Sustainable Future Research Articles

Worldwide consequences of a mid-Holocene cold event in the Nordic Seas

The present interglacial is a relatively warm and stable period, especially compared to the preceding glacial time. However, the Holocene has seen the emergence of several remarkable cold events, some with worldwide consequences. Leveraging marine records from the Nordic Seas, we provide the first detailed account of a cold event centered around 6.8 ka BP. Utilizing paleoceanographic proxies and advanced modeling, we unveil a distinct subsurface water cooling, associated with a stepwise increase in sea-ice cover in the eastern Fram Strait. Our findings emphasize the role of Greenland Sea deep convection onset and the subsequent westward shift in Atlantic Water flow, enabling sea-ice advection from the Barents Sea. The heightened sea-ice cover weakened Atlantic Water advection, perturbing thermohaline circulation in the eastern Nordic Seas. These perturbations propagated worldwide, affecting North Atlantic deep-water circulation, inducing widespread hemispheric cooling, shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone southward, and weakening the East Asian monsoon. Incorporating results from the Transient simulations of Climate Evolution of the last 21,000 years (TraCE-21ka) supports and augments proxy-based paleoreconstructions, underscoring sea-ice dynamics and ocean circulation's critical influence. This study highlights the potential for localized cold events within ostensibly warm climatic intervals. It underscores the need to comprehend their mechanisms for precise climate predictions and informed policymaking toward a sustainable future.

Menyelusuri kearifan budaya Suku Osing warisan tradisi dan keunikan identitas lokal

In the background context, the Osing Tribe, an ethnic group in East Java, Indonesia, has been a custodian of rich cultural wisdom. This article explores important aspects of Osing life and identity, focusing on history, cultural values, traditions, and preservation challenges. Through a literature review approach, we gather and analyze various relevant sources to highlight the uniqueness of Osing culture and their preservation efforts. From ritual traditions to belief systems, we find that the Osing exhibit a close relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality in their daily lives. Despite facing pressures from globalization and modernization, Osing cultural preservation efforts continue through local community initiatives and external support. Our conclusion emphasizes the importance of appreciation and support for the sustainability of Osing culture as an integral part of Indonesia's cultural wealth. Thus, the article underscores the need to preserve and understand the valuable heritage of the Osing tribe for a sustainable future.

Incorporating perovskites in photovoltaic-powered electrochemical cells for a sustainable future: An inclusive review

Due to the escalating demand for energy across all sectors, traditional energy sources are proving insufficient to meet our requirements. Moreover, their extensive use is exacerbating environmental issues. Consequently, solar energy has garnered significant attention due to its affordability, cleanliness, and abundance. This review presents an analysis of various solar cell systems, comparing their efficiency, cost, and stability based on literature spanning the past decade. While perovskite-based solar cells have demonstrated promising performance in laboratory settings, challenges with stability hinder their industrial-scale implementation. On the other hand, perovskites exhibit favorable catalytic properties, making them suitable for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. To address stability concerns, this review proposes structural engineering approaches aimed at maximizing electricity generation from solar energy to power electrochemical cells for CO2 reduction in the environment.

A Smart and Sustainable Framework to Combat Climate Change: A Comprehensive Approach of Artificial Intelligence and Human Psychology

The core of this paper, which explores the difficulties of resource problems and climate change, is the delicate interplay between AI, human psychology, and sustainable development. As global challenges escalate, the convergence of these domains presents a unique opportunity to devise effective strategies that facilitate environmentally conscious behaviors and resilient communities. This paper explores the psychological dimensions underlying resource dilemmas and climate change, emphasizing cognition, decision-making processes, social dynamics, and the role of AI in driving sustainable development. By amalgamating insights from psychology with cutting-edge technological advancements, society can aspire to navigate the path towards ecological equilibrium and a sustainable future

Sustainable Water Management Solutions for Urban Areas

The management of water resources is a serious concern in urban areas because of the effects of climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid population increase. This essay examines the vital significance of sustainable water management in urban settings, emphasizing cutting-edge frameworks for policy and technology that can improve water resilience and efficiency. Successful strategies, such as demand management and diversification of the water supply, are demonstrated by case studies like Windhoek, Namibia. In order to solve the intricate and interrelated problems of urban water scarcity, infrastructure constraints, and environmental repercussions, the essay emphasizes integrated water resources management (IWRM) as a crucial technique that incorporates multidisciplinary viewpoints. In order to guarantee a sustainable urban water future, the importance of inclusive policies and governance is also covered, highlighting the necessity of cooperative and flexible problemsolving techniques.

Global renewable energy transition in fossil fuel dependent regions

The worldwide shift towards renewable energy, as defined by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, is a crucial milestone in achieving a sustainable future. The core focus of SDG 7 is to advance the accessibility, dependability, and environmentally-friendly nature of energy, aiming to substantially enhance the proportion of renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency. Although there have been significant developments in renewable energy, notably in solar and wind technologies, the rate of transition is still inadequate to achieve climate objectives. This study examines the imperative of implementing policy changes and integrated strategies to align global and local goals, while tackling the issues of resource allocation and the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels in order to mitigate global temperature increase. Case studies showcase effective national endeavors, such as Brazil's Proalcool, Germany's Energiewende, and India's ambitious renewable energy objectives, illustrating diverse strategies for bolstering renewable energy capability. The report also analyzes the economic consequences for emerging nations that heavily rely on fossil fuels and the expected effects of reduced fossil fuel consumption. This article offers a detailed analysis of the current advancements, difficulties, and variations across different regions in the field of renewable energy. It gives valuable information on the future of global renewable energy plans, highlighting the importance of unified worldwide endeavors to attain a sustainable energy future.

A conceptual model for sustainable cementing operations in offshore wells

This review paper introduces a conceptual model to enhance the sustainability of cementing operations in offshore wells. Traditional cementing practices, characterized by significant greenhouse gas emissions and compliance challenges, necessitate the development of more environmentally friendly approaches. The proposed model integrates low-carbon cement alternatives, such as geopolymer cements and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), with advanced slurry designs that incorporate nanomaterials, biodegradable additives, and recycled materials. This integrated approach reduces the environmental impact and enhances the mechanical properties and durability of cementing operations. The paper provides operational guidelines for implementing this model and discusses future prospects, emphasizing the importance of continued research and collaboration among industry stakeholders. By adopting these innovative practices, the oil and gas industry can achieve significant environmental benefits and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards, paving the way for a more sustainable future in offshore drilling.

Exploring Alkali Hydroxide Influence on Calcium Titanate Formation for Application in Biodiesel Catalysts

Biodiesel has been recognized as the most widely utilized biofuel around the world due to its significant role in reducing the consumption of crude oil and lowering environmental pollution levels. By serving as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, bioethanol helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a more sustainable energy future. Traditionally, alkali hydroxides like NaOH and KOH have been mainstays in biodiesel synthesis. However, their overuse can lead to unwanted byproducts and operational complexities. Since calcium titanate can occur at a strong base condition, it presents an alternative avenue worth exploring. In this study, we investigate the influence of alkali hydroxides, namely LiOH, NaOH, and KOH, on the formation of calcium titanate through hydrothermal methods, with varying heating times. We aim to understand how different hydroxides affect the synthesis process and the resultant properties of calcium titanate. We delve into the vibrational properties of Ca‒O‒Ti and Ti‒O bonds using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the presence of calcium titanate (JCPDS No.42-0423) through X-ray diffractometry (XRD). This thorough characterization provides insight into the structural integrity and composition of the synthesized materials. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the intriguing cube-like morphology of calcium titanate, offering visual evidence of its unique structure. The fatty acid methyl ester Iimpressively, our results show that calcium titanate synthesized in 7 M NaOH and KOH solutions, heated for 24 hours, emerges as a promising biodiesel catalyst. We observe fatty acid methyl ester provides the percentages of 63.67% and 90.02%, respectively, indicating the catalytic efficacy of these materials in biodiesel production. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of calcium titanate synthesis but also pave the way for a sustainable future in biodiesel production by introducing efficient and eco-friendly catalysts.

Digital tools and AI: Using technology to monitor carbon emissions and waste at each stage of the supply chain, enabling real-time adjustments for sustainability improvements

The increasing urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated the adoption of innovative technologies to monitor and mitigate carbon emissions and waste throughout the supply chain. This paper explores the role of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling real-time tracking and analysis of environmental impact at each stage of the supply chain. By integrating IoT devices, big data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, organizations can gain comprehensive insights into their operations, identifying key areas where emissions and waste can be reduced. The use of AI-powered predictive analytics allows companies to model various scenarios, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints. This research also highlights successful case studies where companies have implemented these technologies, resulting in significant sustainability improvements and cost savings. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with data integration, system interoperability, and the need for industry-wide standards to ensure effective monitoring and reporting. The importance of stakeholder collaboration is emphasized, as engaging suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the strategic implementation of digital tools and AI as pivotal enablers of sustainable supply chain management, providing organizations with the capability to adapt to changing environmental regulations and consumer expectations. By leveraging technology to monitor and reduce carbon emissions and waste, businesses can enhance their competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Combating food waste in the agricultural supply chain: A systematic review of supply chain optimization strategies and their sustainability benefits

Food waste represents a significant global challenge, with approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. The issue not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses estimated at over $1 trillion each year. This paper aims to systematically review the causes of food waste across agricultural supply chains and explore effective supply chain optimization strategies to mitigate these losses. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper identifies critical drivers of food waste, including post-harvest losses, inefficient processing, and aesthetic standards, while proposing technological innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, it evaluates policy frameworks that support waste reduction, highlighting the role of government incentives and regulations in promoting sustainable practices. The findings underscore the importance of reducing food waste not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic profitability, as optimizing supply chains can lead to substantial cost savings and increased revenue for businesses. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders—including governments, industries, and non-profit organizations—to create systemic change and effectively combat food waste on a global scale. By fostering innovative practices and policies, we can pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of food insecurity and the enhancement of economic resilience.

The crucial role of education in fostering sustainability awareness and promoting cybersecurity measures

This study examines the critical role of education in fostering sustainability awareness and promoting cybersecurity measures, amidst the evolving challenges of the 21st century. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research scrutinizes the intersection of education with sustainability and cybersecurity, aiming to uncover innovative pedagogical approaches and the significance of interdisciplinary strategies in enhancing learning outcomes. The methodology encompasses a comprehensive search across major databases, adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and timeliness of the literature reviewed. Key findings reveal a pressing need for educational frameworks to integrate sustainability and cybersecurity comprehensively, highlighting the transformative potential of education in preparing students for a sustainable and secure digital future. The study identifies gaps in current educational practices and proposes solutions, emphasizing the importance of standards and regulatory bodies in shaping effective educational practices. Furthermore, it outlines the consequences for stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, underscoring the collaborative effort required to address these challenges. Conclusively, the study offers strategic recommendations for enhancing the integration of sustainability and cybersecurity within educational curricula. It calls for a concerted effort among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster a more informed, ethical, and environmentally conscious society. Future research directions are suggested to explore innovative educational technologies, pedagogies, and frameworks that further integrate these critical areas, ensuring the advancement of education for sustainability and cybersecurity.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) integration in public transport: Challenges and opportunities

As cities worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of increasing urbanization and climate change, the integration of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) into public transport systems emerges as a critical solution. This article examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with adopting hybrid and EV technologies for buses and coaches. Key challenges include the high initial costs, the need for robust infrastructure, and concerns regarding vehicle reliability. Conversely, the transition offers significant benefits, such as substantial emissions reductions, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced public perception of sustainable practices. Through an evaluation of successful case studies from cities like London, Amsterdam, and Shenzhen, this article highlights effective strategies and outcomes achieved in the realm of public transport electrification. Ultimately, the findings underscore the necessity for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to drive the successful integration of hybrid and EV technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable urban mobility future.

Sustainable education for underserved U.S. communities: Empowering students through environmental literacy and green job pathways

This research paper explores the integration of environmental literacy and sustainability-focused education within underserved U.S. communities, aiming to empower students and promote pathways to green jobs. As these communities often face significant educational disparities and limited economic opportunities, the study highlights the importance of environmental literacy as a critical component of education that fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic engagement. The paper discusses best practices for developing and implementing sustainability-focused curricula, effective teaching strategies, and the significance of local partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential for green jobs to drive economic growth while aligning with national efforts toward environmental justice and sustainable development. The findings underscore the necessity of a multifaceted approach involving policymakers, educators, and community leaders to create equitable opportunities and foster a sustainable future for underserved communities.

Innovations in Biodegradable Batteries: A Sustainable Future

The increasing demand for batteries in several industries such as medical and electric car (EV) Industry has led to significant environmental challenges due to the production and disposal of traditional batteries, which are nonbiodegradable and pose risks to ecosystems. This report investigates the potential of biodegradable batteries as a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, aiming to minimize environmental impact. This study analyzing and comparing the fiber batteries, zinc-molybdenum batteries, plant-based batteries (Flower battery), crab shell battery as well as algal biopolymers battery. It also highlights the key materials, methods for manufacture, and performance characteristics (biodegradability, energy capacity, degradation time) of each type of biodegradable batteries. The findings suggest that biodegradable batteries offer promising solutions for specific applications, such as in biomedical devices, wearable electronics, and precision agriculture, where their biocompatibility and environmental safety are crucial. Future development should focus on enhancing energy density, optimizing degradation timelines, and reducing costs to make these batteries more competitive with traditional options.

Understanding and addressing the water footprint in the textile sector: A review

Abstract Textile industry has a significant water footprint (WF), leading to various sustainability challenges. This article discusses key findings on the WF and outlines potential solutions. The industry’s WF includes three types: green, blue, and grey. Textile manufacturing is water-intensive, with stages like pretreatment, dyeing, printing, and finishing. This can contribute to water scarcity in some regions. Water pollution is another critical challenge, as the industry generates considerable wastewater containing diverse pollutants which can harm ecosystems and pose risks to public health. Different treatments to reduce the pollutants in water are studied. We have grouped innovations into five major categories for water conservation efforts in the textile industry: To address these sustainability challenges, several solutions are proposed. Each category offers a pathway to reduce its environmental footprint through water conservation. The adoption of water-efficient technologies, such as low-water dyeing and wastewater recycling, can reduce water consumption. Stricter policies for pollution control, along with incentives for sustainable practices, can encourage industry-wide change. Collaboration among stakeholders, including industry, government, and environmental groups, is also crucial for promoting sustainability and reducing the industry’s environmental impact. These approaches can help the textile industry move toward a more sustainable future. Further research needed is suggested.

Appreciative Inquiry into Implementing Artificial Intelligence for the Development of Language Student Teachers

The current study investigates the perceptions of four student teachers of implementing AI tools for designing ELT lessons into their microteaching sessions. The professional development of student teachers achieved via adapting AI tools has not been widely investigated, since the majority of available studies focus on the students’ learning of language skills with AI tools. This study follows the appreciative inquiry approach that emphasises positive teaching practices, aiming to foster sustainable professional development. The participants of the study were MA student teachers studying the Advanced Teaching Practicum course at a Saudi university over one academic semester. Their experiences of designing ELT lessons for their microteaching sessions were reflected upon in reflective journals and a BlackBoard forum. The qualitative analyses of the journals, the forum and lesson plans revealed that the participants appreciated using AI tools, despite the few challenges that occurred. This study demonstrates the participants’ independent efforts that led them to use AI tools that have not been addressed by ELT researchers. The authors hope that this study will enrich ELT practices, assist AI designers in developing their designs by understanding teachers’ experiences and contribute to a sustainable educational future.

Co-composting: A Comprehensive Review of Its Potential in Transforming Coir Pith Waste into Nutrient-rich Manure

Coir industries in India generates around 7.5Mt of coir waste yearly, which is unsuitable for agricultural use due to its high C:N ratio, lignin, phenol, cellulose and tannin content. The accumulation of coir pith leads to adverse environmental problems due to the release of phenolic compounds, lignin, tannins etc. Biodegradation or composting is the best way to manage coir waste and thereby the environmental pollution can be avoided. Co-composting is a method of decomposing multiple organic materials, which aims to create stable humus, and overcome the limitations of composting with a single organic source. Co-composting of coir pith reduces the C:N ratio, lignin content, cellulose content and increases the nutrient contents. In co-composting technology more than one feed stock are used for composting. It can be done by treating the coir pith with organic source of nutrients viz., farm yard manure or poultry manure or agro-industrial wastes or green manure crops or leguminous weeds or treating the coir pith with organic wastes and earthworms, or treating the coir pith lignin degrading micro-organisms and or supplementing the coir pith with lime, rock phosphate etc. along with the organic sources of nutrients mentioned above to speed up the composting process. Co-composting of coir pith resulted in the production of nutrient rich organic manure within a short period of time. Application of coir pith compost had significant effect on the growth and yield attributes of crops. Harnessing the potential of coir pith can lead us towards a more sustainable and greener future.

Population ageing and health financing: A method for forecasting two sides of the same coin

Abstract There is a perception that population ageing will have deleterious effects on future health financing sustainability. Given the positive association between health care utilization and increasing calendar age, many analysts assume population ageing will result in considerable growth in health spending. Since this expenditure tends to be sourced primarily from public funds, there is great policy interest to quantify how population ageing is likely to affect health expenditure trends. We propose a new method-the Population Ageing financial Sustainability gap for Health systems (or alternatively, the PASH)-to explore how changes in the population age mix will affect health expenditures and revenues. Using a set of six countries in Europe and the Western Pacific representing a diverse range of health financing systems (Australia, Bulgaria, Japan, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Vietnam), we forecast the size of the ageing-attributable gap between health revenues and expenditures from 2020 to 2100 under current health financing arrangements. The largest gap by 2100 is expected to be in Vietnam, where the gap between revenues and expenditure is expected to increase by around $170 per person in 2018 PPPs or 2.3% of GDP; 87.1% of this increase is due to expected growth in expenditures. In Slovenia, where the gap is forecast in line with the forecast for Japan (the oldest country in the world), nearly half of the gap (44.2%) is due to reductions in revenue generation. All countries face some health financing gap due to ageing under current financing arrangements. The PASH analysis highlights the wide range of policy options available to manage health financing as the population ages, such as changing sources for health revenues and reducing expenditure by promoting healthy ageing.

7.H. Round table: Advancing societal goals through health systems: Insights from the Renewed HSPA Framework

Abstract The purpose of this workshop, entitled ‘Advancing societal goals through health systems: Insights from the renewed HSPA framework,’ is to take a deeper look at the intricate relationships between health systems and broader societal objectives. We will dissect the contributions of health systems to societal well-being, a concept that stretches beyond mere economic growth to include social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The session will examine the renewed global Health System Performance Assessment Framework, which serves as a tool for policymakers to better understand how health systems fit together and explains how they perform. This framework allows for a clearer interpretation of health data and provides a pathway to pinpoint health system issues and design that are most likely to enhance performance and resilience. The workshop will delve into the three dimensions of societal well-being-social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability-nested within the HSPA framework. We will explore the health system’s role in advancing these dimensions, such as fostering community bonds, supporting economic growth through a healthy workforce, and contributing to the sustainable management of environmental resources. Integrating health system performance into societal goals is a practical obligation to create a resilient, cohesive, and economically robust society. This workshop will engage stakeholders in a discourse to translate this integration into multisectoral and actionable policies, aligning health system goals with societal aspirations for a sustainable future. This workshop will focus on: How health system assessments can capture contributions to societal goals, underpinning sustainable economic and environmental practices. Real-world case studies showcasing health systems’ role in fostering societal well-being and advancing public health policies. Interactive discussions will shed light on how health systems can be pivotal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the face of modern challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, and economic pressures. Key messages • Health systems play a pivotal role in advancing societal well-being beyond traditional health outcomes. • The renewed HSPA framework is a robust tool for policymakers to align health system performance with broader societal goals. Speakers/Panelists Scott Greer University of Michigan, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Ann Arbor, USA Andrea Schmidt Austrian Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria

CONSERVAÇÃO DA GEODIVERSIDADE EM GEOSSISTEMAS FERRUGINOSOS

This study examines the evolution of areas surrounding the bat caves in the Ferruginous Geosystem of Carajás from 1985 to 2022, emphasising the significance of geodiversity conservation in this unique context. The land use and cover transformations analysis reveals critical insights into spatio-temporal changes and escalating environmental degradation risks. The findings enhance the literature on geodiversity conservation and speleology, providing a solid foundation for future research. Monitoring mined areas and their ecological impacts is essential for refining management strategies for these sensitive ecosystems. Furthermore, recent attempts to amend cave protection legislation, particularly Decree 10.935, pose significant conservation challenges, necessitating a critical evaluation of environmental policies and fostering dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and the mining industry. This study highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach between resource extraction and environmental conservation to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and ecological processes. Integrated and evidence-based environmental management is crucial for addressing the challenges of mining activities and regulatory changes, ensuring the protection of caves and their ecosystems for a sustainable future.