Sustainability Commons^™

Recommendations For Sustainable Tourism In Patagonia: An Exploratory Analysis Of Sustainable Tourism In Costa Rica, The Nordic Region, And Thailand’S Communities, Julia K. Lowery

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores different levels of governance and its role towards actualizing sustainable tourism in Patagonia. With the growing threat of climate change, international destinations such as Patagonia are looking to continue building their tourism industries in a sustainable way. Through analyzing case studies of national governance in Costa Rica, multi-national governance in the Nordic region, and community-based tourism in Thailand, we can better understand how each form of governance has the potential to create a sustainable tourism industry. With this understanding of successful governance in my case studies, as well as understanding the historical and political forces that have …

Spatial Validation Of Agent-Based Models, Kristoffer Wikstrom, Hal T. Nelson

Public Administration Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper adapts an existing techno–social agent-based model (ABM) in order to develop a new framework for spatially validating ABMs. The ABM simulates citizen opposition to locally unwanted land uses, using historical data from an energy infrastructure siting process in Southern California. Spatial theory, as well as the model’s design, suggest that adequate validation requires multiple tests rather than relying solely on a single test-statistic. A pattern-oriented modeling approach was employed that first mapped real and simulated citizen comments across the US Census tract. The suite of spatial tests included Global Moran’s I, complemented with bivariate correlations, as well as …

Transportation Asset Management For The Electric Road System, Kamalen Maria Santos Diaz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Electric road systems (ERS) have been presented as a new solution towards a sustainable transportation future, fueling the widespread adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating range anxiety, reducing battery size, and being regional friendly. These systems consist of four components: electric power supply, roads, vehicles, and operations. Much of the early research conducted on ERS has been on how to initially construct these systems by focusing on the first three components, however, there is limited knowledge on how ERS will impact traditional road operations after the systems are in place. Transportation Asset Management (TAM), a major focus within the transportation …

The Impact Of Policy Design On Willingness To Pay For Ecosystem Services From Prairie Strips, Karina Schoengold, Badri Khanal, Taro Mieno, Lisa Schulte Moore

Cornhusker Economics

Ecosystem services from farmland conservation are public good benefits. The value of these benefits is primarily measured using methods that determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for those benefits. Prairie strips, a farmland conservation practice, provide ecosystem services such as improved water quality, soil health, and biodiversity (Schulte et al., 2017). The state of Iowa is a major corn producer and contributes significant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous to the Gulf of Mexico (Alexander et al., 2008). The development of conventional agricultural systems has also resulted in a significant loss of biodiversity, including a dominant land cover of tallgrass prairie. …

Overview Of The Role Of The Party’S Scientific Authority In Implementation Of Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora, Jiang Zhu, Fuwen Wei

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure the survival of endangered wildlife species from the threat of international trade, and is one of the powerful international conventions in the field of wildlife conservation. As an important part of the party's compliance body, scientific authority (SA) is responsible for ensuring the international wildlife trade to meet the requirements of sustainability, legality and traceability. The mandate of SA is involved into many aspects, like starting up the scientific research program for obtaining the basic information on wildlife species, providing the scientific advice for …

Research On Ecological Protection Compensation Mechanism Based On Carbon Sink Value, Lifei Jin, Haidong Zhou, Ruilin Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The establishment of ecological protection compensation mechanism is a critical content and an important institutional guarantee for the construction of ecological civilization. Carbon peak and carbon neutrality have been included in the overall layout of the construction of ecological civilization. The optimization of ecological protection mechanism based on carbon sink value plays a pivotal role in promoting the construction of ecological civilization in China, which is an important means of regulating the fairness of "carbon neutrality" process, and will also promote the transformation of ecological protection compensation policy to refinement. Based on the connotation, attribute and realization path of carbon …

Strengthening Ecosystem Management Is Helpful For Achieving The Carbon Neutrality Goal, Bojie Fu, Nan Lv, Yihe Lv

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Coordinate The Five-Pool Functions Of Ecosystem And Build Strong National Ecological Infrastructures—Ecological Construction Ideology, Tasks And Goals In The New Developing Era Of China, Guirui Yu, Meng Yang, Tianxiang Hao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Enlightenment Of Biosphere Reserve To Establishment And Management Of National Park In China, Jinhong Du, Ning Liu, Yijie Xian, Ding Wang, Wei Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China has officially established the first batch of national parks in 2021 and such construction is entering a high-speed stage. National parks of the country basically originate from existed protected areas, and face series of long-standing problems and challenges, such as over simplified administration, low community participation, and prominent contradictions between ecological conservation and social development. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is the first flagship project of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for biodiversity and cultural diversity conservation, biosphere reserve is its implementation platform, which has accumulated a lot of useful experience in biodiversity conservation, …

Typical Pathway To Carbon Neutrality For Urban Smart Energy Systems—Case Study Of Macao Special Administrative Region, Yonghua Song, Hongcai Zhang, Ge Chen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China's ambitious goal "strive to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060" not only shows China's responsible attitude towards climate change, but also aligns with the upgrade requirement of China's economy and industries. Since cities occupy a dominant position in China's population, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, they are the main battlefield for achieving national carbon neutrality. This study first analyzes the challenges and requirements that cities' energy systems facing in order to realize carbon neutrality. Then, it takes Macao as an example to analyze the characteristics of cities' energy consumption and carbon emissions. Finally, it …

Climate Change Impacts On Groundwater In Mapc Communities, Jayne F. Knott, Paul Kirshen, Ellen Douglas

School for the Environment Publications

Groundwater is important for human health and the environment but has often been overlooked in the development of climate change adaptation strategies. This is because groundwater is rarely visible, and because changes in groundwater levels are not as dramatic as extreme flooding events, coastal storms, and storm surge. The importance of groundwater for drinking water, natural resources, and streamflow is well documented. Groundwater levels are also important considerations in the design of pavements, underground infrastructure, foundations, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and in the remediation of hazardous waste disposal areas. Groundwater is especially important in the wet northeast, where groundwater levels …

Implementing Green Port Strategies In Saudi Ports To Achieve Environmental Sustainability, Saleh Mohammed Alzahrani

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Feasibility Of Utilizing Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Wind, And Solar Power On Bulk Carrier For Propulsion, Saeid Hassankhani Dolatabadi

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Accelerate Construction Of New Pattern Of Ecological Protection In Northwest China, Qi Feng, Guangzu Bai, Zongxing Li, Bao Wang, Lijuan Chen, Penglong Wang, Tengfei Yu, Hongfei Meng, Wen Liu, Zhixiang Lu, Tingting Ning, Chengqi Zhang, Meng Zhu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Based on a profound understanding of the great significance of constructing an ecological protection pattern in Northwest China, this paper systematically summarizes the achievements, new problems and new trends of ecological protection in Northwest China, and accordingly, puts forward an overall spatial arrangement for the ecological protection under "two regions (watersheds)-six zones (core ecological function zones)-multiple points (key ecological points)". In addition, a key path to construct a new pattern of ecological protection in Northwest China is expounded in order to make more contributions to the acceleration of the harmonious co-existence between human and nature. The path is mainly based …

Wastewater-Informed Public Health Intervention Playbook

Sustain Magazine

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic quickly spread from country to country and continent to continent in 2020, governments and scientists needed a way to track COVID-19 through populations in order to position public health interventions in the most impactful locations. Having a decision-based risk framework may help to guide policy creation that could minimize or prevent possible outbreaks and surges of infection within communities. The University of Louisville in partnership with Louisville’s Department of Public Health and Wellness tested this strategy in 2021 and 2022. This Wastewater-Informed Public Health Intervention Playbook describes the decisions and actions of that academic and public …

Theoretical Thinking Of Artificial Ecosystem For Modern Marine Ranching, Dewen Ding, Anning Suo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Based on the systematic review of the conceptual evolution process of marine ranching and its development of practice, this paper pointed out the problems existing in the construction of marine ranching in China, such as lack of theoretical support, lack of ecological engineering technologies, and lack of ecological management. It then proposed the concept of marine ranching artificial ecosystem. In addition, the paper analyzed the structural principle of marine ranching artificial ecosystem from the viewpoint of cultivating key functional communities and habitat construction for the marine ranch fishery resources. Finally, the paper discussed the theoretical framework of the modern marine …

International Strategy Of Man And The Biosphere Programme Of Germany And Its Implications To China, Yijie Xian, Yan Zhuang, Qunli Han, Ding Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Since mid-1990s, Germany has developed the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) together with its biosphere reserves into a pathway of enhancing the nation's role in global governance. Measures took by Germany include:clarifying the national position in the globalization of German MAB, including putting more emphasis on partnership development, highlighting the effectiveness of development assistance, and ensuring the clearance and feasibility of action plan; collecting resources from foreign affairs, finance, intellectual, technology, etc., by multi-federal sector collaborative mechanism, to support the development of biosphere reserves of other countries; thinking globally and taking priority over Africa region. The example indicated …

Global Technology Of Ocean Carbon Sequestration Based On Patent Analysis, Tianyue Peng, Dehao Tang, Liqiang Liu, Bing Han, Benduo Zhu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ocean is the largest and most active carbon reservoir in the world. Through ocean-atmosphere exchange and the photosynthesis of marine plants, the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the ocean is much greater than that by soil and vegetation on terrestrial areas. This is essential to mitigate and ameliorate today's global warming which is caused by rising atmospheric CO2 concentration. Therefore, to achieve the goal of "carbon neutrality" around the country, it is an effective approach to sequester CO2 in the ocean. This paper summarizes the technical application scope and methods of ocean carbon sequestration. By analyzing correlative patents …

Systematic Study On Carbon Emission Reduction Of Municipal Solid Waste Treatment, Jisheng Long, Hailiang Du, Xin Zou, Jingying Huang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Under the context of China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) is facing new challenge to reduce carbon emission. This study suggests that significant carbon emission reduction and dual cycle of mass and energy can be realized, under the context of MSW classification, by the collaborative treatment of multi-source solid waste in Eco-Industrial Park. Results showed that in 2020, the incineration and landfilling of MSW in China reduced 5.18 million tons of CO2 emission, at the same year, 15 million tons of CO2 emission could have been reduced if the wet waste was treated …

Innovative Measure On Achieving Common Prosperity: Carbon Transfer Payment, Peili Lu, Lanling Peng, Jiaqi Shen, Yanrui Jin, Yong Geng

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

To achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality, as well as common prosperity, is the key decision of the Chinese government. By addressing coordinated regional development and based upon balanced and reasonable distribution of income and carbon emission rights principles, the study aims to develop an equilibrium model to achieve regional carbon transfer payment. Carbon transfer payment can help adjust regional fiscal revenues so that the income distribution system is more in line with the scientific normal distribution characteristics under the common prosperity goal. Such a measure can address both equity and efficiency, balance carbon emission rights and development rights, contribute …

A Qualitative Look Into Repair Practices, Jumana Labib

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

This research poster is based on a working research paper which moves beyond the traditional scope of repair and examines the Right to Repair movement from a smaller, more personal lens by detailing the 6 categorical impediments as dubbed by Dr. Alissa Centivany (design, law, economic/business strategy, material asymmetry, informational asymmetry, and social impediments) have continuously inhibited repair and affected repair practices, which has consequently had larger implications (environmental, economic, social, etc.) on ourselves, our objects, and our world. The poster builds upon my research from last year (see "The Right to Repair: (Re)building a better future"), this time pulling …

Perspectives On Living Shorelines: Marine Contractors And Agents In Southeast Virginia, Michelle Covi, Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

No abstract provided.

Progress, Problems And Countermeasures Of Promoting Construction Of “Zero-Waste City” In China, Xiaoyan Meng, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Developing "Zero-waste City" is a powerful starting point for deepening solid waste comprehensive management reform from the overall city level, and is an important measure to promote ecological civilization and build a beautiful China. In 2019, the State Council issued the Working Plan for the Pilot Construction of "Zero-waste City". In order to implement this plan, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment selected "11+5" cities and regions to carry out the first batch of pilot projects. On the basis of in-depth investigations, the progress of the pilot construction is summarized and the outstanding problems and challenges are analyzed. Studies have …

Biological Hydrogen Gas Production From Food Waste As A Sustainable Fuel For Future Transportation, Pitiporn Asvapathanagul, Leanne Deocampo, Nicholas Banuelos

Mineta Transportation Institute Publications

In the global search for the right alternative energy sources for a more sustainable future, hydrogen production has stood out as a strong contender. Hydrogen gas (H2) is well-known as one of the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources, one that mainly yields only water vapor as a byproduct. Additionally, H2 generates triple the amount of energy compared to hydrocarbon fuels. H2 can be synthesized from several technologies, but currently only 1% of H2 production is generated from biomass. Biological H2 production generated from anaerobic digestion is a fraction of the 1%. This study aims to enhance biological H2 production …

Evaluation Of Sustainability Determinants To Develop A Sustainability Rating System For California Infrastructure Construction Projects, Joseph Kim, Patricia Mccarthy

Mineta Transportation Institute Publications

This study evaluates the important sustainability determinants that affect factors’ success in meeting their sustainability goals when conducting infrastructure construction projects in California. The study implemented the online survey method to evaluate the sustainability characteristics that infrastructure industry professionals currently are aware of under the current situation in California. A data set of 25 validated survey responses is used for statistical data analysis using analysis of variables, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and two sample t-tests. The analysis results showed that the median response values for the six major sustainability categories do not show any significant difference. The results also showed that no …

Climate Change Impacts And Projections For The Greater Boston Area: Findings Of The Greater Boston Research Advisory Group Report, Ellen Douglas, Paul Kirshen

School for the Environment Publications

During the writing of the inaugural Boston Research Advisory Group (BRAG) report both NASA and NOAA announced that 2015 was the warmest year on record, beating the previous record set in 2014, by 0.29 °F. Just five years later (during the writing of this report), NASA announced that 2020 had tied 2016 for the warmest year, breaking the previous record by a stunning 1.84 °F, and that the last seven years have been the warmest seven-year period on record.

These observations support the assertion made in the sixth and most recent assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , …

The Sustainability Rhetoric Among The Spanish Fashion Companies Involved In The Rana Plaza Collapse Of 2013, Keegan Lyle

Honors Theses

Over the last century, fashion has evolved to become a commodity that is rapidly changing and easily available. The processes that have led to this accessibility of fashion, however, have proven to be harmful to the environment and, most recently, proven to be potentially fatal for the people making the clothing. In 2013, a garment factory in Bangladesh, housing production for major global fashion brands, like Zara and The Children’s Place, collapsed following a series of negligence. The event has sparked years of awareness-raising in the public dialogue of fast fashion. As a part of the newly-developing research in sustainable …

The Demotechnic Index Of Nations, 1980-2018, Camden Rainwater

Geosciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Demotechnic Index (DI) is a non-dimensional metric that is the scalar multiple of energy consumption over and above that required for mere subsistence of a national population. Thus, the DI is a measure of energy efficiency that scales a country’s industrial energy consumption (called the total technological energy) and the energy required to meet the metabolic demand of the population (called the total metabolic energy). The DI was created by scientist John Vallentyne in 1982, refined in 1994, but never gained popularity or wide use as a sustainability metric. The objective of this thesis was to re-evaluate the DI …

Carbon Neutrality Policy Measures In Global Major Economies, Jianfang Wang, Liyang Su, Xianchun Tan, Xiaoyi Chen, Chunlei Ge

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

This study focuses on the strategies, targets and policy measures for carbon neutrality in global major economies. The research shows that due to the different socio-economic and political foundations, the transition strategy towards carbon neutrality in major economies is also varied, which can be divided into four categories:leading strategy, growth strategy, following strategy, and swing strategy. Most of them build carbon neutrality target system with the framework of "target roadmap+targets in key areas", but leading countries usually integrate targets into legislation and thus the objective is legally binding, while others tend to weaken emission reduction targets and focus on the …

Development Path Of Energy Science And Technology Under “Dual Carbon” Goals: Perspective Of Multi-Energy System Integration, Rui Cai, Hanxiong Zhu, Wangjun Li, Yu Xiao, Zhongmin Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

This study first analyzes the driving factors of China's realization of the "dual carbon" goals from the two aspects of necessity and urgency, and proposes that to achieve the "dual carbon" goals, China shall reshape the energy structure and related industrial systems in a scientific and orderly manner, in which technology innovation plays a crucial leading role. Then, based on the long-term research and deveopment in the energy field of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the scientific and technological development path to lead the realization of the "dual carbon" goals with the concept of "multi-energy system integration" is proposed, and …