Search Results (314)

Progressive advancements in the global economy and technology have propelled human civilization forward; however, they have also inflicted significant harm on the global ecological environment. In the present era, electric vehicle (EV) technology is playing a vital role due to its environmentally friendly technological advances. However, widespread adoption of EVs has been hindered by their limited travel range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and high costs. This can be closely observed when we assess the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among motorcycle taxi drivers, commonly called ‘pilots,’ in Goa, India. Motorcycle taxis are crucial in Goa’s transportation network, providing affordable, efficient, and door-to-door services, especially in regions with limited public transport options. However, the rising costs of petrol and vehicle maintenance have adversely affected the income of these pilots, prompting concerns about their willingness to adopt EVs. This study aims to analyze the factors prompting the behavioral intention to adopt EVs by motorcycle taxi pilots in Goa, India, focusing on six key determinants: charging infrastructure, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, price value, social influence, and satisfaction with incentive policies. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing stratified proportionate random sampling techniques to collect data from 242 motorcycle taxi pilots registered with the Goa State Government Transport Department. It was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart-PLS 4.0 software. The research highlights that performance expectancy and price value are the potential motivators for the adoption of electric vehicles. These findings suggest that pilots are more likely to embrace EVs when they perceive tangible benefits in performance and find the cost reasonable in relation to the value offered. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. These insights can guide strategic decisions and policy frameworks aimed at fostering a sustainable and user-centric transportation ecosystem. Full article

Effectively measuring the income-generating effects of government subsidies is an important issue in assessing agricultural policies and implementing precision poverty alleviation. This study utilizes panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to screen a sample of 13,583 individual residents. We empirically analyze the impact of government subsidies on income inequality among farm households using fixed effects models, quantile regressions, and mediated effects models. Our study found that the following results: (1) The mechanism of subsidy action combines the functions of increasing income and regulating income distribution. Marginal benefits to low-income groups are more obvious. (2) Increasing productive agricultural inputs can reduce the income gap of farmers, which is more significant than the direct subsidy of funds. (3) The incentive effect of subsidies is strongest in the Northeast and weakest in the East. Compared to middle-aged and older farmers, the utility level of the subsidy is stronger in the youth group. Full article

Enhancing farmers’ behaviors toward cultivated land quality protection is a crucial support in achieving sustainable agricultural development and the national food security strategy. This study aims to investigate the impact of land transfer-in on farmers’ behaviors regarding cultivated land quality protection, explore the underlying mechanisms, and analyze group heterogeneity. To achieve this, the study empirically estimates the impact of land transfer-in on farmers’ behaviors in protecting cultivated land quality using micro-survey data from 743 households in Hubei Province, while addressing endogeneity and conducting robustness checks. The study further explores the mechanisms and heterogeneity of the effects of land transfer-in on farmers’ cultivated land quality protection behaviors. The results reveal that (1) land transfer-in significantly increases the likelihood of farmers taking actual actions to protect cultivated land quality and enhances their awareness, thereby promoting protective behaviors; (2) land transfer-in facilitates these protective behaviors mainly through income incentives and social network interactions, while rental constraints may have a suppressive effect; (3) full-time farmers, those with higher agricultural literacy, those who access agricultural knowledge online, and those affected by natural disasters are more likely to engage in proactive land quality protection behaviors after land transfer-in. Full article

The application of new energy ships (NESs) in the Yangtze River is one of the important ways to promote the low-carbon development of Yangtze River shipping, but at present, the enthusiasm of shipping enterprises for it is not high enough. To improve the current situation, the impact of incentive strategies on the NES application is a problem worth studying. We aim to explore an incentive model based on the dynamic evolutionary relationship between the NES application of shipping enterprises and the government’s incentive decision. Theoretical derivations show that there are three possible equilibria in the evolutionary game system and ten major factors that affect the income of the government and shipping enterprises, respectively. Four factors—costs, utility loss, rewards, and tax incentives—are selected for the numerical study: regardless of whether the government takes measures or not, reducing the cost of new energy ship applications can greatly improve the enthusiasm of shipping enterprises; increasing the incentives cannot significantly improve the enthusiasm of shipping enterprises. This paper provides policy recommendations for the application of NES in the Yangtze River, which will help the government to introduce appropriate government incentives. Full article

Effective municipal solid waste (MSW) management is crucial for urban sustainability, especially in fast-growing cities, like Hangzhou, China. This study examines residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the following five key MSW measures: differentiated waste charging, smart recycling points, on-site organic waste recovery, volunteer-based waste sorting supervision, and a community self-governance fund. Based on a survey of 521 residents across 13 districts, we use logistic and interval regression models to identify factors influencing WTP and payment amounts. Key findings include the following: Higher-income and more educated residents prefer cost-efficient, technology-driven solutions, like smart recycling and differentiated charging. Newcomers (≤5 years of residence) show higher WTP and greater sensitivity to environmental information, highlighting the need for targeted outreach. Providing explicit environmental benefits (e.g., waste reduction, increased recycling) significantly boosts WTP rates and payment levels. Community characteristics matter—residents in high-density areas favor waste charging, while those in older neighborhoods support volunteer programs and self-governance funds. Policy implications center on targeted outreach, transparent fee structures, and incentive programs to foster public trust and enhance participation. Although MSW management in Hangzhou remains predominantly government-led, select collaboration with private enterprises (e.g., in specialized recycling services) may offer additional efficiency gains. By aligning these measures with localized preferences and demographic patterns, Hangzhou—and other quickly urbanizing regions—can develop robust and inclusive MSW systems that contribute to broader sustainable development objectives. Full article

This explanatory empirical study aims to investigate the relationship and contribution of the prevailing trends and factors within the shipping industry related to the maritime communications and technology market. It is widely acknowledged that the maritime industry is currently experiencing a rapid transformation, primarily propelled by new safety and environmental regulations but also driven by the growing emphasis on operational efficiency. The ongoing technological advancements in the maritime communications and technology market have significantly transformed the industry, offering opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains. This paper examines key trends and factors in the shipping industry that are crucial for further boosting the maritime communications market’s expansion, thus growing both technologically and financially. From the results of our study, we conclude that the increase in the volume of international maritime trade and the volume of the global fleet are indicators that should be considered as incentives by the maritime communication and technology firms in order to provide additional solutions, thus gaining a competitive advantage and subsequently gaining market size against their competitors. On the other hand, the fluctuation of freight rates is not to be considered an indicator of shipping firms’ intention to purchase the new products and services of maritime technology; a reduction in freight rates and, subsequently, in available income is not a preventing factor for adopting and exploiting the benefits of new technological solutions. Full article

With the development of society, energy application and building thermal comfort in rural residences are receiving more and more attention. The rural residences in this survey mainly cover the rural areas of 21 prefectures in Guangdong province, of which 24.7% are in the Pearl River Delta, 18.9% in western Guangdong, 13.1% in eastern Guangdong, and 43.2% in northern Guangdong. Rural household energy consumption is mainly used for lighting equipment, household appliances, and cooking equipment, where lighting equipment and household appliances mainly consume electrical energy, and cooking equipment consumes different types of energy due to the diversity of types. First, there is a wide variety and variation in rural energy consumption, with electricity and liquefied petroleum gas as the main sources of cooking energy. Hot water is mainly obtained by heating with electricity and natural gas. Secondly, for rural residents, renewable energy is too expensive to build, is also affected by the environment and weather, and is often not convenient to use. Third, rural residents generally experience a warm, humid indoor environment with adequate airflow, but poor kitchen ventilation reduces air quality satisfaction. To enhance renewable energy adoption, technological advancements and cost reductions are necessary, along with increased government efforts in awareness campaigns, policy incentives, and demonstration projects. This study analyses the rural energy structure in Guangdong, proposes the direction of rural energy optimization, and analyses rural energy use and the feasibility of renewable energy promotion, considering the population and income of rural households. Full article

Agriculture is central to Nepal’s economy but faces growing challenges such as environmental degradation, labor shortages, and the increasing feminization of farming due to male outmigration. Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) offers a sustainable solution, yet adoption remains inconsistent due to knowledge gaps and resource constraints. This study examines the socio-demographic, economic, and environmental factors influencing the farmers’ willingness to learn about ECA and its relationship with women’s empowerment. A cross-sectional survey of 383 ECA farmers across the Kavre, Dhading, and Chitwan districts in Bagmati Province reveals that 72.6% are willing to learn about ECA, driven by climate change concerns, economic incentives, and market access. Farmers who have experienced climate-related crop losses (64%) and those engaged in consumer-driven markets (59%) show a greater inclination to learn ECA. Spearman correlation analysis highlights key factors influencing willingness to learn, including perceptions of ECA as a climate-resilient practice, interest in ECA, and awareness of FAO’s promotion of ECA. Farmers who believe that ECA enhances sustainability, resilience, and income are also more likely to engage, while market dissatisfaction presents a challenge. Receiving ECA subsidies is positively associated with willingness to learn, highlighting the role of financial support in adoption. Women play a crucial role in agriculture but face barriers such as household responsibilities (22%), lack of education and training (18%), and limited financial access (12%). Key motivators for their participation include capacity-building initiatives (48%), financial support (16%), and empowerment programs (5%). Notably, households where women participate in early decision-making are 19% more likely to express willingness to learn about ECA, and perceptions of ECA as empowering women are positively linked to willingness to learn. Addressing these barriers through targeted policies, institutional support, and market-based incentives is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. This study provides actionable insights for strengthening ECA adoption, promoting gender equity, and enhancing Nepal’s climate resilience. Full article

How to promote the household energy transition (HET) has become an important response to extreme climate change. Our paper examines whether a low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) can promote HET. We empirically use the Staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to explore its mechanisms. The results indicate that the LCCP can substantially promote HET. The primary driving mechanism underlying this transition is enhanced governmental emphasis on carbon emission reduction and elevated public environmental awareness. However, the increased local expenditure on energy conservation and environmental protection does not serve as an effective mechanism. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that the LCCP has the most pronounced impact on HET among high-income groups, whereas the effect on low-income groups is relatively minor. Furthermore, the LCCP significantly promotes HET in the eastern region and urban areas, while the central region tends to inhibit it, and the western region and rural areas show no significant effect. The heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the LCCP is effective in Municipalities and Strong-Capital Provinces, where centralized governance and strong political incentives enhance policy implementation. In contrast, the policy shows limited or even negative effects in Non-Municipal Provinces and Non-Strong-Capital Provinces. We provide valuable policy insights for governments to bolster the LCCP implementation to promote HET and achieve carbon neutrality at an earlier stage. Full article

Within the context of global desertification trends in arid regions, advancing afforestation and sand stabilization efforts are not only vital for human survival but are also key considerations in addressing the challenges of climate change and achieving sustainable development. This study, set against the backdrop of China’s new round of Grain-for-Green compensation policies implemented in 2014, investigates farmers’ behavior in planting economically valuable forests and grasslands driven by compensation incentives. Grounded in the principles of behavioral economics and assuming farmers as rational “economic agents”, this study focuses on farmers residing on the northern and southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang. Employing the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach, it examines the intricate causal mechanisms that shape farmers’ involvement or lack thereof in economic forest and grassland activities. These mechanisms are analyzed through the lenses of resource endowment, psychological perception, and external environmental factors. The results indicate that perceived benefits and neighbor imitation serve as essential conditions for non-participation in planting economic forests and grasslands. Three configurational pathways account for participation: farmers motivated by perceived benefits, those guided by the combined influence of “psychological perception and external environment”, and individuals driven by ecological aspirations alongside neighbor imitation. Additionally, four configurational pathways explain non-participation, with two types of farmers identified: those facing a dual deficiency of psychological perception and external environment, and non-high income traditional farmers dependent on agricultural irrigation water. Full article

Developing nations like Bangladesh have yet to adopt hybrid (HEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) for goods carrying, whereas environmental pollution and fuel costs are hitting hard. The electrically powered cars and trucks market promises an excellent opportunity for environmentally friendly transportation. However, these countries’ inadequate infrastructure, substantial initial expenses, and insufficient policies impeding widespread acceptance hold market growth back. This study examines the current status of the electric car market in low- and middle-income developing nations like Bangladesh, focusing on the infrastructure and regulatory framework-related barriers and the aspects of growth promotion. To promote an expanding hybrid and EV ecosystem, this article outlines recent studies and identifies critical regions where support for policy and infrastructural developments is needed. It discusses how developing nations may adapt successful international practices to suit their specific needs. At the same time, the research adopted system dynamics and case study methods to assess the transportation fleet (142 vehicles) of a livestock farm and find the feasibility of adopting HEVs and EVs. Several instances are improving infrastructures for recharging, providing incentives for lowering the adoption process cost, and creating appropriate regulatory structures that promote corporate and consumer involvement. Findings highlight how crucial it is for governments, businesses, customers, and international bodies to collaborate to build an affordable and sustainable EV network. The investigation concludes with recommendations for more research and appropriate regulations that may accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce their adverse impacts on the environment, and promote economic growth. Full article

While achieving common prosperity necessitates a focus on the efficiency and equity of the primary income distribution, income inequality persists in China. As a critical tax incentive mechanism, China’s Accelerated Depreciation Policy (ADP) of fixed assets not only promotes important changes in corporate productivity and production methods but also significantly influences the primary income distribution within enterprises. However, current research offers a limited understanding of the importance of the ADP in the primary income distribution. Given that the core of the primary distribution lies in adjusting the labor income share, we regard 2014’s ADP as an exogenous “quasi-natural experiment”. After theoretically analyzing this policy’s effect on the labor income share of enterprises, our use of difference in differences (DID) validates our theoretical expectations with respect to China’s A-share listed companies during 2010–2022. The results show that the ADP can significantly increase enterprises’ labor income share; all hypotheses proved to be robust. The analysis of mechanisms shows that the ADP mainly affects the labor income share as it upgrades the corporate human capital structure as well as rent-sharing. Analyzing for heterogeneity, we find that positive effects due to the ADP affecting the labor income share are more prominent among private enterprises, medium and small-sized firms, companies with high financing constraints, capital-intensive industries, manufacturing enterprises, and those with a high level of skilled labor. The conclusions of this study contribute to uncovering the impacts of the ADP on income distribution, offering a clearer identification of particular mechanisms explaining the ADP’s effect on the labor income share. It holds significant theoretical value for understanding the micro-mechanisms of economic impacts generated by relevant policies. Furthermore, it provides policy insights in achieving common prosperity. Full article

Urban energy efficiency and sustainability are critical challenges, as cities worldwide attempt to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy consumption. This systematic review examines the dynamics of urban energy management, focusing on how local authorities navigate energy transitions through efficiency measures, renewable energy adoption, and policy interventions. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following research question: how do local authorities implement energy-efficient practices and adopt renewable energy technologies to reduce emissions, optimize cost-effectiveness, and influence urban policy-making? The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of these approaches in different urban contexts. By reviewing 47 articles, this study identifies the unique characteristics of urban energy management and highlights the need for tailored, context-specific solutions, such as integrating decentralized renewable energy systems, optimizing building energy performance, and developing policy incentives that consider local socio-economic conditions. The findings reveal varying degrees of success among cities, with particular challenges in lower-income municipalities, where financial and institutional barriers hinder the implementation of sustainable energy projects. This study concludes that localized approaches and long-term strategies are essential for achieving sustainable urban energy transitions, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of urban energy systems and their evolving policy landscape. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term impact of municipal energy policies, exploring innovative financing mechanisms for renewable energy integration, and examining the role of digital technologies in optimizing urban energy management. Full article

This article examines the concepts of place attachment and mobility in the context of the tiny house movement in Türkiye from a generational perspective. This study compares the level of place attachment and the preference for tiny houses between Gen Y (born between 1980 and 1999) and Gen Z (born after 2000). The literature highlights the fact that rising housing costs, environmental concerns, and changing living standards have paved the way for the tiny house movement. This study argues that there is an inverse relationship between the mobility offered by tiny houses and traditional place attachment. Using Lewicka’s place attachment scale, the research measured participants’ attachments at both the neighborhood and city levels while also analyzing demographic variables such as homeownership, income, and education. The findings reveal that Gen Y exhibits higher levels of place attachment at both neighborhood and city scales. In contrast, Gen Z shows a greater interest in tiny houses due to their more mobile lifestyle. Additionally, individuals who are unfamiliar with the tiny house concept tend to have stronger place attachment, a factor that influences their housing preferences. Based on these findings, this article provides policy recommendations—such as clarifying legal regulations, offering financial incentives, and improving infrastructure—to support the expansion of the tiny house movement in Turkey. Full article

Farmland abandonment has become a significant challenge in global agriculture, with the issue being particularly severe in China. This phenomenon not only threatens food security but also contributes to various environmental problems. The rise of digital technology offers new opportunities to address this pressing issue. This study systematically analyzes the impact of digital technology on farmland abandonment from a micro-level perspective, using a nationwide survey of 3409 households. A multi-dimensional indicator framework is developed, incorporating digital general technology, digital information exchange, and digital functionality. Empirical models, including IV-Probit and 2SLS, were employed to analyze the data. The results show that digital technology plays a significant role in reducing farmland abandonment by increasing farmers’ income levels and encouraging the adoption of agricultural production services. Specifically, the use of digital tools enhances farmers’ income, which in turn strengthens their willingness to continue farming. Moreover, it facilitates access to agricultural production services, lowering production costs and improving land-use efficiency. The study also finds that the impact of digital technology on farmland abandonment varies depending on factors such as terrain, urban-rural divides, and farmer types. The suppressive effect of digital technology on farmland abandonment is more pronounced in non-plain areas, non-suburban regions, and among full-time or part-time farmers. Based on these findings, the study recommends expanding digital infrastructure, streamlining land transfers, implementing region-specific support, and enhancing policy incentives to integrate digital technologies with agriculture, reducing farmland abandonment. These measures are intended to effectively curb farmland abandonment and foster sustainable agricultural development. Full article