Environmental Sustainability Research Articles

Acidified biochar one-off application for saline-alkali soil improvement: A three-year field trial evaluating the persistence of effects

Salinization is a global soil degradation issue threatening agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Native biochar is a promising soil amendment, but its high alkalinity limits its use in saline-alkali lands. Acidified biochar, with a lower pH, is theoretically more suitable. This study aims to evaluate the persistence of effects of acidified biochar one-off application on soil particle size distribution, physicochemical properties, water retention, temperature regulation, and evaporation conditions of saline-alkali soil, thereby verifying its feasibility and exploring the optimal application range. We conducted a three-year cotton field experiment using palm fruit branch biochar as the raw material, acidified with ferrous sulfate, which involved four biochar applications (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1) and four irrigation quotas (60 %, 80 %, 100 % and 120 % ETc). The results indicated that the initial acidified biochar application slightly increased surface soil (0–20 cm) pH by 0.1 %–3.9 %, this negative effect was nearly eliminated by the third year. Biochar application significantly altered surface soil particle size distribution, increasing sand content by 1.6 %–8.4 %, and persistently improved soil hydraulic properties, with water holding capacity still showing a 6.5 %–16.7 % increase in the third year. Biochar enhanced soil thermal insulation and suppressed soil evaporation, but these benefits gradually diminished with increasing cultivation years. Acidified biochar effectiveness was closely linked to irrigation quota. Significant differences in soil water and heat indicators were observed between the 20 and 30 t ha⁻¹ biochar treatments only under low irrigation quotas. Under sufficient irrigation (100 % and 120 % ETc), the optimal biochar application range was 15–20 t ha⁻¹, while under low irrigation (60 % and 80 % ETc), the optimal range was 20–25 t ha⁻¹. This study demonstrated that acidified biochar one-off application has significant multi-year benefits in improving soil structure and hydrothermal properties, providing a scientific basis for the improvement and sustainable utilization of saline-alkali soil.

CSR Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Development in the Emerging Market: An Analytical Study

Business can now address significant social environmental and economic issue under the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR) this is especially true as corporate ethics and sustaianbility become more widely recognized. With rapid technological advancement, economic expansion and urbanization frequently accompanied by environmental degredation, social inequality, and governance problem, corporate social responsibility is crucial to fostering sustainable development in emerging economies. A weak regulatory structure, scarce resources and the stakeholder participation are some of the particular difficulties this sector faces. Years are covered in this study to examine how multinational corporations are implementing CSR initiatives in emerging economies in order to match them with the sustainable development goals ( SDGs) of the UN. They will focus on issues including social justice environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. Using case studies from the emerging economies, the article thoroughly examines the unique opportunities and problems associated with the application of CSR in emerging markets, where striking a balance between responsible corporate practice and economic success is crucial. This article gives useful insights into how CSR can be effectively used to promote long term economic growth, boost public wellbeing and assure environmental sustainability creating innovation, establishing strategic networks, incorporating CSR into core company strategy and promoting sustainable development. They also emphasize how crucial it is to boost stake holder participation in order to improve results.

THIN FILM METHANE SENSOR BASED ON CARBON COMPOSITE

Today, with the oil and gas industry playing a key role in the global energy sector, issues related to the effective control and detection of methane leaks are becoming an integral part of the strategic tasks of the industry. The article is devoted to the research and development of a thin-film sensor for detecting methane in the air using a carbon composite. The technical result of this study is the creation of a highly sensitive and energy efficient sensor for measuring methane concentration. The basis for the sensitive element is a thin film of a carbon composite, consisting of a polymer, single-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, with aluminum electrodes. The sensor has a number of advantages, including responding to the presence of methane without the need for heating, the simplicity of the sensitive material preparation process, and low cost. The ability to quickly start small-scale production, simplified manufacturing due to the use of only one pair of electrodes, as well as increased energy efficiency due to the absence of the need for heating are also positive characteristics of this device. The study presents the results of manufacturing the sensor, including the steps of cleaning the surface of the substrate, creating a shadow mask, spraying electrodes, forming a thin film of the composite by centrifugation, as well as analyzing the microstructure of the sensor using an atomic force microscope. Also presented are data on obtaining multilayer structures of thin-film resistive sensors based on a polymer matrix nanocomposite, single-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, including the process of creating electrodes. This study is important for the development of methane monitoring methods in the oil and gas industry and other industrial areas, offering promising technical solutions to ensure environmental and economic sustainability of production.

Rural land systems both support and hinder the Sustainable Development Goals across Europe

AbstractAchieving sustainable rural land systems, including farms and forestry, is essential to achieve the European Union’s goal of fair and healthy food systems while becoming climate-neutral and halting biodiversity loss. Here we quantitatively assess the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of rural land systems in Europe using spatial hotspot analyses based on 15 environmental and 9 social sustainability indicators from the European Sustainable Development Goals and the Common Agricultural Policy. We find high subsidy support for under-performing sustainability areas and low sustainability performance in areas producing the most calories. However, we identified two brightspots with good environmental and socioeconomic performance (Nordics and Central Europe), and five dragspots hindering sustainability: the Balkans, the Lowlands, Northern Italy, Southern Italy and Malta, and Southern Spain. Redirecting support to reward social and environmental benefits from land use can help achieve sustainability goals.

Modeling and Optimization of NO2 Stations in the Smart City of Barcelona

The growing problem of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in urban environments is driving cities to adopt smart and sustainable approaches to address this challenge. To quantify and compare the effect of environmental policies, cities must be able to make informed decisions with real-time data that reflect the actual situation. Therefore, the objective of this work is threefold: The first is to study the behavior of the key performance indicator (KPI) of NO2 concentrations per station in Barcelona through exploratory analysis and clustering. The second is to predict NO2 concentration behavior, considering meteorological data. Lastly, a new distribution of current and new stations will be proposed using an optimization algorithm that maximizes the distance between them and covers the largest area of the city. As a result of this study, the importance of the location of measurement points and the need for better distribution in the city are highlighted. These new spatial distributions predict an 8% increase in NO2 concentrations. In conclusion, this study is a comprehensive tool for obtaining an accurate representation of NO2 concentrations in the city, contributing to informed decision-making, helping to improve air quality, and promoting a more sustainable urban environment.

Leveraging Spatial Analysis Techniques for Developing a Climate Resilient and Localized Urban Greening Plan for Pasig City

Abstract. A recent study has been conducted to evaluate the current state of green spaces in Pasig City, Philippines, and to propose a Climate Resilient and Localized Urban Greening Plan (CRLUGP) to address urban greening that is essential for creating sustainable cities, especially in the face of climate change and urban population growth. The study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Machine Learning (ML) to map green spaces, analyze climate risks, and identify necessary corrective measures. The findings revealed that Pasig City currently only has 70.18 hectares of green space, which is significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of nine (9) square meters of green space per capita. Projections indicate that by 2032, the city will need 925.72 hectares of green space to meet the needs of its growing population. Additionally, the study identified a connection between low canopy cover and increased urban heat island effects, with the top 10 barangays showing a canopy cover of only 27.64%, well below the recommended 40%. Moreover, areas with limited green spaces were found to be at a higher risk of flooding, highlighting the importance of more vegetation for managing stormwater and mitigating climate-related risks. The study recommends a strategic approach to urban greening, leveraging spatial analysis for continuous monitoring and evaluation. By integrating spatial technologies and data-driven decision-making, Pasig City aims to establish a more sustainable and resilient urban environment for its residents.

Transdisciplinary education for reducing environmental impact of AEC industry

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment but contributes significantly to environmental impact, accounting for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. An interdisciplinary systematic literature review (SLR) explores how transdisciplinary education (TDE) can be integrated into AEC curricula to address environmental sustainability challenges. TDE facilitates students’ understanding of the environmental impact (EI) of their design projects and equips them with the knowledge and skills to develop sustainable solutions. This review examines various pedagogical models, including problem-based learning, to evaluate their effectiveness in fostering TDE for reducing EI in the AEC sector. Findings from the literature are synthesized to present a framework aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) that promotes sustainability in AEC education. The review aims to inform future research and curriculum development, advancing the role of education in equipping future professionals to mitigate environmental impacts in the AEC industry.

Corporate engagement in mitigating plastic pollution: examining voluntary initiatives and EU regulations

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, with far-reaching ecological, economic, and social implications. This article addresses the fragmented nature of the current literature on plastic pollution regulations and their impact on the corporate sector and aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current EU regulatory framework and corporate voluntary self-regulatory initiatives relevant to plastic pollution. Examining voluntary initiatives – including corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and the emerging concept of plastic credits – in terms of their potential to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability, the article presents novel insights on how different regulatory mechanisms and voluntary self-regulatory initiatives engage the corporate sector in mitigating plastic pollution. While highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and businesses, the study critically evaluates the challenges and limitations of current approaches. It addresses concerns about the efficacy and transparency of CSR initiatives, with particular attention to the issue of greenwashing and its potential legal implications. By synthesizing diverse sources, this article emphasizes the need to combine stringent regulatory frameworks with responsible business practices to engage the corporate sector in preventing and mitigating plastic pollution, specifically within the context of the European Union’s pioneering environmental policy. Ultimately, the study suggests that the most effective long-term solution lies in reducing plastic production altogether while acknowledging the role of transitional measures in the interim.

The nexus of industrial employment, financial development, urbanization, and human capital in promoting environmental sustainability in E7 economies

ABSTRACT Financial development supports economic growth, reduces unemployment, ensures justice, and has an impact on the environment. Human development significantly supports E-7 countries in achieving the goal of stable and qualified economic development in the next decade. This factor affects people’s ability to manage environmental problems and increases their productivity by contributing to people’s industrial and production processes. It can be a guide for states to choose technologies that take into account the clean environment and increase energy efficiency in areas where energy is constantly used. Increasing urbanization encourages various development activities. This study aims to investigate the impact of financial development, human development, urbanization, and industrial employment on environmental quality for E-7 countries with regularized common correlated effects and the Augmented Mean Group long-run estimators. Another important aim of the study is to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 9, 11 and 13. Increasing financial development improves environmental quality in Russia and India, according to robust results from long-run estimators. Increasing human development in China increases environmental pollution. While the expansion of urbanization increases environmental quality in Brazil, it decreases it in China. The increase in employment in the industry increases the load capacity factor in the panel group, Brazil, China, Indonesia, and India. In addition to these results, the current article presents policy recommendations for governments to increase environmental quality on a country basis and provides feasible solutions on how to use the independent variables in the study as environmental tools.

Ecotourism for Coastal Slum Alleviation: A Strategic Approach to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tangerang, Indonesia

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the potential of ecotourism as a strategic tool for transforming coastal slum areas in developing regions, with a focus on alleviating poverty, improving living conditions, and fostering sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: The research draws on theories of sustainable development, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. The study builds on frameworks that emphasize the role of local community involvement, environmental conservation, and socio-economic improvement in developing effective strategies for slum transformation. Method: This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using R Studio to analyze relationships between ecotourism development, infrastructure investment, community participation, and sustainable tourism outcomes. Data were collected through surveys of 160 residents in a coastal slum area, complemented by direct observations of the region’s environmental and infrastructural conditions. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that investments in ecotourism infrastructure and active community engagement significantly improve the economic conditions and environmental sustainability of coastal slum areas. However, gaps in policy support and sustainable tourism principles were identified, which limit the full realization of ecotourism’s potential in alleviating slum conditions. Research Implications: This study highlights ecotourism's potential to alleviate poverty and transform coastal slum areas through infrastructure investment and community participation. It offers practical insights for policymakers and developers in sustainable tourism, emphasizing improved economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Theoretically, it enriches sustainable development literature by linking local governance with ecotourism-driven regional transformation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive framework that integrates ecotourism with poverty alleviation strategies, focusing on the transformation of coastal slums into sustainable tourism hubs. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners working on sustainable development initiatives in coastal regions.

GREEN LOGISTICS PRACTICES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AMONG LOGISTICS FIRMS IN KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of green logistics practices on performance and mediating effect of environmental performance on this relationship in logistics companies in Kenya. Theoretical Framework: This study is anchored on the resource-based view and the natural resource-based view. Method: The study employs cross-sectional survey research design. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data from a sample of 300 firms which is analyzed using CB-SEM. Results and Discussion: Study establishes a significant positive relationship between green logistics practices and performance which is in line with the argument of the natural resource-based view. Secondly, the mediating effect of environmental performance on the relationship between green logistics practices and firm performance is found to be non-significant. Research Implications: The study recommends that logistics firms should implement environment-friendly practices of green packaging, route optimization, fuel efficiency, carbon emission measurement and reverse logistics. The expenses associated with implementing these practices impede the firm’s ability to improve performance in the context of a developing country. The findings provide a basis for the development regulatory framework in pursuit of environmental sustainability. Originality/Value: Research on ecological sustainability has mainly concentrated on the entire supply chain. This study concentrates on the logistics aspect which is responsible for a quarter of emissions of Green House Gases (CHGs). The research employs a measurement model of green logistics practices construct in the service sector hence moving away from the manufacturing organizations.

Roles of Personal Values and Information Technology Usage in Forming the University Students’ View of Environmental Sustainability: A Preliminary Regional Study of Economics and Business Students

This study focuses on two significant factors shaping university students’ perception of environmental sustainability. Those are (a) personal values, measured by the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) and (b) the usage of and proficiency in information technology. Personal values have been widely used to analyze individual perspectives toward various issues, including environmental ones. As contemporary social arrangements include significant influences from social networks and mobile phone usage, overall engagement with technology becomes an essential factor affecting university student attitudes and behaviors. While the individual impact of those factors can be found in the extant literature, we look into their interaction concerning university student pro-environmental attitudes, measured by the Revised NEP (New Ecological Paradigm) Scale, and their environmental self-efficacy. Our sample comes from the population of undergraduate business and economics students from Central and Southeast Europe, specifically Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. We discuss our findings in the context of previous studies from the same regions and consider the unique socio-economic factors. The research results address Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action) by analyzing the factors contributing to university student pro-environmental attitudes and their self-efficacy in the context of their information technology usage and proficiency.

Uncovering Displacement between Nuclear and Renewable Electricity Generation for G7 Countries by Novel Wavelet-Based Methods

ABSTRACT Under the pressure of climate-related issues, importance of clean electricity generation (EG) has been developing in ensuring sustainable environment. Accordingly, countries have been trying to increase clean EG. Although increasing clean EG is important, it is also critical that clean EG alternatives should not cause displacement. Otherwise, there may not be certain progress in stimulating clean EG. So, this study aims to investigate displacement between nuclear and renewable EG types. In this context, the study considers four clean EG sources (i.e. nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind), analyzes G7 countries, uses high-frequency daily data between 1 January 2019 to 30 December 2023, applies novel Wavelet Local Multiple Correlation (WLMC) method as the main model, and performs Wavelet Transform Coherence (WTC) for the robustness check. The study defines that (i) hydro and wind EG have a displacement (supporting) effect on nuclear EG at short (long) term; (ii) solar EG has a supporting (displacement) effect on nuclear EG at short (long) term; (iii) the most critical EG source is nuclear for France and United States and hydro for Great Britain and Japan; (iv) the WTC method reveals the robustness. The study determines that renewable EG has a displacement (supporting) effect on nuclear EG in short (long) term. Therefore, there are certain conflict between nuclear and renewable EG in the short term, whereas they support each other in the long term. Thus, there is a need for comprehensive and balanced energy transition policy so that choices should not cause a displacement among alternatives.

Retraction: Achievement of sustainable environment through effectiveness of social media in Z generation of China

Retraction: Achievement of sustainable environment through effectiveness of social media in Z generation of China

The Moderating Roles of Economic Complexity in the Entrepreneurship‐Sustainable Environment Nexus for the Gulf Cooperation Council Economies

ABSTRACTThere are conflicting views on the effect of business and entrepreneurial activities on environmental degradation in developing economies. However, none of this study examines whether economic complexity can serve as a policy tool for mitigating the effect of entrepreneurial business activities on a sustainable environment. Economic complexity consists of the structural and economic transformation process from a simple production system to a more complex and innovation‐based one. It predicts the variations in income level and its impact on the choice of goods being produced in an economy. This study examines the moderating effect of economic complexity on the link between entrepreneurship and sustainable environment in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2006 to 2020. It further examines the validity of the Entrepreneurial Environmental Kuznets Curve (EEKC). The study uses the Driscoll‐Kraay standard error fixed effect, Panels Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), method of moment quantile regression and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality that are robust to heteroscedasticity, cross‐sectional dependency and other pitfalls of least square estimating technique. The results validate the inverted U‐shaped EEKC hypothesis across all the quantiles. Economic complexity increases ecological degradation at the lower quantile levels, while it decreases environmental footprint at the upper quantiles. Furthermore, economic complexity moderates the detrimental impact of entrepreneurial activity on the environment at the higher quantiles. A two‐way relationship is established between entrepreneurial activity and the environment, while one one‐way connection from economic complexity to the environment was found. The study recommends that policymakers should encourage innovative rather than necessity entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to engage in business activities that are friendly toward preserving the ecological environment, and green innovative activities should be prioritised in their entrepreneurial activities.

Carbon Trading in Developing Economies: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices

Globally, carbon trading, a market-driven approach to cut greenhouse gas emissions, has become increasingly popular. Developing economies are increasingly looking at carbon trading as a strategy to balance economic progress with environmental sustainability, even though wealthier nations have historically been the main players in carbon markets. This assessment looks at the main obstacles, chances, and recommended procedures related to carbon trading in developing nations. The obstacles encompass feeble regulatory structures, insufficient knowledge, unstable markets, and giving precedence to commercial expansion above ecological issues. On the other hand, carbon trading offers chances for technological transfer, international financial access, climate risk mitigation, and sustainable development. These regions' best practices for carbon markets place a premium on robust regulatory frameworks, capacity building, equitable pricing systems, and public-private partnerships. By addressing the challenges and embracing these best practices, developing economies can leverage carbon trading to meet their development goals while contributing to global climate action.

Toward environmental sustainability: Is responsible consumption and production of natural resources amid green energy, green technology, and green finance achievable?

AbstractThe relentless devastating impacts of global warming and other climate change effects leading to incessant ecological damages have compelled governments across the globe to rethink the pattern of natural resource depletion. This has motivated policymakers, governments, international organizations, and research pundits alike to advocate for a transition to sustainable consumption and production of natural resources. Consequently, there is a growing call for sustainable production and consumption practices, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG‐12). This research probes how natural resource production and consumption facilitate or hinder environmental sustainability in G7 economies from 1996 to 2020. The empirical evidence incorporates green energy, green technology, green finance, environmental tax, financial development, economic growth, and population as control variables within the STIRPAT theoretical framework. Second‐generation estimating techniques are utilized for empirical verification. An outstanding contribution of this study among others is the estimation of the moderating effects of green energy in mitigating the ensuing impact of natural resources on environmental sustainability. The results indicate that both production and consumption of natural resources, particularly coal and oil negatively affect environmental sustainability. Furthermore, green technology, energy, and finance as well as environmental tax are found to play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. Green technology plays significant part in subduing the deteriorating effects of natural resources on the ecosystem. The robustness analyses further buttress the main analyses. Policy recommendations are proposed based on the empirical results.

Life Cycle Assessment and Experimental Mechanical Investigation of Test Samples for High-Performance Racing Boats

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

Microbiome science of human excrement composting

Abstract Linear waste management systems are unsustainable and contribute to environmental degradation, economic inequity, and health disparities. Among the array of environmental challenges stemming from anthropogenic impacts, the management of human excrement (human feces and urine) stands as a significant concern. Over two billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation, signifying a global public health crisis. Composting is the microbial biotechnology aimed at cycling organic waste, including human excrement, for improved public health, agricultural productivity and safety, and environmental sustainability. Applications of modern microbiome -omics and related technologies have the capacity to support continued advances in composting science and praxis. In this article, we review literature focused on applications of microbiome technologies to study composting systems and reactions. The studies we survey generally fall into the categories of animal manure composting, biosolids composting, and human excrement composting. We review experiments utilizing microbiome technologies to investigate strategies for enhancing pathogen suppression and accelerating the biodegradation of organic matter. Additionally, we explore studies focused on the bioengineering potential of microbes as inoculants to facilitate degradation of toxins such as pharmaceuticals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The findings from these studies underscore the importance of advancing our understanding of composting processes through the integration of emerging microbiome -omics technologies. We conclude that work to-date has demonstrated exciting basic and applied science potential from studying compost microbiomes, with promising implications for enhancing global environmental sustainability and public health.

Evaluating the Quality-of-Life and Happiness Indices of Hydropower Project-Affected People in Pakistan: Towards a Sustainable Future

Worldwide, the development of massive hydropower projects is becoming more common, especially when it comes to attempts to mitigate environmental degradation and increase a nation’s energy capacity. People affected by projects (PAPs) are forced to relocate in order to support large-scale development initiatives, which puts their lives and livelihoods at jeopardy. In comparison to the value of infrastructure development, which is mostly reaped by distant stakeholders, it comes at a high cost. In relation to CSR/resettlement and rehabilitation programs carried out by construction corporations in Pakistan’s hydropower development, this study on the quality-of-life (QoL) and happiness indicators of PAPs is being conducted. The analysis of factors affecting happiness and other aspects of quality-of-life indicators, including job and livelihood opportunities, housing, health, infrastructure, social interactions, environmental sustainability, inclusion, equity, and diversity, is the goal of this study. Using a questionnaire survey approach, data were directly gathered from PAPs, and about 424 replies were obtained to help with the model’s development. Structural equation modelling has been applied in conjunction with multivariate statistical analysis to analyse data. The outcome demonstrates the essential connections between the concepts that were taught in light of human, social, environmental, physical, and economic problems. The results also show that project supporters’ relocation and rehabilitation efforts fell short of what was needed to improve the quality of people’s lives. As a result, a conceptual framework specifically tailored to the hydropower construction region has been created and verified to provide PAPs with a high-quality living environment.