Sustainable Future Research Articles

Earth: An Oxidative Planet with Limited Atom Resources and Rich Chemistry.

Humanity faces an unprecedented survival challenge: climate change, driven by the depletion of natural resources, excessive waste generation, and deforestation. Six out of nine planetary boundaries have been exceeded, signaling that Earth is far from a safe operating space for humanity. In this Viewpoint Article we explore three critical "atomic-molecular" challenges: Earth's limited atomic resources, its oxidative nature, and very rich chemistry. Addressing these requires a transformation in how we produce and consume, emphasizing sustainable practices aligned with the United Nations' 17 goals. The advancement of science and technology has extended human life expectancy and improved quality of life. However, to ensure a sustainable future, we must move towards less oxidative chemical processes, incorporate CH4-CO2 redox chemistry into the circular economy, and transition from a linear, fossil fuel-dependent economy to a circular bioeconomy. Reforestation and the recovery of degraded lands are essential, alongside the shift towards green and sustainable chemistry. Earth's dynamic chemistry is governed by the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, but science alone is insufficient. Achieving global sustainability requires coordinated economic, political, and social decisions that recognize Earth's limited resources and oxidative nature. Together, these efforts will position humanity to meet the challenges of climate change and secure a sustainable future.

A comparison of nanocellulose extracted from coconut (Cocos nucifera), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon)

The agricultural residues that are not well-managed will cause environmental deterioration. In fact, they can be used as alternative sources for production and application in various industries due to their attractive properties such as absorption ability, mechanical properties and biodegradability. In recent advancements, agricultural residues are broadly used to form nanocellulose. In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from plant leaves of coconut (Cocos nucifera), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon) which are abundant agricultural waste. Chemical pre-treatment was carried out by boiling dried leaves at 80°C in NaOH. The extraction was conducted under homogenous conditions using high pressure homogenization with speed at 1000 rpm for 30 mins to produce nanocellulose. The samples were characterized for surface morphology, UV-Vis spectrum, Fourier transmission using FTIR and water absorption. The properties displayed by the formed nanocellulose were analysed and compared for further recommendation. These materials have a high potential to be used in different fields towards a sustainable future.

Circular Economy: A Systematic Paradigm for Transition from ‘Soil to Silver’ toward a Sustainable Future

Circular Economy: A Systematic Paradigm for Transition from ‘Soil to Silver’ toward a Sustainable Future

Data Analysis of the Situation of the Residential Sector in Extremadura and Its Energy Classification

This study explores sustainable practices in energy resource management, with the aim of optimizing energy consumption while maintaining quality of life. It focuses on energy efficiency in the residential sector of the autonomous community of Extremadura. The methodology involved collecting data from 50 households, using a computer tool to assess and classify energy efficiency levels. The results showed that homes built before 1994 had low energy ratings, whereas those built afterward demonstrated improvement, reflecting a growing environmental awareness. It was found that small investments, such as the installation of control devices and the adoption of conscious consumption habits, can significantly improve energy efficiency. The study highlights the importance of raising community awareness about energy efficiency and notes that, despite limitations in the data, the findings provide valuable insights for future interventions. In conclusion, energy efficiency is key to a sustainable future, and we all share the responsibility of improving it.

The Pushback Against Canada’s Carbon Pricing System: A Case Study of Two Canadian Provinces, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia

As part of its plan to transition to an energy secure and environmentally sustainable future, Canada has had a national carbon pricing system since 2019. When first introduced, the $20 (‘$’ refer to Canadian dollars (CAD) in this paper) per tonne price was widely accepted by most Canadians and seen as a way of helping Canada meet its emissions reduction pledges made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The Canadian system is novel in that it both charges consumers for their emissions and reimburses them for their expected emissions; this is intended to raise awareness of their emissions and encourage those who can afford to opt for lower-emissions energy services to do so. By 2023, the combination of the carbon price reaching $65 per tonne and the post-pandemic economic slowdown was seized on by numerous politicians as a way of pushing back against the carbon pricing system, with most demanding the entire system be scrapped. The debate intensified in late 2023 and into 2024, when the federal government removed the carbon tax on home heating oil because the reimbursement was insufficient to cover the cost of the tax. In this paper, we consider the recent actions of two Canadian provinces, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, embroiled in the federal carbon pricing system debate due to the removal of the carbon tax on fuel oil for space heating. The objective of this paper is to identify how some of the reasons, including global post-pandemic inflation and other challenges facing Canadians, such as those cited in third-party polls, have contributed to a rise in the system’s unpopularity. Our method estimates and compares the impacts of the carbon tax on the household energy services for space and water heating, lighting and appliances, and private (i.e., household) transportation for different types of housing (apartment, single-attached, and single-detached) and number of occupants (two, three, and four) in Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. The results of this work show that while Saskatchewan households have higher energy intensities than those in Nova Scotia, the impact of the carbon tax on Nova Scotians using fuel oil for heating was greater than in Saskatchewan. In Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, natural gas and electricity, respectively, are used for heating. This paper concludes with a summary of our findings and potential options for improving perceptions of the system.

Fostering sustainable development values among engineering students using Service-Learning

In the majority of nations, environmental sustainability is an integral aspect of government policies, highlighting the criticality of equipping upcoming engineers with the necessary environmental awareness and skills to tackle this complex challenge. Higher education institutions assume a pivotal role in fulfilling this mission as their engineering programs aspire to generate graduates who possess the necessary competencies to effectively operate as “sustainable” engineers. Novel pedagogical methodologies, such as service learning, are currently being utilized to foster the cultivation of sustainable development values. Service-Learning represents a highly congruent approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, insofar as it seamlessly integrates educational curricula with relevant community issues. As a result, it effectively contributes to the advancement of education for a sustainable future. This investigation sought to assess the impact of service learning projects developed in a rural school community on the boosting of social skills and environmental values among engineering students. The empirical evidence suggests that Service-Learning initiatives centered on environmental issues are efficacious in promoting the acquisition of social and environmental values among students. This, in turn, results in a positive transformation of their skill sets. Significantly, a substantial proportion of environmental engineering students who previously demonstrated a low awareness of these skills acknowledged their acquisition upon completion of the Service-Learning projects. Moreover, no less than 75% of the participants endorsed the attainment of each of the 11 competencies evaluated.

Understanding the Relationship between Humans, Culture, and Civilization in Islamic

Abstract This research aims to explore the relationship between humans, culture, and civilization through literary studies. This study is based on the necessity to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these three entities interact across various social and historical contexts. By collecting and analyzing various sources such as books, journal articles, and other relevant materials, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of this relationship. Literary analysis reveals the defining role of culture as a shaper of human identity and the social structure of civilization. The research findings also highlight the impact of globalization, technology, and socio-political changes on the relationship between these three entities. Emphasis on the importance of a deeper understanding of the dynamics of human interaction, culture, and civilization to respond to the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable future for humanity. The importance of this understanding is attributed to the progression in time and changes occurring globally. Together, this study highlights the complexity of the relationships between people, culture, and civilization, and the importance of understanding their dynamics to create a broader understanding of human development as a whole. Thus, this study makes an important contribution to the development of a more comprehensive perspective on the interaction between these three entities in human society. Together, this study highlights the complexity of the relationships between people, culture, and civilization, and highlights the importance of understanding their dynamics to create a broader understanding of human development as a whole. Keywords: Civilization, Culture, and Human

Analyzing the effects of financial deepening, smart urbanization, rural development, and digital economy on green growth in China within the framework of carbon neutrality targets

For the sustainable future of the world, achieving carbon neutrality is crucial. Most of the countries are making fundamental changes in their economic models so that they can become carbon neutral by the year 2050. In this regard, green growth should be the preferred model for most economies in the world. The literature on green growth is growing, but no past study has shed light on how financial deepening, smart urbanization, rural development, and digital economy impact green growth within the framework of carbon neutrality targets. Thus, there exists a significant gap in the literature, which motivates to conduct this analysis. The primary motive of this study is to analyze the asymmetric impact of financial deepening, smart urbanization, rural development, and digital economy on green growth within the framework of carbon neutrality targets. Empirical estimates are obtained by utilizing the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag framework. The results confirm that positive changes in financial deepening, smart urbanization, ICT, and rural development help promote long-term green growth. The negative changes in financial deepening hinder green growth in the long-run, while the negative changes in smart urbanization, information and communication technology (ICT), and rural development do not significantly impact green growth in the long-run. In the short-run, only the positive changes in financial deepening and ICT promote green growth, while the rest of the estimates are insignificant. The results imply that financial deepening, smart urbanization, ICT, and rural development are vital in achieving carbon-neutrality objectives by fostering green growth. Thus, policymakers should rely on the green growth framework to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Optimising Malaysia’s power mix for a sustainable future: a multi-scenario modelling approach

PurposeThis study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy mix, including energy storage, the research identifies pathways to decarbonise the power sector while minimising costs. These findings will inform the development of future policies.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the Stockholm Environment Institute-developed Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) to construct and optimise a comprehensive Malaysian power sector model. The model encompasses both electricity supply, including diverse electricity generation sources and demand across key sectors. Three scenarios – existing policy, optimised existing policy and more ambitious policy (near-zero emissions) – are analysed.FindingsSolar photovoltaic (PV) is the dominant technology, but realising its full potential requires significant grid upgrades. While natural gas expansion underpins Malaysia’s decarbonisation strategy, solar and storage offer a cleaner and potentially cost-effective alternative. Rapid technological advancements in clean energy increase stranded asset risk for new gas power plants. Malaysia’s abundant bioenergy resources need more tapping. This can contribute to decarbonisation and rural development. Transitioning to a fully renewable grid necessitates substantial investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. While falling battery costs and regional interconnection can mitigate costs, careful consideration of potential disruptions and cost fluctuations is essential for resilience.Research limitations/implicationsEnergy sector modelling results are inherently dependent on input assumptions, such as future technology costs, resource availability and fossil fuel prices. These factors can be highly uncertain. While this study did not conduct sensitivity analyses to explore how variations in these assumptions might affect the results (e.g. cost variations across scenarios, technology mix fluctuations), the core findings provide valuable insights into potential decarbonisation pathways for Malaysia’s power sector. Future studies could build upon this work by incorporating sensitivity analyses to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how key results might change under a wider range of future possibilities.Originality/valueThis study co-optimises a 100% renewable energy mix for Malaysia, incorporating a comprehensive range of renewable resources, battery and pumped hydro storage. The research also provides a unique perspective on the interplay of philosophical underpinnings, psychological maturity and energy policy.

National occupational safety and health systems: Exploring the underlying networks for future sustainable development

Any intervention, initiative, or programme – whether implemented at the local or national level – builds upon existing infrastructure, which, if properly managed, enables sustainable development. Within this perspective, this study examines national Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems, specifically a set of European countries, by studying their dynamics through cross-national analyses and investigating their similarities and differences, fostering OSH improvement through new national strategies and possible collaboration between national entities. A secondary data analysis is conducted based on the OSHwiki database of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which has a dedicated section on European national OSH systems. This database makes different countries easily comparable – under one single language and the same degree of granularity – which is not trivial if considering the other available primary sources. For a consistent sample, with a controlled heterogeneity, this study includes eleven European countries. An iterative inductive process of data comparison on national OSH systems is used to establish a suitable framework for data analysis. As a result, a range of fundamental functions and recurring bodies, covering – to different extents – the previously identified functions, constitute the framework, which are the most transversal functions for the selected countries. These findings provide valuable insights into how these functions are carried out differently across countries, detecting potential shareable best practices and improvement directions for the future sustainability of national OSH systems.

EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL – UMA ANÁLISE CONCEITUAL

The environmental issues affecting the globe have been intensifying since the Industrial Revolution, which began in 1789, at the end of the 18th century. Technological development enabled humans to expand their capacity for exploration and extraction of natural resources, resulting in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a small group of international organizations, with the complicity of the most developed nations. The consequences of this predatory development model are evident: global warming, uncontrolled population growth, environmental degradation, and an exponential increase in poverty in various regions. This study, through a bibliographic review, seeks to identify trends and assess the possible consequences of this scenario for the lives of citizens on planet Earth. The focus is to suggest mitigating actions that can curb environmental devastation and ensure a more sustainable future, preserving human life on what was once known as the "blue planet," but which, in recent decades, has been marked by the spread of gray areas due to wildfires and increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The drastic reduction in biodiversity, with the extinction of numerous species of fauna and flora, is an irrefutable fact that demands immediate attention.

Universal Design Futures: Theoretical Insights and Paradigms from a Majority World.

This paper intends to position the key theoretical understanding of universal design from a global lens to the contemporary times, especially with insights from India as a majority world perspective. Using a narrative-based approach, it combines theoretical insights with experiential insights through state-of-the-art literature and understanding. A seven-lens framework is proposed as a comprehensive approach towards UD viz. the human diversity and demographic lens, the socio-cultural lens, the environment and ecology lens, the economic lens, the technology lens, the policy lens and the philosophy lens. Each lens shares unique perspectives with Universal Design as a shared concept for application evolving a discourse for a human-centric and sustainable futures. It highlights various paradigms originating from the Indian context representing high population perspectives especially the context of economic inclusion through universal design with affordability as a key value. The discussion leads us into understanding contextual relevance of UD beyond its original intent of universal accessibility itself. It concludes to see and propose UD as an integral layer of sustainability with a common goal of sustenance and inclusion.

Environment in Industry 4.0: Applicability of Biotechnology as a Tool for Sustainability and Innovation

Objective: The objective of this research was to analyze the applicability of biotechnology as a tool for sustainability and innovation in industry 4.0. Methodology: The methodology adopted consisted of a bibliographic survey carried out on academic platforms such as SciELO, Scopus and Google Scholar, in addition to Brazilian repositories such as CAPES and BDTD. The research included skimming and an analysis of selected materials, addressing both conceptual and practical aspects of biotechnology in industry. Results and data analysis: The results revealed the evolution of the relationship between human beings and the environment, highlighting the growing awareness of sustainability and the importance of urgent actions. Industry 4.0, in turn, represents the integration of advanced technologies that transform factories into connected and efficient environments, focusing on automation, big data and personalization. Biotechnology has proven essential, using living organisms to develop sustainable products and processes, with significant advances in the areas of health, agriculture and environmental preservation. The intersection between biotechnology and Industry 4.0 allows for the implementation of more sustainable agricultural practices, personalized medical treatments, biofuel production and bioremediation, although it also raises ethical and safety concerns. The conclusion highlights that biotechnology plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and innovation, offering solutions that optimize processes and reduce environmental impacts. However, challenges such as regulations and ethical issues need to be addressed. Collaboration between governments, industries and research institutions is vital to maximize the benefits and ensure a safe and responsible application of these technologies, thus being able to positively influence the future of the industry towards a more sustainable and efficient production model. Final considerations: In conclusion, the research revealed that the intersection between biotechnology and Industry 4.0 is fundamental to promoting sustainability and innovation. Biotechnology offers sustainable solutions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and environmental preservation, while Industry 4.0 enables optimization and efficiency through digitalization and automation. However, ethical and regulatory challenges must be addressed. Collaboration between governments, industries and research institutions is crucial to ensure the safe and responsible application of these technologies, shaping a more sustainable and efficient industrial future.

Culturally Sensitive Design Tool Kit Developed Through Global Co-Design.

Designers are increasingly navigating translocated contexts, presenting the need to develop strong skills in sensitively working with host communities, avoiding surface-level engagements, and considering the longevity, ownership, and impact of designs [1]. This paper reviews a series of co-design workshops organised by Imperial College London and Royal College of Art's MASc Global Innovation Design (GID) students, Abigail Hoover, and Tori Simpson. These workshops assembled a global community of design experts, students, and academics to share their experiences and approaches when designing for diverse communities to create culturally robust design interventions that are contextually innovative in the cultures and communities they exist in. The outcome of these workshops is a collection of co-designed guidelines to support design practitioners in ethical co-design practices, particularly when engaging with communities to which they do not belong. The goal of conducting these workshops was to discuss, and create strategies to avoid design tourism, a concept that straddles many names, including parachute design, design littering, and design imperialism. Meaning 'projects where the primary purpose of the project is the educational or personal development of the visitors, and the resulting ideas are left without any potential for realistic implementation.' [2] This paper outlines the tools, techniques, and knowledge generated through collaborative participation and reflection during the workshops that can be applied within culturally sensitive projects and ever-evolving design environments. It will review the created workshop structure and outcome analysis strategies cataloguing results against pre-existing design ethics structures. These outputs prompt the designer to reflect on their own practice, how they involve users, and what is left behind for communities involved. This paper serves as a valuable resource for designers seeking to navigate design with cultural sensitivity and adaptability, incorporate best practice, as well as new approaches to innovation, and facilitate actionable response to generate sustainable futures.

The Sustainable Future: Solid Waste Management and Sustainable Development in the Peruvian Amazon

The research is important because it allows us to reflect and seek successful management of solid waste to achieve sustainable development in the Amazon region of Peru, as a constant form of protection of health and life; at the same time, becoming an incentive for family economies. The study sought to establish a relationship between solid waste management and sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon. The type of basic research, with a non-experimental design, correlational scope and cross-sectional, whose population was 8,000 thousand users and the sample was 1,000 thousand. The data collection technique was the survey and the questionnaire was used as an instrument. The results found: The level of solid waste management is low at 60.1%. The level of sustainable development is low with 52.5%. There is a low and significant positive correlation between the dimensions permanent external conditions, institutional condition, waste treatment, collection - transportation and final disposal of the variable solid waste management and the variable sustainable development with a Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.342; 0.325; 0.063; 0226; 0.239 and a p-value of 0.000, significance level of 0.001. It was concluded that, There is a low and significant positive correlation between the solid waste management variable and sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon, with a Spearman's Rho of 0.309 and a p-value of 0.000, which is < 0.01; Others, it only has a variability of 30% between variables.

The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 consensus statement: core policy actions and measures to achieve improvements in the health and wellbeing of children, young people and future generations.

This consensus statement recommends eight high-level trackable policy actions most likely to significantly improve health and wellbeing for children and young people by 2030. These policy actions include an overarching policy action and span seven interconnected domains that need to be adequately resourced for every young person to thrive: Material basics; Valued, loved and safe; Positive sense of identity and culture; Learning and employment pathways; Healthy; Participating; and Environments and sustainable futures. Provide financial support to invest in families with young children and address poverty and material deprivation in the first 2000 days of life. Establish a national investment fund to provide sustained, culturally relevant, maternal and child health and development home visiting services for the first 2000 days of life for all children facing structural disadvantage and/or adversity. Implement a dedicated funding model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled early years services across the country to ensure these services are fully resourced to provide quality early learning and integrated services grounded in culture and community. Properly fund public schools, starting by providing full and accountable Schooling Resource Standard funding for all schools, with immediate effect for schools in communities facing structural disadvantage. Establish legislation and regulation to protect children and young people aged under 18 years from the marketing of unhealthy and harmful products. Amend the electoral act to extend the compulsory voting age to 16 years. Legislate an immediate end to all new fossil fuel projects in Australia. Establish a federal Future Generations Commission with legislated powers to protect the interests of future generations. Together, these achievable evidence-based policies would significantly improve children and young people's health and wellbeing by 2030, build a strong foundation for future generations, and provide co-benefits for all generations and society.

National innovation policy, entrepreneurial activity, managerial ability and green innovation of agribusinesses

This study examines the impact of national innovation policy on the breakthrough green innovation capabilities of agribusiness firms. Despite the global shift toward sustainable development and innovation-driven strategies, research on the mechanisms through which national policies influence green innovation in the agricultural sector is limited. By investigating the mediating role of urban entrepreneurial activity and the moderating effect of managerial ability, this study provides novel insights into the complex relationships among policy, entrepreneurship, and innovation in agribusiness. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of green innovation capabilities and offer valuable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, this study unveils asymmetric effects across ownership types and regions, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions. By bridging these research gaps, this study significantly advances the knowledge of green innovation in agribusiness and informs evidence-based policymaking for an increasingly sustainable future.

Exploring the functional properties and utilisation potential of mollusca shell by-products through an interdisciplinary approach

Molluscan shellfish aquaculture contributes to 42.6% of global aquaculture production. With a continued increase in shellfish production, disposal of shell waste during processing is emerging as an environmental and financial concern. Whilst major commercial species such as Crassostrea spp. has been extensively investigated on usage of its shell, with information that are crucial for valorisation, e.g. safety and crystal polymorphs, evaluated. There is currently little understanding of utilisation opportunities of shell in several uprising Australian commercially harvested species including Akoya Oyster (Pinctada fucata), Roe’s Abalone (Haliotis roei) and Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis levigata), making it challenging to identify ideal usages based on evidence-based information. Therefore, in this study, an interdisciplinary approach was employed to characterise the shells, and thereafter suggest some potential utilisation opportunities. This characterisation included crude mineral content, elemental profiling and food safety evaluation. As well, physical, chemical, and thermal stability of the shell products was assessed. TGA result suggests that all shells investigated have high thermal stability, suggesting the possibility of utilisation as a functional filler in engineering applications. Subsequent FTIR, SEM and XRD analyses identified that CaCO3 was the main compositions with up to 77.6% of it found to be aragonite. The spectacular high aragonite content compared to well-investigated Crassostrea spp. suggested an opportunity for the utilisation of refined abalone shell as a source of biomedical engineering due to its potent biocompatibility. Additionally, safety evaluations on whole shell also outlined that all investigated samples were safe when utilised as a crude calcium supplement for populations > 11 years old, which could be another viable options of utilisation. This article could underpin abalone and akoya industries actions to fully utilise existing waste streams to achieve a more sustainable future.

Application of UAVs and Remote Sensing Technologies for Atmospheric CO2 Capturing: A Study Application of UAVs and Remote Sensing in CO2 Reductions

Human activities are a significant contributor to climate change, with rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Several carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) methods have been developed to address this issue. Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and remote sensing technologies are emerging as significant improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of atmospheric carbon capture initiatives. This research examines using UAVs and remote sensing technologies to monitor, quantify, and manage atmospheric CO₂ levels. Furthermore, the study explores the implications of integrating robotic-drone technology, emphasizing their ability to contribute to a sustainable future. These technologies, incorporating modern data collection and analysis methodologies, provide promising answers for climate change mitigation and long-term environmental sustainability.

Gender-Imbalanced Well-Being

The generally accepted notion that democratization yields positive outcomes for well-being may not be correct for all societal groups within a country. And outcomes may not be equal across countries with different levels of development, especially in the current era of the weakening of democracy and the rise of autocracy. This research focuses on the effects of weak democracy on the well-being of one of the disfranchised groups—women, who typically have lower socioeconomic status than men in most societies. The situation of women has profound effects on the health, economics, educational achievement, and work opportunities of the next generation. Women, therefore, serve as an ideal marker for other disadvantaged groups when we consider the effects of weakening democracy and growing autocracy on well-being and countries’ sustainable futures.