Sustainable Policies Research Articles

Green Technology Innovation, Green Financing, and Economic Growth in G7 Countries: Implications for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract This study examines the relationships among green technology innovation, green financing, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in G7 countries using annual data from 1990 to 2022. It uses the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag model to estimate environmental sustainability through two indicators: ecological footprint and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CO2 emissions model indicates that green financing negatively affects emissions, highlighting the need to reduce them and promote sustainable practices. Conversely, energy consumption and real GDP per capita (RGDP) positively impact CO2 emissions. Green technology innovation also reduces CO2 emissions, but its short-term effects may be limited owing to initial energy consumption and regulatory challenges. The ecological footprint model demonstrates that, in the long term, green technology innovation helps lower the ecological footprints of G7 countries by promoting infrastructure development and reducing resource consumption. However, short-term constraints and high initial costs hinder this progress. Green financing is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Energy consumption positively influences the ecological footprint, while short-term RGDP growth increases it. However, long-term RGDP may decline owing to sustainability policies, technological advancements, and effective environmental legislation. These findings underscore the importance of balanced policies that prioritise green finance in the short-term to mitigate environmental impacts while fostering long-term investments in green technology innovation. Additionally, enhancing international cooperation and aligning investments with green objectives are crucial for achieving sustainable prosperity and minimising environmental harm.

To label or not? A choice experiment testing whether labelled green bonds matter to retail investors

Green bonds are an important sustainable finance tool that can help reorient financial flows and influence public policy in addressing climate action across the global financial markets. However, this market is still in its infancy for the retail investor segment, and it has not been sufficiently examined from a behavioural policy lens. We fill this research gap by examining whether labelling and environmental benefits framing of a green bond can influence retail investor decision-making. By employing 1105 Amazon Mechanical Turk workers across three choice scenarios, we test whether alignment of pro-environmental personal norms or having specific personal traits can have a mediating effect on their green bond preferences. Using a mix of quantitative analyses, we find that most retail investors are influenced by the presence of a ‘green label effect’. For most retail investors, we find that the presence of a green label matters more than the ‘greenness’ of a green bond or the higher financial return of a non-green bond. However, for a very small sub-set of our sample, the alignment of environmental performance-related framing with their pro-environmental personal norms, enables greater investment into enhanced performance green bonds, even at the cost of losing financial returns. Finally, personal traits like individual risk tolerance (high), or previous investment experience with investment products (bonds, stocks), gender (non-binary individuals) and those having employment experience with financial industry, are more likely to invest in a labelled green bond. Our findings have timely implications for sustainable finance public policy, as it relates to regulating the growth of such products through labelling schemes like green taxonomies as well as addressing greenwashing risks through improved regulatory oversight.

Spatial Dynamics and Drivers of Urban Growth in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam: Insights for Urban Sustainability in the Global South

Investigating the historical patterns of urban growth and their drivers is crucial to informing sustainable urban planning policies, especially in cities of the Global South. In Vietnam, most studies focus primarily on city extents, offering little insight into urban growth across various provinces. This study, therefore, combined categorical land use and land cover change detection, Random Forest classification and expert interviews to quantify the urban growth between 2000 and 2020, assess urban encroachment upon other land uses, and identify key drivers shaping this growth in Thua Thien Hue province. Findings show that the urban land areas were 27.94 km2, 82.97 km2, and 209.80 km2 in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Urban encroachment upon other land use types, especially cropland, barren land, rice paddies, shrubs, and forests, was observed in these periods. Additionally, accessibility to built-up areas, DEM, proximity to rice paddies, slope, proximity to street roads, accessibility to social areas, and proximity to cropland are the major spatial drivers of urban growth in the province. The study concludes that rapid urban expansion is evident in the province at the expense of other land use types, especially agricultural land use types, which may impact food security and livelihoods in the province.

Social Protection in Developing Countries: Legal, Economic, and Social Trends

This paper investigates the evolution of social protection frameworks in developing countries, distinguishing between contributory and tax-financed systems. Through a comparative analysis of social insurance, social assistance, public works, and community-based employment programs, this study assesses their effectiveness in mitigating poverty, managing risks, and fostering resilience. A unique aspect of this research lies in its integration of economic, historical, and cultural factors, offering a comprehensive evaluation of social protection beyond conventional economic assessments. Key findings reveal the critical balance between efficiency and equity in resource allocation, underscoring the importance of addressing dependency and compliance in policy execution. By presenting a nuanced framework that bridges technical and social dimensions, this paper contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable social policies in the context of developing nations. It provides policymakers with actionable insights for crafting inclusive, long-term social protection strategies that align with both immediate relief and sustainable development goals.

Challenges of Sustainable Affordable Home Ownership: Integration with Maqasid Shariah and SDG 11

Objective: This article examines the challenges of affordable homeownership in Malaysia’s urban and rural areas through the lens of Maqasid al-Shariah and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. It aims to identify key gaps and propose ethical solutions for sustainable and inclusive housing policies. Theoretical Framework: The study applies Maqasid al-Shariah, which emphasizes the preservation of faith (Hifz al-Din), life (Hifz al-Nafs), intellect (Hifz al-Aql), progeny (Hifz al-Nasl), and wealth (Hifz al-Mal). These principles align with SDG 11’s focus on inclusivity, safety, and resilience in housing, forming a comprehensive approach to addressing social and economic disparities in homeownership. Method: A scoping review of 31 articles from 2015 to 2024 was conducted to explore sustainable affordable homeownership challenges, focusing on factors such as building material quality, maintenance, access to public amenities, and financial capacity. Results and Discussion: The findings show that urban areas face higher costs and limited affordable housing, disproportionately affecting lower-income groups. Rural areas, meanwhile, struggle with inadequate infrastructure and services. By integrating Maqasid al-Shariah, this study highlights the importance of ethical policies balancing economic viability and social justice. Research Implications: This study underscores the need for government-industry collaboration to improve urban planning, enhance homeownership awareness, and support sustainable housing initiatives. By aligning ethical frameworks with SDG 11, it advocates inclusive policies fostering resilient communities. Originality/Value: This study uniquely bridges Maqasid al-Shariah with sustainable housing discourse, offering an ethical and practical framework that addresses Malaysia’s affordable housing challenges while advancing SDG 11 goals.

Population structure, floral diversity, habitat geography, and conservation status of Himalayan horse chestnut (Aesculus indica) in western Himalayan moist temperate forest ecosystems of Kashmir region

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the population structure, floral diversity, habitat geography, phytosociology, threats, and conservation status of Aesculus indica in the western Himalayan region of Kashmir. This study was designed to investigate distribution patterns, community structure, floristic diversity, and phytosociological attributes of A. indica forests, as well as evaluate the habitat geography of species by using GIS analysis. Primary vegetation data and geographic features were collected via systematic quadrat-based sampling from 14 sites in the moist temperate ecosystem of Kashmir, ranging in elevation from 1,400 to 2,800 m. Population structure analysis revealed an average density of 435.85 stems/ha for A. indica, with a significant variation ranging from 220 to 1,100 stems/ha. The species exhibited a high basal cover of 356.33 cm, emphasizing its significant role in the canopy structure of Himalayan forests. The study identified A. indica as a keystone species supporting a diverse floral community comprised of 168 plant species from 51 families. Dominant families, including Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, and Polygonaceae, contributed to more than 50% of the total recorded plant species. Phytosociological investigations revealed A. indica to be the dominant species with the highest importance value index (IVI) of 48.81, indicating its ecological significance in temperate forest ecosystems. The species exhibited a preference for north-facing aspects and an altitudinal range of 1,400–2,800 m, which constitute the most suitable habitats for A. indica. However, the study identified significant anthropogenic disturbances, including deforestation, overgrazing, and forest land encroachment, as major threats to A. indica populations in the study area. The deforestation intensity averaged 135 stumps/ha, with some sites exceeding 300 stumps/ha, indicating unsustainable fuelwood consumption patterns and habitat degradation. Overgrazing and trampling were also found to be major threats to A. indica seedlings, affecting the species’ regeneration potential. Conservation strategies should prioritize the protection and restoration of A. indica habitats, especially the upper temperate forest zones with north-facing slopes, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species. It is recommended to formulate effective conservation measures such as promoting sustainable forest practices, controlling invasive species, restoring degraded habitats, controlled grazing practices, community-based conservation initiatives, sustainable harvesting policies, educating local communities, and promoting alternative livelihoods that support local communities to ensure the preservation of A. indica populations as well as ecosystem health. The study emphasizes the urgent need for effective conservation measures to safeguard A. indica and its associated floral diversity in the western Himalayan region.

Variability of transport emissions and policy implications for the transition towards low-carbon transport

ABSTRACT This paper investigates intra-week variability of transport emissions using 2019 English National Travel Survey data. The unique lens of emissions variability sheds new light on the conceptualization, measurement and challenges of sustainable travel. Specifically, our analysis shows significant heterogeneity along three dimensions, (1) intra-week travel emissions; (2) the level and the variability of weekly emissions within each generic socio-economic group; and (3) latent emissions profiles across the population, which are identified using a latent profile model. Our empirical analysis demonstrates that the socio-economic status alone cannot capture the nuanced emission characteristics across traveller groups. The positive correlation between socio-economic status and travel emissions is subject to significant compositional effects. It is argued that transport sustainability is a relative term, and its definition and usefulness in a policy context are dependent on the benchmark selected. The paper calls for a more purposeful and relatable approach for segmenting travellers in designing sustainable travel policies. A dual focus on the level and the variability of travel emissions offers a new perspective for understanding travel behaviour heterogeneity and adaptability. Highlights Significant intra-week variability of transport emissions in England Latent travel emissions profiles empirically identified Socio-economic status is a weak predictor of generic emissions profile Calling for a more purposeful and relatable approach for segmenting travellers Emissions variability is a new perspective for understanding behaviour adaptability

Integrating circular economy policies in urban policy making: Strategies for green energy and environmental management to reinforce city image in China.

The implementation of circular economy (CE) policies in the management of urban policies have become essential for improving overall quality of life, development of green energy, and environmental management hence improving the image of cities. This research focuses on uncovering the core concepts of CE within urban environments, emphasizing actions that can improve green energy and environmental management. The CE aims to create a closed-loop system by prioritizing practices like remanufacturing, reusing, and recycling, which collectively help decrease resource usage and limit environmental damage. Therefore, in the study, the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) are used to assess the identified several key factors and strategies for integrating CE activities for sustainable urban policy making and reinforce city image in China. The results of fuzzy AHP indicated that economic viability, policy and governance, and technological innovation are the key factors. While the cost effectiveness, policy flexibility and adaptability, and resource efficiency are identified as most crucial sub-factors. The fuzzy VIKOR presented that green building and sustainable development policies, green infrastructure development, and policy alignment and institutional support are the key strategies in handling and mitigating environmental issues as well as supporting economic growth, thus CE policies holds the key in creating a better perception of cities as innovative and sustainable. The contributions to this research are significant as it provides a structure for policymakers by offering a framework to integrate CE principles into urban policies. It also shows how CE can solve environmental challenges, promote growth in economy, and contribute to sustainable urban transformation. The implications of this study extend to policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders dealing with greener and more adaptable cities consistent with global sustainability goals.

Ketahanan Ekonomi dalam Kesultanan Utsmaniyah: Pelajaran bagi Krisis Ekonomi Modern

Islamic economic thought during the Ottoman Empire reflects the application of Islamic principles in the management of the state’s economy, with a focus on social welfare, equitable wealth distribution, and the regulation of natural resources. During this period, the economic system applied not only covered financial aspects but also societal welfare through practices such as waqf and zakat. Waqf was used to finance various social institutions such as schools, hospitals, and mosques, while zakat played a role in reducing economic disparities. The Ottoman state also regulated markets and trade to maintain economic stability and prevent exploitation that could harm the public. Islamic economic thought in this era emphasized the state’s role in achieving general welfare through fair and sustainable policies in accordance with Sharia principles. Overall, Islamic economic thought during the Ottoman period serves as a concrete example of an economy based on Islamic values aimed at achieving justice and collective well-being.

Offshore wind energy: assessing trace element inputs and the risks for co-location of aquaculture

Co-locating aquaculture with Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) is a novel global energy sustainability policy driver. However, trace elements (TEs) from turbine corrosion-protection systems could generate significant ecosystem, economic, and human health risks. We calculate annual inputs for current European OWF capacity (30 GW) as: 3219 t aluminium, 1148 t zinc and 1.9 t indium, but these will increase ~12× by 2050, eclipsing known discharges. However, a paucity of industry data makes it impossible to compare water and sediment TE concentrations at operational OWFs against toxicity thresholds, therefore, ecotoxicological risks are under assessed. TE accumulation in seafood is a major human exposure route. Accumulated high tissue concentrations in oysters, mussels and kelp during co-location culture would contribute significantly to or greatly exceed (e.g. oyster zinc accumulation) an adult’s Tolerable Weekly Intake. We provide an industry/regulator ‘road map’ for implementing key policy changes to minimise unintended risks of rapid global OWF expansion.

Land Use and Its Impact on Phosphorus Adsorption Capacity in a Tropical Dryland Agricultural Frontier: Insights and Predictive Modeling

ABSTRACT Land use significantly impacts the physical-chemical properties of soil, particularly in tropical regions where the maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC) plays a crucial role in agricultural sustainability. This study evaluates the influence of land uses (cropland, grassland, and forest) on MPAC in dryland soils of Sergipe, Alagoas, and Bahia (SEALBA) agricultural frontier in Northeast Brazil. Soil samples from nine sites were analyzed for their physical-chemical characteristics (potential of hydrogen (pH), available phosphorus (P), remaining P, soil organic matter (SOM), calcium and magnesium content, exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity and texture) in the 0–20 cm soil depth. MPAC was determined using two isotherm models, and three predictive models were applied. The results revealed that cropland soils exhibit the highest MPAC, contrary to expectations of lower values due to legacy P from P inputs. However, MPAC varied slightly across sites, indicating specific dependencies on soil physical-chemical properties and suggesting that land use may have a more significant influence over the long term. Random forest and decision tree models identified SOM and available P as the most significant predictors of MPAC, yet with these routine soil fertility indicators alone, the maximum explanatory power (R2) was 75% with a precision (RMSE) of 77 mg kg−1 using the random forest model. Consequently, the conversion of forest to cropland can increase MPAC, and predicting MPAC can be a valuable tool for guiding land use and assisting in the formulation of more sustainable agricultural and environmental policies, particularly in dryland agricultural frontiers.

Economic Analysis of the Operation of a Hydropower Plant in a Wastewater Treatment Plant: Toruń, Poland

The energy industry is constantly changing and evolving. One of the visible solutions is the pursuit of low-emission solutions. One such solution is investment in renewable energy sources (RESs), including hydropower, which in 2023 will constitute a dominant share in the production of electricity from RESs (47.02%) in the world. One of the alternative solutions is the use of hydropower in wastewater treatment plants, whose global potential is estimated at about 4350 TWh. An important issue in the operation of these facilities is their profitability. This article presents an economic analysis of a hydropower plant in the wastewater treatment plant in Toruń (northern Poland) in order to assess its profitability in the context of profits, costs, and payback period. The analyses showed the profitability of 9 out of 12 characterized variants, with the payback period estimated for real variants at 10.75–23.74 years and for theoretical variants at 5.06–5.32 years. The most significant factor in reducing the payback period was the level of electricity production between years, while different types of settlements and changes in electricity sales prices played a lesser role. Taking into account all profitable variants, after 25 years of operation, the net income will amount to PLN 1.07 million for the actual variants and PLN 3.18 million for the theoretical variants. The work can contribute to understanding the specifics of the operation of such facilities, which is consistent with, among others, the goals of sustainable development, climate and energy policies, or the circular economy.

Optimisation of Embodied Carbon and Thermal Performance of Roof Material Selections for Australian Residential Housing

This research is responding to the latest sustainable development policy for residential housing in Australia, which mandates a minimum R6.0 for roof insulation and a requirement of reporting the embodied carbon footprint for new build residential houses before obtaining development approval. The requirement of thermal resistance (R-value) results in thicker roof material to be used, and inevitably increases the total embodied carbon. This condition has drawn the need for an optimised design to balance the embodied carbon with the required thermal performance. In this paper, a multi-objective, mixed-integer, non-linear mathematical programming model is adopted to perform the optimisation. While mathematical programming is a well-established method in optimisation, a research gap has been observed in its application in optimising roof material selection under the simultaneous constraints of the R-value and volumetric heat capacity (thermal mass). Using a common conventional pitched roof with a timber frame, the study demonstrates how the model identifies material combinations that minimise the total embodied carbon within the specified thermal performance ranges. The unique contribution of this research is integrating thermal mass into the optimisation of roof material selections alongside thermal resistance, and embodied carbon. The findings provide practical recommendations for sustainable material selections across varying R-value and thermal mass ranges, offering a new perspective on roof material selections.

Reducing product waste within the retail industry: a post-COVID-19 era study on enhancing demand prediction with hybrid prediction models

ABSTRACT The retail sector faces growing challenges, particularly aligning with the European Union’s sustainable policies to minimize waste. This paper proposes a framework to address two pivotal goals: i) Introducing cutting-edge machine learning models to forecast demand within the context of a post-COVID environment. ii) Evaluating the benefits of integrating these predictive into operational strategies by measuring the reduction in overstock levels compared to traditional business practices. The hybrid Prophet-XGBoost model consistently outperformed classical and other hybridization models in terms of accuracy (lowest MAPE and WAPE), when predicting demand. This study uses data from 2019 to 2023 but excludes 2020 and 2021 due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Our findings reveal that relying solely on recent data from 2022 to 2023 results in lower model accuracy compared to historical imputation methods. Notably, substituting 2019 values for 2021 outperforms interpolating with data from 2022. Beyond its methodological advancements, this research introduces a novel approach to quantifying overstock reduction, contributing to both academic literature and retail practice. In this case, we observed a significant overstock issue with non-food products, likely tied to agreements between retailers and suppliers. As these products are non-perishable, retailers appear to have been less cautious in managing stock levels.

Inclusive and supportive aging: mental health and social care strategies for India’s elderly

Purpose As population aging accelerates globally, understanding the multifaceted needs of elderly individuals has become increasingly crucial. This paper aims to bridge significant research gaps in elderly well-being, particularly in the Indian context, by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. While existing studies on aging primarily emphasize financial aspects like pensions and health insurance, this review identifies other essential yet underexplored dimensions impacting elderly well-being, such as emotional support, social connections, financial security beyond traditional income sources and spiritual well-being. Design/methodology/approach The data methodology for this paper involves a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The authors identified recurring themes, research gaps and emerging areas within the literature through thematic analysis. The combined insights from the bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review inform the development of a research agenda. Findings The findings of this study suggest that family and social support play an integral role in reducing loneliness, anxiety and depression among the elderly. However, urbanization and migration trends are diminishing traditional support structures. Financial security remains a concern, as many elderly individuals lack access to financial literacy resources and emergency funds, impacting their confidence and autonomy. Additionally, spiritual practices, which have shown positive correlations with mental health and cognitive function, are rarely incorporated into existing health-care programs for the elderly. Originality/value This paper provides several policy recommendations, advocating for integrating community-based social programs, financial literacy initiatives and culturally sensitive spiritual support in elderly care frameworks. These measures foster the aging population’s emotional resilience, financial independence and holistic health. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of future research focusing on specific subgroups within the elderly population, including differences by geographic location, educational background and socio-economic status. Ultimately, this research supports the development of inclusive and sustainable policies that promote health, independence and quality of life for the aging population.

Towards sustainable solid waste management: nature, operational dynamics and complexities of Informal Waste Service Providers in Kumasi, Ghana

ABSTRACT The role of informal waste service providers (IWSPs) in sustainable waste management is not well understood in urban discourses, despite their entrenched presence and emerging popularity in developing countries. Using Kumasi, a hotspot of IWSPs’ activities in Ghana, we explore the intricacies of IWSPs focusing on their nature, operational practices and complexities through the prism of sustainable waste management narratives. Using a mixed study research approach underpinned by neo-institutionalism theory, we unravelled that given the nature and challenges of IWSPs, their practices may be counter-productive to the “so-called” modern, formal image of Kumasi. Notwithstanding, IWSPs typically employ innovative, tailor-made, humanistic, and context-sensitive approaches to address their client's concerns, needs, and satisfaction. Therefore, we argue that IWSPs can enhance Integrated Sustainable Waste Management outcomes provided their challenges are addressed, and they are “not left behind” in sustainable waste policy interventions.

Sustainability Strategy in the Development of Msmes by Bank Indonesia in Increasing Economic Growth by Using Green Economic Policy as an Intervening Variable

Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of Bank Indonesia's MSME Development program on economic growth, with a specific focus on the role of green economic policies as an intervening variable. This research seeks to identify key factors that contribute to the sustainability and growth of MSMEs in Indonesia. Theoretical Framework: This study draws upon theories of sustainable economic development, focusing on the role of green economics in business sustainability. The framework integrates concepts from corporate sustainability, economic growth, and environmental policy, exploring how MSMEs can leverage green practices to boost economic performance. Method: A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of survey data and statistical tests with qualitative methods such as interviews and case studies. The quantitative analysis examines the direct and indirect effects of the MSME development program, while the qualitative analysis provides deeper insights into the processes and challenges faced by MSMEs in adopting green economic policies. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that MSMEs that implement Bank Indonesia's MSME development program experience significant positive effects on economic growth. These effects are further enhanced when green economic policies are incorporated into MSME practices. Specifically, the research identifies several key factors contributing to growth 1.Corporate Structuring: Positive impact on economic growth through the establishment of stronger business foundations, 2.Capacity Building: Expansion of business capabilities leads to improved performance and sustainability,3. Market Expansion: Broader market access fosters economic resilience and growth, 4.Outboarding: The adoption of outboarding strategies leads to improved international competitiveness, 5.Intervening Role of Green Economic Policies: Green policies significantly enhance the effects of MSME development initiatives, contributing to greater economic stability and growth. Research Implications:. This research highlights the importance of integrating green economic policies in MSME development programs, providing a roadmap for policymakers to design sustainable growth strategies. By focusing on sustainability, MSMEs can not only contribute to economic growth but also support broader environmental and social goals.. Originality/Value: This study is one of the first to explore the intersection of MSME development, economic growth, and green economic policies in the context of Indonesia. It contributes valuable insights into how sustainable practices can be integrated into MSME strategies to foster long-term economic resilience..

Austerity and sustainability: ‘common-sense' neoliberalism in a Finnish city

ABSTRACT The 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent austerity measures were harsh on cities. Despite receiving little academic attention, in progressive Nordic countries, such as Finland, cities faced fiscal stress and implemented austerity. As a solution to cities’ budget deficits, austerity became a widely accepted ‘common-sense' policy. During this time, the seemingly contradictory sustainability policies increased support. This article analyses how austerity and sustainability, narrated as common-sense solutions, changed the urban development policy in Tampere. The narrative analysis identifies a significant change in urban policy that occurred during the recession. At first, an ‘austerity for efficiency' narrative argued that urban development and sustainability must meet the budget and service provision should be economically efficient. During the recession, a ‘green growth' narrative began to assert that growth investments in sustainable city development could be financed with debt, while service provision must meet fiscal austerity. The city’s political elite made narrative arguments to justify downsizing the public sector while at the same time using sustainability to justify debt investments in urban development, enabling private investments. Despite containing contradictory elements, the ‘common-sense' neoliberalism of the Finnish city is to boost sustainable city development and gradually shrink the welfare state.

Review Article: Interlocked Block Added With Mineral Coal Burning Waste For Rural Road Paving

Objective: The objective of this study is to present a scientific bibliographic review article on the use of light ash on interlocked concrete floors and identify possible scientific gaps related to the reuse of light ash, which is a by-product from thermoelectric plants, in terms of technical feasibility for the production of the material and in the exploitation of the sustainable potential for reuse. Theoretical reference: It is based on concepts of environmental sustainability, reuse of industrial waste, and improvements in concrete properties through the addition of fly ash, a byproduct of the burning of coal in thermoelectric plants. It uses authors and studies that address the reduction of environmental impacts in civil construction and the technical feasibility of sustainable materials for paving. Method: Searches were carried out on scientific databases, using the advanced search mechanism of the ScienceDirect platform, published by Elsevier (www.sciencedirect.com). The keywords used for the research in the first filter were "fly ash" and "paver block", and the summary of articles and keywords were analyzed, the selected articles prioritized publications of the last five years (2019-2024), in order to include recent advances and technological developments. In a second filter, a new review of the articles already collected was carried out, in the software management of bibliographic reviews and citations Zotero (https://www.zotero.org/), through keyword search and search in the full text of the articles. Results and Discussion: The results and discussions of the article address the properties and impacts of the incorporation of light ash into concrete, highlighting technical, environmental and economic aspects. Main points covered, Properties of light ash and resulting concrete, environmental impacts, practical applications and challenges and limitations. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of environmental impacts and CO2 emissions, as well as economic and social implications. These implications may include an alignment with sustainable policies and sustainable waste management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by the innovative and specific theme, with a combination of infrastructure and sustainability. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by its contribution to environmental sustainability and strategic relevance.

Agricultural Transformation and its Contribution to Economic Development in South Asian and African Countries

Agricultural transformation is central to economic development, driving modernization, productivity enhancement, and integration into broader economic systems. This study compares South Asia and Africa, analyzing their distinct trajectories influenced by sustainable practices, policy reforms, and technological advancements. In South Asia, agricultural employment declined sharply, with Bangladesh dropping from 80% in 1973 to 35% in 2023, and India from 70% to 37%. Africa saw a more gradual decline, from 70% to 48% during the same period. Productivity improvements highlight regional progress, with agricultural productivity growth rising in Bangladesh (3.3% to 4.1% by 2023) and Kenya (3.3% to 4.1%), while manufacturing productivity surged in Kenya (6.6%) and India (5.2%). South Asia's growth leverages high-yield crops and market integration from the Green Revolution, while Africa focuses on climate-smart agriculture, diversification, and community-based solutions to address climate vulnerabilities and infrastructure gaps. Both regions emphasize sustainability as a resilience strategy. Using a four-stage paradigm of agricultural transformation, the study underscores the significance of transitioning from subsistence to high-value, technology-driven agriculture for economic diversification and resilience. By analyzing labor productivity, GDP per capita, and crop production indices, the research demonstrates agriculture's critical role in fostering sustainable development and economic growth across both regions.