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ISSN: 2810-9813 (Online)

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Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. (APACSCI) specializes in international journal publishing. APACSCI adopts the open access publishing model and provides an important communication bridge for academic groups whose interest fields include engineering, technology, medicine, computer, mathematics, agriculture and forestry, and environment.

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Volume Arrangement

2024

Vol 5, No 1 (2024)

2023

Vol 4, No 2 (2023)

Vol 4, No 1 (2023)

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Featured Articles

A review on the role of green vegetation in improving urban environmental quality

The exacerbation of climate change impacts within metropolitan areas is a well-documented phenomenon, often leading to severe consequences that pose significant risks to human populations. The impact of urban vegetation and planting design on these factors can be observed. However, it is worth mentioning that while there is an extensive body of literature on the consequences of climate change, there is a relatively small number of studies specifically focused on examining the role of vegetation as a mitigating factor in urban environments. This review paper aims to critically examine existing studies pertaining to the role of urban vegetation in mitigating the detrimental effects of the urban environment. The objective is to offer practical recommendations that can be implemented by city planners. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the literature available in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, employing specific keywords pertaining to urban vegetation and climate change, we have identified five prominent concerns pertaining to the urban environment. These concerns encompass particulate matter, gaseous pollution, noise pollution, water runoff, and the urban heat island effect. The present analysis highlights that the impact of urban vegetation on the negative consequences of climate change cannot be unequivocally classified as either positive or negative. This is due to the fact that the influence of urban greenery is intricately connected to factors such as the arrangement, makeup, and dispersion of vegetation, as well as the specific management criteria employed. Hence, this research has the potential to enhance comprehension of the multifaceted nature of urban green spaces and establish a solid groundwork for subsequent investigations.

A study on the impact of digital economy on green technology innovation of enterprises

With global economic transformation and environmental sustainability increasingly taking center stage, the role of the digital economy (DE) becomes particularly critical in corporate green technology innovation (GTI). Based on the data of Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2020, this paper explores the interactive effects of DE and GTI and the mechanism role of data resources (DR) in them, as well as conducts in-depth analyses for different regional and city characteristics. The main findings are as follows: First, DE significantly promotes the process of GTI. Second, from the perspective of regional differences, the promotion effect of DE on green technology innovation is particularly prominent in the eastern and central regions. And analyzed from the city level, its positive effect is most significant in the second-tier cities but shows a negative effect in the fourth and fifth-tier cities. Further examined from the perspective of resource dependence, DE inhibits green technology innovation in resource-based cities while showing a significant facilitating effect in non-resource-based cities. Third, DE can further promote green technology innovation by enhancing firms’ DR. Fourth, the study reveals the threshold effect of DR in this relationship: when DR < 2.5649, DE presents an inhibitory effect on green technological innovation, while its promotional effect begins to appear when 2.5649 ≤ DR < 4.2767, and the promotional effect of DE on GTI becomes more obvious when DR ≥ 4.2767.

Connecting the green to the digital: Integrating Eco Cities and Smart Regions

Bárbara F. C. Bauermann, Alessandra Bussador, Henrique B. Bauermann, Miguel D. Matrakas

Article ID: 2755
Vol 5, Issue 1, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/ec.v5i1.2755
VIEWS - 56 (Abstract)

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Abstract

This article explores the integration of Eco Cities and Smart Regions to create sustainable and innovative urban environments. Eco Cities focus on environmental sustainability through renewable energy, waste management, and green infrastructure, aiming to reduce ecological footprints and promote healthy lifestyles. Smart Regions, on the other hand, utilize advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance public service efficiency, optimize resource use, and foster economic development. The study highlights how combining these two approaches can lead to significant benefits, including improved operational efficiency, better quality of life, environmental resilience, and active citizen participation. Case studies of cities like Copenhagen and Singapore demonstrate successful integration, showcasing achievements in sustainability and technological innovation. The article also identifies the main challenges in this integration, including technical compatibility, cybersecurity risks, high initial investments, digital inequality, and the need for robust governance frameworks. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and civil society, as well as innovative financing strategies and capacity-building programs. Future considerations emphasize the need for a holistic approach to urban planning that incorporates emerging technologies, flexible and adaptive strategies, and inclusive citizen engagement. By addressing these factors, cities and regions can become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive, meeting the needs of both current and future generations. This integrated approach promises to transform urban environments into hubs of sustainability and innovation, driving long-term positive outcomes for society and the environment.

Keywords

sustainable urban environments; Eco Cities; Smart Regions; renewable energy; advanced technologies; citizen participation; environmental resilience; urban planning integration

References

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Copyright (c) 2024 Bárbara F. C. Bauermann, Alessandra Bussador, Henrique B. Bauermann, Miguel D. Matrakas

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