Showing papers in "Environment, Development and Sustainability in 2021"
TL;DR: In this article, a new perspective on the connection between CO2 emissions and GDP growth, renewable energy, technological innovation and globalization in Japan by employing wavelet statistical tools was revealed by employing series of wavelet tools for datasets covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2015Q4.
Abstract: With regard to environmental degradation in Japan, the world's third-largest economy, limited studies have been performed to illustrate the ecological aspects of the country's core and recent economic policies such as globalization, technological innovation, and renewable energy usage policies. Given this motivation, this research reveals a new perspective on the connection between CO2 emissions and GDP growth, renewable energy, technological innovation and globalization in Japan by employing wavelet statistical tools. The paper employs series of wavelet tools for datasets covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2015Q4. The empirical outcomes demonstrate proof of the interaction between renewable energy use, economic growth, technological innovation, globalization and CO2 emissions in both time and frequency. The empirical results of the wavelet analyses reveal that globalization, GDP growth, and technological innovation increase CO2 emissions in Japan, while renewable energy usage mitigates CO2 in the short and medium terms. The results demonstrate the significance of implementing policies effectively coordinated by the policymakers to curb the significant environmental degradation in Japan. Moreover, Japan should actively support renewable energy development and create a more competitive climate for investment in the renewable energy market.
206 citations
TL;DR: It was found that the quantity of waste increased across countries observing the social distancing measure of staying at home, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on waste management by observing lockdown and social Distancing measures was assessed.
Abstract: The containment of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and limitations on commercial activities, mobility and manufacturing sector have significantly affected waste management. Waste management is critical to human development and health outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The invaluable service provided by the waste management sector ensures that the unusual heaps of waste that poses health risks and escalate the spread of COVID-19 is avoided. In this study, we assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on waste management by observing lockdown and social distancing measures. We found that the quantity of waste increased across countries observing the social distancing measure of staying at home. The intensification of single-use products and panic buying have increased production and consumption, hence thwarting efforts towards reducing plastic pollution. However, several countries have thus far instituted policies to ensure sustainable management of waste while protecting the safety of waste handlers.
202 citations
TL;DR: The study demonstrates the need for future research to focus on environment-health-economic nexus—a trilemma that has a potential trade-off in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Abstract: The institution of social distancing and punitive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 through human-to-human transmission has environmental, health and economic impact. While the global pandemic has led to the enhancement of the health system and decline of emissions, economic development appears deteriorating. Here, we present the global environmental, health and economic dimension of the effect of COVID-19 using qualitative and empirical assessments. We report the health system policies, environmental sustainability issues, and fiscal, monetary and exchange rate measures introduced during lockdown across countries. While air pollution is reported to have declined, municipal and medical waste is increasing. The COVID-19 global pandemic uncertainty ranks the UK as the country with the highest uncertainty level among 143 countries. The USA has introduced 100% of pre-COVID-19 crisis level GDP, the highest policy cut-rate among 162 countries. Science, innovation, research and development underpin COVID-19 containment measures implemented across countries. Our study demonstrates the need for future research to focus on environment-health-economic nexus-a trilemma that has a potential trade-off.
191 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focused on the public perception of comparative lockdown scenario analysis and how they may affect the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the strategic management regime of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh socio-economically as well as the implications of the withdrawal of partial lockdown plan.
Abstract: Community transmission of COVID-19 is happening in Bangladesh—the country which did not have a noteworthy health policy and legislative structures to combat a pandemic like COVID-19. Early strategic planning and groundwork for evolving and established challenges are crucial to assemble resources and react in an appropriate timely manner. This article, therefore, focuses on the public perception of comparative lockdown scenario analysis and how they may affect the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the strategic management regime of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh socio-economically as well as the implications of the withdrawal of partial lockdown plan. Scenario-based public perceptions were collected via a purposive sampling survey method through a questionnaire. Datasets were analysed through a set of statistical techniques including classical test theory, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation matrix and linear regression analysis. There were good associations among the lockdown scenarios and response strategies to be formulated. Scenario 1 describes how the death and infection rate will increase if the Bangladesh Government withdraws the existing partial lockdown. Scenario 2 outlines that limited people’s movement will enable low-level community transmission of COVID-19 with the infection and death rate will increase slowly (r = 0.540, p < 0.01). Moreover, there will be less supply of necessities of daily use with a price hike (r = 0.680, p < 0.01). In scenario 3, full lockdown will reduce community transmission and death from COVID-19 (r = 0.545, p < 0.01). However, along with the other problems gender discrimination and gender-based violence will increase rapidly (r = 0.661, p < 0.01). Due to full lockdown, the formal and informal business, economy, and education sector will be hampered severely (R = 0.695). Subsequently, there was a strong association between the loss of livelihood and the unemployment rate which will increase due to business shutdown (p < 0.01). This will lead to the severe sufferings of poor and vulnerable communities in both urban and rural areas (p < 0.01). All these will further aggravate the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable groups in the country in the coming months to be followed which will undoubtedly affect the Bangladesh targets to achieve the SDGs of 2030 and other development plans that need to be adjusted. From our analysis, it was apparent that maintaining partial lockdown with business and economic activities with social distancing and public health guidelines is the best strategy to maintain. However, as the government withdrew the partial lockdown, inclusive and transparent risk communication towards the public should be followed. Recovery and strengthening of the health sector, economy, industry, agriculture, and food security should be focused on under the “new normal standard of life” following health guidelines and social distancing. Proper response plans and strategic management are necessary for the sustainability of the nation.
156 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak in terms of the environment and renewable energy sector in the literature were examined in detail and the findings obtained were discussed.
Abstract: Many articles have been written in the medical field related to the Covid-19 outbreak that has surrounded the World and killed many people However, its environmental and energy impacts have not been sufficiently studied Some sources argue that Covid-19 outbreak reduces pollution environmentally, while others say that environmentally significant damages await us On the other hand, it is wondered how the global flexible renewable energy sector will react to Covid-19 outbreak In this study, the effects of Covid-19 outbreak in terms of the environment and renewable energy sector in the literature were examined in detail and the findings obtained were discussed The main aim of this study is to shed light on the future studies of environmental and renewable energy researchers
150 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the past and future crop production and food security in Kenya under variable climate, and revealed that climate change would continue to negatively affect crop production to the already vulnerable communities in the arid and semi-arid areas.
Abstract: Climate change and variability are a major threat to the agricultural sector globally. It is widely accepted that the changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, sea water level and concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will have the most devastating impacts on agricultural production. This paper examines the past and future crop production and food security in Kenya under variable climate. From the review, it is evident that the country is already experiencing episodes of climate change, manifested by seasonal changes in precipitation and temperature of varying severity and duration despite overreliance on rain-fed agriculture. The findings also reveal that climate change would continue to negatively affect crop production and food security to the already vulnerable communities in the arid and semi-arid areas. Future projections also indicate that climate variability will likely alter cropping patterns and yields in several regions. As the country is faced with a high population growth rate and rapid urbanization, crop production and food security systems need to become more adaptive as uncertainties of projected climate variability and change unfold. This study is important in providing decision makers and interested stakeholders with a detailed assessment of climate impacts and adaptation strategies geared towards improved crop production and food security.
143 citations
TL;DR: The result shows that the pollutants like CO, NO2 and SO2 are significantly decreased, while the average level of O3 has been slightly increased in 2020 during the lockdown due to close-down of all industrial and transport activities.
Abstract: The fatal novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disease smashes the normal tempo of global socio-economic and cultural livelihood. Most of the countries impose a lockdown system with social distancing measures to arrest the rapid transmission of this virus into the human body. The objective of this study is to examine the status of air quality during and pre-COVID-19 lockdown and to recommend some long-term sustainable environmental management plan. The pollution data like PM10, PM2.5, O3, SO2, NO2 and CO have been obtained from State Pollution Control Board under Govt. of West Bengal. Similarly, various land surface temperature (LST) maps have been prepared using LANDSAT-8 OLI and LANDSAT-7 ETM + images of USGS. The maps of NO2 and aerosol concentration over Indian subcontinent have been taken from ESA and NASA. The digital thematic maps and diagrams have been depicted by Grapher 13 and Arc GIS 10.3 platforms. The result shows that the pollutants like CO, NO2 and SO2 are significantly decreased, while the average level of O3 has been slightly increased in 2020 during the lockdown due to close-down of all industrial and transport activities. Meanwhile, around 17.5% was the mean reduction of PM10 and PM2.5 during lockdown compared with previous years owing to complete stop of vehicles movement, burning of biomass and dust particles from the construction works. This study recommends some air pollution-tolerant plant species (in urban vacant spaces and roof tops) for long-term cohabitation among environment, society and development.
134 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the impact of urbanization, renewable energy consumption, financial development, agriculture, and economic growth on CO2 emissions in 15 Asian economies over 1990-2014.
Abstract: In terms of attaining the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Asian economies are considered as laggards, and one of the major problems faced by these economies is the issue of environmental degradation. For addressing this pertaining issue, a policy-level reorientation might be necessary. In this view, this study aims to explore the impact of urbanization, renewable energy consumption, financial development, agriculture, and economic growth on CO2 emissions in 15 Asian economies over 1990–2014. The empirical evidence demonstrates that urbanization, financial development, and economic growth increase CO2 emissions, renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions, and the impact of agriculture is insignificant. Impulse response function and variance decomposition techniques are used to test the causality among the variables. Based on the study outcomes, a comprehensive SDG-oriented policy framework has been recommended, so that these economies can make progression toward attaining the objectives of SDG 13 and SDG 7. This study contributed to the literature by recommending this SDG-oriented policy framework, which encapsulates economic growth and its drivers.
131 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the role of institutional quality on environment and energy consumption for 66 developing countries by using data from 1991 to 2017 and found that institutional quality was having a positive impact on energy consumption based on oil and fossil fuel resources.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the role of institutional quality on environment and energy consumption for 66 developing countries by using data from 1991 to 2017. Different environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions, CH4 emissions, forest area, organic water pollutants, and energy consumption. The paper constructs institutional quality index by covering three main aspects: political stability, administrative capacity, and democratic accountability. System generalized method of moments results reveal that institutional quality has a positive impact on most of the environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions, CH4 emissions, and forest area. Institutional quality was having a positive impact on energy consumption based on oil and fossil fuel resources. Furthermore, it results in a signal that economic globalization has not increased environmental quality over time in developing countries.
115 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the changes in groundwater levels and quality in the Isfahan-Borkhar aquifer and found that excessive extraction of wells has led to a major decline in water levels and a marked increase in concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
Abstract: Groundwater resources are increasingly exposed to significant overexploitation in many parts of the world, markedly in Iran, one of the most arid areas. Social, economic and environmental aspects including water quality and quantity concerns are necessary for sustainable management of water resources. The aim of the current study was to investigate the changes in groundwater levels and quality in the Isfahan-Borkhar aquifer. Groundwater fluctuation contour lines maps provided in Geographic Information System (GIS) during 1971–2005 in this area indicate that excessive extraction of wells has led to major decline in water levels and a marked increase in concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The Groundwater Modeling System, a three-dimensional MODFLOW model paired with MT3D, was utilized to survey the aquifer characterization in the area. In the first step, usage high amount of hydrological and geological data, the conceptual model was developed and calibrated in both steady and transient states. The results of the calibration showed that the error between calculated and observed levels was in optimal level. Subsequently, since rainfall is decreasing annually in the study area and the aquifer is in danger of drought, and uncontrolled exploitation of wells has led it to a crisis, two scenarios were considered to simulate quantity changes in the aquifer: Simulation in drought and rainfall reduction. The results indicate that during both the drought period and increasing exploiting from the pumping wells, the level of water has fallen 0.5–0.1 m/s annually, and it will destroy the aquifer. Finally, the calculated hydraulic heads and velocity of flow of groundwater in the aquifer are recovered in the mass transport modelling package MT3D to find the concentration of TDS in the groundwater. Simulation results indicate that concentration of TDS is with far more amount in the areas around the lake located in central parts due to evaporation of Borkhar-Isfahan Aquifer and geological structure of the region. Scenarios considered for prediction by transport model show that concentration of TDS would enhance if the current situation continues; however, this is mainly influenced by hydrology and geology of the area.
110 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that there exists a positive correlation between the level of air pollution of a region and the lethality related to COVID-19, indicating air pollution to be an elemental and concealed factor in aggravating the global burden of deaths related to the disease.
Abstract: The present work estimates the increased risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by establishing the linkage between the mortality rate in the infected cases and the air pollution, specifically Particulate Matters (PM) with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 µm and ≤ 2.5 µm. Data related to nine Asian cities are analyzed using statistical approaches, including the analysis of variance and regression model. The present work suggests that there exists a positive correlation between the level of air pollution of a region and the lethality related to COVID-19, indicating air pollution to be an elemental and concealed factor in aggravating the global burden of deaths related to COVID-19. Past exposures to high level of PM2.5 over a long period, is found to significantly correlate with present COVID-19 mortality per unit reported cases (p < 0.05) compared to PM10, with non-significant correlation (p = 0.118). The finding of the study can help government agencies, health ministries and policymakers globally to take proactive steps by promoting immunity-boosting supplements and appropriate masks to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 in highly polluted areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used an extended TPB model to predict adoption intention of customers towards the purchase of electric vehicles in India, and found that attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, moral norm, and environmental concern have a positive relation with adoption intention.
Abstract: Being a major energy consumer, India is under intense pressure to reduce its energy requirements and greenhouse emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs), a sustainable form of automobile transportation, can reduce the country’s dependence on gasoline while greatly reducing its carbon footprints. The study uses an extended TPB model in order to predict adoption intention of 326 customers towards the purchase of EVs. The sample respondents have been taken from 57 dealerships of five different automobile companies. The empirical analysis of the study shows that attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, moral norm, and environmental concern have a positive relation with adoption intention of buyers. The findings of study also suggest that extended TPB model is appropriate in predicting the adoption intention of the customers towards the EVs. Based on the results, the study discusses the implications for EVs adoption in India and also provides suggestions for future research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the influence of carbon dioxide emissions generated from various sources on the economic progress in Pakistan between 1971 and 2017 and found that carbon dioxide emission from Pakistan's transportation sector influenced the country's economic progress.
Abstract: Carbon dioxide emissions have been the primary source of extreme environmental pollution and have detrimental consequences on human life, irrespective of an economy being developed or underdeveloped. For the developing economies, in particular, it is imperative to reduce such emissions in order to sustain the growth of the respective economies. However, for designing appropriate emission reduction policies, it is appropriate to identify the sectors which contribute the most to carbon dioxide emissions and dampen the growth of overall economy. Against this background, the key intention of this study was to examine the influence of carbon dioxide emissions generated from various sources on the economic progress in Pakistan between 1971 and 2017. This study is important for Pakistan to sustain its economic progress and enable the nation to comply with commitments of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. The econometric analysis conducted in this study considers a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model which is applied to ascertain the short- and long-run economic growth impacts associated with positive and negative shocks to CO2 emissions generated from various sources. The choice of this model is driven by its capacity to perform an asymmetric analysis which is relevant for suitable policy-making purposes. The overall results, in a nutshell, reveal that carbon dioxide emissions from Pakistan’s transportation sector influence the country’s economic progress. Positive shocks to such carbon dioxide emissions are originate to reduce economic progress in the long run while negative shocks are evidenced to boost economic growth both in the short and long run. In contrast, carbon dioxide emissions from other major sectors are found to be ineffective in influencing Pakistan's economic growth both in the short and long run. Hence, keeping into consideration the prospects of attaining sustainable economic growth, the Pakistan government must prioritize the implementation of CO2 emissions-inhibiting policies within the transportation sector. Simultaneously, the traditional fossil fuel dependency within this sector should also be phased out.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate solar energy profile and potential in Pakistan's Sindh province as a case study and find that the suitable inclination angles of solar power modules contain the significant capacity of solar energy for electricity production.
Abstract: Solar power is a promising alternative energy source for a sustainable environment for developing countries in the Asian continent. The assessment of its sustainability particularly in the South Asian countries necessitates a complete and rigorous statistical investigation. In the current study, we investigate solar energy profile and potential in Pakistan’s Sindh province as a case study. Although the electrification of Sindh Province using off-grid solar PV systems is relatively easy and also most convenient, the challenge is to measure the province’s capacity of solar power and its economic viability. Results show that the rural areas of Pakistan have sufficient solar irradiance in order to produce power. The suitable inclination angles of solar power modules contain the significant capacity of solar power for electricity production. Finding regarding economic viability shows that an off-grid solar photovoltaic system ensures the electricity at price of PKR 6.87/kWh while this is cheap source of energy as compared to traditional energy source (about 20.79 PKR /kWh). Furthermore, the system of off-grid solar photovoltaic could reduce, 119,000 metric tons of CO2 per year simultaneously it ensure the all remote rural areas implement the off-grid solar energy system. The study provides a useful renewable roadmap for energy in South Asian countries and those presently captivating distant and off-grid regions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors systematically analyzed 113 articles published from 2000 to 2018 within major peer-reviewed English-language scholarly publications in management, economics, environmental, agricultural and biological, decision and social sciences, energy and psychology that adopted a survey-based quantitative approach to measure drivers to green consumption.
Abstract: Environmental degradation is increasingly attracting the attention of public opinion; however, the rise in environmental concern is not accompanied by a parallel growth of green product consumption. This paper aims to detect and classify all the main drivers to green consumption in an attempt of systematizing previous research results and identifying the most relevant drivers for pushing the transition toward a greener economy. The paper systematically analyzes 113 articles published from 2000 to 2018 within major peer-reviewed English-language scholarly publications in management, economics, environmental, agricultural and biological, decision and social sciences, energy and psychology that adopted a survey-based quantitative approach to measure drivers to green consumption. The research is identified using the keywords green, sustainable, environmental or pro-environmental behavior/intention/purchase or consumption/consumer. The analysis highlights the identification of seven categories of drivers to green consumption: behavioral factors, socio-demographic variables, intrapersonal values—environment, intrapersonal values—non environment, personal capabilities, products and producers-related factors and context-related factors.
TL;DR: Disposal of PPE bodysuit has the maximum impact, followed by gloves and goggles, in terms of GWP, and the use of metal strips in face-mask has shown the most significant HTP impact, while decentralized incineration has emerged as environmentally sound management option compared to centralized incinerator.
Abstract: Amid COVID-19, there have been rampant increase in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits by frontline health and sanitation communities, to reduce the likelihoods of infections. The used PPE kits, potentially being infectious, pose a threat to human health, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, if not scientifically handled and disposed. However, with stressed resources on treatment facilities and lack of training to the health and sanitation workers, it becomes vital to vet different options for PPE kits disposal, to promote environmentally sound management of waste. Given the various technology options available for treatment and disposal of COVID-19 patients waste, Life Cycle Assessment, i.e., cradle to grave analysis of PPE provides essential guidance in identifying the environmentally sound alternatives. In the present work, Life Cycle Assessment of PPE kits has been performed using GaBi version 8.7 under two disposal scenarios, namely landfill and incineration (both centralized and decentralized) for six environmental impact categories covering overall impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which includes Global Warming Potential (GWP), Human Toxicity Potential (HTP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Acidification Potential (AP), Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (FAETP) and Photochemical Ozone Depletion Potential (POCP). Considering the inventories of PPE kits, disposal of PPE bodysuit has the maximum impact, followed by gloves and goggles, in terms of GWP. The use of metal strips in face-mask has shown the most significant HTP impact. The incineration process (centralized-3816 kg CO2 eq. and decentralized-3813 kg CO2 eq.) showed high GWP but significantly reduced impact w.r.t. AP, EP, FAETP, POCP and HTP, when compared to disposal in a landfill, resulting in the high overall impact of landfill disposal compared to incineration. The decentralized incineration has emerged as environmentally sound management option compared to centralized incinerator among all the impact categories, also the environmental impact by transportation is significant (2.76 kg CO2 eq.) and cannot be neglected for long-distance transportation. Present findings can help the regulatory authority to delineate action steps for safe disposal of PPE kits.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of innovation on carbon emissions in 46 developing economies and found that the positive shocks of innovation disrupt the deleterious repercussions of CO2e, while the negative shocks deteriorate the environmental quality.
Abstract: The prior empirical research focuses on examining only the procyclical impact of innovation on carbon emissions (CO2e), in the majority of cases, for advanced economies. The current paper contributes to the extant literature by integrating positive and negative shocks of innovation in the model to scrutinize their potential effects on CO2e for the sample of 46 developing economies. Globalization (GLOB), renewable energy consumption (REC), fossils fuels consumption (FFC), foreign direct investment (FDI), and GDP per capita are embodied as control variables. The application of panel Fully modified ordinary least squares (PFM-LS) and panel Dynamic least squares (PD-LS) approaches exhibits the following results. First, the positive shocks of innovation disrupt the deleterious repercussions of CO2e, while the negative shocks deteriorate the environmental quality. Second, globalization and REC enhance the ecological quality by curbing CO2e. Third, FDI and FFC show the direct association with CO2e and make the pollution issue more alarming. Lastly, the impact of GDP growth also remains unfavorable, and it escalates the ratio of CO2e. The study also includes the positive and negative shocks of globalization and REC in the model to confirm its robustness. Interestingly, the impact of shocks in innovation on the ecological quality remains consistent, indicating the findings' robustness. For a sustainable future, the article’s findings suggest to adopt the innovation shocks as a policy instrument for formulating better environmental policies. Also, some study limitations are presented, which may provide some new sights for future research.
TL;DR: It is concluded that investment in more renewable energy generation and its consumption and efficient use of human capital will improve economic complexity, export quality, and environment in developed and developing countries.
Abstract: The current decade has witnessed the rise of empirical research in the domain of ecological footprint which has become a major scholarly area among environmental researchers. However, many key factors determining ecological footprint have been inadequately dealt within the existing body of knowledge. The current research aims to explore the association between economic complexity, human capital, renewable energy generation, urbanization, economic growth, export quality, trade and ecological footprint for the top ten economic complex countries. This study applied panel data estimators, for instance, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and the system-GMM long-run estimators from 1980 to 2017. The long-run estimates reveal that economic complexity, economic growth, export quality, trade and urbanization increase ecological footprint. Human capital and renewable energy generation help to mitigate ecological footprint. We conclude that investment in more renewable energy generation and its consumption and efficient use of human capital will improve economic complexity, export quality, and environment in developed and developing countries.
TL;DR: This study is an attempt to structure a model of electricity generation based on multiple combinations of HRES with the application of HOMER energy software at an identified off-grid village location in India to analyze the best-suited configuration of a hybrid RE system out of various combinations to meet the village load requirement reliably, continuously and sustainably.
Abstract: Electrification of villages is a vital step for improving the techno-economic conditions of rural areas and crucial for the country’s overall development. The villages’ welfare is one of the main aims of the rural electrification programs. Rural electrification is relatively costly compared to electrification of urban areas. Now, the research question is to find the best combinations of HRES from the available resources in a given village location that can meet the electricity demand in a sustainable manner and to see whether this is a cost-effective solution or not. This study is an attempt to structure a model of electricity generation based on multiple combinations of HRES with the application of HOMER energy software at an identified off-grid village location in India. The main objectives of this study are to analyze the best-suited configuration of a hybrid RE system out of various combinations to meet the village load requirement reliably, continuously and sustainably. The study also reduces the total system net present cost and least cost of energy (COE) using multi-objective HOMER Pro software. In this study, a resource assessment and demand calculation have been carried out and the COE per unit has been ascertained for different systems and configurations. A combination of PV–Wind–Biomass–Biogas–FC along with battery has been identified as the cheapest and most dependable solution with a COE of $0.214/kWh.
TL;DR: The present trends, ecological effects, and the prospects for technology related to tidal energy are discussed, which show great potential with regard to its dependability, superior energy density, certainty, and durability.
Abstract: Generation of energy across the world is today reliant majorly on fossil fuels. The burning of these fuels is growing in line with the increase in the demand for energy globally. Consequently, climate change, air contamination, and energy security issues are rising as well. An efficient alternative to this grave hazard is the speedy substitution of fossil fuel-based carbon energy sources with the shift to clean sources of renewable energy that cause zero emissions. This needs to happen in conjunction with the continuing increase in the overall consumption of energy worldwide. Many resources of renewable energy are available. These include thermal, solar photovoltaic, biomass and wind, tidal energy, hydropower, and geothermal. Notably, tidal energy exhibits great potential with regard to its dependability, superior energy density, certainty, and durability. The energy mined from the tides on the basis of steady and anticipated vertical movements of the water, causing tidal currents, could be converted into kinetic energy to produce electricity. Tidal barrages could channel mechanical energy, while tidewater river turbines can seize the energy from tidal currents. This study discusses the present trends, ecological effects, and the prospects for technology related to tidal energy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the levels of BC, PAHs and PM2.5 during lockdown and unlock-down situations at Sakchi, Jamshedpur city in India.
Abstract: The entire world is affected by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is spreading worldwide in a short time. India is one of the countries which is affected most, therefore, the Government of India has implemented several lockdowns in the entire country from April 25, 2020. We studied air pollutants (i.e., PM2.5, Black Carbon (BC), and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) level, and observed significantly sudden reduced. In India, most of the anthropogenic activities completely stopped. Therefore, we studied the levels of BC, PAHs and PM2.5 concentrations, their sources apportion, and health risk assessment during normal days, lockdown (from lockdown 1.0 to lockdown 4.0) and unlock down 1.0 situation at Sakchi, Jamshedpur city. It was observed that lockdowns and unlock down situations BC, PAHs and PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower than regular days. We applied the advanced air mass back trajectory (AMBT) model to locate airborne particulate matter dispersal from different directions to strengthen the new result. The diagnostic ratio analyses of BC shows that wood burning contribution was too high during the lockdown situations. However, during normal days, the PAHs source profile was dedicated toward biomass, coal burning, and vehicle emission as primary sources of PAHs. During the lockdown period, emission from biomass and coal burning was a significant contributor to PAHs. The summaries of health risk assessment of BC quantified an equal number of passively smoked cigarettes (PSC) for an individual situation was studied. This study focuses on the overall climate impact of pandemic situations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the nexus between urbanization and carbon emissions in West Africa and found that urbanization had a significantly positive influence on CO2 emissions in all the three panels.
Abstract: This study examined the nexus between urbanization and carbon emissions in West Africa. Second-generation econometric techniques that are robust to cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity were used for the study. From the Pesaran–Yamagata homogeneity test, the slope coefficients were heterogeneous in nature. Also, the Breusch–Pagan LM test, the Pesaran scaled LM test, bias-corrected LM test, Pesaran CD test and the Friedman’s test confirmed the studied panels to be cross-sectionally dependent. Further, the CADF and the CIPS unit root tests established the variables to be first-differenced stationary. Additionally, the Westerlund and Edgerton bootstrap cointegration test and the Pedroni residual cointegration test affirmed the series to be cointegrated in the long run. The Driscoll–Kraay standard errors regression estimator was employed to examine the long-run equilibrium relationship amid the series, and from the results, urbanization had a significantly positive influence on CO2 emissions in all the three panels. Also, economic growth had a materially positive effect on CO2 emissions, while renewable energy consumption had a substantially negative impact on CO2 emissions in all the panels. The causal connections amid the series were finally explored through the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test, and the discoveries were a bit varied across the various panels. Policy recommendations are further discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the trend of spatiotemporal relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) under different ranges of LST and NDVI values for Raipur City of India using fifteen cloud-free Landsat data sets of the pre-monsoon season from 2002 to 2018.
Abstract: The present study aims to assess the trend of spatiotemporal relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) under different ranges of LST and NDVI values for Raipur City of India using fifteen cloud-free Landsat data sets of the pre-monsoon season from 2002 to 2018. LST maintains a strong negative relationship with NDVI for the whole of the study area. The relationship is quite insignificant for both the high LST zones and low LST zones. The results also indicate that under the positive NDVI values, the LST–NDVI relationships are strong to moderately negative, whereas it is positive and non-consistent under the negative values of NDVI. The results also show that the relationship is stronger in the earlier times, whereas it is weaker in recent times. An increase in heterogeneous landscape inside the city boundary strongly supports the changing pattern of LST–NDVI relationship.
TL;DR: In this paper, an IoT proficiency in restoring the fresh condition of natural dye-sensitized solar cells once again by refilling the photo-sensor from its dye-degraded condition is conceived.
Abstract: The thoughtful implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) expertise to sustainable progress in environment friendly renewable energy sector is significant for future energy conversion, storage and usage. The exploration of IoT proficiency in restoring the fresh condition of natural dye-sensitized solar cells once again by refilling the photo-sensitizer from its dye-degraded condition is conceived. This concept will eliminate one of the key limitations of dye-sensitized solar cells in real-world application. Potential environment friendly organic dyes were separated from the Butea Monosperma petals and employed for proficient titanium dioxide (TiO2) photo-anodes. Butein and Lanceoletin are prominent colorants existent in the organic source (Butea Monosperma petals) and enhanced molecular structures premeditated. The colorant-sensitized TiO2 NPs underwent the structural, photosensitive, spectral and IV (current–voltage) readings. Comparative DFT (density functional theoretical) and experimental studies on the spectroscopic, electronic and nonlinear opto-response characteristics of Butein and Lanceoletin were performed. The change in HOMO–LUMO energy which governs kinetic steadiness, chemical reactivity, chemical softness, hardness and MEP (molecular electrostatic potential) of molecules has been intended at B3LYP@6-311G (d, p). Environment friendly, price-effective NDSSCs were made by using organic photo-anodes.
TL;DR: Investigation of the impact of temperature and rainfall on rice production during the rice growth phases over the Punjab province, Pakistan for the period of 1981-2017 revealed that number of tillers and rice plant diet increase with the positive impact of rainfall at tillering stage and maximum temperature negatively affects rice plant.
Abstract: Rainfall pattern and temperature variation are changing due to global warming, affecting crop production. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of temperature and rainfall on rice production during the rice growth phases over the Punjab province, Pakistan, for the period of 1981–2017. The impact of climate on rice production is analyzed using the statistical techniques. Results show that maximum temperature negatively affects rice plant resulting in decrease in the number of plants at replantation stage. The positive impact of minimum temperature on rice production is also observed that may cause growth of plant, which affects the rice crop at replantation stage during vegetative phase. Results revealed that number of tillers and rice plant diet increase with the positive impact of rainfall at tillering stage. Maximum temperature has negative impact on rice crop at tillering and stem elongation stages. It is observed that rainfall has negative impact on rice plant at heading and flowering stages. Substantial reduction in rice production is observed due to damage of reproductive cells at heading and flowering stages during the reproductive phase. The negative effect of rainfall on rice production is also observed at milking stage during the ripening phase. The negative significant impact of rainfall is observed on gross domestic product per capita during the reproductive phase. This study also predicts that temperatures in the Punjab will rise in the near future; therefore, it is recommended that breeders should introduce rice varieties that consume less water and are more productive in high temperature.
TL;DR: In this paper, an information-entropy-based stochastic multi-criteria preference model (SMCPM) is proposed to assess the sustainability of groundwater remediation strategies, which includes the following steps: (1) selecting fifty remediation alternatives with four criteria, including total pumping rate, remediation cost, average contaminant concentration and general cancer risk in light of uncertainty parameter.
Abstract: This study proposes an information-entropy-based stochastic multi-criteria preference model (SMCPM) to assess the sustainability of groundwater remediation strategies. The model was applied to a real-world site, which includes the following steps: (1) selecting fifty remediation alternatives with four criteria, including total pumping rate, remediation cost, average contaminant concentration and general cancer risk in light of uncertainty parameter (e.g., slope factor); (2) evaluating the health risks associated with the strategies under three confidence levels (i.e., 68.3%, 95.4% and 99.7%); (3) computing the weight by information entropy; and (4) determining the ranking of remedial alternatives by establishing a random evaluation matrix. Results from the case study indicate that: (1) the most desirable actions are action A39 (i.e., the pumping rates at six wells are 3.499, 2.722, 2.624, 1.458, 7.776 and 2.527 m3/h, respectively) for the 5-year; (2) action A25 (i.e., the six pumping rates at injecting and extracting wells are 2.819, 2.722, 0, 3.791, 0.972 and 1.166 m3/h, respectively) for the 10-year; (3) action A24 (i.e., the pumping rates of wells P1–P6 are 1.944, 1.555, 1.166, 3.110, 7.193 and 0.583 m3/h, respectively) for the 15-year; (4) action A37 (i.e., the optimal pumping rates of P1 to P6 become 2.138, 2.722, 3.694, 2.722, 3.694 and 7.582 m3/h, respectively) for the 20-year remediation, respectively. Compared to the traditional MCPM, the proposed SMCPM would be more acceptable and reasonable since various uncertainties be addressed.
TL;DR: The air mass back trajectory (AMBT) analysis reveals the contribution of air mass from Europe, Africa and Gulf countries as well as local emissions from Indo-Gangetic Plain, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states of India.
Abstract: Due to fast and deadly spread of corona virus (COVID-19), the Government of India implemented lockdown in the entire country from 25 April 2020. So, we studied the differences in the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi (DTU, Okhla and Patparganj), Haryana (Jind, Palwal and Hisar) and Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Kanpur and Greater Noida) from 17 February 2020 to 4 May 2020. The AQI was calculated by combination of individual sub-indices of seven pollutants, namely PM2.5, PM10, NO2, NH3, SO2, CO and O3, collected from the Central Pollution Control Board website. The AQI has improved by up to 30-46.67% after lockdown. The AQI slope values - 1.87, - 1.70 and - 1.35 were reported for Delhi, - 1.11, - 1.31 and - 1.04 were observed for Haryana and - 1.48, - 1.79 and - 1.78 were found for Uttar Pradesh (UP), which may be attributed to limited access of transportation and industrial facilities due to lockdown. The ozone (O3) concentration was high at Delhi because of lesser greenery as compared to UP and Haryana, which provides higher atmospheric temperature favourable for O3 formation. The air mass back trajectory (AMBT) analysis reveals the contribution of air mass from Europe, Africa and Gulf countries as well as local emissions from Indo-Gangetic Plain, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states of India.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors investigated trade openness, innovation and quality institutions in environmental sustainability in 176 countries of the world, and found that trade openness and renewable energy consumption are negatively associated with carbon emission, whereas most of institutional quality indicators significantly contribute to environmental sustainability.
Abstract: Environmental degradation has become an important issue for countries worldwide due to increase in carbon emission in recent years. It is an important concern for countries to achieve environmental sustainability; however, the debate on the role of innovation and institutions in environmental sustainability is still not adequate. There is a lack of understanding as to how countries can achieve higher economic growth as well to protect the quality of environment. Innovation is considered as effective tools as it enhances energy efficiency and cleaner production, which in turn lowers carbon emission. Quality institutions have also been considered as it enhances the quality of environment. Consequently, this study investigates trade openness, innovation and quality institutions in environmental sustainability in 176 countries of the world. By employing OLS regression, fixed effect and generalized method of moments, the results show that trade openness, renewable energy consumption and foreign direct investment are negatively associated with carbon emission, whereas most of institutional quality indicators significantly contribute to environmental sustainability; however, it is still below the desired level to enhance the quality of environment. Innovation positively and innovation square negatively affect carbon emission. Our analysis also confirms the existence of environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis and pollution halo hypothesis. The findings suggest policy makers on further improvement of trade policies, innovations, promotions of political and legal institutions and promotion of renewable energy sources to cope with environmental sustainability.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed research data from 31 provinces between 2000 and 2017 to determine the characterizations and the compositions of municipal solid waste in China and then provide advices for sorting, transporting, storing and disposing of MSW.
Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) severely threatens human health and the ecological environment owing to its toxicity, mutagenic activity and carcinogenicity. The continuous increase in MSW together with stringent regulations makes sanitary disposal imperative. Waste sorting and recycling has been recognized as an efficient and economical treatment strategy. By analysing research data from 31 provinces between 2000 and 2017, the overarching goal of this work was to determine the characterizations and the compositions of MSW in China and then provide advices for sorting, transporting, storing and disposing of MSW. The results showed that the amount of MSW that was generated ranged from 0.08 to 2.34 kg d−1 ca−1 and averaged 0.73 kg d−1 ca−1 in China. The average bulk density, moisture content and the wet basis of the low calorific value of the MSW were 325 kg m−3, 50.3% and 4649 kcal kg−1. The MSW in China could be classified into four main categories, food waste, recycling waste, landfill waste and hazardous substances, and could be further classified into ten sub-categories. Overall, food waste was the most common and could be best managed via compost production. Bulk density was highly positively correlated with the ratio of the dust and bricks in all MSW and highly negatively correlated with the ratio of the food waste, metal, glass, plastic and rubber. The wet basis of the low calorific value was highly positively correlated with the ratio of the plastic and rubber, and the water content was highly positively correlated with the ratio of the food waste. Temporally, most of the components, especially waste paper and plastics, increased, while wood, dust and bricks decreased.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impacts of changing land use on the land surface temperature (LST) and normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) distribution in the Indian part of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve by utilizing remote sensing and geographical information system were investigated.
Abstract: This paper investigates the impacts of changing land use–land cover on the land surface temperature (LST) and normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) distribution in the Indian part of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve by utilizing remote sensing and geographical information system. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager images of the year 2000, 2010 and 2017, respectively, were used to assess the essential indicators for regional environmental health employing appropriate calibrations and corrections. It was observed that there has been a marked reduction in the areas of plantation, mangrove swamp, mangrove forests and agricultural land since 2000. In contrast, an increase in sand beach, waterlogged areas, mudflat, river, and agriculture area was observed. The mean NDVI values for mangrove forests and plantation have decreased from 0.441 to 0.229 and 0.266 to 0.195, respectively, while river, aquaculture, agricultural and open scrubs classes had higher values. The rate of increase in surface LST was highest over settlements, followed by sand beaches, mudflats, aquaculture, mangrove forest, river, plantations, waterlogged areas and agricultural field. LST showed a negative correlation with NDVI values probably due to the high rate of evapo-transpiration activities of the mangrove vegetations. All these above facts distinctly substantiates that there is an increase in open patches/non-vegetated cover and that the ecosystem is under constant stress.