External Corporate Social and Environmental Reporting （CSER） finds its raison d＇etre in corporations＇ search for both a license to operate and accountability towards society. This suggests a relationship between c...External Corporate Social and Environmental Reporting （CSER） finds its raison d＇etre in corporations＇ search for both a license to operate and accountability towards society. This suggests a relationship between corporations and society. In this study, that relationship is analyzed, specifically the relationship between levels of CSER and economic institutions. A strong link with institutions is an outcome of institutionalization. The economic institutions applied are economic freedom and legal origin as a proxy for national corporate governance systems. The results of this descriptive study show associations between CSER levels and economic freedom. CSER is also related to national corporate governance systems through legal origin. CSER appears to be institutionalized, or in any case, corporations seem to be aware of the economic institutionalization of CSER.展开更多
Seven key indicators standardize and integrate transparency BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will enhance its transparency in Greater China by reporting annually on seven key financial, social and environm...Seven key indicators standardize and integrate transparency BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will enhance its transparency in Greater China by reporting annually on seven key financial, social and environmental indicators: sales, number of employees,展开更多
Environmental pollution and environmental reporting have increasingly drawn the attention of the countries around the world. The paper selects A-share listed companies of chemical industry in China. Using logistic mod...Environmental pollution and environmental reporting have increasingly drawn the attention of the countries around the world. The paper selects A-share listed companies of chemical industry in China. Using logistic model, we research the impact of financial performance of listed companies upon environmental reporting. The conclusion of the study shows that the total number of enterprises which disclosed environmental information (EI) has increased year by year, and EI content and volume disclosed by heavy pollution corporations have increased annually. And the more profitability the listed companies attain, the more EI they are inclined to disclose. Moreover, companies will have an ability to disclose EI so as to reduce the agency costs arising from informa-tion asymmetry. Furthermore, the development capability of com-panies is of negative correlation to environmental reporting, and the liabilities degree of listed companies is of negative correlation to environmental reporting, but it is not significant. This paper also offers policy recommendations that enhance EI transparency and regulate EI reporting of listed companies.展开更多
With globalized world, expectations about business＇ role in the society and the world have increased; rather than just calculating profit and recording it, business has taken a step further. Accordingly, the social r...With globalized world, expectations about business＇ role in the society and the world have increased; rather than just calculating profit and recording it, business has taken a step further. Accordingly, the social responsibility reporting, sustainability reporting, and environmental reporting concepts have emerged. Financial reporting just focuses on a portion of the company＇s status and is unable to show the effects of environmental factors, climate changes on the companies. In addition, sustainability reporting was unable to show financial data which aims to see the risks and opportunities better, improves corporate reputation, and evaluates the performance of the company in accordance with the laws and norms. Investors need to establish a relationship between the financial and non-financial information in order to carry out risk analysis, as a result, the idea of integrated reporting has arised. Many companies have willingly started to prepare integrated reports in various formats and every report has been formed in accordance with the needs of readers and business properties. In addition, integrated reporting principles and guidelines have been published by the International Integrated Reporting Council, in order to provide guidance to report preparers. With the increasing importance and spread of integrated reporting, debates about the benefits and problems encountered in the preparation increased. In this study, the followings are explained： the terms of financial reporting, sustainability reporting, and financial reporting; emergence of these terms; benefits of integrated reporting and problems that may be encountered while preparation; and the relationship between financial reporting and integrated reporting.展开更多
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant route of mercury exposure, and the concern is greatest for women of childbearing age due to the potential for neurodevel...According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant route of mercury exposure, and the concern is greatest for women of childbearing age due to the potential for neurodevelopmental effects on a developing fetus. Rates of developmental disorders vary. But in 2008 it was demonstrated that the rate of autism is higher near industries that emit heavy metals. Furthermore past research findings can be taken to show that where a pregnancy occurred may predict later autism likelihood in the offspring more than where diagnosis occurs. If mercury plays any role in developmental disabilities, the rate of disability should relate to any reliable direct measure of contamination. The current research focuses on one index of environmental mercury contamination. Specifically, mercury-related fish advisories are found to be a surprisingly strong predictor of a state’s autism rate, r = 0.48, p < 0.001. The relationship remains strong after controlling for student to teacher ratio and per pupil spending. It is argued that a secular increase in autism has been occurring and that prenatal exposure to heavy metal toxins may play a significant role. Because we suspect this finding may be of some interest, the full data set is provided in the appendix so that researchers can independently analyze the key findings which rely on CDC, EPA and IDEA data sets.展开更多
Karst aquifers occur worldwide and exhibit groundwater flow responses that differ considerably from aquifers lacking fractures, bedding planes, and other karst conduits where significant and rapid groundwater flow can...Karst aquifers occur worldwide and exhibit groundwater flow responses that differ considerably from aquifers lacking fractures, bedding planes, and other karst conduits where significant and rapid groundwater flow can occur. The regional, karst Floridan aquifer system underlies the United States (US) Southeastern Coastal Plain Physiographic Region and exhibits hydrologic interconnections with overlying surficial aquifers and throughout other zones of the aquifer system, as is characteristic of other karst aquifer systems. Anthropogenic groundwater declines in this regional karst aquifer system have been documented in published literature for decades, but the impacts of those declines in this coastal plain region and the embedded ecosystems that provide essential and critical habitat for native, endemic, and federally endangered and threatened species have not been considered previously. Those anthropogenic groundwater declines reduce surfacewater levels and flows due to the capture of both groundwater and overland flow of surfacewater, resulting in induced recharge through semi-confining zones and interbasin flow through fractures and other karst conduits. This case study identifies examples from the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area and comparison areas of how those declines result in loss of historic base flow to surface waters and other capture of surface waters, ultimately increasing saltwater intrusion. Those results alter and degrade the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, in violation of the US Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972. Historic groundwater declines from mining and other anthropogenic groundwater withdrawals from this regional karst aquifer system already threaten the survival and recovery of federally endangered and threatened species, as well as existing and proposed critical habitat for those species within this regional extent, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. This case study and its companion publication (Part 2) appear to be the first to provide scientific support for this regional karst aquifer system as the unifying factor in habitat responses to irreversible groundwater impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems. These adverse impacts strongly suggest that the extent of the regional Floridan aquifer system should be designated as the Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion for the purpose of managing natural resources. Mining activities continue to expand in our study area, which is the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. Despite that fact, no comprehensive Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), similar to the AEIS required for phosphate mining within the Central Florida Phosphate District (CFPD) approximately a decade ago has been conducted for any of the numerous mining projects that are occurring and are proposed within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also provides examples of why a comprehensive AEIS is essential to consider all of the adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of those mining activities to the CWA, the ESA, and the irreversible losses to local economies, because federal agencies responsible for considering those adverse impacts rely on public comments to identify those adverse impacts. The mining activities authorized throughout the regional Floridan aquifer system under Category 44 Nationwide Permits (NWP) result in the same type of adverse impacts as the mining activities evaluated under Individual Permits in that region. Therefore, those Category 44 NWP mining activities also should be required to obtain Individual Permits and be evaluated under an AEIS in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also describes how Florida’s assumption of the CWA Section 404 regulatory authority in 2020 severs four sub-basins within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area at the state line between Florida and Georgia.展开更多
文摘External Corporate Social and Environmental Reporting （CSER） finds its raison d＇etre in corporations＇ search for both a license to operate and accountability towards society. This suggests a relationship between corporations and society. In this study, that relationship is analyzed, specifically the relationship between levels of CSER and economic institutions. A strong link with institutions is an outcome of institutionalization. The economic institutions applied are economic freedom and legal origin as a proxy for national corporate governance systems. The results of this descriptive study show associations between CSER levels and economic freedom. CSER is also related to national corporate governance systems through legal origin. CSER appears to be institutionalized, or in any case, corporations seem to be aware of the economic institutionalization of CSER.
文摘Seven key indicators standardize and integrate transparency BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will enhance its transparency in Greater China by reporting annually on seven key financial, social and environmental indicators: sales, number of employees,
文摘Environmental pollution and environmental reporting have increasingly drawn the attention of the countries around the world. The paper selects A-share listed companies of chemical industry in China. Using logistic model, we research the impact of financial performance of listed companies upon environmental reporting. The conclusion of the study shows that the total number of enterprises which disclosed environmental information (EI) has increased year by year, and EI content and volume disclosed by heavy pollution corporations have increased annually. And the more profitability the listed companies attain, the more EI they are inclined to disclose. Moreover, companies will have an ability to disclose EI so as to reduce the agency costs arising from informa-tion asymmetry. Furthermore, the development capability of com-panies is of negative correlation to environmental reporting, and the liabilities degree of listed companies is of negative correlation to environmental reporting, but it is not significant. This paper also offers policy recommendations that enhance EI transparency and regulate EI reporting of listed companies.
文摘With globalized world, expectations about business＇ role in the society and the world have increased; rather than just calculating profit and recording it, business has taken a step further. Accordingly, the social responsibility reporting, sustainability reporting, and environmental reporting concepts have emerged. Financial reporting just focuses on a portion of the company＇s status and is unable to show the effects of environmental factors, climate changes on the companies. In addition, sustainability reporting was unable to show financial data which aims to see the risks and opportunities better, improves corporate reputation, and evaluates the performance of the company in accordance with the laws and norms. Investors need to establish a relationship between the financial and non-financial information in order to carry out risk analysis, as a result, the idea of integrated reporting has arised. Many companies have willingly started to prepare integrated reports in various formats and every report has been formed in accordance with the needs of readers and business properties. In addition, integrated reporting principles and guidelines have been published by the International Integrated Reporting Council, in order to provide guidance to report preparers. With the increasing importance and spread of integrated reporting, debates about the benefits and problems encountered in the preparation increased. In this study, the followings are explained： the terms of financial reporting, sustainability reporting, and financial reporting; emergence of these terms; benefits of integrated reporting and problems that may be encountered while preparation; and the relationship between financial reporting and integrated reporting.
文摘According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant route of mercury exposure, and the concern is greatest for women of childbearing age due to the potential for neurodevelopmental effects on a developing fetus. Rates of developmental disorders vary. But in 2008 it was demonstrated that the rate of autism is higher near industries that emit heavy metals. Furthermore past research findings can be taken to show that where a pregnancy occurred may predict later autism likelihood in the offspring more than where diagnosis occurs. If mercury plays any role in developmental disabilities, the rate of disability should relate to any reliable direct measure of contamination. The current research focuses on one index of environmental mercury contamination. Specifically, mercury-related fish advisories are found to be a surprisingly strong predictor of a state’s autism rate, r = 0.48, p < 0.001. The relationship remains strong after controlling for student to teacher ratio and per pupil spending. It is argued that a secular increase in autism has been occurring and that prenatal exposure to heavy metal toxins may play a significant role. Because we suspect this finding may be of some interest, the full data set is provided in the appendix so that researchers can independently analyze the key findings which rely on CDC, EPA and IDEA data sets.
文摘Karst aquifers occur worldwide and exhibit groundwater flow responses that differ considerably from aquifers lacking fractures, bedding planes, and other karst conduits where significant and rapid groundwater flow can occur. The regional, karst Floridan aquifer system underlies the United States (US) Southeastern Coastal Plain Physiographic Region and exhibits hydrologic interconnections with overlying surficial aquifers and throughout other zones of the aquifer system, as is characteristic of other karst aquifer systems. Anthropogenic groundwater declines in this regional karst aquifer system have been documented in published literature for decades, but the impacts of those declines in this coastal plain region and the embedded ecosystems that provide essential and critical habitat for native, endemic, and federally endangered and threatened species have not been considered previously. Those anthropogenic groundwater declines reduce surfacewater levels and flows due to the capture of both groundwater and overland flow of surfacewater, resulting in induced recharge through semi-confining zones and interbasin flow through fractures and other karst conduits. This case study identifies examples from the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area and comparison areas of how those declines result in loss of historic base flow to surface waters and other capture of surface waters, ultimately increasing saltwater intrusion. Those results alter and degrade the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, in violation of the US Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972. Historic groundwater declines from mining and other anthropogenic groundwater withdrawals from this regional karst aquifer system already threaten the survival and recovery of federally endangered and threatened species, as well as existing and proposed critical habitat for those species within this regional extent, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. This case study and its companion publication (Part 2) appear to be the first to provide scientific support for this regional karst aquifer system as the unifying factor in habitat responses to irreversible groundwater impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems. These adverse impacts strongly suggest that the extent of the regional Floridan aquifer system should be designated as the Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion for the purpose of managing natural resources. Mining activities continue to expand in our study area, which is the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. Despite that fact, no comprehensive Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), similar to the AEIS required for phosphate mining within the Central Florida Phosphate District (CFPD) approximately a decade ago has been conducted for any of the numerous mining projects that are occurring and are proposed within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also provides examples of why a comprehensive AEIS is essential to consider all of the adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of those mining activities to the CWA, the ESA, and the irreversible losses to local economies, because federal agencies responsible for considering those adverse impacts rely on public comments to identify those adverse impacts. The mining activities authorized throughout the regional Floridan aquifer system under Category 44 Nationwide Permits (NWP) result in the same type of adverse impacts as the mining activities evaluated under Individual Permits in that region. Therefore, those Category 44 NWP mining activities also should be required to obtain Individual Permits and be evaluated under an AEIS in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also describes how Florida’s assumption of the CWA Section 404 regulatory authority in 2020 severs four sub-basins within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area at the state line between Florida and Georgia.
