Challenges Of Sustainable Development Research Articles

The trade-off between soil water recovery and nitrate leaching following the orchard-to-cropland conversion in the Chinese Loess Plateau

A large-scale conversion of apple orchards into farmland has occurred in the tableland region of the Chinese Loess Plateau due to the aging of apple trees and the increase in pests and diseases. However, the impact of this conversion on soil desiccation recovery and soil nutrient transportation remains unclear, posing a new challenge for sustainable agricultural development in the region. The study employed the space-time substitution approach to select a long-standing orchard and croplands that has been growing maize for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years post-orchard conversion as sampling sites, to investigate the effects of recovery durations of orchard-to-cropland conversion on deep soil water recharge and residual nitrate dynamics, as well as the key factors driving these changes. The results indicated that within 5 years, the conversion led to a rapid recharge of desiccated deep soil (6–9 m), followed by a stable and slow increase in subsequent years. The annual soil water recovery rate in the deep soil was as high as 5.90 mm m−1 a−1. While, the increased water input also caused rapid leaching and accumulation of nitrate in the deep soil, with its peak depth increasing significantly from 3.4 m to 7.0 m over time (R2 = 0.92). Soil water was identified as the key factor influencing nitrate leaching, with a correlation coefficient of 0.48 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, orchard-to-cropland conversion effectively replenished the deep soil water in the short term but also accelerated soil nitrate leaching. Therefore, while large-scale conversion of orchards to farmland is undertaken, it is crucial to acknowledge the trade-off relationship involving the recharge of deep soil water and the subsequent increase in deep nitrogen leaching. The findings of this study hold significant implication for the management of water and nutrient resources after the conversion of orchards to farmland, highlighting the necessity to mitigate nitrogen leaching while soil water is being restored.

Study of a theoretical approach to bioprocess modeling for the performance of an anaerobic digester

Anaerobic digestion represents one of the major challenges of sustainable development and circular economy in the concept "from waste to energy". Given the great diversity of organic waste, its development requires the optimization of co-digestion. Hence the need to develop simple tools to characterize substrates and to predict the performance of digesters in order to optimize their operation. In this work, an approach based on a simple mathematical model to be able to calculate the biogas yield was studied. The models studied (AM2 and ADM1), serve as a basis for the development of monitoring and regulation strategies, offering more or less detailed levels of description of the digestion process. We have identified a difference in complexity between these two models explained by the different objectives for which they were developed. Thus, our study aims to propose a theoretical approach to the modeling of bioprocesses by choosing between the two aforementioned models. The objective being to provide a certain ease to the biogas producer and designer of digesters in the rural world, the simple model chosen is justified by intermediate stages of lesser importance than the final stage of methanogenesis. Thus, the information collected and estimated can subsequently be used for control strategies to optimize the operation of the digester, or they can be used by monitoring and diagnostic systems. This model will give a synthetic vision of anaerobic digestion, which limits its use to the modeling of the treatment of simple effluents. On the other hand, its formulation will allow a thorough mathematical analysis, and its simple structure would be well suited to the development of control strategies or monitoring procedures.

Comparison of the efficacy of carbonation and conventional curing for remediation of copper-contaminated soils by ladle slag

Soil contamination poses an increasing challenge for global sustainable development. Traditional remediation methods, such as using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for treating contaminated soils, are limited by high CO2 emissions, significant energy consumption, and natural resource depletion. A sustainable approach utilizing steel production waste (ladle slag, LS) to efficiently remediate copper (Cu)-contaminated soils was proposed in this study. The efficacy of this remediation using carbonation and conventional curing methods was compared. Cu-contaminated soils, spiked with varying initial concentrations, were treated with 10 % LS and subjected to both conventional and carbonation curing for different durations. Leaching behavior, strength development, and chemical and mineral properties of LS-remediated Cu-contaminated soils were assessed. The results demonstrated that both CO2 and conventional curing significantly reduced Cu leaching in contaminated soils by 4–5 orders of magnitude compared to untreated soils. CO2 curing achieved these reductions in a shorter time (56–72 hours) than conventional curing (28–56 days). Additionally, CO2 curing sequestered up to 8 % CO2 in the soils. However, higher Cu concentrations hindered carbonation reactions, lowering CO2 sequestration. While CO2 curing improved soil strength, increased initial Cu concentration diminished this effect. During CO2 curing, the formation of Ca- and Mg-carbonates contributed to microstructural densification and binding, thereby improving strength. These carbonates also encapsulated Cu, preventing its leaching. In contrast, the addition of Cu enhanced hydration reactions and improved the strength development of Cu-contaminated soils subjected to conventional curing. Conventional curing produced calcium aluminum silicate hydrate, which effectively bound soil particles, filled pores, and encapsulated Cu, reducing its leaching.

The future of decent work: Forecasting heat stress and the intersection of sustainable development challenges in India's brick kilns

The future of decent work: Forecasting heat stress and the intersection of sustainable development challenges in India's brick kilns

Prehistoric Cultural Migration in the Middle–Lower Lishui Catchment of Central China in Response to Environmental Changes

Climate change and geological shifts were pivotal in the survival and development of ancient human societies, especially in densely populated regions like the middle and lower Lishui River Basin. This study explored the dynamic interactions between ancient human cultures and the region’s natural environment, using field research alongside geological, geomorphological, and archaeological data spanning from the late Paleolithic to the Neolithic periods. Our findings showed that prehistoric sites in the middle and lower Lishui River Basin were primarily located in the low hilly areas surrounding the lower basin during the Paleolithic era, a pattern shaped by the region’s geomorphology. Early human settlements were strategically positioned near the Lishui River, offering access to vital resources while minimizing flood risk. These locations provided flat terrain, abundant vegetation, and materials for tool-making, factors that supported a hunting and gathering lifestyle. As the coldest phase of the last glacial period approached, the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic eras marked a period of significant behavioral adaptation. In response to the harsher environment, humans began settling on lower terraces and miniaturizing their stone tools, signaling a shift to more specialized hunting techniques. This adaptability and resilience marked the refinement of hunting economies during this period. With the onset of the Holocene epoch and a warmer climate, conditions for human habitation became more favorable. Societies began migrating from the hills to the fertile lower Lishui River Basin, heralding the Neolithic period. This era saw the emergence of settlements and the onset of early rice cultivation, marking the transition from a hunting–gathering economy to one centered on agriculture. By the Daxi period, these settlements had expanded, extending their influence throughout the region. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical roles of climate change and geological features in shaping human settlement patterns, economic activities, and cultural evolution in the middle and lower Lishui River Basin. Our findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes of ancient human cultures in the region and provide a foundation to understand future challenges in sustainable development.

Challenges of Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship

Challenges of Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship

Integrating Playful Learning to Enhance Education for Sustainability: Case Study of a Business School in Slovenia

Business schools play a pivotal role in training future leaders equipped to tackle complex challenges in sustainable development. This study investigates the effects of integrating playful learning methodologies into sustainable entrepreneurship education, aligning with the goals of education for sustainable development and Sustainable Development Goals. The research involved a quantitative approach, utilizing pre- and post-intervention surveys targeting 50 business school students to assess changes in their knowledge of sustainable entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial skills, and engagement levels. Results from descriptive statistics and paired t-tests revealed significant enhancements; knowledge scores increased from an average of 3.01 to 3.70 (t(49) = −23.04, p &lt; 0.001), skills scores from 3.19 to 3.90 (t(49) = −20.88, p &lt; 0.001), and engagement scores from 3.40 to 4.00 (t(49) = −16.28, p &lt; 0.001), indicating statistically significant improvements across all measured domains. These findings suggest that playful learning methodologies can profoundly enrich the educational experience, making it more dynamic and impactful. The study underscores the potential of such pedagogical strategies in fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and cultivating essential competencies among future business leaders. This research has significant implications for curriculum design, advocating for the inclusion of interactive and experiential learning methods to improve educational outcomes and better prepare students for the complex challenges of sustainable development.

The Innovative Smart Green Campus as Life-Based Learning Characteristics of Future Learning Efforts to Complete the SDG's

Objective: This study examines the application of the Smart Green Campus idea in higher education, focusing on its contribution to sustainability and experiential learning. Theoretical Framework: The study is founded on theories of sustainability, intelligent campus design, and experiential learning. These frameworks thoroughly comprehend integrating green technologies and experiential learning within educational settings. Method: This research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing case studies of colleges executing Smart Green Campus programs to collect data. Data were collected via literature analysis, campus observations, and interviews with principal stakeholders. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that Smart Green Campus programs enhance students' environmental awareness and skill acquisition. Green technologies, including energy-efficient structures and sustainable transportation, promote an interactive learning atmosphere. Nonetheless, problems like financial expenditures and opposition to change are acknowledged. Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications by illustrating how Smart Green Campus initiatives can serve as examples of education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). The study emphasizes how universities can implement sustainable methods to improve environmental and educational outcomes. Originality/Value: This study enhances the literature by offering novel insights into the Smart Green Campus idea and its practical implementation. Its significance resides in providing a novel educational framework that equips students to address sustainable development challenges and must ensure the availability of clean water and sanitation as stated in SDG 6.

Challenges of Sustainable Development of Education In Georgia

Challenges of Sustainable Development of Education In Georgia

Projecting dry-wet abrupt alternation across China from the perspective of soil moisture

Under a warmer climate, the enhancement of dry-wet abrupt alternation (DWAA) risk poses a great challenge for sustainable development. Here, we introduce a novel framework for DWAA detection based on our proposed soil moisture concentration index. By the end of this century, over humid southern China, the shift of soil moisture time series from anomalously wet to anomalously dry pattern, or the other way around, will be more abrupt. In addition, the proposed framework driven by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 simulations projects more widespread DWAA-affected areas over southwestern China, coastal regions of southeastern China, and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, especially under a high emission scenario. The framework proposed in this study provides an efficient system for DWAA detection and prediction, and the findings of this study provide a reference for upgrading hydraulic infrastructure and mitigating future DWAA events.

Public Service Equalization, Digital Financial inclusion and the Rural Revitalization: Evidence from Chinese 283 prefecture-level cities

While China has made significant strides in poverty alleviation, the persistent urban-rural divide poses challenges for sustainable development. Previous studies have explored various factors influencing rural revitalization, yet the interplay between public service equalization, digital financial inclusion, and rural development remains understudied. This research investigates how public service equalization impacts rural revitalization in China and examines the moderating role of digital financial inclusion. Using panel data from 283 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2021, we employ a fixed-effects model and conduct robustness checks including endogeneity tests and alternative specifications. Our findings reveal that public service equalization positively influences rural revitalization, with both accessibility and beneficiality dimensions playing crucial roles. Importantly, digital financial inclusion enhances this positive impact, suggesting a synergistic effect. These results underscore the need for a holistic approach integrating public service provision and digital financial services to promote inclusive growth in rural China. By elucidating the mechanisms through which these factors interact, our study contributes to the broader literature on rural development and offers policymakers valuable insights for designing effective rural revitalization strategies.

Experimentation of a better methanogenic potential by co-digestion of urban waste: Contribution to the challenges of sustainable development in the Sahel zone

Experimentation of a better methanogenic potential by co-digestion of urban waste: Contribution to the challenges of sustainable development in the Sahel zone

Sustainable Tourism Development in Vietnam in the Current Period

Sustainable tourism development is currently an inevitable and effective direction for the tourism industry of Vietnam in particular and countries around the world in general. Vietnam has great potential for sustainable tourism development, from geographical location to natural and cultural resources. However, we also encounter many difficulties when developing sustainable tourism. This study points out the theoretical basis for sustainable tourism development; analyzes the current status of tourism development in Vietnam from 2015 to 2023; evaluates sustainable tourism development in Vietnam based on three aspects: Economy-Society-Environment; and examines the opportunities and challenges for sustainable tourism development in Vietnam. From that, several solutions will be proposed to develop sustainable tourism in Vietnam, making the tourism sector a key industry contributing to the ongoing development of Vietnam’s economy and society.

Critical factors for the success of Sustainable Development Goal 12 in the digital transformation era: The effect of ISO 14001

AbstractCompeting in the global market requires organizations to change rapidly, addressing both digital transformation and sustainable development challenges. This study uncovers new relationships and critical factors, enriching current knowledge and guiding future research on how digital transformation enhances sustainable consumption and production (Sustainable Development Goal 12 [SDG12]) success. It identifies key factors that enhance or inhibit these relationships by combining structural model and necessary conditions analysis. The findings reveal that organizations must excel in digital capabilities directly and through excellence practices to achieve SDG12 success. ISO 14001 further strengthens the impact of digital transformation and excellence practices on SDG12. The results empirically demonstrate what European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and American Society for Quality (ASQ) advocate: excellence practices are a tool for sustainable development. This study adds both to the literature and practice on the relationships between digital transformation, excellence models, and sustainable development and how these relationships are influenced by ISO standards.

Marine Pseudomonas: diving into the waves of blue biotechnology.

From marine to terrestrial environments, Pseudomonas spp. exhibit a remarkable ability not only to adapt but also thrive even amidst adverse conditions. This fact turns Pseudomonas spp. into one of the most prominent candidates for novel biotechnological solutions. Even though terrestrial isolates have been extensively studied, there is still an almost untapped source to be explored in marine Pseudomonas. Harnessing such strains offers an opportunity to discover novel bioactive compounds that could address current global challenges in healthcare and sustainable development. Therefore, this minireview aimed to provide an overview of the main recent discoveries regarding antimicrobials, antifouling, enzymes, pigments, and bioremediation strategies derived from marine isolates of Pseudomonas spp. Future research perspectives will also be discussed to foster forthcoming endeavors to explore the marine counterparts of such a prolific bacterial genus.

Assessment and Multiscenario Simulation of Land Use and Ecosystem Services Interactions in Inner Mongolia

ABSTRACTBalancing land development and ecological protection poses significant challenges for sustainable development in arid and semi‐arid regions like Inner Mongolia. This study uses the integrated valuation of ecosystem services (ESs) trade‐offs model and patch‐generated land‐use simulation model to analyze the impacts of land‐use/cover (LULC) changes on ESs from 2005 to 2020 and simulate scenarios for 2035. The results show that (1) ecological governance efforts improved the comprehensive ecological index (CEI), habitat quality, and soil conservation capacity but led to a decrease in the annual water yield (AWY) in the eastern region. Additionally, the conversion of grassland and forest land to construction land and farmland caused slight declines in carbon sequestration and increased nitrogen export. (2) The external driving factors of different ESs vary, and the internal relationships within ESs have also changed. Notably, changes in LULC transformed the synergy between AWY and habitat quality into a trade‐off relationship after 2010 due to increased forest and grassland. (3) Among the five land‐use scenarios, the comprehensive development scenario combined with zonal management strategies can achieve the sustainable development goals of economic growth, ecological protection, and food security. This study clarifies the internal and external factors affecting ESs in Inner Mongolia and provides a scientific basis for future LULC management and ecological governance policies. It fills a gap in the spatiotemporal simulation of ESs under multiple scenarios in this region. These findings offer valuable references for promoting sustainable development in similar arid and semi‐arid regions, highlighting the importance of integrating multi‐objective strategies and adaptive management practices to balance ecological and economic objectives.

Structures of Forest Stands in Monospecific Reforestations Based on Tectona grandis Lf. (Verbenaceae) in the Sangoué Classified Forest in Côte d’Ivoire

Teak-based reforestation poses the challenge of sustainable development in terms of meeting economic, social and environmental needs. In order to meet the needs of populations for timber and contain anthropogenic pressures on flora, reforestation based on Tectona grandis is initiated in the Sangoué Classified Forest. Therefore, a diagnostic study is therefore essential to assess the effects of this practice on the environment. This study assessed the consequences of planting Tectona grandis on the conservation and restoration of the Sangoué classified forest. For this, the structural and floristic characteristics of teak stands at different stages of evolution were compared. The results showed that young plots have more plant species, are more diverse and more evenly distributed. Older plots have the highest densities and basal areas of stems, with an inverted J-shaped distribution. Young plots have the lowest densities and basal areas, as well as a more regular horizontal structure. The woody species introduced into reforestation are Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea and Cedrela odorata. In the 33-year-old block, the total basal area value is 18.07 m² per hectare, then 13.72 m² per hectare in the 30-year-old block. As for the 25- and 28-year-old blocks, the basal area values per hectare are 12.61 m2 and 9.39 m2 respectively. Young plots promote natural regeneration and floristic diversity, while older plots present low floristic diversity with reduced structural balance. Introduced species have benefited more from teak planting than native ones. Teak planting may lead to profit, but it presents challenges for biodiversity. The impact of teak planting on the Sangoué classified forest differs depending on the stage of evolution of the stands. Therefore, it has advantages and disadvantages for forest restoration and conservation. The teak plantation needs to be adjusted to forest management.

Circularity, Sustainability, and the Quality of Coffee Sold via Vending Machines: What Do Italian Consumers Prefer?

ABSTRACTVending is an important sector in the daily lives of many people, and coffee is the most frequently consumed product in the European market. Like many other sectors, vending is responding to the challenge of sustainable development by taking various actions, such as offering increasingly ecologically sound coffee while maintaining/improving its quality. These are factors that consumers care greatly about. Although the scientific literature on coffee is vast, few studies have focused on the vending sector. The aim of the present study was to fill this gap by performing a choice experiment in Italy to understand which attributes (sustainable or nonsustainable) Italian consumers prioritized when purchasing coffee via vending machines. The results showed that the physical quality of coffee was paramount, while sustainability (although important) played a secondary role. The circularity of cups was the least considered aspect. The data obtained for this study contribute to academic knowledge of consumer behavior regarding the purchase of sustainable coffee at vending machines and can be used as a starting point for the development of strategies in line with sustainability principles [EconLit Citations: C9, Q01].

Millets, Shifting Cultivation and the Adivasis: Looking Through Culture, Policy and Politics

The year 2023 is celebrated as the International Year of Millets, declared by the United Nation’s General Assembly in March 2021 on the proposal submitted by the Government of India. Millet cultivation and consumption are being championed as the panacea for climate change and a solution for global hunger and nutrition. India’s lead in this connection is to make herself the global hub for millets. The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN recognise and promote millets as a pathway for sustainable development, enhancement of biodiversity and transformer of agrifood systems, besides empowering smallholder farmers and providing new sustainable market opportunities for the producers and consumers. However, the indigenous people of the globe or the Adivasis in India, who have predominantly cultivated and consumed millets primarily through the technology of shifting cultivation, find little mention or no mention in the context. The contemporary environment is ripe to revisit the intricacies of the closely knitted culture of the Adivasi and their shifting cultivation. The overarching challenges of climate change and sustainable development seem to compel the bringing back of the discarded ‘baby with the bath water’. The article will focus on the Konda Reddis (Andhra Pradesh state) and podu, their traditional way of cultivation (shifting cultivation). Podu is not an isolated cultivation technology, it is, for the Konda Reddis, the prism of their culture. Will the politics of policy resurrect the Adivasi and shifting cultivation?

Cellulose-Templated Nanomaterials for Nanogenerators and Self-Powered Sensors.

Energy crisis inspires the development of renewable and clean energy sources, along with related applications such as nanogenerators and self-powered devices. Balancing high performance and environmental sustainability in advanced material innovation is a challenging task. Addressing the global challenges of sustainable development and carbon neutrality lead to increasedinterest in biopolymer research. Nanocellulose materials, derived from biopolymers, demonstrate potential as template candidates for advanced materials, due to their unique properties, including high strength, high surface area, controllable pore structures and high-water retention. In recent years, cellulose-templated nanomaterials enable delicate nano-/microscale structural construction, thus promoting developments in the field of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. However, there is still a limited number of reviews focused on cellulose-templated nanomaterials for applications in nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. This review aims to fill this research gap by introducing various cellulose-templated nanomaterials and providing a detailed analysis of their fashionable applications in nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. The goal is to present cellulose-templated nanomaterials as highly promising template and guest materials for templating technologies, offering sustainable nano-/microscale control over advanced materials for the foreseeable future. This potential is promising for new applications in the fields of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors.