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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2025) | Viewed by 12221

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Dr. Usama Al-Mulali

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Business, Sohar University, 3111 Al Jamiah Street, Sohar, Oman
Interests: energy economics; environmental economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition”, aims to address empirical and theoretical concepts in environmental and sustainable economic development. It will include up-to-date research on sustainable economic development, the influence of economic activities on pollution in general, as well as government and energy policies and consumption that influence environmental degradation. It will also address waste and recycling management, circular economy, and how they impact environmental sustainability.

In recent decades, there has been a notable increase in environmental damage, mostly due to the increase in economic growth and development globally. Moreover, many energy and environmental policies have been implemented in order to achieve sustainable economic growth and development. Therefore, there has been an increase in complexity and the number of multidimensional paths among the different features of economic sustainability. Increases in globalization, economic complexity and the surge of digital technologies have made these relations work at fluctuating configurational scales, ensuing in regional and global dynamics.

This Special Issue is focused on the connection between economic growth and sustainable development, involving the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable economic development. Moreover, it will address the utilization of global case studies, the rise of digital technologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives. This Special Issue will deliver an inclusive account of sustainable development and the economics of environmental protection research that focuses on the environmental, geographical, economic, evolutionary and social–ecological environment.

This Special Issue, entitled “Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition”, aims to address comprehensive research in energy and environmental economic studies. Themes may include, but are not limited to, energy conservation, energy market commodities, and government regulations linked to environmental protection, international trade, economic development and growth. A wide range of methods can be utilized, including surveys, econometrics, equilibrium models, analytical models, simulation models, and optimization models. Recently, there has been a notable increase in research that examines the effect of globalization, government policies, economic complexity and digitalization on pollution. Therefore, this Special Issue will provide up-to-date empirical research connected to energy and environmental economics.

Dr. Usama Al-Mulali
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

globalization aspects
digitalization
environmental and energy economics
energy production and consumption
regulation and taxation
sustainable tourism
carbon emission reduction
clean energy
environmental and energy policy
green production and consumption policy
econometric models
grey system models
machine learning
artificial neural networks
environmental and energy forecast and analysis
sustainable development

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Capital Endowment, Energy Cognition and Willingness to Pay for Green Energy Consumption of Urban and Rural Residents in China

by Bairen Ding and Yijie Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6686; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156686 - 22 Jul 2025

Viewed by 285

Abstract

The willingness to pay (WTP) for green energy consumption not only indicates the public’s green energy consumption practices, but also affects the realization of China’s “dual carbon” goals and global green development. Based on data from the 2018 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study describes the WTP for green energy consumption of Chinese urban and rural residents in the context of “dual carbon”. Moreover, it provides an in-depth interpretation from the perspectives of capital endowment and energy cognition, guided by social practice theory (SPT). This study found that, firstly, the public’s WTP for green energy consumption needs to be strengthened urgently, and the percentage of the refusal to participate group reaches 41.44%, and shows significant urban–rural differences. Compared with rural residents, the proportion and amount of WTP for urban residents are 7.5% and 4.016 CNY/month higher, respectively. Secondly, capital endowment and energy cognition are important influencing factors. Among them, economic capital (β = 0.647, p < 0.01) and cultural capital (β = 0.358, p < 0.05) play a significant role for urban residents, while rural residents depend on the government support cognition of energy (β = 7.678, p < 0.001). Finally, the urban–rural divergence in WTP for green energy consumption mainly stems from the gap in capital endowment, which contributes 29.08%, significantly higher than the contribution of energy cognition (8.34%). Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance the capital endowment levels of urban and rural residents, implement a targeted energy knowledge dissemination system, build a comprehensive government support system, and break down institutional barriers through urban–rural integration to guard against the disadvantages of rural residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

22 pages, 21422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning Approaches for Microplastic Pollution Analysis in Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Western Black Sea

by Maria Emanuela Mihailov, Alecsandru Vladimir Chiroșca, Elena Daniela Pantea and Gianina Chiroșca

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125664 - 19 Jun 2025

Viewed by 539

Abstract

Microplastic pollution presents a significant and rising risk to both ecological integrity and the long-term viability of economic activities reliant on marine ecosystems. The Black Sea, a region sustaining economic sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, is increasingly vulnerable to this form of contamination. Mytilus galloprovincialis, a well-established bioindicator, accumulates microplastics, providing a direct measure of environmental pollution and indicating potential economic consequences deriving from degraded ecosystem services. While previous studies have documented microplastic pollution in the Black Sea, our paper specifically quantified microplastic contamination in M. galloprovincialis collected from four sites along the western Black Sea coast, each characterised by distinct levels of anthropogenic influence: Midia Port, Constanta Port, Mangalia Port, and 2 Mai. We used statistical analysis to quantify site-specific microplastic contamination in M. galloprovincialis and employed machine learning to develop models predicting accumulation patterns based on environmental variables. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of mussels as bioindicators of marine plastic pollution and highlight the utility of machine learning in developing effective predictive tools for monitoring and managing marine litter contamination in marine environments, thereby contributing to sustainable economic practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dark Side of Growth: Are Shadow Economies Undermining the Global Climate Goal?

by Oana Ramona Lobont, Nicoleta Mihaela Doran, Sorana Vatavu, Mariana Alexandra Barbulescu, Florin Costea and Gabriela Badareu

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125241 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 540

Abstract

This study investigates the underexplored relationship between the shadow economy and environmental degradation and governance within the European Union, focusing on CO₂ and GHG emissions, and climate-related natural disasters, from 2012 to 2021. Employing both panel data econometrics and Elastic Net regularisation, the analysis reveals asymmetric effects: while a larger shadow economy is associated with lower reported GHG emissions, likely due to underreporting or less energy-intensive activities, it simultaneously increases vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. Furthermore, environmental taxes, although effective in mitigating emissions, show limited impact on disaster frequency, suggesting that fiscal instruments alone may be insufficient to foster climate resilience. Economic prosperity correlates with higher emissions and greater climate risk, highlighting a trade-off between growth and sustainability. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating informal economic activities into environmental governance frameworks, particularly in the context of the European Green Deal. Recognising and regulating the environmental footprint of the shadow economy is essential for achieving comprehensive and equitable climate goals. Future research should explore the role of institutional quality and fiscal transparency in moderating the environmental effects of informality. Overall, this study calls for a rethinking of climate policies to include both the formal and informal dimensions of economic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating the Innovation–Sustainability Paradox: The Strategic Role of Leadership and Industry 4.0 in Oman’s Manufacturing Sector

by Sarfaraz Javed and Usama Al-Mulali

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062595 - 15 Mar 2025

Viewed by 728

Abstract

The purpose of the current research study was to evaluate the effect of innovation on sustainability along with the mediating role of top management support and the moderating role of Industry 4.0 between innovation and sustainability. The data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey of manufacturing firms in Oman. PLS-SEM was applied to the data collected from 294 top-level and middle-level managers of manufacturing firms in Oman. The study results revealed that innovation is a positive determinant of the sustainability of manufacturing firms in Oman. Innovation was also found to favourably shape top management support in Oman’s manufacturing firms, which, in turn, impacted sustainability positively. The results suggest that top management support acts as a positive mediator between innovation and the sustainability of Omani manufacturing firms. The findings, however, did not support the moderating effects of Industry 4.0 on the association between innovation and sustainability. The present study is expected to support the literature through its rare findings and empirical evidence, especially regarding the mediating role of top management support between innovation and sustainability. It will also help managers of firms in Oman find ways of building their sustainability performance and develop better strategies to cope with sustainability challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainability on the Labour Market and Employability in the Construction Industry

by Catalin Ionut Silvestru, Marian-Ernut Lupescu, Ana-Maria Ifrim, Ramona Silvestru and Cristina-Vasilica Icociu

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310284 - 24 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

The present article analyses how the changes in the labour market are impacting employability, within the context of sustainability, with a special focus on the construction industry. This paper explores the relevance of employability in the construction industry, in an economy that is more and more oriented towards sustainable practices. The added value of the present paper resides in the proposed methodology that includes identifying and ranking the sustainability indicators that contribute to a sustainable employability model. The main objective of this research is to highlight the importance of sustainability in terms of training and preserving the specific competencies for the construction industry labour market, which is an essential sector for the transition to a green economy. The methodological innovation of the present study is that it proposes a model for the assessment of the sustainability indicators, thus offering a practical and ready-to-use framework for decision-makers in the industry. These indicators, which influence sustainability in the long term, were analysed from the viewpoint of the construction industry in Romania. This study used secondary statistical data, with a focus on the evolution of employability and of the professional training of graduates in this field of activity. The conclusion of the analysis is that a sustainable employability model should be implemented that meets the needs of the contemporary labour market and ensures an effective transition to a green economy. Implementing sustainable strategies in the construction sector facilitates the transition to responsible practices that are adapted to the current requirements of the green economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Protection Tax and China’s Economic Growth: Boost or Slowdown?

by Qing Zhao and Chih-Hung Yuan

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10203; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310203 - 21 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of China’s environmental protection tax reform on economic growth through empirical research. Using the “fee to tax” policy implemented in China in 2018 as a natural experiment, the analysis is conducted using a strengthened double-difference (DID) model. It is found that environmental protection tax reform has a significant positive impact on regional economic growth, and this conclusion still holds after several robustness tests. In order to explore the mechanism of environmental protection tax in-depth, this paper analyzes the three dimensions of science and technology innovation investment, foreign direct investment, and tax administration intensity. The results show that environmental protection tax does not promote technological innovation of enterprises as expected, but may instead inhibit R&D and innovation activities by increasing the cost pressure on enterprises. The positive impact of environmental protection tax on economic growth is mainly realized by increasing the intensity of tax administration. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the heterogeneity in urban geographic locations and administrative levels, finding that environmental protection taxes have a significant positive effect on economic growth in central and northeastern regions and in cities with lower administrative levels, while they have a negative effect in the eastern region and in cities with higher administrative levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does a Logging Ban Policy Increase Socio-Ecological Resilience? A Case Study of Key State-Owned Forest Areas in Northeast China

by Shuyao Luo, Dan Qiao, Xiao Han, Boyao Song, Zhihan Wan and Hongxun Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8368; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198368 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1222

Abstract

The resilience of forests refers to the ability of a forest to withstand disturbance and maintain its function and control. After an early phase of historical logging to support economic development, changes in the socio-ecological resilience of key state-owned forest areas in Northeastern China (later collectively referred to as Northeastern state-owned forests) after implementing a total logging ban policy remain unknown. In this study, the Northeast state-owned forest area was selected as the study area, and based on the panel data from 2008 to 2021, the indicator system at both social and ecological levels was established, and the socio-ecological resilience of the Northeast state-owned forest area was assessed using comprehensive weights and set-pair analysis. The results show that (1) the logging ban policy effectively improves socio-ecological resilience, which reached the highest point of the whole measurement period in 2018. (2) The socio-ecological system has a certain self-adjustment and resilience but has shown a decreasing trend in recent years. By exploring the causes behind the results, we can provide guidance and suggestions for the further implementation of the logging ban policy and, at the same time, provide some lessons for other developing countries with similar problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Role of Financial Development in Encouraging the Transition to Renewable Energy: A Fractional Response Model Approach

by Reem Alshagri, Talal H. Alsabhan and Jawaher Binsuwadan

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188153 - 18 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between financial development and renewable energy consumption using a fractional response model. The study examines a sample of 34 advanced economies and 64 emerging markets and developing economies from 2008 to 2020. The findings from the fractional response model indicate that financial development has a positive impact on renewable energy consumption in advanced economies. However, in emerging and developing economies, financial development negatively affects the consumption of renewable energy. Additionally, the findings illustrate that financial development has a more pronounced positive impact in advanced economies. This effect is especially strong in countries with higher levels of financial development. On the other hand, in emerging and developing economies, the consumption of renewable energy is more strongly affected by the negative impact of financial development on countries with lower financial development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

17 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effects of Environmental Tax Revenues on Economic Development: The Case of Nordic Countries

by Nino Stameski, Magdalena Radulescu, Vera Zelenović, Vera Mirović, Branimir Kalaš and Nataša Pavlović

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187957 - 12 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3213

Abstract

The topic of environmental taxation is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in its role in promoting sustainable development. Environmental tax policy can be used as an active tool for improving environmental quality and economic development. The primary aim of this study is to detect which environmental tax revenues influenced economic development in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) for the period 2013–2022. The empirical findings of various panel models confirm that energy tax revenues and transport tax revenues have significant and positive effects on economic development measured by GDP per capita. Additionally, pollution tax revenues have a positive but not significant impact on GDP per capita in these countries. Nordic countries should focus on a greater share of these revenues in their total tax structure, especially pollution tax revenues, to provide desirable implications and effects on economic development in the Nordic region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment and Sustainable Economic Growth, 2nd Edition)

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