1
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Liu X, Qiu H. Impact of sanitary and phytosanitary measures on agri-products quality upgrading and environmental protection. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297787. [PMID: 38578812 PMCID: PMC10997108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Protecting human, animal, and plant life or health from additives, toxins, and contaminants in agri-products and promoting green free trade are the main components of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. However, the SPS measures are heterogeneous. This study examines the impact of SPS measures on the measured export quality and discusses their influence on the environmental protection of the exporting country. International heterogeneous measures do not necessarily promote quality upgrading but greatly increase transaction costs. By contrast, China's agri-product' quality upgrading and environmental pollution are in sharp contrast. Based on a heterogeneous firm-trade model, this study obtains three hypothetical propositions and conducts empirical regressions using the Tobit method. This study finds that heterogeneous SPS measures hinder quality upgrading because firms present a different quality upgrading trend, which in turn impedes the environmental protection of the exporting country; the quality upgrading made by diversified SOEs is higher than that of foreign firms and private firms; the quality upgrading made by general firms is higher than that of processing firms; and protective SPS measures have a stronger negative effect on quality upgrading and environmental protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Liu
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Zhejiang Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojun Qiu
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Zhejiang Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Ahmadi L, Shadbahr J, Shim GW, Hawco M. Review of the global evolution of regulations on single-use plastics and lessons drawn for Canada. Waste Manag Res 2024; 42:308-320. [PMID: 37491847 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x231184451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global problem and many countries are strengthening their regulations to mitigate the related environmental degradation and health risks and to support the development and deployment of circular economy for various types of plastics. As Canada also develops its strategy for regulating single-use plastic as one element of the plastic pollution, aligned federal and provincial policies are essential. This study presents an analysis of existing and emerging policies to provide guidance on Canada's future regulations. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding plastic regulations were gathered from similar countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and relevant scientific articles. Analysis was also conducted of current Canadian regulations that both impact and guide the path for plastic regulation, international examples provided guidance for future Canadian regulations. The analysis found that there is a need for public education on the gravity of plastic pollution to gain their support; for establishing pioneering provinces or cities in plastic regulations to learn from and provide other cities with support; and to start with banning items with available alternatives, to be followed by phasing out other items that are more difficult to replace. The study also showed potential areas of improvement in impact data. The need for reliable regulatory performance data against a baseline scenario; consistency in methodology; and proper scoping to reduce the risk of displacement or exclusivity in policy were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael Hawco
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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3
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Destek MA, Oğuz İH, Okumuş N. Do Trade and Financial Cooperation Improve Environmentally Sustainable Development: A Distinction Between de facto and de jure Globalization. Eval Rev 2024; 48:251-273. [PMID: 37280174 DOI: 10.1177/0193841x231181747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of growth strategies based on foreign trade, especially in the previous century when liberal policies began to dominate, is one of the main reasons for the increase in output and indirectly for environmental concerns. On the other hand, there are complex claims about the environmental effects of liberal policies and thus of globalization. This study intends to analyze the effects of global collaborations involving 11 transition economies that have completed the transition process on the environmentally sustainable development of these nations. In this direction, the effects of financial and commercial globalization indices on carbon emissions are investigated. The distinctions of globalization are used to distinguish the consequences of the two types of globalization. In doing so, the de facto and de jure indicator distinctions of globalization are used to differentiate the consequences of two types of globalization. In addition, the effects of real GDP, energy efficiency, and use of renewable energy on environmental pollution are dissected. For the main purpose of the study, the CS-ARDL estimation technique that allows cross-sectional dependency among observed countries is used to separate the short and long-run influences of explanatory variables. In addition, CCE-MG estimator is used for robustness check. According to the empirical findings, the economic growth and increasing energy intensity increases carbon emissions, but the increase in renewable energy consumption improves environmental quality. Furthermore, trade globalization does not have a significant impact on the environment in the context of globalization. On the other hand, the increase in de facto and de jure financial globalization indices results in an increase in carbon emissions, but de jure financial globalization causes more environmental damage. The harmful impact of de jure financial globalization on environmental quality suggests that the decreasing investment restrictions and international investment agreements of transition countries have been implemented in a manner that facilitates the relocation of investments from pollution-intensive industries to these countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nuh Okumuş
- Department of Economics, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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4
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Wagner M. We must protect the global plastics treaty from corporate interference. Nature 2024; 628:475. [PMID: 38632487 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
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5
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UN plastics treaty: don't let lobbyists drown out researchers. Nature 2024; 628:474. [PMID: 38632486 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
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6
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Liu D, Li X, Shi H, Chen Z. Advancing nuanced pollution control: Local improvements and spatial spillovers of policies on key enterprises. J Environ Manage 2024; 356:120533. [PMID: 38492422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of air pollution control policies targeting key polluting enterprises, highlighting a strategic shift towards precision pollution control that concentrates on high-emission, high-risk businesses. The paper explores the efficacy of these policies and their potential spatial spillover effects, utilizing panel data from 259 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2021. Employing the difference-in-differences (DID) model and spatial Durbin model, the study analyzes both the direct local effects and the broader spatial consequences of these regulatory measures on air quality. The findings indicate a significant reduction in air pollutant concentrations in urban areas, attributing this improvement to factors such as industrial restructuring, increased investment in science and technology, and economic growth. Spatial econometric analysis further reveals a substantial positive correlation in air quality among Chinese cities. However, estimates of the spillover effect indicate that while such policies successfully reduce pollution locally, they could unintentionally degrade air quality in adjacent areas. The study highlights the need for nuanced policy strategies to mitigate unintended spatial spillovers and enhance overall effectiveness. It recommends tailored policies that integrate environmental and socioeconomic objectives, national and regional coordination for consistent enforcement, technology-driven compliance strategies, and incentives for sustainable enterprise practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China.
| | - Haijia Shi
- Research Center of Circular Economy and Cleaner Production, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510535, China.
| | - Zuo Chen
- Guizhou Provincial Supervisory Commission, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550002, China
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7
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Jin Y, Gao T, Zhao B, Liu Y, Liu C, Qin M. Modeling spatial trends and exchange fluxes of contaminants in agricultural soil under pollution prevention measures. J Environ Manage 2024; 354:120419. [PMID: 38422570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Modeling the long-term trends of contaminants in topsoil under controlled measures is critical for sustainable agricultural environmental management. Traditional mass balance equations cannot predict spatial variation and exchange flux of regional soil contaminants for it lacks a method of assigning input-output parameters to each simulated cell. To overcome this limitation, we allocate the estimated source contribution flux to the spatial grid cell in the regional chemical mass balance by integrated positive matrix factorization (P-RCMB) with historical trends quantification. Focusing on Cd and As, which are elements with elevated risks of food intake and volatilization/infiltration, the model is applied to 30 ha of agricultural land near the enterprise. Predictions indicate an additional 13.5% of the soil is contaminated, and approximately 2.57 ha may accrue after 100 years at the site, with an uncertainty range of 0.98-5.3 ha. Clean water irrigation (CWI) reduces contamination expansion by approximately 42%, including approximately 4813 g ha-1 yr-1 net As infiltration, playing a dominant role in preventing the formation of severely contaminated soil. Stop straw return, green fertilizers use, and reduced atmospheric deposition control the exchange flux of Cd (114.9 g ha-1 yr-1) in moderate/slight contamination areas. For the different contaminants' cumulative trends in dryland and paddy fields, achieving a net cumulative flux close to zero in marginally contaminated areas presents a viable approach to optimize current emission standards. if trade-off straw removal and additional fertilizer inputs, a straw return rate of approximately 40% in Cd-contaminated soil will yield overall benefits. This model contributes valuable insights and tools for policymaking in contaminated land sustainable utilization and emission standard optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China
| | - Ting Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China
| | - Bin Zhao
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Yizhang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China
| | - Chengshuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, PR China; National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Muhan Qin
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
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8
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Sharifinia M. Improve aquaculture with insect meal. Science 2024; 383:838. [PMID: 38386761 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Sharifinia
- Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Bushehr 75169-89177, Iran
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9
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Khan FU, Bugnar N, Zhang J, Badulescu A, Khan MWJ. Towards sustainable management: Exploring the role of internal monitoring in pollution prevention. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297926. [PMID: 38394172 PMCID: PMC10889615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Researchers in the field of sustainable management have recently dedicated significant efforts to understand why organizations exhibit diverse responses to environmental responsibilities. Ethical scholars assert that internal management plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability because of its attitude toward sustainable issues. In alignment with this perspective, our study formulates a framework for internal monitoring that underscores the significance of independent, female, international, and politically connected directors. We investigate how these internal monitors influence a company's commitment to promote sustainable investments for pollution prevention. By employing fixed effect model and generalized method of moments (GMM) on a dataset obtained from the largest emerging market-China over the period 2012 to 2019, our findings indicate that the mentioned monitors demonstrate a stronger commitment to pollution prevention by promoting corporate sustainable investments. In addition, our analysis reveals that when the government withdraws its involvement in enterprises, it has a notable negative impact on the connection between internal monitors and a company's efforts in pollution prevention. Our results imply that implementation of sustainable policies for pollution prevention fundamentally result from not only internal management, but also from powerful stakeholders (like government involvement). Moreover, our study educates the policy makers regarding the social consequences of governmental withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farman Ullah Khan
- Department of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University City College, Xi’an, China
| | - Nicoleta Bugnar
- Department of International Business, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Junrui Zhang
- Department of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University City College, Xi’an, China
| | - Alina Badulescu
- Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Muhammad Wasim Jan Khan
- Department of Management Sciences, University College of Zhob, BUITEMS Sub-Campus, Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan
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10
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He Y, Zhang X, Xie Q. Environmental regulation and carbon emission efficiency: Evidence from pollution levy standards adjustment in China. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296642. [PMID: 38300962 PMCID: PMC10833537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
China's economy experienced great growth, which also induces large carbon emission. Facing the target of "Carbon peak, Carbon neutrality" in China, it is vital to improve the carbon emission efficiency. Employing the spatial Difference-in-Differences model, this paper investigates the impact of environmental regulation on carbon emission efficiency with a quasi-natural experiment of Pollution Levy Standards Adjustment in China. Our empirical results show that the environmental regulation can significantly improve the carbon emission efficiency. moreover, two impact channels are explored: green innovation and industrial upgrading. More specifically, the green innovation increases with environmental regulation, and the increased green innovation improves carbon emission efficiency. The industry upgrading increases with environmental regulation, and the increased industry upgrading improves carbon emission efficiency. Finally, in terms of city heterogeneity, we find that the impact of environmental regulation will be more pronounced for larger cities and resource-based cities. Our findings suggest that the environmental regulation must be enhanced for both smaller cities and non-resource-based cities. Moreover, to promote the green innovation of firms, since green innovation is risky and costly, governments should provide more subsidies or grants on corporate green technologies, thus firms will be motivated to invest in green technologies to reduce carbon emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Work Committee for Offices Directly Under Chongqing Municipality, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Accounting School, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Xie
- Guangdong Western Digital Intelligence Accounting Development Research Center, Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology, China
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11
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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12
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Liu Z, Kong L, Xu K. The impact of public environmental preferences and government environmental regulations on corporate pollution emissions. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:119766. [PMID: 38071914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The Chinese government has attached great importance to pollution emission reduction. Since public environmental preference plays an important role in curbing polluting emissions by companies, this paper aims to explore the impact of public environmental preference and government environmental regulation on corporate pollution emissions. The coordinating role of environmental preference in the implementation of environmental regulatory policies is analyzed using pollution emission data of Chinese enterprises. The results show that both environmental preference and environmental regulation have significant inhibitory effects on corporate pollution emissions. The inhibitory effects are achieved by promoting the green technology progress. With high environmental preference, environmental regulation can effectively curb corporate emissions. This paper is helpful for policy makers to formulate ecological and environmental protection policies and cultivate public environmental preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- School of Economics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Lingqian Kong
- Institute of Ecological Civilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; School of Economics & Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Economics and Management, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
| | - Kai Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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13
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Vidal F, van der Marel ER, Kerr RWF, McElroy C, Schroeder N, Mitchell C, Rosetto G, Chen TTD, Bailey RM, Hepburn C, Redgwell C, Williams CK. Designing a circular carbon and plastics economy for a sustainable future. Nature 2024; 626:45-57. [PMID: 38297170 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06939-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The linear production and consumption of plastics today is unsustainable. It creates large amounts of unnecessary and mismanaged waste, pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, undermining global climate targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. This Perspective provides an integrated technological, economic and legal view on how to deliver a circular carbon and plastics economy that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions. Different pathways that maximize recirculation of carbon (dioxide) between plastics waste and feedstocks are outlined, including mechanical, chemical and biological recycling, and those involving the use of biomass and carbon dioxide. Four future scenarios are described, only one of which achieves sufficient greenhouse gas savings in line with global climate targets. Such a bold system change requires 50% reduction in future plastic demand, complete phase-out of fossil-derived plastics, 95% recycling rates of retrievable plastics and use of renewable energy. It is hard to overstate the challenge of achieving this goal. We therefore present a roadmap outlining the scale and timing of the economic and legal interventions that could possibly support this. Assessing the service lifespan and recoverability of plastic products, along with considerations of sufficiency and smart design, can moreover provide design principles to guide future manufacturing, use and disposal of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Vidal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eva R van der Marel
- Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Law, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ryan W F Kerr
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Caitlin McElroy
- Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nadia Schroeder
- Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Celia Mitchell
- Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gloria Rosetto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard M Bailey
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cameron Hepburn
- Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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14
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Yuan H, Liu J, Li X, Zhong S. The impact of digital economy on environmental pollution: Evidence from 267 cities in China. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297009. [PMID: 38277347 PMCID: PMC10817194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution has become a pressing global issue, severely threatening human health and ecosystems. As an emerging driver of economic development in countries worldwide, the digital economy (DE) has the potential to enhance resource utilization efficiency and promote the development of clean technologies, thereby reducing environmental pollution. Based on the panel data of 267 cities in China from 2012 to 2021, the spatial econometric model is used to test the impact of DE on environmental pollution. The mediating effect model is used to explore the transmission mechanism of DE affecting environmental pollution. The panel threshold model is used to examine the threshold effect of marketization. The results are as follows: (1) DE can significantly reduce environmental pollution. The conclusion is still valid after conducting robustness tests such as selecting historical data as instrumental variables and the "Broadband China" pilot as a quasi-natural experiment. (2) From the perspective of transmission mechanism, DE can reduce environmental pollution through green technology innovation and industrial structure upgrading. (3) From the perspective of spatial spillover effect, DE can reduce the environmental pollution level of surrounding cities. (4) From the perspective of threshold effect, DE has obvious market-oriented single threshold effect on environmental pollution. When the marketization level crosses the threshold of 11.6611, the emission reduction effect of DE is significant. (5) From the perspective of heterogeneity, DE has a heterogeneous impact on environmental pollution in cities with different geographic locations, resource endowments and administrative level. Regarding geographical heterogeneity, DE can effectively reduce environmental pollution in eastern and central regions, but has no significant impact on environmental pollution in western regions. Regarding the heterogeneity of resource endowment, compared to non-resource-based cities, resource-based cities suffer more from the negative effects of DE on their environment. Regarding the heterogeneity of administrative levels, compared with non-central cities, the DE of central cities has a greater emission reduction effect. Based on empirical results, this paper proposes strategic recommendations in areas such as enhancing the application of DE in emission reduction, upgrading industrial structures, promoting green technology innovation, and improving the level of marketization. This study not only enriches the research of DE and environmental pollution, but also provides a reference for the formulation of environmental pollution control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Yuan
- Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
| | - Shen Zhong
- Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
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15
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Ren Y, Wang G, Bai X, Su Y, Zhang Z, Han J. Research progress on remediation of organochlorine pesticide contamination in soil. Environ Geochem Health 2024; 46:25. [PMID: 38225511 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Deteriorated soil pollution has grown into a worldwide environmental concern over the years. Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues, featured with ubiquity, persistence and refractoriness, are one of the main pollution sources, causing soil degradation, fertility decline and nutritional imbalance, and severely impacting soil ecology. Furthermore, residual OCPs in soil may enter the human body along with food chain accumulation and pose a serious health threat. To date, many remediation technologies including physicochemical and biological ways for organochlorine pollution have been developed at home and abroad, but none of them is a panacea suitable for all occasions. Rational selection and scientific decision-making are grounded in in-depth knowledge of various restoration techniques. However, soil pollution treatment often encounters the interference of multiple factors (climate, soil properties, cost, restoration efficiency, etc.) in complex environments, and there is still a lack of systematic summary and comparative analysis of different soil OCP removal methods. Thus, to better guide the remediation of contaminated soil, this review summarized the most commonly used strategies for OCP removal, evaluated their merits and limitations and discussed the application scenarios of different methods. It will facilitate the development of efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly soil remediation strategies for sustainable agricultural and ecological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ren
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuanjiao Bai
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuying Su
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianping Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
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16
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Tang Y, Zhao W, Gao L, Zhu G, Jiang Y, Rui Y, Zhang P. Harnessing synergy: Integrating agricultural waste and nanomaterials for enhanced sustainability. Environ Pollut 2024; 341:123023. [PMID: 38008251 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to explore the cooperative use of agricultural waste and nanomaterials to improve environmental sustainability. The introduction highlights global environmental challenges and the objectives of integrating the two are highlighted. Valorization of agricultural waste is considered to reduce waste generation, while nanomaterials act as conversion catalysts that help to increase the efficiency of waste conversion and environmental remediation. In addition, synergistic approaches are discussed, including the combination of agricultural waste and nanomaterials, as well as the concept of enhanced resource management. The paper also presents case studies that demonstrate the success of such synergistic applications in pollution control and environmental remediation. Despite the challenges and risks, this approach can provide new ways to create more sustainable and resilient environments through the integration of resources, interdisciplinary cooperation and policy support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Bejing, 100193, China
| | - Weichen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guikai Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Bejing, 100193, China
| | - Yaqi Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Bejing, 100193, China
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Bejing, 100193, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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17
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Pathak G, Nichter M, Hardon A, Moyer E. The Open Burning of Plastic Wastes is an Urgent Global Health Issue. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:3. [PMID: 38223654 PMCID: PMC10786097 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The open burning of mixed wastes that contain plastics is a widespread practice across the globe, resulting in the release of gas emissions and ash residues that have toxic effects on human and environmental health. Although plastic pollution is under scrutiny as a pressing environmental concern, it is often conflated with plastic litter, and the contribution of the open burning of plastics to air, soil, and water pollution gets overlooked. Therefore, campaigns to raise awareness about plastic pollution often end up leading to increased open burning. Many countries or regions where open burning is prevalent have laws in place against the practice, but these are seldom effective. In this viewpoint, we direct attention to this critical but largely overlooked dimension of plastic pollution as an urgent global health issue. We also advocate interventions to raise awareness about the risks of open burning and emphasize the necessity of phasing out some particularly pernicious plastics in high-churn, single-use consumer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eileen Moyer
- University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, NL
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18
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Landrigan PJ, Britt M, Fisher S, Holmes A, Kumar M, Mu J, Rizzo I, Sather A, Yousuf A, Kumar P. Assessing the Human Health Benefits of Climate Mitigation, Pollution Prevention, and Biodiversity Preservation. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:1. [PMID: 38186855 PMCID: PMC10768568 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since the Industrial Revolution, humanity has amassed great wealth and achieved unprecedented material prosperity. These advances have come, however, at great cost to the planet. They are guided by an economic model that focuses almost exclusively on short-term gain, while ignoring natural capital and human capital. They have relied on the combustion of vast quantities of fossil fuels, massive consumption of the earth's resources, and production and environmental release of enormous quantities of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and plastics. They have caused climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, the "Triple Planetary Crisis". They are responsible for more than 9 million premature deaths per year and for widespread disease - impacts that fall disproportionately upon the poor and the vulnerable. Goals To map the human health impacts of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. To outline a framework for assessing the health benefits of interventions against these threats. Findings Actions taken by national governments and international agencies to mitigate climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss can improve health, prevent disease, save lives, and enhance human well-being. Yet assessment of health benefits is largely absent from evaluations of environmental remediation programs. This represents a lost opportunity to quantify the full benefits of environmental remediation and to educate policy makers and the public. Recommendations We recommend that national governments and international agencies implementing interventions against climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss develop metrics and strategies for quantifying the health benefits of these interventions. We recommend that they deploy these tools in parallel with assessments of ecologic and economic benefits. Health metrics developed by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study may provide a useful starting point.Incorporation of health metrics into assessments of environmental restoration will require building transdisciplinary collaborations. Environmental scientists and engineers will need to work with health scientists to establish evaluation systems that link environmental and economic data with health data. Such systems will assist international agencies as well as national and local governments in prioritizing environmental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, MC
| | - Michael Britt
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Samantha Fisher
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, US
| | | | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Isabella Rizzo
- The George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs, Washington D.C., US
| | - Anna Sather
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
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19
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Ward CP, Reddy CM, Edwards B, Perri ST. To curb plastic pollution, industry and academia must unite. Nature 2024; 625:658-662. [PMID: 38253760 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00155-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
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20
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Yang J, Wang Y, Tang C, Zhang Z. Can digitalization reduce industrial pollution? Roles of environmental investment and green innovation. Environ Res 2024; 240:117442. [PMID: 37879394 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Industrialized nations have witnessed a decline in environmental quality over the years. The potential of digitalization in mitigating environmental pollution is of significant interest. Drawing on firm-level data from listed Chinese companies between 2010 and 2020, including pollutant and financial metrics, this study investigates the influence of digitalization on industrial environmental pollution. We found that digitalization substantially diminishes the intensity of industrial pollution emissions. These findings hold even after employing instrumental variable tests, substituting the dependent variable with carbon dioxide emissions, and conducting a quasi-natural experiment in intelligent manufacturing. Moreover, our exploration of the underlying mechanisms reveals that the decline in pollution emission intensity attributable to digitalization stems from both structural and technological factors; specifically, it enhances environmental investment and fosters green innovation. The benefits of digitalization in curbing emission intensity are pronounced for firms characterized by lower pollution levels, executive leadership with environmental work backgrounds, heightened capital intensity, and elevated media coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- School of Economics & Management, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410076, China; School of Business, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, 410004, China.
| | - Yaozhong Wang
- School of Economics & Management, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410076, China.
| | - Chang Tang
- School of Economics & Management, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410076, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- School of Economics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Institute of Green Finance, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou,730000, China.
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21
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Li C, Yan Z, Zhang J. Medical cost of environmental pollution: evidence from the Chinese Social Survey. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:120155-120173. [PMID: 37936034 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution impairs residents' health, while the pursuit of health is highly correlated to medical costs. Understanding how environmental pollution affects medical costs is closely linked to the welfare of society. Based on theoretical analysis, this paper uses data from 5112 households of the Chinese Social Survey (CSS) in 2019, constructs a composite indicator to quantify environmental pollution using respondents' evaluations, and empirically investigates the causal effect of environmental pollution on household medical cost and the mechanism. The conclusions are shown as follows. First, environmental pollution can increase household medical costs, and this estimation result still holds after dealing with the endogeneity problem and other robustness tests. Second, there is heterogeneity in the impact of environmental pollution on household medical costs, households in the upper socioeconomic class, with heavy pension burdens or with strong health insurance coverage are more sensitive to environmental pollution and incur relatively higher household medical costs. Third, environmental pollution reduces residents' satisfaction with their spiritual life, which adversely affects their physical and mental health and can increase household medical costs. Residents' satisfaction with their spiritual life is an important mechanism for environmental pollution to affect household health care expenditures. Therefore, governments should enhance the enforcement of environmental protection and governance, strengthen the awareness of green issues and health education, and increase the supply of facilities for leisure and sports, thus reducing medical costs due to environmental pollution and easing the medical burden of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyou Li
- School of Finance, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Zhaojun Yan
- School of Finance, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Jitian Zhang
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
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22
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Cheng Y, Xu Z. Fiscal centralization and urban industrial pollution emissions reduction: Evidence from the vertical reform of environmental administrations in China. J Environ Manage 2023; 347:119212. [PMID: 37797514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between fiscal regimes and urban industrial pollution emissions is unclear. This paper aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of fiscal centralization on urban industrial pollution emissions and environmental quality. Using the vertical reform of environmental administrations (VREA) in China as a quasi-natural experiment of fiscal centralization, this study applies a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model to explore the differences in industrial pollution emissions between centralization cities and decentralization cities. The main findings are: (1) VREA significantly inhibits regional industrial pollution emissions, and the reform effect increases over time. This conclusion still holds after considering a series of robustness issues. (2) Industrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) and solid particulate emissions in the fiscal centralization cities have decreased significantly by 0.3281% and 0.2240%, respectively. However, there is no significant change in industrial wastewater discharges. (3) Environmental regulations, environmental expenditures, and pollution control investments of local governments are the main channels through which VREA reduces industrial pollution emissions. (4) The effects of VREA are more significant in central and western cities and small cities. (5) Relative to decentralization cities, centralization cities have improved air and water quality by 0.0825% and 0.1628%, respectively. These findings help to accurately assess the effects of fiscal centralization on regional environmental governance and provide a decision-making reference for further deepening environmental centralization reform in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Cheng
- School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhenhuan Xu
- School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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23
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Zhou J, Yu X, Chen X. How does environmental legislation guide urban green transition development? Evidence from China. J Environ Manage 2023; 345:118813. [PMID: 37586170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on the unique perspective of local environmental regulations promulgated in Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2000 to 2018, this paper examines the impact of urban environmental legislation on green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE). The results show that implementing environmental legislation significantly improves local GTFEE, with comprehensive protection regulations contributing to local energy efficiency improvements, while the impact of pollution prevention regulations is insignificant. This conclusion remains robust to multiple scenarios. Potential mechanisms through which environmental legislation can guide urban green transition include the industrial upgrading effect represented by "clean industry development" and "polluting industry exit", as well as the technical innovation effect achieved through "new technology generation" and "old technology upgrading". Furthermore, environmental legislation with a higher degree of regulatory effectiveness has a greater potential for energy saving. Environmental legislation has a more significant impact on improving GTFEE in cities in non-old industrial bases, with less frequent turnover of officials, and in central and western regions in China. This study evaluates the positive impact of urban environmental legislation on GTFEE, aiming to advancing the rule of law in local environmental pollution governance and thereby promote urban green transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Zhou
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, No.2 Dongnan University Road, Nanjing, 211189, PR China.
| | - Xuewei Yu
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, No.2 Dongnan University Road, Nanjing, 211189, PR China.
| | - Xue Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, No.2 Dongnan University Road, Nanjing, 211189, PR China; School of Business, Moutai Institute, China.
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24
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Han A, Liu P, Wang B, Zhu A. E-commerce development and its contribution to agricultural non-point source pollution control: Evidence from 283 cities in China. J Environ Manage 2023; 344:118613. [PMID: 37463526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural non-point source (ANPS) pollution is a pressing environmental issue in developing countries that poses a substantial threat to sustainable development. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and its great penetration and transformation in many socioeconomic sectors, e-commerce plus agriculture is widely regarded as the solution to sustainable agricultural development. However, the environmental impacts of e-commerce on agriculture, as well as the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully explored and verified. Based on China's practices of e-commerce development and its integration with agriculture, a panel dataset of 283 prefecture-level cities from 2009 to 2019 was collected, and a spatial difference in difference (SDID) model combined with a Durbin model was constructed to examine the local and spatial spillover effects of e-commerce development on ANPS pollution. It is found out that e-commerce development has significant positive environmental impacts achieved by stimulating industrial structure upgrading and promoting green technology innovation, while the mechanism of cultivation scaling up tends to aggravate the ANPS pollution. Spatial analysis demonstrates that e-commerce development also helps alleviate the ANPS pollution of neighboring regions with a decayed effect over a distance. Meanwhile, the impact of e-commerce on mitigating ANPS pollution shows regional heterogeneity. Those developed regions present significant positive effects, while those regions dominated by agriculture economy and without sufficient supporting facilities for e-commerce development, show significant negative effects. Therefore, we argue that the positive environmental contribution of e-commerce is not bound to happen but instead is contingent, while policies should be adapted to local conditions and enhanced to encourage the integration of e-commerce and other socioeconomic sectors, in order to develop beyond the immature pioneering stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixi Han
- Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Center for Land and Resource Economics Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Pingyang Liu
- Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Center for Land and Resource Economics Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Bufan Wang
- Center for Land and Resource Economics Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Angela Zhu
- Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Center for Land and Resource Economics Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
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25
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Liu X, Chong Y, Di D, Li G. Digital financial development, synergistic reduction of pollution, and carbon emissions: evidence from biased technical change. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:109671-109690. [PMID: 37775635 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution control and greenhouse gas emissions reduction have become the main ecological protection issues. The digital transformation of the financial sector provides a vital opportunity to holistically promote environmental governance. This article incorporates the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions into the environmental governance system of digital financial development. Using panel data from 280 cities in China between 2011 and 2018, we examine the impact of digital financial development on the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions. We find that (1) digital finance development can significantly improve the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions, effectively lowering carbon emissions while reducing pollution. External environmental concerns can further unleash the potential for digital finance development to enhance its synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions. (2) The key transmission mechanism lies in the dual guidance of digital finance development toward biased technical change, i.e., toward energy-saving elements on the input side and toward reduced pollution output on the output side, thereby inducing the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions. (3) The synergistic effect of digital finance development on pollution and carbon reduction depends on the necessary regional development endowment, such as strong green technology innovation capabilities, lower traditional financial accessibility, and carbon sink reserves. This study expands the understanding of the environmental effects of digital finance development and offers crucial insights for exploring the optimal development path under green strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liu
- School of Accountancy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Chong
- School of Economics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, Shandong, China.
| | - Danyang Di
- School of Finance, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoxiang Li
- School of Business, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
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26
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Yin Q, Lin Y, Yuan B, Dong Z. Does the environmental protection tax reduce environmental pollution? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:106198-106213. [PMID: 37723399 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The environmental protection tax (EPT) is an important environmental policy in China. However, it remains unclear whether the EPT has reduced environmental pollution effectively since its implementation in 2018. Based on the panel data of 229 prefecture-level cities in China during 2015-2019 and the difference-in-differences (DID) model, this study empirically assesses the causal effect of the EPT on environmental pollution. It is found that the EPT has a significantly negative effect on industrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) and industrial soot (dust) emissions but has no significant impact on industrial wastewater emissions. The mechanism analysis reveals that the EPT has the tax enforcement effect and energy efficiency effect, that is, the EPT reduces pollution emissions through increasing actual tax burden and improving the efficiency of energy utilization. However, the innovation effect is weak, which is only effective in reducing industrial SO2 emissions. Finally, we compare how different types of cities responded to the EPT. The results show that the EPT has limited effect on environmental pollution in large cities and southern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Yin
- School of Economics and Resource Management, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yongsheng Lin
- School of Economics and Resource Management, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
- China Market Economy Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- School of Economics, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhanfeng Dong
- The Center for Environmental Tax, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China.
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27
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Mu D, Yang D. How does financial decentralization synergies carbon reduction and pollution control in China? Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:106408-106420. [PMID: 37728679 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
This study looks at how carbon reduction, pollution management, and monetary decentralization in China all work together for a win-win situation. Since China is the most significant contributor to global warming, the country must implement policies to cut carbon emissions and curb pollution. One possible answer is financial decentralization, delegating federal financial responsibilities, and decisions to state and regional governments. The study used the weighted matrix analysis technique, LM matrix analysis technique, and ARDL short-run and long-run analysis estimates. However, the degree to which it will help China reduce carbon emissions and regulate pollution is unclear. This study takes a multifaceted approach to the investigation of this problem. Determining the efficacy of financial decentralization in addressing environmental concerns and drawing policy implications for China's environmental governance framework requires investigating the drivers of this trend and the mechanisms through which it operates. We perform a comprehensive empirical analysis to examine the results of using Chinese data from 1999 to 2019. This study's results provide new information to the literature by showcasing the power of fiscal decentralization in propelling environmentally sound policies in China. Central policy takeaways from the report include decentralizing financial authority to local governments, encouraging cooperation across multiple tiers of government, and setting up effective systems for monitoring and enforcing compliance. These policy suggestions can help China decrease carbon emissions and regulate pollution more efficiently, paving the way to better environmental results and a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Mu
- 1School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Daifu Yang
- 1School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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28
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Beghetto V, Gatto V, Samiolo R, Scolaro C, Brahimi S, Facchin M, Visco A. Plastics today: Key challenges and EU strategies towards carbon neutrality: A review. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122102. [PMID: 37414120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Never as today the need for collaborative interactions between industry, the scientific community, NGOs, policy makers and citizens has become crucial for the development of shared political choices and protection of the environment, for the safeguard of future generations. The complex socio-economic and environmental interconnections that underlie the EU strategy of the last years, within the framework of the Agenda 2030 and the green deal, often create perplexity and confusion that make difficult to outline the definition of a common path to achieve carbon neutrality and "net zero emissions" by 2050. Scope of this work is to give a general overview of EU policies, directives, regulations, and laws concerning polymers and plastic manufacturing, aiming to reduce plastic pollution, allowing for a better understanding of the implications that environmental concern and protection may generate from a social-economical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Beghetto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre, Italy; Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Reattività Chimiche e La Catalisi (CIRCC), Via C. Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Gatto
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Riccardo Samiolo
- Crossing S.r.l., Viale della Repubblica 193/b, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Salim Brahimi
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Manuela Facchin
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C.da Di Dio, 98166, Messina, Italy; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials - CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 9-95126, Catania, Italy
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Falk-Andersson J, Rognerud I, De Frond H, Leone G, Karasik R, Diana Z, Dijkstra H, Ammendolia J, Eriksen M, Utz R, Walker TR, Fürst K. Cleaning Up without Messing Up: Maximizing the Benefits of Plastic Clean-Up Technologies through New Regulatory Approaches. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:13304-13312. [PMID: 37638638 PMCID: PMC10501118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
As the global plastics crisis grows, numerous technologies have been invented and implemented to recover plastic pollution from the environment. Although laudable, unregulated clean-up technologies may be inefficient and have unintended negative consequences on ecosystems, for example, through bycatch or removal of organic matter important for ecosystem functions. Despite these concerns, plastic clean-up technologies can play an important role in reducing litter in the environment. As the United Nations Environment Assembly is moving toward an international, legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution by 2024, the implementation of plastic clean-up technologies should be regulated to secure their net benefits and avoid unintended damages. Regulation can require environmental impact assessments and life cycle analysis to be conducted predeployment on a case-by-case basis to determine their effectiveness and impact and secure environmentally sound management. During operations catch-efficiency and bycatch of nonlitter items, as well as waste management of recovered litter, should be documented. Data collection for monitoring, research, and outreach to mitigate plastic pollution is recommended as added value of implementation of clean-up technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Idun Rognerud
- Norwegian Institute
for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hannah De Frond
- University
of Toronto Trash Team, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Ocean Conservancy, Washington, D.C. 20036, United States
| | - Giulia Leone
- Ghent University, Research Group
Aquatic Ecology, Coupure
links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Flanders
Marine Institute, (VLIZ), InnovOcean Site, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Aquatic Management, Havenlaan 88, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
- Research
Foundation − Flanders (FWO), Leuvenseweg 38, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rachel Karasik
- Nicholas
Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Zoie Diana
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the
Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Integrated Toxicology
and Environmental Health, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Hanna Dijkstra
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije
Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1111, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Justine Ammendolia
- School
for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Marcus Eriksen
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, California 90409, United States
| | - Ria Utz
- Sciences Po Paris, 27, rue Saint-Guillaume, 75007, Paris, France
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Tony R. Walker
- School
for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Kathinka Fürst
- Norwegian Institute
for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
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30
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He G, Pan Y, Park A, Sawada Y, Tan ES. Reducing single-use cutlery with green nudges: Evidence from China's food-delivery industry. Science 2023; 381:eadd9884. [PMID: 37676957 DOI: 10.1126/science.add9884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Rising consumer demand for online food delivery has increased the consumption of disposable cutlery, leading to plastic pollution worldwide. In this work, we investigate the impact of green nudges on single-use cutlery consumption in China. In collaboration with Alibaba's food-delivery platform, Eleme (which is similar to Uber Eats and DoorDash), we analyzed detailed customer-level data and found that the green nudges-changing the default to "no cutlery" and rewarding consumers with "green points"-increased the share of no-cutlery orders by 648%. The environmental benefits are sizable: If green nudges were applied to all of China, more than 21.75 billion sets of single-use cutlery could be saved annually, equivalent to preventing the generation of 3.26 million metric tons of plastic waste and saving 5.44 million trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun He
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuhang Pan
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Albert Park
- Asian Development Bank, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Department of Economics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Division of Social Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Division of Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yasuyuki Sawada
- Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Asian Development Bank Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elaine S Tan
- Asian Development Bank, Metro Manila, Philippines
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31
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Conroy G. Antarctic research stations have polluted a pristine wilderness. Nature 2023; 621:241. [PMID: 37653100 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02740-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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32
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Xiao D, Fan J, Wang W, Wang J, Hou L. Innovation city and low-carbon future: a quasinatural experiment from China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:98004-98019. [PMID: 37603247 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Using the difference-in-difference model and panel data from 283 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2019, this study assesses the effect on CO2 emissions of an innovative city pilot policy and analyzes its mechanism using the mediation effect model. The findings demonstrate that the pilot policy significantly reduces urban carbon emissions overall, and this finding holds even after conducting several stability tests. Innovative pilot cities can cut carbon emissions by 11.5% compared to nonpilot cities and thus significantly impact carbon reduction. Reducing carbon emissions is possible through three mechanisms. These are the enrichment of cultural resources, the development of technological innovation levels, and the optimization of industrial structure. There is a significant lag in how the innovative city pilot policy affects this reduction. The emission reduction effects of innovative pilot policies on different pollution levels, regions, and cities of various sizes are heterogeneous. In the long run, the scope of pilot projects needs enlargement in an orderly manner, and specific policies should be implemented according to local conditions. Meanwhile, advanced technologies are required in cities of different scales to build innovative development mechanisms for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and environmental regulations should be strengthened to implement in urban areas the concept of green and sustainable ecological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deheng Xiao
- School of Government, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingbo Fan
- School of Government, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Weilong Wang
- School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Jianlong Wang
- School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Lingchun Hou
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China
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33
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Rene ER, Shu L, Jegatheesan V. Advances in science, engineering and technology in combating pollution for a sustainable future. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:98814-98816. [PMID: 37340165 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eldon R Rene
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, P. O. Box 3015, 2601DA, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Li Shu
- LJS Environment, 2 Parkville Avenue, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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34
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Roch L, Ewaoluwagbemiga EO, Kasper C. Phenotypic link between protein efficiency and pig welfare suggests no apparent trade-offs for mitigating nitrogen pollution. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14299. [PMID: 37652949 PMCID: PMC10471582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41232-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig manure contributes significantly to environmental pollution through nitrogen compounds. Reducing protein in feed can help, but it may lead to damaging behaviors if pigs' nutritional needs are not met. Breeding pigs for higher protein efficiency (PE) is a long-term solution to reduce nitrogen pollution, but concerns about pig welfare remain. We studied 95 pigs involved in a project on the genetic basis of PE on a 20% protein restricted diet to investigate the phenotypic connection between PE and welfare. These pigs represented natural PE variations in the population. At around 100 days, before their PE was known, we observed their behaviors. Only three pigs engaged in tail biting and manipulation of vulnerable regions, but this was not associated with PE. There was no clear link between PE and manipulating pen mates' less vulnerable regions. Such behaviors are normal but can cause stress and injury if carried out excessively due to boredom or stress. Overall, pigs with higher PE showed no major behavioral abnormalities in this study. Considering the lack of genetic knowledge, the risk of increased harmful behaviors when selecting for higher PE appears low when inferred from this purely phenotypic association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Roch
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, 1725, Posieux, Switzerland
- Animal Welfare Division, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Esther Oluwada Ewaoluwagbemiga
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, 1725, Posieux, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kasper
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, 1725, Posieux, Switzerland.
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35
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36
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Ali K, Kausar N, Amir M. Impact of pollution prevention strategies on environment sustainability: role of environmental management accounting and environmental proactivity. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:88891-88904. [PMID: 37440137 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental sustainability involves meeting current needs without compromising the abilities of future generations. Practical steps must be taken to prevent pollution, decrease waste, and utilize resources. This study investigates the predictors of environmental sustainability in SMEs, focusing on the role of environmental management accounting and environmental proactivity in linking pollution prevention strategies to environmental sustainability using the natural resource-based view theory. This study surveyed 308 Pakistani SMEs employees and tested the data using SPSS v28 and AMOS v26. The results show that pollution control initiatives increased the usage of environmental management accounting, which in turn had a positive impact on environmental sustainability. The study also finds that environmental proactivity is significantly moderate and that environmental management accounting mediates these associations. To the best of our knowledge, this study is unique in that it is the first to provide sustainable implications based on the current framework. This study highlights the importance of implementing pollution prevention strategies, integrating environmental management accounting practices, and fostering environmental proactivity to enhance environmental sustainability performance in SMEs in Pakistan, ultimately leading to improved business competitiveness, positive environmental impacts, and a sustainable future. SMEs can focus on implementing proactive pollution prevention strategies such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and resource optimization. By adopting a proactive approach to pollution prevention, SMEs can reduce their environmental impact and enhance their sustainability performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Ali
- Department of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Naila Kausar
- Department of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amir
- Department of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
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37
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Lian X, Wang W, Zhang J. How to optimize dust pollution control in opencast coal mines: Analysis of a joint social regulation model based on evolutionary game theory. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289164. [PMID: 37494392 PMCID: PMC10370741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals drive innovation in pollution governance systems, unleashing the potential of social supervisory forces to achieve coordinated governance by multiple stakeholders. In order to improve dust pollution control in opencast coal mines, this study combines prospect theory with evolutionary game theory, analyzing the evolutionary game process of coordinated governance activities of coal mining enterprises, local regulators, and social camps in the management of dust pollution against the backdrop of national supervisions. The research indicates that the perceived value of dust pollution has a significant impact on the strategic choices of the three agents involved in the game. Coal mining enterprises tend to be risk averse, and by reducing the cost of dust pollution control and increasing the additional benefits of pollution control, it can promote pollution control behavior by coal mining enterprises. Local regulators are also risk averse, but not sensitive to risk benefits. Strengthening pollution subsidy incentives and environmental fines can help promote dust pollution control behavior by coal mining enterprises. However, increasing the strength of the rewards strategy is not conducive to local regulators' own regulatory responsibilities, and environmental fines have limited binding effects. The strategic choices of social camps' supervision have a restrictive effect on the strategic choices of coal mining enterprises and local regulators, promoting the evolution of equilibrium results in the direction of maximizing social benefits. When coal mining enterprises actively governance pollution, local regulators strictly regulated, and social camps do not monitor, the system reaches its optimal equilibrium state. The research results clarify the mechanism and specific effects of social supervision of opencast coal mine dust pollution control, guide the participation of the public in dust pollution control, and regulate the behavior strategies of coal mining enterprises and local regulators, providing the scientific basis for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lian
- School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Wensheng Wang
- School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
- Research Institute of Decision-making Science and Big Data, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
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38
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Abstract
New proposed legislation on "forever" chemicals is under consideration in Europe and the United States, where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a hot topic for regulators and lawmakers. On both sides of the Atlantic, regulation of widely used PFAS has been complex and evolving. Their presence in hundreds of different products-from nonstick cookware to food packaging to firefighting foam-and their persistence in food, drinking water, and the environment have resulted in a pollution problem of unprecedented scale. Recently, for example, it was reported that 45% of the tap water in the United States contains at least one type of PFAS. Because these compounds are so chemically stable that they do not degrade in the environment (including in the human body), PFAS seriously challenge long-established ideas of how chemicals can be used, assessed, and regulated, and it remains to be seen whether the new regulations will solve this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Scheringer
- Martin Scheringer is a professor of environmental chemistry at RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, and a senior scientist and group leader at ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland. He is also the chair of the International Panel on Chemical Pollution and a co-coordinator of the Global PFAS Science Panel
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39
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Zuin Zeidler VG. Genetic editing of wood for sustainability. Science 2023; 381:124-125. [PMID: 37440645 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi8186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Trees engineered to have less lignin could make paper production less polluting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia G Zuin Zeidler
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry Faculty, School of Sustainability, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
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40
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Sonne C, Jenssen BM, Rinklebe J, Lam SS, Hansen M, Bossi R, Gustavson K, Dietz R. EU need to protect its environment from toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Sci Total Environ 2023; 876:162770. [PMID: 36906028 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands submitted a proposal to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) in February 2023 calling for a ban in the use of toxic industrial chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are highly toxic causing elevated cholesterol, immune suppression, reproductive failure, cancer and neuro-endocrine disruption in humans and wildlife being a significant threat to biodiversity and human health. The main reason for the submitted proposal is recent findings of significant flaws in the transition to PFAS replacements that is leading to a widespread pollution. Denmark was the first country banning PFAS, and now other EU countries support the restrictions of these carcinogenic, endocrine disruptive and immunotoxic chemicals. The proposed plan is among the most extensive received by the ECHA for 50 years. Denmark is now the first EU country to initiate the establishment of groundwater parks to try and protect its drinking water. These parks are areas free of agricultural activities and nutritious sewage sludge to secure drinking water free of xenobiotic including PFAS. The PFAS pollution also reflects the lack of comprehensive spatial and temporal environmental monitoring programs in the EU. Such monitoring programs should include key indicator species across ecosystems of livestock, fish and wildlife, to facilitate detection of early ecological warning signals and sustain public health. Simultaneously with inferring a total PFAS ban, the EU should also push for more persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) PFAS substances to be listed on the Stockholm Convention (SC) Annex A such as PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) that is currently listed on the SCs Annex B. The combination of these regulative restrictions combined with groundwater parks and pan-European biomonitoring programs, would pave the way forward for a cleaner environment to sustain health across the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India.
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Martin Hansen
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rossana Bossi
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark
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41
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Kiessling T, Hinzmann M, Mederake L, Dittmann S, Brennecke D, Böhm-Beck M, Knickmeier K, Thiel M. What potential does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive have for reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data. Waste Manag 2023; 164:106-118. [PMID: 37044029 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, the so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use plastic products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility and obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed the potential of the SUPD to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all measures of the SUPD completely prevent targeted items from getting into the environment. Another scenario assumed that no measures besides bans were effective. An intermediate scenario assumed partial effectiveness of measures. Data of almost 5,000 sampling events from citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) and the OSPAR protocol were used to analyse litter at riversides and coastlines in Germany and the European Union. 44 to 68% of litter items in citizen science protocols consisted of single-use plastics (cigarette butts were the most prominent items). At coastlines sampled by the OSPAR protocol, fishing gear and undefined plastics prevailed. The scenario analysis revealed that substantial litter reductions could be achieved in the "best case" scenario (upwards of 40%), while the intermediate scenario resulted in litter reductions of 13 to 25%. The marginal effect of the "only bans" scenario achieved a reduction of 2-6% in Germany and the European Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation and enforcement, the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Mandy Hinzmann
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Mederake
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sinja Dittmann
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Marianne Böhm-Beck
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile.
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42
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Ebinghaus R, Barbaro E, Bengtson Nash S, de Avila C, de Wit CA, Dulio V, Felden J, Franco A, Gandrass J, Grotti M, Herata H, Hughes KA, Jartun M, Joerss H, Kallenborn R, Koschorreck J, Küster A, Lohmann R, Wang Z, MacLeod M, Pugh R, Rauert C, Slobodnik J, Sühring R, Vorkamp K, Xie Z. Berlin statement on legacy and emerging contaminants in polar regions. Chemosphere 2023; 327:138530. [PMID: 37001758 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Polar regions should be given greater consideration with respect to the monitoring, risk assessment, and management of potentially harmful chemicals, consistent with requirements of the precautionary principle. Protecting the vulnerable polar environments requires (i) raising political and public awareness and (ii) restricting and preventing global emissions of harmful chemicals at their sources. The Berlin Statement is the outcome of an international workshop with representatives of the European Commission, the Arctic Council, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), environmental specimen banks, and data centers, as well as scientists from various international research institutions. The statement addresses urgent chemical pollution issues in the polar regions and provides recommendations for improving screening, monitoring, risk assessment, research cooperation, and open data sharing to provide environmental policy makers and chemicals management decision-makers with relevant and reliable contaminant data to better protect the polar environments. The consensus reached at the workshop can be summarized in just two words: "Act now!" Specifically, "Act now!" to reduce the presence and impact of anthropogenic chemical pollution in polar regions by. •Establishing participatory co-development frameworks in a permanent multi-disciplinary platform for Arctic-Antarctic collaborations and establishing exchanges between the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) of the Arctic Council and the Antarctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AnMAP) of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to increase the visibility and exchange of contaminant data and to support the development of harmonized monitoring programs. •Integrating environmental specimen banking, innovative screening approaches and archiving systems, to provide opportunities for improved assessment of contaminants to protect polar regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Ebinghaus
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Germany.
| | - Elena Barbaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council, Italy
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Griffith University, Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security, Australia
| | - Cristina de Avila
- European Commission, Safe and Sustainable Chemicals, DG Environment, Belgium
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Stockholm University, Department of Environmental Science, Sweden
| | | | - Janine Felden
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, PANGAEA, Germany
| | - Antonio Franco
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Juergen Gandrass
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Germany
| | - Marco Grotti
- University of Genova, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Italy
| | | | | | - Morten Jartun
- NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Norway
| | - Hanna Joerss
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Germany
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway (NMBU), Norway; University of the Arctic Oulo, Finland
| | | | | | - Rainer Lohmann
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, USA
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Matthew MacLeod
- Stockholm University, Department of Environmental Science, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Pugh
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
| | | | | | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Germany
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43
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Zhang D, Dong X. From the Perspectives of Pollution Governance and Public Health: A Research of China's Fiscal Expenditure on Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6018. [PMID: 37297623 PMCID: PMC10252195 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Improving the scale and effectiveness of China's energy conservation and environmental protection fiscal expenditure is crucial to enhancing the capacity of ecological and environmental governance of China, considering the dual perspectives of pollution governance and public health. This article first explains the mechanism by which national energy conservation and environmental protection fiscal expenditure can improve pollution control and promote public health. Secondly, this article scrutinizes the current status and limitations of China's fiscal expenditure, highlighting the contribution of fiscal expenditure in the construction of ecological civilization from the standpoints of environmental governance and public health. Additionally, this study empirically uses DEA to measure the efficiency of the government's fiscal expenditure. Conclusions found that: First, environmental protection fiscal expenditure is mainly focused on technological transformation and pollution control, while relatively little is spent on public health protection. Second, the efficiency of environmental protection fiscal funds is relatively low. These suggestions aim to optimize the positive impact of energy conservation and environmental protection fiscal expenditure for improving pollution governance and promoting public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiao Dong
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Gautam K, Sharma P, Dwivedi S, Singh A, Gaur VK, Varjani S, Srivastava JK, Pandey A, Chang JS, Ngo HH. A review on control and abatement of soil pollution by heavy metals: Emphasis on artificial intelligence in recovery of contaminated soil. Environ Res 2023; 225:115592. [PMID: 36863654 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
"Save Soil Save Earth" is not just a catchphrase; it is a necessity to protect soil ecosystem from the unwanted and unregulated level of xenobiotic contamination. Numerous challenges such as type, lifespan, nature of pollutants and high cost of treatment has been associated with the treatment or remediation of contaminated soil, whether it be either on-site or off-site. Due to the food chain, the health of non-target soil species as well as human health were impacted by soil contaminants, both organic and inorganic. In this review, the use of microbial omics approaches and artificial intelligence or machine learning has been comprehensively explored with recent advancements in order to identify the sources, characterize, quantify, and mitigate soil pollutants from the environment for increased sustainability. This will generate novel insights into methods for soil remediation that will reduce the time and expense of soil treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Gautam
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Sharma
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Shreya Dwivedi
- Institute for Industrial Research & Toxicology, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, India
| | - Amarnath Singh
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vivek Kumar Gaur
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, India; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, India; School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248 007, India.
| | | | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, India; Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248 007, India
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental, Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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45
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Vassallo L, Appolloni A, Fantauzzi C, Frondizi R. Reducing Plastic Pollution by Recovery and Recycling: Evidence from a "Blue Economy" Project Impacting Policy-Making in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:ijerph20085604. [PMID: 37107886 PMCID: PMC10138625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper recognizes the relevance of the Seabed Cleaning Project, created by the Angelo Vassallo Sindaco Pescatore Foundation in 2010, and presents it as a tool to achieve benefits in environmental, social, and economic terms, in line with the innovative framework of the Blue Economy. The project suggests a practical, feasible, and scalable solution to plastic pollution that can be obtained thanks to the activity performed by fishermen in cooperation with the municipality and local community (in a multi-level cooperation perspective). The data show a significant reduction of plastic on the seafloor thanks to the project, but further research is needed in order to collect further positive outcomes from different applications of the project. In 2022, the "Salva Mare" Law was approved in the Senate, extending the good practices proposed by the Foundation nationwide and showing how small gestures and concrete actions can provide significant improvements in pursuit of a healthier, safer, greener, and smarter city for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Appolloni
- Department of Management and Law, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Fantauzzi
- Department of Management and Law, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Frondizi
- Department of Management and Law, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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46
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Shen Q, Wu R, Pan Y, Feng Y. The effectiveness of smart city policy on pollution reduction in China: new evidence from a quasi-natural experiment. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:52841-52857. [PMID: 36843170 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on panel data of 285 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2003 to 2020, this study has explored the impacts of smart city policy (SCP) on environmental pollution by utilizing the difference-in-differences (DID) model and its derived models. The results indicate that SCP can significantly reduce environmental pollution, and this conclusion still holds after passing numerous robustness tests, such as the propensity-score-matching difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) test, the placebo test, all independent variables lagging one period test, the policy interference test, and the instrument variable (IV) test. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of reducing environmental pollution of SCP is heterogeneous. Furthermore, the results of the spatial difference-in-differences (SDID) model show that SCP has a "beggar-thy-neighbor" effect among the pilot cities, and there is no spillover effect of SCP on pollution reduction in neighboring non-pilot cities. Finally, the analysis of moderating effect reflects that the government intervention plays a negative inhibition role in the process of SCP affecting environmental pollution, while the market competition plays a positive catalytic role in the process of SCP reducing environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Shen
- Business School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Wu
- Business School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Pan
- Business School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchao Feng
- Business School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China.
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48
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Yang L, Ma Z, Yin J, Li Y, Lv H. The evolution and determinants of Chinese inter-provincial green development efficiency: an MCSE-DEA-Tobit-based perspective. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:53904-53919. [PMID: 36869949 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25894-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Continuous and rapid economic development has brought about excessive resource consumption and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is particularly essential to coordinate economic, resource, and environmental factors to achieve sustainable development. This paper develops a new data envelopment analysis (DEA) method that can be used for multi-level complex system evaluation (MCSE-DEA) to reveal the inter-provincial green development efficiency (GDE) in China from 2010 to 2018. Moreover, the Tobit model is applied to explore the influencing factors of GDE. We found that (i) the MCSE-DEA model tends to have lower efficiency scores than the traditional P-DEA (panel data envelopment analysis) model, and the top three provinces are Shanghai, Tianjin, and Fujian; (ii) the efficiency shows an increasing trend during the whole study period. The southeast region and the Middle Yangtze River region have the highest efficiency values, reaching 1.09, while the northwest region ranks last with an average efficiency value of 0.66. Shanghai performs the best, while Ningxia performs the worst, with efficiency values of 1.43 and 0.58, respectively; (iii) the provinces with lower efficiency values mainly come from economically underdeveloped remote regions, which can be attributed to issues of water consumption (WC) and energy consumption (EC). Moreover, there are much room for improvement in solid waste emissions (SW) and soot and industrial dust emissions (SD); (iv) the environmental investment, R&D investment, and economic development level can significantly improve GDE, while industrial structure, urbanization level, and energy consumption have inhibiting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- School of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Zhanxin Ma
- School of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China.
| | - Jie Yin
- School of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Haodong Lv
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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49
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Ho DT. Carbon dioxide removal is not a current climate solution - we need to change the narrative. Nature 2023; 616:9. [PMID: 37016122 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-00953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
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50
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Durgan J, Rodríguez‐Martínez M, Rouse B. Green Labs: a guide to developing sustainable science in your organization. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:289-301. [PMID: 36695559 PMCID: PMC10952186 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Scientific research plays a vital role for society, but carries a significant environmental footprint, involving intensive use of energy and resources. Scientists are well placed to understand the unfolding climate and ecological crises, but may not appreciate how heavily their research, and other work-related activities, contribute to emissions and pollution. With the consequences of climate change and ecological breakdown playing out in real time, scientists now have an important, urgent role to play in catalyzing solutions. Here, we explore how research organizations can reduce their environmental impact, share useful resources and encourage the global community to engage in making science more sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brendan Rouse
- Administration & OperationsEMBL HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
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