Hasil untuk "Environmental law"

Tomáš Krajíček, Petr Marada, Ivo Horák et al.

This paper aims to solve the problem of erosion sediment that negatively affects the quality of fallowed soil through the development of a new type of agricultural machinery. The transported erosion sediment will be quantified locally to evaluate the danger of these negative effects on the fallowed soil and on the functionality of the grass cover. Subsequently, a new type of machinery will be proposed for the remediation of eroded sediment and conservation of the fallowed soil. In various fallow research areas with different management methods (such as biobelts, grassed valleys, and grassed waterways), agricultural land affected by eroded sediment was examined, and appropriate machinery was designed to rehabilitate the stands after erosion events. By identifying the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, as well as the eroded and deposited sediment/colluvium, the shape, material, attachment method, and assembly of the working tool for the relevant mobile energy device were designed. The developed tool, based on a plow–carry system using a tractor, features flexible tools that separate the eroded sediment from the fallow land surface, transfer it over a short distance, and accumulate it in a designated area to facilitate subsequent removal with minimal damage to the herbaceous vegetation. The calculated erosion event was 196.9 m³ (179.0 m³ ha⁻¹), corresponding to 295 tons (268.5 t ha⁻¹) deposited from the area of 90 ha. Afterward, the proposed machinery was evaluated for the cost of the removal of the eroded sediment. Based on experience from the field, we calculated that 174 m³ per engine hour results in EUR 0.22 m⁻³. From the performed experiment, it is evident that the proposed machinery offers a suitable solution for eroded sediment removal locally, which prevents further erosion and subsequent sediment deposition in water bodies where the costs for sediment removal are higher. Moreover, we have proven the potential negative impact of invasive plant species because their seeds were stored in the sediment. Finally, it is credible to state that the proposed agricultural machinery offers an effective solution for the eroded sediment relocation, which subsequently can be used for other purposes and monetized. This results in an increase in the profitability of the erosion sediment removal process, which is already in place at the source before further transportation to aquatic systems where the costs for removal are significantly higher.

Emiliano COLANTONIO, Ramona SIMUT

Since 2013, March 20 has been recognized as World Happiness Day by the United Nations, emphasizing the significance of well-being beyond purely economic considerations. While traditional economic and social indicators provide valuable insights, a comprehensive approach to measuring happiness requires a broader set of socioeconomic variables. However, many existing studies overlook endogeneity issues in panel data analysis. This study addresses this gap by employing a Panel Vector Autoregressive model, which treats all variables as endogenous, allowing for the identification of bidirectional relationships, path dependencies, and potential virtuous circles. Economic factors remain central to well-being, with numerous studies confirming a positive correlation between happiness and GDP per capita. Furthermore, governance quality plays a crucial role, encompassing democratic participation, freedom of expression, government effectiveness, the rule of law, and corruption control, all of which contribute to overall life satisfaction. Beyond economic and governance aspects, environmental sustainability has emerged as a critical determinant of happiness, particularly in developed nations. Climate change and environmental degradation have severe socioeconomic consequences that negatively impact well-being. Additionally, cultural factors such as gender equality, could significantly influence happiness by fostering economic growth and social stability. This study conducts an empirical analysis using panel data from 27 EU countries spanning the years 2011 to 2023, offering new insights into the determinants of well-being and their policy implications. The analysis reveals that both well-being and GDP are pathdependent, with rising GDP contributing to greater happiness. Institutional quality enhances both life satisfaction and economic development, while lower CO₂ emissions similarly exert a positive effect on both outcomes. Institutional quality and environmental factors are closely interlinked: improved governance helps reduce emissions, while increasing emissions can prompt institutional responses. An enhancement in overall life satisfaction—frequently associated with increased job fulfilment and higher productivity—tends to exert a positive influence on average per capita income. Higher gender inequality diminishes happiness. Gender equality is also associated with lower emissions, suggesting that greater female participation supports sustainable development. However, some findings are unexpected: GDP growth does not necessarily lead to reduced emissions or improved institutional quality, and stronger institutions do not directly alleviate gender inequality. These complexities highlight the 16 need for further research that accounts for contextual factors, time lags, and sample heterogeneity.

Lepotić Biljana

The primary role in providing relevant legal protection of the environment and climate lies with national judicial systems, while the European Court of Human Rights has a subsidiary role and intervenes only in cases involving violations of other human rights. The European Convention on Human Rights and its Additional Protocols do not explicitly guarantee the right to a healthy environment as such; however, they do protect the interest in preserving the environment and climate by safeguarding other human rights. In practice, violations in this field are most often addressed through breaches of the right to life in a healthy environment, the right to respect for private and family life, the right to property, and the right to access information. States are obliged to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill all human rights for all individuals, including an affirmative duty to prevent foreseeable harm, including that caused by climate change. Climate change litigation has evolved over time, creating a need for judges and other participants in such proceedings to become aware of the consequences of climate change, as well as the impact their decisions may have in such cases. In addition to the growing importance of climate and environmental disputes before national courts and international bodies, such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union, numerous cases have garnered wider international attention. These cases have sought answers regarding how climate change impacts fundamental human rights and, in turn, have inspired similar legal actions worldwide. Over time, the development of international environmental law has led to the establishment of key principles that define the nature of this legal field and its institutions. These include the precautionary principle, the principle of preventive action, the "polluter pays" principle (also known as PPP), the principle of sustainable development, the principle of intergenerational equity, and the duty to cooperate. The undeniable importance of environmental law has been recognized at the international level. Although the right to a healthy environment is not explicitly designated as a human right under the European Convention on Human Rights or its protocols, its significance is acknowledged through the rise of environmental and climate-related litigation, as well as the expanding body of case law surrounding them.

Anne Lansink

Yuankai Yang, Ravi A. Patel, Nikolaos I. Prasianakis et al.

Abstract Solute diffusion in partially saturated porous media is an important fundamental process in many natural and environmental systems. At low water saturation, the solute transport is governed by the diffusion in thin water films on the surfaces of solids. In this study, we established an improved pore‐scale simulation framework successfully describing the solute diffusion in variably saturated porous media (e.g., soils), which considers the contribution of the diffusion within the thin water film on the surface of the solid matrix. The model takes into account the liquid–gas distribution in the underlying porous media by the Shan‐Chen lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) and simulates the solute diffusion in the bulk liquid phase and the water film. Based on the numerical results, an easy‐to‐use theoretical formula was also developed to predict the effective diffusivity in microporous materials at low saturation levels. The average relative error of its prediction with respect to the experimental data from the literature is about 30%, while that of the classical power law exceeds 70%. A simple phase diagram was defined, which allows us to identify the situations under which it is necessary to take the influence of surface water films on the effective diffusivity in unsaturated microporous media into account. The present study improves the pore‐scale model to address solute diffusion in the water films at low water saturation and elucidates the contribution of thin water films on solute transport.

Andrzej Letkiewicz, Joanna Krupska, Agnieszka Wentk

ABSTRACT: The objective of this article is to investigate behaviours related to electromobility in terms of owned vehicle fleets and charging stations in local administration units, the role of zero-emission vehicles in building the image of the administration and the promotion of environmentally friendly behaviours among its employees as at the end of 2022. The completion of the objective was based on surveys of the data collected using the CATI technique from provincial offices (POs) and municipal offices (MOs)[1] of provincial cities. The survey showed that the primary means of transport owned by the entities surveyed are internal combustion engine vehicles. Of these, the largest group is made up of passenger cars – the average age of vehicles at the time of the survey was approx. eight years. In sum, the local administration in the provincial cities is approaching the target value established by law. The average share of BEVs in the passenger vehicle fleet is 9%. In terms of charging station ownership, there were three dominant patterns. There is a perception among respondents that a fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles builds a positive, pro-environmental image of the office, while in none of the offices was there any action to support the environmentally friendly behaviour of employees in terms of travelling to and from work.   [1] The survey covered local government administrative units in 16 cities where local government offices are located and involved provincial local government offices (POs) and municipal local government offices (MOs).

Ruri Nathania, Erni Ekawati

This study investigates the effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores on bank performance in five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. This study aims to examine the effect of ESG scores on bank financial performance and investigate whether the influence of bank ownership can strengthen both. This study uses a sample of 26 banks in 5-ASEAN countries during 2016–2021. This amount is the result of data sorting conducted on 86 banks by adjusting to the research sample criteria. Using multiple linear regression analysis, this study shows that ESG scores have a significant positive effect on bank financial performance as measured by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Price to Book Value (PBV). Furthermore, this study found that the positive impact of ESG scores on bank performance is stronger for state-owned banks compared to private banks. However, bank ownership does not affect the relationship between ESG scores and ROA. These findings suggest that law enforcement by the government through regulators plays an important role in encouraging banks to view ESG as a driving value to improve their performance.

Waleed M. Abood, Dhafir F. Ali, Firas S. Abass et al.

The research aims to assess the input (raw water, RW) and output water (produced water, PW) specifications within the treatment unit of the Abu Ghraib dairy factory. The goal is to ensure that the output water aligns with Iraqi environmental standards outlined in Law 25 of 1967, addressing river water and discharged wastewater, and Law 3 of 2012, pertaining to the reuse of treated water for agricultural irrigation. Analysis of the provided PW samples indicates general adherence to approved specifications for chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), acidity (pH), nitrate (NO3), phosphates (PO4), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (S.S), chloride, and sodium adsorption rate. Effective removal of organic content is observed, with percentages ranging from 92% to 97% for COD and 92% to 97.8% for BOD across all samples. To enhance the treated water quality further, adsorption using activated carbon (AC) was implemented through a batch system involving 800 ml of PW and 2 gm of AC, with a variable time and an equilibrium period of 5 hours. Remarkably, this approach resulted in a 100% removal of both COD and BOD. Sodium absorption rate (SAR) values, before and after adsorption, were 4.7 and 4.86, respectively. In a continuous system using a fixed bed activated at different depths (10, 20, and 30 cm), maintaining a constant flow rate of 15 ml/min and an initial COD concentration of 75 ppm, breakthrough curve time and empty bed contact time increased proportionally with bed depth, showing the impact of this parameter on system performance.

Jun Ning, Yuyang Huang, Zihan Liu et al.

This paper investigates the cooperative formation trajectory tracking problem for heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and multiple unmanned surface vessel (USV) systems with input quantization performance. Firstly, at the kinematic level, a distributed guidance law based on an extended state observer (ESO) is designed to compensate for the unknown speed of neighbor agents for expected trajectory tracking, and subsequently at the dynamic level, an ESO is utilized to estimate model uncertainties and environmental disturbances. Following that, a linear analytic model is employed to depict the input quantization process, and the corresponding adaptive quantization controller is designed without necessitating prior information on quantization parameters. Based on the input-to-state stability, the stability of the proposed control structure is proved, and all the signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded. Finally, a simulation study is provided to show the efficacy of the proposed strategy.

W. D. Carvalho, K. Mustin, R. Hilário et al.

Abstract Despite efforts to reduce deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, there has been an up-turn in clearing rates since 2012. These increases are in part due to failures in deforestation control. Soybean planters, cattle ranchers, and timber merchants find ways to circumvent agreements and legislation. Here we explain some of the key problems with the implementation of the principal agreements and Brazilian laws that should be keeping clearing rates under control. To combat increased clearing in the Amazon, we suggest an urgent need to strengthen Brazilian environmental agencies, improve technologies used to monitor the effectiveness of clearing-reduction programmes, better integrate agrarian and environmental policies and integrate environmental enforcement across federal, state and municipal governments, as well as improve transparency along global supply chains and raise awareness among consumers to put market pressure on producers to avoid new deforestation.

Xinhu Li, Jinchao Song, Tao Lin et al.

BackgroundChina has the biggest population in the world, and has been experiencing the largest migration in history, and its rapid urbanization has profound and lasting impacts on local and national public health. Under these conditions, a systems understanding on the correlation among urbanization, environmental change and public health and to devise solutions at national, local and individual levels are in urgent need.MethodsIn this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent studies which have examined the relationship between urbanization, urban environmental changes and human health in China. Based on the review, coupled with a systems understanding, we summarize the challenges and opportunities for promoting the health and wellbeing of the whole nation at national, local, and individual levels.ResultsUrbanization and urban expansion result in urban environmental changes, as well as residents’ lifestyle change, which can lead independently and synergistically to human health problems. China has undergone an epidemiological transition, shifting from infectious to chronic diseases in a much shorter time frame than many other countries. Environmental risk factors, particularly air and water pollution, are a major contributing source of morbidity and mortality in China. Furthermore, aging population, food support system, and disparity of public service between the migrant worker and local residents are important contributions to China’s urban health.ConclusionsAt the national level, the central government could improve current environmental policies, food safety laws, and make adjustments to the health care system and to demographic policy. At the local level, local government could incorporate healthy life considerations in urban planning procedures, make improvements to the local food supply, and enforce environmental monitoring and management. At the individual level, urban residents can be exposed to education regarding health behaviour choices while being encouraged to take responsibility for their health and to participate in environmental monitoring and management.

Hai Luong, Nicholas Thomson

<p>Wildlife trafficking and other commodities associated with environmental crimes traded across the borders of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) carry direct or indirect risks for biological threats. Outbreaks associated with these threats can have devasting implications for human populations as well as for farmed or native animal and plant populations. Although the links between environmental crimes and biological threats are obvious, we see two disconnected responses which limits the ability to tackle both the crime and the risks of biological threats. On one hand, there are efforts to improve law enforcement prioritisation and capability to disrupt transnational organised crime. On the other hand, we see increasing resources channelled through a One Health framework that aim to improve early warning surveillance of emerging infectious disease with a focus on diseases that can affect livestock or zoonotic diseases that can affect human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore alternative strategies, particularly the need to expand the operational definition of One Health to usher in more joined up partnerships between security sector personnel and human and animal health personnel working along borders of the GMS. This policy commentary draws on a literature review and informal stakeholder discussions conducted in preparation for on ongoing formal research project. This commentary provides policy and program considerations for improving both the enforcement of environmental crimes and early warning biological threat surveillance, preparedness and response in the Greater Mekong Subregion.</p>

Raquel Araújo Lima, Carina Costa de Oliveira

O artigo tem o objetivo de analisar os limites da função de poder de polícia do licenciamento ambiental para a promoção da gestão integrada dos recursos minerais marinhos, uma vez que o licenciamento ambiental se apresenta como um instrumento de gestão. A metodologia empregada no estudo foi o mapeamento regional, institucional e normativo e elegeu-se o espaço marinho brasileiro como área de estudo. A pesquisa foi realizada no âmbito federal e executada em duas etapas: a primeira referente aos procedimentos de licenciamento encontrados no âmbito do IBAMA e a segunda consistiu na análise dos processos de autorização e concessão de lavra no âmbito da ANM. Ao todo foram selecionados sete processos de licenciamento ambiental. A partir da análise desses procedimentos, observou-se que o licenciamento ambiental pode realizar uma gestão integrada quando alcança uma integração normativa e do quadro institucional. Todavia, alguns limites no âmbito da função de poder de polícia do licenciamento ambiental foram encontrados ao longo do caminho, especialmente quando há falta de controle fiscalizatório das licenças ambientais nas atividades de mineração pelo órgão mineraria e a falta de controle de fiscalização no cumprimento das condicionantes ambientais no regime de outorga mineraria pelo órgão ambiental.

Simplice A Asongu, Nicholas M Odhiambo

This study assesses whether improving governance standards affects environmental quality in 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2000–2012. The empirical evidence is based on generalized method of moments. Bundled and unbundled governance dynamics are used, notably: (i) political governance (consisting of political stability and “voice and accountability”); (ii) economic governance (entailing government effectiveness and regulation quality), (iii) institutional governance (represented by the rule of law and corruption-control); and (iv) general governance (encompassing political, economic, and institutional governance dynamics). The following hypotheses are tested: (i) Hypothesis 1 ( improving political governance is negatively related to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions ); (ii) Hypothesis 2 ( increasing economic governance is negatively related to CO 2 emissions ); and (iii) Hypothesis 3 ( enhancing institutional governance is negatively related to CO 2 emissions ). Results of the tested hypotheses show that the validity of Hypothesis 3 cannot be determined based on the results; Hypothesis 2 is not valid, while Hypothesis 1 is partially not valid. The main policy implication is that governance standards need to be further improved in order for government quality to generate the expected unfavorable effects on CO 2 emissions.

boubakeur bakhti

The administrative judiciary in Algeria is not only responsible for the defense of rights and freedoms, it also undertakes the law of nature protection on the occasion of disputes before it. The more the administrative judiciary recognizes that the environment is in danger, the necessary action has been taken what is necessary to make such protection. Thus, it has become a duty of the state to guarantee security in its territory, to protect public health, and to give services to the judiciary. It must also put environmental issues at the forefront of its concerns.

W. Howard

Jan Kopia, Andreas Kompalla, Melanie Buchmüller et al.

Management system standards (MSS), such as ISO standards, TQM, etc. are widely-used standards adopted by millions of organizations worldwide. It is still an unclear question whether these standards are beneficial for an organization, besides the fact that they might be required or expected by law or customers. The question, whether MSS increase the efficiency, the output, or the performance of an organization is still discussed in scientific research. One reason might be that performance measurement itself is not fully understood or in constant development ranging from pure financial evaluations over intellectual capital rating to calculating of levels of environmental, social or economic expectations known as the Trible Bottom Line. The Balanced Scorecard is one possible solution for performance measurement on a strategic and operational level and therefore useful for the measurement of the influence of MSS within organizations. This study summarized current research in the field of performance measurement in the context of MSS and IMS and the use of BSC and quantitatively and qualitatively tests the usefulness of BSC in measuring the effect of MSSs using the Execution Premium. It was found that BSC is often used, that an average number of companies integrate their measurement initiatives of their MSSs into the BSC-process, and that a high integration of MSS into the BSC improves the organizational performance. This research is useful for researchers and practitioners in order to understand the benefits of the usage of the BSC in the context of MSS or Integrated Management Systems.

Marta Ormazabal, Vanessa Prieto-Sandoval, Carmen Jaca et al.

Purpose: This research analyzes the maturity of environmental management as well as the degree of to which the Circular Economy has been implemented in Basque SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 17 case studies were carried out in industrial SMEs companies in the Basque Country. Findings: The main results show that companies are limited to complying with the law and in many cases are worried about the image of the company, although they are not committed to environmental issues. There is still a lot to do in SMEs, as they are the companies that face the biggest challenges due to a lack of resources. Originality/value: Circular Economy aims to change a linear economy into promoting sustainability of the economy while also engaging in sustainable environmental protection. This research has focused on small and medium enterprises as they represent a 99% of companies in Europe and they are the ones that have the most difficulty reaching a stage of environmental excellence due to their limited resources.

Alinne Silva de Souza

Atualmente, a questão dos maus tratos e da crueldade contra animais domésticos, em especial cães e gatos, tem sido bastante recorrente na sociedade e na mídia em geral, o que fez surgir movimentos, campanhas e até ações judiciais neste sentido. O abandono desses animais causa superpopulação nas ruas, trazendo inúmeros transtornos e, dentre eles, ameaças à saúde pública. Inúmeras são as organizações não governamentais voltadas ao fim de proteger esses animais, assim como muitos países já adotaram leis protetivas. O artigo 15 da Carta da Terra criada na RIO+5 (19ª Sessão Especial da Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas) dispõe que todas as criaturas devem ser tratadas decentemente e protegidas da crueldade, sofrimento e matança desnecessária. No Brasil, os animais domésticos são tutelados pela Constituição Federal de 1988 e os maus tratos configuram crime ambiental, bem como o abandono. Percebe-se, então, que diante da situação atual, esses direitos não têm sido tutelados de forma correta, seja pela falta de uma política pública específica, seja pela falta de órgãos reguladores.