Using Community Forums to Enhance Public Engagement in Environmental Issues

Generating awareness of environmental conservation issues among the public is essential if there is an expectation of them to alter their behaviour, facilitate informed decisions and engage governments or regulatory authorities to take action. There are, however, exceedingly few public engagement success stories related to inland fishes and fisheries policy and resource allocation decisions. Inland aquatic resources and their associated fisheries provide employment, recreation, culture and, in developing regions, a considerable proportion of human nutrition and food security. Freshwater fishes are incredibly diverse but are among the most endangered organisms globally. Many threats to inland fisheries are driven largely by externalities to inland fisheries. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the role and plight of inland fishes and fisheries, and the need to generate the public and political will necessary to promote meaningful conservation. With this paper, the extent to which the scientific and environmental management communities have failed to engage the public in issues related to inland fishes and fisheries is characterized. Next, the barriers or factors that serve as the basis for the problem with public engagement are identified. The paper concludes by identifying strategies, including those focused on environmental education initiatives, for building the public and political will necessary to promote meaningful conservation of inland fishes and fisheries in developed and developing countries. Scientists, environmental managers, non-governmental organizations, politicians, regulatory authorities and the media all have important roles to play in overcoming challenges to inland fisheries. Failure to engage the public in freshwater conservation and management issues will impede efforts to stem the loss of freshwater habitats, fisheries and aquatic biodiversity. Thankfully, there are opportunities to learn from success stories related to other environmental issues and initiatives that have been successful in marine fish conservation.

This study uses grounded theory to explore the dynamic interaction between social media discourse and public attitudes towards environmental issues, especially in the context of opinion differentiation and information cocoons. By analyzing the conversations of Generation Z users on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, this study investigated the acceptance of environmental information and discussed strategies to enhance public participation in environmental sustainability. Through the rigorous process of open coding, spindle coding and selective coding, a structure diagram is constructed to promote open dialogue and coordinate diverse perspectives to overcome scepticism about environmental protection and to promote active public action on environmental protection. This study emphasizes that social media has certain potential in promoting effective public communication on environmental protection issues.

As interest grows in involving stakeholders in problem-solving around resilience strategies, the biggest hurdle is creating mechanisms through which people can meaningfully contribute. Organizations big and small are calling for increased participation and greater public engagement, but too often the response to this call is another community forum or online poll. While design thinking methods are becoming popular, and can provide useful strategies for simplifying complexity and focusing on outcomes, they often gloss over nuance of culture, power and experience. In this chapter, I advocate for the use of game design as a method of group ideation and problem-solving in the context of social resilience. Specifically, this approach asks participants to identify the ‘playable problem’, or the goal of the game whereby rules and mechanics can be designed to guide players through an experience. In transforming large wicked problems, like lack of community connectedness, into smaller ‘playable problems’, such as not having informal gathering spaces in the community, participants can imagine a balanced system where a player is seeking to forge connections with neighbors and comes up against obstacles in such a way that forces him or her to imagine new paths or tactics. I do not suggest that problems should be solved through game play; rather, through game-design thinking, participants can reframe civic issues around the experience of a player moving through a system. This chapter details the game-design thinking process and provides examples of its use in a youth advocacy project in India.

Industries producing fertilizers, aluminium, steel, bricks, glass, and semiconductor discharge several thousand tons of phosphate and fluoride per year into the open atmosphere in the form of wastewater which cause many environmental issues as well as loss of drinking water. The objective of this review is to select the suitable method for the removal of phosphate and fluoride from industrial wastewater which is highly hazardous and acidic in nature. So that treated water can be reused for agricultural and industrial purposes. Industries discharge several thousand tons of phosphate and fluoride per year in the form of wastewater which cause many environmental issues and loss of drinking water. This review is provided with aimed a precise and accurate knowledge for the removal of phosphate and fluoride from industrial wastewater. A lot of technologies are available for the treatment of industrial wastewater treatment including chemical precipitation, crystallization, ion exchange, adsorption, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration methods. The selection of most suitable treatment technology is based on retention time, principle of operation, applications, chemicals and maintenance cost.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a key conservation policy tool designed to provide protection of ocean and coastal ecosystems globally. Public engagement and awareness of MPAs, especially in regional communities, is critical in improving outcomes and ultimately their overall acceptance. Engaging with young people is essential as they are key thought shifters and positive movers in the future of MPAs, and environmental issues broadly. Further, it is the younger generation that must live with the conservation choices that are being made now in the future. Therefore, it is essential that we require a detailed understanding of young people’s knowledge of MPAs, and their key pathways of gathering information to do with the environment broadly. In turn, educators, marine park managers and policy makers can utilise these findings to better inform young people on key environmental issues. Here we present results from a survey that explored the knowledge and awareness of young people (ages 11 – 17) in relation to marine environments. School students (N=314) from coastal regions of South Australia were asked about their knowledge of MPAs, the value placed on the marine environment, and their key sources for information on environmental issues. Results indicate that broadly there were low levels of understanding of MPAs, with only 30% of students acknowledging they knew what MPAs were. This lack of understanding surrounding MPAs indicates the necessity for enriched communication strategies to improve awareness of threats placed on marine environments, and the roles that MPAs play in helping to combat these threats.

Dynamic load dispatch with voltage security and environmental constraints

This article analyzes Indonesia's communication strategy in the multilateral Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) cooperation, focusing on strategic communication approaches and environmentally-based digital diplomacy. The CTI-CFF is a crucial platform for Indonesia to build its image as a maritime leader and protector of the region's environment. This research employs a literature review and exploratory content analysis of scientific literature, policy documents, and social media content from relevant institutions, such as the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. The findings indicate that Indonesia utilizes the CTI-CFF not only as a policy cooperation instrument but also as a strategic communication medium that combines the framing of environmental and food security issues. The "healthy ocean = safe food" framing is a key narrative used to frame environmental issues within the context of national security. Furthermore, using social media as a digital diplomacy tool demonstrates Indonesia's efforts to expand the influence of environmental communication in a public and participatory manner. This study emphasizes the importance of strategic communication in ecologically based regional cooperation. It opens up opportunities for further research on the effectiveness of digital diplomacy and public engagement in national environmental campaigns.

ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues) is a widely used acronym in the bioethics literature that encompasses a broad range of research areas involved in examining the various impacts of science and technology on society. In Canada, GE3LS (Genetics, Ethical, Economic, Environmental, Legal, Social issues) is the term used to describe ELSI studies. It is intentionally more expansive in that GE3LS explicitly brings economic and environmental issues under its purview. ELSI/GE3LS research has become increasingly important in recent years as there has been a greater emphasis on "translational research" that moves genomics from the bench to the clinic. The purpose of this chapter is to outline a range of ELSI-related work that might be conducted as part of a large scale genetics or genomics research project, and to provide some practical insights on how a scientific research team might incorporate a strong and effective ELSI program within its broader research mandate. We begin by describing the historical context of ELSI research and the development of GE3LS research in the Canadian context. We then illustrate how some ELSI research might unfold by outlining a variety of research questions and the various methodologies that might be employed in addressing them in an area of ELSI research that is encompassed under the term "public engagement." We conclude with some practical pointers about how to build an effective ELSI/GE3LS team and focus within a broader scientific research program.

Research in the sciences of new-media arts aims to develop original research questions and borrows many different interdisciplinary research methodologies that often involve collaboration with professionals from non-art fields to...

This paper investigated the means to increase the awareness of sustainability and to implement new business, through the enhancement of interdisciplinary communication between science and engineering. Environmental issues are closely interlinked, requiring interdisciplinary measures to solve such issues. Under these circumstances sustainability education for students of science and engineering plays an important role. As the result of research, it has been found that interdisciplinary communication between science and engineering increases the awareness of sustainability and motivation to study, and that it implements the measure of environmental solution, and promotes the development of new business. The factors for the successful implementation of sustainable and interdisciplinary communication being: to create a communication space and promote interdisciplinary communication, and to allocate appropriate individuals who can create open atmosphere, and can lead active discussion to promote knowledge transfer. For sustainability education, interdisciplinary communication is useful, as it promotes collaborations between science and engineering which is indispensable for the creation of new business.

The rise in frequency and intensity of dust storms underscores the pressing need to address critical environmental issues. Current knowledge highlights the urgency of tackling global challenges such as environmental protection, biodiversity loss, climate change, ozone layer depletion, and desertification. This article aims to identify and evaluate effective strategies for global environmental protection. The research question focuses on determining which strategies are most effective in addressing key environmental challenges, including atmospheric pollution and ecosystem degradation. The study uses a comprehensive review of existing literature, policy analysis, and evaluation of successful case studies to understand and propose effective strategies. It provides a broad overview of various approaches without delving into specific methodological details. The study finds that a combination of policy enhancements, technological advancements, and active public engagement are crucial for tackling global environmental issues. Effective strategies include international cooperation, innovative technologies, and community-based initiatives. To effectively address global environmental challenges, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that integrates policy reform, technological solutions, and public involvement. These strategies are pivotal for advancing environmental protection and achieving sustainable outcomes.

Introduction Research on Electric Vehicle Shared Services (EVSS) has significantly grown over the past decade, emerging as a transformative solution to urban mobility challenges while advancing sustainable transportation. Through innovation and scalable mobility solutions, EVSS has garnered attention for their potential to address pressing environmental issues, including climate change and urban air quality. Material and Methods This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) examines the evolution, challenges, and impacts of EVSS from 2014 to 2023. A total of 52 studies were analyzed using the PRISMA methodology, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the literature. Key themes were identified to synthesize trends, challenges, and benefits associated with these services. Results Findings reveal a significant growth in EVSS research driven by technological advancements, supportive policy frameworks, and heightened global awareness of environmental issues. Studies highlight that EVSS can achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 14–65% compared to traditional vehicles, alongside notable improvement in local air quality. These benefits are pivotal in global efforts to mitigate climate change and enhance urban environmental health. Moreover, EVSS provides affordable and flexible transportation options, particularly for underserved populations, contributing to social equity. Integration with public transportation systems further reduces traffic congestion and enhances urban mobility efficiency. Discussion Despite their promise, EVSS faces several challenges. Limited charging infrastructure necessitates significant investment in public charging networks. High upfront costs for purchasing and maintaining electric vehicle (EV) fleets remain a financial obstacle for operators. Furthermore, user perception issues, such as range anxiety, require targeted public education campaigns to enhance acceptance. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, community organizations, and private operators are crucial for addressing these barriers and maximizing the potential of shared EV services. Conclusion EVSS represents a transformative approach to achieving sustainable urban mobility. Their environmental, social, and mobility benefits underscore their role in addressing critical urban challenges. However, overcoming adoption barriers will require a robust and coordinated policy framework alongside investments in infrastructure and public engagement strategies. Continued research and stakeholder collaboration are essential for unlocking the full potential of EVSS in fostering sustainable and equitable urban transportation systems.

As climate change accelerates, ocean negative carbon emission (ONCE) technologies are emerging as essential tools to enhance carbon sequestration and storage in the ocean. However, effective implementation of ONCE strategies requires technical feasibility, social acceptability, and robust governance. Marine social science offers critical insights into these sociotechnical aspects, facilitating a comprehensive approach to developing ONCE initiatives. This research examines how marine social science can support ONCE strategies through public engagement, ethical frameworks, and interdisciplinary governance.Understanding public perception is essential to foster support and trust in ONCE efforts. Marine social scientists analyse public attitudes, misconceptions, and concerns, informing outreach strategies that engage communities and enhance public acceptance. Additionally, marine social science highlights the ethical considerations of ONCE, particularly regarding environmental justice issues affecting coastal and marginalised communities. This research emphasises the importance of including impacted communities in decision-making processes by advocating for transparency, fairness, and collaborative engagement.Marine social science also plays a vital role in shaping policy frameworks for ONCE, addressing regulatory challenges and contributing to adaptive governance models that safeguard both human and environmental interests, such as climate-smart marine spatial planning and ocean multi-use. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, marine social scientists work alongside ecologists, technologists, and policymakers to create responsible strategies grounded in both scientific and social insights. Furthermore, transparent monitoring frameworks supported by social science build credibility and accountability, enabling independent evaluation by multi-stakeholders.This research underscores that ONCE strategies must integrate the values, ethics, and concerns of affected communities to achieve broad social acceptance and environmental integrity. By facilitating equitable policy, governance and societal understanding, marine social science helps guide these strategies toward responsible and sustainable climate solutions.

An unconventional shale gas drilling project in the Rincon de la Ceniza onshore field is being developed to reach the Vaca Muerta formation, which is overlaid by the shallower and troublesome Quintuco formation. This formation is composed of two over-pressurized layers located in the middle and near the bottom of the formation. The Lower Quintuco formation may also be naturally fractured, containing oil and gas, trapped in an over-pressurized regime, creating an operational drilling hazard. Pore pressure prediction has a high degree of uncertainty, making the proper mud density selection a difficult task. Offset wells drilled conventionally have incurred significant Non Productive Time (NPT) due to well control events, where accurate kill mud weight definition has been challenging due to the presence of natural fractures. The objective for the drilling campaign was to define an optimal and reliable drilling method that would address the challenges of pore pressure uncertainty in a safe and cost-effective way. The first step was to implement Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) to control over-pressurized zones and determine the more suitable mud density to control the well. The previous vertical wells were drilled conventionally having Quintuco and Vaca Muerta formations isolated from each other with two different casing strings. The drilling strategy was redefined and implemented in three horizontal wells, but in this time both formations were drilled together in one hole section. The intention was to enable drilling with the minimum mud weight possible, allowing higher Rate of Penetration (ROP) consequently. This was possible to achieve by maintaining constant bottom hole pressure conditions at variable Anchor Point depths along the open hole while drilling Quintuco formation. Before drilling the horizontal section in Vaca Muerta formation, a small and controlled constant underbalanced condition was created and fixed at the deepest Anchor Point depth which was as close as possible to the transition zone between both formations. This successful strategy allowed improving drilling performance, by reducing drilling time from 123.4 to 51.7 days per well and reducing NPT from 30.5% to 7.5% by managing well control events, eliminating one casing string and improving drilling efficiency to increase the ROP. Consequently, the cost of the well was reduced 5.5 MM USD/well when compared with the last well of the campaign without any Health Safety and Environment (HSE) issues. This paper presents the drilling strategy followed to overcome well control events and associated NPT when drilling an unconventional shale gas play with highly uncertain pore pressure profile. Planning, implementation and results from the project are presented.

During the past decades, urbanisation in China has centred on land development through industrialisation and investment, but it has largely ignored the prosperity and well-being of the people.Liveable cities are not just those with magnificent buildings and infrastructure; they are great places where people want to live. China's recently inaugurated leaders have proposed a new model to actively and prudently enhance the quality of urbanisation through compact, intelligent, and low-carbon development. It symbolises the departure from land-centred urban development to a form of people-oriented urbanisation, as China's Premier, Li Keqiang, has advocated. Quality of life should be one of the key goals for the new model of urbanisation.This new model offers a platform for planning researchers and practitioners to tackle urbanisation challenges, such as social equity, environment, energy, ecological and historic preservation, affordable housing, and externalities of mega cities. Further, a people-oriented urbanisation approach calls for public participation and stakeholder engagement in the planning process.The eighth annual conference of the International Association for China Planning (IACP) was held in Guangzhou, China, 21-22 June 2014. It was organised by IACP and South China University of Technology (SCUT), co-organised by the Guangdong Urban & Rural Planning and Design Institute, Guangzhou KEY CITY Planning & Survey Technological Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Teamzero Architecture and Planning Co. Ltd., Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Peking University-Lincoln Institute Center (PLC) for Urban Development and Land Policy, and Ohio State University. It was also sponsored by the American Planning Association (APA), Case Studies on Transport Policy, Springer, Travel Behaviour & Society, and the Urban Planning Society of China.The conference brought together more than 250 planning scholars and practitioners from around the world, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, the United States , Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, India, and Ghana, among others. During the conference, 169 papers were presented across 36 parallel sessions, as well as six keynote presentations. The conference also included the second Dean's Forum on urban planning.Opening sessionThe conference had an opening ceremony on 21 June (Figure 1), with IACP Chair Qisheng Pan (Texas Southern University) and Dean Yimin Sun, the Executive Deputy Dean of the School of Architecture at SCUT, co-presiding. Academician Jingtang He (SCUT) welcomed all those attendees and delivered introductory remarks on China's urban planning and design process. Qisheng Pan greeted the conference delegates, reviewed IACP's history and missions, addressed the conference theme and objectives, and also introduced keynote speakers and distinguished guests. Yimin Sun also gave the audience a warm welcome and introduced the diverse academic offerings and outstanding research accomplishments of the School of Architecture, SCUT. Two internationally renowned scholars and one chief planner were each invited to give a keynote speech at the opening session.Professor Robert Bullard (Texas Southern University) delivered the first keynote speech of the conference, entitled 'Environmental and sustainability challenges in the United States and China: assessing impacts using an equity lens'. As one of the pioneers addressing environmental equity issues and the father of environmental justice, Bullard examined environmental challenges in the United States using a social equity lens. He also assessed the efficacy of using such a frame in order to understand the growing environmental and sustainability challenges in China. Bullard argued that millions of Americans continue to live in unsafe and unhealthy physical environments, despite significant improvements in environmental protection over the past few decades. …