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Application of multi-criteria analysis for selecting the most sustainable industrial wastewater treatment technology

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  Meaning Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) is a structured decision-making approach used to evaluate multiple alternatives based on several criteria simultaneously. In the context of industrial wastewater treatment, MCA helps identify the most sustainable technology by considering environmental, economic, technical, and social factors together rather than focusing on a single parameter such as cost or efficiency. It supports systematic comparison of technologies like biological treatment, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical processes, and hybrid systems. Introduction Industrial wastewater contains pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, nutrients, oils, and toxic chemicals. Selecting an appropriate treatment technology is complex because industries must balance treatment efficiency, cost, environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and operational feasibility. Traditional selection methods often prioritize financial considerations, ignoring long-te...

Climate change and China's food security

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  Meaning Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events caused largely by greenhouse gas emissions. Food security means ensuring that all people have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. In the context of China , climate change and food security are closely linked because the country must feed nearly one-fifth of the world’s population with limited arable land and water resources. Introduction China’s food system is one of the largest and most complex in the world. As a major producer of rice, wheat, corn, and pork, the country plays a critical role in global food markets. However, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and soil degradation increasingly threaten agricultural productivity. Regions such as the North China Plain and the Yangtze River Basin are experiencing climate variability that directly affects crop yields and fa...

The home food environment for children in Northern China

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Meaning The home food environment refers to the physical, social, cultural, and economic conditions within a household that influence children’s eating behaviors, food choices, nutrition intake, and long-term health outcomes. It includes food availability, parental feeding practices, meal patterns, cooking traditions, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms. In Northern China, the home food environment is shaped by regional climate, agricultural patterns, traditional cuisine, urbanization, and rapid economic transformation. The colder climate, wheat-based dietary traditions, preserved foods , and evolving lifestyles significantly influence what children eat and how families structure meals. Introduction Northern China, including provinces such as Beijing , Hebei , Shandong , Shanxi , Liaoning , and Inner Mongolia , has distinctive dietary traditions compared to Southern China. The region’s colder winters historically encouraged consumption of high-calorie, wheat-based foods such ...

Urban governance and policy optimize China’s e-waste management strategies.

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  Introduction and Meaning Urban environmental governance refers to the policies, institutional frameworks, and administrative mechanisms through which cities manage environmental challenges. In the context of electronic waste (e-waste), it involves regulatory control, public–private collaboration, technological systems, and community participation to ensure safe collection, recycling, and disposal. In China, rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and high consumption rates have made e-waste management a critical governance issue. Government intervention plays a central role in shaping optimal strategies to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health protection. Advantages Environmental Protection – Effective governance reduces soil, air, and water contamination caused by hazardous components such as lead, mercury, and cadmium found in electronic devices. Resource Recovery – E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and ra...

How Green Are Jobs for the Energy Transition?

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  1. Meaning / Introduction The energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil-fuel–based energy systems (like coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable, low-carbon sources (like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal). This shift is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. Green jobs are employment opportunities that contribute to environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and climate mitigation or adaptation. In the context of the energy transition, green jobs are roles that support renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, decarbonisation of industries, and sustainable infrastructure. Examples of green jobs include: Solar panel installers Wind turbine technicians Energy efficiency auditors Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure workers Grid modernization engineers Green jobs often aim to combine environmental sustainability with economic growth and social inclusion. 2. Advantages of Green ...

Innovation Ecosystem in Agriculture Economy

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  Meaning An innovation ecosystem in the agriculture economy refers to a structured and interconnected network of stakeholders, institutions, technologies, policies, and market systems that collectively promote agricultural innovation. It includes farmers, agribusiness firms, research institutions, universities, financial institutions, government agencies, startups, extension services, and consumers working together to develop, adopt, and scale new agricultural solutions. This ecosystem approach emphasizes that innovation in agriculture does not occur independently but emerges from collaboration, knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and supportive regulatory environments that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Introduction Agriculture plays a vital role in economic development, especially in developing economies where it contributes significantly to employment, income generation, and food security. However, the sector faces increasing challenges ...

Decoding renewable PPA prices in California's energy market

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 Meaning and Introduction  A renewable Power Purchase Agreement also called a PPA is a long term contract between a renewable energy developer and a buyer of electricity. The buyer may be a utility company corporation public institution or large commercial customer. Under the agreement the developer builds and operates a renewable energy project such as solar or wind and sells the electricity at a pre agreed price for a fixed number of years usually between ten and twenty five years. In Californias energy market renewable PPAs play a central role in achieving clean energy goals. The state has aggressive climate policies that require increasing shares of electricity to come from renewable sources. Because renewable projects require high upfront investment developers rely on PPAs to secure predictable revenue streams. The price agreed in the PPA reflects expected market conditions technology costs policy incentives grid conditions and risk allocation between the parties. Adv...