Climate Action Research Articles

City climate action plans through the lens of the food-energy-water nexus

Abstract The concepts of interdependent resource management have roots in the mid-20th century, and, more recently, the term “nexus” has been used to describe the interconnected relationships among various resources, including food, energy, water, climate, and land. United States and European science foundations have shown a growing interest in the food-energy-water nexus, leading to increased research on their joint management. Concurrently, in response to the looming threats of climate change, many cities in the United States have addressed climate governance by developing climate action plans for both mitigation and adaptation. However, one major criticism of the food-energy-water nexus is the limited translation of the research into practical policies and implementation, such as climate action plans. To assess the incorporation of food-energy-water nexus principles into climate planning, we systematically evaluate 100 climate action plans from large U.S. cities (population over 100,000). We identified primary themes and objectives for each resource, examining explicit or implicit connections within the climate action plans. Our findings show that the energy sector is a central focus in nearly every climate action plan (98%), followed by water (75%), and food (66%). Within the food sector, we observed a significant emphasis on food waste reduction and composting (about 80%) compared to other food-related topics. Among water-related matters, drinking water receives the most attention, compared to wastewater and stormwater. Notably, the most discussed FEW links are those that involve energy, particularly the water-for-energy and food-for-energy connections, found in over half of the documents (56%). Our analysis promotes the integration of the food-energy-water nexus into climate action plans while addressing the barriers to its effective implementation.

Mangrove Planting on Cemara Beach for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and reducing the risk of natural disasters can be achieved through mangrove planting activities at Cemara Beach. Mangroves are useful in maintaining ecosystem balance, protecting the coastline from abrasion and absorbing carbon dioxide which can reduce the impact of climate change. Mangrove planting activities involve local communities in the planting and maintenance process, and contribute to improving community welfare and environmentally-based economic development. Mangrove planting activities use seedlings aged 3 to 6 months. Mangrove planting is in a location with a water depth of 10 to 50 cm. The size of the mangrove seedlings planted is 15 to 30 cm. The type of mangrove planted at Cemara Beach is Rhizophora. Mangrove planting activities support SDGs 13, 14, dan 15 tentang climate action, life below water, and life on land.

Climate anxiety mediates environmental concern and climate action among Filipino youth: does mitigation response efficacy belief matter?

Climate anxiety mediates environmental concern and climate action among Filipino youth: does mitigation response efficacy belief matter?

ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS TO ASSESS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF MULTISPECIFIC ARTISANAL FISHERIES IN FACE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE AMAZON BASIN SOUTH

The construction of hydroelectric dams causes several impacts on the aquatic environment and affects its structure and functions with direct consequences for the provision of ecosystem services. Despite its importance, since 1970, fisheries in the Amazon region, especially small-scale artisanal fisheries practiced by traditional populations, have been facing serious problems arising from human and climatic actions. In this study, we evaluated the impacts of dam construction and the environmental responses on fisheries production and fishing sustainability indexes in the Madeira River, which is the largest tributary of the Amazon River, between 2000 and 2019. Fisheries landing data in the city of Porto Velho and large-scale environmental variables were collected for each of the years in the period and were compared using general linear models. We found that dams, as well as changes in hydrological levels, affect fisheries production. The sustainability indexes showed a decline after the completion of the two dams. Moreover, catch-per-unit-of-effort showed a significant decline after the implementation of the dam. We therefore highlight the importance of understanding the factors that affect the sustainability of fisheries in large rivers in order to mitigate the impacts of large dams and other anthropogenic actions.

Reflections from first-generation small-scale vegetable farmers

Renewal of the agriculture sector requires an influx of young farmers, either members of farming families or first-generation farmers. The latter face distinct challenges (Bloomfield, 2023; Magnan et al., 2023). This study seeks to understand some of their motivations and challenges in order to inform policy changes to support and encourage more first-generation farmers. Agriculture has long been regarded in Canada as not only economically but also culturally significant. Yet less than 1% of the population are recognised as farmers by the latest census data (Statistics Canada, 2021). In the last three decades alone, Canada has net lost nearly 150,000 farmers and the average age of a Canadian farmer is now 56. Only 8.5% of Canadian farmers were under 35 in the last Agricultural Census, compared to 20% in 1991, and that percentage has been declining steadily since 1931 (Clapp, 2023; Magnan et al., 2022; Qualman et al., 2018; Statistics Canada, 2006, 2022). In particular, the number of young people from farming families staying in agriculture is declining. Several reports, including that of the Royal Bank of Canada Climate Action Institute, show that a majority of farmers do not have a succession plan in place although, within the next decade, 40% will retire (Yaghi, 2023). People from non-farming backgrounds find it difficult to enter the profession due to barriers that include prohibitive costs and lack of training. To ensure that Canada can feed its growing population, we must address the farmer shortage by understanding the experiences of new—particularly young—farmers.

Increasing Support for Climate Action Among Older People:An Experiment on the Use of Generational Frames by the Youth Climate Movement

ABSTRACT The need for urgent and decisive climate action means that environmental communication cannot be divorced from strategic communication. As such, the literature has examined how the youth social movement’s strategic framing of the climate crisis rallied millions into demanding climate action. However, these studies have not investigated the factors driving these framing strategies’ success or compared their effectiveness to those of other environmental movements. In turn, this paper investigated if generational frames – predominantly used by the youth climate movement to highlight the generational injustices of climate change – are more effective than humankind frames – those emphasising that climate change affects humankind as a whole – in increasing support for climate action, and the role of age and generational identification strength in these effects. Results from a survey experiment (N = 767) supported that both frames increase support for climate action. However, generational frames are most effective among young people who strongly identify with their generational ingroup. Conversely, humankind frames were most influential among older low identifiers. Findings highlight the limits of the youth climate movement’s strategic use of generational frames, as their message resonates primarily with other young people. Implications for strategic framing and how to achieve widespread support for climate action are discussed.

A Relational Approach to Shifting Gen Z and Millennial Environmental Beliefs

While survey data identifies that most Gen Z and Millennials are anxious about climate change, are supportive of climate activists, and agree that climate change is anthropogenic, that same data fails to nuance these generations' intersectional and relational environmental beliefs. The problem is both methodological and rhetorical, because assumptions built into closed-question public opinion surveys can fail to match younger generations' perceptions on the environment. Additional research methods concerned with capturing these relations, including the cognitive interviews that survey designers already employ, could illuminate these environmental perspectives. We see models for this approach in the preliminary interviews used in large-scale surveys, in the field of climate psychology, and in arguments for ecological rhetoric in communication studies. Building from these fields, we provide example questions that are emblematic of these relational environmental and argue for increasing numbers of smaller, qualitative studies which investigate the many relations that younger generations already experience.

Evaluating China–Brazil bilateral engagements in climate change and energy: a true sustainability partnership or green appropriation?*,**

In recent years, China has emerged as a crucial trading partner for Latin America, particularly Brazil. Both countries are major greenhouse gas emitters striving to achieve climate goals and a net-zero future. In 2023, Brazil and China’s new Joint Statement on combating climate change reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in climate actions and sustainability. However, China has significant influence over agricultural practices and deforestation in the pan-Amazon region because of being a substantial importer of Brazilian beef and soybeans. Meanwhile, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Brazil’s State-owned oil company, Petrobras, entered into agreements with Chinese firms to accelerate its energy transition while paradoxically continuing significant investments in the oil sector. Dispute cases also reveal that, despite the outward appearance of harmonious bilateral cooperation between the two countries, local communities and indigenous peoples who rely on the Amazon Forest experience environmental degradation, habitat destruction, displacement and human rights violations. In light of the apparent contradictions mentioned earlier, this article aims to assess whether China and Brazil have genuinely established a sustainable partnership or if there is evidence of a phenomenon often referred to as ‘green grabbing’. By comparing their efforts with an ­advanced modern bilateral agreement in this field, the Singapore–Australia Green Economy Agreement, this article aims to create a conceptual framework that captures the key elements for sustainability and peacebuilding within the context of their bilateral engagement.

Going Green in ASEAN: Assessing the Role of Eco‐Innovation, Green Energy, Industrialization, and Environmental Taxes in Achieving Carbon Neutrality

ABSTRACTCarbon emissions are a primary driver of environmental degradation and pose noteworthy risks to global efforts in combating climate change, particularly in ASEAN economies. While CO2 emissions are central to understanding environmental impacts, they represent just one aspect of the broader sustainability framework. This study examines the roles of eco‐innovation, green energy, globalization, economic growth, industrialization, and environmental taxes in reducing CO2 emissions within ASEAN economies from 1990 to 2022. Utilizing a cross‐sectional ARDL model, we explore the correlations among these factors, with special attention to the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Our findings highlight the negative relationships between eco‐innovation, green energy, industrialization, environmental taxation, and CO2 emissions, which contribute significantly to environmental sustainability both immediately and later on. Additionally, the study reveals reciprocal causal links between these elements and the emissions of CO2, offering critical policy insights for advancing environmental goals within the structure of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those about climate action (SDG 13), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and sustainable industrialization (SDG 9). These insights provide a pathway for policy interventions that target CO2 mitigation while recognizing the diverse aspects of sustainable development.

Agroforestry Systems: A Pathway to Resilient and Productive Landscapes

Agroforestry, the integration of trees, crops, and livestock on the same land, offers a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental challenges. This review highlights the important role agroforestry systems play in promoting resilient and productive landscapes, particularly in the face of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Agroforestry systems, including alley cropping, silvopasture, and home gardens, provide significant ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, water conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. These systems not only stabilize microclimates and reduce soil erosion but also improve soil fertility and water infiltration, making them vital for climate adaptation. Socio-economically, agroforestry diversifies income sources for smallholder farmers by generating products like timber, fruits, and fodder, while contributing to food security through year-round crop availability and improved nutrition. Despite these benefits, the adoption of agroforestry faces substantial barriers, including socio-cultural resistance, knowledge gaps, inadequate policy support, and limited access to markets and credit. High initial costs, perceived risks, and competition for resources between trees and crops further impede its widespread implementation. Addressing these challenges requires enhancing extension services, policy reforms, financial incentives, and market access to support smallholder farmers. Future directions emphasize integrating agroforestry into national agricultural policies and climate action plans, supported by research on optimizing species selection, pest management, and sustainable resource use. By the synergies between agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals, agroforestry presents a viable pathway for transforming agricultural systems into more resilient, productive, and sustainable models. Scaling up agroforestry can help restore degraded lands, sequester carbon, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting and Missing (M) Scores in the Industry 5.0 Era: Broadening Firms' and Investors' Decisions to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

ABSTRACTEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are gradually being utilized to assess organizations' long‐term success, drive capital, and inform company decision‐making toward sustainable growth. Despite a few research investigations, studies on ESG are still developing by using a broader range of new technologies to improve ESG transparency; overcoming shortcomings that have arisen have yet to be examined. Industry 5.0 (I5.0) provides an effective paradigm for comprehending the significance of technology in enhancing ESG disclosure and reporting. To handle the critical shift to wider sustainable development goals (SDGs) specifically, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) within the ESG monitoring system, this research digs into current ESG reporting concerns and obstacles. The study systematically reviews I5.0 and ESG reporting literature. The study also carries out an extensive content‐centric assessment of relevant sources and information mappings to accomplish the research aims. The findings reveal that the fundamental characteristics of I5.0 are consistent with ESG, while I5.0 may accommodate ESG capabilities by improving ESG disclosure reliability, expanding from retrospective to prospective and real‐time reporting, customizing, broadening the range of reporting, lowering costs, and improving effectiveness. The findings suggest that ESG reporting must expand outside its company‐centric emphasis, altering existing accounting methods to embrace ESG disclosure requirements more appropriately. ESG performance can be improved with clearer representation of environmental and social consequences, guiding both firms' and investors' decisions (double materiality concept) towards SDGs. New or missing (M) scores revealed by I5.0 technologies can assist both investors and company managers.

Enhancing Corporate Philanthropy Through Board Competency and Financial Health: Accelerating Progress Towards Sustainable

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of board competency and financial health on corporate philanthropic activities in achieving SDGs. Theoretical Framework: The stakeholder theory stands out as providing a solid basis for understanding the context of philanthropic activities aimed at promoting Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Climate Action (SDG13). Method: The population consists of 1,023 listed firms from 2018 – 2023. After excluding insufficient data on donation, the final sample consists of 391 firm-year observations. Results and Discussion: We found that board competency plays a significant role in the investment in philanthropic activities. Besides that, firms with higher profitability increase their investment in donations, and there is a tendency for firms to mask their solvency through donation activities to attract future investors. Research Implications: This research's practical and theoretical implications are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in philanthropy. Our study provides valuable insights for firms and stakeholders on the stability of the firms, which is crucial to determining the total philanthropic investment among firms. Originality/Value: This study is unique in that it examines the firm’s financial health concerning philanthropic charity donations.

Elevational differentiation occurs alongside high plasticity in a general‐purpose genotype invasive plant

Abstract Highly plastic general‐purpose genotypes are a frequent occurrence among invasive plants. Yet it remains uncertain to what extent genetic differentiation can co‐occur with such elevated levels of plasticity. Understanding the interplay between these two evolutionary strategies is essential to understand potential invasive success and future climate change responses. We investigated the potential for genetic shifts between upland and lowland populations of the highly plastic invasive herb Erythranthe guttata in New Zealand. We aimed to determine (a) the presence of genetic differentiation between upland and lowland origin E. guttata populations; (b) whether any differences aligned with established adaptive patterns; and (c) whether genetic differentiation was occurring alongside the high plasticity of E. guttata populations in response to varying elevations. We grew cuttings from 38 E. guttata populations from upland and lowland Canterbury in a lowland and an upland common garden, where we measured a wide range of growth and reproductive traits. We found significant differentiation between upland and lowland origin populations over most measured traits. Plants sourced from upland populations flowered earlier and produced more flowers than plants originating from lowland populations. Lowland origin plants were taller, had larger leaves and higher photosynthetic rates than upland plants. These differences occurred alongside high levels of unspecialised plasticity to the growing environment. Synthesis: We found that over a period of less than 150 years, distinct lowland and upland phenotypes of E. guttata have emerged. These differences are consistent with known selective patterns to elevation that favour reproductive security at higher elevations and competitive ability at lower elevations. This rapid genetic differentiation occurred alongside high plasticity to growing environment, suggesting that highly plastic invasive species still retain the capacity to genetically adapt to novel environments.

Overcoming Barriers to Sustainable Green Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City: A Pathway Toward Achieving SDGs 11 and 13

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam’s largest urban center, is home to over 9 million people and faces significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and the heavy reliance on personal vehicles. Over 95% of urban passenger transport in HCMC relies on high-emission cars, contributing to severe air pollution and slowing progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Greening HCMC’s transport system is essential to reducing emissions and achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Despite ongoing efforts, many barriers continue to hinder this transition. This paper aims to identify and prioritize these barriers using the fuzzy TOPSIS method. The results highlight limited infrastructure investment, a lack of charging stations, and unclear policies as the top obstacles. Other challenges include poor service quality, dependence on private vehicles, low community awareness, high fuel prices, and the cost of green vehicles. These findings offer a foundation for proposing solutions and prioritizing actions to build an eco-friendly transport system. This would directly support the SDGs related to sustainable cities, climate action, and public health. A thorough analysis of these barriers and their impact is vital to expedite and enhance the “greening” process by focusing on factors with significant and decisive influence.

Beyond Greta Thunberg: Youth Worldwide Need a More Accessible Way to Engage in Climate Action

Young leaders face barriers to meaningful climate action, including limited resources, mental health challenges, and exclusion from decision-making processes. This paper proposes a localized, youth-driven framework focused on community engagement, collaboration, and flexible strategies. By providing practical tools and support, the framework aims to make climate action more accessible, impactful, and sustainable, empowering future generations to drive long-term change.

A Systematic Bibliometric Review of Fiscal Redistribution Policies Addressing Poverty Vulnerability

The elimination of poverty in all its forms is the first global goal of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achieving this goal is recognized as a long-term process that is complicated by persistent vulnerabilities stemming from factors such as natural disasters, food insecurity, health challenges, educational disparities, and social inequality. This systematic bibliometric review provides a comprehensive survey of the impact of social protection-based policies in mitigating poverty vulnerability, focusing on selected countries and regions, including America, Europe, Oceania, and part of Asia and Africa. Our analysis reveals that 81% of the studies examine poverty vulnerability from a single dimension, predominantly focusing on food security and nutrition (23%), climate change shocks (18%), and health-related vulnerabilities (14%). The geographic distribution indicates that the United Kingdom and the United States lead research in this field, contributing 36 and 32 papers, respectively, followed by China (16 papers), South Africa (15 papers), and Canada (10 papers). The results indicate that these fiscal redistribution policies significantly contribute to reducing poverty and inequality and have positive impacts on other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). However, notable gaps remain, especially regarding the integration of these policies with environmental sustainability goals like SDG 13 (Climate Action), which are addressed in only a minority of studies. This study concludes by recommending the adoption of more holistic and integrated policy frameworks that bridge the gap between social protection and environmental sustainability, thereby advancing the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Embracing generative AI for societal change and a sustainable future

Generative AI empowers youth to address global challenges by amplifying voices, supporting mental health, fostering climate action, and building resilient communities. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, AI democratizes knowledge and enhances advocacy efforts. Ethical design ensures safe, accessible tools, enabling young leaders to drive meaningful societal change.

Climate Change and Its Effects on Dairy Cows in Fiji: a Call for Climate Action

Climate Change and Its Effects on Dairy Cows in Fiji: a Call for Climate Action

‘A shared vision and a common enemy’: Reframing narratives of crisis and climate politics through Aotearoa's COVID‐19 response and recovery

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic catalysed a time of significant upheaval and change at multiple levels of politics and society. Early on, connections were made with the climate crisis. This featured strongly in global calls for a green recovery and the opportunities for pandemic stimulus to spur co‐benefits with climate action. Highlighting the global and cascading nature of crises in the Anthropocene, the pandemic provided an opportunity to shed light on the political and societal determinants of multiple crises and the often temporary hopes for transformation that arise in their wake. While there is much literature on how crises provide these ‘windows of opportunity’ for attention and resources, there is much less attention on how the experience of, and discourses associated with, an emergent crisis reframe the politics of more chronic ones. This paper uses an analysis of media articles released during the pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand to analyse the ways that COVID‐19 reframed narratives relating to climate change politics in four key ways: the possibilities for collective action, the need for greater ambition, threats to progress and premonitions of future crises. We argue that these new narratives offer insights into how the place‐specific experience and response to one crisis can reframe another, and which narratives may become elevated or obscured. In doing so, we demonstrate how the pandemic acted as more than a window of opportunity, becoming a temporary catalyst for new framings of the climate crisis and crisis‐driven political change more generally.

Tourism Policymaking in Troubling Times: Sustainability-Driven Challenges, Implemented Policies, and Goals for Sustainable Development

Tourism’s vulnerability to crises underscores the need for new or adapted tourism policies that prioritize sustainable tourism development across ecological, economic, and stakeholder dimensions. While past research has highlighted the relevance of sustainable policies for tourism crisis recovery, the research gap lies in the actual implementation of these policies in response to crises. This study examines tourism policymaking in Europe by conducting a quantitative study with 181 tourism organizations responsible for sustainable tourism and its policy implementation. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to reveal how tourism policymakers perceive challenges, the subsequent impact on implemented policies, and the intended sustainability-driven goals. Specifically, policies addressing environmental, technological, promotional, and personnel challenges have been enacted due to the climate change crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial recessions. These policies not only aim to pursue economic recovery but also contribute to the sustainable development of tourism, engaging key stakeholders and aligning with broader sustainability goals such as climate action and governance. This study addresses the underdeveloped area of sustainomics by contributing to the discourse on political implementation for sustainable development, providing a critical exploration of how tourism governance can enhance sustainability practices in crisis contexts.