Research

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19 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development—Investigating Intention and Consumption among Low-Income Households in an Emerging Economy

by Syed Ali Fazal, Naeem Hayat and Abdullah Al Mamun

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115387 - 28 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1265

Abstract

To mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and progress toward achieving sustainable development goals, renewable energy sources should be available to low-income households. Households depend heavily on traditional energy sources. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the determinants that influence the intention [...] Read more.

To mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and progress toward achieving sustainable development goals, renewable energy sources should be available to low-income households. Households depend heavily on traditional energy sources. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the determinants that influence the intention and consumption of renewable energy among low-income households in Malaysia. Quantitative data was collected from 420 households through structured interviews. Analysis was conducted using SEM-PLS. The results revealed that perceived benefits and environmental concerns influence environmental attitudes. Motivation, skills, and knowledge affect subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, respectively. The study also found that attitude towards the environment and perceived behavioral control influence households’ intention towards renewable energy consumption and renewable energy consumption behavior. The results provided a clear idea of households’ intention in emerging economies towards renewable energy consumption to protect environmental damage from the harmful effects of the traditional use of energy sources. Therefore, policymakers in developing nations should focus on the feasibility of renewable energy projects and design group-agnostic campaigns for low-income households to ensure economic, social, and environmental sustainability through the mass adoption of renewable energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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23 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing ESG Factors and Policies of Green Finance Investment Decisions for Sustainable Development in China Using the Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy DEMATEL

by Yuanyuan Li, Yindan Zhang and Yasir Ahmed Solangi

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15214; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115214 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

China has become more aware of the negative environmental impact caused by its economic expansion and fast-paced development. Therefore, the country mainly focuses on sustainable development and green finance. To evaluate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and policy options for green [...] Read more.

China has become more aware of the negative environmental impact caused by its economic expansion and fast-paced development. Therefore, the country mainly focuses on sustainable development and green finance. To evaluate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and policy options for green finance investment decisions in China, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques are employed. The fuzzy AHP method identifies and analyzes the most significant ESG factors and sub-sub-factors to comprehensively understand sustainable investment in China. Furthermore, this study uses the fuzzy DEMATEL method to prioritize the main policy options for advancing sustainable development and green finance investment decisions in China. The fuzzy AHP method shows that the environmental factor (ESG1) is the most significant factor for green finance investment decisions in China, followed by the governance (ESG3) and social factors (ESG2). The fuzzy DEMATEL method results revealed that supporting green finance innovation and development (P1) is the highest priority, followed by encouraging social responsibility and community engagement (P4) and developing and enforcing environmental regulations (P2). The study’s findings will significantly benefit investors and decision-makers who wish to promote sustainable development and make decisions regarding green financing. The study recommends that investors and policy makers concentrate their resources and efforts on the most crucial ESG factors and policies to build sustainability and resilience in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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24 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact and Mechanism of Corporate ESG Construction on the Efficiency of Regional Green Economy: An Empirical Analysis Based on Signal Transmission Theory and Stakeholder Theory

by Anjun Hu, Xianzhu Yuan, Shuangshuang Fan and Shali Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713236 - 04 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

The Chinese government’s ongoing endeavors to achieve the “low carbon goals” hold immense importance in global emissions reduction. Nonetheless, reducing emissions will inevitably cause economic losses. Therefore, the pursuit of green economic efficiency is regarded as an effective tool to mitigate the economic [...] Read more.

The Chinese government’s ongoing endeavors to achieve the “low carbon goals” hold immense importance in global emissions reduction. Nonetheless, reducing emissions will inevitably cause economic losses. Therefore, the pursuit of green economic efficiency is regarded as an effective tool to mitigate the economic losses during emission reduction. Synchronously, the realization of green economic efficiency is essential for sustainable development. With the increasing awareness of regional green development, emphasis companies place on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), which contributes to corporate ESG construction, could become a novel advantage in terms of attracting investors. Additionally, it could have a lasting impact on corporate green technological innovation, thereby enhancing the efficiency. Based on the data of A-share listed companies in China from 2009 to 2019, this study analyzes the effect of corporate ESG construction on the efficiency of regional green economy as well as its mechanism. The research findings demonstrate a significant positive impact of corporate ESG construction on the efficiency of regional green economies. Specifically, each unit improvement in corporate ESG construction is associated with an approximate 0.7% increase in the efficiency of the regional green economy. The conclusion can be drawn after robustness testing. Notably, the effect of corporate ESG construction is more pronounced for companies located in the eastern region, state-owned enterprises, and high-polluting industries. In terms of the underlying mechanism, corporate ESG construction facilitates regional green economic efficiency by fostering corporate green technological innovation. Furthermore, it is observed that environmental regulations have a negative moderating influence on corporate ESG construction, which in turn affects regional green economic efficiency. When examining the decomposed variables of regional green economic efficiency, the impact of corporate ESG construction on regional green scale efficiency is found to align with its overall effect on regional green economic efficiency. This study contributes to the existing research on corporate ESG construction and regional green economic efficiency, offering valuable insights to guide companies in enhancing both aspects. Building upon the conclusions drawn, we will provide policy recommendations from the perspectives of the company itself, corporate investors, and the government. These recommendations aim to facilitate improvements in corporate ESG construction and foster the enhancement of regional green economic efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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19 pages, 727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progressing Sustainable Development through Social Entrepreneurship: Modelling Intentional Predictors for Bangladesh Using the Value–Belief–Norm Model

by Syed Ali Fazal, Abdullah Al Mamun, Naeem Hayat, Sandy Francis Peris, Mohd Helmi Ali and Hasmida Jamaluddin

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712971 - 28 Aug 2023

Viewed by 998

Abstract

Considering the diverse social and environmental issues globally, social entrepreneurship could be the most relevant solution to address social issues by employing a sustainable economic model, particularly for developing nations with limited government support. Hence, we examined social entrepreneurship intention among working adults [...] Read more.

Considering the diverse social and environmental issues globally, social entrepreneurship could be the most relevant solution to address social issues by employing a sustainable economic model, particularly for developing nations with limited government support. Hence, we examined social entrepreneurship intention among working adults in Bangladesh using an extended version of the value–belief–norm model. We used a cross-sectional design to arrange an online questionnaire and collect quantitative data from 187 respondents. SEM-PLS was used for analysis. Findings revealed a significant positive effect of openness to change, self-enhancement, and self-transcendence on problem awareness. Problem awareness was found to significantly affect outcome efficacy and social entrepreneurship intention. Finally, personal norms showed significant positive effects on social entrepreneurship intention. The mediating role of problem awareness and personal norms was further confirmed. Apart from extending the lens of VBN and enriching the current literature, insights from this study could assist policymakers, social organizations, and social entrepreneurs in formulating relevant policies and sustaining social ventures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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14 pages, 1794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Measurement and Driving Factor Analysis of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergy in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin, Xinjiang, China

by Yujiang Yan, Jiangui Li, Junli Li and Teng Jiang

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12164; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612164 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 786

Abstract

The arid ecosystem of the endorheic basin is a complex, integrated ecosystem with diverse functions and significant regional differences. However, measuring the trade-off relationships and external driving mechanisms of the ecosystem services in arid inland basins has always been a challenging task in [...] Read more.

The arid ecosystem of the endorheic basin is a complex, integrated ecosystem with diverse functions and significant regional differences. However, measuring the trade-off relationships and external driving mechanisms of the ecosystem services in arid inland basins has always been a challenging task in terms of geography, ecology, and economics. In this study, we utilized meteorological data, land-use and land-cover data, and vegetation NDVI to estimate the five ecosystem services, namely, food supply, water yield, carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and windbreak and sand-fixation supply services, using the RWEQ and InVEST models in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin, Xinjiang. Bivariate spatial local autocorrelation analysis was employed to measure the trade-off/synergy relationships between these ecosystem services, and GeoDetector was used to identify the impact of the natural environment and human activities on the trade-off relationships between ecosystem services. The results show the following: (1) In the past three decades, all five ecosystem services in the Kaidu–Kongque River Basin increased, with the food supply service being the largest (66.37%), followed by the windbreak and sand-fixation service, with a continuous upward trend of 51.84%. (2) The spatial distribution and pattern changes of each ES exhibit notable spatial heterogeneity, with high-value areas for food supply and carbon-sequestration services situated in the basin’s middle reaches with high vegetation cover. Meanwhile, high-value areas for water yield, habitat quality, and windbreak and sand-fixation services are located in Hejing County, upstream of the basin. (3) The trade-offs and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services were explored, with most showing significant correlations at the 0.01 level, and synergistic relationships were predominantly found. (4) The contribution of each ecosystem service was primarily attributable to natural factors rather than human factors. Furthermore, land use/cover type emerged as the dominant factor for spatial differentiation in the integrated ecosystem services of the watershed, followed by elevation and rainfall. By elucidating the trade-offs, spatial heterogeneity, and formation mechanisms of ecosystem services, this study provides a scientific basis for regional ecological planning. Additionally, the study holds practical significance for devising “win-win” policies for regional economic development and ecological balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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16 pages, 1093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Consumer Attitude and Behavioral Consumption of Green Products in Vietnam

by Dat Duy Nguyen

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097612 - 05 May 2023

Viewed by 3361

Abstract

For the past few years, environmental degradation has become increasingly worse. Most nations, particularly developing nations, are experiencing excessive economic expansion, which has decreased natural resources and increased environmental pollution. Numerous nations have created plans to safeguard the environment and lessen harmful human [...] Read more.

For the past few years, environmental degradation has become increasingly worse. Most nations, particularly developing nations, are experiencing excessive economic expansion, which has decreased natural resources and increased environmental pollution. Numerous nations have created plans to safeguard the environment and lessen harmful human effects on its resources. Transforming to using green products is the most powerful strategy to protect the environment. This study aims to investigate Vietnamese consumers’ decision to buy green products by assessing influencing factors, typically consumer consciousness. Data were collected from consumers across several major cities in Vietnam and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The primary factors include consumer awareness, consumption trends, reference groups, government policies, demand for green products, and economic factors. Research results show that most of the variables have a positive impact on the transition to green product consumption. Consumer awareness strongly impacts the transition to the consumption of green products and environmental responsibility on green purchase intention. The findings also reinforce the current view that pro-environmental factors override self-interest in buyer decision-making. Research results also show that government policies also affect green consumption behavior. Therefore, the government needs to develop policies to encourage green consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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17 pages, 1849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Localizing and Monitoring Climate Neutrality through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework: The Case of Madrid

by Andrea Ciambra, Iraklis Stamos and Alice Siragusa

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064819 - 08 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

Madrid’s Roadmap to Climate Neutrality by 2050 is the city’s strategy to attain a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and decarbonisation in 2050. This paper analyses the Roadmap to extract a concept of neutrality, as defined from the perspective [...] Read more.

Madrid’s Roadmap to Climate Neutrality by 2050 is the city’s strategy to attain a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and decarbonisation in 2050. This paper analyses the Roadmap to extract a concept of neutrality, as defined from the perspective of a local or regional government (LRG). It then runs a semantic comparison between the Roadmap’s policy lines and indicators and the metrics used in a sample of other LRGs voluntary local reviews on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It assesses the extent to which the roadmap’s policy priorities and goals fit with the idea of climate neutrality and decarbonisation that other LRGs are monitoring. The paper also links the Roadmap with the SDGs, studying to what extent certain goals resonate with the climate neutrality dimension monitored therein and the other reviews in the sample. The paper suggests that there is still significant diversity in the way LRGs approach climate neutrality, although carbon emissions and sustainable transport remain common priorities. A large majority of indicators monitoring climate neutrality still refer to key climate-related SDGs, such as SDG 7, 11, 12, and 13, even though there is growing evidence that LRGs are diversifying the concept of decarbonisation policy with which they are working. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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16 pages, 2443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Attitudes towards Food Waste in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Using Fuzzy Logic

by Areej Malibari, Ghada Alsawah, Wafaa Saleh and Maha M. A. Lashin

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3668; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043668 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

Attitudes and feelings towards food waste and positions on management policies have been vastly increased over the past few decades. Most of the available research on the analysis of attitudes towards food waste have been carried out using conventional statistical methods. This paper [...] Read more.

Attitudes and feelings towards food waste and positions on management policies have been vastly increased over the past few decades. Most of the available research on the analysis of attitudes towards food waste have been carried out using conventional statistical methods. This paper aims to assess and analyse attitudes and preferences of young Saudi females towards a number of policies and plans that are designed to meeting sustainable targets, using fuzzy logic analysis. This is a very important aim, especially since Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia puts a major emphasis on sustainability, setting many resources to tackle environmental problems and achieving better social standards. The Methodology includes designing and collecting data from 199 participants using a questionnaire that includes 23 questions. Data were obtained from students at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). The analysis includes utilising artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Fuzzy logic analysis has been widely used in many fields, but has not seen many applications on food waste analysis and attitudes. Fuzzy logic analysis has the advantage of producing efficient results from smaller sample sizes and, in particular, with qualitative characteristics of the used indicators. The participants expressed positive preferences and attitudes towards the programs and policies that are designed to achieve sustainability and manage food waste. The results show that over 25% of them prefer the option of “storage for reuse” of food waste, over 35% prefer the option of distribute it to needed families and over 30% opted to the option of recycling to fertilisers. The study also reveals a very good level of awareness and appreciation of food waste and plans associated with it. The implications from this study suggest that despite the positive attitudes, there still is more research needed to obtain full understanding of attitudes towards food waste from the whole range of the population in order to gain knowledge and build specific programs to reduce food waste and achieve sustainability in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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25 pages, 3326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration between Sustainability and Value Engineering in the Production of Eco-Friendly Concrete

by Mahmoud M. Albarbary, Ahmed M. Tahwia and Islam Elmasoudi

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3565; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043565 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2874

Abstract

The global concrete and construction industry’s growth has led to a shift in priorities, with a greater emphasis placed on sustainability. Hence, with technological advances, the concrete industry seeks additional cementitious materials to produce value-added products. By emphasizing the financial, ecological, and technological [...] Read more.

The global concrete and construction industry’s growth has led to a shift in priorities, with a greater emphasis placed on sustainability. Hence, with technological advances, the concrete industry seeks additional cementitious materials to produce value-added products. By emphasizing the financial, ecological, and technological benefits of using fly ash as a partial cement replacement, the study constructed a framework which integrates the economic, environmental, and social pillars of sustainability through value engineering. Experimental results from 42 previous studies are analyzed and presented to underline the unique characteristics of fly ash concrete alternatives across five criteria (replacement, strength gain, compressive strength, slump, and permeability), showing how they differ from conventional concrete, and how they can be used to implement sustainable practices with positive financial outcomes. This study showed that the alternatives’ value gradually increases up to two times at 50% cement replacement. On the other hand, while the construction cost gradually increased to a peak of 19.69%, the life cycle cost went down by 41.45% at the same percentage. Thus, customers can emphasize the superiority of eco-friendly concrete while also highlighting the economic benefits, making it a more competitive option for them and expanding its market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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26 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Board Characteristics and Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

by Emmanuel Anyigbah, Yusheng Kong, Bless Kofi Edziah, Ahotovi Thomas Ahoto and Wilhelmina Seyome Ahiaku

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043553 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3111

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of board characteristics (such as board size, board independence, CEO Duality, board meetings, and committee) on corporate sustainability reporting (CSR) in China. Unlike previous studies, we examine this relationship in light of the three pillars of corporate sustainability [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the impact of board characteristics (such as board size, board independence, CEO Duality, board meetings, and committee) on corporate sustainability reporting (CSR) in China. Unlike previous studies, we examine this relationship in light of the three pillars of corporate sustainability reporting: economic, environmental, and social. Using both the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) and Dynamics Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) empirical models, our data, which comprises 9842 firm-year observations from both the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges covering the 2006–2019 fiscal periods, reveals that board independence, a larger board size, and a board sustainability committee promote CSR in the three CSR pillars. However, the study shows that CEO duality is more likely to impede CSR. While the current study seems to provide some understanding regarding the relationship between board characteristics and corporate sustainability reporting to corporate boards, regulators, and practitioners interested in advancing the course of CSR, some significant knowledge gaps still need to be explored in future studies. Future research may consider other board characteristics as well as explore other CSR indices like integrated reporting and triple-bottom-line approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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21 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Innovative Industrial Agglomeration Promote Environmentally-Friendly Development? Evidence from Chinese Prefecture-Level Cities

by Chuang Li, Qingqing Liu, Qing Li and Hailing Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13571; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013571 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1641

Abstract

China has promised to meet the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals. Exploring the relationship between innovative industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution plays an important role in the realization of these goals and sustainable development. Based on the panel data of 277 prefecture-level [...] Read more.

China has promised to meet the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals. Exploring the relationship between innovative industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution plays an important role in the realization of these goals and sustainable development. Based on the panel data of 277 prefecture-level cities in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses the multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model to examine the impact and mechanism of the innovative industrial agglomeration pilot (IIAP) policy on the environment. Furthermore, we explore the spatial effect of the IIAP using spatial DID. The findings show that, firstly, the IIAP policy significantly contributes to environmentally-friendly development in terms of enhancing carbon emission efficiency (CEE) and reducing environmental pollution index (EPI). Secondly, the IIAP policy promotes environmentally-friendly development mainly by improving the technological innovation level. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the environmentally-friendly effect of the IIAP policy is primarily in the eastern region, large cities, and non-resource-based cities. Finally, there is a significant spatial effect of the IIAP policy on environmentally-friendly development, mainly reflected in the weak siphon effect between treatment group cities and neighboring regions. We suggest that the government should continue to maintain the steady growth of the IIAP cities and improve the energy utilization efficiency through a policy of green technology innovation. The government should also optimize the spatial layout of the pilot cities and make full use of the energy advantages of each region to better promote environmentally-friendly development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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14 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Influence of Green Innovation on the Market Performance of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

by Shiyong Zheng, Xinsen Ye, Weili Guan, Yuping Yang, Jiaying Li and Biqing Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 12977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012977 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2071

Abstract

Green innovation is a significant component of high-value growth closely linked to China’s 14th five-year plan. This research investigates the influence of green innovation on the market performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The results are based on the primary data gathered [...] Read more.

Green innovation is a significant component of high-value growth closely linked to China’s 14th five-year plan. This research investigates the influence of green innovation on the market performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The results are based on the primary data gathered via an online questionnaire survey from 453 respondents working for SMEs in China. The structural equation modeling approach is used for data analysis purposes. The research findings highlight that green innovation positively impacts marketing and products. In turn, marketing innovation positively influences product innovation and market performance, and product innovation also significantly boosts market performance. The study’s findings lead us to suggest that organizations in developing countries should focus on SMEs’ green innovation, which will support them in achieving an effective market performance. The study’s limitations are noted so the findings can be interpreted with caution, and directions for future research are outlined for all stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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Other

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16 pages, 1284 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Public Participation and the Effect of Environmental Governance in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Lin Dong, Zuobao Wang and Yuxiang Zhou

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054442 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2759

Abstract

The public plays a key role in environmental governance systems. Many studies have discussed the effects of public participation on environmental governance in China from different perspectives. However, there has been no systematic integrated analysis of the effects of public participation on environmental [...] Read more.

The public plays a key role in environmental governance systems. Many studies have discussed the effects of public participation on environmental governance in China from different perspectives. However, there has been no systematic integrated analysis of the effects of public participation on environmental governance and the causes of its heterogeneity. To help fill this gap, we developed a comprehensive analysis framework of the regional differences–participation method–pollution type, and 85 effect sizes were tested by the meta-analysis method. The results showed that there was a weak positive correlation between public environmental participation and the environmental governance effect (ES = 0.044, p < 0.001). The correlation between the two was regulated by regional space and pollution type. The promotion effect of public participation on waste and noise was significantly higher than that of central and western areas. However, there was no significant difference between the different participation methods. Taken together, these results have important significance for increasing public participation and optimizing the effect of environmental governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Environmental–Economic Decision-Making Process and Climate Investment)

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