Environmental impact assessment of CPEC: a way forward for sustainable development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iram Khalid ◽  
Tooba Ahmad ◽  
Sami Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Environmental Cost ◽  
Environmental Laws ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laws And Policies ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Induced Changes

Purpose Human-induced changes in climate have affected the environment to the extent that any more economic development at the cost of the environment will be too costly. Thus, sustainable development options posing no additional harm to the environment are the only viable option. This study aims to examine the likely environmental impacts of infrastructural developments through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Design/methodology/approach There is a scarcity of academic debate and discussion on the environmental impact of CPEC developments in laws and policies on the environment. The qualitative approach is followed in this study and official documents and reports are used to investigate the environmental challenges posed by CPEC. Findings The findings show three possible environmental concerns which could increase the climate change vulnerability of Pakistan. The coal-fired power plants are the most prominent threat based on their CO2 contributions and smog. Second, cutting more than 54,000 trees for roads infrastructure will increase CO2 concentration along the CPEC route. Third, increasing vehicle trafficking by up to 7,000 trucks per day on Karakorum Highway alone will release 36.5 million tons of additional CO2. Originality/value It is essential to rethink the environmental cost of CPEC. The study suggests economic and legal cooperation between Pakistan and China as a way forward to deal with climate change issues. Environmental laws should be a vital part of CPEC projects to ensure their safety, security and sustainability.

scholarly journals Multifractal analysis of atmospheric carbon emissions and OECD industrial production index

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-430
Author(s):  
Sezer Kahyaoglu Bozkus ◽  
Hakan Kahyaoglu ◽  
Atahirou Mahamane Mahamane Lawali
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Industrial Production ◽  
Environmental Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Index ◽  
Atmospheric Carbon ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study aims to analyze the dynamic behavior of the relationship between atmospheric carbon emissions and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) industrial production index (IPI) in the short and long term by applying multifractal techniques. Design/methodology/approach Multifractal de-trended cross-correlation technique is used for this analysis based on the relevant literature. In addition, it is the most widely used approach to estimate multifractality because it generates robust empirical results against non-stationarities in the time series. Findings It is revealed that industrial production causes long and short term environmental costs. The OECD IPI and atmospheric carbon emissions were found to have a strong correlation between the time domain. However, this relationship does not mostly take into account the frequency-based correlations with the tail effects caused by shocks that are effective on the economy. In this study, the long-term dependence of the relationship between the OECD IPI and atmospheric carbon emissions differs from the correlation obtained by linear methods, as the analysis is based on the frequency. The major finding is that the Hurst coefficient is in the range 0.40-0.75 indicating. Research limitations/implications In this study, the local singular behavior of the time-series is analyzed to test for the multifractality characteristics of the series. In this context, the scaling exponents and the singularity spectrum are obtained to determine the origins of this multifractality. The multifractal time series are defined as the set of points with a given singularity exponent a where this exponent a is illustrated as a fractal with fractal dimension f(α). Therefore, the multifractality term indicates the existence of fluctuations, which are non-uniform and more importantly, their relative frequencies are also scale-dependent. Practical implications The results provide information based on the fluctuation in IPI, which determines the main conjuncture of the economy. An optimal strategy for shaping the consequences of climate change resulting from industrial production activities will not only need to be quite comprehensive and global in scale but also policies will need to be applicable to the national and local conditions of the given nation and adaptable to the needs of the country. Social implications The results provide information for the analysis of the environmental cost of climate change depending on the magnitude of the impact on the total supply. In addition to environmental problems, climate change leads to economic problems, and hence, policy instruments are introduced to fight against the adverse effects of it. Originality/value This study may be of practical and technical importance in regional climate change forecasting, extreme carbon emission regulations and industrial production resource management in the world economy. Hence, the major contribution of this study is to introduce an approach to sustainability for the analysis of the environmental cost of growth in the supply side economy.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, SMART URBANIZATION AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-167
Author(s):  
Unmana Sarangi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Global Environment ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Environmental Laws ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Macro Variables

Abstract: The research study entitled ‘Global Environment, Climate Change, Smart Urbanization and International Environment Laws for Global Sustainable Development’ focuses on the issues relating to the global environment, climate change, smart urbanization and the international environmental laws that determine these global indicators in achieving sustainable development goals and in trying to assess the linkages and implications of these macro variables as key determinants of the global environment and climate change. Thus, the problem associated with this research study is a global phenomenon that definitely has national, sub-national, and regional implications/ramifications across economies. These macro variables are scientific and practical determinants of the way global economies move forward and the problems encountered by various economies in the light of the global environment, climate, and rapid smart urbanization changes. Hence, the research problem which the research study focuses on is a realistic and practical one that encompasses, covers, and determines the major macro aspects of the global economies. The aspects dealt in the research study covers among others issues such as global environment, climate change, smart urbanization, and international environmental laws, IPCC, Paris Agreement on Climate Change and NDCs, promoting climate-resilient smart and rapid urbanization, exploration of climate change legislation, global environmental governance systems to promote peace, justice and development and in fulfillment of environmental and human rights connected with it, etc., The most important conclusions drawn from the research study is that United Nations has been playing a major role as the unique international organization which has been making all-out efforts to mitigate climate change, adopt climate-resilient measures for effective, smart and rapid urbanization in cities, reshaping these measures to attain global sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and in impacting global infrastructure for global sustainable development.

scholarly journals Use of Benchmark Methodology in Environmental Impact Assessment

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (-1) ◽  
pp. 91-96
Author(s):  
Jelena Pubule ◽  
Dagnija Blumberga
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessment ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Industrial Activity

Use of Benchmark Methodology in Environmental Impact Assessment Every industrial activity and procedure influences the environment and climate change. This impact has to be assessed and therefore the procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) including the application of a benchmark methodology has been developed. The developed benchmark methodology can be used in the initial assessment as a screening method. The article surveys the developed benchmark methodology for impact assessment of the projects providing extraction of dolomite in the deposits of mineral resources. The benchmark methodology developed makes it possible to assess the impacts caused by the provided activity by objective considerations, to conduct comparison of different projects and evaluate whether the provided activity corresponds to the principles of sustainable development.

Methodology for optimizing geographical distribution and capacities of biomass power plants in Sabah, East Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Seng Lim ◽  
Siong Lee Koh ◽  
Stella Morris
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Transportation Cost ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Biomass Waste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Total Capacity ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Biomass Power Plants

Purpose – Biomass waste can be used as fuel in biomass power plants to generate electricity. It is a type of renewable energy widely available in Malaysia because 12 million tons of the biomass waste is produced every year. At present, only 5 per cent of the total biomass waste in Sabah, one of the states in Malaysia, is used to generate electricity for on-site consumption. The remaining 95 per cent of the biomass waste has not been utilized because the transportation cost for shifting the waste from the plantations to the power plants is substantial, hence making the cost of the biomass generated electricity to be high. Therefore, a methodology is developed and presented in this paper to determine the optimum geographic distribution and capacities of the biomass power plants around a region so that the cost of biomass generated electricity can be minimized. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is able to identify the potential locations of biomass power plants on any locations on a region taking into account the operation and capital costs of the power plants as well as the cost of connecting the power plants to the national grid. The methodology is programmed using Fortran. Findings – This methodology is applied to Sabah using the real data. The results generated from the methodology show the best locations and capacities of biomass power plants in Sabah. There are 20 locations suitable for biomass power plants. The total capacity of these biomass power plants is 4,996 MW with an annual generation of 35,013 GWh. This is sufficient to meet all the electricity demand in Sabah up to 2030. Originality/value – The methodology is an effective tool to determine the best geographic locations and sizes of the biomass power plants around a region.

scholarly journals Student accommodation, environmental behaviour and lessons for property managers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Wilkinson ◽  
Agnieszka Zalejska Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Human Behaviour ◽  
Environment Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Strategies

PurposeDespite awareness of climate change for over 3 decades, per capita energy and water consumption increase and environmental impacts grow. The built environment contributes around 40% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; action is vital. Whilst building code standards have increased, rating tools and technology to reduce energy and water consumption are developed; environmental impact grows because of human behaviour. In the tertiary education sector, student accommodation constitutes a large part of the property portfolio, contributing significant amounts of GHG emissions and environmental impact. Property Managers can educate and install systems and technologies to improve behaviour if they understand it.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study used a questionnaire survey to explore how student's worldviews vary and the possible limitations to behaviour in respect of climate change. In total, 71 responses from international university students living in residential accommodation on campuses in Stockholm were analysed.FindingsThe results show different perceptions about the environment and actions that are needed, and this leads to different behaviours. Limited knowledge and inability to relate environmental consequences to one's own actions, effective communication and risk averse behaviour, are critical in mitigating climate change. A deeper understanding of participants worldviews and the different resulting behaviours was achieved.Research limitations/implicationsThis pilot study involved a small number of participants and future studies should expand participant numbers, including those with more varied backgrounds, education levels and age groups.Practical implicationsIf property managers gain a deeper understanding the different behaviours of their residents, they can develop effective strategies to facilitate action that will lower the environment impact and GHG emissions of student accommodation.Originality/valueThe knowledge gained about environmental attitudes and human behaviour can help property and facility managers, policy makers and regulators to develop more effective strategies to deliver improved sustainability outcomes.

scholarly journals Towards a conceptual framework for non-financial reporting inclusive of pandemic and climate risk reporting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhash Abhayawansa ◽  
Carol Adams
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Development Risks ◽  
Risk Reporting

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate non-financial reporting (NFR) frameworks insofar as risk reporting is concerned. This is facilitated through analysis of the adequacy of climate- and pandemic-related risk reporting in three industries that are both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk from climate change. The pervasiveness of pandemic and climate-change risks have been highlighted in 2020, the hottest year on record and the year the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Stakeholders might reasonably expect reporting on these risks to have prepared them for the consequences. Design/methodology/approach The current debate on the “complexity” of sustainability and NFR frameworks/standards is critically analysed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to “build back better”. Context is provided through analysis of risk reporting by the ten largest airlines and the five largest companies in each of the hotel and cruise industries. Findings Risk reporting on two significant issues, pandemics and climate change, is woefully inadequate. While very little consideration has been given to pandemic risks, disclosures on climate-related risks focus predominantly on “risks” of increased regulation rather than physical risks, indicating a short-term focus. The disclosures are dispersed across different corporate reporting media and fail to appreciate the long-term consequences or offer solutions. Mindful that a conceptual framework for NFR must address this, the authors propose a new definition of materiality and recommend that sustainable development risks and opportunities be placed at the core of a future framework for connected/integrated reporting. Research limitations/implications For sustainable development risks to be perceived as “real” by managers, further research is needed to determine the nature and extent of key sustainable development risks and the most effective mitigation strategies. Social implications This paper highlights the importance of recognising the complexity of the issues facing organisations, society and the planet and addressing them by encouraging robust consideration of the interdependencies in evolving approaches to corporate reporting. Originality/value This study contributes to the current debate on the future of corporate reporting in light of two significant interconnected crises that threaten business and society – the pandemic and climate change. It provides evidence to support a long-term oriented and holistic approach to risk management and reporting.

Chile climate promises mount ahead of UN summit

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Carbon Neutral ◽  
Do So

Subject Chile's climate change commitments. Significance On June 4, Chile’s centre-right President Sebastian Pinera announced the country’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, one of a handful of nations worldwide to do so. As a step towards meeting the goal, he said the country’s 28 coal-fired power plants would all be closed by 2040 (eight of them by 2024). Impacts Chile’s rapidly growing non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) industry, particularly solar, will benefit from carbon neutral plans. The path to carbon neutral will address critical pollution levels, and consequent health issues, in Chile’s cities. The strategy will support Chile’s goal of electrifying 100% of public transport by 2040.

Sustainable Business Development by Responding to Climate Change

2016 ◽  
pp. 176-191
Author(s):  
Sujata Mukherjee ◽  
Arunavo Mukerjee
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
The Cost

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (2007) concluded that the globally averaged net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of the sources of global warming. The Stern Report (2007) corroborates this statement and states that anthropogenic CO2 influences the climate and stresses that the cost of mitigating against climate change is significantly lower than the cost of climate change. The Tata group companies have been actively seeking out experiences of other global companies to develop an effective action plan against climate change. The present paper seeks to review the role of the Tata group in addressing and abating the climate change. It further looks at the various Tata group companies like Tata Chemicals Limited, Tata Steel Europe, Tata Communications and Tata Motors and their ways to stay the course towards sustainable development

Sustainable Business Development by Responding to Climate Change

2017 ◽  
pp. 416-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujata Mukherjee ◽  
Arunavo Mukerjee
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
The Cost

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (2007) concluded that the globally averaged net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of the sources of global warming. The Stern Report (2007) corroborates this statement and states that anthropogenic CO2 influences the climate and stresses that the cost of mitigating against climate change is significantly lower than the cost of climate change. The Tata group companies have been actively seeking out experiences of other global companies to develop an effective action plan against climate change. The present paper seeks to review the role of the Tata group in addressing and abating the climate change. It further looks at the various Tata group companies like Tata Chemicals Limited, Tata Steel Europe, Tata Communications and Tata Motors and their ways to stay the course towards sustainable development

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