The environmental performance index was developed to protect public health, and to sustain and manage the ecological vitality that is a crucial factor in countries’ social and economic development. The increase in CO2 emissions has been threatening environmental and human health. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of economic growth, energy consumption, energy management, the urban population, trade openness, and financial development on CO2 emissions in the OECD countries that have a high ranking in the environmental performance index by utilizing the panel data analysis method for the years spanning 1990–2014. This assessment finds positive relationships between economic growth, energy consumption, and the urban population, and CO2 emissions. Moreover, it is put forward that a negative and significant relationship between financial development and CO2 emissions exists. Despite displaying a similar negative correlation, the relationship between trade openness and CO2 emissions is insignificant. In the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test conducted, it was seen that a two-way causality is prevalent between energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, interrelations where CO2 emissions cause trade openness, and the urban population is an explanatory variable of the former relationship, were discovered.
Purpose:The article aims to present and discuss the results of comparative analysis of applied methods in water treatment processes, and to assess whether they belong to the group of advanced and strategic methods used in the treatment and improvement of drinking water quality. Design/Approach/Methodology: The theoretical part of the article discusses the state of drinking water regions of Poland in terms of its chemical, physical, and biological properties, considering the level of pollution. Next, the drinking water quality management scheme in Poland is presented from the organizational point of view, then, Poland's drinking water quality regulations, both national and EU, have been characterized, as well as a few legal norms and programs supporting the ecological campaign in Poland "I drink tap water". In the succeeding part of the article, attention was paid to a detailed analysis of the methods used in Poland in the processes of drinking water treatment and improvement. Findings: Based on the comparative analysis, final conclusions have been drawn up indicating the most effective and ecologically sound methods used in water treatment processes to improve drinking water status in the regions of Poland in such a way that it not only meets legal and environmental standards but is also an essential factor in improving the quality of health, life and economic situation of a given social group. Practical Implications: The article brings a number of valuable information that can be the base material and reference to further research, programs and studies for local governments, practitioners and scientific specialists dealing with issues of improving the quality of drinking water, effective management of water resources, ecology or aspects of environmental protection. Originality/Value: The results of the comparative analysis and theoretical considerations in this article complement the current research in the field of drinking water quality management, and may become a valuable resource of knowledge and a set of specimens that can be useful in developing dissertations in the field of management, environment and ecology.
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