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Authors:Zobaidul Kabir Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. Mine closure is an integral part of the lifecycle of a mining project. The closure of a mine has social impacts on the surrounding community and employees who have gradually become dependent on the mine financially, culturally and emotionally. By recognising the consequences of mine closure on local communities, companies respond to the assessment and management of the social impacts. While there are applications of social impact assessments (SIAs) for areas available in different sectors, there are limited practices of SIA for mine closure planning, and there is a lack of information on the role of SIA in mine closure planning. Importantly, there is a dearth of information on how SIA can play an important role to make a mine closure plan by bringing all stakeholders together. This empirical study investigated the contribution of SIA on the development of a coal mine closure plan in regional Queensland in Australia. By integrating social issues and community concerns into the closure planning process, through SIA of the closure planning, the mining company, its employee and the local community were collectively able to formulate the mine closure. This study shows how the SIA can be used to bring relevant stakeholders together to formulate the plan for mine closure and make it acceptable to the stakeholders including company, local communities and employees. Practical policy implications include community engagement through SIA and an assurance of the socioeconomic security of the local community and employees of the mine. It is crucial to undertake SIA at the beginning of the closure planning process and involve the relevant stakeholders to formulate closure plan acceptable to all relevant parties. For the development of a mine closure plan, particular attention is required to address the community’s concerns and the development of a solid relationship with the community through negotiations. It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful to researchers, practitioners and other interested persons, not only in Australia but also in other countries with a similar context. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-05-14T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500156
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Authors:Veronica Rohr, Jill Blakley, Phil Loring Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) has the potential to play a crucial role in addressing global food insecurity. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of 17 recent Canadian SEAs, conducted for offshore petroleum exploration, exploring the extent of consideration for food security in current SEA practice. Document analysis was used to appraise consideration of eight core food security elements and conformity to procedural and analytical elements recommended for effective food security assessment in regional SEA. Performance variation among the SEAs in was observed. Notable deficiencies include lack of explicit consideration for food security and lack of transparency around public participation, as well as limited characterisations of the socio-political environment. Some encouraging findings, however, suggest that food security can be successfully addressed in regional SEA. In particular, the ‘system analysis’ approach typically employed in SEA in the offshore petroleum exploration industry is well-suited to food security assessment. Certain aspects of food security are already indirectly considered and incorporated in SEA; yet, there is considerable scope for improvement of integrating food security effectively in SEA. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-05-14T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500168
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Authors:Naoyuki Yoshino, Ehsan Rasoulinezhad, Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. This study tries to find new insights of implementations of carbon tax policy as a suitable way to reach the long-term zero-carbon plan. This paper explores how carbon tax can affect the macroeconomy in Japan through the structural vector autoregression (S-VAR) technique conducted for the quarterly data throughout 2005–2020. A theoretical general equilibrium model backs the empirical analysis. The major findings reveal that any increase in energy price from the carbon tax will lead to an increase in interest rate, exchange rate, and consumer price index while there is a negative relationship between energy price increase from carbon tax and real gross domestic product (GDP) in Japan. Carbon Policy Refolution ([math]), refunding carbon tax revenues, and adaptation of long-term policy of net zero GHG emissions by 2050 with the current situation of Japan’s power sectors are the major practical policies of this study. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-05-09T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500144
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Authors:Helena Calado, Débora Gutierrez, Camila Pegorelli, Trine Skovgaard Kirkfeldt, Claudia Hipólito, Fabiana Moniz, Will McClintock, Marta Vergílio, José Guerreiro, Eva Papaioannou Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is used to identify the potential impacts of plans and policies such as maritime spatial planning (MSP). Studies have demonstrated ambiguity in SEA objectives and substantial knowledge gaps in existing and emerging SEA practices for MSP. The aim of this paper is to support a methodology for the development, implementation, and monitoring of SEA for MSP plans based on a stepwise, participatory mapping exercise by experts, using indicators to evaluate areas of conflicts/synergies in possible future scenarios. An overview of 16 proposed indicators identified a representative criterion. Participatory sector analyses were performed in three scenarios. Most conflicts focused on coastal areas, indicating that coastal planning should be a priority in all possible scenarios. The methodology developed in this paper uses GES indicators to perform the assessment of the three different scenarios and makes the development of a participatory mapping approach with experts in the very early stages of the process a more feasible alternative for a first assessment. This methodology was efficient in a collaborative SEA evaluation of MSPs to facilitate an ecosystem approach in an Azorean case study. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-05-07T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500090
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Authors:Zobaidul Kabir, Richard K. Morgan Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. The importance of the application of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for policies and plans is rapidly growing and will one day make the policies and plans environmentally and socially sustainable. While there have been legal requirements for SEA process and practice available in Australia and New Zealand for more than two decades, there is a dearth of information on how SEA is working in two separate jurisdictions. This comparative study on SEA practice is an attempt to fill this gap. The SEAs of two major urban plans of two major cities of two countries were reviewed and analysed to understand the practice of the SEA process. The SEA process of two urban plans of two countries was assessed against a set of good practice criteria. In addition, interviews were conducted with key informants, who were involved in the planning process, which provided valuable information. The study identified the key characteristics of two separate models of SEA practice alongside their advantages and disadvantages. The findings indicate that there are similarities and dissimilarities in SEA practices in both jurisdictions. The key similarities include the legal requirements for SEA, including community participation, in both jurisdictions. The key dissimilarities of SEA applications include the application of two separate models where the extent of flexibility, rigidity, integrative and separate issues related to the application of SEA varies. Also, there are common shortcomings identified in practice including relatively less attention is paid to socioeconomic issues and cumulative impacts. It is expected that the comparative study will help both Australia and New Zealand to learn lessons from each other, and thereby improve the practice of SEA in their own jurisdictions. The study also provides valuable insights by revealing some key characteristics of the SEA system of both countries. The findings of this study can be useful for the improvement of SEA practice for urban policy and plan by addressing the shortcomings identified in this study in both countries, and in other jurisdictions with a similar context. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-04-30T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500132
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Authors:Anuja Kapoor, Gail S. Fraser, Angela V. Carter, Darin Brooks Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. In Nova Scotia, strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) are used to scope the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas activities in the early stages of regulatory decision-making. This study examined stakeholder perceptions and involvement in SEAs for offshore oil and gas decisions on areas being opened by the provincial government for development. Stakeholder comments from 12 SEAs (2003–2019) were evaluated, and 25 interviews with strategic actors involved in the assessments were undertaken and coded. The results reveal actors in Nova Scotia are divided over the effectiveness of a sector-specific SEA: while federal–provincial governments and the regulator were satisfied with SEA function, non-governmental stakeholders questioned the credibility of the regulator as well as the intent and utility of SEAs. Policy recommendations are outlined to remedy gaps in SEA processes, notably implementing integrated management via marine spatial planning in the region. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-04-29T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500120
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Authors:Ermias Debie Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. Understanding stakeholders’ perceptions and preferences regarding different soil conservation practices (SCPs) are essential for addressing short-term ecosystem service (ES) values from a particular field. Demand for multiple ESs of SCPs has received limited attention. This study aimed to examine stakeholders’ perceptions on multiple ESs of SCPs in Tiwa watershed, Northwest highlands of Ethiopia. Results of the multi-criteria analysis method indicated that the combination of vegetation stabilised terracing, compost and crop residue under the legume-cereal crop rotation (LCCR) system was the most preferred conservation method for enhanced provisional, regulating and social ESs. Soil bunds stabilised with Sesbania sesban shrubs were the second preferred by providing more ESs. Subsequently, the inclusion of crop residue into the soil under the LCCR system, followed by compost use was perceived to regulate soil fertility and increase crop yields, and reduce the cost of chemical fertiliser in the short term. Hence, it is recommended that a combination of terraces stabilised with Sesbania sesban, and compost under the LCCR system can be the best alternative approach for multiple ESs in the highland of Ethiopia. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-04-18T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500107
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Authors:Mohammad Hossein Chalak, Shahram Vosoughi, Fardin Eskafi, Ahad Jafari, Iraj Alimohammadi, Fakhradin Ahmadi Kanrash Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. Regarding the significant share of the automotive industry in both producing economic value added and employment, this sector is dominated in the industrial development approach. On the other side, different societies have focussed on the emissions, energy consumption and also waste production of road transportation as important risk threatening environmental health. So, the supply side is highly expected to deal with the expectations of stakeholders relating to sustainability concerns and related risks. To evaluate the implementation of environmental policies in the direction of sustainability and respond to the sustainability and environmental concerns of stakeholders, similar organisations need a uniform framework for performance appraisal. The present study aimed to identify, select and validate the environmental key performance indicators for sustainability assessment of the automotive industry to create a framework for selecting the indicators and using them as a uniform method for better comparison of the performance of car companies in the field of environmental sustainability. In this research, key environmental performance indicators are studied in accordance with sustainability evaluation in the vehicle industry and final indicators introduced using SMARTL criteria. The results showed that 41 indicators included in five categories of waste and waste water, soil contaminators and solid waste, carbon production and energy consumption and management are introduced according to ISO14031 model. Evaluating and monitoring these indicators, defined based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, can both reflect the quantitative improvement in the environmental performance. Additionally, using SMARTL key environmental performance indicators, the organization is able to comprehensively manage the environmental performance in accordance with environmental and sustainable development goals and policy. Using a uniform method for evaluating and monitoring the environmental performance allows us to compare the environmental performance of similar companies in line with sustainable development policies and creates a competition that allows the organisation to always increase its performance in a positive way. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-04-04T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500077
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Authors:Yue Dou, Kangyin Dong, Qingzhe Jiang, Xiucheng Dong Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. The nexus between trade openness and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions remains unsettled in the existing literature. Using a balanced panel dataset for 76 countries from 1990 to 2019, this study empirically investigates the non-linear relationship between trade openness and CO2 emissions. Given the potential cross-sectional interdependence in the panel, we employ the system-generalised method of moments. We also conduct a mediating effect analysis to explore potential mediation effect in the trade openness-CO2 nexus. Finally, the regional heterogeneity is discussed. The empirical results revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between trade openness and CO2 emissions, indicating that CO2 emissions increase initially with an expansion of trade openness, then decline after trade openness crossing the turning point. Furthermore, three mediation effects (i.e. scale effect, technique effect and composition effect) exist in the nexus between trade openness and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the impact of trade openness is heterogeneous across different regions. The main research results show that technique spillover is an important way to achieve a win-win situation in emission reduction and trade openness. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-03-31T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500053
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Authors:Sooriyakumar Krishnapillai, Sarujan Sathiyamoorthy, Sivashankar Sivakumar Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. This study estimates willingness to pay (WTP) for different sustainable ecosystem management measures in the Jaffna lagoon. For this study, 118 fishermen were randomly selected along the lagoon. Choice modelling approach was employed and a conditional logit model was developed. This study found that fishermen from village communities are willing to pay more for increasing the number of mangroves and improving tourist facilities. The availability of land for planting mangroves and improving tourist facilities and increasing income from other sources positively influence the fisherman’s WTP for sustainable ecosystem management. Establishing fishing harbour facilities, properly planned multi-storey housing units in town areas would increase fishermen’s support for planting mangroves and developing tourist spots. Increasing income from other sources and fishermen’s awareness on the impact of inappropriate fishing gears and enforcing mechanism would increase fishermen’s support to ban the inappropriate fishing gears. Based on this study, government authority could make appropriate policy for urban and village coastal lagoon ecosystem management. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-03-31T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500089
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Authors:Linxu Zhu Abstract: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, Ahead of Print. In September 2013, China began to implement a series of policies in tackling severe air pollution. This paper aims to explore the diversity and effectiveness of its air pollution control policies at the city level. A city-level pollution control policy indicator is constructed for 35 Chinese cities during the last two air pollution control action periods from 2014 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020. Additionally, this paper employs the panel vector autoregression model (PVAR) to estimate the impact of air pollution control policies on air pollution reduction. The empirical results show that, in terms of the two main air quality indicators, [math] and [math], China’s air pollution control policies have helped improve the air quality over the last several years. The study concludes that air quality improvement should depend on coordinated strategies for controlling various pollutants that involve the collaboration of government and industries. Citation: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management PubDate: 2022-03-29T07:00:00Z DOI: 10.1142/S1464333222500041