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Challenges

Challenges is a transdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal on planetary health that welcomes contributions addressing any aspect of the interconnected Grand Challenges affecting human wellbeing and flourishing of all life on Earth in the Anthropocene. It is published quarterly online by MDPI and addresses the urgent need to accelerate cross-sectoral advances towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by integrating solutions proposed by the natural, social and health sciences, and the humanities. The Nova Network, a member of the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA), is affiliated with Challenges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within RePEc, Gale, EBSCO, ProQuest, and other databases.
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 23.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.1 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2078-1547

Latest Articles

18 pages, 2539 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

The Earthrise Community: Transforming Planetary Consciousness for a Flourishing Future

by Susan L. Prescott, Aterah Nusrat, Richard Scott, David Nelson, Heidi Honegger Rogers, Mona S. El-Sherbini, Knellee Bisram, Yvonne Vizina, Sara L. Warber and David Webb

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020024 - 13 May 2025

In the face of the growing challenges of the Anthropocene—marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing rates of disease and despair—this paper explores the need for holistic solutions that integrate cultural and spiritual transformation as essential dimensions of change. Recognizing that the [...] Read more.

In the face of the growing challenges of the Anthropocene—marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing rates of disease and despair—this paper explores the need for holistic solutions that integrate cultural and spiritual transformation as essential dimensions of change. Recognizing that the interconnected challenges to planetary health stem from destructive socio-political agendas and unhealthy economic structures, we underscore the importance of worldviews and value systems as root causes of social and ecological injustices. Solutions require an understanding of the complex interdependence of systems, fostering mutualistic mindsets, and healing the ‘relationship crisis’ between humans and the natural world by cultivating a deeper level of consciousness. In response to these urgent needs, we describe Earthrise—a community of engaged contemplative practice led by the Nova Institute for Health in collaboration with the Planetary Health Alliance—dedicated to spiritual and cultural transformation in the face of today’s complex crises. Through intentional spiritual relationships—with ourselves, each other, and the natural world—our community emphasizes the power of narrative co-creation in building social cohesion and collective action for environmental stewardship. Our work is not solely contemplative, but also relational and integrative—embodying values through lived practice, community, and ecological engagement. Our activities focus on developing cultural capacities and self-awareness as essential foundations for fair and sustainable social transformation. By integrating diverse perspectives, including ancestral wisdom and Indigenous knowledge systems, we enrich worldviews and deepen our connection to the planet. The Earthrise community seeks to cultivate a sense of belonging, nurturing the meaningful relationships that foster compassion and care. Central to our approach is the use of creative emergence, leveraging the arts to inspire change and catalyze new paradigms. Through this exploration of interconnected themes, we contend that spiritual and cultural transformation is vital to advancing a thriving future, where human flourishing and planetary health are understood as inseparable and interconnected goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nurturing Connected Consciousness in the Anthropocene: Addressing Calls for Cultural and Spiritual Transformation as a Path to Personal, Collective, and Planetary Health)

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19 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Community Ownership for Sustainable Social Innovations in Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Regions

by Mulye Tadesse, Tafesse Matewos, Samuel Jilo Dira, Fekadu Israel Alambo and Tenaw Fentaw Dessie

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020023 - 23 Apr 2025

Social innovation has emerged as a prominent strategy in development practice, attracting substantial scholarly attention. In Ethiopia’s pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, characterized by vulnerability and persistent development challenges, non-governmental organizations have begun implementing social innovations as alternatives to traditional interventions. However, the empirical [...] Read more.

Social innovation has emerged as a prominent strategy in development practice, attracting substantial scholarly attention. In Ethiopia’s pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, characterized by vulnerability and persistent development challenges, non-governmental organizations have begun implementing social innovations as alternatives to traditional interventions. However, the empirical understanding of the uptake of these innovations and the degree to which communities perceive ownership is limited. This study aims to investigate the adoption patterns of social innovations and evaluate community ownership of these innovations towards sustainability in specific Ethiopian contexts. Methods included partial participant observation, 12 case studies, 33 key informant interviews, and a sample survey of 392 respondents. The findings indicate that the average age of respondents is approximately 41 years old, with the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 94. Descriptive and inferential statistics showed that social innovations improved the management of the water system in Meda Wollabu and the enhanced goat market in Dasenech, with a developed sense of ownership benefitting and improving communities’ livelihood and sustainable development. The study concludes that developed sense of community ownership effective information dissemination, relative advantage and participation in training, highlighting the importance of tailored social innovation strategies that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Full article

20 pages, 2106 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unseen Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Industrial Agriculture and Climate Change in This Global Health Crisis

by Madeline E. Graham, Brenda A. Wilson, Davendra Ramkumar, Holly Rosencranz and Japhia Ramkumar

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020022 - 21 Apr 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent global health threat with many anthropogenic drivers outside of healthcare. The impacts of modern agriculture on human health are manifold, from the food systems and dietary patterns they support to the less apparent effects of environmental stresses [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent global health threat with many anthropogenic drivers outside of healthcare. The impacts of modern agriculture on human health are manifold, from the food systems and dietary patterns they support to the less apparent effects of environmental stresses and biodiversity loss in ecosystems. Intensive practices, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, induce abiotic stresses that deplete biodiversity and drive AMR in soil and aquatic microbiomes. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock production is another major driver of AMR. Changes in weather patterns due to climate change have the potential to exacerbate these issues as warmer and wetter weather increases the potential for bacterial infection. While practices exist to address healthcare-associated drivers, the impact of agriculture and environmental destruction are not widely appreciated in healthcare and biomedical sciences. It is imperative that healthcare professionals and public health experts understand these connections to properly address the emergent issue of AMR. This review aims to summarize the current data on important agricultural and environmental drivers of AMR for educational purposes, to fill gaps in knowledge, and to improve current practices and stimulate further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Health: From Evidence to Action–Confronting Reality (Including Submissions Associated with the 2024 Planetary Health Summit (PHAM2024))

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21 pages, 2157 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Eco-Systemic Flourishing: Expanding the Meta-Framework for 21st-Century Education

by Wendy Ellyatt

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020021 - 19 Apr 2025

This paper expands on the anthropocentric focus of the Self-Directed Flourishing (SDF) framework by introducing the Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF) framework. The primary contribution of the ESF is the integration of ecological systems thinking, place-based education, and regenerative learning into existing flourishing frameworks. Methodologically, [...] Read more.

This paper expands on the anthropocentric focus of the Self-Directed Flourishing (SDF) framework by introducing the Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF) framework. The primary contribution of the ESF is the integration of ecological systems thinking, place-based education, and regenerative learning into existing flourishing frameworks. Methodologically, the paper synthesizes interdisciplinary perspectives from developmental psychology, systems theory and sustainability education and to propose a transformative educational approach. The results outline how the ESF framework positions education as a crucial driver for fostering relational awareness and ecological literacy, thus promoting both human and planetary flourishing. The framework’s implications are significant, offering a scalable model for sustainability integration in educational systems, curriculum design, and policy development. Future empirical validation, through longitudinal studies, is recommended to evaluate ESF’s effectiveness in enhancing educational outcomes and ecological stewardship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nurturing Connected Consciousness in the Anthropocene: Addressing Calls for Cultural and Spiritual Transformation as a Path to Personal, Collective, and Planetary Health)

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15 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Impacts on Household Food Security in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zones: A Qualitative Analysis

by Sisira Kumara Naradda Gamage, Solanga Arachchige U. Niranjala, Jayasooriya Mudiyanselage Harshana M. Upulwehera, Allayarov Piratdin, Kumara Bandage Thilini Udesha K. Bandara, Hatharakorale Gedara Kolitha N. Bandara, Hetti Arachchige Buddhika W. Hettiarachchi, Adikari Mudiyanselage P. Adikari, Sumanapalage D. Amasha Sumanapala, Manamendra K. Nilakshi Pabasara and Ran Pathige Indika R. Prasanna

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020020 - 10 Apr 2025

Climate change is a substantial threat to worldwide food security, affecting the supply, stability, accessibility, and quality of food. This study aimed to explore the impact of climate change on household food security of farming communities in dry zones in Sri Lanka, focusing [...] Read more.

Climate change is a substantial threat to worldwide food security, affecting the supply, stability, accessibility, and quality of food. This study aimed to explore the impact of climate change on household food security of farming communities in dry zones in Sri Lanka, focusing on water resource limitations and agricultural productivity, using a qualitative case study method with 13 cases. The impact of climate change on farming and food security was identified under the key themes of food production and yield, income and economic stability, water resources and management, food availability and access, nutrition quality, and dietary diversity. The findings revealed that climate change can indirectly affect food security by impacting household and personal incomes. It also influences health, access to clean water, and the ability to utilize food effectively. Such climatic changes significantly impact household food security and distinctly affect nutrition quality and dietary diversity, which are identifiable as the primary food security elements. This study suggests moving other income sources to enhance the economic stability of farming households, adopting new farming techniques, organizing government assistance programs, and establishing social safety nets such as food aid programs and financial support for affected households. Such activities will help to address the decline of yield production that is caused by climate change, and will mitigate the effect that climate change has on household food security. It further emphasizes the need to combine modern policy interventions and the existing domestic adaptation framework. This investigation employs a qualitative research method to explore how communities experience actual climate change effects, including water issues and farm failures. It effectively captures and contributes detailed knowledge to the current research on this subject. Full article

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19 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Environmental Humanities South: Decolonizing Nature in Highland Asia

by Dan Smyer Yü, Ambika Aiyadurai, Mamang Dai, Razzeko Delley, Rashila Deshar, Iftekhar Iqbal, Chi Huyen Truong, Bhargabi Das, Mongfing Lepcha, Thinley Dema, Madan Koirala, Zainab Khalid and Zhen Ma

Challenges 2025, 16(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020019 - 26 Mar 2025

We, a group of native scholars based in the Himalayan region, co-author this article to propose an environmental humanities South—concurrently as an Asia-specific interdisciplinary field and a planetary human–nature epistemology of the Global South inextricably entwined with that of the Global North. Framed [...] Read more.

We, a group of native scholars based in the Himalayan region, co-author this article to propose an environmental humanities South—concurrently as an Asia-specific interdisciplinary field and a planetary human–nature epistemology of the Global South inextricably entwined with that of the Global North. Framed in the broader field of planetary health, this article begins with a perspectival shift by reconceptualizing the Global South and the Global North as the Planetary South and the Planetary North for the purpose of laying the epistemological groundwork for two interconnected arguments and subsequent discussions. First, the Planetary South is not merely epistemological, but is at once geographically epistemological and epistemologically geographical. Our debates with the currently dominant epistemologies of the South open up a decolonial conversation with what we call the Australian School of the environmental humanities, the initial seed bank of our interdisciplinary environmental work in Asia’s Planetary South. These multilayered epistemological debates and conversations lead to the second argument that the South and the North relate to one another simultaneously in symbiotic and paradoxical terms. Through these two arguments, the article addresses the conundrum of what we call the “postcolonial continuation of the colonial environmentality” and attempts to interweave the meaningful return of the eroding Himalayan native knowledges of nature with modern scientific findings in a way that appreciates the livingness of the earth and is inclusive of nonwestern environmental worldviews. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Health: From Evidence to Action–Confronting Reality (Including Submissions Associated with the 2024 Planetary Health Summit (PHAM2024))

18 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Outcomes of the Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024): Planetary Health—A Local Discourse

by Suvechhya Bastola, Maria Alba Abad, Anurag Adhikari, Gaurav Adhikari, Aagat Awasthi, Ashim Dhakal, Rijan Maharjan, Rojlina Manandhar, Rukumesh Paudyal, Sunil Pokhrel, Amina Singh, Neha Shrestha, Lekhendra Tripathee, Remco Kort and Prajwal Rajbhandari

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010018 - 17 Mar 2025

The Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024), held in Godawari, Nepal, from 21 to 24 April 2024, aimed to address planetary health challenges within the local context of Nepal while fostering global dialogue. Bringing together 240 participants from 10 countries, [...] Read more.

The Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024), held in Godawari, Nepal, from 21 to 24 April 2024, aimed to address planetary health challenges within the local context of Nepal while fostering global dialogue. Bringing together 240 participants from 10 countries, including 20 international invited speakers, the conference sought to explore the intersections of human health, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. Jointly organized by the Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), the University of Nepal Development Board (UoN-DB), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), and the Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI) and co-organized by Phutung Research Institute (PRI), Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), Engage Nepal with Science (ENwS), and Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE), the conference represented a collaboration of 15 institutions and companies. With attendees from diverse backgrounds—academia, research institutes, private companies, NGOs, and government organizations—the conference featured a robust program of keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, focus group discussions, and oral and poster presentations. Thematic focuses included sessions on Air and Water, Climate Change, Ecology, Evolutionary and Environmental Sciences, and Global Health. A major highlight was the recognition of Nepal’s rich biodiversity and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The event drew inspiration from the European Planetary Health Hub, convening and exploring sustainable, locally relevant solutions to global planetary health issues. Outcomes of the conference included new research collaborations, an enhanced focus on interdisciplinary approaches to biodiversity conservation, and a deeper understanding of how indigenous knowledge can play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Additionally, ICBB-2024 set a precedent for eco-friendly conferencing practices by emphasizing sustainability throughout the event. In conclusion, ICBB-2024 succeeded in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, inspiring both local and global actions to address pressing planetary health challenges. The event underscored the importance of integrating science, policy, and traditional knowledge in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for planetary health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Change, Air, Water, and Planetary Systems)

13 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Social Participation and Inclusion in Rural Communities: The Case of the TAIKAN Group in Chile

by Cristian Armijo Castillo and Rodolfo Morrison

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010017 - 12 Mar 2025

This study examines the collective experience of the TAIKAN group, a social organization located in the municipality of Canela, Coquimbo Region, Chile. Through a systematization of experience methodology, this research analyzes how the group’s inclusive grassroots practices contribute to social participation, community resilience, [...] Read more.

This study examines the collective experience of the TAIKAN group, a social organization located in the municipality of Canela, Coquimbo Region, Chile. Through a systematization of experience methodology, this research analyzes how the group’s inclusive grassroots practices contribute to social participation, community resilience, and sustainable development in rural contexts. The study employs qualitative methods, including document review, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and discussion groups, to capture the lived experiences of its members and assess the impact of their initiatives. The findings highlight that TAIKAN fosters a cultural shift towards inclusion by positioning people with disabilities as active agents in their community, promoting autonomy through productive workshops, and engaging in collaborative efforts to reduce structural inequalities. Furthermore, the study situates the TAIKAN experience within the framework of planetary health, demonstrating how local initiatives can align with global efforts to advance social and environmental justice. These insights provide a replicable framework for strengthening marginalized communities in similar rural settings. Full article

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18 pages, 2705 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

The Pillars of Societal Bioharmonism a Conceptualist Contribution to the Evolution of the Contemporary Society

by Romulus Gruia, Liviu Gaceu and Oana Bianca Oprea

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010016 - 6 Mar 2025

This paper explores the concept of “bioharmonism” as a model for addressing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating the principles of biological balance and life harmony at various levels of nature and society. The purpose of this paper is to [...] Read more.

This paper explores the concept of “bioharmonism” as a model for addressing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating the principles of biological balance and life harmony at various levels of nature and society. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative paradigm that rationally organizes the component concepts of different approaches and nuances developed over time in an attempt to find a path forward regarding contemporary societal changes. Thus, along the lines of transdisciplinary and holistic approaches, a connection is made between natural sciences, specifically life sciences, and social sciences, to understand in this way the evolution of human society. Specifically, the objective of this conceptual viewpoint is related to sustainability, resilience, and planetary health, indicating the need to analyze planetary bioharmony and transfer the model to the structure and functionality of human society. This is achieved by describing the pillars of this complex endeavor in a unified and coherent approach to highlight the bioharmonization process. This paper analyzes the definition and role of societal bioharmonism, then the methodological argumentation based on specific notions, principles, and laws, and finally, describes the application lines of the pillars of bioharmonism, using as a case study the provision of food for the human population. Solutions are highlighted that can conceptually contribute to the evolution of contemporary society, considering the convergence of anthroposystems with ecosystems, based on the interconnection of the current Biological Revolution with the performances offered by the Information Era. These solutions aim at societal bioharmonization, supported complementarily by its specific conceptual pillars, which, through integration and emergence, lead to a dynamic systemic balance. This, in turn, lays the foundation for reintegrating the environment and biodiversity into the economic equation, the citizen into the social equation, and science into the political equation. Full article

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21 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

The Promise of Neurolaw in Global Justice: An Interview with Dr. Pragya Mishra

by Alan C. Logan and Pragya Mishra

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010015 - 6 Mar 2025

In an ongoing series of interviews, Challenges Advisory Board member and Nova Institute for Health Fellow Alan C. Logan meets with thought leaders, scientists, scholars, healthcare professionals, artisans, and visionaries concerned about health at the scale of individuals, communities, and the planet. Here, [...] Read more.

In an ongoing series of interviews, Challenges Advisory Board member and Nova Institute for Health Fellow Alan C. Logan meets with thought leaders, scientists, scholars, healthcare professionals, artisans, and visionaries concerned about health at the scale of individuals, communities, and the planet. Here, Dr. Pragya Mishra responds to a set of questions posed by Challenges. Dr. Mishra, a legal academician and one of the few global scholars with a PhD specifically in neurolaw, is at the forefront of research examining the intersection of law and brain sciences. As a concept and developing field, the promise of neurolaw is that it will lead to a more equitable and less punitive justice system, one based on objective science rather than prescientific assumptions of blameworthiness and willpower. Here, Dr. Mishra reflects on the promises and pitfalls of neurolaw, the growing challenges to the free will assumptions held by the courts, and her work in a field that epitomizes a transdisciplinary effort. She discusses the place of contemplative practices within neurolaw, with special emphasis on the hope of rehabilitation. Dr. Mishra describes neurolaw through a holistic lens, one that embraces future possibilities and the shaping of evidence-based policy changes. While planetary health embraces justice as a broad term, it has paid little attention to the criminal justice system. Discussions of neurolaw are important to the ethical frameworks of planetary health. Neurolaw, as Dr. Mishra explains, is at the heart of the many interconnected challenges of our time. Full article

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20 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Humanity and AI: Collaborating for a Flourishing Planet Through Wise Decision-Making

by Leonie Hallo, Anastasia Hanzis and Caroline Rowe

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010014 - 25 Feb 2025

Our world now faces significant challenges including complex issues arising from human–machine interaction. This paper explores how we could address these challenges using a new approach called Cybernetics 3.0. This approach highlights human agency and the co-evolution of humans and machines, particularly regarding [...] Read more.

Our world now faces significant challenges including complex issues arising from human–machine interaction. This paper explores how we could address these challenges using a new approach called Cybernetics 3.0. This approach highlights human agency and the co-evolution of humans and machines, particularly regarding how we make decisions. Rather than viewing machines as separate from people, Cybernetics 3.0 views machines as extensions of human action, which is vital in our complex world. This paper argues that when this approach is combined with advanced Web 3.0 technologies, we can create better decision-making systems that integrate both human values and machine capabilities. This paper uses diagrams to illustrate how human and machine decision-making are interconnected and provides a healthcare example to demonstrate the practical value of this framework. Through a holistic and systems thinking approach, we can foster sustainable and wise decisions that will promote human flourishing and planetary health. The discipline of cybernetics is a promising way to better understand the interaction between humans and technology via its focus on systems of control, human–AI learning and communication, feedback loops, self-regulating systems, and knowledge enhancement in humans and machines. Ultimately this approach could help us to address critical issues such as inequality, climate change, and other complex threats to our planet and society. Full article

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19 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systemic Drivers of Electric-Grid-Caused Catastrophic Wildfires: Implications for Resilience in the United States

by Holly Eagleston, Michelle Bester, Jubair Yusuf, Adit Damodaran and Matthew J. Reno

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010013 - 18 Feb 2025

Wildfires are projected to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change, and the electric grid is both a cause of wildfires and is vulnerable to wildfires. Equipment from the electric grid accounts for 10% of fires burned in California and 3% [...] Read more.

Wildfires are projected to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change, and the electric grid is both a cause of wildfires and is vulnerable to wildfires. Equipment from the electric grid accounts for 10% of fires burned in California and 3% of fires nationally. Recent catastrophic wildfires, such as the Lahaina Fire, Camp Fire, Marshall Fire, and Smokehouse Creek fires, were all started by electrical equipment and show how devastating these events can be because they threaten lives and structures. Vegetation structure, weather and winds, climate and vegetation response, land use, and human activities all impact the likelihood of severe wildfires. We explore the relationship between the built environment, electric grid infrastructure specifically, and its role in causing catastrophic wildfires to find lessons learned for increasing resilience. Electric grid utility companies currently employ multiple methods to mitigate fire, including (1) early detection, (2) grid hardening, (3) vegetation management, and (4) pre-emptive shutoffs. Utility companies need to consider the conditions for wildfire and the impact that each mitigation strategy has on drivers of wildfire behavior, as a single solution will not be adequate. Utility companies need to work with stakeholders to develop a holistic strategy to reduce ignition likelihood and spread likelihood to reduce catastrophic wildfires and improve resiliency. Full article

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30 pages, 3983 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of System Strength and Inertia in Renewable-Energy-Dominated Grids: Challenges, Sustainability, and Solutions

by Paul Moore, Oyeniyi Akeem Alimi and Ahmed Abu-Siada

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010012 - 10 Feb 2025

The global shift towards renewable energy sources (RESs) presents significant challenges to power grid stability, particularly in grids with a high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The shift to RESs is critical to improve planetary health; however, grids must remain reliable and affordable [...] Read more.

The global shift towards renewable energy sources (RESs) presents significant challenges to power grid stability, particularly in grids with a high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The shift to RESs is critical to improve planetary health; however, grids must remain reliable and affordable throughout the transition to ensure economies can thrive and critical infrastructure remains secure. Towards that goal, this review introduces the issues of declining system strength and inertia in such grids, illustrated by case studies of curtailment measures employed by system operators in the deregulated electricity markets of Australia, Ireland, and Texas. In these high-IBR markets, curtailment has become essential to maintain system security. This paper presents the current mitigation strategies used by system operators and discusses their limitations. In addition, the paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of current research on system strength and inertia estimation techniques, grid modelling approaches, and advanced inverter control, with a particular focus on virtual inertia. Future research directions and recommendations are outlined based on the identified gaps. These recommendations are intended to minimise system operator intervention and RES curtailment while maintaining reliable and affordable grid operation. The insights presented in this paper provide a framework to guide system operators, researchers, and policymakers toward enhancing grid stability while targeting 100% RES. Full article

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19 pages, 3012 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Reconnecting with Gaia to Understand Humanity’s Collective Trauma: Learning from Grandma Belah and Yungadhu

by Mal Ridges

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010011 - 7 Feb 2025

Climate change has been described as an existential crisis for humanity. Much has been studied and written about the biophysical and economic factors contributing to climate change, but very little on the psychology of its human-induced origins. In a self-reflective viewpoint influenced by [...] Read more.

Climate change has been described as an existential crisis for humanity. Much has been studied and written about the biophysical and economic factors contributing to climate change, but very little on the psychology of its human-induced origins. In a self-reflective viewpoint influenced by working with Aboriginal people in Australia and connecting deeply with its landscape, this paper explores what connection with nature really means and why some of humanity lost it. It is argued that an alternative avenue for understanding humanity’s existential crisis is to see it as a trauma problem. At the beginning of the Holocene, several cultures around the world, at around the same time, switched to a food storage economy triggered by a rapid change in climate. Little research has explored the psychology of this change, with most focusing on it being an evolutionary success because of the civilised pathway it enabled. However, this paper suggests that it might also be seen as a traumatising process affecting generations of people for millennia and fundamentally altering many people’s relationship with the planet. It is proposed that understanding the psychological origins of the human drivers of climate change could enable collective healing of our relationship with the natural world and that this is necessary to realise planetary health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nurturing Connected Consciousness in the Anthropocene: Addressing Calls for Cultural and Spiritual Transformation as a Path to Personal, Collective, and Planetary Health)

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9 pages, 220 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

From COVID-19 Pandemic Pivot to Progress: Blended Work as a Pathway to Greener African Cities

by Patrick Gad Iradukunda, Arnaud Iradukunda, Pierre Gashema, Emile Ngabo, Jean de Dieu Tuyishime, Tumusime Musafiri, Thérèse Umuhoza, Ulysse Uwayo, Enos Moyo, Richard Habimana, Claude Mambo Muvunyi and Tafadzwa Dzinamarira

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010010 - 6 Feb 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted work and life patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Africa faces disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This commentary explores the benefits [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted work and life patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Africa faces disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This commentary explores the benefits of blended work models (remote and in-office work) and the readiness of African cities to adopt them. Notably, the shift to working from home (WFH) during the pandemic improved individual well-being and reduced office energy consumption and commuting-related emissions. Robust digital infrastructure and organizational and sustainable policies are essential to fully leverage blended work for urban sustainability. The unexpected opportunities that arose during the pandemic could help African cities address climate change through careful planning and investment. Full article

18 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Challenges and Solutions for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hospitality Industry

by Ajay Khatter

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010009 - 23 Jan 2025

The hospitality sector’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) is dynamic and constantly evolving. This article examines CSR implementation in the hospitality industry and investigates the growing prevalence of CSR initiatives. This research examines the implementation and challenges of CSR in the hospitality sector through [...] Read more.

The hospitality sector’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) is dynamic and constantly evolving. This article examines CSR implementation in the hospitality industry and investigates the growing prevalence of CSR initiatives. This research examines the implementation and challenges of CSR in the hospitality sector through a qualitative literature review methodology. The study highlights trends such as community engagement, ethical labour practices, and sustainable resource utilisation while identifying barriers like financial constraints and stakeholder resistance. Moreover, it examines the determinants that influence these patterns, including consumer inclinations, governmental policies, and industry recognition of the social and ecological repercussions. This research enhances the field of theory by consolidating and expanding upon current knowledge regarding CSR, building on Archie Carroll’s Pyramid theory’s focus on economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities and R. Edward Freeman’s Stakeholder Theory’s emphasis on business ethics and corporate governance. Modifications are made to these frameworks to adhere to the precise requirements of the hospitality industry. This research presents an alternative perspective on the intricate relationship between environmental sustainability, social accountability, and financial prosperity within the hospitality sector. This study questions the idea that CSR is either a mandatory obligation or an optional behaviour. Key findings reveal that integrating CSR into business strategies enhances operational efficiency, stakeholder trust, and financial performance. By building on established theoretical frameworks, this research provides actionable insights. It contributes to the global discourse on sustainability, offering a nuanced perspective on the hospitality industry’s evolving role in advancing environmental, social, and financial prosperity. Full article

14 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Circular Economy for Nepal’s Sustainable Development Ambitions

by Gavin Melles, Suresh Gautam and Richan Shrestha

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010008 - 20 Jan 2025

The circular economy (CE) is a global proposition about decoupling consumption and production from resource use through reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) and other r-strategies. In addition to promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12), advocates claim the CE has wide-ranging impacts on sustainable [...] Read more.

The circular economy (CE) is a global proposition about decoupling consumption and production from resource use through reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) and other r-strategies. In addition to promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12), advocates claim the CE has wide-ranging impacts on sustainable development. Critics, however, see ambiguous definitions, practical conflicts with sustainability, and limited global appetite for a sustainability transition through the CE. Despite these criticisms, following the lead of other countries in Asia, Nepal has recently adopted the CE as an answer to waste recycling, sustainable tourism, energy generation, e.g., biogas, and and sustainable development in general. Until recently, the discussion about promoting circular r-strategies in Nepal, such as recycling, has lacked any critical review of circular claims for Nepal. Addressing this lack, this perspectives paper critically examines the scope and claims for the CE in Nepal relative to its sustainable development commitments. In contrast to the prevailing enthusiasm, our review finds that the CE may contribute little to Nepal’s development ambitions, that the EU influence is questionable, and the mainstream CE ignores a tradition of resource efficiency in Nepal. Our review suggests that other institutional demands must be met before with a transition to a sustainable circular economy can happen. The authors hope this perspectives paper will be read by governments, businesses, and other actors to inform a critical review of Nepal’s CE ambitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Regenerative Economies)

19 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Vulnerability of Displaced Persons: A Study of Food Security and Access in Kumba Municipality, Cameroon

by Kevin N. Metuge, Betrand A. Tambe, Fabrice Tonfack Djikeng, Aduni Ufuan Achidi, Given Chipili and Xikombiso G. Mbhenyane

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010007 - 20 Jan 2025

Concerns about global food insecurity have been growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the determinants of food security among internally displaced persons (IDPs)—people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, natural disasters, or [...] Read more.

Concerns about global food insecurity have been growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the determinants of food security among internally displaced persons (IDPs)—people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, natural disasters, or other crises—and their children under five, as well as the influence on their nutritional status. Using random sampling, the caregivers of IDPs and children under five in households were included in the study. The caregivers were interviewed using a validated structured questionnaire, while nutritional assessments of both children and adults were conducted through anthropometric and clinical evaluation methods. The findings revealed a high prevalence of food insecurity, with 97.6% of IDP households experiencing some degree of insecurity. Additionally, 28.3% of the surveyed households had high dietary diversity. Among the children, 50.6% were stunted, over a third were underweight, and 15.8% were wasted, indicating severe nutritional deficiencies. Among adults, 28.4% were overweight or obese, while a significant number were underweight. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the caregivers’ monthly salary and the average amount spent on food were associated with a decrease in food insecurity. Conversely, large household sizes and coping strategies employed to mitigate food insecurity were linked to increased food insecurity. In conclusion, the study highlights a high prevalence of food insecurity among IDP households, forcing families to adopt coping strategies, mainly through dietary modifications. This, in turn, contributes to low dietary diversity and poor nutritional status, with children suffering from underweight, wasting, and stunting. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including the distribution of food vouchers, cash transfers, food banks, and support for home gardening and small-scale farming, as well as education on meal rationing, meal planning, and family planning services. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity—namely low household income and large family sizes—can improve access to nutritious food and ensure the health and well-being of IDPs. Furthermore, addressing food insecurity within this vulnerable group is critical to the broader goals of planetary health, as it highlights the intersection of human health, social equity, and environmental sustainability. By promoting sustainable food systems and supporting vulnerable populations, these interventions can contribute to the resilience of both communities and eco-systems in the face of ongoing global challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Solutions for Health and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Can We Reinvent the Modern University? A Vision for a Complementary Academic System, with a Life-Affirming and Spiritually Conscious Orientation

by Filippo Dal Fiore

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010006 - 16 Jan 2025

The current global academic system, rooted in a reductionist, materialist and westernized worldview, reflects the modern industrial era in which it took shape and is therefore ill-equipped to address the complex challenges of today’s polycrisis. This viewpoint offers a vision for a complementary [...] Read more.

The current global academic system, rooted in a reductionist, materialist and westernized worldview, reflects the modern industrial era in which it took shape and is therefore ill-equipped to address the complex challenges of today’s polycrisis. This viewpoint offers a vision for a complementary system aimed at filling this gap, one grounded on an expanded notion of what science and higher education can be and how best they can serve the world. It is part of an independent research and book project on the broad topic of Reimagining Academia, developed in dialogue with pioneering and spiritually oriented scientific and professional networks. Moving from the recognition of the principal limits of today’s universities, the paper describes an alternative home for all those scholars, students, practitioners and social constituencies whose worldviews and knowledge systems are shifting towards more holistic approaches. Grounded on a new ontological framework and on a human-centered modus operandi, the proposed system would aim to revive scientific disciplines from the inside out, by means of new life-affirming assumptions and purposes. The paper concludes by outlining practical steps for the realization of this vision, proposing a global alliance of scientific, cultural, and social actors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nurturing Connected Consciousness in the Anthropocene: Addressing Calls for Cultural and Spiritual Transformation as a Path to Personal, Collective, and Planetary Health)

11 pages, 4215 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

An Interdisciplinary Model to Foster Existential Resilience and Transformation

by Ingela Steij Stålbrand, Ive Brissman, Lovisa Nyman, Erik Sidenvall, Mattias Tranberg, Anika Wallin, Christine Wamsler and Juliet Jacobsen

Challenges 2025, 16(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16010005 - 14 Jan 2025

Existential threats, including threats to the self, society, and the planet, are present throughout the lifespan and form a core element of the human experience. To consolidate knowledge and constructs about how people can adequately respond to existential threats, we convened an interdisciplinary [...] Read more.

Existential threats, including threats to the self, society, and the planet, are present throughout the lifespan and form a core element of the human experience. To consolidate knowledge and constructs about how people can adequately respond to existential threats, we convened an interdisciplinary working group, which consisted of eight researchers from the fields of psychology, systemic theology, practical theology, religious studies, cognitive science, palliative care, and sustainability science. The group met one day per week for 9 months to engage in an interactive co-creative process of data collection and analyses, discussion, iterative presentations, and writing. The process resulted in the development of an interdisciplinary model that pulls together the key themes of how people, societies, and systems can foster existential resilience and transformation. The model consists of three axes across which we (individuals, groups, systems) have to strengthen or stretch our “inner muscles”: connectedness, agency, and time. All axes contribute to the development of our inner capacities and, ultimately, meaning and purpose, which are crucial to support resilience and transformation. Our interdisciplinary overarching model provides a common conceptualization for existential resilience and transformation that can bridge existing research to support individual, collective, and large-scale system-change work. Its relevance and potential implementation are illustrated and presented from different disciplinary angles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Relationship between Sustainability and Inner Development: Towards More Integrative Worldviews, Paradigms, and Actions)

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