Sustainability Commons^™

Rate-Of-Penetration (Rop) Prediction Model Based On Formation Characteristics Of Extremely Thick Plastic Mudstone In South China Sea, Zeng Xiaolong, Li Qian, Wei Hongchao, Chen Jiahao, Zhu Haiyan

Coal Geology & Exploration

In terms of petroleum and gas resources, South China Sea is the important energy replacement area in China. However, most of the reservoirs are buried deep, and the strong plasticity of the formation under high confining pressure and the complex geological environment seriously affect the drilling efficiency. It is also very difficult to accurately predict the ROP. Hence, a set of intelligent ROP prediction model was established for the extremely thick mudstone formation with unique viscoelastic and strong plastic characteristics in South China Sea. The model took the actual data of 10 wells in an area of South China Sea …

Sustainability Challenges Produced By Melting Ice Sheets: Insights From The Sediment Archive, Sandra Passchier

Sustainability Seminar Series

Glacial ice is susceptible to atmospheric and ocean warming, and ice mass loss is a major concern due to its impact on sea level, hazards such as glacial outburst floods, and water resources, affecting millions of people. However, the fate of land ice in the light of prolonged warming is a topic of major uncertainty because of the complex feedbacks of land ice in the climate system. This talk will highlight how glacial sedimentologists use geological archives of different time resolutions, from years to millions of years, to understand an ice-sheet’s response to warming. Records of relatively recent annual glacial …

Livelihoods, Migration, And Adaptation To Climate Change In Southeast Asia, Timothy Gorman

Sustainability Seminar Series

In this talk, I examine the complex, bi-directional relationship between migration and environmental change in Southeast Asia. Drawing first on research in Cambodia, I discuss the impacts of in-migration on environmental conditions in coastal regions. I then discuss the role of global climate change and sea-level rise as drivers of out-migration from Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta, drawing on data from the Vietnamese census.

Integration Of Algae And Biomass Processes To Synthesize Renewable Bioproducts For The Circular Economy, Jessica Martin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Rapid population growth and global industrialization have substantially heightened the demand for fossil-based fuels and products in various sectors of the global economy, including energy production, transportation fuels, and as raw materials for petrochemicals. The intense consumption of fossil fuels has caused immense environmental impacts, especially pertaining to carbon dioxide emissions. Shifting to renewable feedstocks (raw materials) is expected to reduce these emissions by lowering the carbon footprint of fuels and products compared to traditional fossil-derived alternatives. This transition aligns with the goal of creating a sustainable and circular economy, emphasizing efficient resource use, and reducing waste generation through recycling …

Does Green Energy Really Matter For Environment And Economic Sustainability? Validating The Long-Standing Existing Empirics On Pakistan Economy, Syed Kafait Hussain Naqvi

CBER Conference

The empirical outcomes of the study validate the widespread concern of the literature on the existence of the “growth hypothesis” which supports, that there is a systematic positive causation running from green energy to economic sustainability. The study findings suggest that regulations in the energy sector can encourage the applications of green energy resources, particularly in the real sector of the economy, leading to reduced emissions.

Demand Analysis Of Energy Mix In District Kotli Azad Jammu And Kashmir, Pakistan, Syed Kafait Hussain Naqvi

CBER Conference

This study is an effort to empirically analyze the household’s demand for energy mix (electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene, and firewood) in the District Kotli, AJK. The study estimates the demand elasticities (price and expenditure) by employing the Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS) to 384 households sampled across District Kotli, AJK in 2017. The empirical estimations are carried out by using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), keeping intact the adding-up, homogeneity and symmetry restrictions.

Resource Scarcity And Sustainability: Exploring The Water, Energy And Food Nexus, Madiha Hussaini, Riffat Mughal

CBER Conference

This paper focuses on understanding the significance, linkage, issues and prospects of food, water, and energy nexus in the context of Pakistan. It aims to facilitate in exploring measures and developing policies that can be adopted to ensure these essential resources’ management, usage and availability while meeting the sustainable development goals. The Pakistan’s data used for GLS was from 1991 to 2020. The results showed that the availability of freshwater withdrawals in Pakistan for agriculture irrigation, population, and agricultural land has a positive and significant impact on the Food Production Index.

“This Is A Book About Relations”: Pollution Is Colonialism By Max Liboiron, Thomas Letcher-Nicholls

The Goose

Book Review of Pollution is Colonialism (2021) by Max Liboiron.

Beyond Sustainability Curriculum Integration - Educating Otherwise, Paul Morgan

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Professor Paul Morgan, Educational Foundations and Policy Studies - Beyond Sustainability Curriculum Integration - Educating Otherwise

The Ecological Consequences Of Salty Fresh Waters, Bill Hintz

Sustainability Seminar Series

Freshwater ecosystems worldwide are getting saltier. This will change the ecology and functioning of freshwater ecosystems and threatens the services fresh waters provide us as humans, such as drinking water quality. In this presentation, Dr. Hintz will explain new research that investigates the ecological consequences of freshwater salinization and how current water quality guidelines need to be reevaluated to protect freshwater ecosystems.

Environmental Issues, Conservation Challenges, And Sustainable Solutions At The Villa Of The Antonines, Deborah Chatr Aryamontri, Gregory A. Pope

Sustainability Seminar Series

The ‘Villa of the Antonines’ Project is an ongoing, long-term historical and archaeological interdisciplinary research effort and focuses on a largely neglected site that was for over a century one of the most important residences of the Roman imperial Antonine dynasty, located 18 miles southeast of Rome. Despite its historical importance, it is continuously exposed to human and natural risks. This paper will discuss the challenges faced by the research team at the site, such as climate change, environmental degradation and human damage and how these issues are monitored and studied in search of viable and sustainable solutions.

Optimizing The Dynamic Replacement Of Soft Soils With Sand Using A Fem Tools, Walid Salem A Elsiwi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

First a dynamic finite element methodology (FEM) was developed to simulate an entire dynamic replacement (DR) program of clay with sand involving multiple poundings. The main objective of this research was to employ FEM and geotechnical test data such as cone penetration test (CPT) data at the site to predict the maximum achievable sand column (SC) depth and the corresponding optimum levels of attributing parameters such as number and height of pounder drops. Another goal was to predict the pore pressure generated in clay due to pounding. A full-scale ground improvement project was used to guide the analytical process. Comparison …

Heavy Metals In Newark Soils, Ashaki Rouff

Sustainability Seminar Series

Newark has an extensive network of urban farms and gardens that reclaim unused land, build community, and offer access to fresh, locally grown produce. However, like many post-industrial cities, Newark’s soils are also polluted, presenting a challenge for urban agriculture. Dr. Rouff will share research on the concentrations and forms of the heavy metal lead in urban farm soils, the environmental and health implications, and how urban farming practices help to manage this pollution.

Gender Inequality In Stem Education: A Longitudinal Study Of Interdisciplinary Internships, Yasemin Besen-Cassino

Sustainability Seminar Series

What are gender differences in STEM? The gender differences in STEM education and STEM careers are well-documented. This study explores to role of internships in increasing diversity in STEM. Through an NSF-funded, 5- year study, we explore the differential role of internships for women.

Risk Management Meets Politics And The General Public: Is Risk Management Increasing Risk, Rodger Singley

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Optimal And Robust Control Problems Of Microalgae Cultivation, Mariana Rodriguez-Jara, Luis A. Ricardez-Sandoval, Carlos E. Ramirez-Castelan, Hector Puebla

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Compressibility Behavior Of Conditioned Sandy Clay Considering The Physical Degradation Of Foam: Tunneling Issue, Mœz Selmi, Yahya Alassaf, Mariem Kacem, Mehrez Jamei

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Surfactants in the form of liquid foam are commonly used for ensuring the fluidity of conditioned soil during shield tunneling in mining zone. The compressibility can be significantly affected, depending on the percentage of fine soil. Thus, this paper investigates the compressibility of foam-conditioned fine soil. Oedometric tests as a function of the percentage of foam have been performed. Foam’s stability was analyzed, considering a laboratory soil made from 40% kaolinite and 60% of sand and mixed with a foaming agent based on an anionic surfactant. Experimental results showed that the foam stability was manifested through a reduction of the …

Fisheries Science Update - Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource - November 2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Key points: 2023 stock assessment outcomes:

• The Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource (PDSR) spans from the North West Cape to 120ºE and comprises over 60 demersal scalefish species, including indicator species red emperor, rankin cod, and bluespotted emperor.
• The PDSR is accessed by recreational fishers, charter operators and three commercial fisheries: Pilbara Fish Trawl (Interim) Managed Fishery, Pilbara Trap Managed Fishery, and the Pilbara Line Fishery.
• The PDSR is a key ‘food bowl’ for Western Australia, supplying the local market with about 2,500 tonnes of demersal scalefish annually.
• The PDSR provides unique and valuable recreational fishing opportunities at locations such as …

Groundwater System Characterisation: Fortescue Alluvial Fan, Michael J. Donn, Olga V. Barron, Axel Suckow, Chris Turnadge, John A. Simons, Robert J. Paul, Christopher Schelfhout Dr

Natural resources commissioned reports

This report focuses on groundwater system characterisation in the region north of Newman, based on analysis of pre-existing data and data newly acquired during project activities. Groundwater system characterisation was an important research component supporting the assessment of managed aquifer recharge opportunities, using mine dewatering surplus generated (due to mining below the watertable) at large BHP Billiton Iron Ore operations in the eastern Pilbara mining zone, and aiming to support irrigated agriculture. The assessment area is located north of Ethel Gorge and covers the Upper Fortescue River floodplain and surroundings. The project added much knowledge to this largely ‘data-poor’ region, …

Transforming Agriculture In The Pilbara: Newman Managed Aquifer Recharge (Mar) Feasibility Assessment, Michael J. Donn, Joanne L. Vanderzalm, Olga V. Barron

Natural resources commissioned reports

In the Newman region, DPIRD commissioned an assessment of the potential for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) near Newman using surplus water resulting from mine dewatering as the water supply for irrigated agriculture. The objectives of the MAR assessment were to:

• identify focus area for MAR feasibility assessment within the initial larger area of interest for MAR
• assess the viability of MAR with mine dewater near Newman to support development of irrigated agriculture, in keeping with national and state MAR guidelines
• identify key risks associated with MAR with mine dewater for irrigation supply, and identify knowledge/investigation required to adequately assess risks …

Fisheries Science Update - Spanish Mackerel - November 2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Key Points: 2023 stock assessment:

• The statewide large pelagic finfish resource (SWLPR) is distributed throughout Western Australia (WA) and includes a range of tropical and temperate pelagic species.
• Spanish mackerel is an indicator species for the SWLPR.
• The latest stock assessment provides a ‘health check” on the status of WA Spanish mackerel statewide and in each management region.
• The 2023 stock assessment shows WA Spanish mackerel remains sustainable with some concerns in the Pilbara region.
• Current management measures are expected to maintain WA Spanish mackerel at an acceptable level outside the Pilbara region.
• The next Spanish Mackerel stock assessment is …

Riding The Decarbonisation Wave: Bhp And Its Lng Dual-Fuelled Vessels, Shantanu Bhattacharya, Flocy Joseph, Mahima Rao-Kachroo

Asian Management Insights

What does it take to decarbonise charter-related shipping?

Reimagining Sustainable Urban Communities In Hong Kong, Jeroen Van Ameijde, Sifan Cheng, Junwei Li

Asian Management Insights

Using environmental and social urban design principles to create future new towns. Hong Kong began building New Towns in the 1970s in response to a post-war period of rapid population growth.

Flying To Net Zero With Sustainable Atos; Changing Cultures​, Eva Maleviti

Publications

What is Sustainability?

• World Commission on Environment and Development’s (WCED) 1987 Brundtland Report ‘’Our Common Future’’.
• Help world nations towards sustainable development.

17 Sustainable Development Goals

• The start of all industries are the 17 SDGs
• Aviation can address the 15 SDGs
• Net zero target suggest reduction of aviation emissions up to 21.2 Gt CO2

Precipitation And Greenness In Pastoral Lands Of East Turkana, Kenya, Paul Akpejeluh

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Pastoralism has long supported livelihoods and provided essential ecosystem services in landscapes of East Africa. Vegetation productivity is central to the functioning of pastoral systems but may be affected by changes in climate and landuse. Vegetation monitoring is important for understanding the effects of global change in pastoral lands; however, it can be time and resource intensive. Remote sensing provides opportunities for efficient multi-scale monitoring of vegetation and climatic drivers. In this thesis, I explore the utility of satellite and UAV remote sensing for monitoring vegetation and precipitation trends and relationships in the East of Lake Turkana Region of northern …

From Mindset To Action: Accountants As Stewards For Sustainability, Yvonne Chan

Asian Management Insights

They need to start preparing for this new role now.

Pursuing Profit And Sustainability In The Age Of Climate Change, Tracy Xie

Asian Management Insights

Building dual-agenda innovation capabilities is the way to go.

Building Urban Sustainability With Quality Elites, Havovi Joshi

Asian Management Insights

Do elites contribute to a society more than they extract from it? In many countries where populism has surged in tandem with declining trust in elites in the political and other spheres, the answer.

Building The Soil Carbon Sponge At Murray Wells Farm, Tambellup, Western Australia, Wendy Bradshaw

Natural resources published reports

Peter and Wendy Bradshaw farmed at Murray Wells Farm about 25 km west of Tambellup for around 46 years until they sold and retired in 2022. They produced barley, oats, merino and prime lambs on an annual rainfall of 450 mm over 1,000 arable hectares. The farm was on a moderately undulating landscape with a mix of soils including sandy duplex, well-drained sand over gravel over clay, shallow sandy or loamy gravel over cemented laterite and red to brown loamy soils.Their farming philosophy was to view agriculture as an ecological enterprise that included them as part of the ecosystem, and …

Agricultural Groundcover Update October 2023, Justin Laycock

Natural resources published reports

Summary

• About 98% of the grainbelt had adequate vegetative groundcover (more than 50%) to prevent wind erosion in October 2023. This amount of groundcover is normal at the end of spring and pre-harvest in most areas.
• There was a larger than average area with 51–60% groundcover, and groundcover in these areas is expected to reduce over summer to below 50%.
• About 2% of the grainbelt (293,000 ha) had less than 50% groundcover, which is inadequate to prevent wind erosion. Mullewa to Morawa Ag Soil Zone had the highest risk of wind erosion and 8% of this farmland had inadequate groundcover. …