International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development (14 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Atmospheric pollution and climate change in urban areas: a review of implemented policies  
  by Nora Annesi, Massimo Battaglia, Ilenia Ceglia 
  Abstract: Research on air pollution and climate change in urban areas, as well as policies combating this issue, remains fragmented. Most of these studies focus on specific regions, limited time frames, or analyse different pollutants. To address this fragmented research issue, we reviewed articles on air pollution in urban areas, with particular emphasis on policies aimed at combating the problem, and, when possible, validated the findings. The purpose of this study is to offer policymakers that they could use to develop strategies for addressing climate change, mitigating the environmental impact of pollutants, and protect human health. Thus, these strategies would rely on integrated policies and collaboration of all stakeholders.
  Keywords: policy; air pollution; urban areas.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.10062331
   
  
• The role of civil society and good governance in effective air quality management in the South Durban Industrial Basin, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa  
  by Samiksha Naidoo, Llewellyn Leonard 
  Abstract: Globally, industrial developments have continued to affect people’s health with limited research in this space. The South Durban Industrial Basin in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is an area where industrial activities are undertaken close to residential areas and continues to be a challenge since the democratic transition. Drawing on democratic and good governance frameworks, this paper aims to understand why addressing air pollution is still a challenge in the democratic dispensation and the role of civil society and good governance in addressing air quality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to identify practices employed since the advent of democracy to address air pollution and understand challenges that prevent air pollution reduction. Despite the efforts of civil society, air pollution continues to be a challenge due to poor local governance to enforce and monitor air pollution and establish democratic platforms to genuinely include and address citizen concerns.
  Keywords: South Africa; good governance; air pollution; civil society; participation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.10062678
   
  
• How the mitigation of environmental impacts affect economic performance in UK manufacturing and construction companies  
  by Timothy Fry, Rebecca Rawson, Uchechukwu Okere 
  Abstract: Manufacturing and construction (M&C) companies cause significant environmental impacts and are under pressure to act. Despite research analysing the relationship between environmental impact mitigation (EIM) and economic performance (EP), findings remain inconclusive. Acknowledging the longevity of the M&C sector, and the uptake of ISO 14001 in UK companies, there is a lack of research analysing this relationship. Research has predominantly used dichotomous measurements for EIM, yet this fails to consider the substantiveness of the approach. This paper develops a multifaceted scoring system to measure the substantiveness of a company’s approach to EIM. Using a sample of 58 UK-based publicly-listed M&C companies, the measurement analyses how a substantive approach to EIM affects EP. Correlational tests showed a medium, positive relationship. This implies companies may not need to choose between EIM and profit. The findings and the multifaceted measurement developed have implications for research, stakeholders, and high-level leadership teams.
  Keywords: environmental impact mitigation; EIM; economic performance; manufacturing; construction; sustainability; multifaceted scoring system; return on assets; female leadership; carbon disclosure project; CDP; corporate purpose and values; ISO 14001; UK.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.10062679
   
  
• Circular water management solutions for optimising irrigated agricultural production in Ghana: the relevance of nanotechnology  
  by Emmanuel K. Boon, Thorolf Konrad Franz Gross, Richard Oppong-Boateng, Oleksandra Karintseva 
  Abstract: The agricultural sector is the main source of employment, food and income in rural areas in most African countries like Ghana. However, due to several factors, including water scarcity, over reliance on rain-fed agriculture, increasing climate change impacts and pollution of freshwater sources, agricultural productivity is lagging behind the high population growth rate and demand for food. Food and nutrition insecurity, poverty, inadequate employment opportunities and poor quality of life are the dire consequences, especially in the rural communities. This paper argues that deploying the circular water management (CWM) approach in conjunction with nanotechnology applications will help to improve irrigation water provision to smallholder farmers to mitigate these intertwined socio-economic challenges. A mixed research design method guided the research and preparation of the paper. The findings of a comprehensive desk research informed the design of a semi-structured interview guide for collecting data from 11 purposively sampled agricultural scientists and experts of sustainable development, water resources management and nanotechnology in Upper West Region (UWR) in Northern Ghana. In addition, 20 postgraduate students debated on key water resource management issues during a focus group discussion (FGD) and recommended appropriate mitigation measures.
  Keywords: agriculture; circular economy; food security; irrigation; nanotechnology; water.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.10063505
   
  

Special Issue on: Economic, Social and Environmental Issues Global and Local Challenges

• Economic, institutional, and environmental drivers of foreign trade  
  by Oleksandra Kubatko, Aleksandra Kuzior, Bohdan Kovalov, Ihor Rekunenko, Yevheniia Stepanenko, Viktoriia Sulym 
  Abstract: This work applies the gravity model of foreign trade for selected EU countries to identify the crucial factors influencing trade flows. Regarding this, data on exports and imports of 27 EU countries in the period from 2012 to 2019 were collected. It was found that CO2 emissions have a more significant impact than the average GDP for the bilateral trade between the EU and Ukraine, which proves the pollution heaven hypothesis. For the trade relations between the EU and Germany, it was found that the average GDP of both countries is statistically significant for bilateral trade. The greater the mass of countries, the greater the volume of imports and exports between them. The results of model estimation allow being logically interpreted in economic terms. The suitability of basic gravity models as tools for analysing trade flows and identifying trade potential was confirmed.
  Keywords: gravity model; CO2 emissions; bilateral trade; mass of countries; distance between countries.
  
  
• Sustainability levels of horticultural farmers in southern Brazil: an evaluation based on the MESMIS framework  
  by Eluane Parizotto Seidler, Tanice Andreatta, Luís Carlos Zucatto, Luiz Fernando Fritz Filho 
  Abstract: The theme of sustainability has become fundamental to link the debate of environmental, economic and social aspects. However, the incorporation of other dimensions, socio-cultural and institutional, contributes to reinforce the understanding that this theme has an interdisciplinary nature. Thus, frameworks and tools based on indicators have emerged to analyze the sustainability of agricultural systems. This context motivates the objective of this study to evaluate the sustainability levels of Agricultural Production Units (APUs) of family horticultural farmers that are part of the Municipal Fair of Rural Producers of Passo Fundo, in Southern Brazil, using and adapting the Evaluation of Natural Resource Management Systems Incorporating Sustainability Indicators (MESMIS). Finally, it is emphasized that from the application of the MESMIS method adapted, the sustainability of APUs can be improved in the municipality of Passo Fundo, but also in other areas of the state, the country, Latin America and the world.
  Keywords: sustainability dimensions; indicators; institutional; MESMIS; agricultural production; socio-cultural; Brazil; agricultural production units; APUs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10059346
   
  
• Extended producer responsibility policies: the nexus for the circular economy  
  by Bupe Getrude Mwanza, Arnesh Telukdarie 
  Abstract: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is one of the most methodical multi-objective policy instruments for managing post-consumer waste in an environmentally friendly approach. Nevertheless, implementation of EPR in the packaging industry is challenging and the relevant environmental policies are normally not actualised in most developing economies. With the drive for a circular economy (CE), enforcement of EPR in the packaging industry does contribute to the sustainable recovery of waste. The study adopted a qualitative approach in which a case study strategy was utilised. Interviews, policy assessment and literature reviews were used to understand the extent of EPR implementation in Zambia and the status quo on CE from a global perspective. The findings reveal that the EPR on plastic packaging products in Zambia is still in its infancy. From a global perspective, the study identifies many drivers and challenges to EPR implementation. To resolve the challenges faced in EPR implementation, the study recommends that countries take a contextual approach during implementation.
  Keywords: policy; extended producer responsibility; EPR; circular economy; development; sustainability; drivers; challenges; waste management; Zambia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10059661
   
  
• Implementation of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in India - a strategic plan  
  by Navdeep Bhatnagar, Suchi Johari 
  Abstract: Air pollution is hazardous, and a major component of this air pollution is millions of conventional fuel vehicles emitting harmful and toxic gases. Vehicular pollution levels are rising rapidly everywhere. One of the ways to solve the problem is by switching to alternate propulsion vehicles such as vehicles powered by an electric motor. Electric vehicles have been introduced across the globe and are rapidly gaining popularity amongst the people. However, the inclination to buy EVs will largely depend upon the availability of charging infrastructure. The estimated cost of setting up a public charging infrastructure (PCI) is huge. Therefore, a phase-wise implementation of PCI is required. The decision regarding the number and location of these charging stations will be critical for the overall success of the EVs. This paper discusses a phase-wise installation of charging stations based on various factors and parameters. This paper formulates the logical basis for the required number of charging stations and their location in a city.
  Keywords: charging station; CHAdeMO; electric vehicle; public charging infrastructure; PCI; type 3 fast DC charger; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10059688
   
  
• Energy security and energy innovations in the conditions of intelligent systems development and digitalisation  
  by Olga Maslak, Natalya Grishko, Yaroslava Yakovenko, Mariya Maslak, Khatuna Buchashvili 
  Abstract: This studys main goal and task are to empirically confirm the role of innovation and digitalisation as driving forces in the ratio of factors contributing to energy efficiency and energy security. Using a panel of the current state of energy supply in the EU countries over the period 2010-2021, the empirical analysis presented in this paper indicates that innovation and digitalisation are key pillars of the energy strategy to grow in a rapidly changing world with growing risks of increasing the danger of energy dependence. Using logical and graphic methods (using the VOSViewer toolkit) allowed us to generalise mutual penetration of innovations and technologies in the energy sector. The PLS-SEM model was constructed focusing on aspects of the steadiness of the energy supply system using the data of EU countries efficiency and productivity with a perspective of energy security.
  Keywords: energy security; energy security indicators; energy security indexes; digitalisation; energy innovations; intelligent systems; sustainable development.
  
  
• Household behaviours, attitudes, and practices towards solid waste management: the case of municipality of Skikda (Eastern Algeria)  
  by Ouissem Khorief, Aissa Mahimoud, Nedjima Mouhoubi 
  Abstract: This paper is a study of citizens’ behaviour towards solid waste in the municipality of Skikda. The data in this study was based on a quantitative questionnaire survey from 400 housewives. This questionnaire contains three main sections. The first section is concerns citizen data according to demographic (age and sex) and socio-economic (matrimonial status, financial situation, professional level and type of housing). The second section of the survey concerns the management of waste by household, the composition of their waste, the daily quantity, and their evacuation modes. The third section concerns the information rate of households and the relations with the actors of the waste and types of communication between the municipality and the inhabitants. the results show that the population of commune is not well informed about solid waste, recycling, storing and landfilling. Therefore, the irresponsibility and ignorance of collection schedules by the residents confirm the causes of the failure of waste collection in the municipality and 84.00% of respondents do not participate in consultation meetings concerning solid waste management projects as for the participation in the interventions of volunteers and associations.
  Keywords: attitude; citizen behavioural; household; solid waste management; SWM; knowledge; practice; waste management; Algeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10059787
   
  
• Development of a sustainability index framework for the Mauritian textile industry  
  by Devkumar Sing Callychurn, Mahendra Gooroochurn, Hurreeram Dinesh Kumar, Sanmooga Savoo 
  Abstract: The textile industry has been a pivotal sector of the Mauritian economy and continues to play a key role in employment creation, and contribution to GDP. The textile industry can contribute to serious environmental degradation. This concern has been the focus of the research which aims at developing a sustainability framework for companies operating in the sector. A study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and sustainability practices already in place in this sector. In light of the results, a sustainability framework was developed based on 174 environmental, 15 economic and 30 social indicators. Assessment of the company practices led to the development of a sustainability index that reflects current performance and which can be used for setting future sustainability targets. The assessment framework is software-based, user-friendly, and can be adapted by any company having a concern of the impact of its economic activities on the environment.
  Keywords: sustainability framework; sustainability index; textile industry; ecological indicators; Mauritius.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10060733
   
  
• Impact of economic conditions on the well-being of family farmers in agriculture: an analysis from Western Parana, Brazil  
  by Leandro Pereira Dos Santos, Jefferson Andronio Ramundo Staduto, João José Passini 
  Abstract: This paper aims to examine the impact of economic conditions on the well-being of family farmers in the western region of Parana State, Brazil. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to a sample of 118 farmers as part of an empirical analysis strategy, which is well-suited to the analysis due to the multidimensional nature of both economic conditions and the concept of well-being. The results indicate that the central hypothesis of the study can be accepted, as there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between economic conditions and perceived well-being. This finding contributes to the ongoing debate about family farming as a distinct economic and social sector with unique characteristics and societal demands.
  Keywords: agricultural development; family farming; structural equation model; SEM; sustainability; economic condition; Brazil.
  
  

Special Issue on: Eco-Innovation in Environment and Sustainable Development

• GA-IPSO-BSVM based sustainable development of ecological economic logistics data forecasting model  
  by Yan Sun 
  Abstract: Considering the increasing accuracy of machine learning in detection and recognition tasks, this paper propose a classification model, which consists of an improved genetic algorithm (GA), the improved particle warm optimisation (IPSO) and balanced support vector machine (SVM) (namely GA-IPSO-BSVM), to increase the accuracy and to optimise the convergence of logistics data performance classification. Firstly, this paper embeds the elimination mechanism of GA to my model at the early stage of iterations to delete a lot of particles with low speed. Then, in the middle of the iteration, this paper improves the topology structure of particle relationship in PSO to avoid the algorithm trapping into local optimal solution. At the late stage of the iteration, this paper combines the excellent particles in all regions into the excellent particle population and iterate the population to obtain the global optimal solution.
  Keywords: logistics data; ecological-economic belt; GA; particle swarm optimisation; PSO; support vector machine; SVM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10059215
   
  
• The research on green logistics management strategy in the perspective of ecological environment protection  
  by Xiufang Ou, Bingbin Chen 
  Abstract: The concept of low-carbon and green logistics has pointed out the direction for the development of Chinas logistics enterprises. This paper analyses the significance and management strategies of Chinas logistics industry to develop green logistics based on the specific problems in the ecological environment of the current logistics industry development, and constructs a three in one green logistics management strategy from the three dimensions of logistics enterprises, supply chain system and government, that is, from the enterprises own carbon reduction. In combination with the low carbon requirements for each participant in the construction of the supply chain system, an electronic archive data system for carbon emissions of each logistics enterprise has been set up to form a bottom-up, inside out green logistics construction system strategy, providing reference for the specific implementation strategy of green logistics development.
  Keywords: ecological environment; green logistics; logistics management; strategies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.10062674