Search

Understanding the determinants of energy poverty among the elderly is crucial for shaping energy policies with significant economic and social implications. This research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing energy poverty among the elderly in Greece. To achieve the study's objectives, household survey data from 3651 elderly individuals for the year 2022 were utilized. The empirical findings, based on statistical and econometric analysis, affirm the influence of socioeconomic factors on the ability of the elderly to meet their energy needs and address energy poverty challenges. The analysis suggests that both household size and work-related pensions positively impact their ability to address their heating requirements. Elderly individuals with a higher level of education are less likely to experience energy poverty. Additionally, it is found that as perceived health status declines, elderly individuals are more likely to encounter difficulties in covering utility payments. These results underscore the importance of tailoring strategies to promote the adoption of energy poverty measures that cater to diverse demographic and income groups. This information is vital for ensuring that the elderly can afford to maintain a comfortable living environment without sacrificing other essential needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global efforts to harmonize the sustainable development goals (SDGs) focus on understanding the nexus between carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and the circular economy (CE). This study aims to capture variations in carbon emission performance behavior across different European countries, considering their economic performance, population density, material footprint, and circularity rate. The analysis utilizes panel data for 14 EU countries during the period between 2000 and 2020, specifically in relation to their performance within the SDG13 Framework. Empirical analysis employs Ordinary Least Squares, Fixed Effects and Fully Modified Least Squares techniques. The findings suggest that countries with a higher efficiency in utilizing materials within a circular economy framework and higher population density tend to exhibit lower levels of climate change mitigation. Conversely, an increased material footprint corresponds to higher CO2 emissions. This aligns with the circular economy's emphasis on minimizing resource extraction through promoting reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing. A comprehensive understanding of the CO2-CE nexus is essential for formulating effective policies aligning circularity performance with the SDG13 framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contract farming (CF) as a sustainable practice has expanded rapidly, bringing numerous benefits to both the agribusiness industry and farmers, as well as the broader economy; CF is also considered a vehicle to tackle the challenges in sustainable development due to the serious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little attention has been paid to CF schemes in Greece. To address this evidence gap, the current study aimed to outline the socioeconomic profile of Greek farmers and how it is related to their perspective on CF in the post-COVID era. Primary data were collected in the agricultural area of central Greece, Thessaly, with a structured questionnaire containing three sections: demographics, awareness of the CF concept, and farmers' perceptions toward CF. The results indicate that 60.7% of the respondents are unaware of CF. Demographic and economic variables such as gender, years of experience, and income impact Greek farmers' attitude toward CF. In addition, factor analysis results reveal that economic benefits and social, technological, and environmental challenges and risks are associated with CF. We suggest that researchers and policymakers interested in the development of CF in Greece should consider the heterogeneity of the agricultural workforce for the development and successful implementation of policies related to CF. Educational programs towards increasing farmers' awareness and sufficient understanding of the practical issues of CF are also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of parks is particularly important and offers many benefits both to the environment and to humans. Parks are recreational spaces, which contribute to the improvement of the microclimate, reduce atmospheric pollution and protect biodiversity. Their importance for the urban environment is even greater because they offer pure oxygen to the city and people feel close to nature in them. The aim of this study is to review studies which took place globally as well as in Greece, relying on the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) for parks. The reason that this method is used is the valuation of non-market goods and services through the development of a hypothetical market. Additionally, a distinction is made among previous empirical studies depending on the nature of the parks and the country where the survey was conducted, while the disadvantages that must be considered from the use of Contingent Valuation Method are mentioned. According to the findings of the literature review, studies using Contingent Valuation in Greece, particularly in the case of urban parks, are limited. As far as we know, the valuation of existing urban parks has not yet been studied, so this could be a field for further research. The economic valuation of parks in a country like Greece, which suffered with the financial crisis, can lead to conclusions about the value that citizens attribute to parks and the identification of possible protest responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]