{"title":"Precariat As an Anomic Vector of the Shadow Economy: Challenges and Threats to the Sustainable Development of Society","authors":"Mykhailo Ishchuk, Svitlana Khrypko, Volodymyr Chop, Oksana Serhieienkova, Iryna Spudka, Tetiana Divchuk","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p561","url":null,"abstract":"This article delves into the theoretical understanding of the precariat as an emerging social class, which challenges the established norms of economic life. As modern society undergoes constant changes in its social structure, the concept of precariat has gained prominence in scientific discourse. However, despite its significance, the precariat remains inadequately defined, with various interpretations and debates surrounding its characterization. The primary objective of this research is to define the precariat, outline its distinctive attributes, and explore its role in contemporary society. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant scientific literature, the authors aim to highlight the risks and challenges posed by the precariat to the sustainable development of society, with a particular focus on its impact on the economic realm. This article sheds light on the precariat’s origins, its position in the social structure, and its defining characteristics. It becomes evident that the precariat’s definition remains controversial, with different countries offering distinct interpretations of the concept. One significant factor contributing to the emergence of the precariat is the transition towards a new societal paradigm with novel social configurations. This class is characterized by its lack of stability, precarious employment conditions, absence of social benefits, insecure rights, and a sense of alienation not only from labor but also from society as a whole. Furthermore, the precariat predominantly occupies the lowest income positions within the social hierarchy. The precarious and vulnerable position of the precariat renders it susceptible to manipulation by other social actors for their own interests. Additionally, precariat groups may rise against their own circumstances. Failure to address the challenges faced by the precariat could lead to the evolution of a “dangerous class” within society, potentially instigating radical transformations in social life. In conclusion, this article provides an in-depth exploration of the precariat as a novel social class, shedding light on its defining features and its implications for modern society. Understanding the precariat’s role is essential for devising strategies to mitigate its risks and challenges, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable economic space for all. By addressing the vulnerabilities and uncertainties faced by the precariat, societies can strive for a future where opportunities are equitably distributed, contributing to the overall development and progress of humanity as a whole. The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of the precariat's role as an anomic vector of the shadow economy and its potential challenges and threats to sustainable development in contemporary societies.
 Keywords: precariat, shadow economy, social class, sustainability, societal impact, uncertainty, inequality.
","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"68 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135459091","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":"Environmental and Climate Culture for Sustainability: Experiences from Engineering Undergraduate Programs","authors":"Mayanin Sosa Alcaraz, Fátima Campos Chuc, Raúl Santos Valencia, Perla Garrido Vivas","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p399","url":null,"abstract":"The educational system should contribute to the resolution of the socio-environmental crises that society faces today. Climate change is one of those problems that affects everyone on the planet. In fact, research is beginning to emerge about the importance of educating for the climate and sustainability; particularly, the identification of some practices and engineering projects related to climate change. However, this issue needs to be included in the teaching-learning processes in all educational programs. This analysis presents the perception of engineering students about climate change and sustainability, as well as its application in climate and sustainable action projects. This research was qualitative, focusing on the 'sustainable development' course delivered at the Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, from educational practice in seven engineering undergraduate programs. A combination of four exploratory questions and project-based learning were applied to engineering students to identify key elements in the perception and conceptualization of climate change, sustainable development, and climate education. The results show that the students are aware of what is happening with the earth's temperature and global warming; some of them also showed project initiatives to address a climate or environmental problem. Engineering education have great potential to contribute to solving environmental and climate problems.
 Key Words: climate education, environment, sustainable development, engineering education, Mexico.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"63 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135459099","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":"Education for Sustainability: Innovative Teaching on Photosynthesis of Aquatic Plants in Ecological Context","authors":"Renata Ryplova, Jan Pokorny, Marek Baxa","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p69","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p69","url":null,"abstract":"Eutrophication due to high load of nutrients from the catchment is significant worldwide problem causing impairment of water ecosystems and water quality. The reason is tight connection of eutrophication with photosynthetic biomass production of blue green algae resulting in extreme changes of oxygen level, anoxia at the bottom and release of toxic substances in water. Acceleration and extension of eutrophication due to human activities together with insufficient human understanding of the ecological role of photosynthesis of aquatic plants leads to inappropriate water and landscape management resulting in further loss of clear water. To save enough clear water supplies for future generation it is necessary to improve human understanding of these processes starting already from school education. This contribution brings results of a survey aimed on the impact of developed innovative teaching activity on photosynthetic biomass production of aquatic plants in ecological context and using digital technologies which was implemented into the education at Czech upper secondary schools. Significant improvement of student understanding of ecological function of photosynthetic biomass production in water and increase of attractiveness of plant education for students were proved. The contribution of innovative teaching on photosynthetic biomass production in ecological context for sustainable education is discussed.
 Keywords: Plant blindness, Aquatic plants, Eutrophication, Sustainable Education, Water.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135459543","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":"Supporting Policies for the Renewal of Public Vehicle Fleets to Achieve Efficient Carbon Mitigation","authors":"Tibor Princz- Jakovics, György Ádám Horváth","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p15","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of the research is to establish an assessment framework for evaluating transport-related carbon emission reduction options. The reduction of fleet-related emissions must build momentum, as the transport sector remains a substantial contributor to global carbon emissions. Through the use of this framework, better supporting policy for the transition of public service vehicle fleets to electromobility would be prepared. The greatest impact for investment can be achieved by facilitating the transition of vehicles with the largest distances driven. Hence, careful consideration of the operational conditions and the level of efficiency of different modes of public transport would be subject of analysis. The energy consumption of public vehicles can be calculated on the basis of the specific fuel consumption patterns and operational data of fleets. This method can be used to estimate the decarbonisation potential of different vehicle types, which may nevertheless differ significantly. The assessment framework will make abatement costs comparable and provide a basis for the targeted application of supporting policies. As preference should be given to vehicles with the lowest marginal abatement costs to effectively reduce the sector's carbon emissions, these must be identified. The theoretical contribution of this research is an evaluation framework that provides relevant data for decision makers to assess the long-term financial and social impacts of different public fleet renewal supporting strategies.
 Keywords: assessment framework, emission calculations, electromobility, supporting policies, marginal abatement costs.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"63 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135458970","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":"Sustainable Development as a Wicked Problem: The Case of the Brazilian Amazon Region","authors":"Marcelo Machado, Aline Rocha, Natalia Tartarotti","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p1","url":null,"abstract":"The global importance of the Amazon rainforest is abundantly evident. It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, home to incredible biodiversity, and arguably an essential part of the earth’s already fragile climate system. Exploiting the Amazon beyond planetary boundaries, in other words, beyond a threshold the forest cannot regenerate itself from, may have catastrophic, global impacts. Conversely, Brazil is an industrialized yet developing country far from realizing its potential to become an economic superpower. To this day, millions of Brazilians still live below the poverty line. Hence, Brazil cannot afford to ignore the economic potential of the Amazon’s vast resources. The issue becomes how to use those resources effectively and efficiently for economic development. The key is perhaps a sustainable development approach. Considering the diversity of internal (i.e., Brazilian) and external (i.e., foreign) stakeholders, there is no agreement of what sustainable development would mean when it comes to the Brazilian Amazon Region (BAR). The challenge is the fact that environmental and social problems are not just complex problems. According to Brown et al (2010), they are very hard to properly define. Buchanan (1992) concluded these types of problems do not fit within any specific subject matter. In this research, we propose the sustainable development of the BAR as a wicked problem (Rittel and Webber, 1973). The main purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis of stakeholders to confirm this hypothesis. This study employs systems thinking, specifically Peter Checkland’s (1989) Soft System Methodology as the conceptual foundation of the analysis of evidence from the field. Preliminary findings are summarized, and conclusions with conceptual and practical considerations are provided. Limitations and opportunities for future studies are also included.
 Keywords: sustainable development, wicked problems, Brazilian Amazon, system thinking, soft system methodology.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135459677","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":"Operational Experiment and Related Legal Issues in Latvia: An Overview","authors":"Mārcis Grinciuns","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p335","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p335","url":null,"abstract":"Operational Activities Law of the Republic of Latvia states operational activities that are performed in order to prevent or detect criminal offences and to safeguard the independence of the State, its constitutional order and territorial integrity.
 This research focuses on “Operational experiment” which is an operational activity defined in Section 15, paragraph three of the Operational Activities Law. It allows Latvian law enforcement authorities to create specific circumstances (situations) in order to determine criminal purposes of persons. Usually, this activity is used to investigate illicit narcotic drug trafficking, corruption cases and other crime investigations where “test-purchase” operations are required.
 This article examines the part of the legal regulation for operational experiments that determines what situations are intended to be created when the measure is being implemented. Linguistic analysis and legal interpretation (translation) of the currently effective legal regulation for operational experiments in conjunction with the actual content of operational experiments that are put into practice showed that there are certain deficiencies in the legislation which occur in cases when it is necessary to create infringement situation which is not a crime.
 Such situations are created when it is necessary to determine if officials facing an infringement, which is not a crime, in the course of fulfilling their official duties, will act in accordance with duties assigned to their post or will ask the infringer (performer of the operational experiment) for a bribe.
 Keywords: operational activities, operational experiment, investigatory experiment, test purchase, undercover operations, entrapment, incitement, provocation, sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136205115","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}
Silke Bustamante, Heike Prüße, Andrea Pelzeter, Franziska Ihlee
{"title":"Change Factors Towards Sustainability at the Example of Hospitals’ Secondary Processes","authors":"Silke Bustamante, Heike Prüße, Andrea Pelzeter, Franziska Ihlee","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p1","url":null,"abstract":"Secondary processes in hospitals are causing a major part of hospitals’ carbon footprint. At the same time, initiating change towards sustainability is more difficult in secondary processes than in other processes: Often, they are not under the complete control of hospitals and involve other actors, such as service providers or purchasing companies.
 The current research aims to shed light on factors influencing change in secondary processes at the example of hospitals in Germany. Building on a framework that distinguishes change factors on a micro-, meso- and macro-level, it is analysed which aspects are positively or negatively influencing change towards more sustainability.
 To this end, qualitative interviews with eleven experts from hospitals and service providers have been conducted and results have been assigned to the three levels of change. Results underline the importance of inter-organisational collaboration and the design of structures and processes to establish regular cooperation and coordination. They also show that business relationships between hospitals and service providers are rather cost-related than transformational. Sustainability offers the opportunity to modify existing roles and develop future-proof businesses.
 The paper contributes to existing research by focusing on multi-organisational perspectives. On a practical level, it supports hospitals in designing their change strategies and processes jointly and in collaboration with other parties that are part of secondary processes.
 
 Keywords: sustainable change, (inter-) organisational change, hospitals’ secondary processes","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135406948","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":"Research of Adverse Social Effects and Prevention Challenges in the Context of Sustainable Societal Development","authors":"Aldona Kipāne, Andrejs Vilks","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p198","url":null,"abstract":"The sustainable development of society is determined by activities aimed at ensuring the well-being of society, integrated and balanced evolution of the environment and economy, at the same time, without jeopardising the possibilities of meeting the needs of future generations. Improving the quality of life of every member of society by improving economic activities, promoting social cohesion and security are of great importance. In today’s society, crime, corruption and other adverse social phenomena have a major impact on the sustainable development of society by reducing investment in the development and implementation of full-fledged growth programmes. During the crisis and post-crisis period, social pathologies are growing and their adverse effects are increasing too. The true indicators of their prevalence and negative impact are objectively sufficiently not known. Adverse social phenomena have a particularly negative impact on the sustainable development of society, which has various and diverse forms of influence. Large financial, material, intellectual and other resources, which could be used in the sustainable development of society, are accumulated in the research of adverse phenomena, assessment of their impact, combating and prevention.
 Keywords: development, prevention, research, social effects, social sustainability.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"119 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135408642","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}
Ovidiu Andrei Cristian Buzoianu, Victor George Constantinescu, Victor Adrian Troaca, Cristina Dima
{"title":"Promotion of Sustainable Consumption in the Energy Sector","authors":"Ovidiu Andrei Cristian Buzoianu, Victor George Constantinescu, Victor Adrian Troaca, Cristina Dima","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p165","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n3p165","url":null,"abstract":"Sustainable development as it is currently framed aims to reduce the consumption of available resources while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Sustainability encompasses ecological, economic and social concerns. A main purpose of this term is the maintenance and development of human well-being on a local and global scale. So that this term can be approached by the population, all its attributions must be appropriated and understood. The existence of ecological conditions is necessary to lead an economically sustainable lifestyle. A control over nature and ideas of balance between human effort and nature, fostered by sustainable desolation can benefit future generations. The relevance of such an ecological balance is assessed by comparing how consumption typically occurs in modern human societies as opposed to nature. Sustainable consumption emphasizes the term \"green consumption\" and reducing the carbon footprint.
 Key words: consumption, development, energy, sustainability","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135408647","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}
Emília Huttmanová, Jana Chovancová, Martin J.F. Steiner, Peter M. Ramharter, Kristína Kočiščáková
{"title":"Through Circularity Towards Sustainability: Assessing the Progress and Challenges of the Circular Economy in the EU and Slovakia","authors":"Emília Huttmanová, Jana Chovancová, Martin J.F. Steiner, Peter M. Ramharter, Kristína Kočiščáková","doi":"10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2023.v12n4p366","url":null,"abstract":"Sustainable development poses a significant challenge to modern civilization. The current problems and crises underscore the urgent need to establish a sustainable society, marking a crucial milestone in human evolution. The concept of sustainability has gained increasing prominence as a scientific, social, and political concern. The European Union strongly emphasizes the transition to a circular economy as a sustainable approach to economic growth. This circular economy model, one of the transformative policies of the Green Deal, is intended to pave the way for a sustainable future. It is now recognized as one of several approaches to achieving sustainability, as it encompasses and interconnects the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. The main objective of this paper is to assess the present state and progress of the circular economy in Slovakia, employing selected indicators within the context of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.
 Keywords: Circular economy. Sustainability. Municipal waste. Recycling rate. European Union countries.","PeriodicalId":46519,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Sustainable Development","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135408648","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}