Climate Action Research Articles

Integrated modeling of surface water and groundwater interactions in the Eastern Mitidja Plain, North Algeria: investigating the impact of human activities and climate change

ABSTRACT The study aims to investigate surface water (SW)–groundwater (GW) interactions in the Mitidja Plain (northern Algeria), taking into account the impacts of human activity and climate change emphasizing the alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action. The dynamic interactions between the El Hamiz River and the alluvial aquifer were studied using MODFLOW 6. A typical scenario analysis approach was employed, considering historical and projected climate conditions based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project version 5 and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 models, as well as current and projected GW abstraction rates. The findings reveal substantial changes in flow dynamics over time. In 1982, the aquifer refilled the river at a rate of 2.59 m3/s. In 2019, a new state was observed where the opposite occurred the river recharged the aquifer at a rate of 0.73 m3/s. This reduction in the flow rate can be attributed to over-pumping and declining recharge rates, and this pattern is anticipated to persist in the future. Furthermore, future forecasts indicate that GW overuse has a greater impact on GW dynamics compared to climate change. However, the adoption of saltwater desalination and enhanced irrigation methods could make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of GW resources, with an increase of up to approximately 14 m.

Analysis of contemporary climate adaptation policies in Ireland and their application to the coastal zone

Global climate change presents a range of impacts on Ireland's economy and society with particular challenges facing coastal areas. The need to adapt to these risks is considered both urgent and essential and the policy framework has evolved to meet these challenges with the adoption of climate action legislation and a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) to facilitate the transition to a climate-resilient economy and society by 2050. This paper briefly reviews the European and Irish government policy context for sectoral climate adaptation before reviewing and classifying the sectoral policy measures introduced to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. While the analysis reveals that progress has been made by adopting climate action legislation and by developing a suite of climate action focussed plans, it also demonstrates that the policy measures included in the Sectoral Adaptation Plans to reduce climate change vulnerabilities are limited in number and lacking in effectiveness. Furthermore, their application to cross-cutting themes, exemplified by the coast, is inadequate to deal with the practical climate change issues. These findings indicate that Ireland is at a preliminary stage when assessed according to the EU adaptation preparedness scorecard.

Hydrological cycle amplification imposes spatial patterns on the climate change response of ocean pH and carbonate chemistry

Abstract. ​​​​​​​Ocean CO2 uptake and acidification in response to human activities are driven primarily by the rise in atmospheric CO2 but are also modulated by climate change. Existing work suggests that this “climate effect” influences the uptake and storage of anthropogenic carbon and acidification via the global increase in ocean temperature, although some regional responses have been attributed to changes in circulation or biological activity. Here, we investigate spatial patterns in the climate effect on surface ocean acidification (and the closely related carbonate chemistry) in an Earth system model under a rapid CO2-increase scenario and identify a different driving process. We show that the amplification of the hydrological cycle, a robustly simulated feature of climate change, is largely responsible for the spatial patterns in this climate effect at the sea surface. This “hydrological effect” can be understood as a subset of the total climate effect, which includes warming, hydrological cycle amplification, circulation, and biological changes. We demonstrate that it acts through two primary mechanisms: (i) directly diluting or concentrating dissolved ions by adding or removing freshwater and (ii) altering the sea surface temperature, which influences the solubility of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and acidity of seawater. The hydrological effect opposes acidification in salinifying regions, most notably the subtropical Atlantic, and enhances acidification in freshening regions such as the western Pacific. Its single strongest effect is to dilute the negative ions that buffer the dissolution of CO2, quantified as alkalinity. The local changes in alkalinity, DIC, and pH linked to the pattern of hydrological cycle amplification are as strong as the (largely uniform) changes due to warming, explaining the weak increase in pH and DIC seen in the climate effect in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean.

Levelling up as green industrial policy

ABSTRACT The emergence of green industrial policy globally signals a growing awareness of climate action as central to policies that address regional economic disparities. In the UK, the newly elected Labour government’s economic vision of ‘securonomics’ corresponds with such an approach: positioning net zero as a key policy goal and the next terrain of ‘levelling up’ in the UK. Any green industrial policy in the UK will be place-based: with net zero both enabling and complicating how economic policy takes shape in regional and local contexts. This commentary highlights the key spaces in which net zero will take shape across the UK, with different communities experiencing processes of deindustrialisation or reindustrialisation as sectors decline and emerge. In advocating for a place-sensitive green industrial policy, it details how green jobs and skills will play a key role in any future just transition. With the regional geographies of net zero already taking shape, it highlights that climate action will be linked to patterns of emergence, change and decline that inscribe regional economies with new vulnerabilities, tensions and futures.

Child and Youth Friendly Justice for the Climate Crisis: Relying on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Abstract The climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and one of the worst affected groups is children and youth. This same group has been key to climate action in and outside of the courts. As well as engaging in numerous consultative fora such as cop, and in the introduction of a General Comment on the right of children to a healthy environment, they have gone on to become key litigators in climate cases/applications at both national and international level. These justice processes are, however, notoriously ill suited to the particular needs of children and youth. Child friendly justice is a concept which has been elaborated in recent years by the Council of Europe. Yet climate litigation is very different to the cases (e.g. in family law) in which children have traditionally been parties – amongst other things it can involve very public campaigns. This article considers child and youth friendly justice in the context of the climate crisis through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and through the concepts of access, participation, interests, and judgments.

Applying Systems Thinking to Sustainable Beef Production Management: Modeling-Based Evidence for Enhancing Ecosystem Services

We used systems thinking (ST) to identify the critical components of beef cattle production through the lens of ecosystem services (ES), offering a holistic approach to address its adverse externalities. We identified eight critical feedback loops in beef production systems: (i) grazing and soil health, (ii) manure management and soil fertility, (iii) feed efficiency and meat production, (iv) water use and soil moisture, (v) cultural services and community engagement, (vi) energy use, (vii) carbon sequestration and climate regulation, and (viii) environmental impact. Our analysis reveals how these interconnected loops influence each other, demonstrating the complex nature of beef production systems. The dynamic hypothesis identified through the loops indicated that improved grazing and manure management practices enhance soil health, leading to better vegetation growth and cattle nutrition, which, in turn, have a positive impact on economic returns to producers and society, all of which encourage the continuation of interlinked beef and ecosystem stewardship practices. The management of beef production ES using ST might help cattle systems across the globe to contribute to 9 of the 17 different United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the “zero hunger” and “climate action” goals. We discussed the evaluation framework for agrifood systems developed by the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity to illustrate how ST in beef cattle systems could be harnessed to simultaneously achieve the intended environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of beef cattle systems. Our analysis of the literature for modeling and empirical case studies indicates that ST can reveal hidden feedback loops and interactions overlooked by traditional practices, leading to more sustainable beef cattle production outcomes. ST offers a robust framework for enhancing ES in beef cattle production by recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological and agricultural systems, enabling policymakers and managers to develop more effective and sustainable strategies that ensure the long-term health and resilience of humans and ES.

Do attitudes toward air pollution influence climate change perception? Evidence from online customers in China

Abstract The perception of climate change as an abstract and distant concept hinders climate action. Previous studies suggest that individuals may conflate climate change and local air pollution due to misconceptions, as these environmental issues share similar emission sources and mitigation strategies. However, it remains uncertain whether leveraging the public's high perception of air pollution can lead to increased climate change awareness and supportive behaviors. In this study, we surveyed 1,236 Chinese online customers to explore the influence of air pollution perception on climate change perception and willingness to pay (WTP) for supporting climate actions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results revealed that higher air pollution perception, which is connected to an individual's living environment and health status, is significantly associated with higher climate change perception. Despite this link, higher climate change perception does not necessarily translate to higher WTP for climate actions. However, air pollution perception can indirectly increase WTP for climate actions by fostering avoidance behavior intentions. For practical implications, our findings suggest that an emphasis on the co-benefits of climate change mitigation efforts for improving air quality may help lead to greater policy support and understanding. Additionally, promoting individual behavioral changes requires connecting these issues to personal experiences and highlighting tangible benefits such as improved health and well-being.

Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health Among Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of climate change on mental health among vulnerable groups, including low-income populations, Indigenous communities, children, women, and the elderly, to highlight their unique vulnerabilities and mental health outcomes. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), addressing the need for climate resilience and mental health equity. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in social vulnerability theory, emphasizing how structural inequalities exacerbate the impact of climate change on mental health. The framework integrates psychological theories of eco-anxiety and solastalgia, which explain the mental distress caused by environmental changes. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. This involved a comprehensive search of academic databases, screening studies, and qualitatively synthesizing data from 35 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2023. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that climate change exacerbates mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD among vulnerable groups due to their limited adaptive capacity and exposure to climate-related hazards. Vulnerable communities, including Indigenous groups and low-income populations, experience heightened psychological impacts such as eco-anxiety and solastalgia. The results underscore the importance of integrating mental health considerations into climate adaptation policies and developing targeted interventions to enhance resilience among these populations. This study also supports global efforts toward achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Research Implication: The study suggests the need for comprehensive and equitable mental health strategies that prioritize vulnerable groups in climate change adaptation planning. Policymakers must consider social equity and community-based approaches to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change. Originality/Value: This review uniquely addresses the intersection of climate change and mental health within marginalized populations, emphasizing the need for mental health integration in climate adaptation frameworks. The study highlights the underexplored psychological dimensions of climate change, providing valuable insights for developing inclusive and sustainable adaptation strategies. sustainability

Integrating Livestock with Crops and Forestry for Sustainability

Global per capita consumption of animal protein is set to rise, particularly in developing economies, leading to a dramatic increase in meat consumption from 133 million tons in 1980 to 452 million tons by 2050. Notably, 86% of this increase, or 279 million tons, is expected to occur in developing countries. The expansion of animal-based agricultural systems, which cover 45% of the Earth's land area, presents significant challenges. These systems contribute substantially to agricultural emissions, including greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), and account for 8% of global water usage. The livestock sector is largely comprised of resource-constrained smallholders in developing nations. Environmental impacts arise from the lack of integration with other agricultural and forestry practices, disrupting the natural cycles of carbon, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This disruption leads to increased emissions of N2O and CH4, water contamination, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. To address these challenges and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction (SDG #1), hunger alleviation (SDG #2), clean water and sanitation (SDG #6), and climate action (SDG #13), it is essential to integrate livestock with crop and tree farming. Strategies to improve sustainability include incorporating pastures into crop rotations, using controlled grazing techniques, practicing agro-forestry such as alley cropping, and implementing systems like ley farming. Additional measures include precision feeding and protein matching to reduce enteric fermentation, repurposing emissions of CH4 and N2O, and effective manure management. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through diverse approaches, reducing product wastage, minimizing antibiotic use, and restoring rangelands to enhance soil carbon storage are also critical for achieving sustainable livestock practices.

Navigating the Nexus of Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy for the Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into renewable energy and sustainability represents a transformative approach toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study utilized the PRISMA framework to conduct a systematic review, focusing on the role of AI in renewable energy and sustainable development. This research utilized Scopus’s curated AI research area, which employs text mining to refine AI concepts into unique keywords. Further refinement via the All Science Journals Classification system and SDG-mapping filters narrowed the focus to publications relevant to renewable energy and SDGs. By employing the BERTopic modeling approach, our study identifies major topics, such as enhancing wind speed forecasts, performance analysis of fuel cells, energy management in elective vehicles, solar irradiance prediction, optimizing biofuel production, and improving energy efficiency in buildings. AI-driven models offer promising solutions to address the dynamic challenges of sustainable energy. Insights from academia-industry collaborations indicate that such partnerships significantly accelerate sustainable-energy transitions, with a focus on AI-driven energy storage, grid management, and renewable-energy forecasting. A global consensus on the critical role of investing in technology-driven solutions for energy sustainability was underscored by the relationship between funding data and global R&D spending patterns. This study serves as a resource for practitioners to harness AI technologies for renewable energy, where for example, AI’s accurate wind speed predictions can increase wind farm efficiency, highlighting the necessity of innovation and collaboration for sustainable development.

Harnessing the Link between Climate Change and Traditional Food Preservation Methods: Implications for Global Food Security and Public Health

Climate change is a global issue, which impacts the different geographical zones in different levels. It is also linked to numerous human health issues, which are a concern to human health. The impact of climate change on traditional methods of food preservation in Nigeria and the consequences for food security and health are examined in this research. Information from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) show that average temperatures are increasing and rainfall is decreasing, which are effects of climate change that affect agriculture, water resources, and traditional food preservation methods that are detrimental to public health.Traditional food preservation methods are critical for understanding the link between climate change and food security.This paper uses a case study of Nigeria to examine the effects of climate change on traditional food preservation practices and public health. The research focuses on the shifts in the conventional preservation techniques, the impact of these shifts on nutrition, and policy interventions for enhancing sustainable preservation of food. Climate change indicators such as temperature and rainfall were used as surrogates for climate change, food insecurity such as undernourishment rates were used for food security and nutritional health outcomes such as child stunting and micronutrient malnutrition. The study shows that climate change has a negative effect on food security since it reduces crop yields and enhances post-harvest losses. Sun-drying and smoking are the common preservation techniques that are now less efficient because of high humidity and unpredictable weather. As such, people are experiencing increased incidences of food wastage, nutritional imbalance, and food borne diseases especially with those people in rural regions. Furthermore, the study confirms the relationship between climate change and food insecurity, which has a negative impact on the health of pregnant women and children, especially under five years, and high under-five mortality despite a decrease in child mortality in the last decade.The results provide important regional information relevant to the entire Sub-Saharan Africa and useful to the international community in matters of climate change, food security and health. This study calls for the use of innovation that combines the conventional and contemporary methods of food preservation in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security systems. Furthermore, it underlines the need for the policy interventions that may prevent food borne illness and other diseases. These insights are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) 2, 3, and 13, namely; Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action, respectively.This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by linking climate change effects with food preservation practices and offering recommendations for improving food system vulnerability to climate change. It provides a clear picture of the prospects and constraints of mitigating climate change impacts on food insecurity and enhancing food security and health in the world.

Novel, eco-friendly α-tocopherol/layered double hydroxides/poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate)-based active packaging materials with enhanced antimicrobial, barrier and antioxidant activities

Among various climate actions taken as a response to environmental concerns, important and highly influential are ones related to the packaging industry being still one of the largest plastic sectors responsible for the majority of post-consumer wastes. Therefore, in this manuscript, for the first time assessment of the potential application of biodegradable bacterially derived poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (P(3HO)) doped with functional 2D nanoparticles as a more sustainable active packaging material has been investigated. In particular, P(3HO) combined with two types of layered double hydroxide (LDHs) modified with α-tocopherol (type of vitamin E) was applied for the fabrication of polymeric nanocomposite films and a comprehensive investigation of their structure and relevant properties (mechanical, barrier, bactericidal, and antioxidative) was performed. Permeation study revealed that P(3HO)-based films with 4 wt% tocopherol-modified nanoparticles meet the barrier requirements for storing fruits and vegetables, whereas antibacterial assay indicated inhibited growth of Gram-positive bacteria (particularly S. Aureus). Monitoring of polyphenols (PPH) content in strawberries after 6 days of storage at room conditions showed a slightly higher level of PPH with reference to fresh fruits, which indicates the preserved freshness of strawberries kept in P(3HO) containing 4 wt% Zn-based LDHs modified with tocopherol contrary to fruits kept in commercial polypropylene packaging which led to significant drop in PPH content. Thus, the application-focused experiments indicated that investigated P(3HO)-based nanocomposites are promising candidates for more sustainable active packaging that may extend the shelf-life of fruits and protect consumers from food-borne pathogenic bacteria.

Global Climate Change: Challenges, Opportunities, and Multilateral Strategies for Sustainable Development

Background: Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, demanding collaborative action from both developed and developing countries. Despite numerous international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, political will and leadership commitment have been inconsistent, hindering effective global climate action. Private actors and global partnerships have emerged as critical players in addressing climate risks, but geopolitical and economic tensions continue to impede progress. Objectives: This research explores the key challenges and opportunities in combating climate change, emphasizing the role of international cooperation, the involvement of private and public sectors, and the need for innovative solutions. It also seeks to examine the responsibilities of developed and developing countries in contributing to global climate goals. Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted by reviewing relevant literature, international agreements, and case studies. Data from climate summits, reports, and expert opinions were integrated to understand the political, economic, and environmental dimensions of climate change. Findings: The study identifies several challenges, including a lack of political will among major powers, economic competition, and inconsistent global leadership. It also highlights opportunities, such as the potential for technological innovation, investment in renewable energy, and the strategic role of private actors in promoting sustainable development. The findings underscore the importance of global partnerships and multilateral platforms like the United Nations in fostering cooperation among nations. Conclusion: Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach involving state and non-state actors, strong political leadership, and global partnerships. The transition to a low-carbon economy will require significant economic restructuring, but it presents opportunities for innovation and sustainable development. The study emphasizes the need for developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments to support adaptation in developing nations. Novelty: This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of both the challenges and opportunities in combating climate change. It highlights the critical role of private actors and international cooperation, offering a framework for future global actions.

Evaluating the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Solar Energy in Urban Built Environments with Aerial Photogrammetry Dataset

Abstract. The process of urbanisation has a significant impact on climate change, with projections indicating that over 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050. The challenges associated with climate change impacts on urban areas include urban heat islands, unsustainable water management, floods and air pollution. This study explores the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and renewable energy in Torino, Italy, with a particular focus on the exploitation of rooftops for solar panels and green roofs. The data from 159 buildings in San Salvario was collected using aerial photogrammetry. The solar potential was analysed with ArcGIS, taking into account both geographic and building-specific factors. Buildings that were unsuitable for solar panels were identified for green roofs. This research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). The annual solar potential was estimated at 100,300 kWh, with 2,450 m2 of suitable roof area for green roofs. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using rooftops to increase urban sustainability, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents. The integration of NBS and solar energy can facilitate the creation of more sustainable and resilient urban environments. The study recommends the implementation of spatial-enabled urban planning as a means of overcoming barriers and promoting the development of green, energy-efficient communities.

A Comprehensive Review of Remote Sensing Technologies for Improved Geological Disaster Management

ABSTRACTOver the past two decades, the frequency of natural hazard incidents has steadily risen, leading to substantial human casualties, infrastructure destruction, societal and economic disruption. The occurrence of disasters, both of natural and human origin, has exhibited an upward trend in frequency over the past few decades on a global scale, posing a significant threat to diverse populations. Over time, remote sensing technologies have proven to be effective in analysing and monitoring diverse natural disasters, including but not limited to droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and cyclones. The significant extent of its coverage capacity and the ability to repeat observations make its application economically efficient. This paper aims to elucidate the fundamental contributions and role of remote sensing in disaster management applications. In a comprehensive analysis, this study explores recent practical applications in the context of disaster events. The utilisation of diverse methodologies and functions of remote sensing in disaster monitoring and control is further expanded to encompass the domain of disaster risk management, employing cutting‐edge sensors and satellites from emerging technological advancements. This paper also addresses challenges related to disaster monitoring, detection and management. Emergencies, particularly during typical catastrophe scenarios, often witness partial disruptions in communication networks. Consequently, the role of alternative networks becomes paramount in enabling effective disaster detection and management strategies. Emerging issues are highlighted, and potential directions for future research are outlined and also support sustainable development goal 13 (climate action).

The relevance of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in the promotion of sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada.

Canada is unique in that it has established four national strategies in support of sport, physical activity, and/or recreation (SPAR). Though some of these strategies identify potential social and environmental correlates of SPAR, and articulate societal outcomes such as changes in behaviour and health, there are no explicit links to larger global initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that countries are expected to propose a plan for addressing the 17 SDGs, and that obvious overlap exists between several of the proposed development goals and SPAR, Canada should consider whether common indicators can be identified across these strategies and the SDGs simultaneously to facilitate more efficient and effective action. To date, the only SPAR-related indicator proposed in the Canadian plan for SDGs is the health benefit(s) associated with engagement in daily physical activity under Goal 3. Taking an evidence-informed approach for identifying those SDGs for which there are synergies with existing SPAR strategies, we suggest that other goals addressing gender equality, sustainable communities, climate action, life on the land, and peace and justice also share co-benefits with SPAR in Canada. Thus, any revisions to the existing SPAR strategies should identify linkages to the SDGs and indicators.

Establishing Natural Resources Monitoring Systems in China: Situation, Problem and Suggestion

Abstract. In order to fundamentally support work for achieve "climate action, life below water, and life on land" 3 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and to realize unified monitoring and refined management of natural resources, this paper collects, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes national policy, management department documents, relevant papers, and the latest industry development trends through the literature induction method. It systematically studies current monitoring networks from the perspectives of land resources monitoring, mineral resources monitoring, forest resources monitoring, grassland resources monitoring, water resources monitoring, wetland resources monitoring, marine resources monitoring. It indicates such problems as inconsistent classification standards and monitoring technical standards for natural resources, lack of smooth connection among monitoring networks, and insufficient high-tech applications. It proposes suggestions of building 1+N monitoring system, coordinating multi-level and multi-category monitoring mechanisms, improving monitoring intelligence level, strengthening the ability to obtain multi-source spatiotemporal data, and constructing an information sharing platform, to better build a unified natural resource monitoring system, and serve the refined management of natural resources.

Research on the Design of Child-Friendly Landscape Space in Chengdu Crown Community Based on SDG

Objective: This study aims to explore and implement a child-centred landscape space design strategy to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the old residential environment of the Crown Community in Chengdu, China. Theoretical Framework: The study constructs a theoretical framework for child-friendly communities based on the United Nations' children's rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). Method: Through literature review and field research, combined with questionnaires, this study collected 120 child samples, analyzed their behavioural needs, and proposed corresponding landscape space design strategies. Research Implications: The study found that the needs of children in the Crown Community mainly focus on natural experience, research experience, game interaction, and hiding exploration. The design strategy transforms the existing space into an art garden, a book garden, and a children's playground to meet these needs and promote the realization of SDGs. Research Significance: The study emphasizes that improving children's living environment through landscape design is significant to achieving the goals of sustainable cities and communities in SDGs. Originality/Value: This study provides an innovative approach to integrating SDGs into renovating old communities and offers a new perspective for designing child-friendly landscape spaces, which will help promote the renewal of old urban communities and the construction of child-friendly cities.

Multi-scale retrofit pathways for improving building performance and energy equity across cities: A UBEM framework

Institutional inequality has created an environment in which our physical surroundings reflect racial and economic biases – causing inequitable thermal comfort and energy consumption across neighborhoods. Just as energy and thermal comfort challenges are unique to each climate and built environment, the solutions to address these issues should be optimized for their context. We introduce a novel integrated data-driven and building energy simulation method that incorporates urban context, satellite imagery, and socioeconomic data to analyze multi-scale retrofit scenarios across disparate communities. We apply this method to case studies in New York City and Los Angeles to analyze energy and thermal comfort inequities across distinct climate zones and urban morphologies. Through parametric analysis, we demonstrate the efficacy of multi-scale retrofits at improving building performance and reducing existing thermal inequities. Our research shows that retrofit effectiveness is influenced by the microclimatic changes induced by the urban context and existing infrastructural inequity. For example, instantaneous building cooling energy demand in a disadvantaged community of Los Angeles is reduced more due to window retrofits (around 30 kWh) than by a greenspace retrofit (around 3 kWh). Greenspace installation dissipates more heat overnight and in the early morning, whereas window retrofits reduce solar heat gain during the day, showing the different heat reduction pathways that retrofits can achieve. Although the window retrofits lead to an order of magnitude higher utility cost savings ($70 savings from windows vs $9 for greenspace and $12 for reduced cars), the district-scale retrofits show promising pathways for reducing the cost burden across all residents. We also analyze pathways for achieving city-specific CO2 reduction targets and find that building-level retrofits are most effective at meeting building performance standards (reducing CO2 by 40%), whereas district-level retrofits should be used to achieve city-scale climate goals because of the sequestered and abated emissions offered by these pathways. This generalizable modeling framework empowers policymakers, urban planners, and building owners around the world to analyze pathways for meeting their climate action plan goals by reducing extreme heat, reducing greenhouse emissions, and reducing energy cost burden while improving environmental justice in their cities.

Applying Multi-Task Deep Learning Methods in Electricity Load Forecasting Using Meteorological Factors

The steady rise in carbon emissions has significantly exacerbated the global climate crisis, posing a severe threat to ecosystems due to the greenhouse gas effect. As one of the most pressing challenges of our time, the need for an immediate transition to renewable energy is imperative to meet the carbon reduction targets set by the Paris Agreement. Buildings, as major contributors to global energy consumption, play a pivotal role in climate change. This study diverges from previous research by employing multi-task deep learning techniques to develop a predictive model for electricity load in commercial buildings, incorporating auxiliary tasks such as temperature and cloud coverage. Using real data from a commercial building in Taiwan, this study explores the effects of varying batch sizes (100, 125, 150, and 200) on the model’s performance. The findings reveal that the multi-task deep learning model consistently surpasses single-task models in predicting electricity load, demonstrating superior accuracy and stability. These insights are crucial for companies aiming to enhance energy efficiency and formulate effective renewable energy procurement strategies, contributing to broader sustainability efforts and aligning with global climate action goals.