Farzam Farahmand, James King, Davoud Ghahremanlou, Mohammadreza Moghaddas Jafari
{"title":"Hydrogen Supply Chains Downstream – A Systematic Analysis of The Western U.S.","authors":"Farzam Farahmand, James King, Davoud Ghahremanlou, Mohammadreza Moghaddas Jafari","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v14n1p24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v14n1p24","url":null,"abstract":"This paper delves into the critical exploration of hydrogen supply chains downstream (HSCD) in the Western U.S., responding to the nation’s prioritization of hydrogen as a clean alternative and its ambitious Hydrogen Program Plan for net-zero emissions and enhanced exports. We develop a conceptual model which is utilized to identify gaps in the existing 116 regional and global review papers published from March 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, to November 2023. This leads us to HSCD segments, decision levels, research properties, and sustainability as the necessary criteria to analyze 48 peer-reviewed original journal papers published about HSCD in the Western U.S. until November 2023. Accordingly, we offer future research directions and contribute to the development of effective strategies for a sustainable hydrogen-based future.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"23 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140753941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tackling Environmental Problems: Are People and the Environment Antithetical?","authors":"Emilia N. Inman, Paul J. Inman","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v13n1p19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v13n1p19","url":null,"abstract":"In the era where human communities have been plunged into unprecedented environmental problems, scientists and policymakers have been forced to revisit and reflect on the relationship between humanity and the natural environment. In light of all these developments, fundamental questions have been asked, such as, should nature be left alone? Are humans separate from nature? Is it too late to turn back the clock? How can we tackle the climate crisis? At the core of these questions lies the issue of the human-environment relationship, with humans being both dependent on and simultaneously harming the environment. Although the dependence of humans on natural systems is acknowledged, there seems to be uncertainty about balancing human well-being, ecosystem, and environmental integrity. It appears as though these three factors cannot co-exist harmoniously. In this contribution, we discuss the axioms of the environment and humanity and extract lessons that can be used to address the increased environmental concerns that have challenged the world. We also present a rationale for using an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to address environmental problems, proposing a Nature-integrated in Whole Systems Framework. We argue that environmental problems cannot be successfully addressed without incorporating human dimensions and treating systems as wholes. We base our argument on the fact that the challenges facing humanity are so intertwined that addressing one issue without considering the others is futile. We propose that we need to integrate nature into every aspect of life.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76211128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatiotemporal Dynamic of Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Their Drivers in the Fincha' a-Neshe Sub-Basin, Southeastern Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia","authors":"H. Abebe, A. Kebede, T. Alamirew, G. Desta","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v13n1p1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v13n1p1","url":null,"abstract":"It is paramount to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes and their drivers. This is because it helps generate information on biodiversity, land productivity, ecology, and livelihoods for decision-making. Due to land degradation, deforestation, shifting cultivation, high population pressure, and the three national megaprojects (NMPs), the Fincha'a Neshe sub-basin (FNSB) LULC, changes may be unprecedented. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of LULC changes and their drivers using remote sensing (RS) data and geographic information systems (GIS). Landsat images 5, 7, and 8 were used for the discrete periods of 1986, 2000, and 2016, respectively. Field observations (Ground control points) and interviews were conducted with key participants to validate the data. Supervised classification with a maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify the Landsat imagery. The results showed that the FNSB experienced substantial changes in LULC between 1986 and 2016, of which 13.8% (457.3 km2 ) were due to NMPs. The cropland cover has expanded by 694.4 km2 (57.81%) at a rate of 24.60 km2 year-1 at the expense of shrubland, forest, wetland, and grassland. In contrast, shrubland, forest, wetland, and grassland have declined at the rates of 16.8, 3.9, 3.4, and 1.7 km2 year-1 over the entire study period. Population growth and NMPs were the principal drivers of the changes in the LULC of the sub-basin. Thus, the LULC transformation rate observed in the sub-basin requires due attention and mitigation strategies, as it might seriously threaten the sustainability of natural resources and NMPs.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77312987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of Different Land Management Systems on the Dynamics of Carbon Biodegradability and Nitrogen Mineralization in a Sudanian Savanah Grasslands Soil, Western Burkina Faso","authors":"M. Yoni, A. W. Sempore, K. Dimobe","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n2p36","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n2p36","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) dynamics under fallow lands influenced by the perennial grass Andropogon gayanus and to show how the biological activity is improved during the Sudanian tillage system in the area of Bondoukuy (Western Burkina Faso). Soil samplings were done through cultivated plots (CP), ten (F10) and twenty (F20) years old fallow lands. Measurements were done in thickets and intergrowth areas of the perennial grass in two horizons: the topsoil (0-10 cm) and the subsoil (10-20 cm). Results showed that SOC concentrations are generally higher in the old (0.35%) than in the young fallow lands (0.29%) and in the cultivated plots (0.23%). TN concentrations followed the same pattern (0.022%, 0.017% for the old and young fallows lands and 0.013% for the cultivated plots). The C:N ratio observed (15~20) suggests an important soil organic matter (SOC and TN) maturation state in the fallow lands (F10 and F20) than in the cultivated plots (CP). Soil mineralization is also more important in the two fallow lands than in fields. For the total nitrogen mineralization, we have an important production of mineral nitrogen always in old fallow lands and a positive effect of the thicket on the net mineral nitrogen accumulation (p<0.05). The transition from thicket to intergrowth area permits obtaining positive variations which are relatively significant (p<0.05). A. gayanus fallow lands play an active role in managing SOC and TN dynamics. The most SOC and TN accumulated was found in the topsoil of thickets, where the maximum plant debris is located. Old fallow lands are best conditions for the recovery of SOC and TN from their steady states. Then, when clearing the vegetation for cultivation after the old fallow lands, there is an important input of fresh OM available for plants in the soil for 3 or 4 years. It is recommended to observe the old fallow phase prior to clearing for cropping.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78537036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Abdou, Moussa S. Hassimi, Bassirou Habi, H. Marichatou
{"title":"Perception and Resilience Strategies of Livestock Farmers and Agro-Pastoralists Affected by Climate Change: Case of the urban commune of Tera, Niger","authors":"H. Abdou, Moussa S. Hassimi, Bassirou Habi, H. Marichatou","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n2p53","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n2p53","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to identify and strengthen the resilience of livestock and agro-pastoralists in the face of changing climatic conditions. The study was conducted in the urban commune of Tera. The methodological approach consisted of desk research and data collection. In order to find the number of households to be surveyed in the selected camps, the method of taking a sample (8%) of the target households is adopted. In total, forty-eight (48) herders and agro-pastoralists are selected. The analysis of the perception of the herders and agro-pastoralists on the climate trend showed a decrease in the amount of rainfall (94% of respondents), increasingly high temperatures (92%) and an increase in strong and sandy winds in all seasons (96%). The disappearance of plant cover was the main cause of climate change according to 79.2% of respondents. The impacts of climate change are numerous. Pastoral resources (water and fodder) have been greatly reduced. The health of the animals has been affected, as has their production. Strategies have been developed by farmers and agro-pastoralists to reduce or anticipate the negative effects of climate change. According to some respondents, the strategies have not fully met expectations.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"62 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88314736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Musa, Otuaro Ebierin Akpoebidimiyen, Pius Olusegun Olufemi Dada, Eze Peter Chukwu, Jamil dams-Suberu
{"title":"Physicochemical Analysis of Parameters Influencing Soil Loss for a Selected Location in North Central Nigeria Using Rainfall Simulator","authors":"J. Musa, Otuaro Ebierin Akpoebidimiyen, Pius Olusegun Olufemi Dada, Eze Peter Chukwu, Jamil dams-Suberu","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n2p14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n2p14","url":null,"abstract":"Developing a simple and proper model that can accurately predict runoff generation for various locations is in strong demand. This study developed a simple model based on the interactive effects of rainfall intensity and soil physicochemical properties on runoff using a locally produced rainfall simulator. The drop velocity (DV) was calculated to be 8.101m/s and 2.443 m/s when operated at maximum and minimum intensity, respectively, and the performance test revealed the experimental coefficient of uniformity (CU) and rainfall intensity from the simulator to be 79.86 % at 31.79 mmhr-1 and 78.03 % at 16.08 mmhr-1 at maximum and minimum intensity respectively. Results showed that the soils were loamy sand, with clay having the lowest percentage between 3.55% - 4% and sand having the highest percentage between 78.4% - 80.1% on both plots. Runoff significantly correlated with pH(H20), nitrogen and rainfall intensity for vegetative plot (p < 0.001, R2 = 86.29%) while for bare plot, runoff significantly correlated with pH (KCl), Electrical Conductivity, Exchangeable Calcium, and rainfall intensity (p < 0.001, R2 = 92.39%). This result revealed that rainfall intensity and alkalinity are key factors influencing runoff in the study location.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78506372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges of Community-Based Management of Protected Areas: Contested Trade-offs Between Livelihood and Conservation Interests in Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya","authors":"Samuel Kimani Kiumbuku","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n2p1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n2p1","url":null,"abstract":"This was a formative study whose main aim was to obtain useful information for designing co-management interventions of Chyulu Hills National Park (CHNP) and other protected ecosystems in Kenya. Among the specific objectives that we have covered in this article were to; (1) examine the competing livelihood interests of communities living within the catchment of CHNP. (2) to assess the challenges that undermined community support towards co-management of the ecosystem. The findings showed that communities were highly dependent on park resources for both direct and indirect livelihood services. This over-dependence on the resources by local communities made it difficult for management agencies to control access to the protected area leading to illegal encroachment. There were gaps that required urgent attention to to ensure suatainable management of CHNP. First, communities were not engaged effectively when mangement decisions were being made but only received information on decisions that have already been made elsewhere and were required to abide by them. Secondly, incidences of human-wildlife conflicts jeopardized cooperation between communities and wildlife management agency. Thirdly, in spite of the protected area being in their neighbourhoods, community members felt entitled to the ecosystem resources and therefore they perceived it unfair that the authories kept them off from the National park. In conclusion, there was no balanced tradeoff between the livelihood interests of local communities and conservation interests of the National Park. To promote collaboration between the communities and wildlife management agencies in management of the park there was an urgent need to address the livelihood interests of the local communities.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73782849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Changes of Farmland by Using Spatial Cluster on the Case of BeiNan Township in Taiwan","authors":"Wen-Ching Wang, Ya-Ting Chan","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n1p62","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n1p62","url":null,"abstract":"The main objectives of this study are, (1) to investigate the influences of farmland policies on land use patterns and, (2) to examine the changes and statuses of land transactions and farmhouse construction projects and determine the influence of changes in the restrictions of farmland use and farmhouse construction on the trends of farmland transactions and transfers and the locations of farmhouse constructions projects, thereby validating the development trends of farmland and farmhouses. Aspatial analysis was performed to examine the spatial clustering conditions and locations of farmland transactions and farmhouses in Taitung County. Regional analysis was performed by examining local indicators of spatial association (LISA). A year-over-year analysis was performed on the scope and degree of farmhouse clustering within the target area to determine farmland use patterns, distribution statuses, and the impact of annual location change on rural development in the target area. An analysis of the historical land transaction and building change data revealed that \"laws and regulations\" were the main factors influencing farmland transaction. The density of farmland transactions increased closer to main traffic routes. The findings of this study highlighted rural change and validated urban sprawl.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79855067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Novel Approach to Well Tests Data Processing","authors":"J. Gregor, F. Pastuszek","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n1p80","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n1p80","url":null,"abstract":"A new bounded well function is suggested for processing well tests data. A solution of the basic partial differential equation with physically meaningful initial and boundary conditions is given using its Laplace transform simultaneously with the proof of its unicity. A model for distance-dependence of drawdown is suggested. Results reveal the link between unsteady and steady state of pumping. Related computational problems are discussed. Examples of processing actual data using these results are presented. They illustrate high accuracy of results and a considerable increase of information obtainable from a well test.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85934742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Overview of Researches on Bush Fires for Natural Resources and Environmental Management in Ghana: A Review","authors":"Kueshi Sémanou Dahan, R. Kasei","doi":"10.5539/enrr.v12n1p48","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v12n1p48","url":null,"abstract":"Research in the world, and more specifically in Africa, on various subjects requires knowledge of previous work from several angles in order to orientate possible research. Thus, the literature review is considered the most suitable approach to have a more complete idea of the innovations or studies carried out on varied topics. To this end, on the issues of vegetal cover protection, environmental management and wildland fire in Ghana, we have adopted this review approach to identify the works already done in Ghana on wildland fire, the methodologies and angles that studies approached their objectives. This paper aims to review and provide a comprehensive report on research works done on the vulnerable vegetation of Ghana by bush fires. Thus, studies published from 1940 to 2021 were extracted from Research Gate, Google Scholar and Google and other indexed journal sites such as Scopus journals using a defined selection criterion. A total of 136 documents: these include reports of international organisations and relevant articles extracted. However, 52 of them were used for this review to better understand their approach and to highlight research gaps that could make those researches innovative. It is noted that most of the research done in Ghana on wildland fire analysis has little or no consideration for the influence of climatic and environmental parameters on understanding wildland fire behaviour, though some respondents from some research show their awareness of the role these parameters play on the fire propagation. However, it should be noted that the majority of studies have focused more on sociological and economic aspects. This observation thus reflects gaps in areas regarding the roles of climatic and environmental parameters in different ecological conditions to better assess the behaviour of wildfires in Ghana.","PeriodicalId":11699,"journal":{"name":"Environment and Natural Resources Research","volume":"135 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82988147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}