Community Considerations
Featured Decoupling Approach to Carbon Emissions and Economic Growth Nexus: Evidence from Economic Community of West African States Economies View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Francis Ayensu
Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis has dominated literature in ecological and environmental studies. Though a lot of studies have either validated or refuted the theory, researchers are still divided as to its relevance in explaining environmental disasters in this modern era. Besides, not many studies have verified the validity of theory for carbon emissions-economic growth nexus in less industrialized economies. Using decoupling and decomposition analysis, the study aims to investigate whether economic growth drives carbon emissions in less industrialized economies. The research approach is deductive since the study seeks to validate or invalidate a theory. The research design is causal since the study seeks to explain the effect of economic growth on environmental pollution. The research method is quantitative since the study relies on secondary quantitative data to study the relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth. The study samples 15 economies from the target population of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The sample design is a purposive sampling method since the selected countries must meet certain criteria. The source of data is primarily secondary data. Data is gathered from World Bank Development Indicators. The analysis is a decoupling and decomposition analysis of economic growth from carbon emissions over 31 years from 1990 to 2020. Tapio decoupling method as well as logarithm mean divisia index (LMDI) decomposition method is applied to conducting decoupling analysis and decomposition analysis respectively.
Sustainable Travel Behavior of the Local Residents of Lipa City during COVID-19 Pandemic View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Andrenelyn Varona
Travel, though restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, is inevitable for communities to survive. The risk of getting infected, fear of social gatherings, strict protocols on physical distancing and inaccessibility of basic commodities, very peculiar set of environments and structures is shaping the travel behavior of every individual. Using the quantitative research method, the study assesses the motility and sustainable travel behavior of the residents of Lipa City in reference to the concept of motility - mobility potential - as an analytical framework investigating the associations between three motility dimensions of attitudes, skills and access and individuals’ mode choice in terms of using car, walking, and public transport for their daily trips. The study reveals that during the pandemic, all motility dimensions are predictor variables of sustainable travel behavior with cognitive appreciation as the strongest predictor while skills and competencies as the least. The public vehicle travelers have the most sustainable travel behavior while the majority of the respondents who are preferred private vehicle users exemplify the least sustainable behavior. These findings suggest the travelers act responsibly while traveling depending on their interpretation and understanding of their situation, needs and motives parallel to their skills appropriate in using each travel mode. Providing more useful information about the use of public transport, integration of a holistic approach involving the design of mobility policies and development of quality networks for alternative modes of transport will encourage the public to choose environmentally friendly travel with a goal of creating sustainable behavioral changes among the residents.
Sustainable Heritage and Cultural Resilience in Vilcabamba: Navigating Tradition, Migration, and Modernization View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Elena Bastidas
This study examines Vilcabamba, Ecuador, where cultural sustainability and socioecological resilience are uniquely shaped by peasant traditions and an aging local population. Known for its longevity, residents attribute their health to local, organic food, mineral-rich water, and communal ties. Research, using participatory methods, including Sondeo methodology and social polygraphy workshops, explores how Vilcabamba’s practices sustain both the community’s health and environment. Weekly agroecological markets and traditional farming practices embody this lifestyle, underscoring the deep cultural knowledge and natural harmony in the town’s way of life. However, Vilcabamba faces change due to North-South migration, with wealthier foreign nationals reshaping the town’s economy, real estate market, and social dynamics. Transnational Gentrification Theory offers insight into the effects of rising living costs and reduced local autonomy, as well as the new job opportunities created by these migrants. Locals experience both benefits and challenges as community cohesion is tested. Assimilation varies among expatriates: some engage deeply with local culture, while others remain insular, favoring their own customs. This diversity introduces a spectrum of cultural tensions and interactions, with differing perspectives on agricultural practices, language, and social values. Vilcabamba’s response to these shifts illustrates the need for inclusive planning to sustain cultural heritage amid economic and social pressures. The study highlights the role of sustainable heritage development as essential for preserving the town’s traditions while adapting to contemporary changes.
