Sustainability

19 pages, 3828 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Using Soil Sustainability and Resilience Concepts to Support Future Land Management Practice: A Case Study of Mt Grand Station, Hāwea, New Zealand

by Carol Smith, Sadeepa Jayathunga, Pablo Gregorini, Fabiellen C. Pereira and Wendy McWilliam

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031808 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4004

Abstract

Soil acts as the integrator of processes operating within the biological and hydrological landscapes and responds to external disturbances and processes on varying time scales. The impact of any change results in a corresponding response in the system; which is dependent on the [...] Read more.

Soil acts as the integrator of processes operating within the biological and hydrological landscapes and responds to external disturbances and processes on varying time scales. The impact of any change results in a corresponding response in the system; which is dependent on the resistance of the soil system to the disturbance. Irreversible permanent change results when the soil system shifts over a threshold tipping point; with the soil system experiencing a regime shift with associated structural and functional collapse. Climate change is the most important external disturbance or stressor on these systems due to changes in precipitation, temperature and moisture regimes. Our research at Mt Grand is focused on approaches to increasing land use resiliency in the face of environmental change. Our purpose is to select and apply soil quality indices which can be used to assess soil resilience to external disturbance events for Mt Grand Station in New Zealand. We will identify biophysical variations and landscape drivers in soil resilience; and use these results to match land management practices with variations in soil resilience. For example, soils with low resilience will only have land management practices that have a low impact on the soil resource. We selected soil attributes that represented indicators of resistance, used to quantify the capacity of a soil to recover its functionality. We mapped this soil resilience framework against a national database of soil and landscape attributes for Mt Grand Station. The output from this research is to posit a conceptual framework of soil quality indices which relates to soil resilience, and thus to create a spatial map of soil resilience for Mt Grand Station. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grazing in Future Multi-Scapes: From Thoughtscapes to Landscapes, Creating Health from the Ground Up)

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23 pages, 3642 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fostering Resilience and Adaptation to Drought in the Southern High Plains: Using Participatory Methods for More Robust Citizen Science

by Jacqueline M. Vadjunec, Nicole M. Colston, Todd D. Fagin, Austin L. Boardman and Brian Birchler

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031813 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4489

Abstract

Citizen science holds the potential and capacity to change the role of science in the face of current and impending environmental sustainability challenges. However, the sustainability science community must also address the ethical challenges inherent in the nature and outcomes of citizen participation [...] Read more.

Citizen science holds the potential and capacity to change the role of science in the face of current and impending environmental sustainability challenges. However, the sustainability science community must also address the ethical challenges inherent in the nature and outcomes of citizen participation and inclusion. In this article, we provide a brief history of Participatory Action Research (PAR), long popular in the social sciences, and explain how participatory methods can inform the process and products of citizen science to meet the dueling ideals of ethically engaging communities and producing more robust science. Our decade of human-environment research on drought resilience and adaptation in the Southern High Plains of the United States illustrates how PAR complements formal science and can contribute to community resilience and adaptation efforts. Synthesized into 10 entry points for more ethical and participatory science, our semi-chronological narrative offers concrete strategies informed by PAR principles and values, at various stages of research, and highlights the place-based, ethical, and methodological contexts for applying each strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizen Science in Environmentally Oriented Social Science Research: Trends, Projects, and Innovative Technologies)

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21 pages, 1469 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

How Many Real Islands Have Existed along a Mid-Danube Section during the Past 250 Years?

by Szilvia Ádám and Ákos Malatinszky

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031829 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

The consequences of river regulation work and other human interventions from the past can still be followed and cause various effects on the Danube river, especially on the formation and state of the islands. We aimed to compile an inventory of the islands [...] Read more.

The consequences of river regulation work and other human interventions from the past can still be followed and cause various effects on the Danube river, especially on the formation and state of the islands. We aimed to compile an inventory of the islands along the Hungarian Danube stretch between Vének (1797 rkm) and Budapest (1647 rkm) during the past 250 years, focusing on their landscape history. Real islands were defined as gravel bars that are permanently covered with pioneer woody vegetation, constantly surrounded by water (side-branch is not closed), and their surface remains unflooded at an average water level. We identified 123 real islands that existed on this 150 km long river stretch in the last centuries. These were real islands for a shorter or longer period between the 18th and the 21st century. A total of 66 of them existed at the same time about 200 years ago, i.e., before the large-scale water regulation works, while today this number is only 18, meaning that 73% of current potential Danube islands are at a stage of side-branch succession. Before the river regulation works, the natural successional changes of a real island occurred over hundreds of years, but today they happen rapidly. The formation of new islands became very limited compared to the past due to the lack of sediments and the altered river dynamics. In order to conserve this unique ecological corridor and green infrastructure element in the long run, and restore its damaged floodplain habitats, no more hard-tech interventions should be allowed in the fluvial system. These aspects need to be taken into consideration in decision-making processes with an integrated approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape and Nature Conservation Issues in Human-Altered Environments)

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15 pages, 9395 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Transport Development on the Accessibility of Selected Functional Elements: The Case of the Suburban Zielonki Municipality within the Krakow Metropolitan Area

by Sabina Puławska-Obiedowska, Tomasz Bajwoluk and Piotr Langer

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031821 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2684

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present the findings of an investigation of areas of concentration of selected functions within the Zielonki suburban community—namely, their mutual relations and accessibility. The investigation of interdependence between transport system development within a municipality and transformation [...] Read more.

The objective of this paper is to present the findings of an investigation of areas of concentration of selected functions within the Zielonki suburban community—namely, their mutual relations and accessibility. The investigation of interdependence between transport system development within a municipality and transformation processes observed to take place in its territory can allow one to determine the precepts of its future development. The investigation covered Zielonki—a suburban community near Krakow—as a distinctive case of contemporary transformations of the functio-spatial structure of a suburban zone that remains under the influence of the developmental processes of a large urban center in Poland. The ongoing urbanization of suburban areas indicates their constant investment attractiveness. However, the development of transport infrastructure does not seem to keep pace with the ongoing process of change, especially in the areas of new housing and service concentration zones. The observed phenomena negatively impact the emergence of a sustainable suburban space, and the increase in vehicular traffic lowers the quality of life within this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Transport Infrastructure in Regional Development)

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22 pages, 5168 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

GIS and AHP Based Groundwater Potential Zones Delineation in Chennai River Basin (CRB), India

by Pazhuparambil Jayarajan Sajil Kumar, Lakshmanan Elango and Michael Schneider

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1830; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031830 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 8542

Abstract

Groundwater depletion is one of the most critical concerns for users and policymakers. Identifying groundwater potential (low to high) helps properly plan the available groundwater resource. This study has used the possibilities of a geographical information system (GIS), remote sensing and, of course, [...] Read more.

Groundwater depletion is one of the most critical concerns for users and policymakers. Identifying groundwater potential (low to high) helps properly plan the available groundwater resource. This study has used the possibilities of a geographical information system (GIS), remote sensing and, of course, field data to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the Chennai River Basin (CRB). Thematic layers generated for eleven controlling factors, such as geology, water level, drainage, soil, lineament, rainfall, land use, slope, aspect, geomorphology, and depth to bedrock, were brought into the GIS environment. Then, appropriate weightage was given to each layer using a multi-criteria decision-making technique, namely, the analytic hierarchical process (AHP). A groundwater potential map is generated using weighted overlay analysis, with the following five classes: very poor, poor, moderate, good, and very good. The results were comparable to the actual specific yield data from the field and accuracy was 78.43%. Thus, AHP-aided GIS–RS mapping is a useful tool in groundwater prospecting in this region of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Management of Coastal Areas)

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18 pages, 3106 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic, Technological Progress and Food Security Based on a Dynamic CGE Model

by Xinyue Lin, Lingli Qi, Haoran Pan and Basil Sharp

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031842 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4358

Abstract

The global spread of COVID-19 has complicated the international equilibrium of grain production and trade. China now faces external shocks in the international grain market and deep-seated problems associated with the structure of domestic supply. We used a dynamic, computable general equilibrium (CGE) [...] Read more.

The global spread of COVID-19 has complicated the international equilibrium of grain production and trade. China now faces external shocks in the international grain market and deep-seated problems associated with the structure of domestic supply. We used a dynamic, computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to analyse the effects on China’s food security and macroeconomics under the COVID-19 scenario and four technological progress paths in the agricultural sector. We showed that the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting China’s food security in the short term, and critical quantitative variables such as grain production and grain consumption per capita have declined. Considering food security and macroeconomic development, labour-saving technological progress outperformed neutral technological progress, land-saving technological progress, and capital-saving technological progress in the short run. While land-saving technological progress contributes the most to the arable land area per capita of wheat and other grains in the long run. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Processing and Storage Conditions on Functional Properties of Powdered Blueberry Pomace

by Laura Calabuig-Jiménez, Leidy Indira Hinestroza-Córdoba, Cristina Barrera, Lucía Seguí and Noelia Betoret

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031839 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

Promoting a circular economy through valorisation of food processing waste into functional ingredients is a challenge today. The combination of hot air drying with milling is a cheap and highly available option for obtaining powdered products from blueberry pomace, a residue with a [...] Read more.

Promoting a circular economy through valorisation of food processing waste into functional ingredients is a challenge today. The combination of hot air drying with milling is a cheap and highly available option for obtaining powdered products from blueberry pomace, a residue with a large amount of fibre and a high proportion of polyphenols from the fruit. The objective of this work was to analyse the effect of drying temperature (60 °C and 70 °C) and granulometry (coarse and fine) on physicochemical properties, including antioxidant properties and monomeric anthocyanins content. The potential prebiotic effect of blueberry pomace powders, as well as their water and oil interaction properties, were also assessed. Stability of physicochemical properties over 20 weeks of storage was also evaluated. Powders obtained showed a total fibre content higher than 30% with a good proportion between insoluble and soluble fractions and a high retention of monomeric anthocyanins from fresh pomace (75% at 60 °C and 66% at 70 °C). The powders showed good water interaction properties and interesting technological properties, such as solubility and hygroscopicity, which were not affected by differences in particle size. Stability of powders’ physicochemical properties was evidenced throughout the storage period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Food Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Food System)

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14 pages, 2786 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Differentiated Conservation Priorities of Urban Green Space Based on Tradeoffs of Ecological Functions

by Huiying Li, Dianfeng Liu and Jianhua He

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031845 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3104

Abstract

Urban green space (UGS) can simultaneously provide social and ecological benefits for humans. Although numerous studies have evaluated the multifunctional benefits of urban green space, few of them have determined the differentiated conservation priorities of UGS towards the tradeoff relationship of multiple UGS [...] Read more.

Urban green space (UGS) can simultaneously provide social and ecological benefits for humans. Although numerous studies have evaluated the multifunctional benefits of urban green space, few of them have determined the differentiated conservation priorities of UGS towards the tradeoff relationship of multiple UGS functions. Here, we proposed an integrated framework to explore the targeted conservation strategies of UGS patches. Specifically, the circuit theory model and gravity floating catchment area method were adopted to evaluate ecological connectivity and spatial accessibility of UGS under multiple scenarios in terms of different species dispersal distances and resident travelling modes, and Pareto ranking analysis was utilized to identify conservation priorities of UGS. Wuhan City in central China was taken as a case study. The results show that Wuhan exhibits low synergic relationship of ecological connectivity and spatial accessibility of UGS, and only approximately 7.51% of UGS patches on average rank high. Based on the frequency of UGS Pareto ranks under different scenarios, the differentiated conservation strategy was developed, which identified 10 key green areas that need to be protected and 11 green areas that need to be restored. This work is expected to provide an applicable framework to identify key UGS patches and assist in urban planning and layout optimization of multifunctional UGS in Wuhan, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Utilization and Optimal Decision of Land Resources)

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13 pages, 2036 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Measuring Sustainable Intensification Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data

by Francisco J. Areal, Wantao Yu, Kevin Tansey and Jiahuan Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031832 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

Farm-level sustainable intensification metrics are needed to evaluate farm performance and support policy-making processes aimed at enhancing sustainable production. Farm-level sustainable intensification metrics require environmental impacts associated with agricultural production to be accounted for. However, it is common that such indicators are not [...] Read more.

Farm-level sustainable intensification metrics are needed to evaluate farm performance and support policy-making processes aimed at enhancing sustainable production. Farm-level sustainable intensification metrics require environmental impacts associated with agricultural production to be accounted for. However, it is common that such indicators are not available. We show how satellite-based remote sensing information can be used in combination with farm efficiency analysis to obtain a sustainable intensification (SI) indicator, which can serve as a sustainability benchmarking tool for farmers and policy makers. We obtained an SI indicator for 114 maize farms in Yangxin County, located in the Shandong Province in China, by combining information on maize output and inputs with satellite information on the leaf area index (from which a nitrogen environmental damage indicator is derived) into a farm technical efficiency analysis using a stochastic frontier approach. We compare farm-level efficiency scores between models that incorporate environmental damage indicators based on satellite-based remote sensing information and models that do not account for environmental impact. The results demonstrate that (a) satellite-based information can be used to account for environmental impacts associated with agriculture production and (b) how the environmental impact metrics derived from satellite-based information combined with farm efficiency analysis can be used to obtain a farm-level sustainable intensification indicator. The approach can be used to obtain tools for farmers and policy makers aiming at improving SI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Farming in Future: Developing of Sustainable Intensification)

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25 pages, 7784 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring the Impact of Green Walls on Occupant Thermal State in Immersive Virtual Environment

by Alireza Sedghikhanshir, Yimin Zhu, Yan Chen and Brendan Harmon

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031840 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4016

Abstract

Green walls have been used in built environments as a natural element to bring various benefits, thus improving human health and well-being. However, in conventional virtual environments, the visual connection with a green wall is the only way that this natural element could [...] Read more.

Green walls have been used in built environments as a natural element to bring various benefits, thus improving human health and well-being. However, in conventional virtual environments, the visual connection with a green wall is the only way that this natural element could benefit humans. Unfortunately, the impact of such visual connection on human thermal perception is still not well understood. Thus, we conducted an experimental study with 40 participants comparing the thermal state of two virtual sessions: biophilic (a room with a green wall) and non-biophilic (the same room without a green wall). Both sessions were conducted in a climate chamber under a slightly warm condition (28.89 °C and 50% relative humidity). Participants’ thermal state, skin temperature, and heart rate data were collected. According to the results, participants’ thermal comfort and hand skin temperature were significantly different between the two sessions, and their mean skin temperature was statistically increased over time. The study suggests that before the extent to which the impact of visual stimuli (e.g., green walls) on thermal perception is fully understood, researchers may need to control visual and thermal stimuli separately when using them in immersive virtual environments. Furthermore, the virtual exposure time should be an important consideration when designing experimental procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Environment and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 2624 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Rearing Scale and Density on the Growth and Nutrient Composition of Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae

by Wael Yakti, Simon Schulz, Virginia Marten, Inga Mewis, Murali Padmanabha, Arne-Jens Hempel, Alexander Kobelski, Stefan Streif and Christian Ulrichs

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031772 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 8201

Abstract

With the worldwide industrialization of black soldier fly (BSF) production, it is necessary to better understand how the rearing scale and larvae density influence the performance of larvae and the quality of the final product. In this study, a factorial experiment was conducted [...] Read more.

With the worldwide industrialization of black soldier fly (BSF) production, it is necessary to better understand how the rearing scale and larvae density influence the performance of larvae and the quality of the final product. In this study, a factorial experiment was conducted to test the effect of rearing scale and density on the growth and composition of the BSF larvae. The larvae were grown in four different scales (box sizes), keeping the area and feed provided to each larva constant and in two different densities. The results reveal significant differences in the larval growth depending on the scale and density, which could be attributed to the higher temperatures achieved in the bigger scales with a temperature difference of more than 5 °C between the smallest and the biggest scale. Both the scale and the density influenced the composition of the larvae. The crude protein levels were higher on the smallest scale, and the lower density (ranging from 32.5% to 36.5%), and crude fat concentrations were the opposite (ranging from 31.7% to 20.1%). The density also influenced the concentrations of S, Mg, K, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, Al, B, and Co, in addition to the analyzed free amino acids PPS, ALA, CIT, and ANS. Furthermore, the rearing scale influenced the concentration of S, Zn, Cu, and Mo. The results provide further insight into the optimization of BSF production processes and the transfer of lab-scale results into big-scale production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Insect Farming: Feed the Future)

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10 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Global Warming Potential of Organic Strawberry Production under Unheated High Tunnels in Kentucky, USA

by Sean Clark and Seyed Hashem Mousavi-Avval

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031778 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4059

Abstract

The global warming potential (GWP) of organic strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) grown under high tunnels in Kentucky, USA, was assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The site, part of the Berea College Farm, had been under organic crop management for [...] Read more.

The global warming potential (GWP) of organic strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) grown under high tunnels in Kentucky, USA, was assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The site, part of the Berea College Farm, had been under organic crop management for two decades. The GWP was calculated as 0.57 kg CO₂-eq per kg of strawberries with the combined impact of the aluminum and plastic manufacturing accounting for 44% of the total and the direct production activities, including labor, accounting for another 28%. The average yields of 18,990 kg/ha of fresh fruit over the two years (2020–2021) were comparable to those typically reported in the southeastern USA for conventional production, but opportunities to increase strawberry yields in high tunnels without increasing inputs should be explored to reduce the GWP. Future research should also measure the GWP of production in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems, particularly plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of strawberries grown with these technologies to those produced using the simple, high-tunnel method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Engineering for Agricultural Sustainability)

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16 pages, 2052 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Status and Trends in Forest Environment Transfer Tax and Information Interface between Prefectures and Municipalities: Multi-Level Governance of Forest Management in 47 Japanese Prefectures

by Ryo Kohsaka and Yuta Uchiyama

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1791; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031791 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2980

Abstract

In 2019, Japan introduced a national forest-environment-transfer tax (FETT). Prefectural and municipal governments receive tax revenue. Currently, 37 prefectures in Japan have prefectural forest taxes, and the prefectures need to demarcate how their own taxes and the national tax are being used. This [...] Read more.

In 2019, Japan introduced a national forest-environment-transfer tax (FETT). Prefectural and municipal governments receive tax revenue. Currently, 37 prefectures in Japan have prefectural forest taxes, and the prefectures need to demarcate how their own taxes and the national tax are being used. This study analyzed the overall use trends of national tax, which is for supporting municipal forest management, and review the status of prefectural forest environmental taxes. National tax was primarily applied to organizing the information of forests and their owners. The main components of support by prefectures to municipalities were support to questionnaires for private forest owners, other technical supports, securing successors, and training successors. Regarding the prefectural taxes, forest types and policies, which were implemented by the taxes, were reviewed in 18 prefectures. The differentiation of the tax uses of prefectural tax and FETT as a national tax was implemented based on the types of forest and supporting activities, and the spatial scales of forest management. The formation of FETT does not necessarily accompany the flexible assignment of jurisdictions and functions of multi-level governance, with potentially limiting impacts so far. This study could concretely conclude with the demand for participatory social learning toward sustainable forest policymaking and implementations of payment for ecosystem services in forests at the multi-levels of the national government, prefectures, and municipalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Landscape Approaches in Era of Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Sustainable Forestry and Agriculture, Close-to-Nature Forestry, and Conservations in OECMs)

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18 pages, 3890 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Co-Selection of Heavy Metal and Antibiotic Resistance in Soil Bacteria from Agricultural Soils in New Zealand

by Ali Heydari, Nick D. Kim, Jacqui Horswell, Gerty Gielen, Alma Siggins, Matthew Taylor, Collette Bromhead and Barry R. Palmer

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031790 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5652

Abstract

Accumulation of trace elements (including heavy metals) in soil from usage of superphosphate fertilisers induces resistance of soil bacteria to trace elements of environmental concern (TEoEC) and may co-select for resistance to antibiotics (Ab). This study aimed to investigate selection of co-resistance of [...] Read more.

Accumulation of trace elements (including heavy metals) in soil from usage of superphosphate fertilisers induces resistance of soil bacteria to trace elements of environmental concern (TEoEC) and may co-select for resistance to antibiotics (Ab). This study aimed to investigate selection of co-resistance of soil bacteria to Cd, Zn and Hg, and Ab in soils with varied management histories. Genetic diversity of these bacteria and horizontal transfer of Cd resistance genes (cadA and czcA) were also investigated. Soils with either pastoral and arable management histories and either high levels of Cd and Zn, or indigenous bush with background levels of these TEoEC from the Waikato region, New Zealand were sampled. Plate culturing with a range of TEoEC and Ab concentrations, Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) assay, antibiotic sensitivity, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) analyses were employed to investigate co-selection of TEoEC and Ab resistance. Higher levels of bacterial resistance to TEoEC and Ab correlated with higher levels of TEoEC in soil. Bacterial community structures were altered in soils with high TEoEC levels. Cd resistance genes were transferred from donor bacterial isolates, to recipients and the transconjugants also had resistance to Zn and/or Hg and a range of Ab. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diffuse Contamination of the Environment — From Heavy Metals to Microplastics)

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29 pages, 8186 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Towards a More Sustainable Urban Food System—Carbon Emissions Assessment of a Diet Transition with the FEWprint Platform

by Nick ten Caat, Martin Tenpierik and Andy van den Dobbelsteen

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031797 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4012

Abstract

The production, processing, and transportation of food, in particular animal-based products, imposes great environmental burden on the planet. The current food supply system often constitutes a considerable part of the total carbon emissions of urban communities in industrialised cities. Urban food production (UFP) [...] Read more.

The production, processing, and transportation of food, in particular animal-based products, imposes great environmental burden on the planet. The current food supply system often constitutes a considerable part of the total carbon emissions of urban communities in industrialised cities. Urban food production (UFP) is a method that can potentially diminish food emissions. In parallel, a shift towards a predominantly plant-based diet that meets the nutritional protein intake is an effective method to curtail carbon emissions from food. Considering the high land use associated with the production of animal-based products, such a shift will prompt a community food demand that is more inclined to be satisfied with local production. Therefore, during the design process of a future low-carbon city, the combined application of both methods is worth exploring. This work introduces, describes, and demonstrates the diet shift component of the FEWprint platform, a user friendly UFP assessment platform for designers that is constructed around the broader three-pronged strategy of evaluation, shift, and design. For three neighborhoods, in Amsterdam, Belfast, and Detroit, the contextual consumption and country-specific environmental footprint data are applied to simulate a theoretical community-wide diet shift from a conventional to a vegan diet, whilst maintaining protein intake equilibrium. The results show that in total terms, the largest carbon mitigation potential awaits in Detroit (−916 kg CO₂eq/cap/year), followed by Belfast (−866 kg) and Amsterdam (−509 kg). In relative terms, the carbon reduction potential is largest in Belfast (−25%), followed by Amsterdam (−15%) and Detroit (−7%). The FEWprint can be used to generate preliminary figures on the carbon implications of dietary adaptations and can be employed to give a first indication of the potential of UFP in urban communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Urban Development Planning)

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19 pages, 2749 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Use of Drones for Last-Mile Delivery: A Numerical Case Study in Milan, Italy

by Fabio Borghetti, Claudia Caballini, Angela Carboni, Gaia Grossato, Roberto Maja and Benedetto Barabino

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031766 - 3 Feb 2022

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 17136

Abstract

The increasing use of e-commerce introduces major challenges for last-mile delivery, which is critical to ensure smooth functioning of supply chains. Besides the speed and cost of delivery, which are the most important factors for last-mile logistics, environmental and social sustainability factors are [...] Read more.

The increasing use of e-commerce introduces major challenges for last-mile delivery, which is critical to ensure smooth functioning of supply chains. Besides the speed and cost of delivery, which are the most important factors for last-mile logistics, environmental and social sustainability factors are taking on an increasingly important role, especially in urban areas. In this perspective, last-mile delivery by drones could be a good choice both in terms of transport speed and sustainability. Being electrically powered, drones can reduce environmental impact; moreover, they enable the reduction of road congestion since they do not interfere with land infrastructures. The goal of this study is to analyse the viability of drones for last-mile delivery in the Italian city of Milan. A stated preference survey was carried out to assess end-user propensity towards drones. Using these results, a goods delivery service by drones was designed. Furthermore, a preliminary financial analysis was performed to evaluate the benefits for a company that would provide such a transport service. Findings show that last-mile delivery by drones can be successfully used to deliver small and light packages, reducing environmental and social impacts, and ensuring profits for the transport provider. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient, Safe and Sustainable Solutions for Freight Transport and Logistics)

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27 pages, 3322 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Upscaling via a Prospective LCA: A Case Study on Tomato Homogenate Using a Near-to-Market Pasteurisation Technology

by Maria Calero, Gabriela Clemente, Dinar Fartdinov, Sancho Bañón, Israel Muñoz and Neus Sanjuán

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031716 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3911

Abstract

Thanks to food technology, the production of cold tomato soups such as salmorejo, a traditional Spanish dish, has become industrialised. Thermal treatments play an important role in ready-to-eat meals, prolonging their shelf-life. Radiofrequency (RF) heating is less energy-intensive than conventional heat exchangers [...] Read more.

Thanks to food technology, the production of cold tomato soups such as salmorejo, a traditional Spanish dish, has become industrialised. Thermal treatments play an important role in ready-to-eat meals, prolonging their shelf-life. Radiofrequency (RF) heating is less energy-intensive than conventional heat exchangers and has been successfully used to pasteurise food; novel applications, however, provide results at laboratory or pilot scale, so conclusions might not be translatable to industry. In this study, a prospective Life-Cycle Assessment of salmorejo pasteurised using RF was performed to highlight the relevance of upscaling and to compare its environmental impacts with those of conventional pasteurisation. “Gate-to-gate” results show that the pilot has greater environmental impacts due to its greater energy consumption, as thermal energy is not recovered. The packing and landfill of organic waste exhibit the highest impacts at industrial scale. RF technology does not imply significant environmental improvements versus conventional pasteurisation. Potential changes in the energy background of future scenarios have relevant consequences in the environmental impacts. “Farm-to-factory-gate” analysis highlights ingredients and tomato valorisation as the most impacting stages. The prospective LCA of scaled up scenarios constitutes a tool for environmental screening in food ecodesign, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 12. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Food Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Food System)

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18 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Containing the Risk of Phosphorus Pollution in Agricultural Watersheds

by Matthias Wildemeersch, Shaohui Tang, Tatiana Ermolieva, Yurii Ermoliev, Elena Rovenskaya and Michael Obersteiner

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031717 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3211

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient to boost crop yields, but P runoff can cause nutrient over-enrichment in agricultural watersheds and can lead to irreversible effects on aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. Lake Erie is one prominent example as this watershed has experienced [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient to boost crop yields, but P runoff can cause nutrient over-enrichment in agricultural watersheds and can lead to irreversible effects on aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. Lake Erie is one prominent example as this watershed has experienced multiple episodes of harmful algal blooms over the last decades. Annual P loads crucially depend on yearly weather variations, which can create the risk of years with high runoff and excessive nutrient loads. Here we apply stochastic modeling to derive sustainable management strategies that balance crop yield optimization with environmental protection, while accounting for weather variability as well as weather trends as a result of climate change. We demonstrate that ignoring annual weather variations results in mitigation efforts for environmental pollution that are largely insufficient. Accounting explicitly for future variations in precipitation allows us to control the risk of emissions exceeding the P target loads. When realistic risk targets are imposed, we find that a package of additional measures is required to avoid P over-enrichment in the Lake Erie watershed. This package consists of a substantial reduction of P inputs (approximately 30% for different accepted risk levels), adoption of cover crops throughout the near- and mid-century, and cultivation of less nutrient-intensive crops (30% more soy at the expense of corn). Although climate change reinforces these conclusions, we find that the accepted risk level of exceeding P target loads is the predominant factor in defining a sustainable nutrient management policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Managing Catastrophic Risks in Heterogeneous Systems)

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15 pages, 2642 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Big Data: The Engine to Future Cities—A Reflective Case Study in Urban Transport

by Christopher James Pettit, Simone Zarpelon Leao, Oliver Lock, Matthew Ng and Jonathan Reades

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031727 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5661

Abstract

In an era of smart cities, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data is purported to be the ‘new oil’, fuelling increasingly complex analytics and assisting us to craft and invent future cities. This paper outlines the role of what we know today as [...] Read more.

In an era of smart cities, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data is purported to be the ‘new oil’, fuelling increasingly complex analytics and assisting us to craft and invent future cities. This paper outlines the role of what we know today as big data in understanding the city and includes a summary of its evolution. Through a critical reflective case study approach, the research examines the application of urban transport big data for informing planning of the city of Sydney. Specifically, transport smart card data, with its diverse constraints, was used to understand mobility patterns through the lens of the 30 min city concept. The paper concludes by offering reflections on the opportunities and challenges of big data and the promise it holds in supporting data-driven approaches to planning future cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Design: Urban Externalities and Land Use Planning)

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16 pages, 1787 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Minimum Rainfall Inter-Event Time to Separate Rainfall Events in a Low Latitude Semi-Arid Environment

by José Bandeira Brasil, Maria Simas Guerreiro, Eunice Maia de Andrade, Helba Araújo de Queiroz Palácio, Pedro Henrique Augusto Medeiros and Jacques Carvalho Ribeiro Filho

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031721 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4050

Abstract

Water scarcity in dry tropical regions is expected to intensify due to climate change. Characterization of rainfall events is needed for a better assessment of the associated hydrological processes, and the proposition of adaptation strategies. There is still no consensus on the most [...] Read more.

Water scarcity in dry tropical regions is expected to intensify due to climate change. Characterization of rainfall events is needed for a better assessment of the associated hydrological processes, and the proposition of adaptation strategies. There is still no consensus on the most appropriate method to separate rainfall events from a continuous database, although the minimum inter-event time (MIET) is a commonly used criterion. Semi-arid regions of low latitudes hold a distinct rainfall pattern compared to their equivalent at higher latitudes; these seasonally dry tropical forests experience strong spatial–temporal variability with intense short-duration rainfall events, which, in association with high energy surplus and potential evaporation, leads to an atmospheric water deficit. In this study, we identified the most adequate MIET based on rainfall data continuously measured at 5-min intervals over the last decade (2009–2020) in the semi-arid northeast of Brazil. The rainfall events were grouped according to different MIETs: 15 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h to determine rainfall depth, duration and intensity at intervals of 5, 30, and 60 min, time between events, and respective temporal distribution, with and without single tip events. Including single tip events in the dataset affected the number of rainfall events and respective characteristics up to a MIET of 3 h. A MIET of 6 h is the most appropriate to characterize the rainfall distribution in this tropical semi-arid region. Three classes were defined based on rainfall depth, duration, and intensity: I-small events (77% below 40 mm and 32 mm/h), II-high intensity events (3% between 36 and 76 mm/h), III-longer events of higher depth (20%). This study is useful for understanding how the MIET relates to other ecohydrological processes and provides more precise information on the rainfall characteristics at the event scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrology of Semi-Arid Regions, Natural Resources and their Sustainability)

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29 pages, 8526 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimization of All-Renewable Generation Mix According to Different Demand Response Scenarios to Cover All the Electricity Demand Forecast by 2040: The Case of the Grand Canary Island

by Carlos Vargas-Salgado, César Berna-Escriche, Alberto Escrivá-Castells and Dácil Díaz-Bello

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031738 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3207

Abstract

The decarbonization of the electric generation system is fundamental to reaching the desired scenario of zero greenhouse gas emissions. For this purpose, this study describes the combined utilization of renewable sources (PV and wind), which are mature and cost-effective renewable technologies. Storage technologies [...] Read more.

The decarbonization of the electric generation system is fundamental to reaching the desired scenario of zero greenhouse gas emissions. For this purpose, this study describes the combined utilization of renewable sources (PV and wind), which are mature and cost-effective renewable technologies. Storage technologies are also considered (pumping storage and mega-batteries) to manage the variability in the generation inherent to renewable sources. This work also analyzes the combined use of renewable energies with storage systems for a total electrification scenario of Grand Canary Island (Spain). After analyzing the natural site’s resource constraints and focusing on having a techno-economically feasible, zero-emission, and low-waste renewable generation mix, six scenarios for 2040 are considered combining demand response and business as usual. The most optimal solution is the scenario with the maximum demand response, consisting of 3700 MW of PV, around 700 MW of off-shore wind system, 607 MW of pump storage, and 2300 MW of EV batteries capacity. The initial investment would be EUR 8065 million, and the LCOE close to EUR 0.11/kWh, making the total NPC EUR 13,655 million. The payback is 12.4 years, and the internal rate of return is 6.39%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smartgrids and Microgrids Based on Renewable Sources)

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18 pages, 3167 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Planning Insights from Tree Inventories and Their Regulating Ecosystem Services Assessment

by Luca Rossi, Maria Elena Menconi, David Grohmann, Antonio Brunori and David J. Nowak

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031684 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5467

Abstract

With the uncertainties that our societies are living with (the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change), it becomes essential to provide urban planners and decision-makers with state-of-the-art and user-friendly methodologies to incorporate ecosystem service considerations into their designs for resilient cities. In this regard, [...] Read more.

With the uncertainties that our societies are living with (the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change), it becomes essential to provide urban planners and decision-makers with state-of-the-art and user-friendly methodologies to incorporate ecosystem service considerations into their designs for resilient cities. In this regard, urban forests play a crucial role. The quantification of the ecosystem services is geo-specific and needs studies in different urban contexts. At this scope, we evaluated the urban forest of a neighborhood of a densely built-up Italian city (Perugia) with a low level of urban greenery management and with a tree inventory still in progress. Furthermore, we defined a tool helpful in tree-planting decisions and management. This paper involves citizens in field research for trees inventory. Then, it uses i-Tree Eco to evaluate four ecosystem services (carbon storage and sequestration, pollution removal, and runoff avoided) provided by 373 inventoried urban trees belonging to 57 species. Our results show that Italian Municipal tree inventories do not adequately represent their urban forest and that citizens’ participation provides a cost-effective method for integrating field data. Finally, the paper develops an easy tool helping local administrations enhance the ecosystem services provisions in urban green design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Infrastructures and Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Will COVID-19 Boost Sustainable Tourism: Wishful Thinking or Reality?

by Verena Tauber and Thomas Bausch

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031686 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4195

Abstract

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars have presented publications discussing a shift of tourism towards a higher level of sustainability. Many argue that in 2020, people were not able to travel as usual and therefore could discover the added value of [...] Read more.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars have presented publications discussing a shift of tourism towards a higher level of sustainability. Many argue that in 2020, people were not able to travel as usual and therefore could discover the added value of a sustainable vacation through new experiences in new, often domestic destinations. Using a quantitative online panel-based study in five European countries and the USA, we looked for evidence supporting such arguments. We analyzed demographics, the observed change in destination choice, and important criteria when selecting a different destination, including potential effects of the pandemic on traveling. We uncovered possible impacts of the 2020 vacation experience on future traveling and looked at both travel push factors and social values of non-travelers and travelers for explanation. Overall, we could not find any evident signals for the pandemic to be a trigger for more sustainable traveling, nor a long-term change in future demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Governance: International Frameworks and Local Contributions with Special Consideration of Mountain Areas)

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28 pages, 2337 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Vulnerability Assessment of Target Shrimps and Bycatch Species from Industrial Shrimp Trawl Fishery in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

by Umme Kaniz Fatema, Hasan Faruque, Md. Abdus Salam and Hiroyuki Matsuda

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1691; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031691 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5513

Abstract

Productivity susceptibility analysis (PSA) is a semi-quantitative ecological risk assessment tool, widely used to determine the relative vulnerability of target and non-target species to fishing impacts. Considering the available information on species-specific life-history and fishery-specific attributes, we used PSA to assess the relative [...] Read more.

Productivity susceptibility analysis (PSA) is a semi-quantitative ecological risk assessment tool, widely used to determine the relative vulnerability of target and non-target species to fishing impacts. Considering the available information on species-specific life-history and fishery-specific attributes, we used PSA to assess the relative risk of the 60 species interacting with the shrimp trawl fishery in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Penaeus monodon, the most important target, and Metapenaeus monoceros, the highest catch contributor, along with other 15 species were in the moderate-risk category, while seven non-target bycatch species were in the high-risk category. PSA-derived vulnerability results were validated with IUCN extinction risk, exploitation rate and stocks’ catch trend. The majority of the identified species showed high productivity (37%) and high susceptibility (46%), and all the moderately and highly vulnerable species were subjected to overfishing conditions by shrimp trawl fishery, which coincided with the vulnerability scores (V ≥ 1.8). Species with V ≥ 1.8 mostly showed a decreasing catch trend, while the species with a stable or increasing catch trend had a V ≤ 1.72. Data quality analysis of productivity and susceptibility attributes indicated that the majority of species were considered data-limited, which emphasizes the acquisition of data on spatio-temporal abundance, catch and effort, and biological information specifically relating to species age, growth, and reproduction. However, our findings can assist fishery administrators in implementing an ecosystem approach to ensure the sustainability and conservation of marine biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management)

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22 pages, 6720 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Green Densities: Accessible Green Spaces in Highly Dense Urban Regions—A Comparison of Berlin and Qingdao

by Olaf Mumm, Ryan Zeringue, Nannan Dong and Vanessa Miriam Carlow

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031690 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7743

Abstract

Recreational green spaces are associated with human thriving and well-being. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic a spotlight has been shed on the interconnection between access to these spaces, human well-being and social equity. Containment measures enacted in many cities effectively precluded people from [...] Read more.

Recreational green spaces are associated with human thriving and well-being. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic a spotlight has been shed on the interconnection between access to these spaces, human well-being and social equity. Containment measures enacted in many cities effectively precluded people from reaching distant recreational areas during the pandemic and consequently, recreational areas close to home became particularly important. Urban density is often associated with building or population density with the assumption that if either parameter has a high value, the availability of open (green) space is low. Certain densities are associated with specific spatial qualities. Addressing challenges of sustainable development, a detailed evaluation of density is necessary to allow evidence-based arguments, planning and decision-making. In this study we develop a multi-scale analysis method for quantifying and assessing green infrastructures from settlement unit to building level to reach a differentiated view on density, arguing that density can be organized in different ways achieving very different qualities. For this purpose, we use geospatial-data analysis and in-depth neighborhood studies to compare two cities in Asia and Europe, revealing different ways of organizing density in the built environment and identifying a derivation of approaches for sustainable development in dense urban regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Urban Population Density and Sustainable Cities)

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15 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Theoretical Model for the Implementation of Social Sustainability in the Synthesis of Tourism, Disability Studies, and Special-Needs Education

by Éva Happ and Veronika Bolla

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031700 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6155

Abstract

This paper deals with the study of disability science, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs in the context of tourism. It is rare to find a link between these research areas in the literature. Accessible tourism has attracted widespread research interest in [...] Read more.

This paper deals with the study of disability science, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs in the context of tourism. It is rare to find a link between these research areas in the literature. Accessible tourism has attracted widespread research interest in recent decades, but the number of studies focusing on tourism in the fields of disability studies, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs is very limited. Although there is growing literature on accessible tourism and related topics, the development of the research field is uneven, as most research focuses on specific subareas without considering the context of the whole spectrum of the topic. The interdisciplinary research aims to explore the situations of people with disabilities in terms of their participation in tourism. The data collected will be used to analyse the supply and demand side of tourism from a specific perspective. Among the external environmental impacts, the issue of sustainability will be highlighted, which will be addressed from a societal perspective by analysing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to the topic. The study includes a theoretical analysis through the processing of secondary sources, linking the fields of tourism, disability studies, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs, with the potential of social sustainability and the achievement of the SDGs. The paper presents a new model that illustrates the potential for achieving social sustainability from the supply and demand side of tourism. The model can be valuable, not only for those who want to extend their research into this new field, but also for tourism policy makers. The study also identifies key research questions on this topic that merit theoretical and empirical exploration in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Tourism Research and Regional Sciences)

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23 pages, 914 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Research on the Impact of Environmental Regulation on Green Technology Innovation from the Perspective of Regional Differences: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on China’s New Environmental Protection Law

by Qin Liu, Ying Zhu, Weixin Yang and Xueyu Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031714 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6956

Abstract

Environmental regulations have a certain impact on regional green technology innovation affected by regional differences. Using the panel data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) from 2011 to 2019, we consider China’s new environmental protection [...] Read more.

Environmental regulations have a certain impact on regional green technology innovation affected by regional differences. Using the panel data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) from 2011 to 2019, we consider China’s new environmental protection law (NEPL) as a quasi-natural experiment to evaluate the impact of environmental regulation on green technology innovation in a difference-in-differences (DID) framework and further analyze the influences of regional differences. The results indicate that environmental regulations can promote regional green technology innovation, and that regional differences have a significant impact on this issue. Furthermore, environmental regulations in regions with high and low levels of economic development and education, and regions with medium and low levels of energy consumption have a significant impact on green technology innovation. The government should reasonably formulate environmental regulation policies on the basis of regional differences, encourage cross-regional exchanges and cooperation, and more efficiently stimulate regional green technology innovation to achieve sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Air Pollution Control and Sustainable Development)

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33 pages, 3658 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

It Is a Balancing Act: The Interface of Scientific Evidence and Policy in Support of Effective Marine Environmental Management

by Jemma-Anne Lonsdale, Andrew B. Gill, Khatija Alliji, Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Sylvia Blake, Holly Buckley, Charlotte Clarke, Stacey Clarke, Nathan Edmonds, Leila Fonseca, Freya Goodsir, Andrew Griffith, Adrian Judd, Rachel Mulholland, Joe Perry, Karema Randall and Daniel Wood

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031650 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3932

Abstract

The marine environment is a complex system, and with growing human demand, the sustainable use of multiple marine resources is continually challenged. The increasing complexity of overlapping marine activities causes pressures on the environment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects for effective marine [...] Read more.

The marine environment is a complex system, and with growing human demand, the sustainable use of multiple marine resources is continually challenged. The increasing complexity of overlapping marine activities causes pressures on the environment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects for effective marine management, particularly the role of science and scientific evidence to inform marine policy and decision making. The outcomes of internal expert workshops were used to analyse currently applied marine management practices in the UK using four marine sectors in English waters based on the expertise: environmental impact assessments; dredge and disposal operations; marine protected areas; and offshore renewable energy. Strengths, weaknesses, and commonalities between these sectors were assessed in terms of their effectiveness for marine management. Finally, we make recommendations based on the outputs to better inform effective yet sustainable marine management. The importance of increasing accessibility to data, hypothesis-driven environmental monitoring, streamlining funding opportunities and ensuring effective dissemination of data to ensure scientific outcomes and achieve increased robustness of assessments is emphasised. We also recommend that assessment drivers align with the outputs and approaches should be holistic and engage with the public to ensure a shared understanding and vision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Socio-Ecological Paradigms in the Marine Environment)

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25 pages, 7695 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Process Model for Cooperative Risk Management in Seaports

by Ayman Nagi and Wolfgang Kersten

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031662 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4669

Abstract

Seaports are critical links within supply chains that are often located near residential areas. These seaports can be directly affected by the consequences of operational risk sources and natural disasters such as undeclared dangerous goods and flood, respectively. The diversity and large number [...] Read more.

Seaports are critical links within supply chains that are often located near residential areas. These seaports can be directly affected by the consequences of operational risk sources and natural disasters such as undeclared dangerous goods and flood, respectively. The diversity and large number of stakeholders at seaports add another level of complexity for risk management that requires a standard approach and clear guidelines. This paper aims to develop a prescriptive process model for cooperative risk management (CoRiMaS) in seaports to enable the stakeholder to manage different sources of risk during risk prevention and response. The prescriptive process model builds on two previous published papers which focused on developing a conceptual framework and a descriptive model based on an ontology for CoRiMaS, respectively. A detailed requirement analysis based on focus groups and a survey study in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) provide important inputs to integrate the required elements into the CoRiMaS prescriptive process model. The model requires an overall input represented by the type of seaport and structure. The prescriptive process model presents all steps and aspects related to stakeholder analysis, risk governance, risk management, and knowledge management. Implications for theory and practice, as well as an agenda for future research, are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Management and Safety Engineering)

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14 pages, 2303 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Organic Waste Management and Circular Bioeconomy: A Literature Review Comparison between Latin America and the European Union

by Sara Bottausci, Roger Midence, Francisco Serrano-Bernardo and Alessandra Bonoli

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031661 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7835

Abstract

Worldwide, organic waste represents one of the most significant shares in the waste management system. Within the framework of circular bioeconomy, new and cutting-edge infrastructure has been developed at the European level to turn organic waste into valuable resources. The present paper aims [...] Read more.

Worldwide, organic waste represents one of the most significant shares in the waste management system. Within the framework of circular bioeconomy, new and cutting-edge infrastructure has been developed at the European level to turn organic waste into valuable resources. The present paper aims to provide an exhaustive comparison between the European Union and Latin America regarding organic waste valorization. To this end, an introductive analysis about the state of the art circular bioeconomy in Latin America and Caribbean countries was developed. Subsequently, a systematic literature review in the context of South and Central America was conducted to detect differences and similarities in technologies and best practices for treating biowaste. The results show that the Latin American region is home to numerous bio-based infrastructures: biogas recovery, composting facilities and bioremediation strategies. Nevertheless, a conclusive remark underlines that some social, economic and political barriers are still encountered in the region, and therefore, new and locally-based studies are of paramount importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management and International Cooperation in Low-Middle Income and Developing Countries: A Step Forward Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 1402 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Education and Income Inequality on Environmental Quality: A Panel Data Analysis of the EKC Hypothesis on OECD Countries

by Paolo Maranzano, João Paulo Cerdeira Bento and Matteo Manera

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031622 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5368

Abstract

This study examines the impact of education on the pollution–income relationship, controlling for income inequality in 17 European OECD countries over the period 1950–2015. We developed a novel two-stage algorithm, whose first step consists in applying clustering techniques to group countries according to [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of education on the pollution–income relationship, controlling for income inequality in 17 European OECD countries over the period 1950–2015. We developed a novel two-stage algorithm, whose first step consists in applying clustering techniques to group countries according to the income inequality temporal pattern. In the second step, we estimate the educational-mitigated EKC hypothesis (Educational EKC) by employing panel regression techniques accounting for endogeneity issues. The clustering findings suggest the existence of high variability in income inequality levels across countries and heterogeneous development patterns. Empirical estimates highlight that, for high income inequality countries, the Educational EKC hypothesis holds, and that the emissions–income elasticity appears to decline when including the schooling level. In the low income inequality cluster, these effects are not clear-cut. For these countries, we propose a different specification of the EKC, which substitutes the income per capita term with the years of schooling. The new specification is statistically validated for both high income inequality and low income inequality countries. In conclusion, we can state that education should be addressed as a crucial cornerstone to shaping the EKC curve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and the Environmental Kuznets Curve Conjecture)

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17 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Right to Accessible COVID-19 Testing in the Post-Epidemic Period under the Urban–Rural Integration: Haishu District, Ningbo City, China

by Xianjun Liang, Renfeng Ma, Yuxian Cheng, Qianqian Gong, Jiaming Li and Baoyu Zhu

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031636 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3206

Abstract

The reasonable distribution of COVID-19 testing facilities is a crucial public necessity to protect the civil right of health and the proper functioning of society in the post-epidemic period. However, most of the current COVID-19 testing facilities are in large hospitals in China, [...] Read more.

The reasonable distribution of COVID-19 testing facilities is a crucial public necessity to protect the civil right of health and the proper functioning of society in the post-epidemic period. However, most of the current COVID-19 testing facilities are in large hospitals in China, partially overlooking the COVID-19 testing needs of rural dwellers. This paper used shortest-path analysis and the improved potential model to measure the accessibility of current and potential COVID-19 testing facilities, superimposing this with the testing demands of residents, as calculated by the population demand index, so as to comprehensively evaluate the equity of the spatial allocation of the current and potential testing facilities, with a particular focus on Haishu District, Ningbo City, China. The results revealed that the overall accessibility of the current testing facilities in Haishu District was high, while the internal spatial differentiation was considerable. The comprehensive accessibility of testing facilities gradually declined from the downtown areas towards the rural areas. Moreover, roughly half of the rural population needing COVID-19 tests encountered hindrances due to poor access to testing agencies. However, after fully exploiting the potential testing facilities, the comprehensive accessibility of testing facilities was significantly improved, and the inequity in the accessibility to testing facilities was effectively alleviated, which significantly improved the equity of the allocation of testing facilities in Haishu District. The leveraging of current medical facilities to boost the number of testing facilities in rural areas could eliminate the disparity of resource distribution caused by urban and rural binary opposition, and could quickly identify external sources of COVID-19 in rural areas in the post-epidemic period. Moreover, efficient COVID-19 testing combined with the travel records of infection carriers can effectively identify unknown infection cases and obviate large-scale infection outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climate Change, Transport Geography and Smart Cities)

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22 pages, 6405 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Facilitating Conservation and Bridging Gaps for the Sustainable Exploitation of the Tunisian Local Endemic Plant Marrubium aschersonii (Lamiaceae)

by Elias Pipinis, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Stefanos Kostas, Soumaya Bourgou, Wided Megdiche-Ksouri, Zeineb Ghrabi-Gammar, Mohamed Libiad, Abdelmajid Khabbach, Mohamed El Haissoufi, Fatima Lamchouri, Emmanouil Koundourakis, Vasileios Greveniotis, Evgenia Papaioannou, Michalia A. Sakellariou, Ioannis Anestis, Georgios Tsoktouridis and Nikos Krigas

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031637 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3997

Abstract

In the frame of conservation and sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study produced for the first time a detailed ecological profiling for the local Tunisian endemic Marrubium ascheronii (Lamiaceae) using Geographical Information Systems and open-source data. This profile was [...] Read more.

In the frame of conservation and sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study produced for the first time a detailed ecological profiling for the local Tunisian endemic Marrubium ascheronii (Lamiaceae) using Geographical Information Systems and open-source data. This profile was used to illustrate the abiotic environmental conditions of its wild habitats; the profile facilitated the examination of the effect of temperature on its seed germination and may inform species-specific guidelines for its cultivation in man-made environments. With effective seed propagation firstly reported herein (68.75% at 20 °C), species-specific in situ conservation efforts and ex situ conservation or sustainable exploitation strategies were enabled for M. aschersonii. The first-reported molecular authentication (DNA barcoding) of M. aschersonii may facilitate its traceability, allowing for product design. This study also reports for the first time the effects of chemical and integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers on the growth and pilot cultivation of M. aschersonii seedlings, with the latter being advantageous. This multidisciplinary approach has bridged important research gaps that hindered the conservation efforts and/or the sustainable exploitation for this local endemic plant of Tunisia. Based on all the above, we re-evaluated and updated the feasibility and readiness timescale for sustainable exploitation of M. aschersonii in the medicinal-cosmetic, agro-alimentary and ornamental-horticultural sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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20 pages, 4767 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Potential Impact of Climate Extremes on Cotton and Wheat Crops in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

by Muhammad Asgher Ali, Mujtaba Hassan, Mazhar Mehmood, Dildar Hussain Kazmi, Farrukh Ahmed Chishtie and Imran Shahid

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1609; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031609 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8351

Abstract

The assessment of climate extremes’ impact on crop yield is essential to improve our understanding of agricultural resilience. In the present study, we analyzed the potential impact of climate extremes on wheat and cotton production in Southern Punjab, Pakistan using 30-year observed data [...] Read more.

The assessment of climate extremes’ impact on crop yield is essential to improve our understanding of agricultural resilience. In the present study, we analyzed the potential impact of climate extremes on wheat and cotton production in Southern Punjab, Pakistan using 30-year observed data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the fifth-generation reanalysis data (ERA-5) from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Cotton is a Kharif season crop that is sown in May and harvested in October, and wheat is a Rabi season crop that is planted in November and harvested in April. The agricultural data (1985–2015) that contained the crop area and crop yield were obtained from the Bureau of Statistics, Punjab for six selected districts in Southern Punjab. Three precipitation indices, namely consecutive dry days (CDD), consecutive wet days (CWD) and total precipitation of wet days (PRCPTOT), and four temperature indices, namely warm days (TX90p), warm nights (TN90p), cool days (TX10p) and cool nights (TN10p), were selected to analyze the potential impacts of climate extremes on crop production. (1) We found a potential association of TX10p, TN10p, TX90p and TN90p with crop yield in those years for which the production area remained the same. (2) In a few districts of the study area, the wheat yield losses in the Rabi season were associated with an increase in warmer days and warmer nights. (3) The grain size was suppressed due to an increase in the frequency of TX90p and TN90p, which ultimately reduced the net crop production. (4) In some districts, we found strong positive correlations between extreme temperature indices and crop yield; however, other potential factors such as the use of advanced technology, fertilizer, seeds, etc., may lead to improved net production. This study can help in adaptation planning for resilient agricultural production under the stress of climate extreme events in Southern Punjab. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Soil Management in a Changing Climate)

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46 pages, 71221 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Regional Cooperation in Waste Management: Examining Australia’s Experience with Inter-municipal Cooperative Partnerships

by Steven Tobin and Atiq Zaman

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031578 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5617

Abstract

Effective governance and inter-organisational cooperation is key to progressing Australia’s journey toward the circular economy. At the local governance level, inter-municipal cooperative partnerships in waste management (‘IMC-WM’ partnerships) are a widespread phenomenon throughout Australia, and the world. This paper aims to analyse waste [...] Read more.

Effective governance and inter-organisational cooperation is key to progressing Australia’s journey toward the circular economy. At the local governance level, inter-municipal cooperative partnerships in waste management (‘IMC-WM’ partnerships) are a widespread phenomenon throughout Australia, and the world. This paper aims to analyse waste management in Australia through a governance perspective and inaugurate the scholarship on understanding the complex interactions between actors and institutions designed for regional cooperation. To this end, we explore the partnerships’ institutional characteristics, joint activity outputs and the internal relations observed between participants. Data were collected through a nationwide census survey of Australia’s IMC–WM partnerships and a short online questionnaire to the municipal policy actors (councillors, executives and council officers) who participate in them. The investigation observes that a diversity of innovative institutional responses has emerged in Australia. However, within these partnerships, a culture of competitiveness antithetical to sustainability is also detected. Despite competitive behaviours, the partnerships perform very well in cultivating goodwill, trust, reciprocity and other social capital values among their participants—as well as a strong appreciation of the complexity of municipal solid waste (MSW) policy and the virtues of regional cooperation. This dissonance in attitudes and engagement dynamics, it is suggested, can be explained by considering the cultural-cognitive influence of broader neoliberalist paradigms. As the first scholarly investigation into Australia’s experience with regional cooperation in waste management, this research reveals the macro-level structures and ascendent micro-institutional dynamics shaping the phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Policy and Governance: Evolutionary Perspectives)

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8 pages, 1544 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Glacier Retreat Results in Loss of Fungal Diversity

by Masaharu Tsuji, Warwick F. Vincent, Yukiko Tanabe and Masaki Uchida

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031617 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

Walker Glacier near the northern coast of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic (terrestrial margin of the ‘Last Ice Area’) is undergoing rapid ice attrition in response to climate change. We applied culture and molecular methods to investigate fungal diversity at the [...] Read more.

Walker Glacier near the northern coast of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic (terrestrial margin of the ‘Last Ice Area’) is undergoing rapid ice attrition in response to climate change. We applied culture and molecular methods to investigate fungal diversity at the terminus of this glacier. Analysis of the mycoflora composition showed that the Walker Glacier isolates separated into two clusters: the surface of the glacier ice and the glacier foreland. The recently exposed sediments of the foreland had a lower fungal diversity and different species from those on the ice, with the exception of five species that occurred in both habitats. This loss of glacial ice in the Arctic is therefore resulting in the loss of habitats for cold-dwelling fungal species. Fungal diversity is a potentially rich biological resource of glacial ecosystems, with unique taxa. The rapid loss of these glacial habitats underscores the urgency for genomic surveys of fungal diversity in the High Arctic, and the need for further isolation of strains as well as cryopreservation of environmental micro-biome samples for future research and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Cold Environments and Their Sustainable Use)

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30 pages, 4877 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The ResourcePlan—An Instrument for Resource-Efficient Development of Urban Neighborhoods

by Birgitta Hörnschemeyer, Anne Söfker-Rieniets, Jan Niesten, Rosalie Arendt, Jonas Kleckers, Christian Klemm, Celestin Julian Stretz, Christa Reicher, Winona Grimsehl-Schmitz, Daniel Wirbals, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner, Jens Haberkamp, Janik Budde, Peter Vennemann, Gotthard Walter, Sabine Flamme and Mathias Uhl

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031522 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4004

Abstract

In Germany, the current sectoral urban planning often leads to inefficient use of resources, partly because municipalities lack integrated planning instruments and argumentation strength toward politics, investors, or citizens. The paper develops the ResourcePlan as (i) legal and (ii) a planning instrument to [...] Read more.

In Germany, the current sectoral urban planning often leads to inefficient use of resources, partly because municipalities lack integrated planning instruments and argumentation strength toward politics, investors, or citizens. The paper develops the ResourcePlan as (i) legal and (ii) a planning instrument to support the efficient use of resources in urban neighborhoods. The integrative, multi-methodological approach addresses the use of natural resources in the building and infrastructural sectors of (i) water (storm- and wastewater) management, (ii) construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure, (iii) urban energy system planning, and (iv) land-use planning. First, the development as legal instrument is carried out, providing (i) premises for integrating resource protection at all legal levels and (ii) options for implementing the ResourcePlan within German municipal structures. Second, the evaluation framework for resource efficiency of the urban neighborhoods is set up for usage as a planning instrument. The framework provides a two-stage process that runs through the phases of setting up and implementing the ResourcePlan. (Eco)system services are evaluated as well as life cycle assessment and economic aspects. As a legal instrument, the ResourcePlan integrates resource protection into municipal planning and decision-making processes. The multi-methodological evaluation framework helps to assess inter-disciplinary resource efficiency, supports the spatial identification of synergies and conflicting goals, and contributes to transparent, resource-optimized planning decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Management in Urban Districts – a Contribution to Sustainable Urban Development)

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13 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Linking Female College Students’ Causal Attribution Habits, Cultural Orientation, and Self-Efficacy: A Study on Cross-National Differences

by Kerstin Hamann, Ronan L. H. Wilson, Bruce M. Wilson and Maura A. E. Pilotti

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031561 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

The present research concerns the extent to which explanations for desirable or undesirable academic outcomes (grades) as well as cultural orientation could account for self-efficacy beliefs of female undergraduate students from two societies with dissimilar cultural traditions. The United States of America (U.S.) [...] Read more.

The present research concerns the extent to which explanations for desirable or undesirable academic outcomes (grades) as well as cultural orientation could account for self-efficacy beliefs of female undergraduate students from two societies with dissimilar cultural traditions. The United States of America (U.S.) was selected for its individualistic culture, whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was chosen for its mix of traditional collectivist and individualistic values. A matched-pairs design ensured that students’ self-efficacy levels were equated between cultural groups (n = 560; 280 matched pairs). The research uncovered cultural differences in the choice of explanations and in the extent to which explanations might contribute to self-efficacy beliefs. These findings represent a blueprint for informing instructional interventions intended to effectively prepare students from different cultures for academic success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Education in the New Agenda 2030)

13 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Habitat Suitability for Small Mammals in Mediterranean Landscapes: How and Why Shrubs Matter

by Ignasi Torre, Carlos Jaime-González and Mario Díaz

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031562 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5108

Abstract

Fires are usually seen as a threat for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean, but natural afforestation after abandonment of traditional land uses is leading to the disappearance of open spaces that benefit many species of conservation interest. Fires create open habitats in which [...] Read more.

Fires are usually seen as a threat for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean, but natural afforestation after abandonment of traditional land uses is leading to the disappearance of open spaces that benefit many species of conservation interest. Fires create open habitats in which small mammals can live under more favourable conditions, such as lower predation, interspecific competition, and higher food availability. We analysed the role of changes in shrub cover and shrub preference by small mammals along the Mediterranean post-fire succession. We used data (period 2008–2018) from 17 plots woodlands and post-fire shrublands present in the study area (Barcelona’s Natural Parks, Catalonia, NE Spain), and vegetation structure was assessed by LiDAR technology for modelling ground-dwelling small mammal preferences. The diversity, abundance, and stability of Mediterranean small mammal communities negatively responded to vegetation structural complexity, which resulted from the combined effects of land abandonment and recovery after wildfires. We suggest that biotic factors such as vegetation profiles (providing food and shelter) and their interaction with predators and competitors could be responsible for the observed patterns. Considering the keystone role of small mammals in the sustainability of Mediterranean forest, our results could be useful for management under the current global change conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Status: Diversity, Abundance and Dynamics)

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16 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Autonomous Mobility: A Potential Opportunity to Reclaim Public Spaces for People

by Maryam Fayyaz, Esther González-González and Soledad Nogués

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031568 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8920

Abstract

The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has the potential to drastically change society and the way we understand, plan and design cities and regions, just as automobiles did a century ago. In the current context of climate change, sustainable urban environments based on [...] Read more.

The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has the potential to drastically change society and the way we understand, plan and design cities and regions, just as automobiles did a century ago. In the current context of climate change, sustainable urban environments based on active mobility (walking and cycling), urban proximity and green spaces, are increasingly in demand, leading to the emergence of new interventions and urban models. Although these trends may be affected by the arrival of AVs, most decision-makers and planners still do not address these issues in their current planning. This is because of the confusion associated with the diversity of impacts of AVs, but also by the lack of design recommendations and planning tools. To shed light on these aspects, this paper reviews the relationship between mobility and urban public space, the impacts of AVs on urban space and design proposals and strategies aimed at configuring driverless cities, with special focus on street design. The results of the review show that the implementation of AVs can be a great opportunity to liberate urban space and reclaim it for people, in line with new urban models such as the superblocks (Barcelona), the 15-minute city (Paris), or tactical urbanism interventions against COVID-19. However, it may also entail risks such as a reduction in active mobility or public transport use. The magnitude and direction of these impacts will depend on crucial decisions that need to be taken now, such as encouraging shared used over ownership, and establishing citizen-centred urban planning and design objectives and strategies to make AV deployment the most beneficial for all. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving towards Sustainable Cities: Urban Planning and Policies for the Autonomous Mobility Age)

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17 pages, 921 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Challenges and Opportunities for Circular Economy Promotion in the Building Sector

by Rafaela Tirado, Adélaïde Aublet, Sylvain Laurenceau and Guillaume Habert

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031569 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8572

Abstract

The accelerated development of cities involves important inflows and outflows of resources. The construction sector is one of the main consumers of raw materials and producers of waste. Due to its quantity and potential for recovery, waste from the construction sector constitutes significant [...] Read more.

The accelerated development of cities involves important inflows and outflows of resources. The construction sector is one of the main consumers of raw materials and producers of waste. Due to its quantity and potential for recovery, waste from the construction sector constitutes significant deposits and requires major action by bringing together different stakeholders to achieve the objectives of a circular economy. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the current knowledge of urban metabolism, deposits, and recovery practices. This article aims to investigate the role of local authorities in the planning of strategies to facilitate a circular economy; in particular, this article aims to answer how local authorities facilitate circular economy initiatives in the building sector and what opportunities and obstacles they encounter in the process. The strategy used for the study was to conduct semistructured interviews with those responsible for circular economy projects within local authorities that were pioneering circular economy projects in metropolitan France. The results highlight the importance of community involvement in the implementation of circular economy principles in the building sector. Thus, it is essential to identify the different stakeholders and their respective challenges to build an operational framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste: Challenges and Opportunities)

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21 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Recognizing Potential Pathways to Increasing the Consumption of Edible Insects from the Perspective of Consumer Acceptance: Case Study from Finland

by Vilma Halonen, Ville Uusitalo, Jarkko Levänen, Jani Sillman, Lauri Leppäkoski and Anna Claudelin

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031439 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4745

Abstract

Mitigating the sustainability challenges related to agriculture and ensuring adequate availability of nutritious food requires an increase in the use of sustainable alternative protein sources. Edible insects are considered to be a sustainable protein source and a possible substitute for meat. There are [...] Read more.

Mitigating the sustainability challenges related to agriculture and ensuring adequate availability of nutritious food requires an increase in the use of sustainable alternative protein sources. Edible insects are considered to be a sustainable protein source and a possible substitute for meat. There are many readily available edible insect species with many competing utilization possibilities, which, from the producers’ perspective, increases the complexity of the area. Through a consumer survey and expert interviews, this study recognizes four pathways to increasing the use of edible insects in Western countries and especially in Finland where the survey and interviews were conducted: (1) producing a variety of insect-based food products, especially food products where insects are not recognizable as such and the food is in a familiar form; (2) producing edible insect food products which could replace greenhouse gas emission-intensive animal proteins; (3) focusing on the price, taste, and availability of insect food; and (4) using insects as animal feed. Our findings provide information on the prospects of the studied pathways in terms of consumption and production. Technological development is expected to decrease the price of insect-based food products, but at the same time, the increased use of edible insects faces challenges related to eating habits, contradictory perceptions about the sustainability implications of insect farming, and the availability of insect-based products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects, Food Security and Circular Food Production)

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19 pages, 562 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Female Role Models Leading a Group Mentoring Program to Promote STEM Vocations among Young Girls

by Mariluz Guenaga, Andoni Eguíluz, Pablo Garaizar and Ander Mimenza

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031420 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 9010

Abstract

From an early age, girls disregard studies related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), and this means that a gender gap begins during secondary education and continues to increase over time. Multiple causes have been identified for this phenomenon in the literature, [...] Read more.

From an early age, girls disregard studies related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), and this means that a gender gap begins during secondary education and continues to increase over time. Multiple causes have been identified for this phenomenon in the literature, and numerous initiatives are being carried out to reverse this situation. In this paper, we analyze the impact that a group mentoring initiative led by a female STEM role model had on the young people who participated and whether the impact was different based on their sex. We analyzed how these mentoring sessions affected their attitudes towards technology, mathematical self-efficacy, gender stereotypes, science and technology references, and career vocations. To this end, 303 students between the ages of 10 and 12 years old from 10 schools in Spain participated in the six sessions comprising the program and completed a series of questionnaires before and after participating. The results show that the program had an impact on the students’ attitudes towards technology, increased the number of female STEM references they knew, and improved their opinions of vocations and professions related to science and technology. The impact was greater among girls, although in aspects such as attitudes towards technology, the female participants still demonstrated lower values than boys. The program did not improve the stereotypes that the young participants had about mathematical self-efficacy, which was also always lower among girls. We conclude that the lack of STEM vocations among girls is rooted in multiple social, educational, and personal aspects that need to be addressed from a very early age and that should involve multiple agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Diversity in STEM Disciplines)

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12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effective but Not Feasible—What Support Staff in All-Day Primary Schools Think of Pedagogical Interventions with Regard to Children with ADHD

by Holger Domsch, Martina Ruhmland and Ilka Lissmann

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031393 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3103

Abstract

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are faced with multiple challenges both in the classroom and in the homework situation. While there are many studies on pedagogical interventions by teachers in the classroom, this is hardly the case when it comes to support [...] Read more.

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are faced with multiple challenges both in the classroom and in the homework situation. While there are many studies on pedagogical interventions by teachers in the classroom, this is hardly the case when it comes to support staff in after-school homework supervision. In this study, 196 support staff with different qualifications were asked not only about their knowledge of ADHD, their subjective level of stress, and whether they felt trained enough to work with children with ADHD, but also to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of 25 interventions in homework supervision. Overall, the respondents rated effectiveness higher than feasibility. Higher qualifications, greater knowledge, and better preparation went hand in hand with higher ratings of effectiveness. The more stressed the support staff feel themselves to be, the less feasible they rate the measures. The results underline the necessity of employing well-trained pedagogical staff to supervise children with ADHD. A number of interventions can be identified that the support staff deem to be both effective and feasible, and that promise a high level of implementation in practice. At the same time, more attention should be given to potential obstacles to using recommended measures in training and further education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ADHD and Related Problems in the Classroom: Perspectives for Sustainability)

22 pages, 4054 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Circular Economy, International Cooperation, and Solid Waste Management: A Development Project in La Paz (Bolivia)

by Navarro Ferronato, Rodolfo Pasinetti, Daysi Valencia Vargas, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Edith Gabriela Guisbert Lizarazu, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Fabio Conti and Vincenzo Torretta

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031412 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7348

Abstract

This paper introduces the preliminary results of a development project focused on waste recycling and recovery in La Paz (Bolivia). The aim is to share best practices and to present real-world challenges when implementing appropriate waste management systems in developing countries. Environmental pollution, [...] Read more.

This paper introduces the preliminary results of a development project focused on waste recycling and recovery in La Paz (Bolivia). The aim is to share best practices and to present real-world challenges when implementing appropriate waste management systems in developing countries. Environmental pollution, social inequality, lack of resources, and economic discrepancies are challenges still present in the 21st century, and a global call-for-action is needed to support sustainable development. The project “LaPazRecicla”, financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, provides perspectives that are potentially useful for policy-makers, waste management practitioners, and circular economy visionaries. The article aims to present the effective contribution of the practical actions to the local municipality, and to introduce the reason for why theoretical methods were employed to support the project. The outcomes provided two main indications: on one hand, cooperation among interdisciplinary actors and financial support can give the chance of improvement, suggesting international donors should continue in this direction; on the other, political instability, lack of local technical knowledge, and the absence of planning for a long-term period makes these actions unsuitable for tangible change. Global reflections are required in order to measure the potential benefits of small-scale projects, evaluating the time needed to move towards a sustainable future in low-income countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management and International Cooperation in Low-Middle Income and Developing Countries: A Step Forward Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Risk-Informed Decision-Making Framework for Climate Change Adaptation through Robust Land Use and Irrigation Planning

by Tatiana Ermolieva, Petr Havlik, Stefan Frank, Taher Kahil, Juraj Balkovic, Rastislav Skalsky, Yuri Ermoliev, Pavel S. Knopov, Olena M. Borodina and Vasyl M. Gorbachuk

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031430 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5592

Abstract

Uncertainty and variability are key challenges for climate change adaptation planning. In the face of uncertainty, decision-making can be addressed in two interdependent stages: make only partial ex ante anticipative actions to keep options open until new information is revealed, and adapt the [...] Read more.

Uncertainty and variability are key challenges for climate change adaptation planning. In the face of uncertainty, decision-making can be addressed in two interdependent stages: make only partial ex ante anticipative actions to keep options open until new information is revealed, and adapt the first-stage decisions with respect to newly acquired information. This decision-making approach corresponds to the two-stage stochastic optimization (STO) incorporating both anticipative ex ante and adaptive ex post decisions within a single model. This paper develops a two-stage STO model for climate change adaptation through robust land use and irrigation planning under conditions of uncertain water supply. The model identifies the differences between decision-making in the cases of perfect information, full uncertainty, and two-stage STO from the perspective of learning about uncertainty. Two-stage anticipative and adaptive decision-making with safety constraints provides risk-informed decisions characterized by quantile-based Value-at-Risk and Conditional Value-at-Risk risk measures. The ratio between the ex ante and ex post costs and the shape of uncertainty determine the balance between the anticipative and adaptive decisions. Selected numerical results illustrate that the alteration of the ex ante agricultural production costs can affect crop production, management technologies, and natural resource utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Managing Catastrophic Risks in Heterogeneous Systems)

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4 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Shaping Arctic’s Tomorrow through Indigenous Knowledge Engagement and Knowledge Co-Production

by Tatiana Degai, Andrey N. Petrov, Renuka Badhe, Parnuna P. Egede Dahl, Nina Döring, Stephan Dudeck, Thora M. Herrmann, Andrei Golovnev, Liza Mack, Elle Merete Omma, Gunn-Britt Retter, Gertrude Saxinger, Annette J. M. Scheepstra, Chief Vyachelav Shadrin, Norma Shorty and Colleen Strawhacker

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031331 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6392

Abstract

This perspective presents a statement of the 10th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production panel and discussion group, 20 July 2021. The statement is designed to serve as a characterization of the state-of-the-art and guidance for further advancement [...] Read more.

This perspective presents a statement of the 10th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production panel and discussion group, 20 July 2021. The statement is designed to serve as a characterization of the state-of-the-art and guidance for further advancement of Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production in the Arctic. It identifies existing challenges and provides specific recommendations for researchers, Indigenous communities, and funding agencies on meaningful recognition and engagement of Indigenous Knowledge systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Tomorrow’s Arctic)

14 pages, 1886 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Outreach and Post-Publication Impact of Soil Erosion Modelling Literature

by Nejc Bezak, Pasquale Borrelli, Matjaž Mikoš and Panos Panagos

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031342 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

Back in the 1930s, the aphorism “publish or perish” first appeared in an academic context. Today, this phrase is becoming a harsh reality in several academic environments, and scientists are giving increasing attention to publishing and disseminating their scientific work. Soil erosion modelers [...] Read more.

Back in the 1930s, the aphorism “publish or perish” first appeared in an academic context. Today, this phrase is becoming a harsh reality in several academic environments, and scientists are giving increasing attention to publishing and disseminating their scientific work. Soil erosion modelers make no exception. With the introduction of the bibliometric field, the evaluation of the impact of a piece of scientific work becomes more articulated. The post-publication impact of the research became an important aspect too. In this study, we analyse the outreach and the impact of the literature on soil erosion modelling using the altmetric database, i.e., Altmetric. In our analysis, we use only a small fraction (around 15%) of Global Applications of Soil Erosion Modelling Tracker (GASEMT) papers because only 257 papers out of 1697 had an Altmetric Score (AS) larger than 0. We observed that media and policy documents mentioned more frequently literature dealing with global-scale assessments and future projection studies than local-scale ones. Papers that are frequently cited by researchers do not necessarily also yield high media and policy outreach. The GASEMT papers that had an AS larger than 0 were, on average, mentioned by one policy document and five Twitter users and had 100 Mendeley readers. Only around 5% and 9% of papers with AS > 0 appeared in news articles and blogs, respectively. However, this percentage was around 45% for Twitter and policy mentions. The top GASEMT paper’s upper bound was around 1 million Twitter followers, while this number was around 10,000 for the 10th ranked GASEMT paper. The exponentially increasing trend for erosion modelling papers having an AS has been confirmed, as during the last 3 years (2014–2017), we estimated that the number of entries had doubled compared to 2011–2014 and quadrupled if we compare it with 2008–2011. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil Conservation and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 1304 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Feral Cats in the Subtropics of Australia—The Shamrock Station Irrigation Project

by Michael Thomas Lohr, Dave Algar, Neil Hamilton and Cheryl Anne Lohr

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031373 - 25 Jan 2022

Viewed by 3885

Abstract

Environmental damage caused by the intensification of agriculture may be compensated by implementing conservation projects directed towards reducing threatening processes and conserving threatened native species. In Australia, feral cats (Felis catus) have been a ubiquitous threatening process to Australian fauna since [...] Read more.

Environmental damage caused by the intensification of agriculture may be compensated by implementing conservation projects directed towards reducing threatening processes and conserving threatened native species. In Australia, feral cats (Felis catus) have been a ubiquitous threatening process to Australian fauna since European colonisation. On Shamrock Station, in the north-west of Western Australia, the Argyle Cattle Company has proposed intensifying agriculture through the installation of irrigation pivots. There is concern that irrigating land and storing agricultural produce may indirectly increase the abundance of feral cats and European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the property, which in turn may negatively impact threatened bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) that also inhabit the property. Feral cat control is required under the approved management plan for this project to mitigate this potential impact. Our baseline study revealed a high density of feral cats on Shamrock Station (0.87 cats km⁻²) and dietary data that suggest the current native mammal assemblage on Shamrock Station is depauperate. Given the high density of feral cats in this area, the effective control of this introduced predator is likely to confer benefits to the bilby and other native species susceptible to cat predation. We recommend ongoing monitoring of both native species and feral cats to determine if there is a benefit in implementing feral cat control around areas of intensive agriculture and associated cattle production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Conservation Planning and Wildlife Management)

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15 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Organizational Learning at Purpose-Driven Enterprise: Action–Research Model for Leadership Improvement

by Angel Losada-Vazquez

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031301 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5599

Abstract

Knowledge Economy companies need to be aligned with social improvement challenges not only in order to promote sustainable innovation but also because knowledge workers need to feel their work is meaningful in both organizational and social terms. This is the reason why organizational [...] Read more.

Knowledge Economy companies need to be aligned with social improvement challenges not only in order to promote sustainable innovation but also because knowledge workers need to feel their work is meaningful in both organizational and social terms. This is the reason why organizational purpose might play a strategic role and becomes a top management duty. Furthermore, organizational purpose, as part of the social enterprise identity, needs to be built as a result of a new kind of leadership performance, focused on learning processes and driven by individual and organizational communication capabilities. Such a challenge points out, on one hand, that a more socially concerned enterprise is needed and, on the other, that top management capabilities must be improved in order to play the new role they are compelled to in order to promote social economy and stakeholders capitalism. What is at stake applies to both theoretically sound foundations and transformational managerial practices such as those this paper intends to apply by presenting outcomes from a research project focused on the transformational role of leadership as drivers for organizational learning capabilities improvement in search of innovation and social impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability-Oriented Innovation for the Challenges of the Contemporary Society)

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