Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Creating a Roadmap to Forecast Future Directions in Vertical Green Structures as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy: A Critical Review of Technology-Driven Applications
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114543 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Urbanization exacerbates climate change impacts, making it crucial to develop innovative strategies for adaptation and mitigation. In this context, the “smartness” concept must be seen as the technical capability to forecast and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining livability and safety. This paper
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Urbanization exacerbates climate change impacts, making it crucial to develop innovative strategies for adaptation and mitigation. In this context, the “smartness” concept must be seen as the technical capability to forecast and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining livability and safety. This paper investigates the use of Vertical Green Structures (VGSs) as a mitigation strategy. Through a critical review of technology-driven applications, this research identifies key motivations and challenges in VGSs’ technological integration and implementation, governance frameworks, and community engagement. Methodologically, it employs a critical case analysis and categorizes the technologies based on multicriteria; it also explores the potential to implement smart green infrastructure (GI) in cities and the GI urban governance that was developed in previous decades to adopt these systems at an urban scale and increase the community’s awareness of them. The findings reveal diverse motivations driving technology and VGS integration, ranging from economic incentives to environmental sustainability. Additionally, this contribution explores possible future directions for VGSs and highlights three scenarios derived after the multidimensional impacts of climate change with their pros and cons in future cities. Multidisciplinary collaboration emerges as a crucial factor in optimizing technology implementations in VGSs and fostering a transition from nature-based solutions to technology-based solutions in urban sustainability initiatives.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Green Infrastructures on Air Quality in Urban Spaces)
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Sustainability Assessment of Urban Public Transport for SDG Using Geospatial Big Data
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Qinghua Zhang, Chuansheng Liu, Linlin Lu, Jangling Hu and Yu Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114542 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle
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Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle transportation problems. This study focuses on Guilin City, which is designated as an innovation demonstration zone for the national sustainable development agenda. The research conducted in this study examines the state of public transportation in six urban areas of Guilin City from 2015 to 2021, utilizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator system, evaluation method, geospatial analysis, and entropy value method. The findings reveal that the coverage area of public transportation in the six urban areas of Guilin City expanded from 147.98 km2 in 2015 to 259.18 km2 in 2021. The percentage of the population with access to public transportation increased from 69.06% in 2015 to 71.63% in 2018 and further to 75.60% in 2021. While the accessibility of public transportation in the other four districts exceeds 90%, Lingui District and Yanshan District have lower accessibility, but it is gradually improving. The center of gravity for public transportation is also shifting towards the southwest, with Lingui District and Yanshan District experiencing gradual development. The evaluation score for sustainable development increased from 64.30 to 74.48, indicating a transition from a low sustainable development level to medium sustainable development level. Significant progress has been made in the indicators of the share of new energy buses, the rate of bus sharing, the coverage rate of bus stops, and the number of public transportation vehicles per 10,000 people. However, the indicators for the average distance between bus stops, the average speed of public transportation, and the density of public transportation routes are growing at a slower pace. The development of urban public transportation continues to improve, and the overall trend is positive. The sustainable development evaluation framework and positioning method proposed in this study serve as a reference for the sustainable development of Guilin City. Additionally, it provides insights for evaluating the sustainable development goals of public transportation in tourist cities like Guilin in China and worldwide.
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Open AccessArticle
Microplastic Evaluation in Water and Sediments of a Dam Reservoir–Riverine System in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania
by
Iulian Pojar, Oana Dobre, Constantin Lazăr, Teodora Baboș, Oana Ristea, Alina Constantin and Nicoleta Cristoiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4541; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114541 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer,
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The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer, as well as in the surface and deep sediments of the Siriu Reservoir in the Buzău River system, which is located in the southern area of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. There was a discrepancy between MP abundancy in both water and sediment samples collected near the reservoir (5.3 MPs/m3, 315.5 MPs/kg) and at several kilometers downstream of the dam (1.4 MPs/m3, 132.5 MPs/kg). The chronological accumulation of MPs in the lacustrine sediments was determined by analyzing 5 cm intervals of a 50 cm length core extracted from the reservoir bed. By comparing the concentration of MPs identified in each interval with the solid debit volumes registered in the last decade, we found that flood events could be traced easily due to abundant MP accumulation. Morphologically, the particles were observed mainly as fibers and fragments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-iR) investigations identified most of the MPs as polypropylene (28%), polyethylene (26%), and polyethylene terephthalate (19%).
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Learning Process: Assessing the Effectiveness of Teaching Methodology by Analyzing Spatial and Temporal Properties of a Student as a Subject
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Natalya Chernova, Jamila Mustafina, Manoj Jayabalan and Dhiya Al-Jumeily
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114540 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The article outlines the personality of a student as the single channel through which knowledge flows within the cognitive theory of “learning”. This sustainable process is the means of mediating the thought activity of an individual in a higher school. The study estimates
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The article outlines the personality of a student as the single channel through which knowledge flows within the cognitive theory of “learning”. This sustainable process is the means of mediating the thought activity of an individual in a higher school. The study estimates personal qualities of a student through the capacity for self-organization, self-regulation, self-development, and realization of the self in the process of cognitive development. The aim is to show how the degree of these capabilities’ influences achieving the fourth goal, “Quality Education”, from the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations is determined. Participants were second year students (n = 120) of Naberezhnochelninsky Institute, the branch of Kazan Federal University. They were assigned to Experimental Groups following the “participation” pattern and Control Groups following the standard teaching methodology. The methodological structure presented is an important step towards putting “smart education” into practice. Attempts are made to show that subjective attitude on the part of the students is an indispensable condition for contribution to self-development as a multidimensional system having a complex structure. With respect to it, a multi-level system of estimation, considered in development with stability and variability (statics and dynamics) being joined dialectically (progress line and regression line), is designed. The obtained data provide evidence of the necessity for changing the basis of educational processes towards formation of subject’s capabilities while studying academic disciplines. This methodology provides for developing a selective approach to every student.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Spatio-Temporally Heterogeneous Impact of Traffic Network Structure on Ride-Hailing Emissions Using Shenzhen, China, as a Case Study
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Wenyuan Gao, Chuyun Zhao, Yu Zeng and Jinjun Tang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4539; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114539 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The rise of ride-hailing services presents innovative solutions for curbing urban carbon emissions, yet poses challenges such as fostering fair competition and integrating with public transit. Analyzing the factors influencing ride-hailing emissions is crucial for understanding their relationship with other travel modes and
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The rise of ride-hailing services presents innovative solutions for curbing urban carbon emissions, yet poses challenges such as fostering fair competition and integrating with public transit. Analyzing the factors influencing ride-hailing emissions is crucial for understanding their relationship with other travel modes and devising policies aimed at steering individuals towards more environmentally sustainable travel options. Therefore, this study delves into factors impacting ride-hailing emissions, including travel demand, land use, demographics, and transportation networks. It highlights the interplay among urban structure, multi-modal travel, and emissions, focusing on network features such as betweenness centrality and accessibility. Employing the COPERT (Computer Programme to Calculate Emissions from Road Transport) model, ride-hailing emissions are calculated from vehicle trajectory data. To mitigate statistical errors from multicollinearity, variable selection involves tests and correlation analysis. Geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) with an adaptive kernel function is designed to understand key influencing mechanisms, overcoming traditional GTWR limitations. It can dynamically adjust bandwidth based on the spatio-temporal distribution of data points. Experiments in Shenzhen validate this approach, showing a 9.8% and 10.8% increase in explanatory power for weekday and weekend emissions, respectively, compared to conventional GTWR. The discussion of findings provides insights for urban planning and low-carbon transport strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable and Smart Traffic Variation, Development and Analysis toward Multi-model and Multi-source Data)
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Open AccessArticle
Vegetation Types Can Affect Soil Organic Carbon and δ13C by Influencing Plant Inputs in Topsoil and Microbial Residue Carbon Composition in Subsoil
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Yuxin Sun, Xia Wang, Yuanye Zhang, Wenhui Duan, Jieyi Xia, Jinhong Wu and Tao Deng
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114538 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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Plantation is an economical and effective method of ecological restoration, which is also a common means to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, the effects of vegetation types on SOC accumulation and δ13C distribution during ecological restoration are still not
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Plantation is an economical and effective method of ecological restoration, which is also a common means to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, the effects of vegetation types on SOC accumulation and δ13C distribution during ecological restoration are still not clear. Therefore, we evaluated the soils under four types of restoration measures: plantation (PL, dominated by Olea europaea ‘Leccino’), grasslands [GLs, Setaria viridis], croplands [CLs, Zea mays] and shrublands (SLs, Lycium chinense Mill), after 11-year restoration. SOC and the natural stable carbon isotope abundance in four recovery modes were determined, while amino sugars (ASs) and lignin phenols (LPs) were used as biomarkers to identify microbial- and plant-derived carbon, respectively. The results showed that SOC, AS, and LP decreased with the increasing of soil depth, and SOC and LP showed the same trend in topsoil (0–20 cm). ASs in subsoil (40–50 cm) were significantly higher in GLs than that in CLs and the PL, while fungi residue carbon in GLs was significantly higher in subsoil. The δ13C in topsoil was mainly affected by plant factors, especially by litter. With the increasing soil depth, the effect of plants on δ13C decreased, and the effect of microorganisms increased. Vegetation types could affect SOC and δ13C by influencing plant inputs in topsoil. In the subsoil, differences in microbial compositions under different vegetation types could affect δ13C enrichment. The study revealed the effects of vegetation types on SOC accumulation and δ13C distribution during ecological restoration, emphasized that vegetation types can affect SOC accumulation by influencing the plant input of topsoil and the microbial compositions in subsoil, and provided a reference for the development of management policies in restoration areas.
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Open AccessArticle
Study on the Urban Expansion of Typical Tibetan Plateau Valley Cities and Changes in Their Ecological Service Value: A Case Study of Xining, China
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Zemin Zhi, Fenggui Liu, Qiong Chen, Qiang Zhou and Weidong Ma
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4537; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114537 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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The accelerated urbanization process drives urban spatial expansion, making it essential to clarify the driving factors of this expansion and the corresponding ecosystem service value (ESV) response for effective regional urban planning. We selected Xining City, a typical plateau valley city with a
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The accelerated urbanization process drives urban spatial expansion, making it essential to clarify the driving factors of this expansion and the corresponding ecosystem service value (ESV) response for effective regional urban planning. We selected Xining City, a typical plateau valley city with a spatial layout constrained by mountainous and riverine topography, as our study area. We analyzed land changes in Xining City over the past 20 years using the land transfer matrix and the PLUS model, and predicted land use changes under different scenarios for 2030. By combining these analyses with the improved unit area equivalent factor method, we quantitatively assessed the drivers of urban expansion in the main urban area of Xining City from 2000 to 2030 and estimated the ESV. The results showed that: (1) Over the past two decades, Xining City has experienced notable urban expansion, particularly along the Huangshui River, Beichuan River, and Nanchuan River. The urban construction land is mainly converted from cropland and grassland, and the simulation results under different scenarios in the future of 2030 show that the area of cropland and grassland continues to decrease. (2) The spatial expansion of urban areas in Xining City is primarily influenced by topographical factors, with urban transportation planning exerting a secondary influence. Distinct levels of roads exhibit varying degrees of impact on the expansion of constructed areas, with tertiary roads demonstrating the most widespread and substantial influence. Conversely, factors such as population density, GDP, and proximity to government have lesser influence on urban expansion. (3) The ecosystem service value (ESV) of Xining City exhibits a general decline from 2000 to 2030, marked by a significant loss of arable land and grassland and substantial shifts in ESV. Simulated ESV outcomes under diverse scenarios for 2030 consistently underscore that, irrespective of policy orientations, urban expansion and development, despite guarantees for urban, cropland, and ecological preservation, inevitably engender diminishing ecosystem service functionalities.
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Open AccessEditorial
Behavioral Eco-Wellness
by
Bruce Barrett
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4536; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114536 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The impending climate catastrophe and the worldwide epidemics of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are linked to many of the same behaviors, especially to what people eat and how they move around [...]
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(This article belongs to the Section Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Networking between Entrepreneurial Alertness and the Success of Entrepreneurial Firms
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Mir Satar, Sager Alharthi, Muzaffar Asad, Amer Alenazy and Muhammad Uzair Asif
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4535; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114535 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Entrepreneurial firms’ success is significantly influenced by their capacity to seize market opportunities. At the same time, little is known about when and how entrepreneurs’ alertness to the potential for business opportunities and how it influences their success. To fill this vacuum in
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Entrepreneurial firms’ success is significantly influenced by their capacity to seize market opportunities. At the same time, little is known about when and how entrepreneurs’ alertness to the potential for business opportunities and how it influences their success. To fill this vacuum in the literature on entrepreneurship, the current study focused on identifying the impact that fluctuations in the degree of entrepreneurial networking cause on the relationship between three pertinent dimensions of entrepreneurial attentiveness and the success of entrepreneurial firms. Based on primary data collected from 384 entrepreneurial firms that are operating in Pakistan, using an adapted questionnaire, this study discovered that improvements in dimensions of entrepreneurial alertness have a beneficial impact on the success of entrepreneurial firms. Moreover, the moderating role of entrepreneurial networking has proved significant in the relationships. The effect size of the moderator is also significant and large. This study is also important for the sustainability of entrepreneurial firms because the more they are successful in their mission, the more they will be sustainable. Moreover, the moderating role of entrepreneurial networking that helps them in times of crisis also improves their sustainability. This study also revealed how entrepreneurial alertness works as a driver of entrepreneurial business success and how success is magnified in the presence of a higher degree of entrepreneurial networking. The theoretical, managerial, and policy ramifications of the study are explained at the end, along with limitations and recommendations for future researchers.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Forecasting Sustainable Development Indicators in Romania: A Study in the European Context
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Alexandra-Nicoleta Ciucu (Durnoi), Corina Ioanăș, Marioara Iordan and Camelia Delcea
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4534; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114534 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Sustainable development is a very important and highly debated concept worldwide, with almost all states around the globe recognizing the importance of supporting a balancing of economic, social and ecological plans to create a more prosperous and equitable world. The purpose of the
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Sustainable development is a very important and highly debated concept worldwide, with almost all states around the globe recognizing the importance of supporting a balancing of economic, social and ecological plans to create a more prosperous and equitable world. The purpose of the current study is to identify the current context of the progress achieved by the EU member states regarding the 17 sustainable development objectives. Following the implemented research, it was found that Romania is one of the countries with the lowest performance, so an attempt was made to make a short-term forecast in the case of this country in order to determine its future course. In this sense, the Holt–Winters trend methods were used, which are based on historical data to predict future values. According to the analysis carried out, the predicted values are mainly encouraging, but it is necessary for the competent authorities to become more involved because, in many aspects, Romania is at the bottom of the European Union (EU) ranking regarding the analyzed indicators.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Analysis and Decision Making for Sustainable Development)
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Coupling and Coordination Analysis of Digital Economy and Green Agricultural Development: Evidence from Major Grain Producing Areas in China
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Hui Yang and Xiangda Xu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4533; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114533 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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Analyzing the coupled coordination of the digital economy (DE) and agricultural green development (AGD) and exploring the main influencing factors affecting their coupled coordination are key to achieving high-quality and sustainable development in agriculture. These measures are also crucial for achieving the United
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Analyzing the coupled coordination of the digital economy (DE) and agricultural green development (AGD) and exploring the main influencing factors affecting their coupled coordination are key to achieving high-quality and sustainable development in agriculture. These measures are also crucial for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation system including two subsystems, DE and AGD, and firstly measured the development of DE and AGD and their trends in 13 provinces in China’s main grain-producing areas during the decade from 2012 to 2021 using EW-TOPSIS. Secondly, the coupling coordination development (CCD) model was used to analyze the static results and dynamic evolution process of CCD of the DE and AGD subsystems in the study area. Finally, the gray correlation degree (GCD) model was used to identify the main influencing factors in the interaction between the two systems in 2012 and 2021. The results show the following: (1) The development levels of DE and AGD generally rose during the study period, but the development level gap between regions was obvious, and the development of DE relatively lagged behind. (2) The level of CCD increased year by year, and the overall process changed from “uncoordinated” to “coordinated”. (3) At the beginning of the study period, the development achievements of DE had a great impact on the process of AGD. The application of advanced agricultural technology in the AGD system and the process of agricultural industry upgrading had a profound impact on the development of DE. However, a decade later, the main factors had changed. This paper analyzes the results of the above empirical study in time and space, aiming to provide policymakers with new working ideas to achieve the SDGs.
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Influencing Factors and Prediction of the Peak Value of Industrial Carbon Emission in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region
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Hanyue Fang and Hongbing Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4532; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114532 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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The greenhouse effect has a negative impact on social and economic development. Analyzing the factors influencing industrial carbon emissions and accurately predicting the peak of industrial carbon emissions to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality is therefore vital. The annual data from 2000
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The greenhouse effect has a negative impact on social and economic development. Analyzing the factors influencing industrial carbon emissions and accurately predicting the peak of industrial carbon emissions to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality is therefore vital. The annual data from 2000 to 2022 were used to study the influencing factors of carbon emission and the path of carbon emission reduction. In this study, the gray correlation method and stepwise regression method were used to explore the effective factors that met the significance test and the STIRPAT expansion model was constructed to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of industrial carbon emissions in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. Finally, the changing trend of regional industrial carbon emissions is predicted by scenario analysis and four development scenarios are set up, which show that (1) from 2000 to 2022, the change in total industrial carbon emissions in Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality presents an inverted U-shaped trend, reaching a phased peak in 2013 and 2014, respectively, then declining and then rising again after 2018. (2) Industrial scale foreign trade dependence and population are the effective factors of industrial carbon emission in Sichuan, and all have positive effects. Energy structure and per capita income are the effective factors in Chongqing, showing negative and positive effects, respectively. (3) Analysis of four scenarios shows that the time range of the industrial carbon peak in the Sichuan-Chongqing region is 2030–2035 and that its peak height ranges from 81.98 million tons to 87.64 million tons. Among them, the green development scenario is the most consistent path to achieve the carbon peak as soon as possible; in this case, industrial carbon emissions will peak in 2030, in line with the national target time, and the lowest peak level of 81.98 million tons. The suggestions in this paper are continuously optimizing the energy structure, adjusting the industrial scale, and accelerating scientific and technological progress to achieve sustainable development.
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Open AccessArticle
Advancing Spatiotemporal Pollutant Dispersion Forecasting with an Integrated Deep Learning Framework for Crucial Information Capture
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Yuchen Wang, Zhengshan Luo, Yulei Kong and Jihao Luo
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4531; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114531 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
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This study addressed the limitations of traditional methods in predicting air pollution dispersion, which include restrictions in handling spatiotemporal dynamics, unbalanced feature importance, and data scarcity. To overcome these challenges, this research introduces a novel deep learning-based model, SAResNet-TCN, which integrates the strengths
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This study addressed the limitations of traditional methods in predicting air pollution dispersion, which include restrictions in handling spatiotemporal dynamics, unbalanced feature importance, and data scarcity. To overcome these challenges, this research introduces a novel deep learning-based model, SAResNet-TCN, which integrates the strengths of a Residual Neural Network (ResNet) and a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN). This fusion is designed to effectively capture the spatiotemporal characteristics and temporal correlations within pollutant dispersion data. The incorporation of a sparse attention (SA) mechanism further refines the model’s focus on critical information, thereby improving efficiency. Furthermore, this study employed a Time-Series Generative Adversarial Network (TimeGAN) to augment the dataset, thereby improving the generalisability of the model. In rigorous ablation and comparison experiments, the SAResNet-TCN model demonstrated significant advances in predicting pollutant dispersion patterns, including accurate predictions of concentration peaks and trends. These results were enhanced by a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) and an additive-by-addition approach, which identified the optimal combination of input variables for different scenarios by examining their impact on the model’s performance. This study also included visual representations of the maximum downwind hazardous distance (MDH-distance) for pollutants, validated against the Prairie Grass Project Release 31, with the Protective Action Criteria (PAC) and Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels serving as hazard thresholds. This comprehensive approach to contaminant dispersion prediction aims to provide an innovative and practical solution for environmental hazard prediction and management.
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Open AccessArticle
Direct and Spillover Effects: How Do Community-Based Organizations Impact the Social Integration of Passive Migrants?
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Caining Yang and Hongyu Xu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114530 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
With the rapid process of urbanization and constant changes in ecological environments, passive migration programs have been popularized among many governments worldwide as a prevalent adaptation strategy. Poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) emerges as one of China’s flagship initiatives, as the government has shifted
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With the rapid process of urbanization and constant changes in ecological environments, passive migration programs have been popularized among many governments worldwide as a prevalent adaptation strategy. Poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) emerges as one of China’s flagship initiatives, as the government has shifted its focus from investing in villages with harsh natural conditions to the construction of centralized high-density resettlement communities in small counties and peri-urban regions. The sustainability and well-being of migrants within resettlement communities play a vitally important role in the effectiveness of this program. In line with the integration theory, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and a household survey covering 287 PAR migrant households were conducted to analyze how community-based organizations (CBOs) influence the social integration of PAR migrants. The findings are as follows: (1) Both participants and non-participants in CBOs show higher levels of neighborhood interaction, behavioral adaptation, and identity recognition. However, no significant advantage is yielded by their economic integration. (2) The mechanism of CBOs impacting the social integration of migrants varies between participants and non-participants. The social integration of those migrants participating in a CBO experience increased through cooperation-based social interaction, adherence to organizational norms, and enhanced self-efficacy. In contrast, the social integration of non-participants in CBOs within the same community results from such mechanisms as service delivery-based social interaction, social learning, and community solidarity. Therefore, this article highlights the significance attached to developing CBOs as a sustainable development strategy for passive migrants. Additionally, to better support passive migrants in eliminating poverty, governments are advised to implement sustainable economic support plans through CBOs, with a particular focus on long-term employment assistance programs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immigrants, Social Integration and Sustainable Rural Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Anesthesia: Insights from Austrian Experts—A Qualitative Interview Study
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Sascha Hammer, Kordula Lang-Illievich, Lioba Heuschneider, Mathias Bader and Helmar Bornemann-Cimenti
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114529 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The implementation of low-carbon healthcare practices will be significantly enhanced by the role of anesthesia personnel. While there is a lack of data on the specific measures being implemented by anesthesia departments in Austria, we conducted interviews with six experts in sustainability within
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The implementation of low-carbon healthcare practices will be significantly enhanced by the role of anesthesia personnel. While there is a lack of data on the specific measures being implemented by anesthesia departments in Austria, we conducted interviews with six experts in sustainability within anesthesia to address this knowledge gap. These experts provided insights on strategies for reducing the CO2 impact in the operating theatre, the level of interest among anesthetists in sustainability, the role of green teams in hospitals, and future prospects for sustainable anesthesia. While Austria has made progress in reducing the use of Desfluran, waste separation within operating theatres remains a significant issue. Green teams are present in hospitals, but there is a need for the greater inclusion of anesthetists and clinical staff. The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the field of anesthesia, and the past three years have witnessed a significant push towards reducing CO2 emissions in hospitals across Austria. The experts identified key steps towards achieving sustainable anesthesia, emphasizing the need for an internal motivation to drive meaningful change. This study highlights the numerous measures that have already been implemented in the pursuit of sustainability in anesthesia and the ongoing efforts towards further improvement.
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(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Intellectual Capital on Sustainable Performance: Banking Sector in Saudi Arabia
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Omer Ahmed Sayed and Aida Nefzi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4528; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114528 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of intellectual capital on the sustainable performance of banks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the period from 2012 to 2022. Utilizing data from 10 major Saudi banks, the research examines how different components of intellectual capital—Human capital efficiency
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This study investigates the impact of intellectual capital on the sustainable performance of banks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the period from 2012 to 2022. Utilizing data from 10 major Saudi banks, the research examines how different components of intellectual capital—Human capital efficiency (HCE), Structural capital efficiency (SCE), and Capital employed efficiency (CEE)—influence key financial performance indicators such as return on equity (ROE) and Net profit margin (NPM). The study is grounded in the resource-based view of the firm, which suggests that a firm’s internal resources can provide a sustainable competitive advantage. The analysis employs panel data techniques, including fixed and random effect models, to assess the relationships between intellectual capital components and bank performance while controlling for variables like bank size (SIZE), financial leverage (LEV), gross domestic product growth (GGDP), inflation (INF), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (COV). The findings reveal that intellectual capital significantly enhances bank performance in Saudi Arabia, with human capital efficiency showing the most decisive influence on ROE and NPM. Structural capital and capital employed efficiency also contribute positively but vary in their impact on different performance measures. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of the role of intellectual capital in promoting sustainable banking practices. It underscores the importance of the strategic management of intellectual capital in enhancing financial performance and achieving sustainability goals, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The study’s insights are relevant for bank managers and policymakers who leverage intellectual capital for economic diversification and sustainable development.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Desertification Dynamics in Arid Coastal Areas by Integrating Remote Sensing Data and Statistical Techniques
by
Samia S. Hasan, Omar A. Alharbi, Abdullah F. Alqurashi and Amr S. Fahil
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114527 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Arid coastal regions are threatened by land desertification, which poses a serious threat to desert ecosystems, urban areas, and sustainability on a local as well as global scale. The present study aims to map desertification and the degree of its severity over the
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Arid coastal regions are threatened by land desertification, which poses a serious threat to desert ecosystems, urban areas, and sustainability on a local as well as global scale. The present study aims to map desertification and the degree of its severity over the Jazan province on the western coast of Saudi Arabia. This investigation was conducted through the integration of remote sensing data (2001 and 2020) and statistical techniques. A scatter diagram, Karl Pearson correlation coefficient, and significance p-value test were performed on various spectral indices and tasseled cap transformation (TCT) derivative matrices to determine the strong significant relation of the spectral indices combination. Based on these analyses, the desertification degree index (DDI) was developed using a NDVI–TCG combination. The desertification grades were mapped and categorized into five classes, namely, non-desertification, low, moderate, severe, and extreme desertification. The results indicated that the spatial distribution of desertification grades declined from west to east during the period from 2001 to 2020. The degree of desertification improved during the study period since there was a significant reduction in extremely serious desertification land by 15.5% and an increase in weak desertification land by 7.8%. The dynamic changes in the DDI classes in the Jazan province mainly involve transformation from extremely serious to serious, serious to moderate, and moderate to weak, with areas of 2268.1 km2, 1518.5 km2, and 1062.5 km2, respectively. Generally, over the 19-year period, the restoration of vegetated areas accounted for 41.99% of the total study area, while desertification degradation land represented 15.57% of the total area of the Jazan province.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Amazon Deforestation and Global Meat Consumption Trends: An Assessment of Land Use Change and Market Data from Rondônia That Shows Why We Should Consider Changing Our Diets
by
Veronica Garcia Donoso, Mayumi C. M. Hirye, Christiane Gerwenat and Christa Reicher
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114526 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
This paper seeks to elucidate the interrelationship between global meat consumption and deforestation in the Amazon region. To this end, empirical research is conducted to investigate land use changes in Rondônia and the expansion of pasture areas and beef production. Brazil is one
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This paper seeks to elucidate the interrelationship between global meat consumption and deforestation in the Amazon region. To this end, empirical research is conducted to investigate land use changes in Rondônia and the expansion of pasture areas and beef production. Brazil is one of the largest beef producers in the world, with products destined for local and global markets. Based on bibliographical research, the paper analyzes maps of land use change between 1985 and 2021, using Landsat satellite imagery and the MapBiomas methodology for Landsat mosaic and classification. The research shows that beef from Rondônia is primarily purchased and consumed in Brazil, but it is also bought and sold on the international market. Landsat imagery analysis shows the predominance of forest conversion to pasture in Rondônia. The results show that deforestation in the Amazon is directly linked to the growth of cattle ranching. Land use change from native forest to pasture for beef cattle production is a reality in the Brazilian Amazon, especially in Rondônia. It suggests the urgent need for more conscious consumption and production practices as well as ethical and sustainable eating habits.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Food System and Consumption)
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Open AccessReview
Fuzzy Machine Learning Applications in Environmental Engineering: Does the Ability to Deal with Uncertainty Really Matter?
by
Adriano Bressane, Ana Júlia da Silva Garcia, Marcos Vinícius de Castro, Stefano Donatelli Xerfan, Graziele Ruas and Rogério Galante Negri
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4525; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114525 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
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Statement of Problem: Environmental engineering confronts complex challenges characterized by significant uncertainties. Traditional modeling methods often fail to effectively address these uncertainties. As a promising direction, this study explores fuzzy machine learning (ML) as an underutilized alternative. Research Question: Although the
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Statement of Problem: Environmental engineering confronts complex challenges characterized by significant uncertainties. Traditional modeling methods often fail to effectively address these uncertainties. As a promising direction, this study explores fuzzy machine learning (ML) as an underutilized alternative. Research Question: Although the potential of fuzzy logic is widely acknowledged, can its capabilities truly enhance environmental engineering applications? Purpose: This research aims to deepen the understanding of the role and significance of fuzzy logic in managing uncertainty within environmental engineering applications. The objective is to contribute to both theoretical insights and practical implementations in this domain. Method: This research performs a systematic review carried out in alignment with PRISMA guidelines, encompassing 27 earlier studies that compare fuzzy ML with other methods across a variety of applications within the field of environmental engineering. Results: The findings demonstrate how fuzzy-based models consistently outperform traditional methods in scenarios marked by uncertainty. The originality of this research lies in its systematic comparison and the identification of fuzzy logic’s transparent, interpretable nature as particularly suited for environmental engineering challenges. This approach provides a new perspective on integrating fuzzy logic into environmental engineering, emphasizing its capability to offer more adaptable and resilient solutions. Conclusions: The analysis reveals that fuzzy-based models significantly excel in managing uncertainty compared to other methods. However, the study advocates for a case-by-case evaluation rather than a blanket replacement of traditional methods with fuzzy models. This approach encourages optimal selection based on specific project needs. Practical Implications: Our findings offer actionable insights for researchers and engineers, highlighting the transparent and interpretable nature of fuzzy models, along with their superior ability to handle uncertainties. Such attributes position fuzzy logic as a promising alternative in environmental engineering applications. Moreover, policymakers can leverage the reliability of fuzzy logic in developing ML-aided sustainable policies, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in environmental management.
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Open AccessEditorial
Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living
by
Valerio Giustino and Giuseppe Battaglia
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4524; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114524 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Physical exercise is a stimulus that induces psychological and physiological responses which lead to cell adaptations of different organ systems [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)
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