19366 research outputs found
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Focus: We need to fix the unregulated short-term rental accommodation market
No full textAs more councils turn towards the private short-term rental accommodation sector to help plug funding shortfalls, it is time for a national solution, argues Lincoln University Associate Professor Anthony Brien
The value of green and blue space: Walkability and house prices
No full textUrban green and blue spaces are important amenities within highly urbanised areas which offer social, economic and ecological benefits and provide a number of valuable direct and indirect ecosystem of services to surrounding land uses, urban households integral to sustainable urban development. Existing research has revealed that green and blue spaces are not uniform environmental amenities, but rather a set of distinct goods comprising aesthetic and hydro-morphological characteristics therefore which can influence property values. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the heterogeneity of green and blue spaces using 4985 sales transactions applying quantile regression to investigate the proximity effects of these urban amenities on property prices within the Belfast Metropolitan area, Northern Ireland. The findings show premiums for green features range between 3.0 % and 3.6 %, with blue space proximity to the coastline and lakes commanding premiums of 7.3 % and 5.3 %. Conversely, walking distance to large rivers shows a negative pricing effect of 3.8 %. The results further reveal some evidence of distance decay effects with proximity for green and blue space amenities. The quantile findings show empirical evidence of a U-shape relationship for a number of the green space amenities, indicating that lower and higher priced houses value proximity to these urban amenities differently. For urban blue spaces, the findings reveal that living near to a lake or the coastline observes larger premiums for higher priced properties. Moreover, the highest priced dwellings exhibit a higher negative pricing effect with walkability to urban rivers than those in the lowest priced properties. Overall, the findings provide empirical evidence to inform urban design and planning in line with sustainable development goals and biodiversity strategies for inclusive, and accessible public spaces within cities
Community-led in-stream habitat creation to protect taonga species
No full textIwi and community groups are at the forefront of river restoration, driving planting and bank restoration initiatives. These efforts are important and can yield significant water quality improvements, however, many aquatic species also suffer from poor structural habitat beneath the water surface. By targeting in-stream habitat (which is often neglected), we hope to facilitate significant improvements in ecological health. This project brings together science, kaupapa Māori, and collective enthusiasm for the rivers of Aotearoa New Zealand to advance restoration practice, using proactive habitat additions which anyone can help build. In-stream habitat structures focussed on fish and invertebrate refuge were collaboratively designed and trialled in Canterbury, New Zealand by Te Taumutu Rūnanga and the Waterways Centre. Inspired by flax wahakura (baby bassinettes), these habitat structures aim to enhance our freshwater taonga (treasured) species, boosting diversity and nurturing mauri (the life force of the river). Importantly, they also provide a storytelling opportunity and analogy in the protection of both babies and young fish, which is an effective tool to inspire and engage. Weaving and restoration wānanga were held at Te Pa o Moki Marae, close to Waikēkēwai Stream. These meetings brought the community together to create and deploy habitat structures, and also facilitated storytelling and sharing of Mātauranga Māori. Ongoing monitoring includes both ecological and cultural assessments, supporting the holistic nature of this project. This collaborative approach holds great promise for ecological health outcomes, and subsequent restoration of mauri will benefit all who interact with the water. Through sharing of knowledge, skills and Mātauranga Māori, we hope to kickstart ongoing, holistic restoration initiatives for years to come, and inspire kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in future generations
Unraveling the mechanism of interaction: Accelerated phenanthrene degradation and rhizosphere biofilm/iron plaque formation influenced by phenolic root exudates
No full textPhenolic root exudates (PREs) secreted by wetland plants facilitate the accumulation of iron in the rhizosphere, potentially providing the essential active iron required for the generation of enzymes that degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, thereby enhancing their biodegradation. However, the underlying mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. This study focuses on phenanthrene (PHE), a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant, utilizing representative PREs from wetland plants, including p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids. Using hydroponic experiments, 16S rRNA sequencing, and multiple characterization techniques, we aimed to elucidate the interaction mechanism between the accelerated degradation of PHE and the formation of rhizosphere biofilm/iron plaque influenced by PREs. Although all four types of PREs altered the biofilm composition and promoted the formation of iron plaque on the root surface, only caffeic acid, possessing a similar structure to the intermediate metabolite of PHE (catechol), could accelerate the PHE degradation rate. Caffeic acid, notable for its catechol structure, plays a significant role in enhancing PHE degradation through two main mechanisms: (a) it directly boosts PHE co-metabolism by fostering the growth of PHE-degrading bacteria, specifically Burkholderiaceae, and by facilitating the production of the key metabolic enzyme catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (C12O) and (b) it indirectly supports PHE biodegradation by promoting iron plaque formation on root surfaces, thereby enriching free iron for efficient microbial synthesis of C12O, a crucial factor in PHE decomposition
Understanding the complex nexus of interdisciplinary research in community festivals and events
No full textThis chapter highlights how community festivals and events should not be studied in isolation. Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary to make sense of the complex sociological, psychological and physiological impacts events can have upon various communities; how communities can be better engaged in participatory decision-making to ensure that they own the event; and how community festivals and events can not only foster pride of place, but also create meaningful connections and friendships and thus establish long-term happiness and well-being. The chapter also introduces the key themes of the book: reviving and maintaining tradition(s); a focus for belonging; challenges and tensions; and innovation in teaching and research. Interdisciplinary studies presented thereby incorporate community engagement and cultural heritage, neo-tribe theory, ethnomusicology and geography, as well as media studies, digital storytelling and participatory and autoethnographic approaches. Lastly, the chapter explains how each chapter of this edited volume provides new knowledge, insights and directions, and thus pushes the boundaries of critical event studies
Climate-related regulations and financial markets: A meta-analytic literature review
No full textCountries are confronting climate change using climate-related regulations that require firms and investors to disclose their green strategies and activities. Using the Meta-Analysis Structural Equation Modeling (MASEM) technique, this study evaluates the relationship between climate-related regulations and financial markets. The meta-regression analysis is conducted based on the outcomes of 52 empirical studies screened from 143 relevant articles. The results show the predictive power of the climate-related disclosure (CRD) laws and environmental regulations (ERs) on financial performance across all studies. ERs create mixed impacts on the equity market and support the debt market. Firm value is affected by ERs either negatively or positively. Methodologies and risk-related factors (market, industry, and firm risks) are important in explaining the relationships between ER/CRD and financial performance. The more developed the market, the less the impact of ERs and CRD on the equity market. Considering industry risk is recommended because different industries are exposed to changes in policies differently. The ER/CRD–firm value relationship is affected by all market, industry, and firm risks. The downside effect of mandatory CRD on the equity market suggests that policy makers, firms, and investors should be cautious in passing a new CRD regulation for transformation towards a sustainable economy
How do mandatory climate-related disclosures affect energy and agriculture markets?
No full textWith the rise of mandating climate-related disclosures (CRD), this paper investigates how energy and agriculture markets are exposed to climate disclosure risk. Using the multivariable simultaneous quantile regression and data from 1 January 2017 to 29 February 2024, we examine daily and monthly responses of energy and agriculture markets to climate disclosure risk, energy risk, market sentiment, geopolitical risk, and economic policy risk. The sample covers the global market, Australia, Canada, European Union (EU), Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US). The results show that climate disclosure risk creates both positive and negative shocks on the energy and agriculture markets and the impacts are asymmetric across quantiles in different economies. The higher climate disclosure risk, the greater impacts of crude oil future on the energy sector in North America (Canada and the US) and Europe (EU and the UK), but no greater effects in Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore). The agriculture sector can hedge against economic policy and geopolitical risks, but it is highly exposed to climate disclosure and energy risks. This study timely contributes to the modest literature on the asymmetric effects of climate disclosure risk on the energy and agriculture markets at the global and national levels. Our findings offer practical implications for policy makers and investment practitioners in understanding financial effects of mandating CRD to diversify risks depending upon market conditions and policy uncertainty
Effects of biochar addition on earthworm enhanced N₂0 emission
No full textThe application of biochar has been shown to suppress soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. Earthworms, a key component of soil fauna, are known to increase production. While existing research has focused mainly on soil physicochemical management and microbial interactions, limited attention has been paid to how biochar interacts with soil fauna in relation to N₂O emissions. To investigate this, an incubation experiment was conducted to analyze how various biochars, including corn straw (CS), rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), nutshell (NS), wood chip (WC), rice husk (RH), apricot shell (AS), and peach shell (PS) biochar, affect earthworm (Amynthas cortices) enhanced N₂O emissions. Biochar addition reduced earthworm enhanced N₂O production and decreased the cumulative earthworm burrowing length compared to control. Rice straw biochar was the most effective, releasing the lowest earthworm enhanced N₂O emission at 73 μg kg¯¹ soil and having the shortest cumulative burrowing length at 48.6 cm, whereas wood chip biochar had the least impact, with earthworm enhanced N₂O reaching 307 μg kg¯¹ soil. The drilosphere influenced by earthworms' activity demonstrated increased pH, C/N ratio, mineral nitrogen (MN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) compared to the bulk soil, though the extent of these changes varied with the type of biochar applied. The biochar addition altered the micro-environment within the earthworm gut, including O₂ concentration and pH levels, thereby affecting the N₂O related microbial community in the drilosphere. This was evidenced by changes in the ratio of nirK + nirS to nosZ genes and the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria gene copies. Hierarchical partitioning analysis revealed that the biochar's properties primarily influenced earthworm burrowing activity, the dominant factor affecting earthworm enhanced N₂O emissions, followed by MN, DOC, and MBC content in the drilosphere. The impact of gut-derived microbes on N₂O emissions was comparatively insignificant. These findings highlight that biochar amendment can mitigate earthworm induced N₂O emissions, primarily by modifying earthworm activity, which is strongly influenced by the biochar's physicochemical characteristics
Beyond just green: Explaining and predicting restorative potential of urban landscapes using panorama-based metrics
No full textAmidst the growing concerns about mental health issues among urban dwellers, there has been increased attention to the restorative potential (RP) of urban landscapes. However, research into the relevant landscape features tends to lack the integration of quantifiable methodologies, which are essential for practical implementation in urban planning and management. To address this gap, our study employed panorama-based metrics relying on computer vision to quantify the features of urban landscapes. We established an explanatory (generalized linear mixed model, GLMM) and a predictive (Random Forest) model to comprehensively elucidate the relationship between these landscape features and RP. The RP outcome was derived from an online survey of respondents (n = 1500) with diverse socio-demographic characteristics, where each respondent was randomly assigned panoramic images from a pool of a hundred landscape scenes taken across the city of Singapore. The GLMM regression identified sky, tree, water, and depth as the primary influences of RP. Furthermore, the Random Forest model demonstrated commendable predictive performance and was used to visually showcase the scenes within the testing dataset with corresponding RP outcomes. To illustrate the potential application of this predictive tool, we also performed spatial mapping for RP prediction, taking the Singapore Botanic Gardens as an example. The subsequent discussion underscored the simultaneous effect of tree, sky, and depth on RP from a quantitative perspective using LOWESS curves. By employing metrics and models that explain and predict the RP, this study contributes evidence-based insights that underscore the pivotal role of trees and openness (sky and depth) in enhancing the psychological benefits of urban landscapes and provides an effective predictive tool that contributes to urban landscape planning and management
Dynamics and drivers of mycorrhizal fungi after glacier retreat
No full text• The development of terrestrial ecosystems depends greatly on plant mutualists such as mycorrhizal fungi. The global retreat of glaciers exposes nutrient-poor substrates in extreme environments and provides a unique opportunity to study early successions of mycorrhizal fungi by assessing their dynamics and drivers.
• We combined environmental DNA metabarcoding and measurements of local conditions to assess the succession of mycorrhizal communities during soil development in 46 glacier forelands around the globe, testing whether dynamics and drivers differ between mycorrhizal types.
• Mycorrhizal fungi colonized deglaciated areas very quickly (< 10 yr), with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi tending to become more diverse through time compared to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Both alpha- and beta-diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were significantly related to time since glacier retreat and plant communities, while microclimate and primary productivity were more important for ectomycorrhizal fungi. The richness and composition of mycorrhizal communities were also significantly explained by soil chemistry, highlighting the importance of microhabitat for community dynamics.
• The acceleration of ice melt and the modifications of microclimate forecasted by climate change scenarios are expected to impact the diversity of mycorrhizal partners. These changes could alter the interactions underlying biotic colonization and belowground–aboveground linkages, with multifaceted impacts on soil development and associated ecological processes