Sustainable Development Goals Research Articles

Educational quality and inclusion through collaborative hybridized cybergogy: transformative learning horizons in Pakistani universities

Purpose In today’s world, empowering individuals, promoting social cohesion and advancing economic development all hinge on access to high-quality education, prioritizing diversity, inclusion and equality. Rethinking current educational strategies using cyber-physical learning assets is necessary to accommodate the learning inclusivity and equity and escalating demands of a globalized world. There is a pressing demand for evidence to support the efficacy of collaborative learning in transforming curriculum and fostering learner inclusion. However, it is recognized as a pedagogical technique within the quality education domain. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating how hybridized cybergogy paradigms facilitate collaborative learning, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, to improve educational quality in higher education. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach with an exploratory design guided by an interpretive philosophical perspective. The data was gathered from 60 prospective teachers from the public sector university of Sindh, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. They were then analyzed using theme analysis to understand their views on the potential of hybridized cybergogy paradigms for collaborative learning to improve the quality of education provided at institutions. Findings The study results confirm that learners benefit from increased access to learning resources, improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills and a more diverse and inclusive classroom working together in a collaborative hybridized cybergogy setting. By fostering SDG 4 (Quality Education) and the 21st-century skills necessary for global marketplace engagement and competing in progressive environments, this creative method equips learners with the capabilities to face modern global challenges. Practical implications The study offers valuable practical suggestions to stakeholders in higher education, including faculty, policymakers and teacher education programs, for integrating hybridized cybergogy and collaborative learning to align curricula with sustainable development goals. Additionally, it bridges a significant gap in the existing literature, which will aid future researchers interested in exploring this area. Originality/value This study stands out as it explores an underexamined area while providing novel educational insights.

Problem-based learning and the integration of sustainable development goals

PurposeThis study explores how problem-based learning (PBL) programs can address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via the higher education (HE) curriculum, teaching materials and relevant assessments, supporting learning at scale for HE institutions.Design/methodology/approachEmploying SDGs and their indicators as the coding framework, our two-phase study evaluates the curriculum and teaching materials of seven PBL programs at a leading higher education institution (HEI). The first phase involved a content analysis to assess the degree of sustainability integration in 156 relevant courses. The second phase applied a semi-automated mapping protocol to analyze learning and teaching materials in 120 relevant courses.FindingsThe school aligns with 17 SDGs (100%), covering 94 indicators (55.62%). On average, each program within the school addresses over ten of these goals and incorporates more than 24 associated indicators. However, the study reveals an imbalance in the incorporation of SDGs, with some goals not yet deeply and comprehensively embedded in the curriculum. While there is a substantial focus on sustainability theories, the practical implications of SDGs in emerging countries, particularly through case studies and assessments, require significant enhancement.Practical implicationsMapping SDGs allows HEIs to identify strengths and gaps in SDG integration, thereby improving the PBL approach to enhance student work readiness in sustainability-focused careers.Originality/valueThrough the lens of transformative learning theory, this study provides evidence of SDG integration into PBL curricula. It highlights a mapping methodology that enables HEIs to evaluate their sustainability readiness in curriculum, teaching materials and relevant assessments.

Study on the Railway Effect of the Coordinated Development of the Economy and Environment in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle

Transportation infrastructure plays a crucial role in economic development and significantly influences climate change, providing direct and indirect benefits towards the attainment of Goals 8 and 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the impact of railway infrastructure on the level of economic and environmental coordination development in the Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle, using panel data from 16 cities spanning from 2010 to 2020. The analysis employs a coupled coordination degree model and a panel fixed effects model. The findings reveal a gradual increase in the level of economic and environmental coordination development in each city during the study period. Notably, Chongqing and Chengdu exhibit significantly higher levels compared to other cities. Railway infrastructure construction can significantly promote the coordinated development of the urban economy and environment. In areas with a high level of coordinated development of the economy and environment, the promoting effect is relatively small, while in areas with a low level of coordinated development of the economy and environment, the promoting effect is relatively large. Over the long term, railways continue to significantly promote the coordinated development of the urban economy and environment. The construction of railways can stimulate the development of the urban private economy and marketization, thereby facilitating the coordinated development of the urban economy and environment.

Ljubljana—European Green Capital 2016: From Strategic Spatial Planning to Governance

Ljubljana was the first post-socialist city awarded with the title European Green Capital. The title awarded by the European Commission is given to a city that is achieving high environmental standards, is setting ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development, and can act as a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices to all other European cities. The article is based on a hypothesis that at the moment when Ljubljana applied for (and was awarded) the European Green Capital title, it had strong strategic spatial planning and successful territorial governance, as well as the interweaving of both. To prove the hypothesis, the timetable and characteristics of the strategic spatial planning and territorial governance in Ljubljana are presented in this article and critically evaluated. Critical evaluation and analyses are also assessed using a qualitative research method, i.e., semi-structured in-depth interviews among experts from four professional fields including spatial planning, urbanism, architecture, and management. The results confirmed the hypothesis: Ljubljana’s sustainability-oriented strategic spatial plan prepared by a variety of stakeholders, experts, and citizens, as well as the effective governance system established by the mayor, a manager by profession, were two factors that coincided at a crucial moment. This was recognized by the European Commission and Ljubljana was awarded a prestigious title. Ljubljana can therefore serve as an excellent sustainable example for other post-socialist cities in terms of strategic spatial planning and governance.

Systematization of the Sustainable Development Concept of Territorial Socio-economic Systems in the Context of Prospects for the Use of Renewable Energy

The issue of monitoring the achievement of the goals of sustainable development of territories is considered in relation to the modernization of the RF energy sector and commissioning of capacities based on renewable energy sources. A system of balanced indicators is recommended, which allows the formation of a transparent structure for implementation of the development strategy of a separate territory. A strategic map is proposed, on the basis of which the goals and corresponding indicators of the directions of its blocks were determined for the state and regional levels. The proper definition of sustainable development of territorial socio-economic systems (TSES) in the context of the prospects for the use of renewable energy is formulated. Future directions of research are mentioned, which include conducting econometric modeling to determine the impact of selected indicators on the sustainable development of TSES.

Sustainability in English Language Teaching: Strategies for Empowering Students to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

This article systematically reviews the studies integrating sustainability into English Language Teaching (ELT), underlining the critical role of education in addressing global environmental challenges through language learning. Through an extensive literature review encompassing empirical studies, theoretical articles, and case studies from 2013 to 2023, we evaluate the methodologies for incorporating sustainability in ELT, identify the challenges faced by educators, and propose practical solutions. Key findings demonstrate various effective approaches, such as interdisciplinary curriculum designs, innovative classroom activities, specialized teacher training, and novel assessment methods, which enhance language proficiency and significantly raise students’ language-learning awareness. Despite challenges such as limited resources and alignment issues between sustainability topics and language-learning objectives, strategies like developing open educational resources and professional development programs have shown promise in overcoming these obstacles. The review underscores the importance of embedding sustainability in ELT to foster informed, responsible global citizens and highlights future research directions to further this aim. It calls for continued innovation, research, and policy support to fully realize the potential of ELT in contributing to a more sustainable future.

Innovation and Sustainable Public Budget Under the Aegis of The Triple Bottom Line (Tbl) And the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Objective: to identify how the public budgets of the municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Salvador-RMS are committed to the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the innovative proposal to analyze them.
  
 Theoretical Framework: Innovation has become the "order of the day" in the public sector. In addition to its role as a promoter through the private sector, creating an innovation ecosystem and delivering it to companies, the public sector has been seeking to make important innovations in the modus faciendi in its internal management from its budget. The articulation of government planning and the new paradigm of TBL and SDGs in public management needs to become a reality, a practice that is considered as an organizational innovation based on the planning and analysis of public budgets.
  
 Method: Use a deductive and qualitative approach of exploratory nature, with statistical treatment, idealization and calculation of the "Indicator of the Dimension of Expenditures in the Budget" (IDGO) for the economic, environmental and social dimensions of the 13 municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Salvador – RMS-BA.
  
 Results and Conclusion: The results indicated that there is a preponderance of the social IDGO to the detriment of the economic and environmental IDGOs in the budgets studied. and that, particularly the environmental dimension, needs more attention in budget allocation.
  
 Research Implications: From this analysis proposal for a sustainable public budget, municipal public managers can innovate in their management from reallocations and more careful planning of budgets, allocating financial resources in a more balanced way.

Young Children’s Digital Literacy Practices with Caregivers in the Home Environment: Voices of Chinese Parents and Grandparents

The development of children’s digital literacy is essential in the 21st century. Digital technologies have been adopted by both parents and grandparents to enhance children’s quality of education, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDGs 4 and 17). Many children have been provided with all types of digital tools and e-devices from birth, which puts their caregivers in a challenging position. In that context, investigating the attitudes, beliefs, communication, and practices of caregivers when interacting with young children while utilizing digital technologies is crucial for comprehending the disparity in digital literacy between parents and grandparents. In this study, we adopted a mixed research design to examine Chinese intergenerational caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic and different types of caregivers’ beliefs, practices, and communication with children through various digital tools in the home environment. A caregiver-reported survey was conducted to investigate the primary caregivers’ beliefs, practices, and communication using digital media tools with children at home. Intergenerational interviews with 18 families further identified the different methods of caregiving between parents and grandparents. Mixed attitudes were found concerning popular technologies commonly used at home and children’s digital literacy practices, and we heard intergenerational concerns about children’s use of digital technologies. This study shows that Chinese fathers are generally more supportive of digital practices at home, while mothers are more restrictive of their children’s use of digital technology tools. Grandparenting may be overwhelming for Chinese seniors in the 21st century.

Entrepreneurship ethics and its contribution to sustainable development goals

Purpose Research done to date has produced a wide range of perspectives that center on the junction between the specific function and responsibility of the entrepreneur when applying ethical dimensions to the field of entrepreneurship. By combining a bibliometric analysis with the literature review, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of entrepreneurship ethics and its contribution to sustainable development goals, along with future research directions on the topic of entrepreneurship and ethics. Design/methodology/approach The research looked for literature based on entrepreneurship ethics from the Dimension database. The authors accumulated 2,279 articles for the period of 2002–2022 for analysis. The authors used bibliometric analysis for analyzing the topic with the use of VosViewer and Excel. Findings By combining a bibliometric analysis with a literature review, this study aimed to provide an overview of the ethics and entrepreneurship and contribution to sustainable development goals. The most influential author and journal are Vanessa Ratten and the Journal of Business Ethics, respectively. The top sustainable development goals (SDGs) being contributed by entrepreneurship ethics are SDG4, SDG8, SDG16, SDG11 and SDG3. By contrasting these two interpretations, the authors have demonstrated that the entrepreneurship environment involves various ethical issues connected to personal, organizational and societal sectors. Research limitations/implications The current study may serve as a general guideline for future investigation into this topic. Practical implications Regarding the practical ramifications, the findings can help entrepreneurs who are preparing to launch a business or are already doing so. The findings provide a comprehensive framework of success variables that must be considered to improve the venture’s performance. Originality/value This study’s originality is from presenting a structured and in-depth literature review that describes the current state of entrepreneurship ethics and its contribution to sustainable development goals. A complete analysis of the data gathered on entrepreneurship ethics is offered to establish that it is sustainable.

Aquaculture: A hidden goldmine for the rural poor—A cost–benefit analysis of fish farming for sustainable development and food security in Vihiga County, Kenya

AbstractIn Kenya, aquaculture plays a significant role in enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities by boosting the local economy and diversifying protein sources. Although Vihiga County in Western Kenya boasts considerable potential for aquaculture, it paradoxically experiences some of the highest levels of poverty and malnutrition in the country. The profitability of fish farming has also been affected by inefficiencies and poor resources, disproportionately affecting the income and nutritional value of rural poor who rely on Aquaculture as a source of cheap protein. The study was conducted in Vihiga County to assess the cost–benefit of aquaculture production, selecting 100 fish farmers through a stratified random sampling technique from five sub‐counties. A descriptive research design was employed, and data analysis was conducted using correlation and regression analysis with SPSS. Budgetary techniques were used for the cost–benefit analysis. Data presentation was by comparing the mean and standard deviation in US dollars of different pond size production. The research findings indicated that the size and type of pond do not have a significant correlation and differences in production (p‐value >.05). There is a strong positive correlation between the size of the pond and the stocking density. The variable cost (VC) has a positive correlation with pond productivity meaning that an increase in VC leads to an increase in production. And is not statistically significant (p‐value = .21827, p‐value >.05). Moreover, the total cost (TC) correlation is statistically significant (p‐value = .0351, p < .05). Larger ponds are more profitable but require higher costs production than smaller ponds. The study concludes that pond size significantly impacts productivity, advocating for smaller ponds to achieve higher net returns with lower production costs. Major challenges include high costs of feeds, inputs, fish diseases, and post‐harvest losses. Key policy variables influencing aquaculture in Vihiga County include infrastructure, fish feed production, capital, and fisheries extension services. Adequate financial support from both National and County governments is crucial for sustainable aquaculture in alignment with Kenya's Vision 2030 and Global Sustainable Development Goals. Policymakers are urged to assist small‐scale farmers with financing, training, and market information to optimize returns on investment.

An exploration of drivers for small businesses to implement environmental actions in Victoria, Australia

AbstractThe adoption of environmental practices in small and medium scale businesses is increasing. Given the diverse environmental actions available to firms, it is important to understand the specific drivers for different actions to be taken. Based on managerial survey data from Victoria, Australia, this research uses modeling to determine how ethical conscience of managers drive different types of sustainable environmental actions. The results indicate that ethical conscience of managers drives waste, energy and water related actions, while external factors such as supply chain imperatives and customer demand drive circular business actions. New technology and industry guidelines were major barriers for most types of environmental actions while social barriers were significant for energy and water related actions. This implies that the increased ethical conscience of managers, especially while adopting new technology can increase the adoption of environmental actions in businesses. The results will have implications in crafting the corporate strategy and developing good and services that will aid to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12), focusing on sustainable cities and communities, and responsible production and consumption.

Investigation of multidimensional poverty in Pakistan at the national, regional, and provincial level

AbstractTo achieve the sustainable development goal of “no poverty”, many attempts have been made to measure poverty so that policy intervention can target the right people with the correct intensity. Since the traditional method of a unidimensional approach using monetary indicators, such as income and consumption, is now considered insufficient, a multidimensional approach has been employed using non-monetary indicators. The latter approach encompasses the different poverty aspects affecting an individual’s capabilities and functioning. This study aimed to calculate multidimensional poverty in Pakistan using the Alkire & Foster method and Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data for 2018–19. To further complete the research, a binary logistic regression has been run to measure the effects of a deviation in income status on multidimensional poverty to see the impact of monetary income on non-monetary measures. Results show that the national global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is 0.24, meaning that multidimensionally poor people in Pakistan experience 24% of the total deprivations. The most deprived dimension of the three is education (44.7%), which needs special attention. Furthermore, if a household’s total annual income increases and becomes more significant than the mean income of the sample, the household’s probability of being multidimensionally poor will decrease. This implies that with the increase in average national income, the national poverty will reduce not only in absolute terms but also multidimensionally. This study’s findings have several implications for policymakers, and the results of the MPI should align the allocation of public sector resources calculated to give a geographical and sectoral image of the poverty situation, which will guide policy designs and allocation of budget and resources.

Model of Family and the Propensity to Build Sustainable Savings Attitudes in the Post-COVID World: A Case Study of Poland

This article investigates the role of the model of family and their savings as a support to growth and source of economic sustainability. The central objective of the present article was to determine the impact of the model of a family on the propensity to save money in the population of Poland. As indicated by independence tests, in most studied cases, the model of a family does not have a key role in sustainable consumption and saving behavior. The only exception are the forms of allocation of the saved capital. The study results suggest that households in Poland hold traditional views on the family model and the allocation of their savings. Decisions in everyday life are often reached together with the partner, which may attest to the growing egalitarian tendencies in Polish families. The research shows that the funds saved monthly by households are not planned in advance but constitute a financial surplus after all the expenses have been paid, which is then set aside as a reserve for the future. Partners usually prefer to have separate bank accounts with funds for day-to-day spending. However, the awareness concerning the forms of allocating capital is still poor, which is confirmed by the fact that most of the financial surplus is kept in the current account. The funds saved this way are spent to satisfy current needs, such as holidays or durable goods, and cover expenses in emergencies, which may be particularly important in the context of minimizing the risk of poverty and social exclusion, which should be prevented in line with the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Access to quality contraceptive counselling among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Improving women's access to and use of modern contraceptives is a key global strategy for improving the sexual and reproductive health of women. However, the use of modern contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains relatively low, despite the numerous interventions to increase patronage. This study examined adolescent girls and young women's receipt of quality contraceptive counselling and its associated factors in SSA. Data for the study were extracted from the recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 20 countries in SSA, spanning from 2015 to 2021. A sample of 19,398 adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 years was included in the study. We presented the proportion of adolescent girls and young women who received quality contraceptive counselling using a spatial map. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the factors associated with the receipt of quality contraceptive counselling. Overall, 33.2% of adolescent girls and young women had access to quality contraceptive counselling, ranging from 13.0% in Cameroon to 67.0% in Sierra Leone. The odds of receiving quality contraceptive counselling was higher among adolescent girls and young women aged 20-24 (AOR = 1.48, CI: 1.32-1.67), those with primary (AOR = 1.32, CI: 1.11-1.57) and secondary or higher education (AOR = 1.31, CI: 1.09-1.58), and those married (AOR = 1.32, CI: 1.15-1.52), cohabiting (AOR = 1.47, CI: 1.23-1.76), and previously married (AOR = 1.48, CI: 1.20-1.83) compared to their counterparts in the reference groups. Adolescent girls and young women who were currently working (AOR = 1.22, CI: 1.09-1.37), those who heard of family planning from radio in the last few months (AOR = 1.34, CI:1.21-1.50), those who visited the health facility in the last 12 months (AOR = 1.69, CI: 1.52-1.88), and those residing in the Southern (AOR = 5.01, CI: 3.86-6.51), Eastern (AOR = 2.54, CI: 1.96-3.30), and Western (AOR = 4.09, CI: 3.19-5.25) SSA were more likely to receive quality contraceptive counselling compared to their counterparts in the reference groups. Conversely, adolescent girls and young women who used the internet, those who had problem getting permission to seek medical help, those facing problem in seeking medical help for not wanting to go alone, those from the middle and richest wealth indices, and those from the rural areas were less likely to receive quality contraceptive counselling compared to their counterparts in the reference groups. Receipt of quality contraceptive counselling among adolescent girls and young women was low. Considering the importance of quality contraceptive counselling on the uptake and continuation of contraception, policymakers need to institute measures that improve adolescent girls and young women's access to quality contraceptive counselling in SSA, especially in countries like Cameroon, Angola, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Guinea, taking into consideration the factors identified in the study. Increasing adolescent girls and young women's access to quality contraceptive counselling could greatly minimize the risk of unintended pregnancies and its associated maternal and child health burden in SSA and subsequently contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, target 3.7.

The influence of nuclear energy research and development investments on environmental sustainability: evidence from the United States and France

ABSTRACT Recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reports have highlighted the inadequacy of environmental sustainability efforts. Thus, it is clear that current efforts towards environmental sustainability (SDG 13) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) policies are insufficient and a comprehensive policy agenda is needed. Existing literature limitedly addresses the determinants of environmental sustainability but relatively ignores the impact of nuclear energy research and development investments (NCI) and green environment on environmental quality. The motivation of this study is to fill this research gap and propose an overarching policy structure to achieve SDGs. In this context, this study investigates the effects of green environment, economic growth, human capital, and NCI on environmental sustainability comparatively for the United States and France through the Asymmetric Autoregressive Distributed Lag, which considers structural break. Based on the empirical analysis results, economic growth and trade openness harm environmental sustainability, while positive shocks in NCI improve environmental quality in both countries. Negative NCI shocks deteriorate environmental quality in the United States but not France. In conclusion, this study provides detailed environmental sustainability policies for the United States and France.

Impact of Stone Quarrying on Sustainable Livelihoods and Environment in Selected Communities in Ghana: implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

Stone is a useful natural resource, but its extraction has sustainability implications for the environment and livelihoods. This study examined the impacts of stone quarrying activities on sustainable livelihoods and the environment, and the implications of the impacts for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in selected host communities in Ghana. The study was underpinned by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and the principle of environmental sustainability as a pillar of sustainable development (SD). One hundred and ninety-two participants were involved in interviews and focus group discussions, which were analyzed thematically. It was found that the activities provided prospects for sustainable livelihoods, but the impacts on livelihoods were mixed. For instance, whereas the activities provided opportunities for jobs, income, and other socio-economic benefits, they created disputes and health challenges. The environmental impacts included vibrations, noise, cracks in buildings, dust-polluted air and water bodies, land degradation, migration of wildlife, as well as stunted growth of crops and other plants around the quarry sites. The livelihood and environmental impacts had mixed (positive and negative) implications for most of the SDGs. Based on the mixed impacts and implications dynamics, the stakeholders, led by the government and its relevant agencies, are encouraged to chart quarrying pathways that are more environmentally friendly and socio-economically equitable. Such sustainable pathways should be guided by regulatory, educational, technological, and monitoring policy considerations that would minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive ones to promote the achievement of the SDGs for improved livelihoods and sustainable development.

Retrieval of Total Suspended Matter Concentration Based on the Iterative Analysis of Multiple Equations: A Case Study of a Lake Taihu Image from the First Sustainable Development Goals Science Satellite’s Multispectral Imager for Inshore

Inland waters consist of multiple concentrations of constituents, and solving the interference problem of chlorophyll-a and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) can help to accurately invert total suspended matter concentration (Ctsm). In this study, according to the characteristics of the Multispectral Imager for Inshore (MII) equipped with the first Sustainable Development Goals Science Satellite (SDGSAT-1), an iterative inversion model was established based on the iterative analysis of multiple linear regression to estimate Ctsm. The Hydrolight radiative transfer model was used to simulate the radiative transfer process of Lake Taihu, and it analyzed the effect of three component concentrations on remote sensing reflectance. The characteristic band combinations B6/3 and B6/5 for multiple linear regression were determined using the correlation of the three component concentrations with different bands and band combinations. By combining the two multiple linear regression models, a complete closed iterative inversion model for solving Ctsm was formed, which was successfully verified by using the modeling data (R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 4.89 g/m3, MAPE = 11.48%) and the SDGSAT-1 MII image verification data (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 3.92 g/m3, MAPE = 8.13%). And it was compared with iterative inversion models constructed based on other combinations of feature bands and other published models. Remote sensing monitoring Ctsm was carried out using SDGSAT-1 MII images of Lake Taihu in 2022–2023. This study can serve as a technical reference for the SDGSAT-1 satellite in terms of remote sensing monitoring of Ctsm, as well as monitoring and improving the water environment.

Microplastic contamination in salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts: an emerging food safety threat in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Microplastic (MP) contamination in seafood, particularly processed varieties like dried and salt-cured fish, poses a significant threat to human health. This study investigated MP levels in 22 salt-cured fish species and commercial sea salts along the Indian east coast. Results showed substantially higher MP concentrations compared to global averages, with fragments and fibres (< 250µm) composing 70% of identified MPs, primarily PVC and PS polymers (> 55%). Station 2 exhibited high pollution levels, with salt-cured fish averaging 54.06 ± 14.48 MP items/g and salt containing 23.53 ± 4.2 MP items/g, indicating a high hazard risk index. A modest correlation was observed between MP abundance, morphotypes, polymer composition in the salt, and their impact on fish products. Given the critical link between food safety, security, and public health, further research is imperative to mitigate MP contamination, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 14, and Goal 15) for enhanced food safety and security.

Urban Growth and Its Ecological Effects in China

As the largest developing nation, China is currently experiencing rapid urban growth. Conducting a thorough scientific assessment of this expansion and its ecological consequences is of paramount importance for advancing China’s ecological civilization and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This study employs multi-source remote sensing data to investigate the spatiotemporal trends in Chinese urban development and explore its impact on the ecological environment. From 2013 to 2021, the findings indicate an increasing trend in China’s total nocturnal light, with the southern and central regions exhibiting higher growth rates. This suggests a decade-long expansion of Chinese cities, especially in the southern and central regions. However, the impact of urban expansion on ecological quality varies. Beijing, Shenyang, and Xi’an have witnessed improved environmental quality, while Kunming and Shenzhen have experienced minimal changes, and Hefei and Wuhan have encountered a decline. The observed spatial heterogeneity underscores the intricate relationship between urban expansion and ecological shifts. This study reveals the spatiotemporal dynamics of China’s urban expansion and its ecological impact, providing valuable insights and policy recommendations for fostering the harmonized development of urbanization and ecological preservation.

Spatial–Temporal Pattern of Coordination between the Supply and Demand for Ecosystem Services in the Lhasa River Basin

Quantifying the spatiotemporal patterns of the coordination between ecosystem service supply and demand is vital for regional sustainable development. To reveal the dynamic pattern of the coordination of ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand in the Lhasa River Basin, we quantified the supply of the following four ESs using the InVEST model from 2000 to 2018: carbon sequestration (CS), water conservation (WC), habitat quality (HQ), and soil conservation (SC). Using socio-economic data, including land development degree, GDP, and population density, the ES demand was quantified. The ES supply–demand ratio (ESDR) and coupling coordination degree (CCD) model were used to evaluate the coupling relationship and coordination of ES supply and demand. The spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to determine the spatial correlation and changes in the ES supply–demand coupling coordination degree. The results indicate that the distribution of ESDR exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. The area with ES supply far greater than demand was always in the upstream area of the Lhasa River, while the ES demand of Chengguan District far exceeded supply. Grasslands and forests were the main contributors to ESDRs, providing positive ESDRs for three services, SC, HQ, and WC, with a total proportion above 80%. From 2000 to 2018, the mismatch between ES supply and demand was gradually spreading upstream, while the upstream areas had a relatively high CCD. The spatial correlations of the CCD in the Lhasa River basin all showed statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.01). The high–high aggregation areas were concentrated in the northeast of the Lhasa River basin, while the low–low aggregation areas were centered around Chengguan District. This study provides reference values for optimizing the land use spatial patterns in ecologically vulnerable areas with the goal of sustainable development.