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The relationship between natural resource abundance and happiness for lower middle-income countries
The resource curse, a concept linking natural resource wealth to poor economic performance, is well-documented. Separately, emerging studies suggest economic growth correlates with increased happiness. However, the intersection of these two areas—natural resource abundance and happiness—remains underexplored. This paper investigates the relationship between natural resource abundance and happiness by employing linear regression analysis on data from 35 lower middle-income countries from 2017 to 2021. Using the Natural Capital Index and the World Happiness Report, this study addresses the question: "Is there a correlation between natural resource abundance and happiness?" by integrating theories from the Resource Curse and the Easterlin Paradox. Additionally, it compares the established correlations between (1) natural resource abundance and income, and (2) income and happiness. The findings reveal significant correlations between natural resource abundance and income, and between income and happiness, but the correlation between natural resource abundance and happiness is less conclusive. From a managerial perspective, these results suggest that policymakers in resource-rich lower middle-income countries should focus not only on economic metrics but also on well-being indicators when designing development strategies to ensure balanced and sustainable growth.
The Economics of Sustainable Development and Distribution: The Unfairness and Injustice of Milton Friedmans Capitalism
Badanie z zakresu równego traktowania i atmosfery w miejscu pracy i nauki Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Poznaniu w 2022 r.
Environmental responsibility of corporate management in the Visegrad region – comparative study of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia
The article presents a comprehensive investigation into the prioritisation of environment-oriented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities among companies within the Visegrad region, encompassing the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. An online questionnaire featuring Likert scale questions was used to collect data from November 2022 to June 2023 on the emphasis placed on 11 distinct environment-oriented CSR activities. Analytical methods covered descriptive and inferential analyses. The study contributes original insights by focusing on the Visegrad region's corporate engagement in environmental CSR activities. The findings reveal significant disparities between countries, particularly in the domains of eco-friendly transportation solutions and investments in green technologies for environmental progress. Statistically significant differences were observed between the Czech Republic and Poland, as well as between Poland and Slovakia, there by shedding light on the diverse CSR orientations and priorities within this geographic context. These findings underscore the importance of tailored CSR strategies within the Visegrad region's corporate landscape to address environmental challenges effectively.
What goes around comes around. Supply and demand side of climate change at the example of Norway
Norway is widely acknowledged as an environmentally advanced economy, with a significant proportion of renewable energy resources. Nevertheless, it is evident that Norway’s economic achievements and capacity to invest in sustainable energy resources have been largely supported by its trade in non-renewable resources. The utilisation of these resources has been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases, which has considerable ramifications for climate change and is also contributing to the melting of Norwegian glaciers. The objective of this research is to examine the issue of moral responsibility and the socio-economic costs associated with the management of natural resources, as well as the socio-economic impacts on a global scale. It is observed that actions intended to yield immediate and localised benefits may, in fact, result in adverse outcomes for those responsible for their implementation. The responsibility on the supply side is not only determined by moral considerations, but also by the socio-economic consequences that can be quantified for the perpetrators. Norway provides an illustrative example of the challenges posed by the consequences of glacial melting, which introduce additional risks and challenges to the use of hydropower. The loss of these resources is comparable to the destruction of tropical forests and has significant consequences, as they are considered the green lungs of the world and a reservoir of biodiversity.
The unfair value shared in fair trade value chains
Fair trade is a trading partnership that seeks greater equity in international trade by offering better trading conditions to producers and workers in developing countries. The higher final prices of the products should result from the floor price at the first stage of the value chain; however, the final price is also strongly influenced by the value added at the next stages. The objective of this study is to highlight the price escalation observed at the later stages of the supply chain, which does not appear to be aligned with the principles of fair trade. This is a comparative analysis of the value added at different stages of the supply chain. It compares the potential hypothetical market price of several fair trade goods with the actual price, which increases in value at successive stages of the supply chain. The data was collected from publications within the agri-food sector for coffee, bananas and cocoa. It is argued that in order to achieve a more competitive price, it would be necessary for other actors in the supply chain to become more involved rather than just consumers. This can be accomplished without a reduction in profits, which will remain at the same level as those generated by non-fair trade products. Furthermore, it will contribute to an increase in fair trade product sales. Finally, the research also suggests some measures to increase the engagement of non-producers in the creation of socially responsible businesses.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Business Practice of the Visegrad Region (Czechia, Poland, Slovakia)
Poverty and Social Exclusion: Key Challenges for Sustainable Rural Development in the New European Union Member States between 2007 and 2022
Poverty has emerged as a significant global issue, impacting both urban and rural areas in developing countries. Its complex and multifaceted nature, encompassing profound economic, social, and psychological implications, has made addressing it even more challenging. Therefore, rural poverty is regarded as one of the most pressing challenges for achieving sustainable development within the European Union (EU). While the EU-15 countries (i.e., the “old” Member States) are relatively better positioned, rural poverty has remained a persistent issue in the “new” Member States, particularly in recent years. This study has examined the trends in rural poverty and social exclusion across the new EU Member States over the past 15 years. Using a data review methodology, it has analyzed rural poverty and exclusion trends from 2007 to 2022 in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The findings have revealed that Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania significantly lag behind the EU average in addressing rural poverty among the new member states.
Sustainable rural development indicators in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands: a review of data
This study examines indices of sustainable rural development in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands. The European Union has consistently supported its policy on sustainable rural development and allocated budgetary funds to provide financial assistance. The energy crisis that followed the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict prompted the European Union to adopt stricter measures regarding sustainable development and energy. To achieve these objectives, it is crucial to accurately identify regional issues and ensure that the established goals are practical and achievable. Some European Union countries have made significant progress in this direction, while others have yet to do so. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the differences and difficulties of rural development in selected countries of the European Union through data and literature review methods. In the study, the data on population, GDP per capita, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the economic impact of agriculture, and renewable energy are compared for the countries selected at the rural areas and the data on employment, poverty levels, education and rural digitization are compared. Netherlands and Germany exhibit adherence to the goals of sustainable rural development, while Poland has made progress in several areas towards sustainable rural development. In contrast, according to the study, Bulgaria and Romania require more significant measures to achieve sustainable rural development. Although both countries have some strengths, it is imperative that all relevant parties participate in the process to ensure sustainability. Education is a crucial prerequisite for rural development. However, the percentage of educated individuals in these countries has decreased. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide rural areas with information about digitization and establish the required infrastructure. Moreover, the adoption of smart villages should be considered as a solution, in which all stakeholders can efficiently benefit from education and digitization, and sustainable resources can be developed.