Sustainability

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21 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Dimension of Health Sustainability Model after Pandemic Crisis Using Structural Equation Model

by Nutthawut Ritmak, Wanchai Rattanawong and Varin Vongmanee

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021616 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2013

Abstract

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been clear that the health dimension (HEDm) has a severe impact on sustainability, which was originally considered from the pillars of society, environment and economy. Hence, the integration of the health dimension into the other three [...] Read more.

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been clear that the health dimension (HEDm) has a severe impact on sustainability, which was originally considered from the pillars of society, environment and economy. Hence, the integration of the health dimension into the other three pillars is plausible to define guidelines and criteria for progress monitoring and policy assessment towards a health-sustainable city. The objective of this study aims to present The Health Sustainability Model (HSM), a four-dimensional model for health sustainability (health, economy, environment, and society), using the Del-phi method to determine potential indicators agreed by eighteen experts, including physicians who deeply understand issues on health sustainability, and assess complex dimensions of health in the context of sustainability. The researchers have found that 45 indicators, later grouped into 15 elements and 4 dimensions, have a high level of agreement with Kendall’s W (KW) at 0.36. The HSM was then examined by the structural equation model (SEM) with reliability and validity shown as follows: the absolute fit with CMIN/DF = 1.44, RMSEA = 0.033, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.94, RMR = 0.025, and the incremental fit with NFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, and IFI = 0.98. Based on the results, the model is valid, in line with the empirical data. For further application, the HSM is expected to support city planners and decision makers by identifying room for improvement in each dimension through the indicators employed in the model. In contrast to existing studies that mainly use qualitative data, by conducting quantitative assessment, the model enables policy makers to objectively evaluate conditions and appropriately design policies to improve residents’ well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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11 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Resource Rents, Institutional Quality, and Environmental Degradation in Resource-Rich Sub-Saharan African Countries

by Kin Sibanda, Rufaro Garidzirai, Farai Mushonga and Dorcas Gonese

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021141 - 7 Jan 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

Environmental degradation concerns are increasing worldwide. Moreover, in sub-Saharan African countries, these concerns are dominant because of an abundance of natural resources and exhaustion of these natural resources that tend to cause carbon emissions. This has created a huge interest among academics in [...] Read more.

Environmental degradation concerns are increasing worldwide. Moreover, in sub-Saharan African countries, these concerns are dominant because of an abundance of natural resources and exhaustion of these natural resources that tend to cause carbon emissions. This has created a huge interest among academics in investigating the relationship between natural resources, institutional quality, and environmental degradation. Since the sub-Saharan countries are resource-rich, the current study investigates how the natural resource rents and institutional quality impacted environmental degradation in selected sub-Saharan African countries from 1994 to 2020. Through employing the GMM estimation technique, the findings show that natural rents are positively linked with environmental degradation. This is closely related to the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, which stipulates that environmental degradation worsens at the initial stage of the economic development of developing countries. The study has also found that rules and regulations set by governments have not been implemented in a manner that reduces environmental degradation in the region. Worth noting is that the region should collaborate and design its environmental policies in line with the Sustainable Developmental Goals. This is the first step towards environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

15 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Promote Balanced and Healthy Development of Residents’ Leisure: Based on the Analysis on the Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Scale Structure of Leisure Consumption of Urban Residents in China

by Song Liu and Lin-Lin Xue

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15277; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215277 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1168

Abstract

This study aimed to find the spatiotemporal evolution rules of the leisure consumption of urban residents in China. Based on the measurement of the marginal propensity of leisure consumption for urban residents over the past 20 years, a mixed regression of leisure consumption [...] Read more.

This study aimed to find the spatiotemporal evolution rules of the leisure consumption of urban residents in China. Based on the measurement of the marginal propensity of leisure consumption for urban residents over the past 20 years, a mixed regression of leisure consumption and disposable income showed that, the growth rates of education, culture, entertainment, transportation, communication, and healthcare large, and these growth trends remain obvious. The coefficient of variation of leisure consumption shows that, transportation and communication consumptions differ among regions. The differences in education, culture, and entertainment consumption have rapidly converged. The spatial correlation analysis of the Moran index showed that, the regional association degree of leisure consumption is not obvious, but there is a clear mutual pull regarding education, culture and entertainment consumptions. Based on the results, suggestions were proposed to further expand the leisure consumption needs of residents, so as to achieve sustainable and sound development of residents’ leisure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

19 pages, 365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Informal Sector Employment and Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries in SDG Perspective

by Nahid Sultana, Mohammad Mafizur Rahman and Rasheda Khanam

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11989; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911989 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3345

Abstract

The understanding of the role of informal employment in economic growth is important to facilitate developing countries in safeguarding the decent work, productive employment, and inclusive growth agenda mentioned in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8. The present study attempts to this end by [...] Read more.

The understanding of the role of informal employment in economic growth is important to facilitate developing countries in safeguarding the decent work, productive employment, and inclusive growth agenda mentioned in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8. The present study attempts to this end by investigating the role of informal employment on economic growth with an aim to assist in fulfilling target 8.3 of SDG. This study utilizes the data available for 20 developing countries for the period 2011–2019. Panel data analysis techniques have been applied, considering the percentage of total employment in the informal sector as the main explanatory variable of the models. The relevant macroeconomic indicators are included in the model as control variables. Empirical findings from Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Dynamic Fixed Effect (DFE) models indicate a positive effect of informal employment on the economic growth of developing countries. The other macroeconomic indicators, per capita income, national expenditure, money supply, and economic freedom, are also found to contribute to the economic growth of the selected countries. This study reveals an important bidirectional causal association between informal employment and economic growth, a unidirectional causal link from per capita income to informal employment and from informal employment to national expenditure. Taking into account the contribution of the informal sector to the economy, this study fosters the need for achieving the targets mentioned in SDG 8 by adopting appropriate policies rather than punishing this sector immediately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

38 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Practices and Innovations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Industry in Singapore: Idea Worth Sharing

by Ying Yan Tan and Rosmini Omar

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811588 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3347

Abstract

TCM health benefits and pressure to thrive TCM businesses while taking care of the sustainability of resources has challenged the TCM industry to produce more with less. It is of interest to know how TCM businesses innovate to sustainability through green practices. By [...] Read more.

TCM health benefits and pressure to thrive TCM businesses while taking care of the sustainability of resources has challenged the TCM industry to produce more with less. It is of interest to know how TCM businesses innovate to sustainability through green practices. By capturing the perspectives of TCM organizational stakeholders on practices to minimize the negative impacts on the local environment by TCM enterprises (clinics) in Singapore from the lens of a qualitative exploratory study, the present study explored the presence of green practices and innovations of TCM organizational stakeholders though it is less clear whether these engagements are conducted out of the intention to be green, as these are daily practices at TCM clinics. The phenomenological approach was applied to examine the lived experiences of study participants who work or had worked at TCM clinics in Singapore. The highlights of the paper stressed inadequate focus on green practices at the organizational level to achieve sustainable development targets of TCM industry in Singapore, despite the existence of self-awareness at the individual level to protect the environment. The findings can be building blocks for future research on green and policy making. Green practices and innovations to stay healthy while protecting the environment, with more sensible choices, can bring differences to humans’ lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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14 pages, 422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Socio-Economic Conditions of Marginal People: A Case Study in the Selected Districts of Bangladesh

by Mohammad Mafizur Rahman and Khosrul Alam

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610018 - 12 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1564

Abstract

In this paper, we have examined the effects of COVID-19 on the socio-economic condition of the three-wheeled electric vehicle drivers in some selected areas of Bangladesh from the cross-sectional data (September–November 2020). The results of linear regression indicate that under COVID-19 conditions, age [...] Read more.

In this paper, we have examined the effects of COVID-19 on the socio-economic condition of the three-wheeled electric vehicle drivers in some selected areas of Bangladesh from the cross-sectional data (September–November 2020). The results of linear regression indicate that under COVID-19 conditions, age (p = 0.022) and hardship (p = 0.000) positively, and education (p = 0.036), driving duration (p = 0.023), COVID consciousness (p = 0.086) and easy bike vehicle (p = 0.000) negatively affects income of the respondents. The deaths of COVID in the district (p = 0.003), income (p = 0.000), age (p = 0.037), easy bike vehicle (p = 0.018), debt (p = 0.059) and sufferings of diseases (p = 0.044) positively, and property holdings (p = 0.028), residence in urban areas (p = 0.004) and COVID consciousness (p = 0.082) negatively affect the family expenditure. The results from binary logistics regressions show that diseases sufferings (adjusted p = <0.001; unadjusted p = <0.001), corona fear (unadjusted p = 0.005; adjusted p = <0.001) have positive, and income (unadjusted p = <0.001; adjusted p = <0.001), cooking fuel (unadjusted p = 0.003; adjusted p = 0.091) and easy bike vehicle (unadjusted p = <0.001; adjusted p = 0.288) have negative association with hardship or misery due to COVID-19; death of COVID-19 in the district (unadjusted p = 0.008; adjusted p = 0.037), hardship or misery (adjusted p = 0.005; adjusted p = 0.001), and urban dwelling area (unadjusted p = 0.002; adjusted p = 0.004) have positive, and access to pure drinking water (unadjusted p = 0.005; adjusted p = 0.011) has negative link with corona fear; and, family savings (unadjusted p = 0.001; adjusted p = 0.013), satisfaction in the current job (unadjusted p = <0.001; adjusted p = <0.001), and government medical service (unadjusted p = 0.065; adjusted p = 0.012) have positive affiliation, and household size (unadjusted p = 0.007; adjusted p = 0.020) has negative affiliation with the continuation desire of the current job of respondents. All the obtained results are consistent and have significant policy implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

20 pages, 2359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sense of Safety and Active Leisure in Gated Enclaves: Evidence from Fuzhou University Campus

by Wen-Ying Li, Shang-Chia Chiou and Bo-Xun Huang

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137784 - 26 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1598

Abstract

Scientific interest in how residential patterns affect both people’s subjective sense of safety and their behavior is increasing. The surge of gated communities in the world has changed the way we live to a great extent. Research on the gated development trend in [...] Read more.

Scientific interest in how residential patterns affect both people’s subjective sense of safety and their behavior is increasing. The surge of gated communities in the world has changed the way we live to a great extent. Research on the gated development trend in postmodern cities is still limited; therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between residents’ attitudes toward gated enclaves and their sense of safety. At the same time, the relationship between a sense of security and active leisure behavior was also investigated. Using data collected from 350 college students in Fuzhou University Town, this study introduces a conceptual model to test the relationship between closed enclaves, campus security, and active leisure behavior while controlling population and community characteristics. The results of structural equation model analysis show that gated enclaves positively correlate with campus safety and positively correlate with active leisure behavior, and a safe campus positively correlates with active leisure behavior. The results of this study focus on the importance of gated enclaves as a living environment, and the discovery of functional characteristics of gated enclaves supports future interventions. In other words, when promoting active leisure behavior and increasing the sense of safety in the neighborhood environment, attention must be paid to the characteristics of these gated enclaves. In addition, the simultaneous measurement of these structures provides a dynamic observation of the existing environment, as well as information for future research and construction. Decision makers and urban planners can use these results to promote interaction and healthy behavior in the community under the multi-angle development of the existing access control, thereby improving residents’ sense of security, and increasing leisure participation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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16 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

CO₂ Emissions in Asia–Pacific Region: Do Energy Use, Economic Growth, Financial Development, and International Trade Have Detrimental Effects?

by Mohammad Mafizur Rahman and Khosrul Alam

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095420 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

Global warming has become the main concern in the current world; increased CO₂ emissions are believed to be the main reason for this climate change. Therefore, this study investigates the impacts of energy consumption, economic growth, financial development, and international trade on [...] Read more.

Global warming has become the main concern in the current world; increased CO₂ emissions are believed to be the main reason for this climate change. Therefore, this study investigates the impacts of energy consumption, economic growth, financial development, and international trade on the CO₂ emissions of 17 Asia–Pacific countries. Using unbalanced panel data for 61 years (1960–2020), the Driscoll and Kraay’s standard error and panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) models are employed to observe the effect of the studied variables on the CO₂ emissions. The obtained results reveal that energy consumption, financial development, economic growth, and international trade have adverse effects on the environment of the panel countries by increasing the CO₂ emissions, whereas the square of economic growth reduces it, and results eventually confirm the evidence of the presence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Bidirectional causality is found between international trade and CO₂ emissions, and unidirectional causal association from CO₂ emissions to energy consumption and economic growth is also revealed. To maintain sustainable economic growth and to improve environmental quality, an increase in green energy consumption is being recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

17 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economic Growth in Six ASEAN Countries: Are Energy, Human Capital and Financial Development Playing Major Roles?

by Mohammad Mafizur Rahman, Xuan-Binh (Benjamin) Vu and Son Nghiem

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084540 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether energy consumption, human capital and financial development played an important role in economic growth using a panel dataset of six ASEAN countries over the period 1995–2017. Various econometric techniques—the cross-sectional dependence, panel unit root, panel cointegration, long-run [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate whether energy consumption, human capital and financial development played an important role in economic growth using a panel dataset of six ASEAN countries over the period 1995–2017. Various econometric techniques—the cross-sectional dependence, panel unit root, panel cointegration, long-run panel estimates, and panel Granger causality tests—are applied. The results of panel data analyses show that all the selected variables positively contribute to the economic growth of the countries. However, all the six ASEAN countries still rely primarily on physical capital and labour for their economic growth. The findings of country-wise tests indicate that there exists a positive relationship between economic growth and financial development in Cambodia, while human capital positively contributes to the economic growth of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The causality test exhibits unidirectional causality from energy consumption to economic growth and from economic growth to financial development in both the short and long run. The findings suggest that inclusive development strategies that provide the opportunity for all sectors to grow will result in the desirable three e’s of sustainable economic development: equitable, effective and efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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14 pages, 463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Built Environment on Physical Activity Choices among Emirati Male and Female Adolescents: An Examination of Parents’ and Students’ Perceptions

by Praveen Maghelal, Khaled Alawadi, Sudha Arlikatti and Abeer Wahdain

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010444 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2698

Abstract

The UN Human Development Report 2020 ranked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as having achieved ‘very high human development’ and as being at the 31st position among all countries. Despite this, the ever increasing obesity rates among Emirati youth, higher than international standards, [...] Read more.

The UN Human Development Report 2020 ranked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as having achieved ‘very high human development’ and as being at the 31st position among all countries. Despite this, the ever increasing obesity rates among Emirati youth, higher than international standards, is alarming. This research aims at identifying how different perceptions of the built environment by parents and adolescents are likely to affect physical activity (PA) choices among male and female Emirati youth. This can help inform better health and education policies to achieve three of the interconnected UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely good quality health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality, that the UAE strives to achieve. Responses from 335 students (aged 14–20) from six schools and 250 parent responses in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi Emirate were used to understand the mean variation in perception of five built environment constructs. Further, multinomial logit regression was used to assess the health condition using the perception, behavior, and built environment measures. Results indicate that Emirati males perceive the built environment factors as barriers more than female adolescents. Parents perceive street crossing (p < 0.016) and sidewalk characteristics (p < 0.020) to be more of a hindrance. Traffic exposure, self-reported physical activity, and walkability near homes and schools significantly affect Emirati adolescents’ health conditions. Recommendations are made for various stakeholders including parents, school authorities, Abu Dhabi Municipality and Transportation, and the Urban Planning department on ways to enhance the built environment and encourage PA and well-being of Emirati adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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20 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Tourism and Energy Consumption Linked? Evidence from Australia

by Avishek Khanal, Mohammad Mafizur Rahman, Rasheda Khanam and Eswaran Velayutham

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10800; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910800 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4424

Abstract

Tourism contributes to the growth of an economy via earning foreign currencies and employment opportunities. However, tourism also contributes to greater energy consumption because of various tourist activities such as hotel accommodations and transportation. This study investigates the long-term cointegrating relationship between international [...] Read more.

Tourism contributes to the growth of an economy via earning foreign currencies and employment opportunities. However, tourism also contributes to greater energy consumption because of various tourist activities such as hotel accommodations and transportation. This study investigates the long-term cointegrating relationship between international tourist arrivals and primary energy consumption in Australia. In addition, the roles of gross domestic product, gross fixed capital formation, financial development, and total population on energy consumption are also examined. The study covered the last four decades (1976–2018) using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, BP Statistical Review, and the World Development Indicators. Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Phillips-Perron, Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound tests, Johansen and Juselius, Bayer-Hanck cointegration test, and several key diagnostic tests have been conducted to assess the relationship. The estimated results indicate that tourist arrivals, gross domestic product, and financial development have a significant long-run cointegrating relationship with energy consumption. Policy measures are suggested based on the findings of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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14 pages, 6726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability of Human Populations to Contamination from Petroleum Exploitation in the Napo River Basin: An Approach for Spatially Explicit Risk Assessment

by Carlos Iván Espinosa, Fabián Reyes-Bueno, María Isabel Ramírez, Ana Paulina Arévalo, Natalia Bailon-Moscoso and David H. Duncan

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9230; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169230 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

Background: contamination of aquatic ecosystems by oil spills associated with petroleum exploitation represents a serious problem of environmental contamination that can affect human health. We developed a spatial model of contamination risk in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and evaluated the model using independent datasets [...] Read more.

Background: contamination of aquatic ecosystems by oil spills associated with petroleum exploitation represents a serious problem of environmental contamination that can affect human health. We developed a spatial model of contamination risk in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and evaluated the model using independent datasets on environmental contamination and clinical indicators of human health risk factors. Methods: the spatial risk of contamination for the Napo River basin was based on the calculation of a friction surface and the accessibility of possible oil contamination. Human health was evaluated using peripheral blood samples from 256 individuals. We used monitoring data on contamination to validate the spatial model of contamination risk and analyzed whether the estimated risk explained the incidence of human health risk factors. Results: our risk model showed a significant association with actual contamination detected in the study area. According to our risk model, around 30% of the territory has some level of contamination. Risk of contamination was associated with an increasing mean incidence in risk factors for human health in resident populations, but elevated contamination risk was not a significant predictor of the incidence of selected health indicators; only the incidence of inflammation was significantly increased. Conclusions: a large proportion of the populations in the Napo River basin has high vulnerability to contamination from petroleum exploitation, and this contamination risk may be traced in some indicators of health risk. Closer examination of health risk factors is warranted, and our spatial model of contamination risk can inform the design and analysis of such studies, as well as risk mitigation and management. Our approach to building the model of contamination risk could be applied in other catchments where petroleum exploitation is contemplated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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19 pages, 1211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Energy Consumption, Population Density and Exports Causing Environmental Damage in China? Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Vector Error Correction Model Approaches

by Mohammad Mafizur Rahman and Xuan-Binh (Benjamin) Vu

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073749 - 27 Mar 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

This paper investigates whether energy consumption, population density, and exports are the main factors causing environmental damage in China. Using annual data from 1971–2018, unit root tests are applied for the stationarity analyses, and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds tests are used for [...] Read more.

This paper investigates whether energy consumption, population density, and exports are the main factors causing environmental damage in China. Using annual data from 1971–2018, unit root tests are applied for the stationarity analyses, and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds tests are used for the long-run relationships between the variables. A Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger approach is employed to examine the causal relationships amongst the variables. Our findings show that the selected variables are cointegrated, and that energy consumption and economic growth are identified as the main reasons for CO₂ emissions in both the short-run and long-run. In contrast, exports reduce CO₂ emissions in the long-run. Short-run unidirectional Granger causality is found from economic growth to energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and exports, and from CO₂ emissions to energy consumption and exports. Moreover, long-run causal links exist between CO₂ emissions and exports. Five policy recommendations are made following the obtained results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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11 pages, 33517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Landscape Elements on the Breeding Sites of Bloodsucking Midge

by Kaowen Grace Chang and Hungju Chien

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052863 - 6 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

Forcipomyia taiwana, a bloodsucking midge that is one of the most irritating biting pests in Taiwan, has raised widespread public concern. However, we have little information about the extent to which landscape factors affect their potential habitats. As a result, landscape professionals [...] Read more.

Forcipomyia taiwana, a bloodsucking midge that is one of the most irritating biting pests in Taiwan, has raised widespread public concern. However, we have little information about the extent to which landscape factors affect their potential habitats. As a result, landscape professionals do not have enough information to implement preventive strategies to control midges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between landscaping and algae growth for larval breeding sites of Forcipomyia taiwana. The intent is to determine the environmental strategies that make the planned landscape unsuitable for midges to breed. GIS based on data collected from 16 constructed landscape sites (317,187 m² in total) was utilized to spatially examine the relationship between the occurrence of the algae for midge breeding sites and the ground surface types and planting characteristics in each landscape. The results revealed that the potential midge habitats can be controlled through careful selection of the ground surface, the improvement of the site drainage, and choosing plants with the appropriate characteristics. Apart from choosing the appropriate type of paving surface, the integrity of the paving installation and the coverage of the ecological surface also influence prevention efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Extent of Occupational Health Hazard Impact on Workers: Documentary Evidence from National Occupational Disease Statistics and Selected South African Companies’ Voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures

by Oscar Rikhotso, Thabiso John Morodi and Daniel Masilu Masekameni

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710464 - 23 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility disclosures in providing alternative information on the extent of occupational health hazard impact on workers, by selected South African companies operating within the manufacturing and utilities sectors amidst an absent national occupational disease surveillance [...] Read more.

This paper explores the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility disclosures in providing alternative information on the extent of occupational health hazard impact on workers, by selected South African companies operating within the manufacturing and utilities sectors amidst an absent national occupational disease surveillance system. An online internet search was used to retrieve publicly available national occupational disease statistics published between 2001 and 2020, and Corporate Social Responsibility reports of selected South African case companies, published between 2015 and 2020. Content analysis was used to analyse the retrieved documents for both descriptive and numeric data. The collection and reporting of occupational disease data in South Africa is inconsistent. Corporate Social Responsibility disclosures related to occupational health metrics vary between companies. Occupational disease incidence was the least reported of the social aspects in Corporate Social Responsibility disclosures, and/or were reported as a single statistic or combined into occupational safety incidence rates in some instances, obfuscating the true extent of the impact caused by occupational health hazards on workers. Furthermore, noise-induced hearing loss remains the most prevalently reported occupational disease, in general. Corporate Social Responsibility reports point to occupational health hazards requiring regulatory intervention, whilst also providing an alternative information source for occupational disease statistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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23 pages, 3308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progressing towards Environmental Health Targets in China: An Integrative Review of Achievements in Air and Water Pollution under the “Ecological Civilisation and the Beautiful China” Dream

by Henry Asante Antwi, Lulin Zhou, Xinglong Xu and Tehzeeb Mustafa

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073664 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5734

Abstract

Despite the positive effect of industrialisation on health and quality of life indicators across the globe, it is also responsible for the release of chemical toxins into the environment. Thus, the pursuit of economic development through industrialisation has equally nurtured numerous environmental disasters [...] Read more.

Despite the positive effect of industrialisation on health and quality of life indicators across the globe, it is also responsible for the release of chemical toxins into the environment. Thus, the pursuit of economic development through industrialisation has equally nurtured numerous environmental disasters with accompanying catastrophic health effects. China is one of the countries with high carbon emissions, but new policy changes have resulted in massive gains in controlling environmental damage while enhancing the environment-related quality of life. This paper combines the six-step integrative review strategy with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) strategy to determine appropriate exclusion and inclusion criteria to explore the available stock of literature. We note that overall pollution in China fell by 10% between 2014 and 2019 whereas the average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 93 micrograms per cubic meter reduced by 47% by 2019. Beijing exhibited the top 200 most polluted cities in 2019 after recording the lowest PM2.5 ever. All cities that implemented the 2012 Environmental Air Quality Standards reduced the average concentration of PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide by 42–68% by the end of 2018. Improvements in freshwater quality and a decline in water pollution levels were recorded despite increases in economic growth, urbanisation, energy use, trade openness, and agriculture, all of which are major stimulants of pollution. Deterring environmental tariff, tight ecological inspections, closing down of non-compliant producers, heavy investment in environmental control, and the ambitious five year-plan to revitalise renewable energy goals emanating from China’s ecological civilisation masterplan are responsible for these improvements in air and water pollution. China needs to work more aggressively to consolidate the gains already made in order to quicken the actualisation of the ecological civilisation and beautiful China dream. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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