Implications For Environmental Sustainability Research Articles

Unveiling climate extremes: A bibliometric odyssey through resilience, adaptation, and sustainable development goal synergies

Abstract In order to achieve sustainable development, it is critical to comprehend the intersectionality of severe events and the tactics used for their mitigation and adaptation as the effects of climate change become more widespread. This study explores the complex relationship between environmental challenges, climate change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the significant threat posed by environmental degradation, driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, and its impact on global climate patterns. The study emphasizes the role of greenhouse gases in altering climate systems and the disproportionate effects on developing countries. It underscores the importance of sustainable development, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the need for urgent action to combat climate change (SDG 13). The paper explores various theoretical perspectives on development, including the modernization theory and dependency theory, and their implications for environmental sustainability. It discusses the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis, which suggests a relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation, and presents contrasting views from contemporary research. The study also examines the socio-economic impacts of extreme environmental conditions and the importance of disaster risk reduction frameworks like the Sendai Framework. It highlights the ongoing challenges of climate change, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on human health, agriculture, and water resources. Furthermore, the paper delves into the concept of sustainability and sustainable development, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. It reviews the historical evolution of sustainable development goals and the critical role of international cooperation in achieving these objectives. The findings of this paper provide valuable insights for policy makers, researchers, and practitioners working towards a more sustainable and resilient future. By addressing the complex interplay between climate change and sustainable development, the study aims to contribute to the global discourse on environmental sustainability and the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

Green Technology Innovation, Green Financing, and Economic Growth in G7 Countries: Implications for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract This study examines the relationships among green technology innovation, green financing, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in G7 countries using annual data from 1990 to 2022. It uses the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag model to estimate environmental sustainability through two indicators: ecological footprint and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CO2 emissions model indicates that green financing negatively affects emissions, highlighting the need to reduce them and promote sustainable practices. Conversely, energy consumption and real GDP per capita (RGDP) positively impact CO2 emissions. Green technology innovation also reduces CO2 emissions, but its short-term effects may be limited owing to initial energy consumption and regulatory challenges. The ecological footprint model demonstrates that, in the long term, green technology innovation helps lower the ecological footprints of G7 countries by promoting infrastructure development and reducing resource consumption. However, short-term constraints and high initial costs hinder this progress. Green financing is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Energy consumption positively influences the ecological footprint, while short-term RGDP growth increases it. However, long-term RGDP may decline owing to sustainability policies, technological advancements, and effective environmental legislation. These findings underscore the importance of balanced policies that prioritise green finance in the short-term to mitigate environmental impacts while fostering long-term investments in green technology innovation. Additionally, enhancing international cooperation and aligning investments with green objectives are crucial for achieving sustainable prosperity and minimising environmental harm.

Theoretical structural study of van der Waals complexes between oxazole and atmospheric gases CO2 and N2 for capture applications.

Background The objective of this study is to explore the potential of oxazole (C3H3NO), a fascinating heterocyclic compound naturally present, which is a potential ligand in the construction of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF’s) for the selective capture of CO2 in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, by using both molecular and solid-state simulation techniques. Methods This study investigates the equilibrium structures and binding energies of van der Waals aggregates formed by an oxazole molecule with nonpolar molecules such as CO2 and N2, considering both two-body systems (oxazole@CO2 and oxazole@N2) and three-body systems (oxazole@CO2@N2 and oxazole-CO2/N2@Au6/Cu6/Zn3O3). Molecular computations for these systems are conducted using ab initio calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVXZ level of theory, where X = (D, T). Additionally, solid-state simulations analyze the adsorption behaviors and energies of oxazole@CO2 and oxazole@N2 on metallic surfaces:Au, Cu, ZnO(111) through Monte Carlo methods. Results We find that the oxazole exhibits more adsorption selectivity for CO2 than for N2. Adding a second gas to the most stable complexes, oxazole@CO2 and oxazole@N2, the oxazole capture ability does not vary. On the contrary, it strengthens the adsorption energy of three-body complexes compared to two-body complexes. The addition of metallic clusters (Au6, Cu6, Zn3O3) and metallic surfaces (Au, Cu, ZnO) enhances the adsorption capacity, where Cu6 is particularly highly efficient. Both ZnO and Cu surfaces offer significant adsorption advantages while remaining economically feasible. Conclusions This study demonstrates that oxazole exhibits a strong selectivity for CO2 over N2, with the addition of metallic clusters and surfaces significantly enhancing its adsorption capacity. These findings highlight the potential of oxazole-based materials for effective gas capture and separation, with positive implications for environmental sustainability.

Assessing the Role of Good Governance and Policy Making in Land Use abuse Monitoring and Management in Nigeria

Land-use abuse presents a significant challenge to sustainable development in Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social equity. In view of the above premise, this paper critically examines the role of good governance and policy frameworks in monitoring and managing land use abuses across Nigeria. The study explores the multifaceted nature of land use challenges, including urban sprawl, deforestation, unregulated mining, and indiscriminate land conversion for industrial and residential purposes, which exacerbate environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this paper draws on case studies and policy reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of existing governance mechanisms and land use policies. Particular attention was given to the interplay between transparency, accountability, and community participation in addressing land use abuse. The analysis highlights the gaps in policy enforcement, institutional coordination, and resource allocation that hinder effective land use monitoring and management. This research then provides actionable insights for policymakers, land professionals, and other stakeholders, contributing to the discourse on sustainable land management in Nigeria and offering a blueprint for addressing similar challenges in other developing countries. The specific objectives of this study are to: (a) examine existing land policies and governance structures to assess their effectiveness in addressing land use abuse and promoting sustainable management, (b) investigate the relationship between governance quality and land use outcomes, focusing on transparency, accountability, public participation, and institutional efficiency, (c) identify the technological, institutional, and policy innovations that can improve land use monitoring and management in Nigeria, and (d) provide a framework for multi-stakeholder collaboration in mitigating land use abuse and ensuring equitable land access. Key Findings includes: i. Governance and Institutional Weaknesses: Weak enforcement of regulations, overlapping responsibilities among government agencies, and pervasive corruption are major barriers to effective land management. Institutional capacity is often undermined by inadequate funding and a lack of technical expertise. ii. Policy Gaps: The Land Use Act of 1978, which centralizes land ownership under state governors, has led to bureaucratic inefficiencies and inequities in land allocation. It lacks provisions for modern urban planning challenges and environmental sustainability. iii. Urban and Rural Disparities: In urban areas like Lagos and Abuja, rapid urbanization drives unauthorized developments, while rural regions face issues such as land grabbing, deforestation, and illegal mining. iv. Technological Shortfalls: While Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite technologies are increasingly used, their adoption remains limited due to high costs, lack of expertise, and inadequate infrastructure. v. Community Exclusion: Limited stakeholder participation and public awareness contribute to the disconnect between policy objectives and ground realities. The study concludes that good governance, characterized by clear accountability mechanisms, stakeholder collaboration, and the integration of digital technologies, is essential for addressing land use abuse in Nigeria. Recommendations includes: i. Policy Overhaul: Amend the Land Use Act of 1978 to incorporate decentralized land governance, stronger environmental safeguards, and clearer guidelines for equitable land allocation. ii. Technological Integration: Expand the use of GIS, drones, and AI-driven monitoring tools to improve real-time data collection, enhance transparency, and streamline enforcement mechanisms. iii. Institutional Reforms: Strengthen land governance institutions through increased funding, training, and capacity building. Establish a centralized, digital land registry to reduce conflicts and improve efficiency. iv. Public Engagement: Foster inclusive decision-making by involving community stakeholders in land governance processes. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens on land rights and environmental conservation. iv. Inter-agency Collaboration: Harmonize the roles of government agencies involved in land management to eliminate overlaps and foster coordinated action. iv. Sustainable Financing: Develop financing models to support technological adoption and capacity-building programs, including public-private partnerships and international aid.

Remittances and Household Adoption of Clean Cooking Energy in Ghana

Purpose: Access to clean and sustainable energy sources promotes long-term economic growth by improving environmental quality and human well-being. However, most homes in poor nations depend on polluting solid fuels, which has profound implications for environmental sustainability and human health. This study examines the impact of remittance inflows on household decisions related to clean cooking fuel. It evaluates the effects of remittance income on selecting clean energy for cooking in Ghana's rural and urban regions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used probit regression and data from the seventh wave of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. Findings: The results show that while remittance inflows significantly and positively influenced clean cooking energy choices, their effects are more significant on urban families' clean energy choices than rural households. Families in rural and urban areas positively and significantly connect their clean energy usage to non-remittance income and education. In contrast, household size, rural location, age, and poverty negatively influence using clean cooking energy. Finally, deprived urban residents may choose alternative energy sources over clean cooking fuel. Research Limitation: This research focused on remittances and household clean cooking fuel in Ghana. Practical Implication: The results suggest that economic factors, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic status influence clean energy adoption. Social Implication: The findings imply that devising the right policies to encourage remittance inflows and addressing causal poverty issues presents viable options for policymakers. Originality/Value: By examining the impact of remittances on household decisions related to clean cooking fuel in the Global South, a topic largely neglected in existing literature, the study adds to the body of knowledge on energy consumption in developing countries. The study provides significant insights for policymakers and stakeholders promoting sustainable energy transitions.

Exploring the Relationship Between GDP, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption, Population, and Renewable Energy Production Using Canada as a Model Country

This study explores the complex relationships between population growth, gross domestic productivity (GDP), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, primary energy consumption, and renewable energy (RE) production in Canada from 1950 to 2021. Using time-series econometric techniques, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models, and cointegration analysis, the research investigates how these variables interact over time and their implications for environmental sustainability and economic development. The results indicate that population and GDP growth significantly increase primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources. While the positive correlation between population growth and renewable energy production presents opportunities for reducing carbon footprints and fostering economic resilience, there are also risks of overexploitation of renewable resources if energy demand outpaces sustainable supply. The study highlights the importance of sustainable resource management and policy frameworks to ensure that economic growth does not compromise environmental integrity. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, advocating for increased investment in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient practices. Future research should expand this analysis to other countries and explore the differentiated impact of various renewable energy sources on economic and environmental outcomes.

Taxing and trading for a greener future: The impacts of China's environmental and trade policies on environmental sustainability

This study delves into the dynamics of China's environmental and trade policies and their impact on environmental sustainability over the period spanning from 1998 to 2022. Employing the autoregressive distributed lag methodology for empirical analysis, our investigation reveals distinctive patterns in policy outcomes. First and foremost, our research illuminates the affirmative role of environmental policy in fostering environmental sustainability. The observed negative effect of environmental policy on carbon dioxide emissions underscores its efficacy in mitigating environmental degradation. In contrast, our findings bring to light the counteractive influence of trade policy on environmental sustainability. The positive effect of trade policy on carbon dioxide emissions signals potential challenges emanating from heightened trade openness concerning environmental preservation. Furthermore, our study elucidates the complex interplay involving information and communication technology, financial development, and fossil energy consumption and their implications for environmental sustainability. The discernible positive effects of these factors on carbon dioxide emissions underscore the need for policy alignment with environmental sustainability objectives. In sum, our research contributes to an enhanced comprehension of the intricate relationship between policy interventions, technological facets, and environmental outcomes within the context of China. These insights bear significance for policymakers and stakeholders striving to navigate the multifaceted landscape of economic growth and ecological preservation in China. Balancing these imperatives is central to achieving lasting environmental sustainability.

Optimum Use of Recycled Waste Materials as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete Mixes

This study explored the independent utilization of five common waste materials - rubber, plastic, glass, slag, and sewage sludge ash (SSA) - as partial replacement of fine aggregate in Portland cement concrete (PCC) mixes. The main objective was to determine an optimum substitution range for each waste material that would offer well performing concrete in terms of workability, compressive strength, and durability. To this end, multiple concrete batches were prepared, incorporating each waste material at four different levels: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of fine aggregate. Then, concrete samples (100-mm diameter × 200-mm tall cylinders) were cast from each batch and were moisture-cured for 7, 14, and 28 days prior to testing. Also, the chemical composition of each waste material was identified using FTIR spectroscopy to understand its impact on the development of concrete strength. While most waste led to the diminished strength gains at all substitution rates, the addition of glass, slag, and SSA contributed positively to the strength development at specific replacement levels: 5% for glass, 10 - 15% for slag, and 5 – 15% for SSA. Furthermore, these additions of glass and slag exhibited comparable workability and durability although SSA did not exhibit comparable workability and durability. The findings of this study can hold significant implications for environmental sustainability and cost effectiveness in construction projects.

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

5.D. Scientific session: Climate Change and Inequalities: Addressing Intersections and Impacts

Abstract Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges of our time, with far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development. In recent years, growing attention has been paid to the intersecting dynamics between climate change and inequalities, recognizing that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by climate-related risks and impacts. This workshop aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and inequalities and examine the root causes of disparities. In this workshop we will explore intersectionality by examining how climate change intersects with various forms of inequality, including socio-economic and health status, gender, age, indigenous status, and geography, shaping differential vulnerabilities and experiences of climate impacts. This workshop aims to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among public health researchers and professionals. We offer a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between climate change and inequalities, shedding light on overlooked aspects [?]. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the workshop aims to generate actionable insights and solutions that promote social justice, sustainability, and human rights in the face of climate change. The presentations in this workshop are thematically interconnected, addressing key aspects of climate change and inequalities from multiple angles. Topics include: Gender and climate justice, Climate change adaptation equity, Legal perspectives on climate change and inequalities and Climate Change Impacts on Respiratory Health. In conclusion, this workshop serves as a critical platform for advancing understanding, dialogue, and action on the intersection of climate change and inequalities. Key messages • Climate change interacts with socio-economic, health, gender, age, indigenous status, and geography, influencing vulnerabilities and impacts. • Vulnerable populations bear a disproportionate burden of climate change effects, including individuals with pre-existing lung conditions and children.

Analysis Of Land Use And Land Cover Changes In Port Harcourt Metropolis Using Geospatial Techniques

The study examined Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Port Harcourt Metropolis Using Geospatial Techniques from 1990 to 2020. The study made use of geospatial and longitudinal data sourced from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), employing Google Earth Engine to analyse Landsat and Google Earth Imagery of the area. Utilizing satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 30 meters by 30 meters, supplemented with high-resolution Google Earth imagery, the study offers an extensive concept of the dynamic changes in land use in the four epochs of 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. The methodology entails processing and analysing satellite images to identify and classify different land use and land cover types as well as tracking their changes over time. This technique allows for precise mapping and assessment of the trend, extent, rate, and spatial patterns of land use changes. The study employed supervised classification, change detection, and temporal analysis, to ensure robust and accurate results. ANOVA statistics was deployed to test the stated hypothesis for the study. The findings revealed a drastic reduction in land use coverage for the various land use classes in the epochs studied. Open spaces showed a reduction from 62,262.2ha (58.92%) in 1990 to 41,832ha (39.32%) in 2020; farmland reduced from 21,172.5ha (20.04%) in 1990 to 1,474.65ha (1.4%) in 2020; built-up area increased from 9,006.03ha (8.52%) in 1990 to 41,502.8 (39.28%) in 2022; water bodies increased from 1,529.73ha (1.45%) in 1990 to 3,424.32ha (3.24%) in 2020. These changes have profound implications for environmental sustainability, urban planning, and resource management in the area. The study concludes that there has been substantial land use and land cover changes in Port Harcourt metropolis, driven primarily by urbanization. Thus, it is recommended that the government implement stricter urban planning and sustainable land management practices to mitigate the impact of rapid land use and land cover changes in Port Harcourt

Integrating fruit by-products and whey for the design of folate-bioenriched innovative fermented beverages safe for human consumption

Global concerns over folate deficiency, the risks of excessive synthetic folic acid consumption, and food loss implications for environmental sustainability and food security drive needs of innovative approaches that align food by-product valorisation with folate bio-enrichment. This study explored the use of three fruit by-products extracts (grape, passion fruit, and pitaya) and whey to develop a folate bio-enriched fermented whey-based beverage. Three strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG, Bifidobacterium infantis BB-02, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4) were tested for folate production in different fermentation conditions in modified MRS medium and in a whey-based matrix prepared with water extracts of these fruit by-products. B. infantis BB-02 and S. thermophilus TH-4, alone and in co-culture, were the best folate producers. The selection of cultivation conditions, including the presence of different substrates and pH, with grape by-product water extract demonstrating the most substantial effect on folate production among the tested extracts, was crucial for successfully producing a biofortified fermented whey-based beverage (FWBB). The resulting FWBB provided 40.7 μg of folate per 100 mL after 24 h of fermentation at 37 °C, effectively leveraging food by-products. Moreover, the beverage showed no cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblast cells tests. This study highlights the potential for valorising fruit by-products and whey for the design of novel bioenriched foods, promoting health benefits and contributing to reduced environmental impact from improper disposal.

Travel behaviour changes among young adults and associated implications for social sustainability

Travel behaviour changes among today’s young adults in relation to important life events, and associated implications for environmental sustainability have been discussed in recent studies. However, the social implications of their travel behaviour changes remain less explored. Applying latent transition analysis on longitudinal data collected in 2019 and 2022, we examined travel behaviour changes among young adults in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Canada in response to two life events- start of employment after completion of education and residential relocation and explored their social sustainability-related implications in terms of potential transportation-related social exclusion. Young adults showed a higher probability of becoming car users in 2022, however, those who joined workforce and relocated to urban areas were more likely to become transit users and active modes users. Young adults who switched away from active modes to public transit participated in fewer activities and were more likely to experience transportation-related social exclusion. Implications for transportation planning and policy have been discussed.

The impact of financial decentralization and investments in green power on the ecology in the European union: How does the governance of institutions moderate this relationship?

There has been a growing emphasis in recent scholarship on the environmentalist movement, necessitating robust data to substantiate claims regarding the impacts of financial decentralization and investments in green power on the ecology. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of these factors within a subset of EU member states from 2000 to 2020, with a particular focus on their implications for environmental sustainability. Employing an advanced-panel method, the investigation utilizes enhanced self-regressive distribution delays (CS-ARDL) to analyze the cumulative and immediate connections between financial decentralization, green power investments, and environmental outcomes. The study reveals that effective governance of institutions plays a crucial role in moderating this relationship, influencing the extent to which financial decentralization and green energy investments contribute to environmental preservation. Preliminary findings indicate that regions with decentralized financial systems and substantial investments in green power exhibit reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved environmental quality. This positive impact is further amplified by sound institutional oversight, ensuring that investments in clean energy align with ecological sustainability goals.The study also underscores the importance of a coordinated approach, where financial decentralization, investments in green power, and institutional governance synergistically contribute to environmental resilience and sustainable development. These efforts not only mitigate environmental challenges but also stimulate economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation in the renewable energy sector. The impact of financial decentralization and investments in green power on environmental sustainability in the European Union is significant, with governance playing a pivotal role in shaping positive outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote a greener and more sustainable future within the EU.

Are natural resources a curse, a blessing, or a double-edged sword? Implications for environmental sustainability

Natural resources have a significant impact on economic and political landscapes of developing countries which determines environmental sustainability. This study explores the convoluted connection between governance and natural resources, examining how resource abundance might influence governance quality. The main components of this dynamic that the theoretical framework considers are the Rentier effects, the repression effects, and the obstruction of modernization. This study creates a governance index applying principal component analysis (PCA) on several governance characteristics, such as political stability, rule of law, government efficacy, regulation and control of corruption, to measure governance comprehensively. Natural resource exports, rents, and the differentiation between renewable and non-renewable natural resources are the three proxies used to quantify natural resources, providing a more nuanced view. To calculate the effect of renewable and non-renewable natural resources on governance in developing nations, the econometric methodology uses a dynamic panel model and system GMM. This analysis reveals that the ability of renewable resources to promote inclusive development has a favourable impact on governance. On the other hand, non-renewable resources show a negative correlation, mainly because of their vulnerability to swings in the world price and their propensity to consolidate power and promote corruption. The significance of differentiating between natural resource types is highlighted in this study, along with the possible advantages of renewable resources for governance and the disadvantages of an over-reliance on non-renewable resources. Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners interested in the development and governance difficulties encountered by resource-rich developing nations can benefit greatly from this research's larger and more complex understanding of the link between natural resources and governance.

Ecosystem health assessment of East Kolkata Wetlands, India: Implications for environmental sustainability

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) in Kolkata, India, span 12,500 ha and are a vital ecological zone providing several benefits, including water purification, flood control, and biodiversity support. This study investigated land use and land cover (LULC) alterations in the EKW from 1991 to 2023, using a random forest (RF) machine learning model. Significant LULC changes were observed over the 32 years, with wetland areas decreasing from 91.2 km2 in 1991 to 33.4 km2 in 2023, reflecting substantial habitat loss and reduced ecosystem services. Conversely, agricultural land expanded from 27.8 km2 to 58.7 km2, driven by economic and food production needs, and built-up areas increased dramatically from 0.2 km2 to 10.5 km2, indicating rapid urbanization. This study evaluated the health, resilience, and ecosystem functionality of EKW by analysing human-induced land use changes and using ecological indicators and landscape metrics. Landscape and class level metrics such as PLAND, largest patch index (LPI), total edge (TE), edge density (ED), number of patches (NP), and patch density (PD) were used to analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetlands. This study revealed a significant increase in fragmentation, with the number of patches increasing from 2689 in 1991 to 4532 in 2023, despite a consistent decrease in core wetland areas. Ecosystem health indicators, such as the ecosystem structure index (ESI) and landscape deviation degree (LDD), were used to assess landscape metrics and fragmentation changes. The ESI and other metrics revealed significant temporal fluctuations, providing insights into landscape structure, connectivity, and heterogeneity. The ESI improved from 0.87 in 1991 to 1.03 in 2023, indicating enhanced connectivity and diversity. Conversely, the LDD increased from 20.6% to 56.85%, indicating a shift towards impervious surfaces. The vegetation productivity and ecosystem health index (EHI) decreased, indicating biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration. The EHI also dropped from 0.67 to 0.55, signifying ongoing environmental stress. This study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to maintain the ecological integrity of the EKW amidst urbanization and land use changes and recommends a balanced approach for sustainable urban development and enhanced wetland resilience.

Geotechnical Study for Assessing Slope Stability at the Proposed Weito Dam Site in Ethiopia: Implications for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

There is a proposed dam at Weito in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations Nationalities and People Regional State. This embankment-type dam primarily serves irrigation purposes. Weito’s proposed dam’s slope stability is the primary focus of this investigation. The objective is to assess the geological and geotechnical conditions influencing slope stability using the slope mass rating (SMR) classification system. This study examined various slope stability parameters. Uniaxial compressive strength, rock quality designation, joint condition, discontinuity spacing, joint orientation, and groundwater conditions were measured. An analysis of field data, including geological structures and lithology, was used to generate a structural discontinuity map. The slope mass rating was calculated to assess rock mass stability. The study area was examined for faults, joints, fractures, and shear zones during fieldwork. Schmidt hammer tests indicated a range of 10.5–50 MPa uniaxial compressive strength. Rock quality designation values were also within 72.5% to 95%. Additionally, the joint spacing of rocks varied from 3.95 cm to 47.5 cm. Rock mass ratings ranged from 39% to 62%. The study contributes to the understanding of the geological conditions at the Weito dam site and ensures the dam’s safe design and construction.

The environmental sustainability implications of contrast media supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A document analysis of international practice guidelines

IntroductionTravel restrictions implemented during the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chain for critical radiology consumables including contrast media (CM) leading to shortages. Consequently, some departments had to restructure their clinical workflows in accordance to recommended guidelines to ensure safe continuity of patient care. This study aimed to summarise the temporary crisis-driven recommendations with implicit environmental sustainability essence and to analyse how these measures might inform the development of a more sustainable, long-term clinical guideline for safer and cost-effective CM usage without compromising diagnostic quality. MethodsDocuments were obtained through an electronic database search together with a relevant manual search in Google Scholar and relevant reference lists. The selected documents were subjected to a pre-defined eligibility criteria for inclusion. The READ approach was employed for document analysis and a thematic analysis of the obtained data was conducted. ResultsOf the 17 documents included, 70% (n = 12) emanate from the United States of America. The summary of the findings relate to minimising CM usage through strategic clinical approaches including optimisation of CM volumes, prioritisation of non-contrast imaging and/or alternative imaging depending on patient need without compromising diagnostic quality. ConclusionCritical lessons of sustainability essence are implicitly embedded in the policy guidelines issued during the periods of acute CM shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic. These lessons were themed around CM conservation based on: type and priority of medical imaging investigation, kind of imaging modality and use of smaller vials over multi-dose vials packaging.Implications for practice: The temporary crisis-driven strategies may offer critical lessons for post-pandemic service delivery to enhance patient safety while saving cost and promoting greener practice via strategic clinical and operational monitoring of CM through policy renewal, education and training and collaboration with industry partners.

High-Entropy Oxides: A New Frontier in Photocatalytic CO2 Hydrogenation.

Herein, we investigate the potential of nanostructured high-entropy oxides (HEOs) for photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation, a process with significant implications for environmental sustainability and energy production. Several cerium-oxide-based rare-earth HEOs with fluorite structures were prepared for UV-light driven photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation toward valuable fuels and petrochemical precursors. The cationic composition profoundly influences the selectivity and activity of the HEOs, where the Ce0.2Zr0.2La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2O2-δ catalyst showed outstanding CO2 activation (14.4 molCO kgcat-1 h-1 and 1.27 kgcat-1 h-1) and high methanol and CO selectivity (7.84% CH3OH and 89.26% CO) under ambient conditions with 4 times better performance in comparison to pristine CeO2. Systematic tests showed the effect of a high-entropy system compared to midentropy oxides. XPS, in situ DRIFTS, as well as DFT calculation elucidate the synergistic impact of Ce, Zr, La, Nd, and Sm, resulting in an optimal Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. The observed formate-routed mechanism and a surface with high affinity to CO2 reduction offer insights into the photocatalytic enhancement. While our findings lay a solid foundation, further research is needed to optimize these catalysts and expand their applications.

Assessing the Potential for Electrification of the Food Industry and Its Implications for Environmental Sustainability

Most studies on industrial heat decarbonization by electrification focus on energy and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are additional potential environmental impacts to be considered to make a fair comparison. The aim of the proposed work is therefore to highlight the benefits and drawbacks of switching to electricity, using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to explore more environmental issues. In addition, in order to evaluate the environmental sustainability of this transformation, the LCA results are compared with sustainability thresholds defined with two different methods, on a global scale using the “sustainable levels” concept. The first method is based on the current environmental impacts of industrial processes, while the second considers the economic added value. Industrial heat production levels for the Danish and French food industries are used as case studies. The results show a large number of environmental trade-offs associated with electrification, some of which are leading to unsustainable levels. Sustainability thresholds based on economic added value ensure a fairer distribution between sectors, in particular by preventing the most virtuous sectors and processes from being penalized.