Sustainable Environmental Policy Research Articles

Environmentally-optimized photocatalytic NOX degradation in cement mortars utilizing recycled red brick and waste glass for sustainable management.

The rapid development of industrialization and urbanization generates huge amounts of solid waste and causes serious air pollution. Utilizing photocatalytic cementitious materials integrated with solid wastes presents an effective strategy for addressing urban air pollution and mitigating environmental impact. This study investigated the use of recycled red brick (RRB) and waste glass (WG) as aggregates in various proportions to replace conventional river sand, while employing nano-TiO2 as a photocatalytic agent at varying dosages to prepare photocatalytic cement mortar. The study evaluated the performance of the prepared samples in terms of compressive strength, hydration heat, water absorption, and NOx degradation. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric (TG), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), were employed to analyze the microstructure of samples. The results indicated that the incorporation of 3wt% TiO2 significantly accelerated cement hydration, resulting in the lowest water absorption rate (9.98%) and porosity (20.09%) as determined by MIP. SEM analysis revealed the incorporation of TiO2 within RRB matrix. Consequently, an increase in RRB content enhanced NOx degradation, achieving a peak reduction of 9% at an RRB: WG ratio of 75: 25. However, this ratio also led to a decrease in compressive strength (30.2MPa) due to the increased porosity of RRB. The development of photocatalytic mortar combining effective NOx removal with satisfactory mechanical properties highlights a resource-efficient method to recycle waste red bricks and glass, addressing both environmental pollution and sustainable waste management, which will provide guidance for government and industry to support timely decision-making on sustainable environmental policies.

Towards a green economy: Investigating the impact of sustainable finance, green technologies, and environmental policies on environmental degradation.

Environmental degradation is a problem, and the consequences, in terms of emission of pollutants into different ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development are disastrous. This study explains the complex interactions that exist among sustainable finance, green technology innovation, green energy adoption, the climate change financial policy, green growth index, government spending, and financial globalization across the globe. This research applies to an extensive dataset that ranges to 23 years in 50 countries by enforcing robust dynamic econometric methods such as unit root tests, cointegration analysis, and generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations for the analysis of these complicated issues. The results show that Sustainable finance (SF) has a negative coefficient of -0.033, suggesting that increased sustainable financial practices contribute to reducing environmental degradation. Similarly, technology innovation (TI) and green energy (GE) both show significant negative impacts on environmental degradation, with coefficients of -0.132 and -0.075, respectively. The green growth index (GGI) has the most substantial negative effect, with a coefficient of -0.686, highlighting its critical role in mitigating environmental degradation. Lastly, the climate-related financial policy index (CRFPI) exhibits a positive coefficient of 0.029, indicating that advancements in financial policies targeting climate issues slightly offset environmental degradation. These results collectively emphasize the importance of financial, technological, and policy interventions in reducing environmental degradation. It also becomes clear that government spending and financial globalization both influence the efficacy of the government actions in reducing environmental pollution, while government efforts are affected by the second factor negatively. Those perceptions reveal why green finance that is advanced technologically along with renewable energy initiatives and governmental policy backing are the need of the hour in view of these very environmental challenges.

Stochastic Diffusive Modeling of CO₂ Emissions with Population and Energy Dynamics

Climate change, primarily driven by CO2 emissions from energy and non-energy sectors, necessitates effective mitigation strategies. This study develops a stochastic diffusive model to capture the complex dynamics of CO2 concentration, human population growth, and energy production. The objectives are to enhance the predictive accuracy of existing models by incorporating diffusion effects and stochastic variability, offering insights for sustainable environmental policies. A novel numerical scheme, an extension of the Euler-Maruyama algorithm, is proposed to solve stochastic time-dependent partial differential equations governing the model. The scheme's consistency and stability are rigorously analyzed in the mean square sense. Findings reveal that increasing emission rate coefficients in energy and non-energy sectors exacerbates CO2 levels, emphasizing the need for stringent controls. The proposed scheme demonstrates superior accuracy to the non-standard finite difference method, establishing its efficacy in modeling complex environmental processes. This research contributes a robust computational tool to improve existing predictive models, aiding decision-making for long-term ecological sustainability. By addressing uncertainties in the environmental process, the work advances the understanding of interactions between population growth, energy production, and CO2 emissions, offering a significant improvement over the traditional modeling approach. The novelty lies in integrating stochastic dynamics with diffusion to better inform CO2reduction strategies. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2025-09-01-012 Full Text: PDF

The impact of climate change on biological systems and biodiversity

Climate change has emerged as a profound driver of environmental transformations, significantly influencing biological systems and biodiversity. This paper explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on ecosystems, emphasizing shifts in species distributions, alterations in reproductive cycles, and disruptions to ecosystem stability. Using a combination of recent scientific literature and analytical perspectives, this study highlights how rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events exacerbate threats to biodiversity. The findings reveal that many species face heightened extinction risks, while others display unexpected adaptations to rapidly changing environments. This research underscores the urgent need for sustainable environmental policies and conservation strategies to mitigate the escalating consequences of climate change on global biodiversity. By bridging current knowledge gaps, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between climate dynamics and biological resilience.

Land Use and Its Impact on Phosphorus Adsorption Capacity in a Tropical Dryland Agricultural Frontier: Insights and Predictive Modeling

ABSTRACT Land use significantly impacts the physical-chemical properties of soil, particularly in tropical regions where the maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC) plays a crucial role in agricultural sustainability. This study evaluates the influence of land uses (cropland, grassland, and forest) on MPAC in dryland soils of Sergipe, Alagoas, and Bahia (SEALBA) agricultural frontier in Northeast Brazil. Soil samples from nine sites were analyzed for their physical-chemical characteristics (potential of hydrogen (pH), available phosphorus (P), remaining P, soil organic matter (SOM), calcium and magnesium content, exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity and texture) in the 0–20 cm soil depth. MPAC was determined using two isotherm models, and three predictive models were applied. The results revealed that cropland soils exhibit the highest MPAC, contrary to expectations of lower values due to legacy P from P inputs. However, MPAC varied slightly across sites, indicating specific dependencies on soil physical-chemical properties and suggesting that land use may have a more significant influence over the long term. Random forest and decision tree models identified SOM and available P as the most significant predictors of MPAC, yet with these routine soil fertility indicators alone, the maximum explanatory power (R2) was 75% with a precision (RMSE) of 77 mg kg−1 using the random forest model. Consequently, the conversion of forest to cropland can increase MPAC, and predicting MPAC can be a valuable tool for guiding land use and assisting in the formulation of more sustainable agricultural and environmental policies, particularly in dryland agricultural frontiers.

Globalization and the Environment: A Path to Sustainable Development for SAARC Nations

This study examines the complex connection between globalization, environmental sustainability, and international climate policy via the lens of the Environmental Kuznets Curve model. Therefore, it examines the aspects of globalization and the consequent CO2 emissions in certain South Asian countries. The paper analyses panel data from 1991 to 2023, employing multiple econometric approaches to substantiate the Environmental Kuznets Curve theory, which elucidates the inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution. The study illustrates that economic globalization facilitates technology transfers and the adoption of sustainable practices, resulting in decreased emissions. Conversely, political globalization obstructs environmental advancements due to inadequate governance and the inability to enforce global agreements. Although social globalization now exerts a minimal positive influence on environmental awareness and sustainability, there appears to be an increase in these characteristics. Therefore, the current research advocates for the advancement of contextualized methodologies, emphasizing institutional frameworks, international cooperation, and climate financing. This study contributes to the literature on balancing economic growth with environmental preservation in a highly integrated global economy and provides policy recommendations for developing countries.

Eco-spirituality in Papua New Guinea’s Traditional Beliefs and Christian Teachings: A Response to the Contemporary Ecological Crisis

Like many other countries, Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change impacts. This research responds to these ecological issues by analyzing traditional beliefs and religious practices in PNG, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and their intrinsic relationship with the cosmos, and integrating them into Christianity. Using qualitative interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, and textual analysis, the research reveals that the holistic perspectives of indigenous and Christian beliefs and their eco-spirituality can inspire meaningful dialogue and action in addressing pressing environmental issues and nurturing spiritual well-being. Key findings indicate that these integrated spiritual perspectives can lead to more sustainable environmental practices and policies. By showcasing the wisdom embedded in PNG’s indigenous knowledge and its alignment with particular Christian spiritualities, the research underscores the relevance of these belief systems to current academic and practical discourses on environmental sustainability. This research not only enriches the understanding of eco-spirituality in a specific cultural context but also offers valuable insights for global efforts to harmonize human-environment relationships, emphasizing the role of spirituality in fostering sustainable futures.

Regional green economies and Bitcoin's electricity consumption: Paving the way for global sustainability.

In the context of global sustainability goals, it is imperative to examine the interplay between emerging financial technologies and environmental objectives, which in turn offers insights into the implications of such technologies on sustainable investments and environmental policy decisions. Accordingly, this study investigates the influence of Bitcoin's energy consumption (BEC), as a representative of the cryptocurrency market, on the regional green economy indices of the United States, Europe, and Asia. Utilizing both unfiltered and filtered data, we conduct empirical analyses from both static and dynamic perspectives to account for the causal relationships that emerged during critical market developments, employing novel algorithms including forward recursive, rolling windows, and recursive rolling. The results reveal that energy-related developments play a dominant role in shaping the causal link between BEC and the green economy performance. More specifically, events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and China's ban on cryptocurrency mining appear to significantly drive casual effects. After filtering out the impacts of global equity markets and information technology developments, we observe even more pronounced impacts on these causal relationships. Our findings highlight the need for coordinated global actions to address the energy consumption of the cryptocurrency market, facilitating the transition to global sustainability.

Organizations of the European Union – – The Main Actors in the Implementation of Environmental Sustainability Policy

Organizations of the European Union – – The Main Actors in the Implementation of Environmental Sustainability Policy

EXAMINING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THROUGH GEOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS AND EARTH'S LAYERS

Understanding the impact of geological processes on the environment is very important in comprehending Earth's evolving ecosystem and predicting future ecological challenges. This paper reviews how interactions between different Earth layers-the crust and mantle, affect ecological dynamics. Geological interactions, including tectonic shifts, mineral formation, and stratigraphic layering, were analysed; from this analysis, their effects on natural landscapes, resource distribution, and ecosystem balance were unravelled. The study also extends further to anthropogenic implications, showing how human activity coupled with these geological forces drives climate, biodiversity, and resource sustainability. Such analysis of this earth layer and geological interaction would thus provide a comprehensive view of the environmental impacts while offering substantial input toward sustainable environmental management and policy planning. These results reiterate the necessity for geological multi-disciplinarity and the use of ecological sciences while trying to solve some fundamental environmental issues that will guarantee a safe future because of an Earth system that is undergoing ever-increasing rates of change.

Adopting sustainable environmental policy based on quadruple helix model in Gorontalo city, Indonesia

Gorontalo City is an area that has potential natural resources. However, destructive natural resource management has caused a lot of environmental damage. Waste management, for example, is still a prominent problem in Gorontalo City. This research explains the environmental problems faced by Gorontalo City using the quadruple helix model. This research method uses an explanatory approach, to identify, mapping, and formulating alternative solution models for environmental problems based on sustainable development principles. The data collected is used as input in formulating environmental policies with a collaborative system using the quadruple helix model. The results of the study found that the policy for handling environmental problems in Gorontalo City has not been well optimized. The main problem originates from the lack of a creative and innovative collaboration system between the government, community, academia and industry. Gorontalo City Government basically has a strategic plan, but the formulation, implementation and evaluation process does not involve other strategic actors. The Quadruple Helix model could be a suitable local innovation model that is adjusted to the condition of resources in a local region.

Greening the OECD: Unravelling the Complex Relationship Between Natural Resource Efficiency, Technological Innovation and Population Density on Ecological Footprint

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to investigate the relationship among green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint in 38 OECD member countries between 2000 and 2019. The Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQREG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are used to analyse this relationship. Based on the results, strong evidence of a negative relationship between green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint emerges, suggesting that these factors contribute to environmental improvement in OECD economies. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics among these variables and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders striving for sustainable environmental management and policy formulation. In this context, countries should develop standard guidelines and best practices on green technologies and resource efficiency, making it easier for sectors to adapt in these areas.

Survey on the presence of floating microplastics, trace metals and metalloids in seawater from Southern Italy to the United States of America.

The presence of microplastics (MPs), trace metals (TM) and metalloids (Ms) in surface seawater is a severe emerging issue of global concern. Information about the distribution of these pollutants is often lacking, and large-scale studies come with uncertainties because of difficult comparisons of results obtained using different methods to collect and process data. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of microplastics (MPs), trace metals (TM) and metalloids (Ms) in surface seawater during two transatlantic sampling campaigns, covering approximately 17,000 nautical miles. The results reveal the presence of MPs in all the samples analyzed and a broad variation in microplastic concentration (230-3320 MPs/L), with filaments or fibers being the most abundant shape. Coastal waters generally exhibit higher MPs, TM and Ms concentrations than open sea waters. The results showed high concentrations of MPs, particularly in the waters near the Faroe Islands, in the Sea of Magdalena department and in the Strait of Gibraltar. The order of the overall metals and metalloids concentrations was: As>Cr>Pb>Cd. High concentrations of Pb and Cr were recorded in the Mediterranean waters whereas high Arsenic (As) were found in the Southern coasts of United States, with values that exceeded the limits considered hazardous for aquatic life (81.55-101.12 µg/L). No significant correlations were found between microplastics, and the heavy metals examined. Here, we emphasize the need for sustainable environmental management actions and policies in a global context to monitoring the growing problem of pollutants in our oceans.

Investigation of Pollution Haven Hypothesis for China: A Fourier ADL Cointegration Analysis

Purpose: This study tests the Pollution Paradise Hypothesis by examining the role of FDI and economic growth on China's load factor over the period 1979-2021. The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental impact of FDI and economic growth in China. Design/Methodology: Various econometric analyses have been carried out to examine FDI, economic growth indicators and the freight capacity factor. In this context, conventional ADF and Fourier ADF unit root tests were applied to the freight capacity factor, FDI and economic growth series and then to the shocks to these series. Findings: In conclusion, it is emphasised that in order to achieve sustainable development goals in China, policy makers should adopt more effective environmental sustainability policies, taking into account the impact on FDI and economic growth. Limitations: It tests the Pollution Paradise hypothesis by examining the role of FDI and economic growth on the load factor in China. The research is therefore specific to China. Originality/Value: This study aims to contribute to the literature by assessing the environmental impact of FDI in China in a more holistic way, and from a perspective that has not been analysed before.

Sustainable Environmental Educational Policies: Study in an Extractivist Reserve School in a Municipality on the Coast of Ceará-Brazil

Objective: Identifying sustainable environmental educational practices, in the political propos- pedagogical of Municipal Fundamental Teaching – EMEF Good Jesus of the Navigants, and the relationship of that work with the community Reserve Extractive Green Song Marine in Beberibe, Ceará, Brazil, while Unit of Preservation and Conservation. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the concepts of sustainable environmental education based on a curricular proposal contained in the Pedagogical Political Projects (PPP) of basic education, taking as a starting point an Elementary School in the coastal interior of the State of Ceará, Brazil Method: Combines literature review with case study of empirical research with content analysis of Political Pedagogical Projects of a basic education school in the coastal interior of Ceará in Brazil. Results and Discussion: It was found that, in the previous decade (2010-2020), several actions were carried out between school and community, highlighting the importance of preserving the local environment. However, in recent years, there is no project proposal for this purpose in the pedagogical documents, nor is there any in the Management Plan of the Association of Residents of the Extractive Reserve Community of Prainha de Canto Verde, Beberibe, Ceará, Brazil. Implications Research: Research contributes to the development of strategies for environmental education and sustainability in general and to facing challenges in defense of a protected and sustainable territory, based on a local reality Originality/Value: The research proposes a practical approach to identifying pedagogical practices of sustainable environmental education by analyzing some Political Pedagogical Projects (PPPs) of the school institution in the coastal community Reserva Extractiva do Canto Verde da Prainha in Beberibe-Ceará Brazil, investigating to what extent such pedagogical proposals favor or have favored the applicability of environmental education, as an incentive for the conservation and preservation of the local environment

Evaluasi Implementasi Hukum Pidana terhadap Kasus Kejahatan Lingkungan di Kawasan Hutan Lindung: Studi Kualitatif-Etnografis

Protected forests play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. However, these areas face increasing threats from illegal activities, such as logging and land encroachment, which compromise environmental stability and result in significant economic losses. This study evaluates the implementation of criminal law in addressing environmental crimes within Indonesia's protected forest areas, focusing on the effectiveness and challenges encountered in enforcement. A qualitative ethnographic approach was employed, involving direct observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with local communities, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of law enforcement is hindered by several key factors: economic dependency on illegal activities, limited capacity and resources of law enforcement agencies, and external pressures from vested interests. Additionally, the lack of public awareness and inconsistent legal implementation exacerbate these challenges. Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains insufficient to deter environmental crimes or provide lasting protection for critical ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of the socio-economic and cultural dynamics that influence the effectiveness of environmental law enforcement. It underscores the need for a holistic strategy that integrates legal, economic, and community-based approaches. Recommendations include strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies, fostering public awareness through educational programs, and involving local communities and traditional leaders in collaborative conservation efforts. By addressing these gaps, the research provides actionable insights to enhance the preservation of protected forests in Indonesia and supports the development of more sustainable and inclusive environmental policies

Towards environmental sustainability: an empirical study on airports efficiency

ABSTRACT The transition to more environmentally sustainable production processes and managerial practices is an increasingly important topic. Many industries need to undergo radical change to meet environmental sustainability requirements; the air transport industry is no exception. In this respect, a particular aspect that needs further attention is the relationship between airport performances and investments in environmental sustainability policies. This work represents the first attempt to provide empirical evidence about this relationship. Through the application of a non-parametric method, we first assess the efficiency of the Italian airports’ industry. Secondly, we investigated the relationship between airports’ performance and management commitment towards the ecological transition using a Tobit regression model. The results show that airports’ adherence to formal multi-year ecological transition programmes has a positive and consistent impact on their performance.

China’s Connectivity Politics vis-à-vis Global Challenges: a Roadmap to Strategic Development?

Abstract This article examines the transformative role of connectivity politics amid global upheaval, focusing on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Western connectivity strategies. It explores how China’s strategic use of connectivity has enabled it to navigate crises and exert global influence, while also analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both Chinese and Western approaches. The article highlights the importance of multilateral collaboration, environmental sustainability, local empowerment, and adaptive policies for future connectivity initiatives. By synthesizing lessons from both the BRI and Western models, the article proposes a balanced and sustainable framework for global development, offering insights into fostering a more interconnected, equitable, and resilient world.

Effects of The Cistern Program on Environmental Recovery and Desertification Mitigation in The Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba

Objective: This study aims to analyze the impact of the Cistern Program on mitigating desertification and promoting environmental recovery in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, focusing on the municipalities of Esperança, Lagoa Seca, and São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roça. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on studies addressing the effects of climate change and water scarcity in Brazil’s semi-arid region. Theories of public water policies and strategies for living with the semi-arid climate were also examined, with a focus on the role of cisterns in ensuring water security. Method: This descriptive study employs geotechnologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to develop desertification maps and track the distribution of cisterns. Data from the Trends.Earth plugin and images from MapBiomas were used to analyze soil degradation between 2004 and 2020. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the Cistern Program significantly contributed to reducing soil degradation and increasing vegetation cover. Continuous access to water enabled the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced environmental resilience in the studied areas. Research Implications: This study contributes to the formulation of public policies that promote water security and sustainable development, reinforcing the importance of social technologies for living in the semi-arid region. Originality/Value: The study provides a novel analysis of the effectiveness of the Cistern Program in combating desertification in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, highlighting its relevance for environmental sustainability policies.

Enhancing CO[formula omitted] emissions prediction in Africa: A novel approach integrating enviroeconomic factors and nature-inspired neural network in the presence of unit root

The prediction of CO2 emissions is critical for designing sustainable environmental policies and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the appropriate predictive model for tracking carbon emissions in four African economies with the highest carbon emissions. The sample countries comprise Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, spanning the period from 1990 to 2014. Artificial Neural Network coupled with Particle Swarm Optimisation (ANN-PSO) is compared with the Autoregressive model of order 1 (AR), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). Unit root tests are utilised to check the stationarity of the enviroeconomic variables. For the training sample, the ANN-PSO model increased the predictive accuracy of the AR model by 78.50%, 91.18%, 86.4%, and 86.58% for Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, respectively. For the testing sample, the ANN-PSO model improved the performance of the benchmark model by 95.36%, 83.64%, 97.28%, and 83.03% for Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, respectively. The evaluation criteria show that ANN-PSO is the most fitting model for predicting carbon emissions in the selected countries. The study concludes that the ANN-PSO model could be valuable for formulating futuristic climate policies to ensure environmental resilience.