Sustainable Governance Research Articles

Assessing and anticipating environmental challenges in Lahore, Pakistan: future implications of air pollution on sustainable development and environmental governance.

Urban environment and air quality are changing primarily due to land use land cover (LULC) changes, economic activity, and urbanization. Air pollution has been increasingly acknowledged as a major issue for cities due to its extensive effects on health and well-being. As the second most populous city in the country, Lahorefaces alarming levels of air pollutants, whichinduced this study to focus on the pervasive issue of air pollution in Lahore. For this, the study collected air pollutants data from the Environmental Protection Department of Punjab and analyzed them using the ARIMA model. In the research results, both the observed data and predictive models uncovered concerning trends in pollutant concentrations, ultimatelyportraying a concerning picture for air quality management. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels show a consistent rise, surpassing Pakistan's environmental standards by 2025. Similarly, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations escalate, exceeding prescribed standards. Ground-level ozone (O3) also demonstrates a substantial increase, surpassing standards by 2025. Both PM2.5 and PM10 exhibit marked upward trends, projected to exceed recommended limits, particularly PM10 throughout the study year. The Air Quality Index exhibits an observable upward trend, fluctuating between 70 and 442 from 2015 to 2020. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between population growth and land use conversion into residential areas. Projections suggest a continuous increase, potentially hitting a severe level of 500 during winter by 2025. These findings point to an impending air pollution crisis, demanding urgent action to address the hazardous situation in the city. The study recommends that urban air pollution should be reduced, and the negative health effects of air pollution should be minimized using vegetation barriers, screens, and greening initiatives. Strict regulations and monitoring initiatives need to be put in place in big cities to monitor pollution and vegetation.

Sustainable Development and Global Tourism Governance in China and Other Countries: A Review of Research

Sustainable Development and Global Tourism Governance in China and Other Countries: A Review of Research

The European Union-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement as a tool for environmentally sustainable land use governance

After twenty years of arduous negotiations, in 2019 the European Union (EU) and the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) announced the conclusion of a landmark trade agreement. Celebratory fireworks, however, were soon replaced by less desirable signs of smoke: the burning of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, which has placed the bi-regional partnership under close public scrutiny. Since then, a lively debate among scholars, policymakers, activists, and private sector stakeholders has unfolded in an effort to assess the economic, social, and environmental implications of the agreement. To contribute to this debate, we use the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement (EMTA) as a case study to discuss the complexities of transitioning to a global green trade policy paradigm, questioning whether free trade agreements could effectively promote sustainable land use governance. Bearing in mind the current environmental footprint of EU imports of Brazilian commodities, we illustrate the challenges inherent to decoupling international agri-food trade and land conversion, examining the current estimates and projections regarding the EMTA's potential impact on land-use change in Brazil. We also investigate the sustainable development provisions in the EU-Mercosur agreement, reviewing its land conversion-related clauses. While the EMTA has limitations common to other free trade agreements, it could be a useful additional tool for improving sustainability governance in the existing trade between the two regions by establishing a structured and legally stable platform for cooperation and implementing joint initiatives. The EMTA could set a positive benchmark for future free trade agreements that Mercosur might negotiate with other countries that are larger importers of agricultural commodities.

Developing collaborative ecosystem platforms to trigger sustainable “place-based” value creation: a dynamic performance governance approach

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate how service ecosystem governance may provide a suitable ground to pursue holistic resilience to “wicked” socio-economic and ecological problems, for enhancing “place-based” sustainable performance outcomes through an organizational, interorganizational and context setting.Design/methodology/approachThis work suggests the use of “place-based” collaborative ecosystem platforms driven by a dynamic performance governance approach as a setting where facilitated performance dialogue is carried out among networked stakeholders. This fosters a holistic view of performance sustainability where intangibles, inertial, cultural and behavioral factors play a key role in policy analysis.FindingsThe paper illustrates how different research streams framing stakeholder relationships under a business, hybrid organization and public sector perspective converge toward the “service ecosystem” construct, as a common field for sustainable “place-based” value creation. This performance governance perspective frames accountability for achieving sustainable outcomes through interconnected viewpoints, i.e. (1) time (short vs long-term), (2) subject (single organization, “theme-focused” service ecosystem and “place-based” service ecosystem) and (3) field (socio-economic, cultural and ecological).Originality/valueThis work has an interdisciplinary track. It recommends feedback and “stock-and-flow” modeling to enhance framing counterintuitive patterns of behavior of dynamic complex socio-economic, cultural and ecological subsystems within “place-based” collaborative ecosystem platforms. Combining an inside-out with an outside-in view triggers sustainable outcome-based dynamic performance governance through an organizational, interorganizational and context setting.

The politics of accountability in global sustainable commodity governance: Dilemmas of institutional competition and convergence

AbstractThe accountability of market‐driven sustainability governance has long been controversial, reflecting the deeply political processes through which accountability contests shape governance transformations. Drawing on illustrative examples from internationally traded agro‐commodity sectors in the critical case of Indonesia, this paper examines the contested processes of accountability that have accompanied a recent period of institutional change in sustainability governance. Amidst rising critiques of global certification, there has been a parallel expansion of governance approaches that prioritise capability development over regulatory enforcement and engage more intensively with governments in commodity‐producing countries. As alternative governance models gain influence, tensions between competing governance stakeholders and agendas are mirrored and amplified through parallel accountability contests, in which distributional conflicts between global and local stakeholders are intensified by pressures to adopt contentious systems of compliance verification. While accountability gaps associated with contrasting institutional models produce strong pressures for partial institutional convergence, such convergence coexists with new forms of institutional fragmentation, as competition between global and national certification expands to encompass competition with localised capacity‐building and jurisdictional approaches. Analysis highlights the often‐neglected role of accountability politics in shaping institutional change, while raising pressing questions about the distributional implications of contemporary shifts away from global certification governance models.

Unlocking sustainable groundwater governance in secondary cities: Lessons from the assessment of groundwater vulnerability in a Coastal City of India

Groundwater contamination and vulnerability in urbanised areas have emerged as pressing environmental concerns that require urgent and sustained attention. Certain land use practices, such as agriculture, urban development, and industrial activities, can introduce pollutants into the groundwater system and degrade its quality and represent a significant threat to rapidly growing cities that requires robust intervention and management strategies. This paper investigates the groundwater vulnerability of a coastal city, Kozhikode, located in South India. A GIS-based mapping of the groundwater vulnerability of the region was performed using the DRASTICA model, which is an adapted version of the conventional DRASTIC model. In addition, an ethnographic study was also conducted to assess the groundwater governance of the city and to suggest suitable management strategies. The study revealed that the main urban clusters in Kozhikode City (29.2 %) are highly vulnerable to groundwater contamination indicating the impact of anthropogenic activities in this areas. 41.78% of the area showed a moderate level of vulnerability. The low-vulnerable zone occupies a less populated and highland area of the city, covering an area of 28.9 %. The study utilised the concentration of nitrates in the groundwater of the study area as a validation tool for the results obtained. Furthermore, the investigation identified governance gaps within the city, including ineffective implementation of laws and regulations, low levels of awareness, lack of institutional capacity and inadequate monitoring practices, all contributing to groundwater vulnerability. To address these challenges, the study suggests that effective groundwater management requires a multifaceted approach, involving both technical and socioeconomic and cultural aspects. This can be achieved through collaborative efforts, policy revisions, community engagement, and effective enforcement, which will strive the fastest growing city toward the sustainable management of its groundwater resources.

Legal Framework and Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Environmental Sustainability in India

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has undergone significant evolution from its philanthropic origins to a formalized concept influencing modern business practices. In India, CSR has deep cultural ties to philanthropy and charity, influenced heavily by globalization and regulatory measures such as the Companies Act of 2013. The integration of CSR into corporate strategies has emerged as a vital component for ensuring long-term sustainability and ethical governance. This paper examines the legal framework governing CSR in India, its impact on environmental sustainability, and the challenges and recommendations for enhancing CSR’s effectiveness within the legal realm. The growing importance of CSR reflects a broader global trend where businesses are increasingly held accountable for their social and environmental footprints. This shift is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic imperativethat aligns corporate success with societal well-being1 . The objectives of this research paper are to explore the evolution and current state of CSR in India, analyze the legal provisions that shape CSR activities, assess the impact of these activities on environmental sustainability, and identify the challenges and propose recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of CSR initiatives. By providing a comprehensive overview, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on corporate responsibility and sustainable development2 . Globally, CSR practices have evolved significantly, with businesses across the world increasingly recognizing their role in addressing societal challenges. In developed economies, CSR is often driven by a combination of regulatory frameworks, stakeholder expectations, and the pursuit of sustainable business models. In contrast, emerging economies like India have witnessed a different trajectory, where traditional philanthropic practices are gradually being replaced by more structured and strategic CSR initiatives.

What role for sustainability in post-fossil regional transition processes? Exploring governance conditions, actors, and transition projects in a German coal phase-out region

ABSTRACT While the coal phase-out is progressing in many countries, formerly fossil-dependent regions receive transition funding for substitute economic activities. This can steer these regions into a sustainable future, yet it is not clear from the outset whether governance conditions and actors’ preferences are conducive to a genuinely sustainable transition. The present study examines to what extent sustainability goals shape the transition process following the coal phase-out in a German coal region (Lusatia), and the guiding logics observed therein. Three key aspects for regional transition processes are considered: enabling conditions for sustainability governance (policy coherence, participation, reflexivity, intergenerational equity); key actors and their sustainability conceptions; and the role of sustainability in selecting and funding transition projects. Based on expert interviews, policy documents, project lists, and sustainability declarations, our findings indicate that sustainability is a rather low priority for key actors. In combination with ambivalent governance conditions, this manifests as a weak sustainability focus among most resulting projects. Nevertheless, our analysis also reveals several projects focusing on selective aspects of sustainability. The phase-out therefore appears to follow the logic of signaling, and it remains unclear whether this might revert to mere energy system substitution or else aspire to comprehensive regional transformation.

Research on Sustainable Spatial Governance in Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of the Most Beautiful Courtyard Design Competition and Renovation Practices in Fujian Province

Research on Sustainable Spatial Governance in Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of the Most Beautiful Courtyard Design Competition and Renovation Practices in Fujian Province

Refining Environmental Sustainability Governance Reports through Fuzzy Systems Evaluation and Scoring

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports have become essential tools for enterprises to showcase their commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. However, discrepancies persist regarding the criteria, assessments, and ratings disclosed in these reports. Moreover, there is a need for more objective methods to determine the weight distribution of indicator items. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing semantic variables in fuzzy theory and a multiple logic fuzzy inference system to develop an ESG environmental management performance assessment model. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a novel approach utilizing semantic variables and a multiple logic fuzzy inference system to quantitatively evaluate the sustainable performance of an environmental management plan. This research also aims to ensure fair and objective assessment outcomes, providing valuable guidance for enterprises in implementing performance management strategies. Key aspects investigated include the impact of membership functions, the extended utilization of semantic variables and logical rules, a comparative analysis of traditional weight assessments, and the limitations of applying fuzzy theory. Through comprehensive discussions and calculations, it is evident that fuzzy theory offers considerable flexibility in application. By tailoring fuzzy rules and selecting appropriate membership functions, diverse application scenarios can be accommodated. The Fuzzy systems evaluation and scoring EMP model generates EMP evaluation scores ranging from 1.76 to 8.29 for Gaussian membership, 1.80 to 8.19 for Triangular membership-A, 1.92 to 8.00 for Triangular membership-B, and 1.81 to 8.19 for Quadrilateral trapezoidal membership, based on simulated rating scenarios using the semantic variables of completeness and feasibility. This approach successfully incorporates distribution logic from subjective membership degrees to evaluate EMP scores. The findings demonstrate that fuzzy theory enables the consideration of multiple factors and facilitates the provision of objective-level membership, underscoring its potential in addressing complex evaluation challenges. This study illuminates the versatility of the fuzzy system theory, with its applications poised to extend across various domains.

Sustainable Waste Governance Framework via Web-GIS: Kadikoy Case

Waste management, one of the fundamental problems of today, is at the center of sustainability discussions. The failure to adopt a holistic and participatory approach in traditional waste management highlights the need to develop new approaches. The main purpose of this research is to present the basic components of a Web-GIS-based platform design for sustainable waste governance. The presented framework emphasizes that waste management is not a problem of local or central government and that holistic sustainable waste governance can be achieved with the participation of all relevant stakeholders. The Kadikoy district of Istanbul, a metropolitan city, was selected as the study area. Information was collected from the study area with quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. The results obtained with fieldwork and survey data show that there is a need for a location-based platform that allows relevant stakeholders to see the current waste management workflow, enter data themselves, and provide feedback. The Web-GIS-based platform proposed in this article to meet this need is an important step in ensuring sustainable waste governance. In the article, a Web-GIS-based platform has been developed to ensure the sustainable waste governance of commercial enterprises for local governments.

Get organized? Creating an organizational context for civil society activities in urban sustainability transitions

The paper addresses tensions in organizing civil society activities in urban sustainability transitions. It argues that these activities need focus to be impactful while also demanding flexibility to remain adaptive. The latter can hardly be achieved by individual organizations alone but requires closer examination of the ecology of organizations in which civil society actors operate. This paper contributes to the literature on the governance of urban sustainability by systematically analyzing this organizational context and its long-term dynamics. Adopting a neo-institutional lens, the paper scrutinizes civil society activities with the ‘institutional work’ approach and sheds light on how the organizational context enables changes therein. The longitudinal case study of the Local Agenda 21 in Augsburg reveals, via a mixed-method approach, how civil society actors navigate tensions by altering their organizational context. Increasing its diversity and complexity in a bottom-up process allowed them to engage in more transformative work.

Factors influencing villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance: evidence from the Chinese social survey

Village self-governance is becoming a crucial measure in advancing social governance innovation in China. It plays an irreplaceable role in promoting sustainable rural governance, yet some villagers’ willingness and capacity to participate in grassroots governance need cultivation and enhancement. To explore the factors influencing villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance and the conditions under which these factors operate, this study tests its hypotheses using data from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey, which includes 7031 responses. The findings reveal that the positive relationship between political efficacy and villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance is moderated by satisfaction with government performance. Additionally, the interaction effect between political efficacy and satisfaction with government performance on villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance is further moderated by the higher-order effect of perceived social justice. This indicates that among villagers with a high sense of social justice, the interaction effect between political efficacy and satisfaction with government performance more strongly predicts their willingness to participate in grassroots governance.

The Role of Christian Education in Shaping Political Stability and Economic Growth in Developing Countries

With an emphasis on African nations like Nigeria and Kenya, this article examines the important role that Christian education plays in promoting political stability and economic progress in emerging nations. Christian education has a strong emphasis on moral growth, social responsibility, and ethical leadership, all of which are essential for both economic advancement and sustainable government. Christian values are ingrained, which helps to develop law-abiding citizens and forward-thinking leaders capable of taking on issues like inequality, bad governance, and corruption. The article makes the case that educational institutions may produce people who can advance economic growth, justice, and peace by using a curriculum based on Christian principles. It also talks about how Christian education may improve accountability, foster inclusive growth, and change political institutions. The paper offers a framework for comprehending how education influenced by faith may be a catalyst for favorable political and economic results in developing environments by relying on religious viewpoints and development theories.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LOCAL GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES AND IMPACT IN INDONESIAN REGIONS

Sustainable local governance is pivotal for the socio-economic development and environmental resilience of regions. In Indonesia, the quest for effective and sustainable governance faces numerous challenges, including resource constraints, diverse cultural contexts, and varying levels of institutional capacity. This study aims to identify and analyze innovative solutions that have been successfully implemented in various Indonesian regions to promote sustainable local governance. Employing a comprehensive literature review methodology, the research synthesizes data from academic articles, government reports, and case studies. The findings highlight a range of best practices, such as community-based resource management, digital governance platforms, and participatory budgeting processes. These practices have demonstrated significant positive impacts on governance efficiency, community engagement, and sustainable development outcomes. The study also identifies key challenges, such as scalability and adaptability of these innovations across different regions. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the identified best practices, policymakers and local governments can enhance governance sustainability and resilience. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable governance by providing actionable insights and policy recommendations that can be adapted and implemented in similar contexts globally.

Muddling from the middle out: Multi-scalar governance for place-based and adaptive sustainability in Texas

Given the eclectic and localized nature of environmental risks, planning for sustainability requires solutions that integrate local knowledge and systems while acknowledging the need for continuous re-evaluation. Social-ecological complexity, increasing climate volatility and uncertainty, and rapid technological innovation underscore the need for flexible and adaptive planning. Thus, rules should not be universally applied but should instead be place-based and adaptive. To demonstrate these key concepts, we present a case study of water planning in Texas, whose rapid growth and extreme weather make it a bellwether example. We review historic use and compare the 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 Texas State Water Plans to examine how planning outcomes evolve across time and space. Though imperfect, water planning in Texas is a concrete example of place-based and adaptive sustainability. Urban regions throughout the state exhibit a diversity of strategies that, through the repeated 5-year cycles, are ever responding to evolving trends and emerging technologies. Regional planning institutions play a crucial role, constituting an important soft infrastructure that links state capacity and processes with local agents. As opposed to “top-down” or “bottom-up”, we frame this governance as “middle-out” and discuss how such a structure might extend beyond the water sector.

Challenges and Controversies to the European CBAM from a Legal Perspective

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), proposed by the European Union to combat carbon leakage, presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges in the realm of global climate governance. This paper explores the problems and controversies surrounding CBAM, including potential WTO incompatibility, violations of UNFCCC principles, and complexities in carbon accounting. It also examines the potential impact of CBAM on developing countries and offers a range of suggested solutions. These solutions encompass designing domestic carbon markets in alignment with the European model, implementing policy and regulatory reforms, fostering China-European bilateral relations, and emphasizing international cooperation and adherence to established legal frameworks. Additionally, at the enterprise level, strategies to invest in green technologies, establish comprehensive carbon accounting systems, and adapt to the evolving low-carbon economy are proposed. By addressing these challenges and embracing these strategies, nations and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global climate governance framework.

Game-theoretic analysis of governance and corruption in China's pharmaceutical industry.

With the rapid development of China's pharmaceutical industry, issues of corruption and regulatory effectiveness have become increasingly prominent, posing critical challenges to public health safety and the industry's sustainable development. This paper adopts a bounded rationality perspective and employs a game-theoretic evolutionary approach to establish a tripartite evolutionary game model involving pharmaceutical companies, third-party auditing organizations, and health insurance regulatory agencies. It analyzes the stable strategies of the parties involved and the sensitivity of key parameters within this tripartite game system. The study reveals that adherence to health insurance regulations by pharmaceutical companies, refusal of bribes by third-party auditing organizations, and the implementation of lenient regulations by health insurance agencies can form an effective governance equilibrium. This equilibrium state contributes to reducing corruption in the pharmaceutical industry, balancing the interests of all parties, and promoting healthy industry development. Pharmaceutical companies must balance compliance costs against the risks of non-compliance benefits while maximizing profits; third-party auditing organizations need to choose between fulfilling their duties and accepting bribes, considering their economic benefits and professional reputation; health insurance regulatory agencies adjust their strategies between strict and lenient regulation to maximize social welfare. The paper suggests enhancing policy support, strengthening compliance supervision, improving audit independence, and adjusting regulatory strategies to optimize governance in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the research highlights the role of collaborative efforts among the three parties in achieving sustainable governance. Furthermore, the study conducts a numerical simulation analysis to demonstrate the impact of various parameters on the evolutionary stability of the system, providing practical insights into the implementation of regulatory policies. This research offers new insights for policy formulation and governance in China's pharmaceutical sector, providing significant reference value for guiding the industry's sustainable development.

Governing the Responsible Investment of Slack Resources in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance: How Beneficial are CSR Committees?

AbstractPossessing slack resources enables businesses to invest in innovative and stakeholder-focused initiatives. Therefore, we posit that higher slack resources encourage businesses to allocate these resources to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Moreover, as a central sustainability governance mechanism, we hypothesize that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee supports investing slack resources in ESG initiatives. Using data from Nasdaq-100 firms, we find initial support for a positive effect of slack resources for ESG. However, further analyses reveal that slack resources become detrimental to ESG after an economically relevant threshold, indicating an inverted U-shaped effect of slack resources. Additionally, despite their generally positive effect, we uncover that CSR committees cannot effectively enhance the benefits of low or moderate slack levels for ESG nor prevent the detriments of elevated slack levels for ESG. Therefore, our study significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding slack resources, ESG, and the usefulness of CSR committees. These findings hold significant implications for ethical resource allocation, urging firms and their decision-makers to reconsider the dual-edged role of slack resources in the unique ESG context and support the CSR committee in realizing its potential for promoting sustainability and ethical practices within the organization.

Institutional structure and governance capability in universities: an empirical study from the perspectives of time, space, and quantity dimensions

Institutions are pivotal in university governance, symbolizing stable organizational power reflective of governance capacity. The strategic organization of a university’s internal structures aims to align with its developmental goals. The effectiveness of these arrangements is evaluated by their congruence with the university’s characteristics and norms, aiming to enhance governance for growth and sustainability. Thus, the primary aim of this study is to determine whether this layout can strengthen the university’s governance ability, enhancing its prospects for survival and development. This study introduces a novel theoretical framework across the dimensions of time, space, and quantity, utilizing governance elements to assess the impact of institutional layouts on governance capabilities. Data were gathered through a self-developed survey questionnaire, with a total of 742 valid responses collected, and by employing a high-dimensional fixed-effects model, we found that the three-dimensional institutional layouts significantly impact governance capabilities, with effects varying by the institution’s affiliation. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis shows that university governance capabilities are also manifested through different configurations of governance elements under institutional layout, and are influenced by the responsiveness, collaboration, and expansion of the entire institutional system. Moreover, our analysis indicates a threshold effect in the tenure of institutional members, where both excessive and insufficient enthusiasm impact governance capabilities differently. This suggests the importance of a strategic institutional layout that aligns with the governance elements’ dynamics of timeliness, flexibility, distribution, and scarcity across time, space, and quantity. Achieving an optimal arrangement enhances the university’s governance efficiency significantly. In light of these findings, policy implications were proposed.