Sustainable Development Strategy Research Articles

Advancements in Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Enhanced CO2 Hydrogenation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions: A Short Review

In 2020, China put forward the national energy and economic development strategy goal of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality”; in this context, the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into clean energy and high-value-added chemicals can effectively alleviate the current environmental pressure. This process represents a crucial avenue for the advancement of green energy and the realisation of a sustainable energy development strategy. Among the efficient catalysts designed for CO2 hydrogenation reactions, transition metal cobalt has garnered extensive attention from researchers due to its relatively abundant reserves and low economic cost. This paper first introduces the thermodynamic process of carbon dioxide hydrogenation and discusses methods to improve the efficiency of the catalytic reaction from a thermodynamic perspective. It then briefly describes the reaction mechanism of cobalt-based catalysts in the carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction. Based on this understanding, this paper reviews recent research on the application of cobalt-based catalysts in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to produce methane, hydrocarbon chemicals, and alcohols. Finally, the methods to improve the catalytic efficiency of these catalysts are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

Comparative Analysis of Solar Radiation Forecasting Techniques in Zacatecas, Mexico

This work explores the prediction of daily Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) patterns in the region of Zacatecas, Mexico, using a diverse range of predictive models, encompassing traditional regressors and advanced neural networks like Evolutionary Neural Architecture Search (ENAS), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Meta’s Prophet. This work addressing a notable gap in regional research, and aims to democratize access to accurate solar radiation forecasting methodologies. The evaluations carried out using the time series data obtained by Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua) covering the period from 2015 to 2018 reveal different performances of the model in different sky conditions, showcasing strengths in forecasting clear and partially cloudy days while encountering challenges with cloudy conditions. Overall, correlation coefficients (r) ranged between 0.55 and 0.72, with Root Mean Square Error % (RMSE %) values spanning from 20.05% to 20.54%, indicating moderate to good predictive accuracy. This study underscores the need for longer datasets to bolster future predictive capabilities. By democratizing access to these predictive tools, this research facilitates informed decision-making in renewable energy planning and sustainable development strategies tailored to the unique environmental dynamics of the region of Zacatecas and comparable regions.

Study on Reverse Logistics System Issues

In this information age, competition is fierce in all sectors, and the logistics industry is no exception. Numerous enterprises enjoy the great benefits brought by the advanced logistics system, and at the same time must respond to the call of the times, the sustainable development strategy and green logistics is imperative. Therefore, the establishment of a reasonable reverse logistics system is able to reduce the economic development of the ecological environment brought about by pollution, and effectively solve the rapid economic development and environmental protection issues between the special contradictions, but also appropriate to reduce the pressure on the supply of resources in the community, while easing the constraints on the contradiction of resources. The construction of low-cost, high-efficiency reverse logistics network can not only greatly enhance the efficiency of the logistics chain but also promote the synchronized and coordinated sustainable development of society, economy and environment.

Key SDG7 Factors Shaping the Future of Clean Coal Technologies: Analysis of Trends and Prospects in Poland

This article presents the results of an analysis aimed at verifying the relationship between the implementation of SDG Goal 7 and the use of clean coal technologies in Poland. Clean coal technologies in the United Nations plans will constitute a crucial element of the strategy for sustainable development in the energy context. They are intended to be one of the tools for building an energy system based on renewable energy sources, constituting a bridge that enables the transition of Poland’s energy system from coal to renewable energy sources. To identify whether this relationship exists, the Autoregressive Moving Average with Exogenous Input (ARMAX) model was used. The structure of the model, its correctness, and its accuracy were confirmed using information criteria; statistical tests such as Dickey-Fuller, Doornik-Hansen, Durbin-Watson, and Breusch-Pagan; and measures of prediction accuracy such as MAPE, MAE, and RMSE. The explanatory variables were the Objective 7 indicators adopted by Eurostat. Before being introduced to the ARMAX model, they were standardized using the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) indicator. The analysis made it possible to indicate which of the explanatory variables has the greatest impact on the development of clean coal technologies in Poland, to determine a synthetic CAGR measure for all the explanatory variables, and to compare the results obtained with the indicator determined by the United Nations.

Ecological assessment and driver analysis of high vegetation cover areas based on new remote sensing index

Ecosystem degradation and decline are central issues that urgently require resolution within global environmental protection efforts. Accordingly, accurately analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of regional ecological environmental quality and exploring its natural and anthropogenic driving factors of ecological environmental quality are crucial for protecting regional ecological environments and advancing sustainable development strategies. Therefore, this study created a new remote sensing ecological index to investigate the patterns of ecological quality change in vegetation-covered areas over a long time series and identified the intensity and local response relationships of various driving factors, including climate, topography, soil, and urbanization. The results revealed an upward trend in the ecological quality of the Heilongjiang region, with a high degree of spatial autocorrelation in ecological quality. The ecological grades in forest-covered areas significantly surpassed those in other vegetated, urban, and desert regions. Through a collaborative analysis of various geographical statistical methods, the intensities of the driving factors and their local response relationships were determined. This study provides a method for accurately and rapidly assessing regional ecological environmental quality and exploring the complex interactions of driving factors, thus offering a theoretical basis for monitoring regional-scale ecological conditions, balancing ecological and economic development, and informing environmental protection policies.

The future of hybrid foods: trends, technology and strategy for sustainable and novel food development

The future of hybrid foods: trends, technology and strategy for sustainable and novel food development

Green Finance as an Innovative Solution for Transforming the Tourism Industry: A Bibliometric Study

Green finance has an important role in supporting sustainable tourism development while still considering economic, social, and environmental impacts. The urgency of this research lies in green finance which is an innovative solution in funding environmentally friendly projects so that it becomes a great opportunity to encourage the transformation of the tourism industry towards sustainable practices. This research aims to map trends and green finance research networks that play a role in supporting sustainable tourism development. Data analysis was carried out using bibliometric methods sourced from the Scopus database. The results obtained were in the form of a dataset consisting of 654 documents and processed using Rstudio and Biblioshiny. The results show that there has been a significant increase in publications in 2020-2023. It can also be seen that there is a connection between the application of green finance in realizing sustainable development. This is an opportunity to apply to the tourism industry. Apart from that, it was also found that there was a concentration on this research topic in China. It is hoped that the findings of this research will produce a better understanding of trends and research networks in green finance and can contribute to the development of appropriate policies and strategies for sustainable tourism development.

SWOT Analysis of Curling Clubs: Market Position and Sustainable Development in the Post-Olympic Era

The research provides an in-depth discussion on the market positioning and sustainable development strategies of curling clubs after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Qualitative research methods such as SWOT analysis, interviews and participant observation were used. The study found that curling clubs exhibit significant advantages in terms of training rinks and coaching teams, but at the same time suffer from internal disadvantages such as confusing management mechanisms, a lack of volunteers, and insufficient advertising efforts. External challenges included increased market competition and unbalanced geographical development of the population. The research suggests that curling clubs should strengthen volunteer training, optimise service models, prepare for commercial tournaments, and make full use of the media for publicity in order to enhance market competitiveness and community influence. In addition, it is recommended that clubs strengthen internal management and improve operational efficiency to meet the new challenges of the post-Winter Olympics era and achieve the goal of sustainable development.

Comprehensive assessment of sustainable development of water resources in the Longdong Loess Plateau

Assessment of water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is of great significance for understanding the status of regional water resources, promoting the coordinated development of water resources with environmental, social and economic development, and promoting sustainable development. This study focuses on the Longdong Loess Plateau region and utilized panel data spanning from 2010 to 2020, established a three-dimensional evaluation index system encompassing water resources, economic, and ecological dimensions, uses the entropy-weighted TOPSIS model coupled with global spatial autocorrelation analysis (Global Moran’s I) and the hot spot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi* index) method to comprehensively evaluate the spatial distribution of the WRCC in the study region. It can provide scientific basis and theoretical support for decision-making on sustainable development strategies in the Longdong Loess Plateau region and other regions of the world.From 2010 to 2020, the overall WRCC of the Longdong Loess Plateau area show some fluctuations but maintained overall growth. The WRCC in each county and district predominantly fell within level III (normal) and level IV (good). The spatial distribution of the WRCC in each county and district is featured by clustering pattern, with neighboring counties displaying similar values, resulting in a spatial distribution pattern characterized by high carrying capacity in the south and low carrying capacity in the north. Based on these findings, our study puts forth several recommendations for enhancing the WRCC in the Longdong Loess Plateau area.

Αn integrated framework to monitor progress of sustainable urban development strategies, addressing societal, ecological and innovation dilemmas

This paper presents an integrated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, an all-encompassing approach suitable for European cities and regions aiming to monitor and evaluate the implementation and results of sustainable urban development strategies or projects related to urban planning, transport planning, or urban energy management. The framework features a co-created and co-implemented reflexive and adaptive method tailored specifically for strategies or projects that introduce innovative elements from contemporary research and innovation in science and technology, such as net-zero development, systemic solutions for cities, or integrated urban mobility and planning. The approach to designing and implementing the M&E framework was realized through a six-phase process: (i) development of the M&E framework, (ii) tailoring indicators to each region’s specificities, (iii) developing data collection questionnaires and a reporting database, (iv) collecting the data, (v) populating the database, and (vi) writing the final report. The framework was tested and enhanced with four European regional authorities over a 19-month period, enabling them to address their so-called 'policy dilemmas,' defined as the challenges they face in balancing societal and inclusivity objectives with economic and innovation goals. This framework is designed for replication in future sustainable urban development strategies or projects with similar societal, ecological, and innovation objectives.

Novel DNA-Based Polymer Solid Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Solid electrolytes are becoming increasingly popular due to their safety [1], and the application of organic biomolecules in electrochemical devices is also an important strategy for sustainable development [2]. Recently, we have studied the application of DNA in electrochemical energy storage devices [3]. A novel PVDF@DNA solid polymer electrolyte was designed in this work, we studied the effect of different DNA addition amounts on polymer solid electrolytes. DNA as a plasticizer-like additive, reduces the crystallinity of the polymer solid electrolyte and improves its ionic conductivity [4]. At the same time, due to the Lewis acid effect of DNA, it can promote the dissociation of lithium salt when interacting with lithium salt anions, and it can also fix the anions, causing more free lithium ions in the electrolyte, thus improving its ionic conductivity. The polymer solid electrolyte with DNA shows relatively better performance. Hence, the DNA-based polymer solid electrolyte fabricated in this study has substantial potential for application in LSBs.AcknowledgementThis work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2021R1A2C1008272). This work was supported by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, KEIT, under the project title "International standard development of evaluation methods for nano-carbon-based high-performance supercapacitors for electric vehicles" (project # 20016144).

Turning crisis into opportunity: A comprehensive review on the application of personal protective equipment (PPE) waste in asphalt pavement construction for sustainable development

The widespread outbreak of diseases such as COVID-19 has significantly increased use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Plastic-based PPE wastes, including masks, gloves, and gowns, have caused severe environmental pollution. Recycling PPE waste in asphalt pavement construction is a promising solution for advancing sustainable development strategies. This study reviews significant findings from existing literature concerning the utilisation of PPE wastes in bitumen and asphalt. The review encompasses several aspects: (1) Clarification of the research background and current challenges; (2) Examination of disinfection processes for PPE wastes; (3) Assessment of recycling methods for incorporating PPE wastes into bitumen and asphalt; (4) Evaluation of the effect of incorporating PPE wastes on the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixture; (5) Discussion of the current research limitations and recommendations for future studies. Compelling evidence from this review suggests that PPE wastes are viable and sustainable construction materials for asphalt pavement applications.

Dampak Perbaikan Jalan Terhadap Peningkatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Di Desa Mergosari Kecamatan Tarik Kabupaten Sidoarjo

This research aims to find out the impact of road improvements on improving the community's economic business in Mergosari village, Tarik, Sidoarjo. This research method uses qualitative research with descriptive methods. Data collection was done by conducting in-depth interviews with descriptive analysis method. The results showed that the impact of road improvements had a significant positive impact on increasing the economic efforts of the community in Mergosari village, Tarik, Sidoarjo. The implications of this research can be used as a basis for improving sustainable infrastructure development strategies to support local economic growth and community welfare in the region.

Development of an Auxiliary Indicator for Improving the Rationality and Reliability of the National-Level Carbon Productivity Indicator

Global attention to climate change has surged since the advent of the Paris Agreement, intensifying the importance of measuring and managing carbon productivity indicators on a national level. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the reliability of such measurements because of inherent discrepancies in implementing and operating national-level carbon productivity indicators, coupled with their inherent uncertainty. This study proposes a multiple regression model to address these issues aimed at refining national-level carbon productivity indicator metrics, accounting for factors such as the gross domestic product and total greenhouse gas emissions by sectors. The objective was to offer insights into enhancing and effectively utilizing current indicators, enabling a more nuanced interpretation of the variation in the carbon productivity indicators across diverse industrial landscapes. This study showed that adjustments of the carbon productivity metrics reflect disparities in emissions across industrial structures, with countries characterized by high emissions from non-service industries showing improving trends. In addition, this paper proposes an auxiliary indicator estimating method for carbon productivity that, when utilized with current methodologies, is more usable to interpret productivity indicators within the context of varying industrial compositions across OECD countries. Moreover, by elucidating the nuances of industrial structures, this study advocates for more sophisticated approaches to interpreting and managing the productivity indicators tailored to the unique economic landscape of each country. Nevertheless, the limitations stemming from data availability underscore the need for further research, particularly in refining the national-level carbon resource productivity indicators analyses and exploring the thematic productivity variations in greater depth. By addressing these gaps, future studies will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of national-level carbon resource productivity indicators dynamics and reveal targeted strategies for sustainable development.

Sustainable urban planning to control flood exposure in the coastal zones of China

ContextSustainable development in coastal zones faces escalating flood risk in the context of climate change and urbanization, and the rapid urban growth in flood zones has been one of the key drivers. Therefore, understanding the Urban Exposure to Flooding (UEF) and its future scenarios is important in coastal zones.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the future dynamics of UEFs in China's coastal zones, and (2) to identify a sustainable way of urban planning in controlling the growth of UEFs.MethodsFuture UEFs in coastal China were assessed during 2020–2050 by combining urban expansion model, scenario analysis, and flood exposure assessment. Alternative scenarios were considered of shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), representative concentration pathways (RCPs), strategies of urban planning.ResultsThe results show that the 1000-year flood UEFs along coastal China was expected to grow under SSP2-RCP4.5 from 9,879 km2 in 2020 to 13,424 (12,997–13,981) km2 in 2050, representing an increment of 35.88% (31.56%–41.52%). Alternatively, the strategy of sustainable development planning could reduce the newly added UEF by 16.98% (15.63%–18.67%) in a 1000-year flood scenario.ConclusionsThe findings proved that the ways of urban growth matters in terms of affecting food exposure and risk and flood risk should be incorporated into urban planning for a sustainable landscape. The study could offer methodology and support for sustainable development strategies in reducing future urban flood risk.

Testing a rapid assessment approach for estimating ecosystem service capacity in urban green alleys

Urban green infrastructure – the network of greenspaces across cities – provides ecosystem services that are important for urban sustainability. Because of this, cities are increasingly redeveloping underused alleys into green infrastructure to improve ecosystem service capacity. But it remains unclear if these green alleys are delivering on the promise of supplying particular ecosystem services. The indicators usually used within green infrastructure to measure ecosystem services may not be suitable for green alleys because of the unique structure, vegetative features and level of community engagement of these alleys. Here we developed and tested a rapid assessment approach to evaluate ecosystem service capacity appropriate for use by community members and practitioners, using a green alley network in Montréal (Canada) as a case study. We collected data on green alley vegetation, structural form and indicators of four ecosystem services (food provision, habitat for pollinators, anthropogenic noise regulation and air temperature regulation). We modelled the relationships between vegetation, structural form, and ecosystem services, to determine if these rapidly assessed features of green alleys are appropriate indicators to evaluate ecosystem service capacity. Our results show that a rapidly assessed measure of vegetative ground cover is strongly associated with habitat for pollinators, highlighting potential for vegetative ground cover as an indicator for this service. Rapid assessments of alley vegetation were not associated with air temperature or anthropogenic noise, contrasting the findings of previous studies. Lack of relationships between the explanatory variables and the four ecosystem services suggests that further research is required to untangle these complex relationships. Our research provides a starting point for developing indicators of ecosystem service capacity that are tailored specifically to the unique structure and features of green alleys, a crucial step in testing the efficacy of this increasingly popular sustainable development strategy.

TOWARDS HARMONY IN THE CAPITAL OF THE ARCHIPELAGO: VISION OF FUTURE SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT FUTURISTIC-ORIENTED

This research aims to explore and formulate a sustainable and futuristic-oriented development strategy for the capital of the archipelago that can integrate the principles of environmental, economic, and social sustainability in addition to utilizing sustainable advanced technology. This study employs an exploratory qualitative research methodology. and descriptive study design. This approach is carried out by collecting and analyzing data in depth through a document study. This study uses data analysis techniques by making a SWOT analysis to assess the advantages, disadvantages, and opportunities faced during the development of the Indonesian capital. Thus, it can be said that the overall plan for development for the Indonesian capital is sustainable and futuristic using an integrated approach by applying ESG sustainability principles and the use of environmentally friendly technology. Urban development close to the 20th century was accompanied by the growth of urbanization processes without planning so cities experienced gradual inefficiency, which resulted in the erosion of old buildings that were unable to fulfill the requirements of society. Through the above policies, it’s hoped that Indonesian capital will develop into a futuristic-oriented sustainable city by integrating the principles of ESG (environmental, social, and economic) sustainability using advanced, environmentally friendly technology. Recommendation formulation regarding the sustainable and futuristic-oriented development strategy for the Indonesian capital consists of Environmental Policy, Economic Policy, Social Policy, Planning and Supervision Policy, Technology Policy, and Collaboration and Participation for Sustainable City Futuristic.

Charland resilience: Agroforestry innovations as nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable communities in Bangladesh

The study emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions in highly vulnerable regions such as Bangladesh's charlands, where climate hazards are rising. Agroforestry has promise for resilience, climate mitigation, and livelihoods improvement in these difficult terrains. The study sheds light on charland ecosystem dynamics by analyzing demographic characteristics, disaster magnitudes, vulnerability assessments, agroforestry developments, and agroforestry's role as a nature-based solution (NBS). The key findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating agroforestry into national policies and practices to boost resilience, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation for vulnerable communities. Agroforestry innovations including flood-tolerant tree planting, multi-strata systems, fruit tree integration, and community-based efforts can improve livelihoods and address environmental issues. Agroforestry has great promise, but insect pests, diseases, competition for resources, and a lack of quality planting supplies and training persist. Targeted interventions, capacity-building, and policy support are needed to disseminate sustainable land management practices. Agroforestry can transform charland communities' resilience, the study provides actionable insights and policy recommendations to inform sustainable development strategies in Bangladesh and other climate-vulnerable regions. In its entirety, the research highlights the significant capacity of agroforestry to enhance the resilience of charland communities. These steps outlined above can contribute to the formulation of sustainable development strategies, not only in Bangladesh but also in similar climate-vulnerable areas worldwide. Through the utilization of nature-based solutions such as agroforestry, we may strive towards constructing a future that is more robust and environmentally friendly for marginalized people across the globe.

Heritage and identity: The vernacular transformation of de tjolomadoe

Background: This research paper focuses on the adaptive reuse of the De Tjolomadoe (Colomadu) heritage sugar factory within the field of vernacular architecture. Method: Utilizing qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, site observations, and archival analysis, it examines the preservation of industrial heritage through its integration into vernacular architectural practices, yielding insights for sustainable development. Findings: The De Tjolomadoe factory, a prominent Indonesian historical and cultural landmark, serves as a compelling case study in adaptive reuse, offering significant findings. Firstly, it illustrates how adaptive reuse effectively preserves cultural identity by seamlessly blending vernacular design elements and traditional building techniques, thereby maintaining a strong connection to its historical and cultural heritage. Secondly, the De Tjolomadoe case exemplifies adaptive reuse as a sustainable development strategy. By utilizing local resources and adhering to vernacular construction methods, the project minimizes environmental impact while generating economic and social benefits for the community. Community engagement emerges as a crucial factor in the success of adaptive reuse projects, as actively involving local communities ensures the authenticity and relevance of such initiatives. Moreover, the transformation of the De Tjolomadoe factory into a cultural destination underscores its substantial economic impact on the region. Similar adaptive reuse projects have the potential to boost tourism, stimulate local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. Conclusion: The lessons drawn from the De Tjolomadoe case offer practical insights and principles guiding future adaptive reuse endeavours, emphasizing cultural preservation, sustainability, community participation, and economic viability. Novelty/Originality of this article: These findings contribute to the growing knowledge base on the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage sites within the context of vernacular architecture, inspiring and informing initiatives aimed at revitalizing our industrial heritage for future generations.

A quantitative analysis framework for analyzing impacts of climate change on water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus in irrigation areas based on WEAP-MODFLOW

Agricultural irrigation areas are vital for ensuring food security under climate change conditions with extensive water and energy consumption, which will inevitably exert pressures on ecosystem especially in arid and semi-arid areas normally with higher ecosystem degradation risk. The key to realize sustainable development lies in a quantitative analysis framework for analyzing impacts of climate change on water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by impacting food production, water resources utilization, energy consumption for water supply and ecological conditions in irrigation areas. In this work, a quantitative analysis framework to analyze the trade-offs and synergies among various scenarios within the water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus in irrigation area was proposed. Two climate models (BCC and MIR1) were selected from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), and three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) were employed to quantitatively evaluate different sustainable development strategies among water, food, energy and ecosystem sectors from five key aspects: irrigation demand, food production, groundwater supply for irrigation, ecological base flow and irrigation water shortage. The results show that the sustainability index (SI) of combined management scenarios CC1-IM, CC5-IM, CC1-WSI and CC5-WSI could be 12% to 25% higher than that of the corresponding single management scenario. Among the four climate change and management scenarios, the SI of the integrated measures scenario (CC1-IM, CC5-IM) was the highest, with values of 1.39 and 1.12 respectively. This work highlights the pomising results of the integrated measures scenario in alleviating food production challenges, protecting ecological base flows, reducing groundwater extraction, alleviating irrigation water shortages and improving water supply efficiency when dealing with climate change challenges.