Corporations and the environment: A new perspective

Summary The author presents the results of a pilot study which explored the voluntary support given by seven Pittsburgh multinationals to environmental goals and objectives through their foundations and operations. While much of the information is national in scope, the findings have international significance. Fundamental common key factors and patterns were identified which already have and will continue to guide most corporate international environmental activities. As interest grows in developing cooperative undertakings with the corporate community, it is important for environmental organizations, government, and academia to understand these patterns. Based on the findings and on suggestions by corporate representatives, recommendations are given as to how support of the goal of creating sustainable societies by the corporate and environmental communities can be improved and increased. Dr Langord's interest in urban and environmental policies range from issues dealing with coastal zone and floodplain management to urban waterfront re-vitalization and environmental aesthetics. Most recently she is studying the role of industry in helping to meet critical resource and environmental needs. She is exploring new patterns of cooperation with government, industry and environmental organizations. Currently Director of the International Environment Program, Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh, Dr Langord has held a number of academic positions, served as a resource policy analyst for the US Department of Interior, and has acted as a consultant to government and industry.     

Further studies on the influence of zeolite type A on metal transfer in the activated sludge process

Investigations were carried out to determine the effect of zeolite type A on metal removal by activated sludge using laboratory activated sludge simulations. They were operated at constant aerator sludge age and settler surface loading. Different concentrations of raw zeolite and zeolite extracted from washing powder (0, 15, 30, 60, 120 mgl^?1) were introduced into the simulations. The zeolite was added at two degrees of calcium exchanged for sodium, 25 and 75% of the maximum exchange capacity. Metals were added at concentrations typical of mixed domestic-industrial waste waters. The results show that there was no adverse effect on metal removal by the laboratory activated sludge simulations in the presence of zeolite type A.     

Effect of mixed liquor suspended solids concentration on the biodegradation of nitrilotriacetic acid in the activated sludge process

The biodegradation of nitrilotriacetic acid in laboratory simulations of the activated sludge process has been studied at two different concentrations of mixed liquor suspended solids. Responses to changes in the influent nitrilotriacetic acid concentration such as those which might be associated with a “wash day” have been examined.     

Regional news portrayals of global warming and climate change

In this study we utilize content analysis techniques to examine how the issue of global warming and climate change has been characterized during the period of 1992 through 2005 by the Houston Chronicle—the largest regional newspaper in the Texas coastal region. A total of 795 global warming and climate change news articles from the Houston Chronicle are collected, coded and analyzed. Data analyses are organized and presented with regard to issue salience, various issue attributes (issue image, scope, linkage, participant, proposed solution and responsible party), use of science, and scientific information sources cited in the news stories. We find that regional media attention to the global climate change issue generally increases over time and an overwhelming majority of the news articles view the issue as a harmful problem. However, given the scientific consensus that global warming will result in significant devastating climate change consequences to the coastal regions, there are still a fair number of news articles delivering mixed, undetermined or even non-harmful messages. We also find that climate change is often discussed as a national or international-global issue, and frequently linked to a number of other public issues rather than just being viewed as an environmental–ecological problem. Moreover, we find that emphasis on issue solutions is placed more on mitigation strategies than on adaptation behaviors, and that both governmental and non-governmental actions and responsibilities are suggested for dealing with climate change. In addition, our findings indicate that the regional newspaper in Texas obtains scientific information on climate change primarily from academic institutions. Implications of our findings and recommendations for future research are discussed in the concluding section.