The environmental paradigm emphasizes the importance of political-economic and socio-economic factors that can significantly affect environmental health. One of the above-mentioned factors in the EU's so-called Eastern bloc is also the issue of unresolved environmental burdens. Our case study sought answers to the questions: How and why was Niklová Huta (Nickel smelter) Sereď created? How is it possible that, despite the knowledge of nickel's harmfulness to the environment, production continued for so long? Why, even 30 years after the end of production, the solid leaching residue (lúženec) landfill was not disposed of? The main methods of data collection were a content analysis of secondary data, a self-constructed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The research group for the quantitative part of the case study consisted of 354 respondents, of which 274 (77.40%) were women and 80 were men (22.60%). The data obtained by the questionnaire are presented through descriptive statistics. 12 informants participated in the quantitative research through semi-structured interviews, of which 9 were men and 3 were women. The interviews lasted between 30-45 minutes, were transcribed and we used qualitative thematic analysis to process them. The result of our case study is the creation of a conceptual model that captures the key points in the process of the formation of a toxic landfill and its persistence in the environment during the last 30 years.

This study examines compliance behaviour in the context of environmental tax policies, highlighting the essential role that these policies play in achieving the objectives of sustainable development. Environmental taxes are crucial instruments to reduce environmental damage and increase energy efficiency. Nevertheless, taxpayer compliance, which is impacted by several variables, including social acceptability, regulatory quality, and perceptions of fairness, is a key component of these policiesʹ efficacy. In contrast to earlier research, which frequently concentrated on certain tax kinds or discrete policy mechanisms, this study takes a broad approach, looking at a range of environmental taxation instruments. Emerging trends, significant factors influencing compliance behaviour, and noteworthy contributions from eminent authors and organizations are all identified by means of bibliometric and scientometric analyses. In order to create fair and effective environmental tax policies, interdisciplinary approaches and international collaboration must be used. Along with presenting policies to improve environmental regulation compliance, the study offers insightful advice for businesses that can help them innovate toward sustainability and adjust to shifting policy. It also provides a solid theoretical base for future researchers by highlighting important areas that require more investigation, especially when it comes to the wider effects of environmental taxes on various industries.

The consistent and continuous growth in the world’s population is creating many challenges for public policymakers in the different life areas, including dealing with the increasing amounts of waste that are generating problems involving air and land pollution and a shortage of land for waste disposal. This study presents the results of public policy on managing municipal waste, as manifested in the quantity and rate of waste collected throughout Israel in recent years and disposed of in the various landfills and in analysis of the political and economic factors affecting this policy. The study combines a quantitative and qualitative approach, where the quantitative study includes analysis of statistical data based on information from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Finance, and others, and the qualitative study relies on reading and analyzing primary documents of the different government ministries on Israel’s waste disposal policy and information in the media on this issue. The research findings attest to an increase in the amount of municipal waste dumped in Israel, a merely slight decrease in the rate of landfilling as a proportion of all municipal waste disposal, and a merely slight increase in the rate of municipal waste recycled in recent years. The research conclusions stress the effects of the landfill levy and the Cleanliness Maintenance Fund on one hand, and of the government instability in the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the positivist policy embraced by decision makers in the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the power struggles between Israel’s different ministries on the other, as the respective economic and political factors affecting Israeli policy on municipal waste management.

Given the opportunities offered by foreign investment in energy infrastructure mostly by Chinese firms, the Government of Cambodia is giving high priority to developing hydropower resources for reducing energy poverty and powering economic growth. Using a “Political ecology of the Asian drivers” framework, this paper assesses China’s involvement in the development of large dams’ in Cambodia and its impacts on the access of natural resources such as water and energy by dam builders, local communities and the government. This analysis is based on 61 interviews and 10 focus group discussions with affected communities, institutional actors, Chinese dam builders and financiers in relation to the first large Chinese dam built in Cambodia, the Kamchay dam. Based on the results of the analysis this paper makes recommendations on how to improve the planning, implementation and governance of large dams to ensure that the dams’ benefits are shared more equally.

This paper focuses on environmental policies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on the Taj Mahal, an iconic structure built on the banks of the Yamuna River from 1632 to 1653 with a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles. The Taj Mahal is threatened by damage caused by climate change, including air pollution resulting in acid rain and floods that lead to erosion and discoloration of the main marble material of the Taj Mahal. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of peer-reviewed journal articles with a primary focus on environmental policy, the impacts of climate change, and the preventive measures undertaken by the Indian government. Based on the analysis of 270 papers, it is concluded that out of the total, 30 papers specifically address objectives relevant to this research. The study period spans from 2014 to 2024. The research findings reveal that air pollution has a significantly adverse impact on the Taj Mahal. Furthermore, nine policies are generally identified from the journal literature review aimed at preserving and protecting the Taj Mahal from the negative effects caused by air pollution.

The article adds new policy insights to the way in which formal teaching methods of environmental stewardship education areas are evaluated in Tuvalu. We aimed to answer three questions: 1. What are the formal policies shaping environmental stewardship education in Tuvalu? 2. Are national educational and environmental policies mutually consistent? and 3. Are these national policies consistent with regional and global policies? These questions were addressed using a study of Tuvaluan online-available documentary assessments of national policies, frameworks, and curricula in conjunction with those obtained from the Education Department. Our findings revealed limitations and weaknesses regarding the provisions of environmental stewardship education at the national scale, including misaligned curricula, policy documents, and formal educational provisions with Tuvalu’s national environmental policy. We also found inconsistencies with regional and global policies such as the Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, and international strategic plans for biodiversity and climate change. These cross-scalar policy weaknesses and limitations highlight the need for the Tuvaluan government to align educational and environmental policies at different scales. We recommend a multi-pronged strategy where modes of informal environmental education can support and complement formal government policymaking on education and the environment.

Dairy farming dates to the early Neolithic era in Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Over time, the industry has evolved from small ranches and farmhouses milk processing units to large, intensive dairy farms and big, high-tech processing units. Despite the industry’s contribution to the economy and food production, multiple studies have tainted cattle farming as a main contributor to climate change. This study explores literature in dairy farming and sustainable development goals (SDGs) to identify current scholarly developments since the formulation and adoption of SDGs in 2015 and themes for future research. This paper argues that dairy animals are not the source of sustainability shortfalls as depicted by multiple scholarly articles, but human processes associated with dairy farming. Data was analyzed using R package, Excel, NVIVO, and VoS Viewer. A review of literature shows that dairy farming and its contribution to sustainability has gained more intensive scientific interest since 2015. Moreover, livestock management, feed production and management, stakeholder’s management, logistics and supply chain management, and waste management are the sources of environmental adversities associated with dairy farming. Notably, these are human processes developed from commercialization of dairy farming and involve multiple stakeholders across the supply chain. While solutions are embedded within these processes, innovation emerges as a key driver of sustainability and source of opportunities to strengthen sustainability in dairy farming sector and achieve the sustainable development goals.

Energy and Environment Tax is used globally as a means of environment policy. Energy and Environment tax plays an important role as a driving force for the conversion to environmentally friendly energy. The basic tax principles considered in the design of energy and environmental taxation increases the efficiency of policy instruments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate South Korea’s energy and environmental taxation based on tax principles, namely, equity, efficiency, simplicity, flexibility, and accountability and to suggest directions for improvement. This study applied a methodology that provides policy implications, such as reviewing existing literature and comparing energy and environmental taxes. Results of this study show that South Korea’s energy and environmental taxation is negative in terms of equity, simplicity, and accountability. South Korea’s current energy and environmental tax is regressive to income classes and complex tax structures and it does not objectively measure the impact of energy and environmental taxation. However, energy and environmental taxation is evaluated positively in terms of efficiency and flexibility because it meets the greenhouse gas reduction policy and operates a flexible tax rate. The results of this analysis provide policy implications for reorganizing South Korea’s energy and environmental taxation

I examine national environmental security policy cultures to assess the opportunities for increasing global environmental security. The question is whether the difficulties in modeling the state's ecological security are a consequence of limitations in the coherence of the four dogmas: ecological security, sustainable development, social responsibility and environmental management. The presented fragments of theoretical research explain the question by presenting the logic of the constructive value of the national culture of ecological safety policy. I conducted empirical research based on 18 development strategies of regional cities in Poland. The multi-criteria method made it possible to identify and describe a micro-community reflecting the macroscopic observation of regional cities as an emerging whole of the state’s development. Assumption: ownership of the environmental aspects of cities is a natural quantity influencing the ecological security of the state in the contemporary global civilization system. I have formulated new definitions: ecological security of the state, culture of ecological security policy, sustainable development and socially responsible and sustainable development of the city. I have developed 13 catalogues of elements of the structure of the development strategy of regional cities in Poland, containing 1 390 public services. I have shown when there is a lack of culture of the state's ecological security policy in the global ecological security system according to the cause-effect principle. I have been conducting research since 2019.

Retiring coal power plants can reduce air pollution and health damages. However, the spatial distribution of those impacts remains unclear due to complex power system adjustments and pollution chemistry and transport. Focusing on coal retirements in Pennsylvania (PA), we analyze six counterfactual scenarios for 2019 that differ in retirement targets (e.g., reducing 50% of coal-based installed capacity vs. generation) and priorities (e.g., closing plants with higher cost, closer to Environmental Justice Areas, or with higher CO₂ emissions). Using a power system model of the PJM Interconnection, we find that coal retirements in PA shift power generation across PA and the Rest of PJM region leading to scenario-varying changes in the plant-level release of several air pollutants. Due to air pollution chemistry and transport and socio-demographics, these changes in turn give rise to a reduction of 10 to 182 PM_2.5-attributable deaths in PJM across the six scenarios, with most reductions occurring in PA. Scenarios that reduce more coal power generation yield greater aggregate health benefits due to air quality improvements in PA and adjacent downwind regions. In addition, vulnerable populations—in both PA and Rest of PJM—benefit most in scenarios that prioritize plant closures in PA near Environmental Justice Areas. These results demonstrate the importance of considering cross-regional linkages and socio-demographics in designing equitable retirement strategies.

Background: Particulate matter and urban air pollution affect the human body and can lead to death. Epidemiological studies should consider the exposure to pollutants and the diverse responses of individuals depending on their sensitivity to the pollutants. Methods: In this study, air pollution measurements were obtained hourly at measuring stations operated by the national and local governments to increase the reliability of the measured values. A β-ray absorption method was used to analyze the measurements of fine dust and determine the particulate matter content. Results: The air pollution data were log-converted to enable the comparison of data from different time periods. The comparison was made, focusing on the period of Seoul's fine dust policy. As a result, the cancer incidence rate also decreased after the policy. The data on individual characteristics were obtained from a survey of Seoul citizens conducted from 2015 to 2016 and using indicators such as the quality of life and social trust of Seoul citizens. Concludions: The survey on the living environment and residence indicated that 80% of the heads of households were men. Women had a greater dissatisfaction than men with the residential, economic, and social environments. The survey questions on well-being were related to the internal and external environment such as air pollution, noise, and fine dust.

The rapidly expanding corona pandemic in 2020 brought the world to virtual economic stagna-tion. While the impact on the environment from suspended air traffic, idle industry and economic lockdown has been considerable, so have the economic and social consequences of the crisis. To make matters worse, the resulting state of stagnation is neither economically nor socially sustaina-ble. Nevertheless, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn from the situation in order to ex-plore the benefits of globalization, intercept similar crisis situations more effectively in the future and move towards more sustainable development on an ecological, economic and social level. This paper identifies the areas of expanded externality management needed to further improve environmental quality, digitalization, network expansion and basic income. These central issues need to be addressed both during and after the crisis in order to deal with problems of inequality and climate change mitigation for current and future generations. Concrete concepts will be put forward and discussed in the paper.

In the context of the coordinated development of digital economy and environmental protection, we take the strategy of "Broadband China" as a quasi-natural experiment, adopts the panel data of 284 cities from 2007 to 2020, and evaluates the policy effect of digital economy on total factor energy efficiency through the progressive DID model. The results show that: The construction of "Broadband China" demonstration city has significantly promoted the improvement of the total factor energy efficiency of the demonstration city, but there is also significant urban heterogeneity, which is manifested in the significant improvement of the total factor energy efficiency of the eastern city, the southern city, the big city and the non-resource-based city. It has no significant effect on the total factor energy efficiency of central and western cities, northern cities, small and medium-sized cities and resource-based cities. The construction of "Broadband China" demonstration cities can improve total factor energy efficiency by promoting technological progress and strengthening environmental regulations. Therefore, we should further strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure and give full play to its positive effects. Different cities should seek differentiated development paths based on their own resource endowments and development conditions, so that the digital economy can effectively improve the total factor energy efficiency.

As a vital component of the terrestrial ecosystem, grassland accounts for one-third of the global vegetation system. Grassland degradation has been exacerbated due to extreme overgrazing in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). While conservation was carried out as the Ecological Subsidy and Award Program (ESAP) to mitigate grassland degradation, little is known about its effectiveness in improving the biophysical conditions of grassland. This paper integrates the conceptual frameworks of total socio-environmental systems to assess how ecological systems respond to ESAP, investigate spatial heterogeneity of ESAP, and explore the meddling effects of socio-environmental interactions on ESAP. We integrate ecological, climate, and socioeconomic data and developed several hierarchical linear mixed models (HLMM) to investigate how these factors interact with ESAP in IMAR. Our findings prove that the above-ground biomass between 2011 and 2015 responds significantly to variations in socioeconomic conditions and ecological communities. Available land resources, hospital and medical facilities, and net farmer and herdsman income are the most critical factors contributing to grassland productivity. Primary industries like mining, total consumer retail value, farming, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery productions, and GDP are the most damaging factors affecting biomass. Our study recommends a regionally or locally tailored ecological recovery policy, instead of a generalized one, in the future effort to conserve grassland.

COVID-19 highlighted the challenges of public acceptance of public health measures, including mask-wearing and vaccination. which has spurred interest in engineered approaches to reduce infections. Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) Energy has been used for decades in hospital rooms to limit TB transmission, but it is expensive to install in the upper part of rooms where it may be used safely. In contrast, FAR-UV energy is a relatively new, flexible technology that can be set up in rooms for moderate costs, and studies thus far indicate it is efficacious and not damaging to eyes or skin. To examine the state of the field, experts in aerosol biology, infection control, and building engineering from academia, government, and industry were convened to inform policy recommendations for future investments, identify research required, and examine policy options for using these technologies. Despite its high efficacy for deactivating several types of microorganisms and pathogens of concern, before FAR-UV technologies may be widely deployed, additional studies are needed to understand potential adverse effects, as well as the best approaches to use, standardize, and regulate the technology. In some environments, the use of FAR-UV can generate ozone, which can react with volatile organic compounds that may be hazardous to human health, such as respiratory tract irritation. Even with these concerns, the demonstrated effectiveness in disease control of both FAR-UV and longer wavelengths of GUV deserve increased policy attention to reduce risks of indoor disease transmission. While potentially useful to counter disease in high-risk indoor environments, further standardization and regulatory measures, as well as research into the production of oxidative compounds is necessary before broad adoption of FAR-UV.

The relationship between the global climate crisis associated with environmental risks and occupational hygiene has not been extensively studied. This study develops a framework for identifying how climate change and the climate crisis could impact the workplace environment, workers, and occupational morbidity, mortality, and injury. A framework based on a review of scientific literature published from 2012-2024 that addresses climate risks, their interaction with occupational hazards, and their effects on the workforce. Eight categories of climate-related hazards are identified: increased high temperatures, dust and air pollution, sun and cosmic ultraviolet exposure, pandemics, and infectious diseases, diseases transmitted by insects and changes in ecosystems, industrial occupational diseases, changes and crises in the built environment, and extreme weather events. It is important to consider the possibility of interactions between known hazards and new conditions and the productivity of workers, especially those who are most at risk of heat-related illnesses.

The science‐policy interface in climate change adaptation became better managed over the past decades. However, the scientists and other knowledge producers, as well as policy makers still need to take bolder steps to more effectively engage with others to apply science and shape up policies. This paper aims to provide practical recommendations, intended to promote conversations between science and policy sectors to address climate change issues. Here, I used two different approaches to synthesize experiences and identify recommendations: a literature review and a case study. The paper stress main findings: (1) The linear communication model is still commonly involved in the science - policy dialogue and proved to be useful to increase the relevance of science and data products to decision makers. (2) When a gap between knowledge producer and knowledge user or decision maker exists, the need for a third party to specialize in bridging the gap become essential. (3) Indigenous people and knowledge must be involved in adaptation policy making based on legitimation local and traditional knowledge, designing the consultation process to broadly engage local and indigenous people, facilitating meaningful dialogues between traditional knowledge and science, and developing initiatives to strengthen skills and capacity of indigenous communities.

The Asia-Pacific region contains almost half of the planet’s coastal carbon-sequestering (blue carbon) environments (mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses). These habitats are highly valuable to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change, but are under threat throughout the region, due in significant part to an insufficient policy environment to protect, restore, or create new coastal wetlands/blue carbon environments. Using a systematic evidence synthesis we reviewed the existing literature on blue carbon policy, and found that gaps and challenges fall under three themes, “Land Tenure and Ownership”, “Funding and Protecting Blue Carbon Habitat”, and “Conflicting Priorities and Jurisdictions”, with two overarching issues, the inconsistent recognition of rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and women, and sea-level rise. This study makes recommendations to ensure high-quality blue carbon projects through improving equitable outcomes, particularly for women and IPLCs, and to reduce barriers to implementing blue carbon projects. These recommendations include gender sensitive and participatory mapping along with a registry of ownership with extensive gender equitable IPLC consultation to resolve ownership uncertainties. Recommendations for community level and gender equitable benefits beyond individual land owners are important to address the inequity of land ownership. Where land ownership changes under sea-level rise and intentional barrier removal, carbon rights should be retained by the landowner; otherwise, there is little incentive to undertake blue carbon projects. Due to the limited income that results from some carbon credit payments, other crediting and non-market methods can be considered to supplement landowners’ incomes and encourage habitat protection. Conflicting priorities between authorities responsible for managing coastal wetlands can be resolved through systematic restructuring/streamlining and collaborative workshops. Some will require changes to policies and amending delegated legislation.

The demand for industries to enhance sustainability is rising in response to climate change worries. A pervasive and intensifying worldwide environmental problem, plastic pollution has a particularly severe impact on climate change. The production of significant volumes of plastic garbage occurs mostly in Asian regions. So, it's commonplace to talk about pro-environmental conduct nowadays. Indonesia and Taiwan are chosen as case studies of developed and developing regions, respectively. The cultural differences between the two areas do, however, exist in terms of environmental values, and this further influences consumer behavior. In order to understand how environmental education has influenced pro-environmental behavior, this study examines how environmental attitude, knowledge, motivation, and intention have changed as a result of environmental education. By sending electronic questionnaires to a sample of 235 respondents (110 Indonesian and 125 Taiwanese), gathered between March 11 and April 30, 2023, we employ quantitative approaches and data-gathering procedures. The CB-Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS analytical tool is used to examine the data. We are able to draw important conclusions from the study of differences between Indonesian and Taiwanese and make suggestions for more research as well as theoretical and managerial ramifications.

Recently, both global and domestic environmental events have been occurring more frequently, bringing catastrophic consequences to humans and the environment. These adverse events have caused widespread concern among the general public. In positive terms, these devastating events could potentially enhance people’s environmental awareness, which, in turn, could instill a greater sense of environmental responsibility. This study aims to investigate how university students concern themselves with global and domestic catastrophic environmental events and to examine how global and domestic environmental concerns mediate the effect of environmental knowledge and attitudes on university students’ environmental responsibility. Students of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok, Thailand were selected as the participants. A simple random technique was applied to select the research participants. Questionnaire surveys with 863 students were carried out during September–October 2019. A path analysis was performed to test how global and local environmental concerns mediate the effect of environmental knowledge and attitudes on university students’ environmental responsibility. The results demonstrated that domestic environmental concerns, taken alone, contributed less to the students’ sense of environmental responsibility. Domestic environmental concerns had a stronger effect on environmental responsibility when taken together with global environmental concerns. In addition, both domestic and global environmental concerns could help transform environmental knowledge and attitudes into environmental responsibility. Only environmental attitudes had no direct effect on responsibility. These results show that domestic and global catastrophic environmental events could raise students’ levels of concern for the environment, and, ultimately, enhance their sense of responsibility to protect the environment.

The transition to sustainability requires major behavioural changes. This requires a complete rethinking of ecosystems and their interconnections, reassessing environmental issues, and a behavior change manifesting. Thus, understanding how sustainability Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) change is essential to sustainability as they shape human behaviour. The main aim of this study was to investigate the constructs of sustainability KAP among university and non-university populations. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire of items measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The questionnaire was distributed to diverse participants, ensuring a broad representation of views on sustainability. There are ten sociodemographic variables, 344 respondents in UAE where the female (28.5%) and male (13.7%), (58.1%) participants did not belong to the UAE university and their age fall into the 18-24 years old. The mean scores indicate a positive orientation towards sustainability, with Knowledge (M = 4.2272), Attitudes (M = 4.2650), and Practices (M = 3.8198) all above the midpoint and the UAE university students showed more knowledge, attitude and practices scores ‎than others population. Associations between KAP were significant at a significant level of p < 0.05. This indicates that the next generation will have more environmentally KAP.

Sulfolane, a highly water-soluble industrial solvent, has raised environmental concerns due to its persistence once released into the environment. To assess the extent of contamination effectively, reliable analytical methods are essential. In this review, we delve into the published literature on sulfolane analytical procedures. Existing guidelines for sampling from environmental matrices provide a solid foundation for sul-folane analysis. Notably, there is little variation in the choice of determination method, with GC-MS or GC-FID being favored across studies. However, substantial variability emerges in sample prep-aration methods. Many procedures rely on large quantities of environmentally hazardous solvents, such as dichloromethane, during extraction. Nevertheless, by incorporating extraction enhancement techniques proposed in various studies, it is possible to develop more eco-friendly extraction processes. Overall, this field calls for further re-search to devise efficient and environmentally sustainable analytical methods for sulfolane analysis. Through this review, insights into the challenges at hand and potential solutions can be gained, offering a foundation for the development of novel sulfolane analysis methods applicable to a range of environmental matrices.

The research investigates the role the environmental manager plays to ensure a successful (or not) implementation of environmental performance within an organization. It is based on interviews of 5-7 actors per company within a sample of 7 companies (42 interviews). We build upon bias of perception of the various actors interviewed within each company to define 4 paradoxes related to the roles and mission of the environmental manager that hinder proper efficiency of environmental management at company level. Paradox 1 is that no one takes ownership of environmental performance within the organization. Paradox 2 is that the environmental manager is in an awkward situation vis-à-vis his boss. Paradox 3 is that the role of the environmental manager is ambiguous vis-à-vis employees. Paradox 4 is that corporate and product approaches are decoupled. We suggest that these paradoxes interact and form a vicious cycle that may in part be responsible for the environmental decoupling phenomenon – the fact that companies often adopt a sustainability policy symbolically without implementing it substantively. Our research suggests that, by leveraging the leadership of the environmental manager through organizational and motivational measures, the vicious cycle can be transformed into a virtuous cycle and the human motivation can become a driver for green change within corporations. We proposed the SEA (Shaping Environmental Action) model based of 4 pillars: information, motivation, organization and strategy.

There has been a growing awareness of the need to implement environmentally friendly operations in the hotel industry, but most studies focus on guest behaviors. Only a few studies investigate employees’ willingness to comply with hotels’ green practices. This study seeks to further the investigation from the human resource perspective. Using alumni from a tourism and hospitality programs, this study collected 233 responses. The study hypothesizes that the employees’ green ability consisting of environmental awareness, environmental knowledge, and environmental skill creates a positive impact on hotels’ green ability. The results indicate that employees contribute approximately a fifth of hotels’ ability to implement greener practices.

Delivering effective messages is critical to creating a more sustainable and resilient culture. The explosion of social media has enhanced information access but has often reinforced and polar-ized pre-existing viewpoints and norms. In contrast, digital signs are an “in your face in your space” technology that has the potential to deliver common content to a diverse local audience. Environmental Dashboard (ED) is a communications platform and set of content applications that combines information on current environmental conditions, real-time resource consumption, positive actions being taken by community members, and a community calendar. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess whether ED content delivered via digital signs in public locations would result in desirable psychological changes within a community. Participants completed surveys in six designated signage locations prior to installation (N = 174) and following two years of continuous exposure (N = 133). We observed: increases in pro-environmental social norms among people of color (a demographic emphasized); enhanced awareness of and sense of connection with the local community and ecology; increased self-reported electricity conservation; and increased perception of youth engagement (another demographic emphasized). Changes were mediated by exposure to digital signage. These findings support the hypothesis that content delivered through digital signs can strengthen pro-environmental and pro-social culture within communities.

We examine worldwide Property and Casualty and Life and Health insurance companies from 2004 until 2023, implementing panel regression models and mediation analysis to show that insurers raise their reserves when they face increasing costs for their potential environmental damages, ultimately reducing their profitability and underwriting capacity. Our findings extend to the insurance sector the previous evidence on banks, demonstrating that environmental damages could affect profits and solvency of financial intermediaries. These insights are important especially for insurance managers and regulators.

Many factors drive land desertification, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the numerous driving factors of desertification make analyses computer expensive. Cloud computing comes along to address this problem, especially in developing countries. The objective of this work was to assess the sensitivity of the East Atlantic Basin, Brazil, to desertification using the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model and Google Earth Engine (GEE). The model is composed of four environmental Quality Indices (QIs) associated with soil (SQI), vegetation (VQI), climate (CQI) and management (MQI), and contains factors influencing the desertification process. Digital databases of the factors were pre-processed and uploaded to GEE for analysis. We report Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Environmentally Critical Factors (ECF) maps of the East Atlantic Basin, which showed that most of the basin is in either critical (49.4%) or fragile (35.7%) state of sensitivity. In contrast, only a smaller portion of the area is unaffected (5%) or potentially affected (10.1%). Sensitivity to desertification was inversely correlated with the presence of vigorous vegetation. A joint analysis of ESAs and ECF shed light on the importance of each factor in the sensitivity to desertification. The East Atlantic Basin shows a high degree of sensitivity to desertification, thereby demanding more attention and establishment of measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the desertification process.

Many factors drive land desertification, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the numerous driving factors of desertification make analyses computer expensive. Cloud computing comes along to address this problem, especially in developing countries. The objective of this work was to assess the sensitivity of the East Atlantic Basin, Brazil, to desertification using the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model and Google Earth Engine (GEE). The model is composed of four environmental Quality Indices (QIs) associated with soil (SQI), vegetation (VQI), climate (CQI) and management (MQI), and contains factors influencing the desertification process. Digital databases of the factors were pre-processed and uploaded to GEE for analysis. We report Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Environmentally Critical Factors (ECF) maps of the East Atlantic Basin, which showed that most of the basin is in either critical (49.4%) or fragile (35.7%) state of sensitivity. In contrast, only a smaller portion of the area is unaffected (5%) or potentially affected (10.1%). Sensitivity to desertification was inversely correlated with the presence of vigorous vegetation. A joint analysis of ESAs and ECF shed light on the importance of each factor in the sensitivity to desertification. The East Atlantic Basin shows a high degree of sensitivity to desertification, thereby demanding more attention and establishment of measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the desertification process.

Introduction: Different factors such as rapid growth of population, urbanization and industrialization of communities have detrimental effects on the environment. In regard to the importance of the environment and its fundamental role in sustainable development along with the awareness and attitude of the people of Yazd which has not yet been assessed, this study aims to assess the level of awareness, attitude and environmental literacy of the people of Yazd in relation to environmental issues and challenges in the year 2017. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the sample size was obtained from 410 Yazd city residents through prior studies and the Cochran formula. The sample was then selected by the stratified random sampling method. The data selection tool was a questionnaire with questions on demographic characteristics, awareness level, attitude and practices in relation to menopause. The data was analyzed upon collection by the SPSS-20 software and Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-Square non-parametric tests along with the Spearman correlation test. In this study, the significance level was considered as 0.05. Results: In this study, a total of 404 questionnaires were completed and evaluated. Based on the obtained results, 224 individuals (55.4%) male, 53.3% married, 31.2% had at least a bachelor’s degree and the majority of individuals (40.1%) were in the 18-27 age group. In terms of area of residence, 64.1% reside in region 2. From all the participants, 51.3% of the participants believed that the main environmental issue in Yazd was water deficiency and pollution. The awareness score was statistically significant with the age, education level and employment status variables. Attitude only had significant relationship with the employment status variable. The relationship between the practices score was statistically significant with the age, marital status, and area of residence variables. There is a significant relation between age, income level and knowledge level but there is no significant relation with attitude levels. There is no significant relation between gender, education level, marital status, area of residence, awareness and attitude levels (p-value > 0.05). There is a positive correlation between awareness, attitude and practices scores. The results indicated that the attitude score of most participants (51.5%) was lower than the average score but the awareness and practices score of most participants was average. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, although the awareness of Yazdi citizens on some environmental issues and institutions that are active in the environmental pollution control field in the country appears low, but in general, the awareness of the people of Yazd, specifically regarding health issues stemming from pollution was assessed as adequate. Considering the importance of environmental factors’ role in communities’ health and its continuous improvement, due to the expansion of automated life namely in large cities within the country, it is necessary to conduct various researches to identify and control these factors and to carry out interventional studies to determine suitable solutions before implementing them.

Abstract: Field studies with large-stemmed plants Artemisia dubia (wormwood) have been carried out at Vėžaičiai Branch LAMMC since 2018. According to three years of experimental results, annual dry matter (DM) yield varied from 7.94 to 10.14 t ha-1. Growing conditions, nitrogen ap-plication level and harvesting time had significant impacts on Artemisia dubia productivity. This article presents the results of research on preparation and use of Artemisia dubia biomass for en-ergy conversion and evaluation of technological-technical and environmental parameters of these plants utilization for solid biofuel. For experiments were used 6 variants of Artemisia dubia samples, which were grown in 2021: plants were cut three times and two fertilization options were used: (1) no fertilization and (2) fertilization with 180 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. These harvested plants were chopped, milled and were pressed into the pellets. The physi-cal-mechanical characteristics (mоisture content, density and strength) of Artemisia dubia pellets were investigated. During this study, it was found that the density in dry mass (DM) of pellets ranged from 1119.86 to 1192.44 kg m-3. The pellet moisture content ranged from 8.80 to 10.49%. After testing of pellet strength, it was found that the pellets which were made from plant bio-mass PK-1-1, were the most resistant to compression, they withstood 560.36 N of pressure. Dry fuel lower heating value (LHV) of pellets was sufficiently high and was very close to pine saw-dust pellets, it varied from 17.46±0.25 MJ kg-1 to 18.14±0.28 MJ kg-1. The ash content of burned pellets ranged from 3.62±0.02% to 6.47±0.09%. Emissions of harmful pollutants – CO2, CO, NOx and unburnt hydrocarbons (CxHy) did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. Summariz-ing the results of investigated properties, cоmbustion and emissiоns of Artemisia dubia pellets, it can be concluded that this biofuel can be used for production of pressed biofuel and it is charac-terized by sufficient high quality, efficient combustion and permissible emissions to the envi-ronment.

Tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons (“cyclones”) threaten the lives and livelihoods of many millions of people. The magnitude of this threat justifies scrutiny of all potential mitigation strategies. Here we consider a neglected factor: forests. Forests may influence storm formation, intensity, and behaviour through interactions involving temperature, friction, moisture and aerosols. Understanding these relationships could guide cyclone mitigation and preparedness. With global deforestation continuing and reforestation efforts expanding, the relationships between forests and cyclones are not simply academic—it's a critical consideration for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Here we show that, despite major unknowns and uncertainties, forest conservation and expansion are likely to reduce cyclone frequency and severity.

Global biodiversity loss and climate change highlight the importance of environmental knowledge and behavior in the population at large. Americans gain environmental knowledge almost exclusively from sources outside of formal schooling, and increasingly, the internet and social networking sites (SNS) are the preferred sources of that specific, just-in-time learning. The North Carolina Native Plant Forum is a regionally specific Facebook group focused on environmental education with over 80,000 members. This case study used 14 forum member interviews and analysis of the Facebook site itself to explore the Native Plant Forum and its users through the lens of the Technologies for Pro-Environmental Actions Model (TPAM). These data revealed a process of information seeking, sharing experiences, obsession, and pro-environmental intentions leading to the planting of native plant species that host and support pollinators and wildlife. Users of the forum expressed how much they learned from the Facebook group and particularly valued the photographs shared daily by other forum members of their native planting projects. The ability of social networking sites to support and incentivize pro-environmental knowledge and behaviors is a critical area of research for adapting environmental education to a new information age and for combating multiple overlapping environmental crises.

This article aims to investigate gaps in the law and policies on e-waste management in communi-ties of Thailand and suggests a guideline for improving, developing, and designing legal measures and state policies for more effective enforcement of the law on e-waste management in communities. The findings reveal that the currently applicable law of Thailand lacks effective approaches and rules for e-waste management. Also, there is not any implementation of key envi-ronmental principles for e-waste management in communities, such as the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) that requires manufacturing companies to take part in being responsible for disposal ex-penses or the Public Participation principle that requires users, manufacturers, distributors, and government agencies to take parts in disposing e-waste. As a result, problems of e-waste in com-munities of Thailand have been continuously increasing. According to such problems, the authors suggest that legal measures on e-waste management in communities should be specifically de-signed by implementing key environmental principles as a basis in determining formats and guidelines of e-waste management, especially participation of all sectors that can help in solving and reducing e-waste in communities that is harmful to health, sanitation, and environment.

We conduct a thematic analysis of a U.S. adult sample’s self-reported motives and perception of environmental activists’ motives to engage in pro-environmental behavior via a qualitative online survey. We identified themes using a two-stage coding procedure, whereby the research team first helped to code all content into one or more of 17 inductive content categories, then the lead investigator examined themes in each of the categories and created 5 themes based on both inductive and theoretical (e.g., moral foundations theory) considerations: a) harm and care, b) purity, c) waste and efficiency, d) spreading awareness, and e) self-interest (mostly non-financial). Endorsement of themes were qualitatively similar across individuals’ own self-described motives and perceptions of environmental activists’ motives.

Economic theory states that incineration and landfill taxation can effectively diminish the environmental impacts of pollution and resource use by reducing their associated pollutants while stimulating the reuse and recycling of materials, and therefore, fostering a circular economy. The aim of this research is to assess the economic and environmental effects of these taxes in Spain under different scenarios with a detailed dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, as there are no studies analyzing this in detail. We focus on the economic impact on GDP and sectorial production and the environmental impact on different categories: global warming potential, marine eutrophication potential, photochemical ozone formation potential, particulate matter, human toxicity (cancer and noncancer), ecotoxicity, and depletion of fossil resources. We find in all scenarios that these taxes have a limited economic impact while reducing all of the environmental impact categories analyzed. The study reinforces the theory that policy makers need to impose taxes on landfill and incineration to reinforce the circularity of the economy and reduce environmental burdens, but also demonstrates that they can improve their design without additional costs.

This study focused on the assessment of folk media aimed at Environmental Communication (EC) in the Guna Community and suggested the dominant Guna Community folk media for environmental communication and preservation to conserve Mount Guna. Guna Mount is the home of different biodiversity and the tower of water, but it is becoming degraded. Folk media are operative in environmental communication and preservation. They have the power to transmitted environmental messages that incorporate cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes with societal needs. Folk media are locally oriented, easily accessible, flexible, portable, inclusive, and relatively inexpensive. A qualitative research approach was employed for this research. Ethnographic research design, snowball, and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. The researchers were gathered the data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and observation. For this survey, 16 FGDs, 45 individual in-depth interviews, and participant observation were employed. Guna community has unique and indigenous folk media that use as a source of entertainment, information, and education. Their folk music, songs, dances, campfire storytelling, traditional motifs, fairs, and festivals, and folk poems are the dominants. Using folk media for operative ecology preservation is vital in the form of EC that inspires and develops positive behavior in the community by educating about environmentalism in the method of facilitating environmental issues incorporating the latest message. Finally, we recommended some folk media for developmental activities that use inform of advocacy regarding recommended reasons

Despite the wide variety of variables commonly applied to measure different aspects of rehabilitation, the assessment and subsequent definition of indicators of environmental rehabilitation status are not simple tasks. The main challenges are comparing rehabilitated sites with target ecosystems as well as integrating individual environmental and eventually collinear variables into a single tractable measure of the state of a system before effective indicators that track rehabilitation may be modeled. For that, a consensus is lacking regarding which and how many variables need to be surveyed. Our approach considered ecological processes, vegetation structure, and community diversity from nonrehabilitated, rehabilitating and reference sites. We applied this approach to a curated set of 32 environmental variables retrieved from nonrevegetated, rehabilitating and reference sites associated with iron ore mines from the Urucum Massif, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. By integrating variables from a single attribute or the entire set of variables into a single estimation of rehabilitation status, the proposed multivariate approach is straightforward and able to adequately address collinearity among variables. The proposed approach allows for the identification of biases towards single variables, surveys or analyses, which is necessary to rank environmental variables regarding their importance to the assessment. Furthermore, we show that bootstrapping permitted the detection of the minimum number of environmental variables necessary to achieve reliable estimations of the rehabilitation status. Finally, we show that the proposed variable integration enables the definition of environmental indicators for more comprehensive monitoring of mineland rehabilitation. Thus, the proposed multivariate ordination represents a powerful tool to outline the benefits of rehabilitating sites for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services provided that sufficient environmental variables related to ecological processes, diversity and vegetation structure are gathered from nonrehabilitated, rehabilitating and reference study sites. By identifying deviations from predicted rehabilitation trajectories and providing assessments for environmental agencies, this proposed multivariate ordination increases the effectiveness of (mineland) rehabilitation.

Ecological footprint calculators are digital tools that help individuals calculate their environmental or climate impact, with the aim of stimulating pro-environmental behaviour change. These footprint calculators typically take an information-provision approach, but this strategy assumes that increased levels of knowledge result in increased levels of pro-environmental behaviour (i.e., a reduced footprint). This is not a given – existing literature on the relationship between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour is inconclusive, and this relationship may be different from that of environmental knowledge and ecological footprint. As such, we investigated the relationship between environmental knowledge and ecological footprint as estimated by a footprint calculator. 448 Dutch participants completed an online survey, including an ecological footprint calculator. We found no evidence for a relationship between environmental knowledge and ecological footprint calculator outcome. Rather, an exploratory analysis of our data showed that environmental values were more important predictors of ecological footprint. The finding that increased levels of knowledge are not related to a reduced ecological footprint suggests that calculators would do well to move beyond information provision, and employ additional behaviour change strategies. Based on our exploratory analysis, we provide several concrete examples of potential strategies.

Based on research data from the renovation of old residential areas in Chengdu, China, this study provides empirical evidence regarding the causal relationship between urban renewal and the transformation of residents' pro-environmental behaviors. The research findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in residents' engagement in pro-environmental behaviors due to the renovation of old residential areas. Robustness tests based on replacement samples and two-stage difference-in-difference models also confirm the reliability of the conclusions. The preliminary mechanism test indicates that the mechanism of the impact of renovation of old residential areas on the transformation of residents' pro-environmental behaviors can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the improvement of environmental infrastructure provides residents with better conditions for participating in pro-environmental activities. Secondly, there is an elevation in residents' environmental protection awareness, prompting a more voluntary engagement in pro-environmental behavior. This study suggests that decision-makers should fully recognize that urban renewal activities nationwide are not only a process of improving urban hardware and functionality, but also a realistic and vivid "environmental education" course for the whole nation. Taking urban renewal as an opportunity to enhance citizens' awareness of environmental protection will effectively promote the transformation of pro-environmental behaviors among residents.

Is it possible that educating women could be the key to reducing birth rates and protecting the environment? Women's education in 3rd countries is far more than just access to basic education. It is a pathway to economic growth, social stability and self-awareness. This essay reflects on the ethical challenges and benefits of educating women in areas such as interpersonal relationships, changing the traditional role of women and sustainability. In exploring this key issue, it is possible to discover that education can transform society and bring about real change, provided humanity accepts its responsibility for the state and sustainability of a quality environment for future generations.

We currently face several, interlinked environmental crises, including climate change, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. However, many governments seem unwilling to take strong and immediate action to address these threats, preferring to promote neoliberal approaches to allow consumers and the general public to make environmentally friendly choices. This is despite neoliberal approaches being much less likely to be successful than government leadership, taxation, subsidies, and legislation in addressing environmental issues. In this study, we examine public perception of environmental threats and solutions to these threats, in a survey, mainly completed in the UK. Climate change is seen as the biggest issue, likely due to recent activist campaigns and subsequent media attention on the issue. Neoliberal attitudes, such as green consumer choices to environmental concerns, do still dominate in a series of possible presented solutions, and score more highly than lifestyle changes such as changing diet. However, when questioned specifically about plastic pollution, government intervention to ban all unnecessary plastic scored very strongly, indicating a shift from a consumer driven response. Furthermore, most participants think they are at best only partly ‘doing their bit’ to protect the environment. The results demonstrate that the public are aware that not enough is happening to protect the environment and provide evidence that there is willingness for stronger government intervention to address environmental issues, although there is potential resistance to major lifestyle changes.

The purpose of this article is to analyze, in a three-stage research, the relationships between environmental expenses, the improvements achieved in 5 environmental variables analyzed and efficiency, from an economic and operational perspective. The stages of this research are analyzing the sustainability reports to determine the level of information, analyzing the economic and operational efficiency, and analyzing the alignment with the environmental priorities of the Eco Ports-ESPO (European Sea Ports Organization). The results reveal that (1) the type of traffic does not condition environmental actions; (2) environmental performance (improvements) depends on environmental expenditures; (3) environmental spending and efficiency in port operations are correlated; and (4) environmental spending and port economic efficiency are correlated.

Environmental decentralization (ED), or the allocation of environmental protection affairs and responsibilities among various administrative authorities, affects the effectiveness of environmental regulation in promoting green total factor productivity (GTFP). Based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2001 to 2015, this paper employs dynamic panel models to test the effects of environmental regulations (environmental protection investment, ENV; pollutant discharge fees, PDF) on GTFP, with or without being influenced by ED. Without the impact of ED, GTFP is significantly inhibited by ENV while significantly promoted by PDF. Considering the impact of ED, with the strengthening of ED, the negative effects of ENV on GTFP is significant; contrarily, the positive effects of PDF on GTFP is significant; improving provincial ED adds negative effects of ENV, while reduces the positive effects of PDF; increasing prefectural ED reduces negative effects of ENV; expanding county-level ED adds the positive effects of PDF. Therefore, to boost GTFP growth, prefectural environmental protection authorities should have more autonomy in ENV, while the county-level should have more autonomy in PDF.

The aim of this short communication is to find out the legal set up that complies with the environmental management in the textile sector of Bangladesh. This sector is the one of the biggest contributor to the economy of the nation. This sector contributes 81% to the total export earnings involving an immense number of stakeholders to its production processes. It is also true that this sector is largely responsible for the overall environmental pollution through its effluent discharge. The findings suggest that there are both international and national legal guidelines exist for environmental management in the said sector. In order to improve the environmental standards rehearsing lawful instruments is compulsory for the said industries.

The pollution of the bays in Abidjan is a major concern for the Ivorian policy makers. In fact, the pollution of the bays induce high costs to the society while impacting population health dramatically. As a result, pollution reduction management of production activities has been undertaken in the Cocody Bay area. To our knowledge, no study has yet proposed a model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these pollution management strategies. A cost-effectiveness model, based on Monte Carlo simulation, was developed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of various scenarios characterized by a set of production practices, both in the short term and in the long term. The authors discuss the steps and input parameters of the model presented. The proposed model may serve as the basis for identifying an optimal production scenario defined as the scenario with the best incremental cost-effectiveness ratio considering a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold. The WTP, to be estimated based on the gross domestic product of Côte d’Ivoire, represents the opportunity costs associated with selecting the optimal scenario. The current framework can also be applied to other settings facing similar challenge.

In August 4 2011, United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) submitted an unprecedented, scientific, groundbreaking Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) of Ogoniland, to the Nigerian government. This was the outcome of a 14–month intensive evaluation of the extent of pollution. It was intended that UNEP’s recommendations would be implemented to restore the devastated environment, on the one hand, and on the other, counteract the numerous environmental health issues that have for decades, plagued Ogoniland. However, five years post EAR, and, despite the seriousness of the situation, no significant resolution has occurred, both on the part of the government, and on the part of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) or Shell. To date, millions of Niger Delta residents, particularly those living in the oil-bearing communities, continue to suffer severe consequences. Although, the assessment was conducted in Ogoniland, other communities in the Niger Delta are also affected. This article explores prevailing issues, using Ogoniland (a microcosm of the Niger Delta) as an example. A multidisciplinary approach for sustainable mitigation of environmental health risks in the Niger Delta is paramount, and Environmental Management tools offer valuable strategies. Adopting UNEP’s recommendations for addressing environmental health problems requires implementing the Environmental Management/Environmental Management System (EM/EMS) model.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as the main drivers of economic growth and development in many countries throughout the world. SMEs represent about 90% of the manufacturing sector and contribute about 14% of the total manufacturing contribution to GDP. Despite SMEs’ potential to change Nigeria’s status from a consumer economy to a production economy, policies that will ensure that environmentally- friendly manufacturing processes and production technology are not implemented or complied with. SMEs’ operational activities may be deleterious to human health and the ecosystem if environmental management practices are not adopted or prioritized. This paper evaluated the perception and adoption of the Environmental Management System, mainly ISO 14001, by SMEs in Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Lagos and Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, were randomly selected for this study. The paper posits that environmental management literacy and advocacy should be carried out in SMEs. Environmental management practices involve engaging both industries and product end-users in sustainable practices. The paper concludes that the implementation of environmental management practices and culture by SMEs will abate environmental pollution and its concomitant health risks to humans, the environment, flora, and fauna. Mandatory and voluntary environmental measures are suggested as a means of engendering eco-friendly innovation for sustainable development, triggering employment, job security, and gross domestic product.

Abstract: To explore the interrelationship between groundwater microbial communities and hydrochemical characteristics in Mancheng district, Baoding city, samples from karst groundwater and porous groundwater were collected respectively. The hydrochemical analysis and 16s RNA gene V4-V5 region sequencing method were used to detail the water environmental characteristics and microbial community distribution pattern in the study area. The hydrochemical results reveal significant differences in major ion contents and other hydrochemical indices between karst water and porous water. Microbial community analysis demonstrates that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes are the dominant taxa in both types of water bodies, but their proportions vary significantly in different water bodies. The difference in microbial communities between karst water and porous water reflects the influence of environmental factors such as ion concentration and pH on microbial distribution. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicates significant associations between microbial community composition and environmental factors in both types of groundwater environments. Studying the distribution pattern of microbial communities and the connection with environmental factors in two types of groundwater provides important basis for interpreting the functional roles of microbes in groundwater ecosystems.

The opportunities and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Environmental Assessment (EA) are often mentioned. However, do we in the EA field understand the implications of what is happening in other biological sciences, and are we preparing for the changes that are coming? This interdisciplinary letter focuses on AI-driven developments in biodiversity data and analysis as a starting point for stimulating discussion about what AI means in practice for the field of EA. We highlight implications for training, transformation of practice and decision making as first steps in a research agenda.

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a method used to detect and quantify nu-cleic acids even when present in exceptionally low numbers. While it has proven to be valuable for clinical studies, it has failed to be widely adopted for environmental and applied studies. Due to the complexity of the chemical and biological composition of environmental samples, protocols tailored to clinical studies are not appropriate, and results are difficult to interpret. We used en-vironmental DNA samples originating from field studies to determine a protocol for environ-mental samples. Samples included field soils which had been inoculated with the soil fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (environmental positive control), field soils that had not been inoculat-ed and the targeted fungus was not naturally present (environmental negative control), and root samples from both field categories. To control for the effect of soil inhibitors, we also in-cluded DNA samples of an organismal control extracted from pure fungal spores (organismal positive control). Finally, we included a no-template control consisting only of the PCR reaction reagents and nuclease free water instead of template DNA. Using original data, we examined which factors contribute to poor resolution in root and soil samples and propose best practises to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, we evaluated manual and automatic threshold determination methods and we propose a novel protocol based on multiple controls that is more appropriate for environmental samples.

Although the positive relationship between religion and environmental behavior is well-argued, empirical research about the relationship between religion and public pro-environmental behavior is relatively lacking. This paper aims to explore the group differences in the influence of religion on public pro-environmental behavior and the mediating role of environmental risk perception in religion and public pro-environmental behavior. Using the Chinese General Social Survey data in 2013 for empirical analysis, this study’s results show that there are group differences in the impact of religion on public pro-environmental behavior. Women with religious beliefs are more willing to engage in public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. Religious believers over the age of 45 are more willing to participate in public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. Political participants with religious beliefs are more willing to practice public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. In addition, we found that environmental risk perception can act as partial mediation in religious and public pro-environmental behavior. In other words, religious beliefs are deeply embedded in local political and social culture. In order to correctly understand the relationship between religion and public pro-environmental behavior, it is necessary to consider religion in a specific cultural background.

Environmental legislation is moving towards global standards for ease of application and to impose sanctions and penalties when necessary, without compromising human health and biota. International environmental measures for control and monitoring of atmospheric air only monitor emissions of SO_x, NO_x, O₃, and Pb. In general, most research work in air pollution done using the analysis of elements in rainwater show analysis of trace metals such as Na, Mg, Zn, and Mn. In this work, trace metals in the rainwater at the city of Goiânia, capital of the State of Goiás, were analyzed. Goiânia is a large city set in a predominantly agricultural province located in central Brazil. Presence of trace metals in rainwater was detected, indicating atmospheric air pollution levels higher than occupational limits set by WHO.

This article investigates the impact of minimalism, collectivist culture, and environmental concern support on green purchase intention through the mediating role of pro-environmental behaviours. We found the following key insights based on our analysis of data from 385 participants in collectivist cultures at the emerging economy countries: (1) pro-environmental behaviours have a positive mediating relationship between minimalism and green purchase intention; (2) pro-environmental behaviours have a positive mediating relationship between collectivist culture and green purchase intention; and (3) pro-environmental behaviours have a positive mediating relationship between environmental concern and green purchase intention. Additionally, the findings show that people who embrace minimalism in collectivist cultures are more inclined to take part in activities that benefit the environment. Similarly, the findings will have an influence on policy-making and practical implementation in similar socioeconomic conditions. Implications relating to theory and practice are discussed.

The hospitality industry is a major segment of Tourism which is in turn a main economic contributor for instance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Sustainable tourism practices are promoted worldwide by international organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to assist different countries. Varied frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and environmental indices and management systems such as ISO 14001 are common assessment tools for environmental sustainability. This research reviews the relevance of incorporating environmental and socio-economic factors within hotel operations which may lead to improved transparency, and operational effectiveness while guaranteeing adherence to sustainability within the hotel business. Accordingly, a comprehensive review of environmental sustainability assessment in hotels was carried out. A comprehensive analysis of research articles published between January 2000 and January 2023 by reputed databases ranging from Google Scholar, Scopus, and others, were used to conduct the literature review. A total of 38 papers were examined adhering to the PRISMA standards and it is worth noting that a significant increase in interest emerged from 2018, especially in Europe and Asia. The review reiterated the relevance and need to use relevant assessment methods and tools that aid in implementing sustainable development strategies to promote tourism-dependent economies, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It additionally provides valuable knowledge for future directions, whilst improving research methods and incorporating innovative technologies. These advancements are essential as they may guide policy decisions to protect the environment in the hospitality industry.

The hotel sector generates related environmental aspects from its construction process to the operation of its activities, products and services. In this way, corporate environmental management becomes directly linked, since it provides an adequate management of its resources, thus minimizing impacts. Thus, this research aims to carry out a socioeconomic and environmental diagnosis of the hotel sector in the municipality of Mossoró-RN. The study was classified in an exploratory, descriptive and explanatory way, with a qualitative-quantitative approach that is based on bibliographic, documentary and field research, carried out in 10 lodging facilities, through the application of questionnaires, on general aspects, initial environmental assessment and environmental aspects, and the data obtained were treated in Microsoft Excel software with the objective of creating a model and demonstrating results on the sustainable level of each establishment in question. The profile of the lodging facilities analyzed is characterized by 50% having from 10 to 30 rooms, 80% having between 10 and 30 employees, 80% being micro-enterprises, with 50% in an area of 750 m² to 2250 m² and 80% operating for more than 10 years. Point out a relevant result on the impacts of companies. The projects analyzed were built without any complaint for environmental crime and without negative impacts on the local population. Actions to reduce consumption were also observed, especially for the rationalization of water and energy. To this end, it points out that the adoption of the Environmental Management System (EMS) as a differential in the management of aspects and impacts of the hotel sector.

The present study identified the influence of green advertising and eco-labels on the attitude and environmental awareness of millennials who purchase ecological products in shopping centers in Ecuador. The research was quantitative, correlational and with a cross-sectional design. A total of 430 millennials participated in the study. A 20-question survey was applied in person outside the shopping centers of Quito and Guayaquil - Ecuador. The convergent and discriminant validity of the research model was verified using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Models (SEM). SPSS 20 and AMOS 24 programs were used for statistical analysis. The results show that green advertising influences environmental attitudes (β: 0,245) and awareness (β: 0,110) and specifically influences purchasing behaviour (β: 0,154) for green products. Although eco-labels do not directly influence purchasing behaviour (β: 0,128), they influence the attitudes (β: 0,406) and ecological awareness (β: 0,277) of millennials who buy organic products. This article is one of the first studies to identify the relationship between green advertising elements and green product purchasing behaviors among millennials in a developing country, concluding that marketing strategies based on green advertising and eco-labels have an impact on the attitude and environmental awareness of millennials, but only advertising directly affects purchasing behaviour while eco-labels do not. This research has social implications since it corroborates that millennials are concerned about environmental problems and are willing to contribute to sustainability.

It was believed that the construction of large dams in the upper tributary basin of the Chao Phraya River (CPR) has caused sediment load reduction in the CPR system by 75–85%. Based on historical and observed river flow and sediment data measured during 1922–2019, we investigated the effects of three large dams, the Sirikit, Naresuan, and Khwae Noi dams, on river runoff and sediment loads supplied to the CPR using Mann-Kendall (MK) test and the double mass curve (DMC). Results from this study revealed that the Nan River contributed approximately 40% and 57% of the runoff and total sediment load (TSL) to the CPR, respectively. The water regulation by the Naresuan diversion dam has mainly caused the reduction on annual runoff and TSL downstream of each dam. The results from this study also reveal that the sediment load observed at the headwater (C.2) of the CPR still increased after the construction of the Sirikit dam due to the expansion of irrigation areas downstream of the dam and the channel improvement in the lower reach of Nan River. After the three major dams were operated, the sediment load at C.2 reduced by 31% compared that discharging during the pre-construction period.

Geoenvironmental engineering involves defining solutions for complex problems, such as containment systems management, contaminant transport control, wastewater management, remediation of contaminated sites and valorization of geomaterials and wastes. In the last years, energy harvesting (EH) - or energy scavenging - methods and technologies have been developed to reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources, namely fossil fuels, and nuclear power, also responding to the increase of energy demands for human activities and to fulfill sustainable development goals. EH in geoenvironmental works and surrounding soil and water environment include a set of processes for capturing and accumulating energy from several sources considered deemed wasted or unusable associated to soil dynamics, stress and strain of geomaterials, hydraulic, vibrations, biochemical, light, heating and wind sources can be potential EH systems. Therefore, this work presents a review of the literature and critical analysis on the main opportunities for EH capturing, accumulating and use in geoenvironmental works, among basic electric concepts and mechanisms, analyzing those works in complex conditions involving biological, chemical, mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal coupled actions, concluding with the main investigation and challenges within geoenvironmental aspects for EH purpose.

Environmental tax is the climate policy that offers, in theory, the easiest way for carbon reduction. But in practice, implementation has proven complicated despite public demand for policy action on climate change. This research investigates to reframe environmental taxes in ways more personally engaging to create a moral foundation, and massive participation. As people show rising demand, we aimed to design a tool that responds to public expectations and operates directly at source on emission reducers, viz the trees. Drawing on research from environmental taxes and the evidence of measures taken, we reasoned that an environmental fiscal policy may not intend necessarily to punish the “bads”, but rather might reward the positive attitude and direct it to act. Consequently, we focused on tax reliefs and designed Green Aid, that can address people’s attitude to take active participation into account by incorporating virtuous behaviours into tax relief. Green Aid Tax relief works embedded in the Green Aid Participation Scheme that bears directly on a source of environmental recovery and organizes the global call to public action in a sustained, structured, and collective participation to forestation. Green Aid bridges the action of contributing to carbon reduction with immediate, tangible, and direct benefits. It can be an alternative environmental tax, able to address and operate directly at source on emission reducers and secure effectiveness in carbon reduction and efficiency in terms of public acceptance and viability at a global level.

The deterioration and destruction of the environment is becoming more and more considerable and greater efforts are needed to stop it. To accomplish this feat, all members of society must identify with environmental problems, with collective environmental action being one of the most relevant means of doing so. From this perspective, the analysis of the psychosocial factors that lead to participation in environmental collective action emerges as a priority objective in the research agenda. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the role of "environmental identity" as conceptualized by Clayton, as a central axis for explaining environmental collective action. The inclusion of the latter in the theoretical framework of the SIMCA model gives rise to the model that we have called EIMECA. Two studies were conducted, and the results reveal that environmental identity, a variety of negative affects, as well as group efficacy accompanied by hope for a simultaneous additive effect, are critical when it comes to predicting environmental collective action.

Lead exposure is associated with poor cognitive development in children. Very few studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have studied blood lead levels (BLLs) and non-gasoline sources of exposure in children. Data from a birth cohort in Benin (2011-2013) suggested that 58% of one-year-old children had BLLs > 50 ug/L. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of elevated BLLs (>50 µg/L and >100 µg /L) among 425 of these children at six-years-of-age in 2016-18 and to compare BLLs between age one-year and six-years and study sources of lead at six years. BLLs were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression and quantile regressions were used to study potential sources of lead. The prevalence of BLLs >50 µg/L in children was 59.5% [Geometric Mean (GM) 56.4 µg/L, 95% CI: 54.1 - 58.7] at six years of age compared to 54.8% [GM 56.5 µg/L, 95% CI: 53.4-59.6] at one year of age. The prevalence of children with BLLs >100 µg/L decreased from 14.4% at one year of age to 8.2% at six years of age. After adjustment for all other covariates, consumption of peanut more than once per month was significantly associated with a 22.0% (95% CI: 4.6, 42.5) increment in BLLs at six years compared with no consumption. Consumption of bushmeat killed by lead bullets at six years was associated with an increase in the higher percentiles of BLLs (P75) compared with the absence of this source. Other potential sources of lead associated with BLLs with marginal significance were consumption of rice, paternal occupational exposure, and the presence of activity with the potential use of lead. This prospective cohort confirms the persistently high prevalence of elevated BLLs in children residing in a rural region in the south of Benin as well as the presence of multiple and continuous sources of lead. These results highlight the need for prevention programs to reduce and eliminate lead exposure in children.

This study aims to examine how Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices influence the development of an environmentally sustainable culture that encourages employees to exhibit pro-environmental behaviours in public and private hospitals in Egypt. A total of 491 healthcare employees were surveyed and the data was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The research identified significant positive correlations between GHRM practices, a pro-environmental psychological climate, environmental knowledge, and employees' environmentally favourable behaviours. The results emphasised the significance of tailored GHRM strategies for different sectors and showed how psychological climate and knowledge mediate the conversion of human resource management (HRM) practices into sustainable behaviours. The study extends the literature by highlighting the relevance of GHRM practices within a healthcare setting in a developing country and indicates that the success of environmental practices is closely linked to their visibility and integration into routine operations. The focus of future studies should be on the long-term effects of GHRM practices, the impact of individual differences, and comparative studies across different sectors and countries to obtain a deeper understanding of how organisational sustainability is influenced by GHRM practices.

This study investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. To get a deeper understanding of the adverse impact on the environment and on the quality of life of the people living in the community around the quarry, I explored the workers from the community, and the members of the community-based organisation’s experiences. I adopted a utilitarian perspective and Pinchot’s conservation as ethical systems that determines morality based on the greatest good for the greatest number. The company's disrespect for the community and ignorance of the laws governing quarry activities is the root of the ethical dilemma.

This study examines the complex relation among environmental taxes, productive capacities, urbanization, and their collective effects on environmental quality in Africa, drawing on two decades of data from twenty African countries. It situates the study within the broader discourse on sustainable development and economic growth, emphasizing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to examine the relationship between economic development, characterized by urban expansion and increased productive capacities, and the adoption of environmental taxes amidst the continent’s diverse economic and environmental environments. Using advanced econometric techniques, including the Cross-Section Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model and the Dynamic Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (DCCEMG) estimator, the study addresses data challenges such as cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity. The results provide important insights into the dynamics of environmental quality in relation to economic and urban growth and the role of environmental taxation. The study proposes tailored policy strategies aimed at strengthening sustainable development initiatives in line with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. These strategies advocate for a nuanced application of environmental taxes and the promotion of productive capacities to enhance environmental sustainability across the African continent.

In China, environmental pollution generated via industrialization as well as the profound changes in the social structure and gradual maturation of the social hierarchy have jointly contributed to the Chinese people's increased environmental consciousness and appeals for environmental justice (EJ). Because of the absence of an EJ theory and a lack of empirical research focused on China, this paper proposes a ‘Pyramid Model’ for China’s EJ research that involves the following three factors: basic demographic and socioeconomic factors, U.S.-based EJ principles, and Chinese characteristics. A nationwide pilot analysis of environmental inequity at the prefecture level is conducted by empirically studying the association of demographics and socioeconomic status with sources of industrial pollution in China. The prefecture-based results are shown to be robust and indicate that areas inhabited by ethnic minorities and western regions in China carry disproportionate environmental burdens. However, a different picture for migrants is presented, revealing that Chinese migrants are not currently exposed to greater levels of industrial pollution, and relevant interpretations of these findings are provided. The results also show that environmental inequality associated with income level, which is observed in the U.S., does not occur in China.

The impact of climate change is undeniable: considering the significant carbon footprint of surgical activity, there is an urgent need to pursue sustainability in the operating room as well. At the Breast Surgery Clinic of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, a prospective study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of a series of measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact in the operating room. 34 women affected by invasive breast cancer T1-2, cN0 underwent quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB): 17 according to a standard, high environmental impact approach; 17 according to a green approach based on the "5 R rule" (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, research). The implementation of measures such as the use of indocyanine green (ICG) for SNLB, the use of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, the minimization of waste production, the use of reusable gowns, drapes and surgical instruments and the separate collection of non-infectious plastic waste resulted not only in a reduced environmental impact, but also in benefits for patients, who were spared a hospital admission the day before surgery, the administration of a radiotracer, and, in 58.8% of cases, an overnight stay. Considering the alarming data regarding the threat to our health, it is both possible and necessary to adopt virtuous behaviors in the operating room that reverse the current trend of emitting greenhouse gases.

Higher education equips youth with the requisite knowledge and skills for navigating environmental education and sustainability. The current study aims to test a comprehensive model for integrating environmental education and sustainability principles within the higher education ecosystem. The model emphasizes problem-based and service-learning approaches, technological integration, and behaviour change models to foster environmental education, and community engagement and enhance overall well-being. In this study, researchers examined the impact of curriculum, extracurricular activities, and community engagement as independent variables on dependent variables namely environmental education, sustainability, and well-being while also considering the mediating role of the undergraduates' awareness level. Data was collected from a higher education academic Institute in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using Smart-Partial Least Squares (PLS) software was used to test these hypothesized relationships empirically. The study findings revealed a significant positive impact of curriculum development, extracurricular activities, and community engagement efforts on elevating undergraduates' awareness levels. Awareness levels mediated the effect of environmental education, sustainability, and well-being, highlighting the need to integrate environment-related topics into academic and extracurricular activities. This underscores higher education's potential to shape eco-conscious leaders by infusing environmental education into academic life. These findings have implications for higher education institutions, policymakers, and community organizers, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to environmental education for a sustainable society. By fostering environmental awareness among youth and integrating it into broader societal initiatives, educational institutions can play a crucial role in shaping a generation committed to sustainability and well-being.

Risk management for technological hazards mainly focuses on the consequences on human lives. Although technological risk analysis evaluates environmental vulnerability, it does not reflect the consequences on environmentally exposed elements, such as rivers, water springs, flora, and fauna. This paper's objective was to propose a conceptual framework and create a multidisciplinary evaluation model for environmental risk analysis in the oil and gas industry. Initially, the problem was approached from a global perspective to justify the necessity of a holistic environmental risk analysis methodology in the oil industry, using environmental risk factors as well as underlying factors, such as environmental fragility and lack of resilience. The holistic assessment was carried out based on probabilistic risk analysis methodologies to obtain a holistic environmental risk index, HERI. This methodology was applied to an oil and gas industry company in Colombia. This allowed greater disaggregation of the results to establish priorities for risk reduction actions and identify the company's weaknesses.

The broad and rapid application of new genomic techniques (NGTs) such as CRISPR-Cas has led to a fast increase in the number of genetically modified crops. With the recently published EU Commission’s (EC) regulatory proposal on plants generated with NGTs (July 5, 2023) the process of admission of such genetically modified plants is aimed to get accelerated and simplified. NGT plant applications shall be categorized based on their molecular characteristics into category 1 NGT (NGT1) and category 2 NGT (NGT2), which is in divergence from the current legislation centered around Directive 2001/18/EC. In the regulatory proposal NGT2 plants are envisioned to undergo a reduced risk assessment while for NGT1 plants no risk assessment is foreseen at all. To demonstrate were the path of the proposal leads to in practice, we applied the proposed criteria for categorization to a list of NGT plant applications that are currently in the commercialization pipeline. A key finding is that out of those plant applications affected by the EC proposal, 94% would be classified as NGT1 and thus would receive a market approval without risk assessment, monitoring and sufficient labeling provisions. The remaining 6% of applications would be classified as NGT2 plants for which, in deviation from the current regulation, an adapted risk assessment is proposed. A screening of intended traits in the pipeline highlights that certain NGT1 plants can pose similar environmental risks (e.g. invasiveness) compared to other genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as defined in Directive 2001/18/EC. For example, NGT1 applications based on RNAi technology can exhibit insecticidal effects with potential side effects on non-target organisms (i.e. other insects). Our quantitative and case-specific elaboration on how the current EC regulatory proposal would affect the environment, health or consumer protection will be informative for decision makers and politicians.

In this article we investigate the impact of “Renewable Electricity Output” on green economy in the context of circular economy for 193 countries in the period 2011-2020. We use data from World Bank ESG framework. We perform Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, WLS, and Pooled OLS. Our results show that Renewable Electricity Output is positively associated, among others, to “Adjusted Savings-Net Forest Depletion” and “Renewable Energy Consumption” and negatively associated, among others, to “CO2 Emission” and “Cooling Degree Days”. Furthermore, we perform a cluster analysis implementing the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Elbow Method and we find the presence of 4 clusters. Finally, we confront seven different machine learning algorithms to predict the future level of “Renewable Electricity Output”. Our results show that Linear Regression is the best algorithm and that the future value of renewable electricity output is predicted to growth on average at a rate of 0.83% for the selected countries.

This study inscribes itself in the global discussion on the nurturing of pro-environmental behaviors among young people for a sustainable future. Here we focus on students' interest in Ecosystem Services and Sustainability to explain their awareness and optimism about the environmental issues of air pollution, water shortage and green gas emission in 50 countries around the world. To this end, we use the cross-sectional survey data of the OECD's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015, along with seemingly unrelated bi-variate weighted ordered Probit modeling with country specific effects. The results show that in addition to factors such as age, gender, immigration status, and economic, social and cultural status, interest in the biosphere is a significant determinant of students' environmental awareness and optimism. In fact, a one level increase in students' interest in ecosystem services and sustainability raises on average their awareness level by 15.3% for the issue of air pollution, 15.7% for the issue of water shortage, and 24.6% for the issue of green gas emission. Although students' interest in the biosphere seems to not have a significant effect on their expectations about the issue of green gas emission, it does however raise their level of optimism by 0.8% for the issue of air pollution, and 0.2% for the issue of water shortage. Furthermore, every one level increase in students' environmental awareness leads to 17.3% more optimism about the issue of air pollution, 15.8% more optimism about the issue of water shortage, and 17.4% more optimism about the issue of green gas emission. Therefore, relying on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), our results imply that governments and policy makers can successfully leverage young people interests in the biosphere to effectively achieve their goals for sustainability.

In this paper, we reviewed 42 studies on applied Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in dairy products published since 2015. Such a systematic review of the literature contributes to addressing the gap regarding the usefulness of the LCA methodology and the need for additional research due to limited studies, data, variables, and the magnitude of environmental impact. We analyzed various environmental impacts generated in the environment, compared methods and results, and highlighted emerging issues affecting society, the economy, and the environment, warranting further investigation. Additionally, we statistically analyzed the effects that the choice of functional unit and allocation rule could have on the results. LCA is a key tool for assessing the environmental sustainability of the agri-food sector. This review aims to summarize case study research on LCA in dairy processing, disseminating potential environmental impacts and providing specific examples of research in dairy processing demonstrating how the representative end product is associated with environmental impacts on air, water, and land.

A platform for indoor monitoring inside buildings, integrating both conventional and environmentally friendly devices with energy-harvesting sources, is proposed. Biomaterials such as gelatin and chitosan, derived from renewable resources, have been utilized to fabricate hydrogel and active layers for sensors and supercapacitors. These devices enhance the environmental profile of the proposed solution by employing sustainable materials and optimizing energy consumption. The developed electronic board prototype provides a versatile platform for testing various sensor configurations while accommodating different energy-harvesting sources. The article details the design of an energy harvesting system for indoor monitoring, covering various aspects regarding energy sources, power management circuits, and low-power microcontroller units. It examines energy storage devices and sensors, including both eco-friendly and commercial ones, as well as radio transceivers with different communication technologies. Additionally, an energy analysis to evaluate the performance and energy efficiency of the platform is presented.

Fluoride (iF) is important inorganic pollutant in groundwater in central México. The aim of this study was estimated environmental risk exposure of iF in residents of Jerez Zacatecas México. Fifty-five tap water samples were collected from households to determine iF concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method. Based on these environmental values, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) was estimated following the methodology of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Subsequently, risk maps were generated from these values to visualize the spatial distribution of high-risk areas within the city. iF in tap water ranger in concentration from 1.3 – 7.3 mg/L (ppm). We estimated HQ in a range of 0.63 to 3.73. iF ex-posure in tap water is a health problem that must be addressed, carrying out risk communication actions that allow the population to take care of their health through simple actions, avoiding future health costs.

The sustainable development of the country, particularly in hilly regions, encounters formidable challenges attributed to the gradual degradation of environmental conditions in these areas. Over time, disputes have arisen concerning forests, water sources, and other natural assets. The present analysis focuses on the environmental conflicts surrounding the Chamera Stage-I hydroelectric project in the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh. This analysis is based on perception surveys conducted within local communities and field studies examining ecological and environmental parameters. These parameters include the loss of green cover, decline in biodiversity, depletion of natural resources, disruption of access to common property, disturbances in the ecological cycle, alterations in microclimate, changes in land use patterns, and the loss of ethnobotanical and wild edible fruit plants. Local communities overwhelmingly assert that these conflicts have arisen due to the construction of the dam. They firmly hold the view that higher authorities disregard the environmental and ecological impact as a crucial consideration in any project. Consequently, as communities grapple with survival challenges, conflicts with authorities emerge over environmental issues. The analysis also highlights measures to mitigate these adverse impacts and proposes an enhanced collaborative approach in handling such projects to address conflicts more effectively.

The paper presents modelling of relationships between wind velocity distributions observed in Poland and technical requirements for wind power stations design. The wind velocities distributions for various locations in Poland are determined, and expressed in Weibull distribution parameters. Theoretical computations concerning the dependence of wind power station as function of wind speed and aire physical properties are presented. Conclusions important for design of power stations fitted to atmospheric conditions in Poland are given. Wind power plants have been an important source of electricity generation for many years.Wind power modelling with the use of wind speed is used to improve the accuracy of forecasts and analyses of the power production of wind farms.

This article presents the results of research on the influence of polymetallic dust aerial emissions on the pollution levels in the soil and plants by heavy metals which have been under impact of the “Severonickel” smelter complex on the Kola peninsula (Russia) for many years. Research using soil- and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 1980-1999 (high aerotechnogenic emissions) and 2000-2019 (low aerotechnogenic emissions). The organic horizon (forest litter) of the Al-Fe-humus podzol, leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus L., V. vitis-idaea L., V. uliginosum L., Empetrum hermaphroditum Hagerup and one-year old Scots pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. as well as tree rings of Pinus sylvestris L. were used for bioindication research. The content of heavy metals was determined by the AAS method. During these time periods, the volume of atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide decreased 5 fold, polymetallic dust by 3.5 times, while the level of forest litter pollution by heavy metals in the buffer zone increased by 2 times, and did not change significantly in the impact zone. The decrease in atmospheric emissions of pollutants led to a 1.5- fold increase in the width of the annual rings of pine trunks in the impact zone, while in the buffer zone the differences were insignificant. At present, the content of Ni and Cu in the leaves of the wild dwarf-shrubs and pine needles in the impact zone has decreased by 5 times compared with 1980-1999 due to a decrease in polymetallic dust on the leaf surface.

Introduction. Environmental Health in a Global World at New York University was re-designed as a class participatory effort, challenging undergraduate students to understand environmental hazards and the resultant adverse health outcomes by embracing the inherent complexity of environmental risks and proposing solutions. Methods. Following introductory lectures, students are placed into teams and assigned a specific perspective, or avatar, which includes learning to see the challenge from the perspective of a technical expert such as a biologist, an engineer, or an anthropologist. The teams then design specific systems maps to visualize the complex interactions that lead to adverse health outcomes after a given environmental exposure. The maps highlight potential leverage points, where relatively minor interventions can provide a disproportionate benefit in health outcomes. The teams then explore potential interventions and identify the potential unintended consequences of those actions, develop and advocate for innovative new strategies to mitigate risk and improve outcomes. Results and Discussion. Over the past 5 years we have taught this methodology to over 680 students with strong, student-oriented results. The teams created and presented more than 100 strategies, addressing a diverse set of environmental challenges that include water contamination, gun violence, air pollution, environmental justice, health security, and climate change. Developing the strategies helped the students understand environmental threats in a more holistic way, provided them with some agency in finding solutions, and offered an opportunity for them to improve their presentation skills. The responses in course evaluations have been enthusiastic, with many students reporting a deep impact on their college experience.

There is consensus over the fact that urban green areas contribute to the quality of life of their inhabitants. So, efficient city management must assess whether the population has access to green areas and their quality in relation to vegetation, facilities or furnishings, for example. Therefore, the objective set is to establish the environmental justice of urban parks in Tarragona (Spain) by developing a Park Quality Index (PQI) and the sociodemographic characteristics (level of studies, Human Development Index [HDI], home sale and rental prices) of the population living within 300 metres of a park. To prepare this, a GIS-integrated Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) has been produced. The results show that the green areas have low accessibility and availability and that most parks obtain an average-low PQI, with the best- valued aspect being the vegetation and the worst the facilities. As for the degree of environmental justice, a casual relationship emerges between the PQI and the indicators used. The average value of the home sale prices is the one that shows the greatest correlation. These results can be used together with participatory procedures as a basis for identifying places with greater inequality, and for selecting the more effective actions that enable increasing environmental justice with respect to green areas.

Bats play important ecosystem roles. Anthropogenic activities cause the decrease and loss of biological diversity and, consequently, the loss of these ecosystem services. One way of measuring local habitat conditions and relating the landscape to biodiversity. Our objective is to investigate how the bat community is influenced by this change in the landscape. Collections were carried out at five points and 76 individuals of 12 species are sampled. Although the points present a high variation in relation to land use, we did not observe any correlation between species richness and guilds with land use. However, the difference in the composition of the guilds is related to the variation in land use, in which 74% of the variation in the abundance of guilds is related to the different patterns of land use. At SENAI, even though it was the place with the greatest anthropic impact, it was the one with the greatest abundance of species, while the points Module two and Sítio Jaburu had the greatest abundance of guilds. This result corroborates the idea that ecosystem services are dependent on habitat maintenance, since the greater the heterogeneity the greater the difference in the composition of the trophic guilds.

Governance is one of the most essential instruments for environmental management. Biodiversity is in the core field of environmental governance. Yet environmental authorities are persistently challenged the loss of biodiversity as a very important global issue for several years due to high dependent exposure to risks. The study attempts to relook at the key governance tools that strengthen policies towards managing biodiversity within and around the national park’s survey in Moulvibazar district. The study showed that biodiversity related legislation amended was the highest in Bangladesh for the period of 2010 to 2016. The growth of policy instruments maximized at but in low environmental governance services within the same period. The study assessed that the existing environmental policy instrument is inadequate and sluggish for effective conservation, compared with several others governance tools and various performances are still below par. Governance knowledge is indispensable for biodiversity management but such knowledge is poorly identified. These results reflect the importance of effective governance for transparency that the State provides. The research is to represent a dynamic and adaptable framework that can be applied for collective governance relevant to policy integration, participation and enforcement in order to foster environmental conservation sustainability.

Background: Dengue incidence has grown dramatically around the world in recent years. It transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Many factors contributed to the vector densities such as environmental and sociological factors. Objective: This study is aimed at determining the environmental and sociological factors contributing to dengue cases. Methods: The study used questionnaire survey involving 379 respondent with dengue history. Result: The study showed that there is significant association between the time departs to work and mobility of respondents (95%CI = 2.779 and 5.594, p < 0.0001). Similarly, there is significant association between the time of arrival to work and mobility of respondents (95%CI = 1.617 and 2.155, p < 0.0001). Moreover, the type of housing and the surrounding vegetation were the environmental factors that showed significant values; p = 0.023, and p = 0.017. Conclusion: The study indicated the factors contributed are patient who lived in independent houses and the time of mobility patient.

This paper reexamines climate justice through the framework of environmental sociology, offering fresh perspectives on the intersection of social and ecological systems in the face of escalating global climate crises. It emphasizes that inequality lies at the heart of global climate politics, often obstructing pathways toward achieving true climate justice. Drawing from established traditions within environmental sociology—such as the new ecological paradigm, the post-growth society, and the environmental justice paradigm—the paper advocates for profound systemic and structural reforms in political and economic systems to tackle entrenched inequalities. By integrating these frameworks, the paper proposes a comprehensive model of climate justice, encompassing material, procedural, compensatory, and transformative justice. This holistic approach not only addresses environmental sustainability but also prioritizes social equity, ensuring that marginalized communities are included in the global response to climate change. The paper thus positions climate justice as a critical component of broader environmental and social transformation.

Even though, graphene family materials (GFMs) hold great promise for various applications, there are still significant knowledge gaps in ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment associated with their potential environmental impacts. Here, we provide a critical perspective on published ecotoxicity studies of GFMs based on a meticulous bibliometric research. Analysis of the available data revealed that to date, ecotoxicity studies with GFMs have been carried out predominantly using freshwater species (82%), while their effects on marine or terrestrial or-ganisms are understudied. Three groups of organisms were found dominating ecotoxicological research: fish (39%), algae (20%) and arthropoda (20%) predominantly applying small, planktonic crustaceans. It was also revealed that despite their widespread detection in different environ-mental compartments the potential impacts of GFMs in complex test systems with hierarchical trophic organisation or in trophic transfer studies are significantly under-represented. One of the main causes was identified as the difficulties in the physicochemical characterisation of GFMs in complex terrestrial test systems or in aquatic micro- and mesocosm studies containing a sediment phase. The lack of tools for adequate characterisation of GFMs in these complex test systems may discourage researchers from conducting experiments under environmentally relevant test condi-tions. However, in the coming years, fundamental research about these complex test systems will con-tinue to better understand the mechanism behind GFMs toxicity affecting organisms in different environmental compartments and to ensure their safe and sustainable use in the future.

In this article we investigate the role of “Renewable Energy Consumption” in the context of Circular Economy. We use data from the World Bank for 193 countries in the period 2011-2020. We perform several econometric techniques i.e., Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Pooled OLS, WLS. Our results show that “Renewable Energy Consumption” is positively associated among others to “Cooling Degree Days” and “Adjusted savings: net forest depletion” and negatively associated among others to “GHG net emissions/removals by LUCF” and “Mean Drought Index”. Furthermore, we perform a cluster analysis with the application of the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient and we find the presence of two clusters. Finally, we compare eight different machine learning algorithms to predict the value of Renewable Energy Consumption. Our results show that the Polynomial Regression is the best algorithm in the sense of prediction and that on average the renewable energy consumption is expected to growth of 2.61%.

In response to the growing environmental concerns and sustainability imperatives in the (GCC) and the world in general, companies are increasingly being urged to integrate environmental accountability into their core strategies and operations by accounting for environmental performance in their financial statements and the impact on supply chains and sustainable development. The problem of the study is to identify the impact of environmental accounting disclosure challenges on supply chains and sustainable development in companies. By taking the experiments of 20 companies and representatives of the study community interested in the topic, and using the heuristic research approach through the questionnaire tool and a set of key variables, including the adoption of disclosure on environmental accounting performance (DEAP), supply chain sustainability performance(SP), Sustainable Development Index(SD), and using the (PLS) program, in the statistical analysis, the study reached the most important results: The study revealed a positive relationship between the disclosure of environmental accounting performance, improved supply chains and sustainable development in the companies represented by the study sample in the (GCC), where both financial performance and environmental performance contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and supply chains. Accordingly, the study recommends many recommendations, the most important of which are: the need for companies to be encouraged to disclose the performance of environmental accounting as a strategic necessity, promote more sustainable supply chain management, improve financial performance, and effectively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, thereby enhancing sustainability within companies and across supply chains, the study also recommends the need to continue studies in this aspect, especially in the (GCC) and East Asian countries, to urge companies to disclose the performance of environmental accounting in their financial statements.

Digital transformation process gained significant research interest over the past years especially when related with achievements in sustainability goals. Even though there exist growing research regarding various aspects of digital transformation and sustainability procedure, a more detailed analysis is needed in different national environments. Proposed study empirically analyzes the Greek managers’ perspective for the relationship between digital management intensity and environmental performance. Almost 60 Greek senior managers from various organizational sectors were interviewed, while a synthetic index already developed from previous studies was used. Results indicate that Greek companies are not fully exploit digital technologies to further develop their environmental practices. Digital transformation strategy is contributing effectively to environmental strategies in the case of reducing emissions of waste and avoid environmental accidents, while in the rest of cases emerging technologies play a less important role and not as a part of an holistic digital strategy.

Depression marsh intra- and interspecific facilitation in Southeast Florida, dominated by Hypericum fasciculatum, Stillingia aquatica, and Rhynchospora tracyi were studied as a third installment to the author’s ongoing interest in “Hypericum-Stillingia (HS) marsh” vegetation. The project includes a contextual overview in relation to the HS marsh environmental filter, stress-gradient-hypothesis, and harsh-habitat trait convergence vs. divergence. Using field measurements, transects, and quadrats, the effort focused mainly on two research questions: 1. Does the Hypericum fasciculatum microdistribution relate to marsh microtopography? 2. Does H. fasciculatum have positive or negative associations with other species? Tempered by “cause and effect” concerns, the results supported positive feedback autogenic site alteration by H. fasciculatum along with interspecific facilitation.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is increasingly prevalent in the quantification of environmental status in the building sector, following new legislative frameworks. Countries need to quantify and assess their environmental impacts as a previous base for regulation and decision making. In this context, standardised national data sets are being developed, based on consensus with manufacturers: sectoral Environmental Product Declarations. This study focuses on assessing these EPDs with the aim of providing relevant information for global decision-making, focusing on consistency and pointing out shortcomings. An assessment has been carried out both at national level, considering all sectoral EPDs and declared products, and at international level, with three common building materials (brick, steel and concrete). The results highlight the lack of traceability in the development and assessment of uncertainty, resulting in substantial discrepancies in reported impacts, especially in the later stages of the life cycle (up to 90% difference). Meanwhile, impacts such as Global Warming Potential or total renewable and non-renewable primary energy use show homogeneous values in the cradle-to-gate stages with differences generally less than 10%. The analysis of sectoral EPDs should be a design guide with environmental sustainability criteria, as the last section of this study attempts to focus on.

Buildings can play an important role in reducing GHG emissions through increased energy efficiency. The European Commission issued a proposal in 2021 suggesting that all new buildings should be “zero-emission Buildings” (ZEB), aiming at a zero GHG emission building stock by 2050.The extent to which ZEB can contribute to reduced GHG emissions, however, varies between countries, due to different energy systems. It is also important to consider other environmental effects to avoid that climate benefits come with unintended consequences.Here, we explore the life-cycle environmental performance for a ZEB in a case where electricity and heating is largely fossil-free. The assessment concentrates on i) environmental impact of the use stage in relation to the product stage, ii) the interrelation between different energy sources, with attention on household electricity, and iii) the performance for more impact categories than primary energy use and climate change. While our results generally support the use of ZEBs from an environmental perspective, they also show that the climate benefit in this setting is marginal. However, given that energy systems are connected and energy savings in one place can reduce the demand for fossil energy elsewhere, the climate benefit of ZEBs is likely underestimated. Besides methdological implications for future studies, this indicates that current EU policy is promising, as incentives for implementation of ZEBs is unaffected by domestic effects.

This study investigates the link between Albania's carbon emissions and various economic factors from 1995 to 2022 to establish the effect of the country’s real estate sector on the environment. Using EViews 12, we assess potential linkages between carbon emission levels, total number of con-struction permits, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and energy resources. The results indicate the direct relationship between construction permits, economic activities, and carbon emissions, meaning that the current development path does not support environmental sustainability. However, the assessment reveals certain trends to increase the usage of renewable energy accords that may dramatically decrease carbon levels. These results indicate Albanian policymakers' need to adopt regulations supporting sustainability in the real estate market. Promoting investment in renewable energy sources is imperative so far as the Albanian country context is concerned as it is an essential step towards enhancing environmental quality.

In southern South America, zonal flora, defined by macroclimatic conditions, is strongly influenced by an aridity filter near 29°S. Cushion bogs, high-altitude wetlands along the Andes, display homogeneous flora with cushion species dominance, contrasting with zonal vegetation. Despite being influenced by microclimatic conditions, these ecosystems experience varied environmental effects. This study identifies environmental filters affecting bog communities along a broad-scale latitudinal gradient from 15°S to 42°S. We analyzed 420 bogs and 284 species across three macroclimatic regions with distinct summer, winter, and transitional arid rainfall regimes. Using variance partitioning and membership-based regionalization models, we examined the impacts of climatic, edaphic, and spatial variables on beta diversity. We also assessed species' niche overlap and the influence of environmental filters on the communities' phylogenetic diversity. Results show that species turnover and niche overlap vary with macroclimatic differences, delineating three distinct regions. Notably, phylogenetic clustering in the driest part of the gradient (23°S —24°S) highlights the impact of the environmental filter. Aridity and temperature variations at a broad scale serve as environmental filters shaping the composition of bog communities across southern South America.

The Philippines has the highest HIV incidence rate in the Asia-Pacific region. Previous studies identified multilevel factors contributing to this phenomenon. This scoping review describes the extent of the literature on HIV contributory factors and identifies gaps to guide directions for HIV prevention research. The keywords HIV incidence, individual, sociocultural, environmental factors, and Philippines, were used to search for evidence on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 1,017 peer-reviewed articles published in the English language from 2014 to 2024 were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review protocol. Thirty articles were included in this review. The majority of the available evidence was quantitative studies published between 2020 and 2024. Individual, sociocultural, economic, educational, political, and environmental factors shaped the Philippines’ HIV epidemic. Low levels of HIV knowledge, low testing rates, high-risk sex behaviors, stigma, lifestyle, location, lack of HIV education in schools, conservative society, and restrictive policies are HIV contributing factors. The Philippine HIV epidemic is multifactorial. Identifying the contributory factors is crucial in developing targeted interventions for high-risk populations. A dedicated HIV research program is needed to provide evidence-based information to guide the development of HIV preventive programs and research.

This study grounded in the Affective Events Theory, explores how post-pandemic urban residents' nostalgic tourism influences environmental behaviors in rural areas. The article constructs a model of pro-environmental behavior in rural settings with nostalgic tourism as the antecedent variable, environmental responsibility and awe as mediators, ecological concern as a moderating variable, and pro-environmental behavior as the outcome variable. Analyzing 535 valid survey responses from urban residents and utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test research hypotheses reveals that nostalgic tourism significantly impacts environmental responsibility and awe. Environmental responsibility mediates between nostalgic tourism and pro-environmental behavior, forming a serial mediation chain with awe psychology, and its mediating effect is significant. However, awe psychology forms a serial mediation chain between nostalgic tourism and pro-environmental behavior, and its mediating effect is insignificant. Notably, environmental concern does not moderate the relationship between environmental responsibility and pro-environmental behavior, indicating no support for this hypothesis. The positive role of nostalgic tourism in pro-environmental behavior at rural tourism destinations enriches theoretical research on the nexus between nostalgia and environmental behavior, providing insights into the sustainable development of rural environments and the operation of rural tourism.

Factors responsible of species distribution were intensively investigated in the past, including response at different spatial scales. The aim of the present research is to review the most relevant factors explaining chironomid species distribution focusing to factors operating at different spatial scales, such as latitude, longitude, altitude, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients acting at regional, country, water basin extension. Data including chironomid species abundances from different lentic and lotic waters from Italy and other surrounding countries were analyzed with different multivariate methods: partial canonical correspondence analysis and multiple discriminant analysis. Spatial analysis included univariate Moran’I correlograms, multivariate Mantel correlograms and Moran’s Eigenvectors Maps (MEM) calculation. The results confirmed previous conclusions, that is habitat type including different running waters reaches (kryal, krenal, rhthral, potamal) and different lake types is the most significant factor in separating chironomid assemblages and spatial factors act only as indirect influencers..

Humanity is currently facing several global problems, such as global warming, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, desertification and land degradation, which are connected to the consequences of negative human activity. One of the possible and effective institutional tools for environmental protection is the environmental education of the general population. It is a relatively well-known and used environmental protection policy tool that governments of all developed countries have in their instrument mix. This qualitative analysis assigned itself the task of investigating whether the ability of environmental education can be affected by certain neuropsychological diseases in addition to thinking about the psychology of environmental education at large. In order to fulfill this main task, the authors asked themselves the following research questions: 1st - Is pedagogical psychology identical and also applicable in the case of environmental education? And 2nd - What effect do some neuropsychological disorders have on the ability of environmental education? Based on the study, analysis, selection and comparison of current professional scientific works obtained from the research activities of current researches on this topic, it is possible to accept the premise that the psychology of environmental education is basically the same as the general psychology of education and that neuropsychological diseases do indeed affect the ability of environmental education similarly to scholarly education.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was most important flame retardant in Expanded Polystyrene foam and Extruded Polystyrene foam in the past forty years in the world. China was the major producer and user of HBCD, and the total HBCD production was about 0.3 million tons. Although HBCD has been completely banned in China in 2021 because of its long-range transport, bioaccumulation and toxicity, there's still a lot of residues in environment. Therefore, we reviewed multiple studies concerning the distribution of HBCD in diverse environmental matrices, such as air, dust, soil, water, sediment and biota. Results revealed that HBCD levels in different environments in China present a geographical variation and were at high level compared with other countries. In all environmental media, relatively high HBCD concentrations have been found in industrial and urban areas. Industrialization and urbanization are two important factors that influence the concentration and distribution of HBCD in the environment. In terms of isomer, γ-HBCD was the dominant isomer in soil, water, and sediment, while in the biota, α-HBCD was the predominant isomer.

Amaranth has the potential to support Malawi's food and nutrition security, income generation and livelihoods, and climate change resilience efforts. Due to the high genetic variability of Ama-ranth, there is a need to develop stable and high-yielding genotypes for sustainable production. To determine the degree of genetic stability in different environments, five Amaranth accessions were subjected to stability analysis. The experiment was carried out at three sites (Bunda, Bembeke, and Chipoka) for two seasons in 2020-2021 in the central region of Malawi. It was laid out in Ran-domized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Eberhart and Russell linear regres-sion model was used for stability analysis and Pearson correlation was used to test the relationship between variables. Environmental variance + (genotype x environment) was significant for four of the parameters studied, namely grain yield, plant height, leaf length, and leaf width, indicating the presence of a remarkable interaction between genotypes and environment. The results of a pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences at a 5% significance level among the Amaranth accessions, indicating inherent genetic variability. Using the linear regression model of Eberhart and Russell, accessions PE-LO-BH -01 and LL-BH -04 were identified as the highest yielding stable genotypes for leaf and grain yield, respectively. In addition, Bembeke site was the most favourable environment for all the accessions. Thus, to enhance the production of amaranth in Malawi, LL-BH-04 and PE-LO-BH-01 were put forward for release as varieties for grain and leaf respectively. These results will also guide and support for future breeding programs.

Mango flowering phenostages were recorded under global warming conditions to assess the relationship between environmental cues and flowering time shifts and their consequences on reproductive success. Phenological transition to floral destiny was studied in relation to standard metrological week and weather parameters. Shifting of phenostage was recorded in Bud swelling, which is important for the shoot transitioning from vegetative to flowering meristem. Variations were also recorded for panicle elongation and early anthesis. The critical temperature for Bud burst stage was estimated for Dashehari, Langra, Amrapali and Chausa while Chausa had the propensity for late flowering correlated with higher temperature. The shifting of phenological calendar in response to weather parameters was obvious and needed a bigger range of yearly data for arriving at the climatic drives. In general, the results revealed that flower intensity was positively correlated with temperature, sunshine hours and evaporation while humidity showed a negative correlation. Hermaphrodite Flower % is an important attribute affecting fruit set and yield and was found most variable in the two years in the case of the three alternate bearing cultivars. In conclusion, it can be inferred that weather parameters prevailing in subtropics affect flowering intensity and consequently its fate i.e.; fruit yield.

The thermal insulation properties of building walls are critical to the overall energy efficiency and comfort of a building. One important factor that can affect these properties is the type of bricks used in construction. Bricks can vary in their geometry and thermal coefficient, which can impact their ability to transfer heat through the wall. The geometry of a brick can affect its thermal properties by altering the amount of air trapped within it and the surface area available for heat transfer. Hollow bricks or those with complex geometries may have lower thermal conductivity than regular solid bricks due to the air pockets trapped within them. Conversely, larger surface areas on the exterior of the brick can increase heat transfer. The thermal coefficient of clay, a common material used in brick production, is another important factor. Clay has a relatively low thermal conductivity, meaning it is a poor conductor of heat. However, the quality of the clay, as well as the firing temperature and duration used in brick production, can impact its thermal coefficient. Higher firing temperatures and longer firing times can result in a more compact and dense clay brick, which can improve its thermal properties. In summary, the thermal insulation properties of building walls can be significantly affected by the type of bricks used in their construction. It is important to consider the geometry and thermal coefficient of the bricks when designing a building to achieve the desired level of thermal insulation. By selecting bricks with appropriate properties, designers can help to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the building while reducing its environmental impact.