the individual analysis and by groups of variables. The full and parsimonious models outperformed all, the individual models, models by groups, and formerly developed predictive models of burn severity, as they were able to explain up to 95%, 59% and 25% of variance when applied to the training, interpolation and extrapolation datasets respectively. Our study is a benchmark for progress in the prediction of fire danger, provides operational tools for the identification of areas at risk, and sets the basis for the design of pre-burn management actions.

Proactive versus reactive environmental management and profitability of Indian firms: The moderating effects of environmental cost-efficiency and environmental liability

Research on the impact of environmental management practices (EMPs) on financial performance of firms to date has ignored the moderating role played by environmental cost-efficiency (ECE) and environmental liability. Despite the increasing interest in examining the environmental stance in the corporate world, there is lack of evidence on the reactive and proactive environmental management of Indian business entities and their impact on their profitability. This paper explores the EMPs of firms listed on S&P BSE GreenEx and CarbonEx. Content analysis is used to collect data on EMPs and pilot study is conducted in five experimental rounds to test the reliability of the coded categories by three coders, two academicians holding expertise in environmental sciences and the author. Coded categories are used as independent variables. Moderating variables viz. ECE and environmental liability are found to be intensifying the statistically significant negative effect of proactive and reactive EMPs on firm profitability. Findings clearly refute the ‘win-win’ hypothesis.

Microfluidic Based Whole-Cell Biosensors for Simultaneously On-Site Monitoring of Multiple Environmental Contaminants.

Monitoring of environmental contaminants serves a vital role in proactive environmental management and pollution control. Research efforts have been centered on the development of robust whole-cell biosensors in recent years. However, data acquisition, multiple contaminants detection and biosafety issues limit the on-site application of such biosensors. Microfluidic system exhibits great potential to face these challenges via coupling biosensors. Here, we prospect a novel microfluidic based whole-cell biosensor (MWCB) for multiplexing monitoring of diverse contaminants, and design strategies to further increase the specificity, sensitivity and accuracy, reduce signal delay and expand shelf life of the proposed MWCB for on-site environmental applications. The development of MWCB demands multidisciplinary cooperation, and the sensing platforms are highly promising for real-world contaminants monitoring.

Do green HR practices enhance green motivation and proactive environmental management maturity in hotel industry?

Abstract The devastating effects on the environment have raised many questions on the environmental performance of an organization. As the environment is severely affected by the operations of giant businesses, i.e. ‘hotel industry.’ There is a need to explore the factors that influence employee environmental performance by incorporating green motivation and proactive environmental management maturity as mediators. The data are collected using the survey method. The statistical techniques applied to the dataset were confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that green HR practices positively and significantly related to green intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and proactive environmental management maturity. Similarly, green motivation is significantly and positively linked with employee environmental performance. In contrast, proactive environmental management maturity is positively and insignificantly linked with employees’ environmental performance. In contrast, mediation analysis reveals that green motivation, i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic, partially mediates the association between green HR practices and employee environmental performance. However, no mediating effect of proactive environmental management maturity is found between the proposed associations. The paper contributes to the literature in many ways. Firstly, it explains the role of Green HR practices in forming green motivation among employees of the hotel industry, and previously no researchers studied this combination in the context of the hotel industry. Secondly, green motivation and proactive environmental management maturity are incorporated as mediators to have in-depth knowledge about the employees’ environmental performance.

Aproximación a la gestión ambiental proactiva como capacidad dinámica en el sector turístico hotelero mexicano. Elementos determinantes para su desarrollo.

El presente artículo ilustra a través de una investigación documental la evolución de la gestión ambiental en el ámbito empresarial. Asimismo, se retoman algunos enfoques teóricos en materia de capacidades dinámicas que servirán de plataforma conceptual para comprender como la evolución de una capacidad dinámica de gestión ambiental proactiva basada en capacidades internas puede contribuir de una forma más integral a la obtención de una ventaja competitiva y a potencializar la innovación en el subsector hotelero mexicano. Finalmente se expone un modelo teórico que se continuará reformando y mejorando con base en futuras investigaciones empíricas.