Water crisis will cripple China's economy

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Water Policy ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
Security Issue ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Damage ◽  
Control And Management ◽  
China’S Economy

Subject Water stress in China. Significance Water pollution and shortages, exacerbated by the uneven distribution of domestic water resources, as well as waste and inefficiency, have become severe constraints on China's economic development. Economic growth depends on the effective control and management of water, not least because of the implications for food and energy security. Impacts Agriculture is by far the largest user of water, making food supplies hugely vulnerable to interruptions in supplies. Industry is also at risk, since more than 90% of power generation is water-reliant. Public anger about health damage from water pollution will generate street protests, making water policy a public security issue. Surveys suggest that water deficiencies are regarded as the most serious environmental problem in China, making it a political liability. There will be international tensions over transboundary rivers.

scholarly journals Assessing local impacts of water use on human health: evaluation of water footprint models in the Province Punjab, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Mikosch ◽  
Markus Berger ◽  
Elena Huber ◽  
Matthias Finkbeiner
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Deprivation ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Human Health Damage ◽  
Health Damage

Abstract Purpose The water footprint (WF) method is widely applied to quantify water use along the life cycle of products and organizations and to evaluate the resulting impacts on human health. This study analyzes the cause-effect chains for the human health damage related to the water use on a local scale in the Province Punjab of Pakistan, evaluates their consistency with existing WF models, and provides recommendations for future model development. Method Locally occurring cause-effect chains are analyzed based on site observations in Punjab and a literature review. Then, existing WF models are compared to the findings in the study area including their comprehensiveness (covered cause-effect chains), relevance (contribution of the modeled cause-effect chain to the total health damage), and representativeness (correspondence with the local cause-effect chain). Finally, recommendations for the development of new characterization models describing the local cause-effect chains are provided. Results and discussion The cause-effect chains for the agricultural water deprivation include malnutrition due to reduced food availability and income loss as well as diseases resulting from the use of wastewater for irrigation, out of which only the first one is addressed by existing WF models. The cause-effect chain for the infectious diseases due to domestic water deprivation is associated primarily with the absence of water supply systems, while the linkage to the water consumption of a product system was not identified. The cause-effect chains related to the water pollution include the exposure via agricultural products, fish, and drinking water, all of which are reflected in existing impact assessment models. Including the groundwater compartment may increase the relevance of the model for the study area. Conclusions Most cause-effect chains identified on the local scale are consistent with existing WF models. Modeling currently missing cause-effect chains for the impacts related to the income loss and wastewater usage for irrigation can enhance the assessment of the human health damage in water footprinting.

Management of competition among sellers and its performance implications for business-to-business electronic platforms

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Li ◽  
Xingyao Ren ◽  
Xu Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Marketing Tactics ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Term Performance

Purpose – This paper aimed to analyze the short- and long-term effects of the breadth and depth of seller competition on the performance of platform companies, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of customers’ two-sided marketing tactics on the structure of the competition between sellers. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal research design was adopted by gathering daily market objective data on e-commerce platforms for 250 days, and the dynamic evolution effects was analyzed by using a vector autoregression model which compared the differences between the short- and long-term effectiveness of different customer relationship management (CRM) strategies. Findings – The breadth of competition amongst sellers improves the performance of platforms, whilst the depth of competition among sellers has a positive effect on the short-term performance. However, it has a negative effect on the long-term performance of their platforms. In both the short and long terms, advertising tactics that attract new buyers contribute more to increases in the breadth of seller competition than those that attract existing buyers do. Subsidies for new sellers decrease the depth of seller competition more than those for old sellers. Research limitations/implications – Further research could be undertaken to investigate the validity of marketing tactics other than advertising tactics, and thus expand the time windows of the available data. Practical implications – It is imperative for platform companies to implement effective control over seller competition to balance the interests of the sellers and of themselves. Originality/value – The dyadic paradigm of CRM research has been extended by considering the perspective of the electronic platform company, how the tactics of exploitation and exploration of two-sided customers impact upon seller competitive structures have been delved into and why new customers have a unique value to platform companies has been identified.

China's economy will struggle to halt secular slowdown

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Regression To The Mean ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strong Force ◽  
Global Demand ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Productivity Gains ◽  
Global Growth ◽  
China’S Economy

Significance Comparisons with two formerly fast-growing Asian neighbours, Japan and South Korea, suggest that China will continue to slow for another decade. Analysis of global growth trends over 50 years points to a strong force of ‘regression to the mean’, meaning that continued high-speed growth is statistically unlikely. Impacts Continued Chinese economic slowing will reduce global demand for resources such as iron ore and coal. Achieving productivity growth will require deepening reforms to increase the role of the market, the private sector and competition. World Bank economists emphasise that imposing stricter financial discipline is a key step to enhancing market-based productivity gains.

Off-office audit of natural resource assets and water pollution: a quasi-natural experiment in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaowei Ma ◽  
Muhammad Shahbaz ◽  
Malin Song
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Industrial Structure ◽  
Dynamic Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Audit System ◽  
And Control

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the off-office audit of natural resource assets on the prevention and control of water pollution against a background of big data using a differences-in-differences model.Design/methodology/approachThis study constructs a differences-in-differences model to evaluate the policy effects of off-office audit based on panel data from 11 cities in Anhui Province, China, from 2011 to 2017, and analyzes the dynamic effect of the audit and intermediary effect of industrial structure.FindingsThe implementation of the audit system can effectively reduce water pollution. Dynamic effect analysis showed that the audit policy can not only improve the quality of water resources but can also have a cumulative effect over time. That is, the prevention and control effect on water pollution is getting stronger and stronger. The results of the robustness test verified the effectiveness of water pollution prevention and control. However, the results of the influence mechanism analysis showed that the mediating effect of the industrial structure was not obvious in the short term.Practical implicationsThese findings shed light on the effect of the off-office audit of natural resource assets on the prevention and control of water pollution, and provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of relevant environmental policies. Furthermore, these findings show that the implementation of the audit system can effectively reduce water pollution, which has practical significance for the sustainable development of China's economy against the background of big data.Originality/valueThis study quantitatively analyzes the policy effect of off-office auditing from the perspective of water resources based on a big data background, which differs from the existing research that mainly focuses on basic theoretical analysis.

scholarly journals Domestic water demand forecasting in the Yellow River basin under changing environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-388
Author(s):  
Xiao-jun Wang ◽  
Jian-yun Zhang ◽  
Shamsuddin Shahid ◽  
Lang Yu ◽  
Chen Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Yellow River ◽  
Yellow River Basin ◽  
The Yellow River ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domestic Water Demand ◽  
The Yellow River Basin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a statistical-based model to forecast future domestic water demand in the context of climate change, population growth and technological development in Yellow River. Design/methodology/approach The model is developed through the analysis of the effects of climate variables and population on domestic water use in eight sub-basins of the Yellow River. The model is then used to forecast water demand under different environment change scenarios. Findings The model projected an increase in domestic water demand in the Yellow River basin in the range of 67.85 × 108 to 62.20 × 108 m3 in year 2020 and between 73.32 × 108 and 89.27 × 108 m3 in year 2030. The general circulation model Beijing Normal University-Earth System Model (BNU-ESM) predicted the highest increase in water demand in both 2020 and 2030, while Centre National de Recherches Meteorologiques Climate Model v.5 (CNRM-CM5) and Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate- Earth System (MIROC-ESM) projected the lowest increase in demand in 2020 and 2030, respectively. The fastest growth in water demand is found in the region where water demand is already very high, which may cause serious water shortage and conflicts among water users. Originality/value The simple regression-based domestic water demand model proposed in the study can be used for rapid evaluation of possible changes in domestic water demand due to environmental changes to aid in adaptation and mitigation planning.

Bankruptcy rules will improve SME efficiency in China

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexible Framework ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
China’S Economy ◽  
Held Back

Significance However, the sector is held back by inefficiency in resolving financial distress, which prevents effective restructuring, closure and, more broadly, access to bank finance. Simplified insolvency procedures for SMEs that aim to remedy this are being trialled across China. Impacts Better resolution of SME insolvency is crucial for start-ups, which are the focus of recent policies for innovation-driven growth. A more flexible framework for resolving corporate failures would help China’s economy recover from shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. SME insolvencies and their resolution are policy challenges in many jurisdictions; solutions adopted in China may inform reforms elsewhere.

Social cohesion vs COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-203
Author(s):  
Manuel M. Dayrit ◽  
Ronald Umali Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
National Level ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Global Public Good ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
International Good ◽  
Crisis Responses

PurposeThe control of particularly virulent communicable diseases such as COVID-19 can be considered a global public good. Unabated contagion, both within and across borders, can result in a global public bad. More effective control – such as by flattening the epidemiological curve – could prevent severe social and economic disruption by allowing domestic health and social protection systems to more adequately respond to the health crisis. This article elaborates on some of the main elements of counter COVID-19 responses, drawing on emerging international good practices. While a full evaluation of policy effectiveness is still forthcoming, it is critical to review and synthesize the emerging lessons and evidence even this early.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews the international good practices in counter COVID-19 responses across countries.FindingsConcerted efforts across borders, such as by sharing data and collaborating in research and by coordinating international support for countercyclical economic and health responses at the national level, are some of the options for countering COVID-19 at the international level. Within countries, more inclusive social protection and health systems, combined with countercyclical economic policies, and concerted behavioral changes tend to produce more effective collective action against the spread of the disease.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on a review of emerging responses to the health crisis.Practical implicationsThe policies and practices reviewed in this paper could feed into better-informed crisis responses to COVID-19 and other types of health shocks.Originality/valueThis study is among the first general reviews of policy responses to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Exploration on the Malaysian adolescents’ understanding towards concepts of physical activity, perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (10) ◽  
pp. 3151-3164
Author(s):  
Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif Ishak ◽  
Yit Siew Chin ◽  
Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib ◽  
Zalilah Mohd Shariff
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Security Issue ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Malaysian Adolescents

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the understanding of Malaysian adolescents towards concept of physical activity (PA) and their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quota sampling method, a total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were performed at two secondary schools, which were randomly selected in Selangor. This study involved 72 adolescents (males = 51.4%, females = 48.6%) aged 13–14 years. Based on ethnicity, there was an equal number of Malay, Chinese and Indian participants (n = 24, 33.3%). For analysing the outcome from the FGDs, thematic analysis was applied.FindingsThe adolescents perceived exercise and PA as structured games. They perceived that exercise could have positive effects on the body, appearance and health, and PA as a daily routine. Common differences between exercise and PA were based on frequency, intensity, energy and venue. Perceived facilitators in practising an active lifestyle include concern about body or health, have companions, familial or peer influence, availability of facilities in the neighbourhood and have scheduled time for exercise. Time constraint, no motivation, physically unwell or tired, no companion, security issue at playground or exercise facilities or venue, and weather were mentioned as barriers in practising an active lifestyle.Originality/valueThis study contributed to an improved understanding of the adolescents’ concept of PA, as well as their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle. The study suggested that health intervention should embrace a way of promoting the immediate advantages of practicing an active lifestyle in order to reinforce the importance of an active lifestyle among adolescents. Furthermore, future intervention should emphasise on educating the adolescents on ways to cope with environmental barriers when practicing an active lifestyle.

Anti-money laundering law and policy as a double edged sword

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 899-912
Author(s):  
Norman Mugarura
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Security Issue ◽  
Patriot Act ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism

Purpose Regulators have a duty to enforce anti-money laundering (AML) and countering financing of terrorism regulation. However, in doing so, they should not to be overzealous especially in carrying out investigations into suspicious money laundering transactions. This does not mean that oversight agencies should not carry out the required investigations with due diligence. This study aims to propose that banks cannot be allowed to operate in a lawless environment; however, there is a need ensure that businesses are able to operate with minimal regulatory interference. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from primary and secondary sources such as Uganda’s Anti-Money laundering Act 2013 (amended 2017), Patriot Act 2001, Proceeds of Crime Act 2000 International legal instruments, case law, books, websites, journal papers, policy documents and scholarly debates and evaluated to foster the objectives of the paper accordingly. The paper has also been enriched by empirical experiences of countries in Europe, Africa and within countries on money-laundering regulation and its intricacies. There was a wealth of online data sources and in print, which were reviewed and internalised to foster the objectives for writing the book. Findings Regulation of businesses against money laundering and financing of terrorism imposes a heavy cost burden on poorer countries and should be funded by developed economies for some countries to easily operate desired International AML standards. It also needs to be noted that banks cannot be allowed to operate in a lawless business environment, which makes money laundering an international and national security issue. Originality/value The thesis of this paper was drawn from the author’s presentation to security agencies in Kampala in August 2019. In his presentation, the author opined that investigations into money-laundering offences should be triggered when a financial institution forms suspicions of potential money-laundering offences to have been committed. Some of the questions he sought to answer during the presentation was whether sharing information on “accountable persons or the regulated sector” in Uganda’s AML 2013 with newspapers before investigations are concluded does not amount to tipping off presumed money-laundering culprits? How should investigations be conducted?

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