A typology of sources, manifestations, and implications of environmental degradation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and classify sources, manifestations and implications of environmental degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the typological analysis is used to conceptualize environmental degradation and its components. Then, the concepts are disaggregated into some dimensions organized in row-and-column variables and a cross-tabulated matrix is constructed. Finally, different types of environmental degradation are identified, labeled and discussed.

Findings

The study distinguishes between two types of degradation as pollution and deterioration and accordingly identifies ten types (five pairs) of environmental degradation. Furthermore, the paper presents a conceptual framework and offers insights into the dynamic interchange between the causes and effects of environmental degradation.

Originality/value

The originality/value of this study resides in reducing the ambiguities associated with the concept of environmental degradation and offering a multidimensional framework that can be used in empirical research to organize propositions, test hypotheses, analyze data and construct indexes.

Citation

Yeganeh, K.H. (2020), "A typology of sources, manifestations, and implications of environmental degradation", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 765-783. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-02-2019-0036