Social Damage Research Articles

Integration of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in motorway/highway planning and construction: A case study for sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan

Pakistan has constantly prioritized the development of roads and motorways as they are they are reflective of nation’s economic and physical condition. However, poor highway planning, design, and construction can have a negative impact on the environment and can lower the quality of life for inhabitants. Therefore, eco-friendly roadway/motorway planning, and construction approaches are crucial for reducing environmental, social, and economic damages. Currently, environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the prevalent method for assessing and evaluating the environmental impact of road infrastructure projects. Still, this conventional approach focuses primarily on development projects and lacks strategic insight. Hence, the world is now focusing on integrating and implementing SEA as a realistic approach for executing a sustainability plan in every area, including the infrastructure and transportation sector. Pakistan invests a considerable portion of its annual budget on infrastructure, particularly roadways; therefore, it must incorporate the changing trends and parameters into the planning and developing phase. thus, current research aims to incorporate SEA into the strategic planning of motorway/highway development by conducting a desktop study using secondary sources, including research articles and EIA reports, to analyze the environmental and socioeconomic effects of motorway/highway by identifying the direct, indirect, and commutative impacts. The alternatives are assessed using impact criteria and indicators to choose the best sustainable option for achieving the required objectives. our study is a pioneer work to integrate SEA into the planning process for highway construction, which would act as a baseline and an advisory tool for the decision-makers to incorporate SEA in Pakistan’s strategic development planning.

Carbon emission controls and optimal carbon related regulation in oligopoly: Examination of policy effects on competitiveness and entry deterrence

Carbon related taxation is viewed as a cost-effective price instrument to charge for greenhouse gas emissions, creating certainty costs for economic agents. The costs will naturally influence the market competitiveness. In this paper, we propose the concept of an equivalent emission standard (EES) tax as a complement to traditional standards, linking the tax rate to the abatement cost for firms under the optimal carbon emission standard and providing tax revenue for the government. To study the optimal carbon related regulation mode and the relevant impacts in oligopoly, we compare four potential carbon related regulations: an emission tax (an emission approach tax), a carbon tax (a fuel approach tax), an emission standard and an EES tax. Incorporating a sequential game analysis, we show that policy effects are relevant to the magnitude of carbon pollution and the abatement cost in the short term. In general, the optimal levels of social welfare under emission tax and carbon tax modes are the same. Notably, the EES tax system can not only generate tax revenue but also has a relatively moderate impact on social welfare. If the social damage resulting from carbon emissions is large, the EES tax system will be comparatively more beneficial to society, but the advantage is limited in terms of the relevant abatement cost. In the long term, under certain conditions, excessive firm entry may occur. As a result, carbon related regulation can be an indirect instrument of entry deterrence in the market.

Examining Socio-environmental Impacts of Illegal Gold Panning in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Illegal gold panning has become a significant socio-environmental challenge in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. The study objectives are to examine the socio-environmental impacts of illegal gold panning activities, focusing on the detrimental effects on the natural environment, local communities, and the overall socio-environmental structure of the district as well as to evaluate the strategies implemented to regulate or mitigate illegal gold panning in Gwanda District and assess their effectiveness. The research is guided by the understanding that while illegal gold panning provides livelihood opportunities to many rural residents due to high unemployment and poverty rates, it also leads to severe environmental degradation and socio-economic disruptions. This study employs a mixed-method research approach, utilizing a case study design. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations from key stakeholders, including gold panners, local residents, officials from the local authority, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and representatives from the government. A total sample of 160 respondents participated in the study, with 150 representing gold panners, mine owners, and local residents, and 10 serving as key informants. The findings of the study indicate that environmental impacts include deforestation, soil erosion, siltation of rivers, and the contamination of water bodies with mercury and other toxic chemicals used in gold extraction. These activities threaten biodiversity, reduce agricultural productivity, and undermine water security for both domestic and agricultural use. The social consequences of illegal gold panning are equally alarming. It exacerbates conflicts over land use, increases crime rates, and creates unsafe working conditions that often lead to injuries or fatalities. Moreover, while it has both positive and negative impacts on the livelihoods of community members, the lack of regulatory oversight fosters the growth of informal markets and encourages criminal activities such as theft and corruption. These issues undermine local governance and law enforcement efforts, further complicating the socio-economic landscape of the region. The findings reveal a complex interaction between poverty-driven survival strategies and the urgent need for sustainable natural resource management. These findings have significant implications for policy formulation and development strategies in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The research concludes that illegal gold panning in Gwanda District has caused significant environmental and social damage. To mitigate these negative impacts, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including the formalization of artisanal mining, strict enforcement of environmental regulations, and the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities. The study underscores the importance of balancing socio-economic needs with environmental sustainability to protect the region's natural resources while supporting the well-being of local communities.

A NARRATIVA COLONIAL PARA IMPLANTAÇÃO DE USINAS HIDRELÉTRICAS NO AMAPÁ

In the Amazon, the persistence of a colonial project, which triggered the appropriation of the territory for the implementation of hydroelectric plants, has been reproducing damage and disasters and causing, for decades, a series of socio-environmental conflicts. From this perspective, the objective of this article is to analyze the dynamics of the implementation of mitigation and compensation measures, as an instrument of Environmental Policy, in communities of artisanal fishermen and family farmers in the Brazilian Amazon, specifically in the State of Amapá, which are subject to disasters caused by hydroelectric dams on the Araguari River. In the conjuncture, even in the face of the persistence of social and environmental damages and disasters, there is a discourse of the inevitability of hydroelectric plants, under the allegation that the consequences can be mitigated or compensated. However, guided by Decolonial Epistemology, after documentary analysis of Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plans (2006-2021), public civil actions, TACs and interviews, which comprise information collected from fishermen and family farmers on the Araguari River, State of Amapá, it was found that the implementation of mitigating and compensatory measures proved to be illusory. From a participatory research, it was possible to observe the destructuring of an environment that was the basis for the survival of secular communities. In view of this, it is necessary to break with this exclusionary and unequal rationality through resistance movements and to embark on an epistemological disobedience necessary to confront the relations of domination and power present in capitalist projects, such as hydroelectric plants.

Wildfires and tourism in the Mediterranean: Balancing conservation and economic interests

Wildfires have been a recurrent issue in the Mediterranean region due to its hot, dry summers and dense vegetation, exacerbated by human activities and climate change. This paper examines the complex relationship between wildfires and tourism in Southern Europe, focusing on their regional patterns, interactions, and socio-economic impacts. The study identifies key drivers of wildfire incidence, such as climatic conditions, vegetation type, human activity, and topography, and analyzes their implications for the tourism sector. Through a systematic review of the literature, the authors highlight the increased frequency and intensity of fires in the Mediterranean, which have caused significant ecological, economic, and social damage. The research also discusses the regional diversity of fire occurrences, revealing that most large fires are concentrated in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France, and Croatia, among the most popular tourist destinations. The impact of wildfires on tourism is multifaceted. At the same time, they decrease the attractiveness of affected areas, leading to reduced visitor numbers and economic losses. The paper suggests that effective fire management and prevention strategies, including public awareness, sustainable tourism practices, and international cooperation, are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of wildfires. It calls for integrating risk management into tourism development plans to enhance the resilience of Southern European destinations to future fire events.

Religion as a Social Determinant of Health: Perceived Role of Religiosity in Risky Behavior and Social Problems

Background: Religion as a social determinants of health(SDOH) has long been a topic of fascination and debate, affecting various aspects of human life, including behavior. Some behaviors cause social problems due to harmful consequences they have when they become popular. Risky health behaviors are part of these social issues Method: This study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore individuals' perceptions of the role of religiosity in social problems in Shiraz in 2022 . To gain deeper insights into this relationship, we conducted semi- structured in-depth interviews with 14 participants, who engaged in various forms of risky behavior. Results: The study revealed four distinct themes: a constructive viewpoint, where religion was seen as integral to addressing social issues, guiding individuals towards positive behavior; a destructive viewpoint, where religion was perceived as a source of harm and risky behavior; a separation between social issues and religion, indicating that certain social problems and behavior transcend religious definitions; and the interaction of religion with some factors which underscores the interplay between religion and other determinants, such as economic status, in shaping perceptions of social problems. Economic status emerged as a significant factor influencing participants' perspectives on social issues and risky behavior. Conclusion: This study showed that understanding of people involved in high-risk behaviors about the role of religion in the occurrence of these behaviors and social damages are very different. Some consider religion to be very effective in preventing these behaviors, and some consider religion to be the cause of social damage, emphasizing the importance of considering these diverse perspectives in addressing social issues in contemporary society.

Distributed minimum spanning tree approach for critical load restoration using microgrid formation in resilient distribution systems

Power grid is a vital infrastructure for society that can be severely damaged when facing high-impact and low-probability (HILP) events. Following these events, the power supply to critical infrastructures, known as critical loads (CLs), is often interrupted. This interruption can result in substantial financial, social, and security damage. Therefore, it is crucial to quickly restore de-energized CLs based on their priority and importance to society. This paper presents a distributed heuristic algorithm using a Distributed Minimum Spanning Tree (DMST) approach to restore CLs. The proposed algorithm offers several advantages over centralized optimization solutions, including robustness to single-point failures, scalability to large-scale networks, and reduced computational burden. In this algorithm, each controllable distributed generator (CDG), which has a restoration ancillary service contract with the distribution system, individually forms an islanded microgrid to restore CLs. The restoration process aims to maximize the number of restored CLs, enhance post-restoration reliability, and adjust restoration times. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through several case studies on the IEEE 123-bus test system. The results show that the algorithm successfully restores the maximum number of CLs.

Evaluating rainfall erosivity index from CHIRPS and INMET data in southeast region of Goiás (Brazil)

Abstract. Soil erosion is a form of land degradation commonly observed in different regions of the world, especially in tropical regions. In Brazil, soil erosion caused by rainwater (pluvial erosion) is the most common and worrying form of erosion, causing various environmental, economic and social damage. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the Erosivity Index (EI) relationships based on CHIRPS and INMET data in the municipality of Catalão-GO, that is located in one of the world's largest agricultural frontiers, the Brazilian Cerrado. The results found indicated that the CHIRPS data it is an alternative for calculating EI in the context of municipality of Catalão, southeast region of Goiás state, from a previous stage for statistical validation.

A REALIZAÇÃO DO PROGRAMA SAÚDE NA ESCOLA COMO FERRAMENTA PARA PROMOÇÃO DE EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE DURANTE A FORMAÇÃO EM MEDICINA DE FAMÍLIA E COMUNIDADE: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Introduction: The School Health Program (PSE), announced by the Ministry of Health in 2007, aims to promote health in partnership with educational institutions to improve the quality of life of the population, specifically school-aged children. This involves collaboration between health and education professionals, providing appropriate knowledge to reduce vulnerabilities that may compromise the development and the future of children and adolescents. Objective: To report the experience of a family medicine resident, part of a family health team (eSF) in the Federal District (DF), primarily promoting sexual education for children and adolescents in two public schools within the team's area of coverage. Methodology: This is a descriptive and qualitative study, of the experience report type, conducted during the two years of residency in Family and Community Medicine, from 2023 to 2024, in the satellite city of Sobradinho, Federal District. Results: The students involved, aged between 9 and 12 years, showed great interest in the topics addressed regarding sexuality and hygiene habits, adopting a participatory attitude, engaging in the exchange of experiences, raising questions, and discussing the subjects covered in the meeting and topics detailed in the adolescent health booklet. Conclusion: The necessity of partnership between health teams and education professionals was evident to provide health promotion, especially focused on sexual education, aiming to reduce negative outcomes and minimize future social and health damages in the vulnerable population of the DF.

The Use of Geographic Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods in the Creation of Forest Fire Susceptibility Maps: A Literature Review

Forest fires are natural disasters that cause significant environmental, economic, and social damage worldwide. This study provides a literature review examining how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods are utilized in the prevention of forest fires and the identification of high-risk areas. GIS, as a system used for the collection and analysis of spatial data, enables the consideration of various factors influencing fire risk, such as climate change, topography, vegetation, and weather conditions. The spatial analysis capabilities offered by GIS play a critical role in identifying regions with high fire susceptibility when generating fire risk maps. Additionally, MCDM methods contribute significantly to the decision-making process by allowing the evaluation of multiple criteria in fire risk analysis. Logistic Regression and Frequency Ratio, which are frequently employed in the literature, are widely used in fire risk analysis and improve the accuracy of susceptibility maps. Furthermore, MCDM methods have been proven effective in estimating the likelihood of forest fire occurrences and identifying fire-prone areas. The integration of GIS and MCDM methods allows for more precise identification of risk zones and supports the development of fire prevention strategies. This literature review highlights the advantages of utilizing GIS and MCDM in the production of forest fire susceptibility maps and suggests that these methods may have broader applications in future research. The effective use of technology in combating forest fires enhances the accuracy of fire risk assessments, contributing significantly to environmental protection efforts.

Uranium mining remediation, environmental assessment, and bureaucratic violence environmental sociology

ABSTRACT The US government has called for increased uranium mining to support nuclear energy as a replacement for fossil fuels. At the same time, remediating historical mines has been challenging, leaving Indigenous communities suffering as they fight for the removal of harmful mining waste from decades past. Examining two projects and their environmental assessments in the Navajo Nation, this study identifies how settler colonialism extends through state decision-making in the push for nuclear power. Promoting environmental justice, yet approving licenses for new mines and waste storage in Indigenous communities, constitutes a form of bureaucratic violence in which policies and procedures legitimate harm. State power is extended through claims of scientific legitimacy and participatory process, while defending decisions as just. The analysis of these processes shows how past land dispossession leads to forever environmental, ecological, and social damage under the guise of regulatory protection.

Brand extension strategy in the presence of carbon tax regulation policy and social influence

Brand extension is a common marketing strategy used to capture a competitive advantage in the fashion industry and often causes social influence between the parent and sub-brands. On the one hand, sub-brand consumers are more willing to buy products when the parent brand sells well. On the other hand, the parent brand consumers’ purchase intention decreases when the sub-brand product sells too much. The fashion industry also contributes considerably to global carbon emissions. To reach sustainable development goals, governments impose carbon taxes. This paper analyzes how social influence and carbon tax regulations can affect a monopolistic firm’s brand extension strategy. The analytical results show that the firm extends from the parent brand to the sub-brand when the magnitude of social influence is not strong in the absence of a carbon tax, as the market expansion effect dominates the cannibalization effect. When the regulator imposes a carbon emissions tax, the range is further narrowed of the social influence that allows the firm to benefit from brand extension strategy because of the cost effect. Counterintuitively, the brand extension strategy can force the regulator to lower the tax price. Moreover, our findings reveal that social influence exerts an inverse impact on the regulator’s tax pricing decisions, contingent upon the extent of the parent brand’s brand power advantage. Carbon tax regulation hurts the firm and consumer surplus, but benefits the environment and social welfare. Additionally, we reaffirm the robustness of our findings under conditions of asymmetry in the intensity of social influence and different pollution damage functions. Intriguingly, we find that the firm can mitigate the negative cannibalization effect by selling its sub-brand products through a downstream retailer.

Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and Nudge Theory: Examining the Effects of Choice Architecture on Consumption of Sustainable Fashion over Fast Fashion

This study considers ways to increase the consumption of sustainable fashion given the significant environmental and social damages associated with the industry. A series of experiments were conducted examining the impacts of choice architecture (nudges) under field conditions in collaboration with one of Israel’s largest shopping centers. This study sought to identify which interventions at the retail level successfully motivate sustainable fashion behavioral change regarding purchases and willingness to pay more, along with agreement with several statements regarding the climate crisis and sustainable fashion. Among the types of nudges examined in this field study were providing information, increasing accessibility to sustainable alternatives and appealing to social identity in relation to demographics and green self-image. This study found that offering alternatives to consumers constituted the most effective way to “nudge” consumers toward more sustainable purchasing behavior. Nonetheless, this does not negate the contribution of providing information and strengthening social norms regarding sustainable fashion. Additionally, in all groups, most participants reported that they did not know how to distinguish between sustainable and non-sustainable fashion, nor did they believe that the clothes they purchased were actually sustainable. The findings emphasize the need for policies that will increase the accessibility of sustainable fashion.

Association Between COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Economic Expectations During the Pandemic in South Korea

Risk perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic changed economic expectations and shaped individuals’ consumption and investment choices, thereby worsening its economic and social damage. This study investigated the associations between COVID-19 risk perceptions and economic expectations using a South Korean dataset collected during the pandemic. The results of a logistic regression conducted on 1,001 participants revealed that greater pandemic risk perceptions were significantly associated with negative economic expectations at both the national and the household levels. Affective risk perception had a large and significant negative association with all four types of economic expectations, whereas cognitive risk perception had a significant negative association only with households’ economic expectations. The association was greater for the perception that the economy would “get better” than for “get worse” or “remain the same,” indicating COVID-19 may have reduced individuals’ optimistic economic expectations. COVID-19’s economic damage may last beyond the pandemic, as individuals adjust their economic expectations.

Flash floods on the northern coast of the Black Sea: Formation and characteristics

Flash floods are one of the most dangerous hydrometeorological events in the world. The current study investigates flash floods on the northern Black Sea Coast. The data about stochastic and relatively stable factors of flash flood formation (such as hydrological, meteorological, lithological, geomorphological, and anthropogenic parameters) were collected for 22 events. The main trigger of flash floods is heavy rainfall of high intensity in the region but in some cases flash flood occurrence is connected with combinations of several “non-critical” factors. The small watershed area (≤ 351 km2) of river basins experiencing flash floodspromotes very rapid flow concentration. Analysis of extreme precipitation demonstrates significant increasing trends in river basins on the Crimean Peninsula and decreasing a maximum precipitation amount in 5 days (r5d) and 1 day (r1d) in river basins in the Caucasus Black Sea Coast in the 21st century as determined by processing of Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global precipitation measurement (IMEGR) satellite data. At the same time land network data indicates increasing r5d at the Anapa and r1d at the Tuapse meteorological stations in 1961–2020. More frequent occurrence of flash floods has been suggested in the area due to statistical analysis of the longest precipitation ranges. The main reason for significant social and economic damage is uncontrolled human activity in flooded areas on the northern Black Sea Coast.

Assessment of Social Damage from Crime and Proportionality of Punishment to Damage: Legal Economics Approach

The article considers the principle of proportionality of the severity of punishment to public damage from an offense in terms of law and economics and criminology. It presents an overview of various criminological approaches to assessing social damage from different types of crimes, concluding that it is not possible to measure this damage precisely in each specific case. The methodology proposed by Sellin and Wolfgang (Sellin & Wolfgang 1964), which rates the severity of crimes based on sociological surveys, is highlighted as an effective basis for determining the severity of punishment proportional to public damage, though it has its drawbacks. The conclusion offers proposals for synthesizing all the approaches considered in the article to assess public damage from crime and establish the socially optimal severity of punishment for offenses.

Proses dan Pelaksanaan Rasulullah Shallallahu `alaihi Wa Sallam dalam Melakukan Kepemimpinan

Rasulullah SAW was sent at a time when pre-Islamic Arab society (jahiliyah) was in a very worrying condition, with various forms of moral, social and political damage. Rasulullah SAW came to bring Islamic teachings which changed the entire structure of social life, eliminated injustice, and upheld justice and equality in society. This article will comprehensively review the concept of leadership in Islam, as well as provide information on the leadership role of the Prophet Muhammad. The research conducted was qualitative research. The data collection technique uses the library research method, namely by observing various literature related to the problems in the research, in the form of papers, books, notes and reports of previous research results. The results of this research are that in his leadership, the Prophet Muhammad demonstrated various principles and methods that are very relevant and applicable today. He practices an inclusive leadership style, filled with wisdom, justice and compassion. As a leader, he not only managed worldly affairs but also instilled deep spiritual values ​​in his followers. This makes his leadership a model that is worth studying and implementing in various modern leadership contexts

Mapping Service-Based Retailing to Improve Sustainability Practices in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is recognized among the most impactful industries in relation to environmental and social damage due to unsustainable models. While countless research studies focus on the supply chain and product innovation, the presented inquiry studies the fashion retail sector with the goal of systematizing existing sustainable practices based on service offerings. We present the results of an extensive case-study analysis conducted on 370 initiatives of different natures gathered among international companies and local actors in the European context that offer services oriented toward sustainability. As a result, we propose an ontology that encompasses three areas (services for environmental sustainability, culture of sustainability, and implementation of social sustainability) and comprehensively describes existing sustainability strategies for helping retailers preserve the environment, while promoting socially inclusive practices and disseminating the culture of sustainability. The innovation of retailing from a similar perspective aims at rendering businesses more resilient to survive market and social transformations, especially in consideration of the boost to sustainable and circular transformation advocated by recent European legislation.

A systematic framework for assessing social vulnerability to flood for integrated flood risk management: A case study in Metro Manila, Philippines

Assessing social vulnerability to floods (SVF) is a crucial component of integrated flood risk management, especially in flood-prone regions such as Metro Manila in the Philippines. This study presents a holistic framework to assess SVF, based on susceptibility, exposure, and resilience factors while recognizing its multi-dimensional, multi-attribute, and context-dependent nature. The assessment was applied to three cities of Metro Manila: Marikina, Parañaque, and Manila. Indicators were systematically identified using deductive and hierarchical approaches, and factor indices were derived using a combined Simple Additive Weighting and Analytic Hierarchy Process, while the SVF index was estimated using the vulnerability relationship of the factors. The results exhibit a strong positive correlation with historical social flood damages and robustness across weight and normalization variations, with Marikina being the most vulnerable, followed by Parañaque and Manila. The city-level vulnerability profiles highlight salient determinants such as high population exposure in Parañaque, a relatively high population of susceptible social groups in Marikina, and significant disparity in flood control projects among the cities. Scenario analyses underscore the efficacy of flood countermeasures that reduce exposure and increase resilience. This study offers valuable insights and practical guidance for developing effective disaster reduction plans and policies in the study areas and similar regions by identifying disparities in vulnerability and understanding local conditions and drivers.

Navigating the Ravages of Riverbank Erosion: Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts in the Nalua Union of Bakerganj Upazila

The study delves into the persistent threats posed by climate change-induced phenomena, notably river bank erosion, within the Bengal Delta, focusing specifically on the Nalua Union in Bakerganj Upazila, Barishal District. Utilizing a multifaceted methodology encompassing satellite imagery analysis, field observations, and questionnaire surveys, the research aims to evaluate the potential displacement of residents due to river bank erosion and its attendant socio-economic and environmental repercussions. Nestled at the confluence of the Pandob and Karkhana rivers, the study area contends with recurrent and severe bank erosion, resulting in profound infrastructural and livelihood disruptions. Analysis of satellite imagery spanning 2016 to 2023 underscores the dynamic nature of erosion and accretion processes, with coastal erosion encompassing 2.15 sq. km and accretion covering 1.75 sq. km. Economic ramifications of erosion-induced damages amount to USD 300 million annually, disproportionately affecting agricultural sectors and rural communities. Beyond economic loss, the study investigates the non-economic consequences of river bank erosion, such as social disintegration and environmental damage. Displacement engenders social fragmentation, erodes communal ties, and imperils livelihoods, exacerbating vulnerability among impacted populations. Environmental impacts encompass soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and compromised access to potable water and fisheries resources. This study provides actual evidence for the complex relationship between natural dynamics and human vulnerabilities as a result of river bank erosion. The findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the socio-economic and environmental exigencies precipitated by erosion-induced displacement in the Nalua Union and harmonious vulnerable locales. To develop long-term socioeconomic equilibrium and environmental resilience in coastal locations prone to riverbank erosion, such solutions must incorporate community resilience-building activities, ecosystem-centric approaches, and sustainable land management practices.