Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101427
I.E. Illeperuma , M.K.C.S. Wijewickrama , David J. Edwards
Alongside implementing circular economic principles, the concept of reverse logistics supply chains (RLSCs) of demolition waste (DW) has captured the construction industry's attention. Due to the escalating risk vulnerability, risk management (RM) in RLSCs of DW has emerged as a critical requirement yet, has not been reviewed extensively. To address this knowledge gap, this study synthesises extant literature to develop a comprehensive RM framework for RLSCs of DW. This was accomplished through two objectives viz.: i) to explore the existing level of scientific development in RM for RLSCs of DW; and ii) to study how risks are managed in RLSCs of DW with the aim of identifying key risks, risk assessment procedures, existing mitigation strategies, and potential gaps that need to be addressed for resilient and efficient DW management practices. In total, 35 pertinent articles sourced from two search engines published between 2000 and 2024 were subjected to descriptive and content analysis. Most articles reviewed collected data through field measurements/sample testing and originated from developed countries. The waste reprocessing stage is the most vulnerable to various risks, including health and safety, environmental, industrial, social and regulatory risks. Effective risk mitigation strategies proposed include establishing favourable policies and incentives, enhancing awareness, improving information sharing, incorporating innovative technologies, ensuring multi-stakeholder engagement and adopting safety measures. The study significantly contributes to RM in RLSCs of DW by providing an overarching foundation via the proposed conceptual framework, which guides organisations to articulate an appropriate RM strategy.
{"title":"Managing risks in reverse logistics supply chains of demolition waste: A systematic literature review","authors":"I.E. Illeperuma , M.K.C.S. Wijewickrama , David J. Edwards","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alongside implementing circular economic principles, the concept of reverse logistics supply chains (RLSCs) of demolition waste (DW) has captured the construction industry's attention. Due to the escalating risk vulnerability, risk management (RM) in RLSCs of DW has emerged as a critical requirement yet, has not been reviewed extensively. To address this knowledge gap, this study synthesises extant literature to develop a comprehensive RM framework for RLSCs of DW. This was accomplished through two objectives <em>viz.</em>: i) to explore the existing level of scientific development in RM for RLSCs of DW; and ii) to study how risks are managed in RLSCs of DW with the aim of identifying key risks, risk assessment procedures, existing mitigation strategies, and potential gaps that need to be addressed for resilient and efficient DW management practices. In total, 35 pertinent articles sourced from two search engines published between 2000 and 2024 were subjected to descriptive and content analysis. Most articles reviewed collected data through field measurements/sample testing and originated from developed countries. The waste reprocessing stage is the most vulnerable to various risks, including health and safety, environmental, industrial, social and regulatory risks. Effective risk mitigation strategies proposed include establishing favourable policies and incentives, enhancing awareness, improving information sharing, incorporating innovative technologies, ensuring multi-stakeholder engagement and adopting safety measures. The study significantly contributes to RM in RLSCs of DW by providing an overarching foundation via the proposed conceptual framework, which guides organisations to articulate an appropriate RM strategy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101427"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101428
Ashis Mandal , Arijit Das , Manob Das
The mountain ecosystems provide various ecosystem services (ES) crucial for human well-being. These fragile and vulnerable ecosystems face increasing threats from climate chang. This study aims to support ecosystem-based decision-making and enhance understanding of how climate change threatens ES in the Himalayan region to better inform management strategies and harmonize local actions with global sustainability goals. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) has been employed for classification framework. A total of 270 studies were reviewed, and 237 studies were removed based on the exclusion criteria and finally 33 studies were selected for review based on inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were published in 2019, and geographically, the highest studies were found in Nepal, followed by India. The provisioning ecosystem services (PES) were highly studied in HMR, followed by the regulating of ecosystem services (RES) and cultural ecosystem services (CES). Biomass and water were highly studied in provisioning ES. Most of the studies assessed one ES, followed by two ES. Climate change has had a significant adverse impact on provisioning, regulating, and cultural ES. Changes in temperature and rainfall will have a significant impact on food production systems, carbon sequestrations, temperature regulations and aesthetic quality. The annual temperature in HMR has significantly increased from 1901 to 2014, which will influence the provision of ES supply. Therefore, this study suggests ecosystem-based implications for effective strategies to mitigate climate change in mountainous ecosystems.
{"title":"Climate change and ecosystem services: bridging science, policy, and community insights in Himalayan mountain ecosystem","authors":"Ashis Mandal , Arijit Das , Manob Das","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The mountain ecosystems provide various ecosystem services (ES) crucial for human well-being. These fragile and vulnerable ecosystems face increasing threats from climate chang. This study aims to support ecosystem-based decision-making and enhance understanding of how climate change threatens ES in the Himalayan region to better inform management strategies and harmonize local actions with global sustainability goals. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) has been employed for classification framework. A total of 270 studies were reviewed, and 237 studies were removed based on the exclusion criteria and finally 33 studies were selected for review based on inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were published in 2019, and geographically, the highest studies were found in Nepal, followed by India. The provisioning ecosystem services (PES) were highly studied in HMR, followed by the regulating of ecosystem services (RES) and cultural ecosystem services (CES). Biomass and water were highly studied in provisioning ES. Most of the studies assessed one ES, followed by two ES. Climate change has had a significant adverse impact on provisioning, regulating, and cultural ES. Changes in temperature and rainfall will have a significant impact on food production systems, carbon sequestrations, temperature regulations and aesthetic quality. The annual temperature in HMR has significantly increased from 1901 to 2014, which will influence the provision of ES supply. Therefore, this study suggests ecosystem-based implications for effective strategies to mitigate climate change in mountainous ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101428"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101426
Ridha Rizki Novanda , Leo Rio Ependi Malau , Tri Yulni
Although waste sorting has been widely recognized as a key aspect of solid waste management and extensively studied using the TPB, previous empirical findings remain varied and inconsistent, particularly regarding the relationships among TPB variables, which limits the formulation of constructive insights for stakeholders and policymakers. This article aims to quantitatively synthesize the relationships among the core constructs of the TPB in relation to waste sorting behavior and to examine whether income level and continent moderate these relationships. A meta-analysis was conducted to identify and statistically integrate 39 empirical studies comprising 26,001 respondents, all of which were related to waste sorting intention and behavior. These studies were retrieved from two reputable databases, namely Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), and were evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The results of the analysis indicate that the TPB effectively explains both the intention (INT) and behavior (BHV) associated with waste sorting. Attitude toward the behavior (ATB), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) all exhibit a positive and significant influence on waste sorting intention. Intention is also found to be a significant predictor of actual behavior. However, the analysis of moderating variables reveals that the core constructs of TPB are significantly related only in upper-middle income countries and in Asia. This study successfully synthesizes and statistically integrates the factors influencing waste sorting intention and behavior, thereby providing greater clarity regarding the core constructs of the TPB in this context. This study also demonstrates the influence of contextual factors, namely income level and continent, highlighting the need for waste sorting policies to consider the unique characteristics of each location.
尽管废物分类已被广泛认为是固体废物管理的一个关键方面,并使用TPB进行了广泛的研究,但先前的实证研究结果仍然存在差异和不一致,特别是关于TPB变量之间的关系,这限制了利益相关者和政策制定者的建设性见解的形成。本文旨在定量地综合城市垃圾分类的核心结构与垃圾分类行为之间的关系,并考察收入水平和大陆是否调节了这些关系。通过荟萃分析,对39项涉及26001名受访者的与垃圾分类意愿和行为相关的实证研究进行识别和统计整合。这些研究从两个著名的数据库,即Scopus和Web of Science (WoS)中检索,并使用系统评价和荟萃分析首选报告项目(PRISMA)协议进行评估。分析结果表明,城市规划有效地解释了与垃圾分类相关的意图(INT)和行为(BHV)。行为态度(ATB)、主观规范(SN)和感知行为控制(PBC)对垃圾分类意愿均有显著正向影响。意向也被发现是实际行为的重要预测因子。然而,对调节变量的分析表明,TPB的核心结构仅在中高收入国家和亚洲显著相关。本研究成功地综合并统计整合了影响垃圾分类意愿和行为的因素,从而更清楚地了解了在这种背景下城市垃圾处理中心的核心构建。本研究还显示了环境因素的影响,即收入水平和大洲,突出了废物分类政策需要考虑每个地点的独特特征。
{"title":"A meta-analysis of waste sorting behavior: Examining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the role of contextual factors","authors":"Ridha Rizki Novanda , Leo Rio Ependi Malau , Tri Yulni","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101426","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although waste sorting has been widely recognized as a key aspect of solid waste management and extensively studied using the TPB, previous empirical findings remain varied and inconsistent, particularly regarding the relationships among TPB variables, which limits the formulation of constructive insights for stakeholders and policymakers. This article aims to quantitatively synthesize the relationships among the core constructs of the TPB in relation to waste sorting behavior and to examine whether income level and continent moderate these relationships. A meta-analysis was conducted to identify and statistically integrate 39 empirical studies comprising 26,001 respondents, all of which were related to waste sorting intention and behavior. These studies were retrieved from two reputable databases, namely Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), and were evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The results of the analysis indicate that the TPB effectively explains both the intention (INT) and behavior (BHV) associated with waste sorting. Attitude toward the behavior (ATB), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) all exhibit a positive and significant influence on waste sorting intention. Intention is also found to be a significant predictor of actual behavior. However, the analysis of moderating variables reveals that the core constructs of TPB are significantly related only in upper-middle income countries and in Asia. This study successfully synthesizes and statistically integrates the factors influencing waste sorting intention and behavior, thereby providing greater clarity regarding the core constructs of the TPB in this context. This study also demonstrates the influence of contextual factors, namely income level and continent, highlighting the need for waste sorting policies to consider the unique characteristics of each location.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101426"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-27DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101423
Adam Salifu , Ummu Markwei , Ama Boafo-Arthur , Rosemond Akpene Hiadzi , Abena Asomaning Antwi
Coastal litter remains a significant environmental and public health concern, negatively affecting tourism, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Despite ongoing sanitation interventions, many beach-cleaning initiatives in Ghana are externally driven and lack long-term sustainability. This study examined the role of informal women's community groups in maintaining beach cleanliness in Ghana's Greater Accra Region and explored strategies to strengthen their contributions to sustainable, community-driven sanitation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 192 respondents, comprising 155 beach users and 37 community residents, alongside ten key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions conducted across nine purposefully selected beaches. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and chi-square tests to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, participation in clean-up activities, and perceptions of beach cleanliness. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results show that although over 80 % of respondents regarded beach cleanliness as highly important, only approximately one-third had ever participated in organised clean-up activities. Approximately 70 % reported that existing women's groups were not actively involved in beach-cleaning efforts, largely due to limited recognition, inadequate resources, and weak institutional coordination issues. Chi-square analyses indicated that participation in clean-up activities was significantly associated with stronger perceptions of shared responsibility for beach cleanliness, whereas educational level showed a modest association with pro-cleanliness attitudes. Qualitative findings further revealed that women's groups—often organised around religious, trade, and community networks—possess substantial social capital, organisational capacity, and culturally grounded commitments to cleanliness that remain largely underutilised. The study concludes that repositioning informal women's associations through targeted capacity building, material and financial support, and stronger institutional partnerships can enhance sustainable community-led coastal sanitation in Ghana.
{"title":"Fostering coastal beach hygiene in Ghana: Exploring the role of informal community women associations","authors":"Adam Salifu , Ummu Markwei , Ama Boafo-Arthur , Rosemond Akpene Hiadzi , Abena Asomaning Antwi","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101423","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101423","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coastal litter remains a significant environmental and public health concern, negatively affecting tourism, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Despite ongoing sanitation interventions, many beach-cleaning initiatives in Ghana are externally driven and lack long-term sustainability. This study examined the role of informal women's community groups in maintaining beach cleanliness in Ghana's Greater Accra Region and explored strategies to strengthen their contributions to sustainable, community-driven sanitation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 192 respondents, comprising 155 beach users and 37 community residents, alongside ten key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions conducted across nine purposefully selected beaches. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and chi-square tests to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, participation in clean-up activities, and perceptions of beach cleanliness. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results show that although over 80 % of respondents regarded beach cleanliness as highly important, only approximately one-third had ever participated in organised clean-up activities. Approximately 70 % reported that existing women's groups were not actively involved in beach-cleaning efforts, largely due to limited recognition, inadequate resources, and weak institutional coordination issues. Chi-square analyses indicated that participation in clean-up activities was significantly associated with stronger perceptions of shared responsibility for beach cleanliness, whereas educational level showed a modest association with pro-cleanliness attitudes. Qualitative findings further revealed that women's groups—often organised around religious, trade, and community networks—possess substantial social capital, organisational capacity, and culturally grounded commitments to cleanliness that remain largely underutilised. The study concludes that repositioning informal women's associations through targeted capacity building, material and financial support, and stronger institutional partnerships can enhance sustainable community-led coastal sanitation in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101423"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101419
Haisheng Hu
This study analyzes the distribution characteristics and environmental factors affecting key cultural heritage sites in China. The results reveal that cultural heritage is widely distributed across the country, with high-density clusters in areas such as Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan, and the Yangtze River Delta, while regions like the northern Tibetan Plateau exhibit lower densities due to harsh environmental conditions. The distribution of different heritage types, including ancient buildings, ruins, and tombs, reflects regional cultural characteristics. Geographical location, climate conditions, and human activity significantly influence heritage distribution. The majority of cultural heritage is concentrated within the latitudes 25°–40° N and longitudes 105°–120° E, with higher densities found in low-altitude regions. At the national scale, contemporary socio-economic indicators such as population density and GDP show a negative association with heritage site density, reflecting modern urbanization pressures, although historically populous regions were major centers of heritage formation. On the other hand, areas with rich historical and cultural backgrounds benefit from human activity in terms of preservation. Warm and humid climates (annual temperature 10–20 °C, rainfall 500–1000 mm) contribute to better preservation of heritage, particularly for architectural and organic material-based sites. Using Gaussian mixture models and random forest analysis, nine regional heritage clusters with distinct environmental characteristics were identified. These include the Huabei Plain, characterized by high seasonal precipitation, and the Loess Plateau, with a high heritage density linked to historical and geographical factors. High-altitude areas, especially in the northwest and Tibet, exhibit a lower heritage density due to climate constraints. Temperature extremes (below −20 °C in winter and above 40 °C in summer) limit cultural heritage distribution, while moderate temperature fluctuations support greater preservation. Furthermore, climate risk assessments indicate that certain regions face significant threats to heritage due to hydrological, corrosion, and drought risks. Eastern China, particularly the lower Yangtze River, is highly vulnerable to water erosion, while the southwestern region faces high corrosion and biological degradation risks. Drought risks are prominent in northern and western areas, especially affecting underground heritage sites. The study provides targeted protection strategies based on regional climate characteristics, offering insights for heritage conservation in the context of climate change.
{"title":"Distribution patterns and environmental influences on China's cultural heritage: a climate and geographical analysis","authors":"Haisheng Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzes the distribution characteristics and environmental factors affecting key cultural heritage sites in China. The results reveal that cultural heritage is widely distributed across the country, with high-density clusters in areas such as Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan, and the Yangtze River Delta, while regions like the northern Tibetan Plateau exhibit lower densities due to harsh environmental conditions. The distribution of different heritage types, including ancient buildings, ruins, and tombs, reflects regional cultural characteristics. Geographical location, climate conditions, and human activity significantly influence heritage distribution. The majority of cultural heritage is concentrated within the latitudes 25°–40° N and longitudes 105°–120° E, with higher densities found in low-altitude regions. At the national scale, contemporary socio-economic indicators such as population density and GDP show a negative association with heritage site density, reflecting modern urbanization pressures, although historically populous regions were major centers of heritage formation. On the other hand, areas with rich historical and cultural backgrounds benefit from human activity in terms of preservation. Warm and humid climates (annual temperature 10–20 °C, rainfall 500–1000 mm) contribute to better preservation of heritage, particularly for architectural and organic material-based sites. Using Gaussian mixture models and random forest analysis, nine regional heritage clusters with distinct environmental characteristics were identified. These include the Huabei Plain, characterized by high seasonal precipitation, and the Loess Plateau, with a high heritage density linked to historical and geographical factors. High-altitude areas, especially in the northwest and Tibet, exhibit a lower heritage density due to climate constraints. Temperature extremes (below −20 °C in winter and above 40 °C in summer) limit cultural heritage distribution, while moderate temperature fluctuations support greater preservation. Furthermore, climate risk assessments indicate that certain regions face significant threats to heritage due to hydrological, corrosion, and drought risks. Eastern China, particularly the lower Yangtze River, is highly vulnerable to water erosion, while the southwestern region faces high corrosion and biological degradation risks. Drought risks are prominent in northern and western areas, especially affecting underground heritage sites. The study provides targeted protection strategies based on regional climate characteristics, offering insights for heritage conservation in the context of climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101419"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101418
Tarek Ben Noamene
In many emerging economies, ESG commitments remain largely symbolic, signaling alignment with global sustainability norms without transforming organizational practices. This study examines how this dynamic unfolds in Tunisia, where voluntary ESG reporting guidelines introduced in 2021 created early regulatory momentum but lacked effective enforcement. Drawing on 18 semi-structured interviews and internal documents from six publicly listed firms across diverse sectors, the study explores how mid-level ESG implementers navigate ambiguous mandates and weak organizational infrastructures.
An integrated framework combining implementation theory, institutional decoupling, and role conflict theory is used to explain how symbolic board-level commitments (macro) produce organizational fragmentation (meso) and role ambiguity (micro) sustaining a cycle of symbolic adoption.
Four mechanisms are identified: symbolic board compliance, unclear ESG roles, fragmented interdepartmental coordination, and leadership ambivalence reinforced by cultural resistance. Sectoral differences reveal that banks exhibit more sophisticated reporting but remain largely symbolic in practice, while manufacturing and retail firms engage minimally.
The study highlights policy levers—such as stronger enforcement, targeted ESG literacy initiatives, and empowered mid-level actors—that can shift ESG from reputational signaling to operational integration.
{"title":"Stuck between strategy and practice: Why ESG fails to take root in tunisian firms","authors":"Tarek Ben Noamene","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In many emerging economies, ESG commitments remain largely symbolic, signaling alignment with global sustainability norms without transforming organizational practices. This study examines how this dynamic unfolds in Tunisia, where voluntary ESG reporting guidelines introduced in 2021 created early regulatory momentum but lacked effective enforcement. Drawing on 18 semi-structured interviews and internal documents from six publicly listed firms across diverse sectors, the study explores how mid-level ESG implementers navigate ambiguous mandates and weak organizational infrastructures.</div><div>An integrated framework combining implementation theory, institutional decoupling, and role conflict theory is used to explain how symbolic board-level commitments (macro) produce organizational fragmentation (meso) and role ambiguity (micro) sustaining a cycle of symbolic adoption.</div><div>Four mechanisms are identified: symbolic board compliance, unclear ESG roles, fragmented interdepartmental coordination, and leadership ambivalence reinforced by cultural resistance. Sectoral differences reveal that banks exhibit more sophisticated reporting but remain largely symbolic in practice, while manufacturing and retail firms engage minimally.</div><div>The study highlights policy levers—such as stronger enforcement, targeted ESG literacy initiatives, and empowered mid-level actors—that can shift ESG from reputational signaling to operational integration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101418"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101420
N. Nasif , A. Akbulut Uludağ
Developing next-generation battery technologies requires laboratory-scale experimentation, yet the environmental impacts of research activities in the early-stage (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3) remain largely undocumented. This study provides a life cycle assessment (LCA)-informed, process-based environmental assessment of 1 year of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battery development in university laboratories, where real laboratory inventory data were collected throughout cathode preparation and cell testing. A reference unit reflects the actual scale of laboratory experimentation conducted during the 1-year project, in which various cathode and electrolyte formulations were synthesized and tested to investigate material stability, electrochemical behaviour, and compatibility. Environmental impacts were assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method. Results showed that electrochemical testing dominated the environmental impacts, accounting for 85.85 % of total impacts, while cathode preparation contributed 12.75 %. Process optimization, which focused on reducing unnecessary stirring, shortening drying durations, and consolidating testing schedules, reduced electricity demand and lowered environmental impacts by up to 17 % across all categories. These findings demonstrate that early-stage laboratory workflows can impose significant environmental burdens and that simple operational adjustments offer meaningful mitigation potential. This work highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into TRL3 research practices to support more sustainable pathways in early-stage battery research.
{"title":"Life cycle assessment and optimization of lithium-oxygen battery laboratory development for sustainable innovation","authors":"N. Nasif , A. Akbulut Uludağ","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing next-generation battery technologies requires laboratory-scale experimentation, yet the environmental impacts of research activities in the early-stage (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3) remain largely undocumented. This study provides a life cycle assessment (LCA)-informed, process-based environmental assessment of 1 year of lithium-oxygen (Li-O<sub>2</sub>) battery development in university laboratories, where real laboratory inventory data were collected throughout cathode preparation and cell testing. A reference unit reflects the actual scale of laboratory experimentation conducted during the 1-year project, in which various cathode and electrolyte formulations were synthesized and tested to investigate material stability, electrochemical behaviour, and compatibility. Environmental impacts were assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method. Results showed that electrochemical testing dominated the environmental impacts, accounting for 85.85 % of total impacts, while cathode preparation contributed 12.75 %. Process optimization, which focused on reducing unnecessary stirring, shortening drying durations, and consolidating testing schedules, reduced electricity demand and lowered environmental impacts by up to 17 % across all categories. These findings demonstrate that early-stage laboratory workflows can impose significant environmental burdens and that simple operational adjustments offer meaningful mitigation potential. This work highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into TRL3 research practices to support more sustainable pathways in early-stage battery research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101420"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Land degradation is a pervasive global challenge that undermines ecosystem functions and human well-being, yet evidence remains limited regarding how local communities interpret its drivers, respond to it, and define restoration outcomes. This study assesses these perspectives across twelve community watersheds participating in Ethiopia's national Sustainable Land Management Program—six high-performing “land restoration bright-spots” and six low-performing sites—through semi-structured interviews with 123 key informants and twelve facilitated group discussions. Applying the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we assessed how communities interpret degradation drivers and impacts and compared their restoration choices and intended outcomes. The analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.001): bright-spot communities primarily attributed degradation to socioeconomic and institutional factors, whereas low-performing groups emphasized biophysical causes. Their restoration approaches and desired outcomes also varied: five of the six bright-spots prioritized vegetation regeneration, and all intended to pursue farming-system transformation as their intended outcome, while low-performing communities showed inconsistent priorities and largely aimed to revert to pre-degradation conditions as their outcome. The findings highlight that communities with stronger environmental stewardship orientations are better positioned to adapt to persistent biophysical constraints by addressing human-induced drivers and adopting innovative restoration practices, enabling more transformative and sustainable landscape restoration outcomes.
{"title":"Community responses to land degradation: Insights from land restoration bright-spot communities in the Ethiopian Highlands","authors":"Tewodros G. Asresehegn , Vivian Valencia , Steffen Schulz , Gebremedhin Woldewahid , Girma Gebrehawariat , Rogier P.O. Schulte","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101422","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101422","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Land degradation is a pervasive global challenge that undermines ecosystem functions and human well-being, yet evidence remains limited regarding how local communities interpret its drivers, respond to it, and define restoration outcomes. This study assesses these perspectives across twelve community watersheds participating in Ethiopia's national Sustainable Land Management Program—six high-performing “land restoration bright-spots” and six low-performing sites—through semi-structured interviews with 123 key informants and twelve facilitated group discussions. Applying the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we assessed how communities interpret degradation drivers and impacts and compared their restoration choices and intended outcomes. The analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.001): bright-spot communities primarily attributed degradation to socioeconomic and institutional factors, whereas low-performing groups emphasized biophysical causes. Their restoration approaches and desired outcomes also varied: five of the six bright-spots prioritized vegetation regeneration, and all intended to pursue farming-system transformation as their intended outcome, while low-performing communities showed inconsistent priorities and largely aimed to revert to pre-degradation conditions as their outcome. The findings highlight that communities with stronger environmental stewardship orientations are better positioned to adapt to persistent biophysical constraints by addressing human-induced drivers and adopting innovative restoration practices, enabling more transformative and sustainable landscape restoration outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101422"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101421
Chikako Ishizuka , Hiromi Sato
This study examines how embedding cultural heritage within corporate-led urban green initiatives (UGIs) can sustain them over time and broaden prevailing understandings of sustainability. A qualitative case study was conducted on Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., a 280-year-old brewery that integrates environmental action with the transmission of sake-brewing culture. Unlike other breweries that cultivate rice to support regional revitalization or enhance product value, Hakutsuru undertook rooftop rice farming at its Tokyo Ginza branch with the deliberate aim of cultural expression. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using NVivo with inductive coding. The results showed that the UGI had a limited direct effect on consumer purchases, which were largely driven by exclusivity and brand loyalty. However, the initiative generated significant socio-cultural value, including public interest, cross-industry cooperation, and educational engagement. Three key drivers were identified as supporting sustainability: alignment with the company's cultural mission, gradual evolution from modest beginnings, and co-creation with the community. By exploring a case that reframes rice farming as cultural transmission rather than material production, this study expands the understanding of how socio-cultural drivers sustain corporate UGIs in urban contexts. UGIs can persist when rooted in cultural heritage, enabled by voluntary employee involvement, and expanded through community partnership—compensating for limited economic returns. Policymakers and practitioners should recognize UGIs, not just as ecological tools but also as socio-cultural assets, and design support systems that embed heritage and community engagement into green strategies.
{"title":"Urban green initiatives and cultural heritage: Insights from a traditional industry case study","authors":"Chikako Ishizuka , Hiromi Sato","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines how embedding cultural heritage within corporate-led urban green initiatives (UGIs) can sustain them over time and broaden prevailing understandings of sustainability. A qualitative case study was conducted on Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., a 280-year-old brewery that integrates environmental action with the transmission of sake-brewing culture. Unlike other breweries that cultivate rice to support regional revitalization or enhance product value, Hakutsuru undertook rooftop rice farming at its Tokyo Ginza branch with the deliberate aim of cultural expression. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using NVivo with inductive coding. The results showed that the UGI had a limited direct effect on consumer purchases, which were largely driven by exclusivity and brand loyalty. However, the initiative generated significant socio-cultural value, including public interest, cross-industry cooperation, and educational engagement. Three key drivers were identified as supporting sustainability: alignment with the company's cultural mission, gradual evolution from modest beginnings, and co-creation with the community. By exploring a case that reframes rice farming as cultural transmission rather than material production, this study expands the understanding of how socio-cultural drivers sustain corporate UGIs in urban contexts. UGIs can persist when rooted in cultural heritage, enabled by voluntary employee involvement, and expanded through community partnership—compensating for limited economic returns. Policymakers and practitioners should recognize UGIs, not just as ecological tools but also as socio-cultural assets, and design support systems that embed heritage and community engagement into green strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101421"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101424
Imre Fertő , Gergely Csurilla , Szilárd Podruzsik
Agri-Environmental Schemes (AES) are a key policy tool within the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and mitigating environmental externalities. However, their effectiveness in reducing input use in high-value, resource-intensive sectors such as viticulture remains uncertain. This study evaluates the impact of AES participation on input expenditures in Hungary's wine sector, focusing on fertilizer use, crop protection costs, and energy consumption. Using a robust econometric approach - Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Entropy Balancing (EB), and Inverse Probability Weighting (IPW) - the analysis addresses selection bias and estimates the causal effects of AES participation. Findings indicate that AES participation significantly reduces crop protection costs, suggesting a shift towards more sustainable pest management practices. However, no significant effects are observed on fertilizer or energy expenditures, highlighting potential gaps in AES design concerning these critical inputs. Additionally, results suggest that AES participants manage larger, resource-abundant farms, raising concerns about the inclusivity of the scheme. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy refinements to enhance the effectiveness of AES in viticulture, particularly by improving accessibility for smaller farms and strengthening incentives for input reduction. The study contributes to the broader discourse on agri-environmental policy by providing empirical evidence to inform the design of more effective and inclusive sustainability interventions in the European wine sector.
{"title":"Assessing the impact of agri-environmental schemes on input use in Hungary's wine sector: Implications for sustainability and policy design","authors":"Imre Fertő , Gergely Csurilla , Szilárd Podruzsik","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101424","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agri-Environmental Schemes (AES) are a key policy tool within the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and mitigating environmental externalities. However, their effectiveness in reducing input use in high-value, resource-intensive sectors such as viticulture remains uncertain. This study evaluates the impact of AES participation on input expenditures in Hungary's wine sector, focusing on fertilizer use, crop protection costs, and energy consumption. Using a robust econometric approach - Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Entropy Balancing (EB), and Inverse Probability Weighting (IPW) - the analysis addresses selection bias and estimates the causal effects of AES participation. Findings indicate that AES participation significantly reduces crop protection costs, suggesting a shift towards more sustainable pest management practices. However, no significant effects are observed on fertilizer or energy expenditures, highlighting potential gaps in AES design concerning these critical inputs. Additionally, results suggest that AES participants manage larger, resource-abundant farms, raising concerns about the inclusivity of the scheme. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy refinements to enhance the effectiveness of AES in viticulture, particularly by improving accessibility for smaller farms and strengthening incentives for input reduction. The study contributes to the broader discourse on agri-environmental policy by providing empirical evidence to inform the design of more effective and inclusive sustainability interventions in the European wine sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101424"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}