Blockchain Papers

Hammed Afolabi, Emre Parlakkaya

Abstract This chapter examines environmental sustainability and digital accountability in South Africa’s mining sector, a domain marked by the tension between economic development and enduring ecological and social harm. Through a conceptual and reflective approach, this chapter adopts a multi-theoretical lens, drawing on institutional theory, stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, economic theory and ecological modernisation theory to explore how social and environmental accounting (SEA) practices are shaped by regulatory frameworks, power dynamics, corporate disclosure strategies and technological innovation. Further, by using illustrative case examples, the analysis reveals a persistent gap between South Africa’s progressive environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and their uneven implementation. Also, it shows that institutional and legitimacy pressures often drive symbolic compliance, while stakeholder engagement processes remain exclusionary. At the same time, emerging digital ESG tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring, blockchain traceability and renewable energy systems, offer new possibilities for reform, though access and uptake remain unequal across firms and communities. This chapter presents a critical synthesis of theory and practice, highlighting the risks of techno-performative sustainability and proposing a more inclusive, participatory and justice-oriented approach to SEA in the Global South. Recommendations are offered across short, medium and long-term horizons, and future research directions are outlined to support empirical validation, comparative learning and deeper engagement with marginalised voices. This chapter contributes to both SEA literature and the practical reimagining of sustainability governance in resource-intensive economies.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah

The urgency of climate change has increased the need for effective mechanisms to reduce emissions and mobilize climate finance. Carbon markets provide a market-based approach through trading carbon credits from verified projects, but they face issues such as low transparency, double counting, weak monitoring, and lack of trust. This chapter examines how blockchain technology can address these challenges by improving transparency, traceability, and efficiency in carbon trading systems. Based on a conceptual review and global case studies, it highlights how blockchain enhances tracking, verification, and trading of carbon credits. The findings suggest that blockchain strengthens monitoring and reporting, reduces fraud risks, and improves accountability. It also enables more accessible and efficient carbon markets with broader stakeholder participation. The chapter concludes that blockchain-enabled carbon markets can enhance credibility and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.