Environment Kuznets Curve for Carbon Emissions: A Cointegration Analysis for Bangladesh

This article investigates the current status of the association between carbon emissions releases, use of energy, openness of trade and overall output of Bangladesh from its independence to 2012. The research outcomes for Bangladesh show that a robust long-run association is present there along with short-run dynamic adjustment among those variables. The research indicates that environmental degradation in Bangladesh may increase because of high economic growth in future and therefore, policies to tackle environmental pollution are imperative where the use of both market and non-market based management tools is important. Finally, this study provides some future research directions which were beyond the scope of this research. Keywords: Environment; Environmental Economics; Air Pollution. JEL Classifications: Q5; P42

Recent advances in the solar thermochemical splitting of carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which has contributed to the issue of global warming. In response to this several technologies have been developed to convert CO2 into fuel. It is discovered that the employment of a solar-driven thermochemical process (S-DTCP) that transforms CO2 into fuels can increase the efficiency of the production of sustainable fuels. The process involves the reduction of metal oxide (MO) and oxidizing it with CO2 in a two-step process using concentrated solar power (CSP) at higher and lower temperatures, respectively. This study summarizes current advancements in CO2 conversion methods based on MO thermochemical cycles (ThCy), including their operating parameters, types of cycles, and working principles. It was revealed that the efficiency of the solar conversion of CO2 to fuel is not only influenced by the composition of the MO, but also by its morphology as well as the available surface area for solid/gas reactions and the diffusion length. The conversion mechanism is governed by surface reaction, which is influenced by these two parameters (diffusion length and specific surface area). Solar energy contributes to the reduction and oxidation steps by promoting reaction kinetics and heat and mass transport in the material. The information on recent advances in metal oxide-based carbon dioxide conversion into fuels will be beneficial to both the industrial and academic sectors of the economy.Scopu

A novel framework for addressing uncertainties in machine learning-based geospatial approaches for flood prediction

Globally, many studies on machine learning (ML)-based flood susceptibility modeling have been carried out in recent years. While majority of those models produce reasonably accurate flood predictions, the outcomes are subject to uncertainty since flood susceptibility models (FSMs) may produce varying spatial predictions. However, there have not been many attempts to address these uncertainties because identifying spatial agreement in flood projections is a complex process. This study presents a framework for reducing spatial disagreement among four standalone and hybridized ML-based FSMs: random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and hybridized genetic algorithm-gaussian radial basis function-support vector regression (GA-RBF-SVR). Besides, an optimized model was developed combining the outcomes of those four models. The southwest coastal region of Bangladesh was selected as the case area. A comparable percentage of flood potential area (approximately 60% of the total land areas) was produced by all ML-based models. Despite achieving high prediction accuracy, spatial discrepancy in the model outcomes was observed, with pixel-wise correlation coefficients across different models ranging from 0.62 to 0.91. The optimized model exhibited high prediction accuracy and improved spatial agreement by reducing the number of classification errors. The framework presented in this study might aid in the formulation of risk-based development plans and enhancement of current early warning systems

Urban green and blue space changes : a spatiotemporal evaluation of impacts on ecosystem service value in Bangladesh

The rapid decline in urban green (UGS) and blue space (UBS) in developing countries has led to a widespread degradation of available ecosystem services (ES). However, impacts of UGS and UBS changes on ES tend to vary over space and time, and to date these impacts have not been studied in sufficient detail in emerging economies. By comparing UGS and UBS change patterns with multitemporal Landsat data recorded during the past 30 years (1991–2021), this study has examined the impact of several factors on ES in some of the world's climate hotspots. Although obtaining relevant and accurate information on ES is difficult in many parts of the developing world, this work has developed baseline data suitable for assessing ES loss over five densely populated cities in Bangladesh – Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. ES loss was quantified in monetary terms using adjusted value coefficients. The topographic and anthropogenic factors driving spatial differences in ES degradation in these cities were analyzed with a geographical detector. The results indicated that the cities experienced a combined monetary loss of USD 628.58 million as a result of specific ES degradation, primarily due to the decline of UGS and UBS. The value of ES loss was notably higher in Dhaka and Chattogram than in the other cities due to marked differences in anthropogenic activities. Population growth, extensive urban sprawl, and the development of dense road networks were identified as the major causes of urban green and blue space loss and consequent reduction of ES. The findings of this study provide important insights which can be used to support the formulation of public policies and management plans aimed at restoring and maintaining sustainable urban ecosystems

Spatial pattern and land surface features associated with cloud-to-ground lightning in Bangladesh : an exploratory study

Severe weather events such as lightning appear to be a significant threat to humans and property in South Asia, an area known for intense convective activity directly related to the tropical climate of these areas. The current study was conducted in Bangladesh and examined the association between cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning and ground surface properties, with the aim of improving existing knowledge regarding this phenomenon. GLD360 data from 2015 to 2020 were used to describe the seasonal lightning climatology. Elevation, land use and land cover, vegetation and surface heat flux data were used to examine all land surface features possibly associated with CG lightning occurrence. Hot and cold spot spatial patterning was calculated using local indicators of spatial association. Results indicated a strong CG lightning seasonality. CG stroke density varied considerably across seasons with the pre-monsoon exhibiting the highest density. This was followed by occurrences in the monsoon season. The March–June period experienced 73% of the total observed. Elevation appeared to influence the post-monsoon CG stroke, however, its role in the other seasons was more difficult to define. The land cover/lightning index indicated that waterbodies and herbaceous wetlands had more influence than other land cover types, both during the day and at night, and it appeared that latent heat flux played a major role. The CG stroke hot and cold spot locations varied diurnally. The findings suggest that large-scale irrigation practices, especially during the pre-monsoon months, can influence the observed spatiotemporal pattern. The production of hotspot maps could be an initial step in the development of a reliable lightning monitoring system and play a part in increasing public awareness of this issue

Explaining the content of impact assessment in the United Kingdom: Learning across time, sectors, and departments

Whilst several studies have documented how evidence-based policy instruments affect public policy, we know less about what causes changes over time in the analyses mandated by the instruments, especially in Britain. Thus, we take the analytical content of a pivotal regulatory reform instrument (impact assessment) as dependent variable, we draw on learning as conceptual framework, and we explain the dynamics of learning processes across departments, policy sectors, and time. Empirically, our study draws on sample of 517 impact assessments produced in Britain (2005-2011). Experience and capacity in different departments matter in learning processes. Guidelines matter too, but moderately. Departments specialize in their core policy sectors when performing regulatory analysis, but some have greater analytical capacity overall. Peripheral departments invest more in impact assessment than core executive departments. The presence of a regulatory oversight body enhances the learning process. Elections have different effects, depending on the context in which they are contested. These findings contribute to the literature on regulation, policy learning and policy instruments

Practice and performance of environmental impact assessment in Bangladesh : an ex-post evaluation of Meghnaghat power plant project

EIA (environmental impact assessment) was formally introduced in Bangladesh in 1995 to assess and manage the potential impacts of development projects. As an environmental management tool, the performance of EIA does not end up with the preparation of a good EIA report only. The proponent is required to address the potential impacts during the implementation of the project. While there is ample research on ex-ante evaluation of EIA performance, ex-post review of EIA performance is largely absent in Bangladesh. This research aims to fill this gap. Using a case study method, this empirical research indicates that the performance of EIA at the post-EIS stage is not satisfactory. Deficiencies include inadequate implementation of mitigation measures, inadequate monitoring and community participation. Also, the attitude of project proponents towards environmental issues and the role of environmental agency influence the implementation of mitigation measures. This paper suggests that the performance of EIA in Bangladesh can be improved by adequate participation of the community, a strong commitment by the proponent, and adequate oversight by the environmental agency and donor agencies. The findings of this paper will be useful to academics, policy makers and development practitioners in Bangladesh and elsewhere

A critical evaluation of the environmental impact assessment system in Bangladesh using a holistic approach

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental management tool used widely in more than 100 countries and, by multilateral and bilateral agencies. Like many other jurisdictions, the EIA has been practiced in Bangladesh as an environmental management tool for projects with the aim of protecting the environment from impacts. While in developed countries a good number of studies are available, the evaluation of EIA systems in developing countries is a neglected area. The evaluation of an EIA system helps to understand how an EIA system is working, the strengths and weaknesses of the system and areas for further improvement. In Bangladesh, the EIA system has been formally in place since 1995 but no comprehensive study has been conducted to understand how the system is working including its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is warranted to identify any shortcomings, leading to suggestions for improvement of the EIA system in Bangladesh. The study of an EIA system should focus not only on the practice of the EIA, but also on the necessary legal and administrative arrangements that support its practice and subsequent outcomes. With this in mind, this research used an integrated-holistic framework to understand the effectiveness of the EIA system in Bangladesh. This framework facilitated a comprehensive investigation of the EIA system covering institutional arrangements, the practice of EIA (i.e. the quality of EISs), and subsequent outcomes (i.e. the implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring). The first area of investigation is the institutional arrangements of the EIA in Bangladesh. The study shows that, in Bangladesh, there is legislation for EIA practice and designated agencies to administer EIA implementation. These make a good foundation for EIA practice. However, there is a lack of comprehensive EIA legislation that clearly outlines the requirements of key stages of EIA process. The current legislation does not clearly define the key stages of EIA process (i.e. scoping, community involvement, mitigation and monitoring) and other procedural requirements, such as the contents and review of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). A comprehensive provision of EIA requirements detailed in legislation is necessary in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the administrative capacity of the DOE is weak due to the shortage of trained staff, inadequate budget and lack of stable leadership. These weaknesses keep the DOE’s efforts to implement EIA at a minimum. The second area of investigation is the quality of EISs that is the product of an EIA process. This area examines to what extent the tasks of the EIA process (stages of EIA and other procedural requirements) are addressed in practice. Reviewing thirty (30) EISs, this study shows that the quality of EISs in Bangladesh is generally satisfactory. However, a significant proportion (34%) of EISs is still poor. The deficiencies in the contents of EISs include inadequate baseline data, poor impact prediction and evaluation of the significance of impacts, analysis of alternatives, and the poor presentation of information in a Non-Technical Summary (NTS). A number of factors influencing the quality of EISs have also been identified. The implementation of mitigation measures, the third area of investigation, shows that they are poorly implemented in Bangladesh. Three projects from different sectors were investigated and the findings show that none of the projects’ mitigation measures were fully implemented. Community participation and monitoring programs were inadequate during the implementation of environmental mitigation measures of projects. A number of factors behind the partial implementation of environmental mitigation measures, inadequate community participation and monitoring were identified. Finally, after the identification of the current strengths and weaknesses of the EIA system, this study concludes that, while the EIA system in Bangladesh is heading in the right direction, more improvements are required to make the system effective. Interventions by the government of Bangladesh are needed to improve the institutional capacity, the quality of EIA reports, and the implementation of mitigation measures. Importantly, the proper implementation of mitigation measures is deemed to be essential to harness the benefits of an EIA as an environmental management tool

Practice and performance of environmental impact assessment in Bangladesh an ex-post evaluation of Meghnaghat power plant project /

EIA (environmental impact assessment) was formally introduced in Bangladesh in 1995 to assess and manage the potential impacts of development projects. As an environmental management tool, the performance of EIA does not end up with the preparation of a good EIA report only. The proponent is required to address the potential impacts during the implementation of the project. While there is ample research on ex-ante evaluation of EIA performance, ex-post review of EIA performance is largely absent in Bangladesh. This research aims to fill this gap. Using a case study method, this empirical research indicates that the performance of EIA at the post-EIS stage is not satisfactory. Deficiencies include inadequate implementation of mitigation measures, inadequate monitoring and community participation. Also, the attitude of project proponents towards environmental issues and the role of environmental agency influence the implementation of mitigation measures. This paper suggests that the performance of EIA in Bangladesh can be improved by adequate participation of the community, a strong commitment by the proponent, and adequate oversight by the environmental agency and donor agencies. The findings of this paper will be useful to academics, policy makers and development practitioners in Bangladesh and elsewhere

Corporate sustainability reporting on environmental issue: An assessment of CSR framework for Lever Brothers Bangladesh

There has been an increasing public awareness on the environmental aspects of goods and services of any company. Being pressurized by the green consumers, companies are now sincerely taking the environmental and social issues into consideration in the production of their goods and services. However, there are many companies in developing countries do not adopt adequate tools or strategies in place to address the environmental issues occurred from their activities. The aim of this article is to assess the environmental and social performance of Lever Brothers Bangladesh Limited (LBBL) and identify the areas of improvement. This research shows that there are some limitations in its operational management regarding environmental management. The company needs a change in response to its various stakeholders in order to achieve its business sustainability from environmental perspective. Finally, this paper recommends for some effective tools and strategies to overcome the limitations. It is expected that LBBL will be able to attract more consumers by their green products and contribute in the sustainable development with these tools