Sustainability

15 pages, 1594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Difference in Soil Fertility Agricultural Training, Local Livestock Feed Use and Weather Information Access: A Comparative Study of Small-Scale Farmers in Mozambique and Zambia

by Albert Novas Somanje, Maria Malunga, Yasa Chisanga, Nswana Kafwamfwa, Atanasio Vidane, Filomena Dos Anjos, Laurinda Augusto, Cesaltina Tchamo, Amon Taruvinga and Kafula Chisanga

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010392 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study employs a mixed-method approach, including surveys with 498 smallholder farmers as respondents (186 in Mozambique and 312 in Zambia) and focus group discussions, to compare sustainable soil management and livestock feed management practices. This study shows critical gaps in agricultural extension, [...] Read more.

This study employs a mixed-method approach, including surveys with 498 smallholder farmers as respondents (186 in Mozambique and 312 in Zambia) and focus group discussions, to compare sustainable soil management and livestock feed management practices. This study shows critical gaps in agricultural extension, significant differences were found, with a higher proportion of Zambian farmers receiving training on soil fertility management (42.2% versus 3.2% in Mozambique, p < 0.001) and using locally produced feeds (78.5% versus 1.6%, p < 0.001). Whereas access to weather information was higher in Mozambique (50.5%) than in Zambia (22.8%). The findings show critical gaps in agricultural extension in Mozambique and Zambia in areas under cowpea, oilseed crops, and vegetables (t = 8.375, p < 0.001; t = 4.138, p < 0.001; and t = 3.104, p < 0.002, respectively). We recommend targeted investment in farmer training programs, including feed formulation and context-specific weather information dissemination to enhance climate resilience and food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Practices in Agriculture: Towards a Greener Future of Food Production)

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27 pages, 4004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Green Transition Resilience in Four Types of China’s Resource-Based Cities Based on the Geographical Detector Model

by Yu Wang, Yanqiu Wang and Mingming Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010391 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Promoting synergistic economic–resource–environmental development in resource-based cities (RBCs) is a fundamental requirement for ensuring national energy security and advancing regional sustainable and coordinated development. This study innovatively proposes the theoretical framework of “green transformation resilience (GTR)” based on evolutionary resilience theory, and then [...] Read more.

Promoting synergistic economic–resource–environmental development in resource-based cities (RBCs) is a fundamental requirement for ensuring national energy security and advancing regional sustainable and coordinated development. This study innovatively proposes the theoretical framework of “green transformation resilience (GTR)” based on evolutionary resilience theory, and then empirically explores the GTR of 114 RBCs in China from the perspective of urban development stages using multiple data models. The findings indicate that the GTR demonstrated an overall upward trend, though it remained at a consistently low level. Regenerative RBCs exhibited the highest GTR levels. GTR exhibits an uneven spatial distribution, primarily caused by super-variation density. The factor detection results indicate that factors such as government intervention, income level, and human capital have strong explanatory power for the spatial variation of GTR. Interaction analysis confirmed the significant nonlinear enhancement or bivariate enhancement of all pairs of factors. This study provides a basis for the differentiated development paths of GTR in China’s RBCs. Moreover, through factor interaction testing, it also offers guidance on policy combinations and prioritization for RBCs in different development stages. Full article

17 pages, 744 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effect of Pesticide Packaging Waste Recycling: From Economic and Ecological Perspectives

by Jiyao Liu, Yanglin Wu, Xiangjun Li, Xiangzhu Han and Jialin Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010390 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Evaluating the effect of recycling Pesticide Packaging Waste (PPW) is essential for improving recycling rates, which plays a crucial role in controlling environmental pollution and optimizing the efficiency of agricultural resources worldwide. Based on the micro-survey data of 1223 farmers in Yunnan and [...] Read more.

Evaluating the effect of recycling Pesticide Packaging Waste (PPW) is essential for improving recycling rates, which plays a crucial role in controlling environmental pollution and optimizing the efficiency of agricultural resources worldwide. Based on the micro-survey data of 1223 farmers in Yunnan and Hainan provinces of China, this study measures the economic effect by the farmers’ annual total household income and the ecological effect by the ecological environment quality of villages. The propensity score matching method (PSM) is employed to empirically test the economic and ecological effects of farmers’ recycling behavior of PPW and their differences. The research findings are as follows: Farmers’ recycling of PPW can generate significant positive economic and ecological effects, which are 116.7% and 4%, respectively. The heterogeneity analysis shows that farmers with a low degree of land fragmentation have a more obvious economic effect from PPW recycling, while farmers with a higher degree of land fragmentation have a more significant ecological effect; farmers with high pesticide costs have more significant economic and ecological effects from PPW recycling. Based on these findings, it is suggested to increase the attention at the policy level, enhance farmers’ environmental awareness and capacity, and focus on the characteristics of different groups. Full article

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37 pages, 3523 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Credit–Deposit Paradox in a High-Inflation, High-Interest-Rate Environment—Evidence from Poland and the Limits of Endogenous Money Theory

by Dominik Metelski and Janusz Sobieraj

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010389 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

The endogenous money creation paradigm posits that banks generate money through lending, with deposits serving as a byproduct. This study investigates the mechanism driving the “credit–deposit paradox” during Poland’s high-interest-rate environment, introducing innovative methodological approaches to quantify systemic monetary impairment. Using comprehensive monthly [...] Read more.

The endogenous money creation paradigm posits that banks generate money through lending, with deposits serving as a byproduct. This study investigates the mechanism driving the “credit–deposit paradox” during Poland’s high-interest-rate environment, introducing innovative methodological approaches to quantify systemic monetary impairment. Using comprehensive monthly data from 2006 to 2024, we employ a mixed-methods framework featuring: (1) Bayesian vector autoregression with Minnesota priors to test dynamic interdependencies; (2) a novel money shortage indicator (MSI) that operationalizes credit–deposit decoupling through three theoretically grounded components; (3) Markov regime-switching analysis to identify persistent monetary stress regimes. Key findings reveal a structural decoupling between deposit growth and credit creation, with robust evidence that exogenous money inflows accumulate as idle deposits rather than stimulating lending. The economy experienced significant periods of money shortage conditions, with the most severe impairment occurring during recent high-stress periods. The analysis confirms the dominance of cost-push inflation from energy and food prices, while monetary factors played a limited role. High interest rates amplified credit demand suppression, creating conditions consistent with endogenous money creation disruption. Methodologically, this study enables three key advances: (1) systematic measurement of monetary transmission breakdowns; (2) empirical identification of structural factors disrupting credit–deposit dynamics; (3) temporal characterization of monetary stress persistence patterns. These contributions advance the endogenous money framework by demonstrating its vulnerability to behavioral, policy-induced, and exogenous disruptions during high-stress periods. Practically, the MSI offers policymakers a real-time diagnostic tool for identifying monetary transmission breakdowns, while the regime analysis informs targeted countercyclical measures. Specific policy recommendations include developing sector-specific liquidity facilities, coordinating fiscal transfers with monetary policy to prevent deposit–loan decoupling, and prioritizing supply-side interventions during cost-push inflation episodes. By integrating post-Keynesian theory with empirical evidence from Poland, this study contributes to understanding money creation mechanisms in highly stressed economic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Future of Global Finance and Business: Trends, Policies and Market Evolution)

29 pages, 807 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Product Innovation and Corporate Reputation in the Construction Industry Under the Institutional Environment: The Role of Innovation Capability, and Perceived Relative Advantage

by Ting Peng and Seuk Wai Phoong

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010388 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

As the concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development gains popularity, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have come to acknowledge green product innovation (GPI) as essential to sustaining competitive advantage, embedding it within their strategic frameworks. However, most SMEs heavily rely [...] Read more.

As the concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development gains popularity, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have come to acknowledge green product innovation (GPI) as essential to sustaining competitive advantage, embedding it within their strategic frameworks. However, most SMEs heavily rely on the continued support of stakeholders, unaware that organisational learning, such as perceived relative advantage (PRA) and innovation capabilities, is the core competitive strategy for achieving green transformation. Drawing on institutional theory and organisational learning theory, this study examines how institutional pressures influence innovation capability and PRA, which in turn drive GPI and corporate reputation. This study analyses data from a survey of 330 Chinese construction SMEs using structural equation modelling. The results show that GPI significantly enhances corporate reputation. Innovation capability and PRA act as mediators in the relationship between institutional pressure and GPI. These findings highlight the importance of organisational learning and explain the critical role of the institutional environment in promoting GPI and thus enhancing corporate reputation. This research provides pathways for SMEs in the construction industry to enhance sustainability while gaining a long-term competitive advantage, contributing to the building of ecological civilisation and a community with a shared future for mankind. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Construction Engineering—2nd Edition)

15 pages, 3591 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Abundance and Cultural-Economic Use-Value of Tree Species in the Mopane Woodlands, Mopani District, South Africa

by Lucky Makhubele, Audrill Dunbar and Paxie W. Chirwa

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010387 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Identifying the key products of mopane woodlands, the perceived abundance of species, and the associated use values have important implications for rural communities and the sustainable use of mopane woodlands. This study examined local perceptions of tree species abundance and their associated use-values [...] Read more.

Identifying the key products of mopane woodlands, the perceived abundance of species, and the associated use values have important implications for rural communities and the sustainable use of mopane woodlands. This study examined local perceptions of tree species abundance and their associated use-values across four communities in the Mopani District, South Africa. The semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interviews were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Friedman test, the Smith Salience Index, Kendall’s W, Pearson correlation, and the Fidelity test. There was a very strong level of agreement (W = 0.83) among the communities regarding the perceived abundance of tree species, and this agreement was statistically significant (χ² = 19.85, p < 0.05). The Colophospermum mopane, Sclerocarya birrea, and Combretum imberbe are the most perceived abundant species in the study areas and have high value. The tree species with high use-value showed a positive correlation with the perceived abundance of tree species, conforming to the study’s ecological apparency hypothesis. The more apparent species had more use value and perceived abundance. Full article

19 pages, 12161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Color Dynamics and Visual Aesthetic Perception in Subtropical Wetland Parks: A Climate-Adaptive Design Framework

by Lanxi Jiang, Damei Chen, Wen Wei and Gillian Lawson

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010386 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

National urban wetland parks serve as key platforms for ecological conservation and recreation, yet the synergistic mechanisms between plant color dynamics and public aesthetic perception remain underexplored. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for evidence-based, climate-resilient landscape design. This study quantifies statistical associations between [...] Read more.

National urban wetland parks serve as key platforms for ecological conservation and recreation, yet the synergistic mechanisms between plant color dynamics and public aesthetic perception remain underexplored. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for evidence-based, climate-resilient landscape design. This study quantifies statistical associations between seasonal color and aesthetic patterns in two national wetland parks (South Dian Lake and Laoyu Lake, Kunming) using Hue–Saturation–Brightness (HSB) color metrics and Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) based on year-round monitoring at 24 sample sites. Regression analysis revealed that overall SBE values ranged from −1.027 to 0.756, indicating medium aesthetic quality, with South Dian Lake outperforming Laoyu Lake, particularly in aquatic plant communities. Seasonal trends showed the highest aesthetic preference in winter (orange–yellow dominant, 0.110) and the lowest in early spring (−0.167, yellow dominant), followed by relatively stable values from late spring to mid-autumn (0.007–0.020) and a secondary peak in late autumn (0.029). Higher SBE scores were associated with a dominant hue ratio of 70–75%, balancing color unity and diversity. We identify an operational plant color configuration—70–75% dominant hue, 20% evergreen foliage and 5–7 color types—that corresponds to higher SBE scores. By translating aesthetic responses into quantitative color targets, this study provides guidance for climate-adaptive planting design and seasonal management in subtropical wetland landscapes under global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Forestry)

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38 pages, 2040 KB

Open AccessReview

Integration of GIS, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Waste Management Systems—A Comprehensive Review

by Anna Kochanek, Sabina Angrecka, Iga Pietrucha, Tomasz Zacłona, Agnieszka Petryk, Agnieszka Generowicz, Leyla Akbulut and Atılgan Atılgan

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010385 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This article presents a narrative, traditional literature review summarizing current research on the integration of digital technologies in waste management. The study examines how intelligent technologies, including Geographic Information Systems, Big Data analytics, and artificial intelligence, can improve energy efficiency, support sustainable resource [...] Read more.

This article presents a narrative, traditional literature review summarizing current research on the integration of digital technologies in waste management. The study examines how intelligent technologies, including Geographic Information Systems, Big Data analytics, and artificial intelligence, can improve energy efficiency, support sustainable resource use, and enhance the development of low emission and circular waste management systems. The reviewed research shows that the combination of spatial analysis, large-scale data processing, and predictive computational methods enables advanced modeling of waste distribution, the optimization of collection routes, intelligent sorting, and the forecasting of waste generation. Geographic Information Systems support spatial planning, site selection for waste facilities, and environmental assessment. Big Data analytics allows the integration of information from Internet of Things sensors, global positioning systems, municipal databases, and environmental registries, which strengthens evidence-based decision making. Artificial intelligence contributes to automatic classification, predictive scheduling, robotic sorting, and the optimization of recycling and energy recovery processes. The study emphasizes that the integration of these technologies forms a foundation for intelligent waste management systems that reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Waste Management and Sustainable Practices)

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20 pages, 1969 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Farming: A Sustainable Approach for Pleurotus spp. Cultivation

by Marina De Bonis, Lucia Rocchi, Luisa Paolotti, Paolo Sambo, Giampaolo Zanin and Carlo Nicoletto

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010384 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Edible mushrooms are often regarded as a sustainable source of proteins, and several studies have sought to further improve the sustainability of this production. The vertical farming (VF) system could help to reduce the environmental impact during the cultivation of this crop. This [...] Read more.

Edible mushrooms are often regarded as a sustainable source of proteins, and several studies have sought to further improve the sustainability of this production. The vertical farming (VF) system could help to reduce the environmental impact during the cultivation of this crop. This study aimed to evaluate whether a VF cultivation system could increase the production and sustainability of Pleurotus species. In this study, P. cornucopiae (PC) and P. ostreatus (PO) were cultivated in a VF system using four-layer iron shelves arranged both individually and in combined configurations in the mushrooms greenhouse; a randomized block design with three replicates for each treatment was used. The impact of shelf layers on the productive traits of these crops was also evaluated, comparing upper layers to the ground layer (Control). In addition, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was carried out to compare the environmental impact of VF and a conventional cultivation system for PO. The results demonstrated that the shelf layer influenced primordia formation, yield, and morphological characteristics. PC exhibited optimal growth in the upper layers, whereas PO performed better in the lower layers, reflecting their respective temperature preferences. The shelf configuration affected light exposure and primordia induction but did not significantly influence overall yield or morphology. The VF system had a lower overall environmental burden, in particular, considering the climate change impact (−27%) and fossil fuel consumption (−37%) compared to conventional cultivation. Among the phases, substrate production had the highest impact due to the higher substrate needed. In conclusion, VF for Pleurotus production enhanced both the productivity and the sustainability of this crop, but further study regarding the economic analysis of this system is needed to assess the industrial application of this system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

16 pages, 2448 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Biochar–NBPT–DCD Coating Modulates Nitrogen Dynamics, Mitigates Leaching, and Enhances Yield and Quality of Choy Sum in Sustainable Vegetable Production

by Lixin Lin, Yang Tang, Huang Li, Haili Lv, Bangyu Huang, Haibin Chen and Jianjun Du

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010383 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Conventional urea nitrogen (N) fertilizers are characterized by low use efficiency, resulting in substantial economic losses and environmental degradation. To address this issue, we developed a novel carbon-based stabilized coated urea by incorporating biochar, the urease inhibitor NBPT, and the nitrification inhibitor DCD [...] Read more.

Conventional urea nitrogen (N) fertilizers are characterized by low use efficiency, resulting in substantial economic losses and environmental degradation. To address this issue, we developed a novel carbon-based stabilized coated urea by incorporating biochar, the urease inhibitor NBPT, and the nitrification inhibitor DCD through a low-energy in situ coating process. This study evaluated the effects of this fertilizer on N transformation and loss via soil column leaching and ammonia volatilization experiments, as well as its impact on choy sum (Brassica chinensis L.) yield, N use efficiency (NUE), and product quality under field conditions. Results indicated that coatings containing both NBPT and DCD (specifically, formulations with 0.5%NBPT + 1.0%DCD, and 1.0%NBPT + 1.5%DCD) significantly reduced cumulative ammonium-N leaching by 41.5–53.8% and nitrate-N leaching by 45.3–59.4% compared to conventional urea. All coated treatments suppressed ammonia volatilization by over 10%, with the highest inhibition (26.92%) observed in the treatment with 1.0%NBPT + 1.5%DCD. The synergistic coating also modulated key soil enzyme activities involved in N cycling. Field trials demonstrated that the formulations with 0.5%NBPT + 1.0%DCD and 0.5%NBPT + 1.5%DCD increased choy sum yield by 56.1% and 58.1%, respectively, while significantly improving NUE and agronomic efficiency. Moreover, these treatments enhanced vegetable quality by reducing nitrate content and increasing vitamin C and soluble sugar concentrations. In conclusion, this carbon-based stabilized coated urea, which integrates biochar with NBPT and DCD, represents a promising strategy for minimizing N losses, improving NUE, and advancing sustainable vegetable production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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28 pages, 1228 KB

Open AccessArticle

Five-Stakeholder Collaboration in Power Battery Recycling Within Reverse Supply Chains: Threshold Analysis and Policy Recommendations via Evolutionary Game and System Dynamics

by Zhiping Lu, Zhengying Jin, Jiaying Qin and Yanyan Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010382 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

The current retired recycling system suffers from “systemic coordination failure”, primarily due to ambiguous responsibility boundaries hindering interenterprise collaboration, unequal profit distribution discouraging technological innovation investment, and low participation from both consumers and recycling enterprises undermining the efficiency of recycling channels. However, the [...] Read more.

The current retired recycling system suffers from “systemic coordination failure”, primarily due to ambiguous responsibility boundaries hindering interenterprise collaboration, unequal profit distribution discouraging technological innovation investment, and low participation from both consumers and recycling enterprises undermining the efficiency of recycling channels. However, the simplified tripartite game models commonly adopted in existing research exhibit significant limitations in explaining and addressing the above practical challenges, as they fail to incorporate consumers and third-party recyclers as strategic decision-makers into the analytical framework. To address these issues, this study develops, for the first time, a five-party evolutionary game model involving governments, vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, third-party recyclers, and consumers within a reverse supply chain framework. We further employ system dynamics to simulate the dynamic evolution of stakeholder strategies. The results show that: (1) When tri-party synergistic benefits exceed 15, the system transitions from resource dissipation to circular regeneration. (2) Government subsidies reaching the threshold of 2 effectively promote low-carbon transformation across the industrial chain. (3) Bilateral synergistic benefits of 12 can stimulate green technological innovation and industrial upgrading. (4) Establishing a multi-stakeholder governance framework is key to enhancing resource circulation efficiency. This research provides quantitative evidence and policy implications for constructing an efficient and sustainable power battery recycling system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Waste Management and Sustainability)

25 pages, 626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Sustainable Development Through Improved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Governance in Laos

by Vanhsai Homengern, Manchang Wu, Vixay Ounmixay, Somchith Phetmany and Bounmy Keohavong

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010381 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Laos, a resource-rich and politically stable country in Southeast Asia, has experienced rapid economic expansion driven by foreign investments in hydropower, mining, and industrial park development. While these sectors have contributed substantially to national growth, they have also intensified environmental degradation and social [...] Read more.

Laos, a resource-rich and politically stable country in Southeast Asia, has experienced rapid economic expansion driven by foreign investments in hydropower, mining, and industrial park development. While these sectors have contributed substantially to national growth, they have also intensified environmental degradation and social pressures. This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) system in Laos within the broader framework of environmental governance and sustainable development. A qualitative research design was employed, combining legal and policy document analysis, review of secondary literature, and case studies of three representative projects. The findings reveal that, although Laos has established a comprehensive ESIA regulatory framework, its implementation remains constrained by weak institutional capacity, overlapping administrative mandates, and limited technical resources. Furthermore, low levels of public participation and transparency reduce the inclusiveness and credibility of ESIA processes. Despite these challenges, recent legal reforms and growing international cooperation demonstrate gradual progress toward more accountable and integrated environmental governance. Strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and incorporating social considerations into project evaluations are essential steps to transform the ESIA framework from a procedural obligation into a robust tool for promoting sustainable and responsible investment in Laos. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)

13 pages, 1155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use and Nature-Based Climate Adaptation in Coastal and Island Regions: A Case Study of Muan and Shinan, South Korea

by Jae-Eun Kim and Sun-Kee Hong

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010380 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between land use, climate, and nature-based adaptation in coastal and island regions of South Korea, focusing on the counties of Muan and Shinan along the southwest coast. Using land use data (2014) and meteorological data (2001–2010), Spearman correlation [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationships between land use, climate, and nature-based adaptation in coastal and island regions of South Korea, focusing on the counties of Muan and Shinan along the southwest coast. Using land use data (2014) and meteorological data (2001–2010), Spearman correlation analysis was applied to assess the associations between six land-use categories and eight climatic indicators, including temperature extremes, tropical nights, and precipitation patterns. Results show that built-up and agricultural areas are closely linked to higher maximum temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, indicating greater climatic vulnerability. Conversely, wetlands, and bare lands demonstrate significant cooling effects, acting as natural buffers against rising temperatures. Wetlands play dual roles in supporting initial hydrological heat mitigation but enhancing nocturnal heat retention during prolonged heatwaves. Forests and grasslands emerged as important land-use types that can help reduce the number of tropical night days. These findings underscore the importance of nature-based land management—such as forest expansion, wetland conservation, and vegetation restoration—for mitigating heat stress and enhancing climate resilience. This study calls for extending national climate adaptation policies beyond urban areas to support aging, and therefore vulnerable, coastal and island populations facing the intensifying effects of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact and Adaptation of Climate Change on Natural Ecosystems)

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25 pages, 482 KB

Open AccessArticle

Uneven Transitions Toward Circular Agriculture in the EU: Regulatory Drivers, Structural Barriers, and the Role of Policy Implementation Heterogeneity

by Artiom Volkov and Mangirdas Morkūnas

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010379 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

The present paper analyses the extent to which European Union regulatory frameworks induce the development of circular agriculture within the European Union. In order to evaluate the progress towards circular agriculture within the European Union, a composite Agricultural Circularity Index (ACI) was developed [...] Read more.

The present paper analyses the extent to which European Union regulatory frameworks induce the development of circular agriculture within the European Union. In order to evaluate the progress towards circular agriculture within the European Union, a composite Agricultural Circularity Index (ACI) was developed for all EU-27 Member States for the period of 2014–2023. An expert interview and a TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making technique were employed for the construction of the ACI. Results indicate only marginal improvements in the development of circular agriculture on the aggregate EU level, although a pronounced cross-country divergence towards achieving circularity in agriculture was observed. The following four distinct trajectories in the evolution of the circular economy within the EU were distinguished: structurally advancing promoters, short-term breakthrough cases, high baseline, but eroding systems, and mixed or stagnating countries. Indicator decomposition analysis reveals that durable circularity gains in agriculture arise when increased material recirculation coincides with verifiable bandwidth, whereas intensifying input use frequently negates the progress. The findings underscore that regulatory ambition alone is insufficient: implementation design, uncompromised enforcement, and market integration determine whether initial initiatives towards circular agriculture materialize into sustainable practices or remain transitory. From a policy perspective, the ACI functions as a diagnostic tool to locate structural bottlenecks and to target CAP-style interventions where circular flows can be scaled most effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Landscape and Rural Sustainability)

1 pages, 406 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Kluska et al. Characterization of Sunflower Waste Carbonization: Energy Balance and Water Holding Properties. Sustainability 2024, 16, 11234

by Jacek Kluska, Karolina Matej-Łukowicz and Nicole Nawrot

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010378 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

The authors would like to make the following corrections regarding their previously published paper [...] Full article

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18 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Reliability of Lithium-Ion Battery Systems for Sustainable Development: Life Prediction and Reliability Evaluation Methods Under Multi-Stress Synergy

by Jiayin Tang, Jianglin Xu and Yamin Mao

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010377 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Driven by the dual imperatives of global energy transition and sustainable development goals, lithium-ion batteries, as critical energy storage carriers, have seen the assessment of their lifecycle reliability and durability become a core issue underpinning the sustainable operation of clean energy systems. Grounded [...] Read more.

Driven by the dual imperatives of global energy transition and sustainable development goals, lithium-ion batteries, as critical energy storage carriers, have seen the assessment of their lifecycle reliability and durability become a core issue underpinning the sustainable operation of clean energy systems. Grounded in a multidimensional perspective of sustainable development, this study aims to establish a quantifiable and monitorable battery reliability evaluation framework to address the challenges to lifespan and performance sustainability faced by batteries under complex multi-stress coupled operating conditions. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used across various fields, making an accurate assessment of their reliability crucial. In this study, to evaluate the lifespan and reliability of lithium-ion batteries when operating in various coupling stress environments, a multi-stress collaborative accelerated model(MCAM) considering interaction is established. The model takes into account the principal stress effects and the interaction effects. The former is developed based on traditional acceleration models (such as the Arrhenius model), while the latter is constructed through the combination of exponential, power, and logarithmic functions. This study firstly considers the scale parameter of the Weibull distribution as an acceleration effect, and the relationship between characteristic life and stresses is explored through the synergistic action of primary and interaction effects. Subsequently, a multi-stress maximum likelihood estimation method that considers interaction effects is formulated, and the model parameters are estimated using the gradient descent algorithm. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is demonstrated through simulation, and numerical examples on lithium-ion batteries demonstrate that accurate lifetime prediction is enabled by the MCAM, with test duration, cost, and resource consumption significantly reduced. This study not only provides a scientific quantitative tool for advancing the sustainability assessment of battery systems, but also offers methodological support for relevant policy formulation, industry standard optimization, and full lifecycle management, thereby contributing to the synergistic development of energy storage technology across the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)

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18 pages, 549 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Credit Policy, ESG Performance, and Corporate Capital Structure—Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

by Nan Wang, Yuanyuan Wan and Kai Yang

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010376 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Green credit policies serve as the driving force behind the green allocation of credit resources and constitute a key strategy for promoting capital structure optimization among highly polluting enterprises. Utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2007 and 2023, this study employs [...] Read more.

Green credit policies serve as the driving force behind the green allocation of credit resources and constitute a key strategy for promoting capital structure optimization among highly polluting enterprises. Utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2007 and 2023, this study employs the implementation of the 2012 Green Credit Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) as a quasi-natural experiment. It empirically examines the impact of green credit policy implementation on the capital structures of China’s heavily polluting enterprises and its underlying mechanisms. Findings indicate: (1) Following the Guidelines’ promulgation, the financial leverage ratios of heavily polluting enterprises declined significantly, restraining capital structure expansion. The policy thus played a positive role in optimizing their capital structures. (2) Mechanism tests reveal that corporate ESG performance exerts a positive moderating effect within the relationship between green credit policies and corporate capital structure. The Guidelines heightened attention to ESG performance, which in turn constrained debt financing channels and strengthened equity financing, thereby reducing corporate financial leverage. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals asymmetric impacts of the green credit policy, with state-owned heavily polluting enterprises and those in eastern and central regions experiencing more pronounced reductions in financial leverage following policy changes. This study elucidates the mechanism through which the Guidelines’ implementation moderate’s capital structure, providing crucial empirical evidence for refining green credit policies and upgrading the capital structures of heavily polluting enterprises. Full article

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24 pages, 1992 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: A Predictive Analysis of the Interconnections Between Digitalization and Sustainability in China

by Meng Ding

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010375 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development, with a particular focus on the mediating role of green innovation. Using panel data from 420 regional observations in China, we employ an advanced econometric panel including a two-way fixed [...] Read more.

This study empirically investigates the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development, with a particular focus on the mediating role of green innovation. Using panel data from 420 regional observations in China, we employ an advanced econometric panel including a two-way fixed effects model, mediation analysis, threshold regression, and instrumental variable (2SLS) techniques to address potential endogeneity. The findings confirm a significant positive direct relationship between the digital economy and sustainable development. Mediation analysis reveals that the digital economy fosters green innovation, which in turn drives sustainable development, accounting for about 17.12% of the total causal effect. A key novelty is our identification of a significant threshold effect: specifically, using a threshold model with 2SLS techniques, we find that sustainability benefits from digitalization are nonlinear and much higher in regions with higher institutional quality. Overall, this study advances the literature by moving beyond a simple direct link to reveal both the underlying causal mechanism and the contingent condition critical for nuanced policy insights. Full article

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15 pages, 568 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Markets Under Geopolitical Stress: Do ESG Indices Outperform Technology Indices in Resilience?

by Maria Czech

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010374 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025

Abstract

In the face of growing geopolitical instability, an important question remains whether ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) indices are sensitive to geopolitical shocks and whether they can act as protective assets. The aim of the study was to empirically compare the STOXX [...] Read more.

In the face of growing geopolitical instability, an important question remains whether ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) indices are sensitive to geopolitical shocks and whether they can act as protective assets. The aim of the study was to empirically compare the STOXX Global ESG Leaders index with the response of the technology sector (Nasdaq 100 and Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX)) to changes in the geopolitical risk index (GPR). Monthly data from 2019 to 2025 were used, along with a procedure including Vector Autoregression (VAR) modeling, Impulse Response Function (IRF) analyses, the Johansen test, and Granger causality tests. The results indicate a lack of significant relationships between GPR and the analyzed indices in the short and long term: no cointegration was found, IRF responses were weak and quickly faded, and Granger tests did not demonstrate the predictive power of GPR for the analyzed markets. VAR forecasts additionally confirmed the stable trend, unrelated to GPR fluctuations. The results suggest that ESG indices are not directly affected by geopolitical shocks, which indicate their relative resilience. A similar response was observed for technological indices. The results may have practical implications for investors interested in sustainable investing while looking for stable assets in periods of global uncertainty. The results may be important for institutional investors in terms of portfolio stabilization functions during periods of increased geopolitical uncertainty, and for policymakers and market regulators in the context of designing frameworks supporting the stability of ESG markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESG Investing for Sustainable Business: Exploring the Future)

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