Poster Session
In Person
The Implications of Forest Resources Depletion, Agricultural Expansion, and Financial Development on Energy Demand and Ecological Footprint in Belt and Road Initiative Countries View Digital Media
Poster Session Lochan Kumar Batala
The Belt and Road Initiative is a comprehensive strategic initiative initiated by the Chinese government; it encompasses a significant segment of geo-territory, interaction of economy, investment, environment and ecology worldwide. In recent years much has been said and written about the Belt and Road initiative’s economic and investment prospectus. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the comprehensive quest of its emergent ecological and sustainable environmental spares. This paper investigates the association of forest resources, agricultural expansion, and financial development with energy demand and environment; based on ecological footprints among selected ninety-seven nations of Belt and Road initiative from 1995 to 2018 by employing a Generalized Method of Moments and Driscoll and Kraay approaches. Empirical outcomes of the study have revealed that GDP growth reduces the environmental burden, and agricultural expansion deteriorates the environment. Contrarily, finance, foreign direct investment, and forest resources are providing solutions for environmental improvement in the study area. Similarly, the role of forests, agriculture, and finance remain positive determinants of energy demand in the study area. From the causal test, we found that the indicators of environment, energy, forest, agriculture and finance all have bi-directional linkages. Based on our research results, we have concluded some policy implications for policymakers within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
How Shortcutting the National Environmental Policy Act Harms Rural American Communities: A Case Study from the US-Mexico Border View Digital Media
Poster Session Nicolas Salgado Stanley
Passed into law in 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), exists to oversee American developments so they do not disturb the natural environment more than is deemed appropriate. NEPA is a critical piece of legislation administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for all developments on untouched lands, including residential, commercial, and industrial changes. In 2015, an amendment to NEPA was passed titled Fixing America’s Surface Transport Act, or FAST. Part of the amendment includes title 41 (FAST-41) shortened the NEPA process and cut out essential safeguards for the environment, according to many. The Hermosa Mining Project of Southern Arizona was the first mining development permitted under the FAST-41 amendment of NEPA. In just five years, a 600-acre mining development was cleared to operate in the ecologically fragile Patagonia Mountains. Furthermore, mining discharge has serious implications for the Sonoita Creek Watershed that flows into the Mexican state of Sonora. This report outlines the differences in permitting mining projects under NEPA and FAST-41 and explains concerns behind the green light given to the Hermosa Project.
Easing Population to Four Billion by 2200 Would Help People and Nature View Digital Media
Poster Session Mark Keegan
The past century of increases in human population and resource consumption has produced some undesirable effects. We are glad for humans to thrive and be happy, but a more rapid yet non-coercive lowering of global fertility rates and human numbers will produce many benefits for future generations of our own species and for nature. High and increasing global population correlates almost perfectly with declining biodiversity and increasing CO2 emissions. To reverse these trends we ought to encourage and facilitate a quicker, non-coercive reduction of the global fertility rate to 1.75 by 2050. Evidence is presented to show this transition is achievable, and will produce myriad benefits for humans and nature.
Enhancing Sustainability in Agriculture through the Use of Big Data and AI: Divergence in Technology Adoption between Large-scale and Small-scale Farming View Digital Media
Poster Session Monica Dantas
This work in progress delves into the intricate intersection of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the transformative potential of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mitigating global food challenges. As the world confronts climate change, population growth, and the repercussions of unsustainable farming, the urgency for innovative solutions intensifies. Navigating through the historical trajectory of agricultural advancements, the narrative underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift toward sustainable practices. Big Data and AI emerge as pivotal catalysts, bridging gaps between individual and global trends, and providing data-driven insights to address the multifaceted challenges in global agriculture. The literature review elucidates the divergence in technology adoption between large-scale and small-scale farming, identifying economic and infrastructural barriers impeding progress. Environmental consequences of traditional farming practices take precedence, advocating for a transition to agroecological approaches. The paper's focus lies in exploring the accessibility of technological advancements to small-scale farmers, historically marginalized in industrial agricultural developments. Research questions delve into the accessibility of AI and Big Data for small-scale farmers and their potential to enhance access to agroecological technology. The methodology outlines an approach, incorporating a review of existing data, analysis of publicly available datasets, and case studies in specific regions. Expected results include insights into technology adoption barriers and recommendations for improved access. This work signifies a crucial contribution to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agriculture and technology.
