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The estimation of light transmittance through grassland canopy: Searching for a suitable indirect indicator
Wpływ pól elektromagnetycznych stosowanych w komunikacji bezprzewodowej na wzrost i rozwój roślin zielnych
The determinants of legislation for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs) with the onset of 5G: An empirical analysis with a worldwide cross‐sectional dataset
AbstractThe unprecedented exposure of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF‐EMF) to humans from mobile communications raises serious public concern about the possibility of unexpected adverse health effects and has stimulated authorities to adopt precautionary exposure limits. These limits are distinctly different across countries, and the causes of these differences are unclear from the literature. This article is the first empirical analysis on the determinants of RF‐EMF exposure legislation, using a novel cross‐sectional database of 164 countries worldwide. The analysis shows that decentralization and mobile competition in countries with low mobile network deployment tend to promote more stringent RF‐EMF exposure limits across the dataset with 164 countries. In more decentralized countries, the regions had a greater influence on national legislation and could accommodate local demands with the advent of mobile technology in the 2000s. In contrast, decentralization and mobile competition in countries with high levels of mobile network deployment tend to relax RF‐EMF exposure limits in the sample of 61 countries with fifth‐generation (5G) technology. Indeed, restrictive RF‐EMF exposure limits are constraining 5G deployment in a context of the widespread adoption of mobile‐broadband technologies. These results should be useful for policymakers and mobile operators alike to anticipate the outcome of legislation in countries that have yet to introduce 5G technology. The results should also be useful when reviewing policies and strategies for the implementation of the upcoming 6G technology in frequency bands that will be increasingly higher (above 6 GHz up to THz for very local usage), and hence where the health effects on humans are less well studied.
The exposure of nonhuman living organisms to mobile communication emissions: A survey to establish European stakeholders’ policy option preferences
AbstractThere is an unprecedented exposure of living organisms to mobile communications radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF‐EMF) emissions. Guidelines on exposure thresholds to limit thermal effects from these emissions are restricted to humans. However, tissue heating can occur in all living organisms that are exposed. In addition, exposure at millimetric frequencies used by 5G may impact surface tissues and organs of plants and small‐size species. It is also expected that the addition of 5G to existing networks will intensify radiofrequency absorption by living organisms.A European Parliament report proposed policy options on the effects of RF‐EMF exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms in the context of 5G: funding more research, implementing monitoring networks, accessing more information from operators on antennas and EMF emissions, and developing compliance studies when antennas are installed. However, there is no evidence on the preferences of relevant stakeholders regarding these policy options. This paper reports the findings of a survey of key European stakeholders’ policy option preferences based on the European Parliament's report. It reveals a broad consensus on funding more research on the effects of exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms to EMFs. It also highlights the need for deliberation concerning the other policy options that could provide solutions for regulatory authorities, central administrations, the private sector, nongovernmental associations and advocates, and academics. Such deliberation would pave the way for effective solutions, focusing on long‐term output from funding research, and enabling short‐term socially and economically acceptable actions for all parties concerned.
Digital Sustainability Trade-Offs: Public Perceptions of Mobile Radiation and Green Roofs
This paper explores how public perceptions influence the interplay between Digital Sustainability (DS), public health, and environmental policy, particularly regarding the effects of mobile radiation on green roofs. While green roofs are recognized for their ecological advantages, the impact of mobile radiation exposure, especially from 5G technology, has not been thoroughly examined in Information Systems (IS) research. Through a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) involving an urban sample from the French population, our findings indicate a significant preference for funding research focused on human health compared to plant health, with willingness to pay (WTP) estimates for human health nearly twice as high. Nonetheless, the considerable support for plant health research underscores the importance of addressing both human and environmental aspects in policy formulation. This study contributes to the growing DS dialogue by demonstrating how cognitive, emotional, and moral perceptions shape public backing for research on mobile radiation. These findings enhance our understanding of how public attitudes influence the adoption and regulation of green technologies in urban environments. Our research provides insights for IS researchers and policymakers, advocating for balanced funding approaches and the integration of cognitive, emotional, and ethical factors into policy frameworks to foster effective public engagement and regulatory policies.