Search Results (47)

Against the backdrop of Shenzhen’s high-density urban environment, the multifunctional design of water purification plants offers dual benefits: providing residents with urban green spaces while simultaneously mitigating NIMBY sentiments due to their inherent characteristics. Unlike traditional urban development, Shenzhen’s water purification plants integrate into residents’ daily lives. Therefore, optimizing the built environment and road network structure to enhance residents’ perceptions of proximity benefits while reducing NIMBY (Not In My Backyard effect) sentiments holds significant implications for the city’s sustainable development. To address this question, this study adopted the following three-step mixed-methods approach: (1) It examined the relationships among residents’ YIMBY (Neighboring Benefits Effect) and NIMBY perceptions, perceptions of park spaces atop water purification plants, and perceptions of accessibility through questionnaire surveys and structural equation modeling (SEM), establishing a scoring framework for comprehensive YIMBY and NIMBY perceptions. (2) Random forest models and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis revealed nonlinear relationships between the built environment and composite YIMBY and NIMBY perceptions. (3) Spatial syntax analysis categorized the upgraded road network around the water purification plant into grid-type, radial-type, and fragmented-type structures. Scatter plot fitting methods uncovered relationships between these road network types and resident perceptions. Finally, negative perceptions were mitigated by optimizing path enclosure and reducing visual obstructions around the water purification plant. Enhancing neighborhood benefits—through improved path safety and comfort, increased green spaces and resting areas, optimized path networks, and diversified travel options—optimized the built environment. This approach proposes design strategies to minimize NIMBY perceptions and maximize YIMBY perceptions. Full article

Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration projects often trigger “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) conflicts, which pose persistent crises to social development and sustainable governance. This study introduces a novel “reputation–interest” space model grounded in scenario–response theory to reframe NIMBY conflicts as processes of crisis transformation. We construct a multi-stakeholder indicator system and propose a crisis resilience degree model to capture both the risks and opportunities embedded in conflict dynamics. The application object is a waste incineration project in Hangzhou, China. The analysis reveals how NIMBY conflict can evolve from strong resistance to a neighbor–benefit effect. Empirical results show that the crisis resilience degree of the project evolved from 37.26% to 89.26%, from the initial strong resistance of the residents to the successful in situ landing, which improved the crisis resilience, recovering resilience from the crisis. The results provide actionable insights for policymakers to turn NIMBY conflicts into drivers of social trust and sustainable urban transformation. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of urbanization in China, a disparity has arisen between population demands and the allocation of community resources, resulting in a persistent increase in residential vacancy rates. The integration of service facilities into vacant residential spaces has enabled functional housing transformations. This study analyzes three typical types of communities in Xi’an to examine these transformations, identifying distinct types and patterns across five scenarios, which include social, health, leisure, cultural, and educational contexts. Through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, we collected data on residents’ life satisfaction and NIMBY (not in my backyard) perceptions. Applying a NIMBY index algorithm, we quantified characteristics and identified root causes. The results demonstrated that leisure scenarios most significantly affected satisfaction, while social scenarios showed the highest NIMBY index. Using an ordered logistic regression model, we determined key NIMBY factors influencing satisfaction across scenarios, revealing their differential impact mechanisms. Drawing on the findings, we investigated coordination mechanisms between the transformations of residential spaces and the needs of residents. Based on this analysis, the research objective was to explore how vacant housing can integrate service facilities while mitigating NIMBY effects and meeting resident needs. Proposed strategies include hierarchical facility allocation, NIMBY mitigation measures, and spatial planning optimization, ultimately adapting to diverse lifestyles and housing demands. Full article

Waste-to-energy (WtE) are clean technologies that support a circular economy by providing solutions to managing non-recyclable waste while generating alternative energy sources. Despite the promising benefits, technology adoption is challenged by financing constraints, technical maturity, environmental impacts, supporting policies, and public acceptance. A growing number of studies analyzed the acceptability of WtE and identified the factors affecting the adoption of WtE technologies. This study aims to analyze these research hotspots, technologies, and acceptability factors by combining bibliometric and systematic analyses. An initial search from the Web of Science and Scopus databases identified 817 unique documents, and the refinement resulted in 109 for data analysis. The results present a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art, providing researchers a basis for future research directions. Among the WtE technologies in the reviewed literature are incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis, with limited studies about refuse-derived fuel and landfilling with gas recovery. The identified common factors include perceived risks, trust, attitudes, perceived benefits, “Not-In-My-BackYard” (NIMBY), awareness, and knowledge. Moreover, the findings present valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and WtE project planners to support WtE adoption while achieving sustainable, circular, and low-carbon economies. Full article

In the face of escalating climate challenges, the energy sector is increasingly investing in renewable projects. However, the implementation of utility-scale renewable energy initiatives is often hindered by public opposition. While previous research has offered detailed insights into the determinants of public acceptance generally, there remains scope for examining the impact of strategies that developers can employ to coalesce support for success at the local level. This study contributes with a comparative case study of two U.S. utility-scale projects: the Empire Wind offshore wind farm, which achieved success through proactive conflict resolution, and the Northern Pass hydroelectric transmission project, which was halted due to sustained local resistance. Our findings suggest the critical importance of community-centered conflict resolution strategies in garnering public support and facilitating the successful deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects. Full article

This research focuses on developing a sentiment-based system to analyze public opinion on electromagnetic radiation in online networks. Issues related to EMR, such as the NIMBY effect and negative public sentiment, can lead to health crises, social conflicts, and challenges in decision-making. This study addresses limitations in existing research, including inaccurate data collection and a lack of systematic analysis. By incorporating Jieba Chinese word segmentation technology, this study introduces an innovative data collection method based on topic similarity, significantly improving data accuracy. Additionally, this research establishes a comprehensive public opinion analysis framework that integrates user follower counts, geographical distribution, and interaction data. This framework facilitates the identification of sources of negative sentiment and the development of effective response strategies. As a case study, the dissemination patterns of EMR-related public opinion on Weibo are analyzed, focusing on group sentiment and social interaction. The proposed system achieves a 65.85% improvement in data collection accuracy, demonstrating its effectiveness. Furthermore, this study provides actionable recommendations for relevant departments and governments to monitor, analyze, and respond to EMR-related public opinion. By enhancing decision-making and protecting public interests, this study highlights the role of technology in improving social governance and substantial development. Full article

The role of NIMBY (“Not in My Backyard”) phenomena in sustainable urban development and tourism was analyzed, with a focus on stakeholder dynamics and implications for spatial planning. Based on an analysis of worldwide case studies, the main barriers and opportunities presented by these phenomena were identified, including the impact of project preparation time (t_p) and benefit realization time (t_b). A mixed methods approach was used, combining qualitative analysis of case studies with quantitative evaluation of project timelines. The results show that effective stakeholder engagement significantly reduces t_p, while maximizing t_b increases long-term benefits for communities and the environment. This research emphasizes the systemic interdependence of urban planning, environmental sustainability, tourism, and cultural heritage preservation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and developers. The conclusions emphasize the importance of participatory approaches to ensure equitable and sustainable urban transformation. Full article

Cultural heritage conservation planning in China advocates for differentiated planning measures tailored to different heritage elements with diverse values, functions, and locations. However, limited research has focused on the spatial heterogeneity of these multi-dimensional planning measures and the subjective well-being (SWB) of residents within these protected historic districts. This study investigates the spatial differentiation pattern and mechanism of residents’ SWB in three Historic Conservation Areas of Yangzhou, China, by employing a combination of spatial data digitization and data spatialization methods. The findings reveal: (1) All three cases demonstrate notable spatial differentiation in terms of residents’ SWB; (2) A common feature across the three cases is that strengthening community participation, tourism traffic control, and housing improvement projects can significantly improve residents’ SWB. But proximity to historic buildings has little explanatory power for the spatial differentiation of residents’ SWB; (3) Planning factors of traffic accessibility, public facility accessibility, park service areas, and NIMBY areas of public toilets, have significant spatial heterogeneous effects on residents’ SWB across the three cases, which are closely correlated to the varying degrees of tourism development within each district. The findings of this study provide targeted planning strategies for historic districts with different functional orientations and heritage conservation duties, aimed at more effectively enhancing the well-being of heritage site residents by utilizing limited public resources. Full article

Given the resistance of local communities to mineral extraction (“Not in My Back Yard” NIMBY), the energy transition and the new global economic model, which presupposes a sharp increase in the production of mineral raw materials, represent an opportunity for new approaches to mining. Considering that greenfield mines take years to be licensed and developed, the new attitudes should include the support and launch of policies and regulations that can enhance the growth of mining, realistic acceptance by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that everything supporting our current way of life comes from Mother Earth, and responsible and fair treatment of local communities (systematic information from day one, strengthening community partnerships, granting offset benefits, etc.). Thus, BULGCOLD Inc. (TSXV: ZLTO) and its subsidiary, Stredne Slovensko s.r.o., which explores for metals in Bulgaria and Slovakia, are committed to having the Social License to Operate at the heart of their sustainable operations to alleviate the NIMBY effect. Full article

The key to obtaining the Social License to Operate (SLO) for businesses in the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) infrastructure projects is the justice of the process. The study constructs a model to analyze the effect of the four components of procedural justice (procedural regulations and the behavior and attitudes of the government and construction enterprises) on the SLO. A large-scale questionnaire survey is conducted to assess the role and the extent of the influence of these four components in obtaining the SLO for NIMBY infrastructures. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and mediation effects tests show that procedural justice significantly influences the SLO for NIMBY infrastructure projects. All four components significantly improve community trust and social acceptance of the project. The construction enterprise’s informal treatment of the public’s behavior and attitudes has the largest influence, whereas the government’s formal treatment of the public’s behavior and attitudes has the least influence. The findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for improving the SLO for NIMBY infrastructure projects and promoting the sustainable development of these projects. Full article

Solid waste disposal and management have become a global problem, which is particularly tricky in China with its large population and rapid urbanization. This study focused on the disposal status of multi-source solid waste as well as the park management of some typical cities of China. Firstly, the main technical methods for solid waste disposal were summarized as follows: landfill, incineration, anaerobic digestion and aerobic compost. Secondly, the network analysis method was applied to seek an optimized method for solid waste disposal and management. Thirdly, typical demonstration parks for solid waste disposal and management were analyzed to study their respective operating modes and strategies for synergistic development in terms of resources, environment and economy and to explore the sustainable development potential of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao operating mode. The results showed that the collaborative disposal and recycling of solid waste are important for cities (especially megacities) to achieve resource conservation and environmental protection. The NIMBY effect and environmental pollution risks caused by decentralized construction could be reduced through the construction of circular industrial parks. Advanced technologies and the national policy for solid waste disposal and recycling in industrial parks of small–medium cities, large–medium cities and megacities were systematically analyzed so as to explore a self-operating management mode of industrial parks. Finally, reasonable suggestions, such as sharing, saving and cycling and propaganda education, as well as green and low-carbon solutions were put forward for solid waste disposal and management in typical industrial parks, effectively resolving the contradiction between economic development and environmental protection so as to help urban sustainable development. Full article

“Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) conflicts have emerged as a significant challenge in the siting and construction of power grid projects. Traditional risk management methods are often inadequate for addressing the complex interactions between the multiple factors involved in such projects. To explain the relationship between different influencing factors, this paper constructs the hierarchy between the influencing factors using the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and carries out a causal analysis of NIMBY conflicts in power grid construction projects using the Bayesian network model. The results of the ISM hierarchical map show that high risk perception and construction practices lacking refinement are the most direct causes of NIMBY incidents. The Bayesian network model indicates that poor construction practices, negative public opinion, high risk perception, inadequate risk assessment and emergency response mechanisms, and negative externalities are the most sensitive factors within the causal system of NIMBY incidents and require priority attention. An increase in risk perception is also found to significantly escalate the severity of NIMBY conflicts. The insights gleaned in this study may provide valuable guidance for managing NIMBY conflicts in power grid construction projects. Full article

Community inclusion is a human right for all people, including people with mental illness. It is also an important part of individualized support to enable people experiencing mental illness to live in their preferred communities and to recover. In Taiwan, no study has investigated the social experiences of healthcare professionals. To fill this knowledge gap and inform ongoing mental health system strengthening, this study examined the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon observed while establishing community mental health clubhouses in Taiwan and corresponding experiences of community inclusion. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 16 purposively sampled frontline healthcare professionals from Taiwanese mental health clubhouses. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Two themes were identified: “NIMBY phenomenon: Community residents’ resistance to clubhouses” and “Measures adopted by the clubhouse for community inclusion”. Two categories with eleven subcategories emerged. The findings demonstrate the following conclusions. First, the NIMBY phenomenon is related to the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with mental disorders in society. Second, in Asian societies, mental disorders are associated with a particular social and cultural context. Third, the fear and rejection of individuals with mental disorders deepen their social exclusion. Forth, community mental health clubhouse models employ seven strategic approaches to community inclusion, listed as follows: capacity building for individuals, direct interaction with the public through community activities, provision of community services, life skills training, repairing and managing neighborhood relationships, assisting individuals in obtaining community employment, and conducting social education for community residents. Clearly, we need to combat social exclusion of people with mental illness and promote inclusive and accessible services and systems across sectors. Full article

The risk level of the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) phenomenon is crucial for the safety and economy of transmission and transformation projects which is rarely studied, especially for site selection and the construction of transmission lines and substations. In order to effectively evaluate the risk level to solve the dilemma caused by the NIMBY phenomenon, an evaluation method for quantifying the level of the NIMBY phenomenon is proposed. In this paper, thirty-one evaluation criteria and a risk model are put forward according to relevant laws and regulations that should be followed in the transmission and transformation project in China, then the scores corresponding to these criteria are obtained by a questionnaire survey. The radar chart method and minimum area method are applied to determine the weights of the element and unit layers. Furthermore, the overall risk level is evaluated by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. In addition, a transmission and transformation project in Xi’an City, China, is used as an example to verify the correction of the risk model and its evaluation method. The results show that the weaknesses in the transmission and transformation project are analyzed, and suggestions for decreasing the risk level are put forward to minimize losses due to the NIMBY phenomenon. Full article

Given the housing issues that people who have been in prison face, this article examines the permitting process to operate a vocational and life skills training program for the formerly incarcerated in Salt Lake City, UT, called The Other Side Academy (TOSA). This article employs participant observation, personal and public meeting conversations, planning division staff reports, public comments, and newspaper articles to answer the following question: How was TOSA described in the public input process for a conditional use permit? The author examines how TOSA neighbors first opposed the project and then came to support it. But even with community support, planning staff struggled to find a zoning code that would allow TOSA operations. In the end, the final decision to approve the conditional use permit came to the hearing officer, who sided in favor of TOSA. In this case, planners can learn about the zoning obstacles that reentry housing faces and how those obstacles can be overcome. Finally, academia and planning divisions need to better educate planners involved in administrative process into understanding the intent of the code to achieve just outcomes. Full article