Stringent Environmental Regulations Research Articles

The environmental consequences of national Audit governance: An analysis based on county-level data in China

Recent years have witnessed growing public concern over air pollution in China, posing a challenge to the government's environmental management efforts. Empirical evidence indicates that the digital economy contributes to mitigating environmental pollution. Given that national audits are a crucial part of the national oversight system and considering the significant role of digital technology in audit governance, it is relevant to explore how the digital economy can support national audits in enhancing China's environmental quality. This study investigates the environmental impact of national audit governance, utilizing a dataset from 1540 counties in China spanning from 2005 to 2018. The findings reveal that effective national audits contribute to reducing haze pollution (HP) levels, with the digital economy playing a moderating role. The results also demonstrate heterogeneity; national audits are particularly effective in regions characterized by high urbanization rates, severe HP, and stringent environmental regulations. The mechanism analysis suggests that industrial transformation and enhanced government governance are the key mechanisms through which national audits reduce regional HP. Additionally, reforming the audit management system can amplify the effects of national audits on reducing HP.

CEO gender and climate change commitment: The mediating effect of environmental regulation perception

AbstractThis study delves into the influence of CEO gender on climate change commitment within SMEs in the Mediterranean region. Utilizing data from the sixth wave of the BEEPS survey (2018–2020), we explore the mediating role of environmental regulation perception in this context. Our findings align with social role theory, indicating that women demonstrate heightened ecological and communal behavior, driven by their perception of environmental regulations. We reveal a full mediation link within the EU Mediterranean region, where environmental regulation perception explains women's commitment to environmental causes. However, in the EU neighborhood, we identify a direct significant effect of CEO gender on SMEs' engagement with climate change, particularly in terms of controlling CO2 emissions. Our study sheds light on the limited presence of women in top management positions in the Mediterranean region. Additionally, we highlight the scarcity of environmental regulations for SMEs in the EU neighborhood, with the perception of these regulations as barriers hindering proactive climate change strategies. Therefore, governmental authorities need to develop more stringent environmental regulations while taking into account the financial capacities of SMEs. Providing ecological business education before implementing new regulations could also be beneficial. The study carries significant managerial and social implications, emphasizing the necessity of diverse leadership to promote sustainability and underscoring the importance of tailored regulatory initiatives for effective climate action.

Sustainable Growth in expanded BRICS: Linking Institutional performance, digital governance, and Green Finance to Environmental Impact

The main objective of the current study is to examine the impact of institutional performance, digital governance, and green finance on environmental performance within expanded BRICS nations that have undergone expansion. Key findings indicate that enhancing digital governance significantly reduces emissions; therefore, policies should be implemented to fortify digital infrastructure and promote environmentally responsible practices. The study utilized three discrete regression models to analyse the ecological impact and emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, providing insights into the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global climate change. In light of the intricate correlation between emissions and institutional performance, it is imperative to develop nuanced policies that effectively reconcile the need to strengthen institutions with environmental concerns. Green financing is a crucial element that advocates for policies that encourage investment in environmentally friendly initiatives and technology and has a net positive impact on emissions reduction. The adoption of sustainable practices is imperative for economic expansion due to the observed correlation between heightened emissions and economic capacity. To decouple environmental degradation from economic expansion, policies should be implemented to support green technologies. In summary, these results provide evidence in favour of a comprehensive policy approach within the BRICS countries, which ought to achieve a harmonious coexistence of environmental conservation and economic advancement, to the advantage of all stakeholders. The current study is carried out to promote environmental sustainability, reduce harmful activities, strengthen institutions for collaborative pollution management, and enforce stringent environmental regulations on foreign direct investment, the expanded BRICS nations should strive to reduce detrimental activities. Placing significant emphasis on the interdependent nature of economic development and its environmental ramifications is of utmost importance.

Time to say goodbye? The impact of environmental regulation on foreign divestment

Time to say goodbye? The impact of environmental regulation on foreign divestment

Is the impact of environmental regulations on the global value chains biased towards technological effects or refuge effects?

As an important factor endowment, environmental rules have a non-negligible impact on trade flows and patterns. Regarding the existing two completely different debates, this study uses simultaneous equations and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to assess the interaction and spatial spillover effects of environmental rules and global value chains (GVCs), the aim is to determine whether the impact of environmental rules on GVCs is biased towards “technological effects” or “Refuge effect”. The research findings reveal: (1) When the environmental rules are strengthened by 1 %, the forward participation of GVCs in developed countries decreases by 0.2930 % and the backward participation of GVCs increases by 1.4327 %. This reveals that stricter environmental rules result in GVCs participation bias towards the “refuge effect” in developed countries. (2) When environmental rules are strengthened by 5 % and 1 %, respectively, the GVC forward and backward participation of developing countries decreases by 0.0477 % and 0.5113 %, respectively, which means that when the environmental rules become stricter, both the forward and backward participation of GVCs in developing countries are biased towards the “refuge effect”. (3) Concerning the spillover effects of environmental regulations on participation in GVCs, stricter environmental regulations in developed countries impede their own forward participation in GVCs but promote their backward participation, with insignificant indirect effects. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations in developing countries impede their own forward participation in GVCs and similarly do not contribute to the enhancement of forward participation in neighboring developing countries. Therefore, this study suggests that developed countries can transfer green technology to developing countries through technology transfer agreements to promote mutual development. Moreover, developing countries actively adjust their industrial structure, increase investment in technology R&D, and cooperate with other countries and regions, which will help countries learn from best practices and coordinate their responses to common environmental challenges.

The dynamic impact of trade on environment

AbstractUtilizing long‐term and high‐resolution pollution remote sensing data, this study examines the dynamic impact of export expansion on the local environment in China from 2000 to 2020. Regions facing larger export expansion experience more pronounced initial deterioration in local air quality, while followed by a more prominent subsequent environmental improvement, indicating that the environmental impact of trade varies over time. Further analysis reveals that a key driver behind this dynamic change is the adjustment in environmental policies, particularly when local government faces higher pressure in achieving the environmental goals and when the central government takes over environmental monitoring powers. Additionally, under more stringent environmental regulations, regional export growth leads to increased environmental expenditures, concurrently driving localities to reduce heavily polluting engergy inputs such as coal. Our study suggests that environmental policies can facilitate the synergistic development of trade and the environment.

NATURAL RUBBER COMPOSITES WITH HYDROCHAR AS A PARTIAL FILLER: INVESTIGATION OF KINETIC PARAMETERS

Reducing the environmental impact of the rubber industry has emerged as a major challenge, and one potential solution that has garnered significant attention is incorporating hydrochar as a partial filler in natural rubber composites. Hydrochar was obtained through hydrothermal carbonization treatment of hardwood waste biomass, and it has been found to have potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional filler carbon black. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying hydrochar and carbon black content in natural rubber composites, while keeping the total filler amount constant at 50 phr. The study's findings indicated that higher hydrochar content resulted in a greater curing activation energy, facilitating the manufacture of largernatural rubber vulcanizates that required extended curing periods at reduced temperatures. The rubber industry's stringent environmental regulations have created a pressing need for sustainable alternatives, and incorporating hydrochar as a partial fillercould offer a promising solution by repurposing waste materials into a valuable component for rubber composites. KEYWORDS:hydrochar, hydrothermal carbonization, natural rubber composites, kinetic parameters

Impact of Industrial Water Usage on Aquatic Biodiversity in the Yangtze River Delta and Its Economic Valuation

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD), a pivotal economic and ecological region in China, faces significant environmental challenges due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. This paper explores various strategies and technologies aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of industrial activities on the region’s aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. We examine the implementation of advanced water treatment technologies, the adoption of sustainable industrial practices, and the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations. Predictive models are discussed as essential tools for forecasting environmental changes and guiding conservation efforts. The paper highlights the importance of an integrated approach involving government, industries, and communities to ensure sustainable development. By adopting these strategies, the YRD can achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, serving as a model for similar regions globally.

From foreign direct investment to environmental regulations: Does a feedback effect ever exist?

This study revisits the feedback effect from foreign direct investments (FDI) on environmental regulations under the presence of the host country's political structure. Such a relationship may encounter the endogeneity problem due to the omitted variable bias and reverse causality. As such, the two-step system generalized method of moments is employed. Using data from 21 OECD countries from 1990 to 2019, we confirm that FDI flows influence environmental regulations, but such an effect is conditional on the host country's political constraints. Specifically, FDI increases (decreases) the stringency of environmental regulations if domestic political constraints are sufficiently high (low). Understanding the mechanisms of how FDI flows can affect environmental regulations allows countries to revise their policies to attract more FDI flows to support economic growth while simultaneously minimising their negative effects on the environment.

Navigating sustainability: Unveiling the interconnected dynamics of ESG factors and SDGs in BRICS‐11

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the impacts of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors on sustainable development goals (SDGs) for BRICS‐11 countries. The AMG, FMOLS, DOLS, and ARDL models are applied. While we found negative impacts of environmental factors (ENVf) on SDGs for Argentina, Ethiopia, and China, we found positive impacts of social factors (SOCf) on SDGs for South Africa and Argentina. Additionally, while we found positive impacts of governance factors (GOVNf) on SDGs for Ethiopia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, we found negative impacts for the United Arab Emirates. No significant relationships were found between ENVf, SOCf, and GOVNf on SDGs for Brazil, Russia, India, and Egypt. These findings highlight the nuanced impacts of ESG factors on SDGs, providing valuable insights for policymakers and emphasizing the need for country‐specific sustainable development strategies. The negative environmental impact on SDGs in Argentina, Ethiopia, and China suggests that environmental degradation may hinder sustainable development, underscoring the importance of balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. This result can also be interpreted through the Pollution Haven Hypothesis, which posits that developing countries may attract more foreign investments in pollution‐intensive industries due to their less stringent environmental regulations.

How digital government mediate the influence of fossil fuels on green innovation: Evidence from China's a-share industrial enterprises

China's rapid economic growth has resulted in a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, necessitating effective government intervention to facilitate their green transformation within the industrial sector. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the impact of mineral resource and fossil fuel dependence (ED) on the green transformation of Chinese enterprises, alongside the role of digital governance systems, holds paramount importance. This study delves into the influence of ED on firms' green technology innovation (FGI) using data sourced from A-share industrial enterprises listed on China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges during the period from 2011 to 2021. Additionally, it examines the internal mechanisms facilitated by digital government, and provides insights into the heterogeneity observed from the perspectives of enterprises' industry classifications and sizes. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) ED significantly impedes the enhancement of green technology innovation levels among listed industrial enterprises, and this finding remains robust across multiple testing methods. (2) ED demonstrates varying inhibitory effects on firms' green technology innovation, with the most pronounced impact observed in the energy production and supply industry and the mining industry, and a relatively weaker effect observed in manufacturing enterprises. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of fossil energy dependence on green technology innovation is observed to be stronger in small-scale enterprises compared to their larger counterparts. (3) The advancement of the digital economy notably mitigates the inhibitory effect of fossil energy dependence on firms' green technology innovation. (4) ED primarily diminishes the level of green innovation by reducing the stringency of government environmental regulations, hindering regional marketization, and impeding the industrial structure's upgrade.

REACTOR SECTION PRESSURE CONTROL AT DIESEL HYDROTREATING UNIT

Diesel Hydrotreating Units (DHUs) are essential components within petroleum refineries, playing a critical role in the production of clean and high-quality diesel fuel. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, necessity, and operational significance of DHUs in the refining process. Firstly, the abstract discusses the fundamental principles underlying the operation of DHUs. The catalytic hydrotreating process is elucidated, highlighting the role of hydrogenation reactions in the removal of sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatic compounds from diesel feedstocks. The synergy between catalysts and hydrogen gas in promoting desulfurization, denitrification, and hydrodenitrogenation reactions is examined, emphasizing the pivotal role of DHUs in enhancing the environmental and performance attributes of diesel fuel. Furthermore, the abstract addresses the imperative need for Diesel Hydrotreating Units. The detrimental impacts of sulfur-containing compounds, such as sulfur oxides (SOx), on air quality and human health are discussed, underscoring the regulatory mandates aimed at reducing sulfur emissions from diesel fuel. DHUs emerge as indispensable tools for compliance with stringent environmental regulations, ensuring the production of low-sulfur diesel fuel that meets or exceeds regulatory standards. Moreover, the abstract emphasizes the operational significance of DHUs within petroleum refineries. Through the integration of advanced reactor designs, catalyst technologies, and process optimization strategies, DHUs enable refineries to achieve efficient desulfurization and meet production targets while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs. The adaptability of DHUs to varying feedstock compositions and processing conditions further underscores their versatility and importance in the refining industry. In conclusion, this abstract provides a comprehensive overview of Diesel Hydrotreating Units, elucidating their mechanisms, necessity, and operational significance in the production of clean and high-quality diesel fuel. By facilitating the removal of sulfur and other impurities from diesel feedstocks. Keywords: Diesel Hydrotreatment Unit, Control Systems, Petrochemical Industry, Efficiency, Safety.

Acylated Inulin as a Potential Shale Hydration Inhibitor in Water Based Drilling Fluids for Wellbore Stabilization.

Shale hydration dispersion and swelling are primary causes of wellbore instability in oil and gas reservoir exploration. In this study, inulin, a fructo-oligosaccharide extracted from Jerusalem artichoke roots, was modified by acylation with three acyl chlorides, and the products (C10-, C12-, and C14-inulin) were investigated for their use as novel shale hydration inhibitors. The inhibition properties were evaluated through the shale cuttings hot-rolling dispersion test, the sodium-based bentonite hydration test, and capillary suction. The three acylated inulins exhibited superb hydration-inhibiting performance at low concentrations, compared to the commonly used inhibitors of KCl and poly (ester amine). An inhibition mechanism was proposed based on surface tension measurements, contact angle measurements, Fourier-transform infrared analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The acylated inulin reduced the water surface tension significantly, thus, retarding the invasion of water into the shale formation. Then, the acylated inulin was adsorbed onto the shale surface by hydrogen bonding to form a compact, sealed, hydrophobic membrane. Furthermore, the acylated inulins are non-toxic and biodegradable, which meet the increasingly stringent environmental regulations in this field. This method might provide a new avenue for developing high-performance and ecofriendly shale hydration inhibitors.

Bioethics-CSR Divide

Bioethics-CSR Divide

The opposite innovation impacts of air and water pollution regulations: Evidence from the total emissions control policy in China

This paper uses a unique firm-level data set from China’s two most developed regions, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), to examine the effects of environmental regulations on innovation. Variations in air and water pollution reduction plans under the Total Emissions Control Policy from the 10th to the 12th Five-Year Plans (2001–2015) are explored to measure the stringency of environmental regulations faced by industrial firms. To alleviate endogeneity concerns, we calculate city-level fair pollution reduction volumes which rely only on each city’s contribution to national pollution emissions in the base years and use them as instrumental variables of reduction plans. The two-stage least square estimations reveal that while air pollution regulation (APR) motivates industrial firms to innovate, water pollution regulation (WPR) hinders firm innovation. We confirm the opposite effects by estimating the impact on entrepreneurs’ perceptions of the importance of innovation in industrial firms’ development. Heterogeneity effect analysis shows that APR also hinders innovation in heavily air-polluting industries and state-owned firms, and WPR produces a decreasing innovation-hindering effect over time, which is larger in the YRD region than in the PRD region. We interpret the opposite impacts with the fact that water pollution discharges are more equally distributed across industries than air pollution emissions, resulting in more pervasive and stringent WPR.

Role of Climate Policies and Environmental Regulations for Business Growth: Evidence from Sustainable Development Perspective

This study aims to use updated data sets for China from 1990 to 2022 to study the relationship between business growth and environmental factors and regulations such as environmental policies, taxes, green technologies, and environmental revenues. The first study confirmed that none of the variables used was static in I(II), while the ADF and PP unit root tests proved that all variables were static at the level, and confirmed the first difference in the ARDL model. Results demonstrate that environmental taxes stimulate business growth, a phenomenon explained by the Porter Hypothesis, suggesting that effective regulations related to environment can spur innovation and efficiency. The significant influence of environmental revenues further illuminates the potential of the green economy. The findings underscore the need for governments and businesses to adopt stringent environmental regulations, promote green technologies, and exploit the burgeoning opportunities in the green economy. The interplay between environmental factors and business growth not only fosters economic prosperity (SDG 8) but also aids in combatting climate change and promoting sustainable industrialization (SDG 9, 13), offering a roadmap towards a sustainable future.

Do green trade and technology-oriented trade affect economic cycles? Evidence from the Chinese provinces

This paper explores the determinants of economic cycles in Chinese provinces, examining factors like information accessibility, communication infrastructure, technical innovation, and energy usage patterns. The research unveils a negative impact of green exports on economic cycles, potentially influenced by China's recent stringent environmental regulations. The findings suggest that basic communication facilities and energy consumption structure pose initial hindrances to economic cycles. Yet, they foster information dissemination and technical innovation. Despite the negative influence of green imports and specific technology-oriented trade segments on economic cycles, the study underscores the imperative of prioritizing long-term sustainability. It emphasizes the adverse association between energy consumption structure and economic cycles, highlighting the necessity of transitioning to cleaner energy sources despite short-term financial implications. The outcomes are in harmony with the evolving nature of these associations, underscoring the pivotal role of flexible policies and holistic development strategies in steering China's quest for green and sustainable economic development.

Unintended consequences of punishment: Adverse effects of environmental penalties on green patents

We find that manufacturing firms that have received high environmental penalties experience significant declines in subsequent green patenting activity. We further use a difference-in-differences strategy exploiting the passage of 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment (1990 CAAA) as a shock to environmental regulatory stringency and show that the increase in regulatory stringency is linked to decreases in corporate green innovation. The adverse effect of environmental penalties on green innovation is stronger in firms with greater business uncertainty, higher product market competition, higher institutional ownership, and weaker financial conditions. Overall, the empirical evidence is consistent with the view that environmental penalties prompt firms to manage their risk exposure by reducing green innovation activity.

Can green finance reduce corporate carbon risk?

This study analyzes data from Chinese A-share market-listed manufacturing companies between 2009 and 2021. Our results underscore the effectiveness of green finance in mitigating corporate carbon risk, supported by robustness tests. Risk reduction is particularly pronounced for firms under stringent environmental regulations and those receiving greater media attention. Our findings indicate that green finance alleviates financial constraints, reduces carbon risk, and boosts firm value. This study deepens the understanding of the interplay between green finance and corporate carbon risk, offering valuable insights for companies aiming to reduce emissions, sustain economic performance, and manage carbon-related risks effectively.

Green Technology Innovation and Enterprise Performance: An Analysis Based on Causal Machine Learning Models

As increasingly stringent environmental regulations are put into effect, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts are being seamlessly integrated into the core of corporate innovation strategies. Due to the quasi-public product perspective of green innovation, the performance of enterprises as a result of green innovation activities exhibits significant heterogeneity. This heterogeneity exists not only between corporate value and financial performance but also among individual enterprises. This paper is based on a sample of 1510 listed Chinese companies examined from 2013 to 2020 and uses machine learning algorithms and quasi-natural experiments to precisely estimate the causal relationship and mechanisms between green innovation and corporate performance. The findings elucidate several critical aspects of green innovation within the corporate sphere: Firstly, rather than attracting green incentives from financial markets, green innovation activities inadvertently stifle the enhancement of corporate value. Secondly, these activities markedly bolster corporate financial performance, primarily by diminishing operational costs, which in turn elevates the return on assets (ROA). Lastly, of all corporate characteristics examined, enterprise size and equity concentration stand out as key determinants influencing the variability in outcomes of green innovation performance. The above findings provide information on the significant implications of enhancing green technology innovation systems and green incentive mechanisms.