Community Environmental Challenges and Constraints of Public Health Oriented Environmental Management in Local Governments

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18800/kawsaypacha.202502.A009

Keywords:

Environmental management, Public health, Local governments, Solid waste, Circular economy, Emerging technologies, Sustainability

Abstract

Public health-oriented environmental management in local governments faces critical challenges due to institutional, financial and technical constraints, together with inadequate waste management and a deficit in reliable data for decision making. This study, through a systematic review based on the PRISMA protocol, analyzes 32 scientific publications selected from international databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, with the aim of identifying constraints and proposing innovative strategies. Key issues include persistent environmental pollution, uncontrolled urban growth and limited citizen participation in environmental initiatives. Despite these challenges, promising strategies emerge such as the adoption of emerging technologies, circular economy approaches and data-driven methodologies for environmental monitoring. In addition, the importance of community education and participation to leverage effective policies is underscored. This analysis highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that strengthens local capacities and fosters multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable development and a significant improvement in quality of life.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aendo, P.; Netvichian, R.; Thiendedsakul, P.; Khaodhiar, S. & Tulayakul, P. (2022). Carcinogenic Risk of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr and Critical Ecological Risk of Cd and Cu in Soil and Groundwater around the Municipal Solid Waste Open Dump in Central Thailand. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022(1), 3062215. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3062215

Aguilar-Aguilar, A.; De León-Martínez, L. D.; Forgionny, A.; Acelas Soto, N. Y.; Mendoza, S. R. & Zárate-Guzmán, A. I. (2023). A systematic review on the current situation of emerging pollutants in Mexico: A perspective on policies, regulation, detection, and elimination in water and wastewater. Science of The Total Environment, 905, 167426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167426

Anonas, S. D. S.; Eugenio, F. D. T.; Flores, B.-H. F.; Balite, P. H. M.; Tomacruz, J. G. T.; Limjuco, L. A. & Ocon, J. D. (2023). From Waste to Renewable Energy: A Policy Review on Waste-to-Energy in the Philippines. Sustainability, 15(17), 12963. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712963

Awino, F. B. & Apitz, S. E. (2023). Solid waste management in the context of the waste hierarchy and circular economy frameworks: An international critical review. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 20(1), 9-35. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4774

Bates, G.; Hasan, M. N.; Barnfield, A. & Bondy, K. (2023). Urban policies and the creation of healthy urban environments: A review of government housing and transport policy documents in the United Kingdom. Journal of Urban Affairs, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2023.2260029

Beesigamukama, D.; Tanga, C. M.; Sevgan, S.; Ekesi, S. & Kelemu, S. (2023). Waste to value: Global perspective on the impact of entomocomposting on environmental health, greenhouse gas mitigation and soil bioremediation. Science of The Total Environment, 902, 166067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166067

Beunen, R. & Patterson, J. J. (2019). Analysing institutional change in environmental governance: Exploring the concept of ‘institutional work’. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 62(1), 12-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2016.1257423

Bishoge, O. K., Aremu, A. K., Ajayi, D. D., Mfinanga, S., & Muhimbili. (2022). The efforts made to solve environmental health problems in developing countries. A case from Mtwara town in Tanzania. Journal of Public Health and Development, 20(2), 253-266. https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2022/200219

Bouramdane, A.-A. (2023). Optimal Water Management Strategies: Paving the Way for Sustainability in Smart Cities. Smart Cities, 6(5), 2849-2882. https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6050128

Bu, W. & Ren, S. (2022). Does economic growth target constraint put pressure on green energy efficiency? Evidence from China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(11), 31171-31187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24316-7

Bui, T. D.; Tsai, F. M.; Tseng, M.-L. & Ali, M. H. (2020). Identifying sustainable solid waste management barriers in practice using the fuzzy Delphi method. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 154, 104625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104625

Cai, J.; Kwan, M.-P.; Kan, Z. & Huang, J. (2023). Perceiving noise in daily life: How real-time sound characteristics affect personal momentary noise annoyance in various activity microenvironments and times of day. Health & Place, 83, 103053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103053

Chaturvedi, R.; Darokar, H.; Patil, P. P.; Kumar, M.; Sangeeta, K.; Aravinda, K. & Kadhim, A. A. (2023). Maximizing towards the Sustainability: Integrating Materials, Energy, and Resource Efficiency in revolutionizing Manufacturing Industry. E3S Web of Conferences, 453, 01036. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202345301036

Eisenhauer, E.; Williams, K. C.; Warren, C.; Thomas-Burton, T.; Julius, S. & Geller, A. M. (2021). New Directions in Environmental Justice Research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Incorporating Recognitional and Capabilities Justice Through Health Impact Assessments. Environmental Justice, 14(5), 322-331. https://doi.org/10.1089/env.2021.0019

Ezeudu, O. B.; Ezeudu, T. S.; Ugochukwu, U. C.; Tenebe, I. T.; Ajogu, A. P.; Nwadi, U. V. & Ajaero, C. C. (2022). Healthcare Waste Management in Nigeria: A Review. Recycling, 7(6), 87. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling7060087

Hilly, J. J.; Singh, K. R.; Jagals, P.; Mani, F. S.; Turagabeci, A.; Ashworth, M.; Mataki, M.; Morawska, L.; Knibbs, L. D.; Stuetz, R. M. & Dansie, A. P. (2024). Review of scientific research on air quality and environmental health risk and impact for PICTS. Science of The Total Environment, 942, 173628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173628

Haddaway, N. R.; Page, M. J.; Pritchard, C. C. & McGuinness, L. A. (2022). PRISMA2020: An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020-compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18, e1230. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1230

Holmberg, K. & Persson, S. (2023). Keep plastics on a tight leash: Swedish public opinion on plastic policies. Environmental Science & Policy, 141, 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.01.005

Huang, S.-Z.; Sadiq, M. & Chien, F. (2021). The impact of natural resource rent, financial development, and urbanization on carbon emission. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(15), 42753-42765. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16818-7

Ibor, O. R.; Nnadozie, P.; Ogarekpe, D. M.; Idogho, O.; Anyanti, J.; Aizobu, D.; Onyezobi, C.; Chukwuka, A. V.; Adeogun, A. O. & Arukwe, A. (2023). Public health implications of endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water and aquatic food resources in Nigeria: A state-of-the-science review. Science of The Total Environment, 858, 159835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159835

Ibrahim, O.; Al-Kindi, G.; Qureshi, M. U. & Maghawry, S. A. (2022). Challenges and Construction Applications of Solid Waste Management in Middle East Arab Countries. Processes, 10(11), 2289. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112289

Ihsanullah, I.; Alam, G.; Jamal, A. & Shaik, F. (2022). Recent advances in applications of artificial intelligence in solid waste management: A review. Chemosphere, 309, 136631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136631

Koebele, E. A. (2020). Cross?Coalition Coordination in Collaborative Environmental Governance Processes. Policy Studies Journal, 48(3), 727-753. https://doi.org/10.1111/psj.12306

Krause, R. M.; Hawkins, C. V.; Park, A. Y. S. & Feiock, R. C. (2019). Drivers of Policy Instrument Selection for Environmental Management by Local Governments. Public Administration Review, 79(4), 477-487. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13025

Kushwah, S.; Gokarn, S.; Ahmad, E. & Pant, K. K. (2023). An empirical investigation of household’s waste separation intention: A dual-factor theory perspective. Journal of Environmental Management, 329, 117109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117109

Massarelli, C. (2024). Developing a Calculation Workflow for Designing and Monitoring Urban Ecological Corridors: A Case Study. Urban Science, 8(4), 169. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040169

McCaffrey, G.; Wilson, E.; Jonatansdottir, S.; Zimmer, L.; Zimmer, P.; Graham, I.; Snadden, D. & MacLeod, M. (2022). But is It Hermeneutic Enough?: Reading for Methodological Salience in a Scoping Review of Hermeneutics and Implementation Science. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, 16094069211070408. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211070408

Miao, G.; Michel, K. H. & Yuen, T. (2022). A Health Justice Agenda for Local Governments to Address Environmental Health Inequities. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 50(4), 758-768. https://doi.org/10.1017/jme.2023.17

Nandan, A.; Suresh, A.; Saole, P.; Jeevanasai, S.; Chandrasekaran, R.; Meili, L.; Wan Azelee, N. & Selvasembian, R. (2023). An Integrated Approach for Electronic Waste Management-Overview of Sources of Generation, Toxicological Effects, Assessment, Governance, and Mitigation Approaches. Sustainability, 15(24), 16946. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416946

Ngasala, T. M.; Masten, S. J. & Gasteyer, S. P. (2022). System-wide approaches to mitigate environmental and health impacts of water contamination. Water Policy, 24(1), 192-211. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.188

Noudeng, V.; Quan, N. V. & Xuan, T. D. (2022). A Future Perspective on Waste Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles in Lao PDR: Current Status and Challenges. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23), 16169. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316169

Obrecht, M. (2022). Assessment of environmental sustainability integration into higher education for future experts and leaders. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115223

Ozyilmaz, A.; Bayraktar, Y. & Olgun, M. F. (2023). Effects of public expenditures on environmental pollution: Evidence from G-7 countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(30), 75183-75194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-27733-4

Park, C.; Han, H.; Lee, Y.; Yoo, S.; Jung, D. & Chu, Y. (2020). A Case Study on the Evaluation of Environmental Health Status Focused on Multiple Impact and Environmental Justice. J Environ Health Sci, 46, 22-44. https://doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2020.46.1.22

Potter, J. D.; Brooks, C.; Donovan, G.; Cunningham, C. & Douwes, J. (2023). A perspective on green, blue, and grey spaces, biodiversity, microbiota, and human health. Science of The Total Environment, 892, 164772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164772

Raghutla, C. & Kolati, Y. (2023). Public-private partnerships investment in energy as new determinant of renewable energy: The role of political cooperation in China and India. Energy Reports, 10, 3092-3101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.09.139

Renfrew, D.; Vasilaki, V. & Katsou, E. (2024). Indicator based multi-criteria decision support systems for wastewater treatment plants. Science of The Total Environment, 915, 169903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169903

Roy, H.; Alam, S. R.; Bin-Masud, R.; Prantika, T. R.; Pervez, Md. N.; Islam, Md. S. & Naddeo, V. (2022). A Review on Characteristics, Techniques, and Waste-to-Energy Aspects of Municipal Solid Waste Management: Bangladesh Perspective. Sustainability, 14(16), 10265. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610265

Shao, X. (2023). Environmental Initiatives and Citizen Participation in the Local Government in China. Higher Education and Oriental Studies, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.54435/heos.v3i2.97

Shi, Q. & Xu, W. (2023). Low-Carbon Path Transformation for Different Types of Enterprises under the Dual-Carbon Target. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065167

Taonameso, S.; Mudau, L. S.; Traoré, A. N. & Potgieter, N. (2022). Urban water conundrums in Zimbabwe – the role of water policy and its implementation gaps. Water Supply, 22(3), 3526-3539. https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2021.386

Vuppaladadiyam, S. S. V.; Vuppaladadiyam, A. K.; Sahoo, A.; Urgunde, A.; Murugavelh, S.; Šrámek, V.; Poho?elý, M.; Trakal, L.; Bhattacharya, S.; Sarmah, A. K.; Shah, K. & Pant, K. K. (2024). Waste to energy: Trending key challenges and current technologies in waste plastic management. Science of The Total Environment, 913, 169436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169436

Wang, M.; Qin, K.; Li, J. & Yang, S. (2025). Explaining the transmission mechanism of social-ecological systems adaptive cycling on path dependency in resource-based cities: Evidence from Shanxi Province, China. Sustainable Futures, 9, 100449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100449

Whiley, H.; Smith, J. C.; Moore, N.; Burton, R.; Conci, N.; Psarras, H. & Ross, K. E. (2023). Climate Change and Health: Challenges to the Local Government Environmental Health Workforce in South Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(14), 6384. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146384

Wu, D.; Liu, H.; Wu, J.; Gao, X.; Nyasha, N. K.; Cai, G. & Zhang, W. (2022). Bi-Directional Pollution Characteristics and Ecological Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil and Crops in Wanjiang Economic Zone, Anhui Province, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9669. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159669

Xin, L.; Sun, H. & Xia, X. (2022). Renewable energy technology innovation and inclusive low-carbon development from the perspective of spatiotemporal consistency. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(8), 20490-20513. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23556-x

Yang, C.; Hao, C.; Huang, L.; Qiu, X. & Chen, X. (2023). Significant importance of negative affect and satisfaction with local governmental air control of objective air pollution, perceived air quality, and pro-environmental behavior relationships. Journal of Public Health, 33(1), 33-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-023-02004-1

Zhang, Z.; Chen, Z.; Zhang, J.; Liu, Y.; Chen, L.; Yang, M.; Osman, A. I.; Farghali, M.; Liu, E.; Hassan, D.; Ihara, I.; Lu, K.; Rooney, D. W. & Yap, P.-S. (2024). Municipal solid waste management challenges in developing regions: A comprehensive review and future perspectives for Asia and Africa. Science of The Total Environment, 930, 172794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172794

Zhao, W. & Irfan, M. (2023). Does healthy city construction facilitate green growth in China? Evidence from 279 cities. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(46), 102772-102789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-29554-x

Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

Fernández Vásquez, W. (2025). Community Environmental Challenges and Constraints of Public Health Oriented Environmental Management in Local Governments. Revista Kawsaypacha: Sociedad Y Medio Ambiente, (16), A-009. https://doi.org/10.18800/kawsaypacha.202502.A009

Issue

Section

ACADEMIC ARTICLES AND ESSAY