Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101400
Mohammad Forrukh Hossain Khan , Faysal Ahamed Akash , Shaik Muntasir Shovon , Istiak Ahmed , Tania Sultana Sweety
Mining is a significant driver of economic development in developing countries, fueling industrialization, employment, and infrastructure growth. Bangladesh, despite its limited geographic size, relies heavily on fossil fuels, with coal as a primary energy source for electricity generation. The Barapukuria Coal Mine, Bangladesh's only operational coal mine, underscores this dependency on coal. However, coal extraction is associated with substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental impacts of coal mining in Bangladesh, identifying critical research gaps and addressing key dimensions such as water and stream sediment quality, soil and mine tailings management, and temperature fluctuations with cascading ecological effects. The analysis also examines public health implications, socio-economic impacts, land cover and land use changes, and air quality. The review further explores sustainable mitigation and management strategies to address these challenges. Comparative analyses with global case studies and advanced modeling approaches are recommended to enhance predictive understanding of the long-term environmental impacts of coal mining and to inform effective mitigation planning.
{"title":"Sustainability challenges and environmental consequences of the Barapukuria coal mine: A comprehensive review","authors":"Mohammad Forrukh Hossain Khan , Faysal Ahamed Akash , Shaik Muntasir Shovon , Istiak Ahmed , Tania Sultana Sweety","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mining is a significant driver of economic development in developing countries, fueling industrialization, employment, and infrastructure growth. Bangladesh, despite its limited geographic size, relies heavily on fossil fuels, with coal as a primary energy source for electricity generation. The Barapukuria Coal Mine, Bangladesh's only operational coal mine, underscores this dependency on coal. However, coal extraction is associated with substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental impacts of coal mining in Bangladesh, identifying critical research gaps and addressing key dimensions such as water and stream sediment quality, soil and mine tailings management, and temperature fluctuations with cascading ecological effects. The analysis also examines public health implications, socio-economic impacts, land cover and land use changes, and air quality. The review further explores sustainable mitigation and management strategies to address these challenges. Comparative analyses with global case studies and advanced modeling approaches are recommended to enhance predictive understanding of the long-term environmental impacts of coal mining and to inform effective mitigation planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101400"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738323","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 : 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101392
Mohammad Javad Emami-Skardi , Mohammad Sadegh Edrisi , Reza Kerachian , Haniyeh Sari , Ali Abdolhay
The diffusion of cooperation among diverse stakeholders in large-scale systems is crucial for achieving socially optimal outcomes. This paper presents a novel framework for modeling how cooperation emerges and diffuses in the management of urban water and reclaimed wastewater resources, particularly in contexts where rivers and groundwater face significant risks from competing stakeholder interests, industrial pollution, and rapid urbanization. The first step toward sustainable management involves identifying stakeholders, their objectives, influence, and roles within the system, alongside analyzing their social network. The paper seeks to develop a cooperation diffusion model by evaluating how stakeholders influence one another's performance. To achieve this goal, the proposed approach combines social network analysis, stakeholder analysis, and social learning assessment. A physical model is used to evaluate water quality and quantity, while a multi-agent model simulates stakeholder behavior and decision-making. Using a linear threshold model (LTM), the cooperation diffusion process is structured and evaluated. The methodology is implemented in the Kan River Basin, which is located in the western region of the Tehran metropolitan area in Iran. The results indicate that promoting cooperation significantly boosts system performance by aligning stakeholder goals and enhancing social benefits. On average, the aquifer level rises by 30 %, whereas the average nitrate concentration decreases by approximately 50 %. These findings underscore the importance of fostering collaboration in the management of complex water resources systems. From a policy perspective, the results suggest that coupling technical interventions such as wastewater reuse with participatory reforms and stronger stakeholder engagement mechanisms is essential for sustainable outcomes. Moreover, empowering bridging actors and formalizing participatory forums can strengthen cooperation and foster long-term social acceptance of water governance strategies.
{"title":"Modeling cooperation diffusion for urban water and reclaimed wastewater resources management","authors":"Mohammad Javad Emami-Skardi , Mohammad Sadegh Edrisi , Reza Kerachian , Haniyeh Sari , Ali Abdolhay","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diffusion of cooperation among diverse stakeholders in large-scale systems is crucial for achieving socially optimal outcomes. This paper presents a novel framework for modeling how cooperation emerges and diffuses in the management of urban water and reclaimed wastewater resources, particularly in contexts where rivers and groundwater face significant risks from competing stakeholder interests, industrial pollution, and rapid urbanization. The first step toward sustainable management involves identifying stakeholders, their objectives, influence, and roles within the system, alongside analyzing their social network. The paper seeks to develop a cooperation diffusion model by evaluating how stakeholders influence one another's performance. To achieve this goal, the proposed approach combines social network analysis, stakeholder analysis, and social learning assessment. A physical model is used to evaluate water quality and quantity, while a multi-agent model simulates stakeholder behavior and decision-making. Using a linear threshold model (LTM), the cooperation diffusion process is structured and evaluated. The methodology is implemented in the Kan River Basin, which is located in the western region of the Tehran metropolitan area in Iran. The results indicate that promoting cooperation significantly boosts system performance by aligning stakeholder goals and enhancing social benefits. On average, the aquifer level rises by 30 %, whereas the average nitrate concentration decreases by approximately 50 %. These findings underscore the importance of fostering collaboration in the management of complex water resources systems. From a policy perspective, the results suggest that coupling technical interventions such as wastewater reuse with participatory reforms and stronger stakeholder engagement mechanisms is essential for sustainable outcomes. Moreover, empowering bridging actors and formalizing participatory forums can strengthen cooperation and foster long-term social acceptance of water governance strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101392"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737769","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 : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101399
Shijie Liu , Lin He , Libo Huang
Media play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of climate change, influencing policy debates and societal responses to environmental challenges. This study investigates the evolution of climate change reporting in China, the UK, and the US from 2014 to 2023, focusing on its impact on public understanding during major global events. Employing Usage Fluctuation Analysis (UFA) and Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), it provides a quantitative and qualitative examination of variations in the collocational patterns of “climate change”. Our findings reveal that, despite cultural and political differences, climate change reporting in the Chinese, British, and American press shows notable points of convergence, with observable shifts in discourse presentation and public engagement over time. Specifically, Chinese media emphasizes international cooperation and national climate policy, highlighting active engagement and responsibility. The UK media narrative reflects a leadership approach centered on institutional frameworks and international collaboration, while significant events such as Brexit contribute to thematic fragmentation. In contrast, US media discourse is characterized by polarization and sensitivity to political leadership, with shifts between fragmentation and renewed consensus accompanying changes in administration. These insights underscore the complex interplay between socio-political factors and media portrayal of climate change, highlighting the strategic role of media in both mirroring and shaping public discourse and policy. The implications of these findings are significant for stakeholders in environmental communication, policy formulation, and climate governance, emphasizing the need for strategic media engagement to foster a globally informed and proactive response.
{"title":"Media discourse evolution in climate change coverage: A corpus-assisted analysis","authors":"Shijie Liu , Lin He , Libo Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Media play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of climate change, influencing policy debates and societal responses to environmental challenges. This study investigates the evolution of climate change reporting in China, the UK, and the US from 2014 to 2023, focusing on its impact on public understanding during major global events. Employing Usage Fluctuation Analysis (UFA) and Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), it provides a quantitative and qualitative examination of variations in the collocational patterns of “climate change”. Our findings reveal that, despite cultural and political differences, climate change reporting in the Chinese, British, and American press shows notable points of convergence, with observable shifts in discourse presentation and public engagement over time. Specifically, Chinese media emphasizes international cooperation and national climate policy, highlighting active engagement and responsibility. The UK media narrative reflects a leadership approach centered on institutional frameworks and international collaboration, while significant events such as Brexit contribute to thematic fragmentation. In contrast, US media discourse is characterized by polarization and sensitivity to political leadership, with shifts between fragmentation and renewed consensus accompanying changes in administration. These insights underscore the complex interplay between socio-political factors and media portrayal of climate change, highlighting the strategic role of media in both mirroring and shaping public discourse and policy. The implications of these findings are significant for stakeholders in environmental communication, policy formulation, and climate governance, emphasizing the need for strategic media engagement to foster a globally informed and proactive response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101399"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685596","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 : 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101394
Mari Kosaka
While the engagement of large corporations in sustainability policy has been widely studied, the potential role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this area remains underexplored. This qualitative study aims to clarify how SMEs can participate in sustainability-related policymaking within the context of political corporate social responsibility (CSR). To that end, interviews were conducted with 14 pioneering Japanese SMEs that had received recognition through one of two government-sponsored award programs for their implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To analyze the political activities of these firms, this study adopts the framework proposed by Westman et al. (2020), which conceptualizes SME political engagement through formal political participation, activism, civic engagement, and involvement. Based on this framework, the collected data were classified and analyzed to identify how SMEs engage in political processes. The findings reveal that SMEs influence both sustainability policymaking and informal rule-setting within sectors such as production and healthcare, often through participation in advocacy groups and other collective actions. These results suggest that SMEs are not merely passive recipients of policy but have the capacity to shape it through diverse forms of engagement, acting as policy actors. By positioning SMEs as a previously underexamined unit of analysis, the study contributes to the literature on political CSR and sustainability governance, offering a new perspective on the ways in which smaller firms can participate in and help shape public policy, particularly within the sustainability domain.
{"title":"Pioneering small and medium-sized enterprises’ engagement in sustainability policy in Japan: Toward a new role in policymaking","authors":"Mari Kosaka","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While the engagement of large corporations in sustainability policy has been widely studied, the potential role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this area remains underexplored. This qualitative study aims to clarify how SMEs can participate in sustainability-related policymaking within the context of political corporate social responsibility (CSR). To that end, interviews were conducted with 14 pioneering Japanese SMEs that had received recognition through one of two government-sponsored award programs for their implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To analyze the political activities of these firms, this study adopts the framework proposed by Westman et al. (2020), which conceptualizes SME political engagement through formal political participation, activism, civic engagement, and involvement. Based on this framework, the collected data were classified and analyzed to identify how SMEs engage in political processes. The findings reveal that SMEs influence both sustainability policymaking and informal rule-setting within sectors such as production and healthcare, often through participation in advocacy groups and other collective actions. These results suggest that SMEs are not merely passive recipients of policy but have the capacity to shape it through diverse forms of engagement, acting as policy actors. By positioning SMEs as a previously underexamined unit of analysis, the study contributes to the literature on political CSR and sustainability governance, offering a new perspective on the ways in which smaller firms can participate in and help shape public policy, particularly within the sustainability domain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101394"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145652126","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 : 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101396
Reza Aein , Abbas Seifi , Vahid Zahedi Rad , S. Jamshid Mousavi
Sustainable agriculture depends on effective water management in arid and semi-arid regions facing water scarcity and salinity challenges. This study develops a multi-scale system dynamics model to evaluate the interactions between irrigation policy scenarios and regional economic balances across the Shapour River Basin, comparing infrastructure-oriented, demand management, and hybrid scenarios. The model simulates salinity accumulation and soil-water dynamics at the district level, while capturing basin-wide crop yields, agricultural economics, and water use. Computational results reveal that while demand management alone (scenario 4) outperforms the first three irrigation technology-focused scenarios (scenarios 1–3) with 10 % more enhancements in net economic profit and water economic value and reflects rebound effect of these infrastructure-only policies, the hybrid scenario (scenario 5) that combines both demand management and technology improvement proves most effective, delivering the highest economic returns with 77 % improvements and achieving significant reductions in water use up to 56 % compared to the status quo. These findings showcase the diminishing effectiveness of infrastructure-focused approaches while highlighting the superior performance of the integrated strategies. This demonstrates that the combination of demand management, irrigation technology, and regional economic equity leads to sustainable outcomes. They offer not only actionable guidance for policymakers in the study region, but also a valuable contribution to the global discourse on moving beyond infrastructure-centric approaches in arid and semi-arid agriculture.
{"title":"A system dynamics model for agricultural water management in Shapour River basin using sustainable irrigation policy design under water scarcity and salinity","authors":"Reza Aein , Abbas Seifi , Vahid Zahedi Rad , S. Jamshid Mousavi","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable agriculture depends on effective water management in arid and semi-arid regions facing water scarcity and salinity challenges. This study develops a multi-scale system dynamics model to evaluate the interactions between irrigation policy scenarios and regional economic balances across the Shapour River Basin, comparing infrastructure-oriented, demand management, and hybrid scenarios. The model simulates salinity accumulation and soil-water dynamics at the district level, while capturing basin-wide crop yields, agricultural economics, and water use. Computational results reveal that while demand management alone (scenario 4) outperforms the first three irrigation technology-focused scenarios (scenarios 1–3) with 10 % more enhancements in net economic profit and water economic value and reflects rebound effect of these infrastructure-only policies, the hybrid scenario (scenario 5) that combines both demand management and technology improvement proves most effective, delivering the highest economic returns with 77 % improvements and achieving significant reductions in water use up to 56 % compared to the status quo. These findings showcase the diminishing effectiveness of infrastructure-focused approaches while highlighting the superior performance of the integrated strategies. This demonstrates that the combination of demand management, irrigation technology, and regional economic equity leads to sustainable outcomes. They offer not only actionable guidance for policymakers in the study region, but also a valuable contribution to the global discourse on moving beyond infrastructure-centric approaches in arid and semi-arid agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101396"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737768","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 : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101395
G. Carroll , C. Wangui , I. Kyriazakis
In high-income countries, pig production predominantly occurs in conventional indoor systems, but interest in alternative systems is growing. This research applied social science frameworks to understand barriers and facilitators influencing adoption of alternative pig farming practices. Using the COM-B model (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation = Behaviour) and Theoretical Domains Framework, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with stakeholders from conventional indoor and alternative (free-range and organic) systems. Eighteen interviews (Conventional: n = 9; Alternative: n = 9) and two focus groups (Conventional: n = 5; Alternative: n = 4) explored individual- and industry-level factors affecting the adoption of alternative systems, with pig farming stakeholders. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data were analysed using a deductive Framework approach. Barriers to adoption related to Capability (e.g., shortage of skilled staff, lack of knowledge of alternative farming methods), Motivation (e.g., alternative farming perceived as a hobby), and Opportunity (e.g., power dynamics in the industry, profitability). Facilitators included Capability (e.g., diversification of activities) and Opportunity (e.g., availability of woodlands, support from family and community). The majority of the identified barriers related to lack of opportunity, highlighting the need for a physical and social environment that facilitates the development of alternative pig farming systems. A supportive regulatory and physical environment are essential in progressing alternative pig farming systems.
{"title":"Lack of Social and Physical Opportunity are key barriers to adopting alternative pig farming systems","authors":"G. Carroll , C. Wangui , I. Kyriazakis","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In high-income countries, pig production predominantly occurs in conventional indoor systems, but interest in alternative systems is growing. This research applied social science frameworks to understand barriers and facilitators influencing adoption of alternative pig farming practices. Using the COM-B model (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation = Behaviour) and Theoretical Domains Framework, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with stakeholders from conventional indoor and alternative (free-range and organic) systems. Eighteen interviews (Conventional: n = 9; Alternative: n = 9) and two focus groups (Conventional: n = 5; Alternative: n = 4) explored individual- and industry-level factors affecting the adoption of alternative systems, with pig farming stakeholders. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data were analysed using a deductive Framework approach. Barriers to adoption related to Capability (e.g., shortage of skilled staff, lack of knowledge of alternative farming methods), Motivation (e.g., alternative farming perceived as a hobby), and Opportunity (e.g., power dynamics in the industry, profitability). Facilitators included Capability (e.g., diversification of activities) and Opportunity (e.g., availability of woodlands, support from family and community). The majority of the identified barriers related to lack of opportunity, highlighting the need for a physical and social environment that facilitates the development of alternative pig farming systems. A supportive regulatory and physical environment are essential in progressing alternative pig farming systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101395"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145652125","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}
Daylighting urban waterways is one form of nature-based solution (NBS) gaining attention amongst cities internationally. Urban daylighting – which involves removing historically buried waterways from underground pipes and bringing them back to the surface – is an intensive form of NBS which can address urban stormwater management, reduce combined-sewage overflow issues, improve riparian habitat, and increase biodiversity. The process of reinserting a waterway in an urban environment makes daylighting an important context for analyzing urban NBS trade-offs and their associated justice implications. We use a typology of trade-offs – rigid, governance, and functional trade-offs – intersected with a socio-ecological justice lens to critically approach and understand the implications of trade-offs in urban daylighting projects. We apply this framework to the contemporary case study of daylighting Tibbetts Brook in The Bronx, New York City. Data was collected through interviews with stakeholders involved in the project, and street interviews, to capture the perceptions of trade-offs related to daylighting. We find governance trade-offs related to the inclusion of local community, and choices between accessibility and ecological functioning. Additionally, we identify functional trade-offs related to daylighting as infrastructural upgrades or maximized ecological benefits, considerations of future use and impacts, and the trade-off between novel and landscaped ecosystems. We examine the differentiated socio-ecological justice dilemmas associated with the trade-offs for diverse groups, including non-human nature. Moreover, we indicate how wider policy and social drivers interconnect and shape the trade-offs in daylighting Tibbetts Brook. Overall, we highlight the socio-ecological benefits that daylighting can provide, as well as the complexity of daylighting in cities and the interconnected infrastructural, social, and ecological factors which create justice dilemmas.
{"title":"Uncovering streams, dreams, and dilemmas: A case study analyzing trade-offs and justice in the urban stream daylighting of Tibbetts Brook in New York City, USA","authors":"Charlotte Stijnen , Katinka Wijsman , Timon McPhearson , Niki Frantzeskaki","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Daylighting urban waterways is one form of nature-based solution (NBS) gaining attention amongst cities internationally. Urban daylighting – which involves removing historically buried waterways from underground pipes and bringing them back to the surface – is an intensive form of NBS which can address urban stormwater management, reduce combined-sewage overflow issues, improve riparian habitat, and increase biodiversity. The process of reinserting a waterway in an urban environment makes daylighting an important context for analyzing urban NBS trade-offs and their associated justice implications. We use a typology of trade-offs – rigid, governance, and functional trade-offs – intersected with a socio-ecological justice lens to critically approach and understand the implications of trade-offs in urban daylighting projects. We apply this framework to the contemporary case study of daylighting Tibbetts Brook in The Bronx, New York City. Data was collected through interviews with stakeholders involved in the project, and street interviews, to capture the perceptions of trade-offs related to daylighting. We find governance trade-offs related to the inclusion of local community, and choices between accessibility and ecological functioning. Additionally, we identify functional trade-offs related to daylighting as infrastructural upgrades or maximized ecological benefits, considerations of future use and impacts, and the trade-off between novel and landscaped ecosystems. We examine the differentiated socio-ecological justice dilemmas associated with the trade-offs for diverse groups, including non-human nature. Moreover, we indicate how wider policy and social drivers interconnect and shape the trade-offs in daylighting Tibbetts Brook. Overall, we highlight the socio-ecological benefits that daylighting can provide, as well as the complexity of daylighting in cities and the interconnected infrastructural, social, and ecological factors which create justice dilemmas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101391"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840835","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 : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101398
Xue Zhao, Wanghai Tao, Quanjiu Wang, Shiyao Liu, Jingjing Cao
Saline-alkali land is a major global issue in soil degradation, particularly in typical coastal areas like the Yellow River Delta, hindering sustainable development in agriculture and the environment. The management of saline-alkali land requires a comprehensive, long-term, multi-disciplinary approach, with the improvement of saline-alkali land partition being a crucial prerequisite. To propose a comprehensive management plan for coastal saline-alkali land, this study conducted an analysis of 23 ecological and environmental factors, including climate, topography, soil, vegetation, and groundwater. Based on this analysis, the study suggested a zoning and classification approach for governance. Within the first layer of influencing factors, groundwater and soil factors hold the highest weights, followed by climate, while vegetation and topographical influences carry the lowest weights. Among the second layer of influencing factors, weights for the current status of saline-alkaline land, groundwater depth, and groundwater mineralization are relatively higher. According to the zoning model, the saline-alkaline land in the Yellow River Delta is categorized into five zones based on the degree of difficulty: Easy governance area, Mild saline-alkali governance area, Moderate saline-alkali governance area, Severe saline-alkali governance area, and Wetland ecological protection area, respectively accounting for 8.98 %, 12.78 %, 19.49 %, 20.89 %, and 28.56 % of the total coastal saline-alkaline land area in the Yellow River Delta. Corresponding control schemes are proposed for different saline-alkaline land management zones, involving the rational allocation of water conservancy projects, chemical improvement, vegetation restoration and bioremediation, field management, and other measures. This study is intended to provide a scientific reference for coastal saline-alkali land improvement and regional agricultural development.
{"title":"Spatiotemporal characterization of ecological elements and zoning of saline-alkaline land management in the Yellow River Delta","authors":"Xue Zhao, Wanghai Tao, Quanjiu Wang, Shiyao Liu, Jingjing Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Saline-alkali land is a major global issue in soil degradation, particularly in typical coastal areas like the Yellow River Delta, hindering sustainable development in agriculture and the environment. The management of saline-alkali land requires a comprehensive, long-term, multi-disciplinary approach, with the improvement of saline-alkali land partition being a crucial prerequisite. To propose a comprehensive management plan for coastal saline-alkali land, this study conducted an analysis of 23 ecological and environmental factors, including climate, topography, soil, vegetation, and groundwater. Based on this analysis, the study suggested a zoning and classification approach for governance. Within the first layer of influencing factors, groundwater and soil factors hold the highest weights, followed by climate, while vegetation and topographical influences carry the lowest weights. Among the second layer of influencing factors, weights for the current status of saline-alkaline land, groundwater depth, and groundwater mineralization are relatively higher. According to the zoning model, the saline-alkaline land in the Yellow River Delta is categorized into five zones based on the degree of difficulty: Easy governance area, Mild saline-alkali governance area, Moderate saline-alkali governance area, Severe saline-alkali governance area, and Wetland ecological protection area, respectively accounting for 8.98 %, 12.78 %, 19.49 %, 20.89 %, and 28.56 % of the total coastal saline-alkaline land area in the Yellow River Delta. Corresponding control schemes are proposed for different saline-alkaline land management zones, involving the rational allocation of water conservancy projects, chemical improvement, vegetation restoration and bioremediation, field management, and other measures. This study is intended to provide a scientific reference for coastal saline-alkali land improvement and regional agricultural development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"57 ","pages":"Article 101398"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623007","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}
Amphibian populations face unprecedented declines globally, with pollution identified as a critical threat. We conducted the first screening-level ecological risk assessment of heavy metal (HM) and microplastic (MP) contamination in permanent amphibian breeding marshes across the Hyrcanian Forest biodiversity hotspot of northern Iran, employing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) framework for systematic risk prioritization. Twenty-one breeding marshes spanning elevational gradients from sea level to 2368 m were surveyed for five priority HMs (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and MPs during February–May 2024. Results revealed widespread contamination affecting eleven native amphibian species: Cu, Pb, and Zn were detected at 100 %, 90.5 %, and 100 % of stations respectively, with concentrations exceeding established toxicity thresholds for amphibians and/or aquatic invertebrates at most stations. Cd and As showed localized contamination at 14.3 % and 9.5 % of stations. MPs ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 particles L−1, remaining below amphibian toxicity thresholds. The FMEA-based Weighted Risk Priority Number (WRPN) classification identified one station at critical risk, ten at extreme risk, and four at very high risk, with over 80 % of breeding habitats requiring priority management intervention. Contamination sources included mining operations, livestock manure, and long-range atmospheric transport, with unexpected elevation of pollution levels at remote, low-accessibility stations challenging conventional conservation assumptions. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline assessment and quantitative risk prioritization framework for amphibian breeding habitat protection in this globally significant ecoregion, with direct implications for conservation resource allocation and protected area management strategies.
{"title":"Heavy metal and microplastic contamination in amphibian breeding marshes deep within the Hyrcanian Forests: A screening-level ecological risk assessment using FMEA framework","authors":"Nadimeh Shojaei , Naeim Moradi , Ali Sharifi , Esmaeil Yasari","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphibian populations face unprecedented declines globally, with pollution identified as a critical threat. We conducted the first screening-level ecological risk assessment of heavy metal (HM) and microplastic (MP) contamination in permanent amphibian breeding marshes across the Hyrcanian Forest biodiversity hotspot of northern Iran, employing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) framework for systematic risk prioritization. Twenty-one breeding marshes spanning elevational gradients from sea level to 2368 m were surveyed for five priority HMs (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and MPs during February–May 2024. Results revealed widespread contamination affecting eleven native amphibian species: Cu, Pb, and Zn were detected at 100 %, 90.5 %, and 100 % of stations respectively, with concentrations exceeding established toxicity thresholds for amphibians and/or aquatic invertebrates at most stations. Cd and As showed localized contamination at 14.3 % and 9.5 % of stations. MPs ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 particles L<sup>−1</sup>, remaining below amphibian toxicity thresholds. The FMEA-based Weighted Risk Priority Number (WRPN) classification identified one station at critical risk, ten at extreme risk, and four at very high risk, with over 80 % of breeding habitats requiring priority management intervention. Contamination sources included mining operations, livestock manure, and long-range atmospheric transport, with unexpected elevation of pollution levels at remote, low-accessibility stations challenging conventional conservation assumptions. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline assessment and quantitative risk prioritization framework for amphibian breeding habitat protection in this globally significant ecoregion, with direct implications for conservation resource allocation and protected area management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"57 ","pages":"Article 101393"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623118","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 : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101390
Payel Bhattacharya , Subrata Haldar , Arijit Das , Manob Das , Bhaskar Samanta , Suman Paul
Homestay tourism in hilly areas has arisen as a sustainable alternative to conventional tourist, prioritizing cultural immersion and the enhancement of local economies. This study assesses the viability of Homestay tourist locations in the Himalayan region, namely the Kalimpong district in India, employing the CRITIC-PROMETHEE-GAIA methodology. The research employs multi-criteria decision-making methodologies to evaluate essential elements including physical accessibility, infrastructure, social dynamics, and environmental sustainability at twelve homestay locations. The research identified 15 indicators affecting tourism potential in Kalimpong, classified into advantageous and disadvantageous attributes. Kolakham obtained the highest score among homestays owing to its exceptional performance in accessibility, accommodation, and resource availability, whereas Rocky Island received the lowest grade. PROMETHEE I and II investigations identified clusters of sites with middling performance, including Kaffergaon, Charkhole, and Ramdhura. Environmental factors (P1–P3) and infrastructure (I1–I6) significantly influenced rankings. Sensitivity and GAIA analysis indicated trade-offs among criteria, with Kolakham exhibiting alignment with important utilities. Poor economic indicators inhibited sites like Rocky Island and Durpindara, underlining the need for focused infrastructure, social services, and sustainable economic development measures. Management strategies should focus on building infrastructure, boosting social entrepreneurship, and expanding market access to support sustainable livelihoods (SDG 8). Enhancing community resilience via social services (SDG 11), mitigating pollution (SDG 13), and conserving natural landscapes (SDG 15) are imperative. Site-specific interventions targeting economic, social, and environmental dimensions can ensure inclusive and balanced growth aligned with SDG goals.
{"title":"Sustainable homestay tourism in the Himalayas: A multicriteria evaluation approach","authors":"Payel Bhattacharya , Subrata Haldar , Arijit Das , Manob Das , Bhaskar Samanta , Suman Paul","doi":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Homestay tourism in hilly areas has arisen as a sustainable alternative to conventional tourist, prioritizing cultural immersion and the enhancement of local economies. This study assesses the viability of Homestay tourist locations in the Himalayan region, namely the Kalimpong district in India, employing the CRITIC-PROMETHEE-GAIA methodology. The research employs multi-criteria decision-making methodologies to evaluate essential elements including physical accessibility, infrastructure, social dynamics, and environmental sustainability at twelve homestay locations. The research identified 15 indicators affecting tourism potential in Kalimpong, classified into advantageous and disadvantageous attributes. Kolakham obtained the highest score among homestays owing to its exceptional performance in accessibility, accommodation, and resource availability, whereas Rocky Island received the lowest grade. PROMETHEE I and II investigations identified clusters of sites with middling performance, including Kaffergaon, Charkhole, and Ramdhura. Environmental factors (P1–P3) and infrastructure (I1–I6) significantly influenced rankings. Sensitivity and GAIA analysis indicated trade-offs among criteria, with Kolakham exhibiting alignment with important utilities. Poor economic indicators inhibited sites like Rocky Island and Durpindara, underlining the need for focused infrastructure, social services, and sustainable economic development measures. Management strategies should focus on building infrastructure, boosting social entrepreneurship, and expanding market access to support sustainable livelihoods (SDG 8). Enhancing community resilience via social services (SDG 11), mitigating pollution (SDG 13), and conserving natural landscapes (SDG 15) are imperative. Site-specific interventions targeting economic, social, and environmental dimensions can ensure inclusive and balanced growth aligned with SDG goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54269,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Development","volume":"57 ","pages":"Article 101390"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623119","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}
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