Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.8
3.3
Journals
Sustainability
Special Issues
Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being
sustainability-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 8053

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kalterina Shulla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Development Research, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI), Bielefeld, Germany
Interests: sustainable development; global agendas for sustainability; SDGs; science diplomacy; eco-design
Prof. Dr. Bernd Friedrich Voigt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Work & Engineering Psychology, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Meschede, Germany
Interests: environmental psychology; Society 5.0; human wellbeing at work; human agent teaming

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research on the intersection between well-being and sustainable development is gaining more attention in light of increasing global challenges and the pressure to achieve global commitments for sustainability. Environmental psychology, which explores the relationship between humans and the external world, in the last decade, has been more sustainability- and policy-oriented, encompassing sustainability at larger levels of analysis and life domains beyond resource management, as well as in an interdisciplinary context.

Expanding environmental psychology to embrace multiple dimensions of sustainable development can be important for understanding the tensions that arise between needed action and challenging behavior changes. These can be seen as requirements that reduce subjective well-being, as ecosystem degradation does not have an immediate effect on well-being, and because critical sustainability transformations will trigger individual and collective action.

In this regard, this Special Issue is focused on exploring the intricate connection of multiple dimensions of sustainable development and human well-being. Global priorities have shifted toward well-being and sustainable development, which are both priorities in global agendas but are somehow pursued in separate directions.

This collection of works aims to advance research in this field and contribute to synergizing sustainability and well-being research agendas. The aim is to do so by showcasing articles from various disciplines, including environmental psychology in an interdisciplinary context, that challenge concepts of sustainability even beyond the triangular framing, considering a broad definition of well-being that is not only limited to a state of existence that fulfills various human needs (having, loving, being, and doing). In this way, we can embrace the idea that human well-being is inseparable from the nature and vitality of ecosystems.

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Exploring the well-being-related dimension of sustainability in relation to current global challenges and solutions to multilevel, interdisciplinary impact assessments (including time delay effects).
  2. Understanding mixed effects: human wellbeing as a result and/or a condition of and/or a threat to sustainable development.
  3. The dimension of human well-being in the Sustainable Development Goals—SDGs (i.e., SDG12 and SDG13), missing elements, contradictions and synergies, context dependencies, policy guidance, etc.
  4. Sustainable alternative forms of living in non-urban environments and their impact on human well-being/quality of life.
  5. Sustainability and human–nature relations through lenses of biophilic design.
  6. Consequences of pandemic restrictions for awareness raising regarding the interdependence of well-being and natural ecosystems.
  7. Impact of the language used to talk about sustainability in changing subjective perspectives of human well-being in society.
  8. Choice of language and its impact on perceptions of sustainability and related attitudes and behaviors (i.e., sentiments of sustainability, metaphorical expressions of sustainability and beyond).
  9. Analyses of a range of contemporary concepts that relate to “sustainability” and “well-being”.
  10. AI as a tool for the identification of commonalities across definitions related to well-being and sustainability.
  11. Unsustainable aspects of AI for quality of life/well-being and environmental relations, as technology and innovation have, to some extend, decoupled well-being from nature.
  12. Exploring the links between well-being/quality of life and sustainability through the perspective of Gen-Z.
  13. The inter-relation of well-being and sustainability in post-pandemic recovery processes (policies, plans, strategies, etc.).
  14. The employee's well-being in the sustainability strategies/reports of companies and comparisons of the sustainability reports/strategies of companies.

Dr. Kalterina Shulla
Prof. Dr. Bernd Friedrich Voigt
Guest Editors

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

  • human well-being
  • sustainable development
  • environmental psychology
  • resilience
  • AI
  • interdisciplinary
  • subjective well-being
  • language
  • sustainability

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 1483 KiB  
Article
From Awareness to Action: How Urban Greening and Climate Change Shape Student Health Perceptions in Higher Education
by Alexandros Lingos, Gerasimina-Theodora Zapanti, Nikolaos Klioumis, Panagiotis-Rafail Karaevangelou and Constantina Skanavis
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114807 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between climate change, urban greening, and health perceptions among university students within higher education. Grounded in environmental psychology and sustainability science, it explores how well-being is shaped by climate–health awareness, eco-anxiety, and perceived access to urban green spaces. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the relationship between climate change, urban greening, and health perceptions among university students within higher education. Grounded in environmental psychology and sustainability science, it explores how well-being is shaped by climate–health awareness, eco-anxiety, and perceived access to urban green spaces. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to climate change and sustainability. The findings indicate a high awareness of the health impacts of climate change, especially concerning mental well-being. Urban green spaces were recognized as positively influencing emotional resilience, physical activity, and environmental quality. However, despite this awareness, limited engagement in sustainability-oriented behaviors was identified, indicating an action gap. The study suggests the creation of a Climate Health Assessment Indicator to evaluate climate–health literacy and behavioral readiness among academic populations systematically. It also emphasizes integrating identity-based interventions into educational frameworks to support the transition from awareness to sustainable action. Positioned within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—this research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on integrating sustainability and human well-being in academic and urban contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 4443 KiB  
Article
Interconnected Nature and People: Biosphere Reserves and the Power of Memory and Oral Histories as Biocultural Heritage for a Sustainable Future
by Maria Fernanda Rollo
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4030; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094030 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) represent dynamic spaces where the interdependence between nature and people is actively shaped and preserved. These territories serve as living laboratories for sustainable development, blending conservation efforts with local knowledge and cultural traditions. This paper explores how BRs exemplify the [...] Read more.
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) represent dynamic spaces where the interdependence between nature and people is actively shaped and preserved. These territories serve as living laboratories for sustainable development, blending conservation efforts with local knowledge and cultural traditions. This paper explores how BRs exemplify the interconnection between ecological resilience and biocultural heritage, demonstrating the value of integrating traditional practices into contemporary sustainability frameworks. Using insights from the Memories of Biosphere Reserves project, which has collected over 370 testimonies from Portugal, Brazil, and São Tomé e Príncipe, this study highlights the role of memory and storytelling in reinforcing socio-ecological resilience and informing participatory conservation governance. By documenting personal experiences, traditional land-use practices, and community perceptions, these testimonies foster empathy, intergenerational learning, and ethical engagement with the environment. They also provide crucial knowledge for environmental stewardship and community-driven sustainability strategies. The article further examines the transformative role of digital technologies, open science, and artificial intelligence in preserving and disseminating biocultural heritage. Through georeferenced digital archives and participatory research, communities safeguard their cultural and ecological heritage, ensuring knowledge transmission across generations. By positioning BRs as models for integrated conservation and development, this paper underscores the importance of interconnected socio-ecological systems in achieving sustainability goals. The findings suggest that valuing and preserving biocultural heritage within BRs not only strengthens community identity and resilience, but also provides actionable pathways for addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 3667 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Life Cycle and Circular Economy Strategies for Batteries Adopted by the Main Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
by Rodrigo Sampaio Cintra, Lucas Veiga Avila, Marceli Adriane Schvartz, Walter Leal Filho, Rosley Anholon, Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes, Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk, Gustavo da Silva Lisboa and Nisrin Naiel Dib Khaled
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3428; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083428 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
In response to escalating environmental concerns and the imperative for a transition to a more sustainable economy, the European Union enacted a new regulation on the electric battery market in July 2023. This regulation integrates the principles of the circular economy, as outlined [...] Read more.
In response to escalating environmental concerns and the imperative for a transition to a more sustainable economy, the European Union enacted a new regulation on the electric battery market in July 2023. This regulation integrates the principles of the circular economy, as outlined in the European Green Deal, addressing all phases of the battery life cycle, including the mining of raw materials, product design, production processes, reuse, and recycling. In light of this development, the principal manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have undertaken various circular economy (CE) and life cycle (LC) strategies. Their objective is to align their operations with these new regulatory requirements and enhance their sustainability credentials. The global automotive industry, encompassing thousands of entities with an annual turnover exceeding USD 3 trillion, is a significant economic sector. Within this industry, it is estimated that more than 50 manufacturers are involved in the production of EVs, ranging from established automakers to emerging startups. This study applies content analysis to obtain qualitative and quantitative information from data disclosed by companies and organizations, with a specific focus on entities that currently feature EVs or HEVs. The methodology involves examining publicly available reports and corporate disclosures to assess industry trends and regulatory compliance. For this purpose, the analysis selected the 10 largest EV manufacturers in the world, based on sales reports provided by the manufacturers themselves and their respective market shares, as reported by automotive news portals and blogs. The evaluation of their actions was derived from the annual sustainability reports of these companies, with the aim of identifying the practices already implemented and their anticipated contributions to extending battery life and minimizing environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Educational Infrastructure: Professional Learning Communities as Catalysts for Lasting Inclusive Practices and Human Well-Being
by Osnat Zorde and Noam Lapidot-Lefler
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3106; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073106 - 1 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 540
Abstract
This qualitative research examines how sustainable educational transformation emerges through teachers’ participation in enduring professional learning communities, with a specific focus on inclusive education practices. By investigating the intersection of educational sustainability and professional development, this study analyzed ten teacher communities comprising 156 [...] Read more.
This qualitative research examines how sustainable educational transformation emerges through teachers’ participation in enduring professional learning communities, with a specific focus on inclusive education practices. By investigating the intersection of educational sustainability and professional development, this study analyzed ten teacher communities comprising 156 educators who met regularly throughout the school year. The research revealed how sustainable professional networks create lasting institutional change through four critical stages of teacher transformation: initial resistance to inclusion, recognition of pedagogical misconceptions, development of non-judgmental professional discourse, and establishment of sustainable, inclusive practices. The communities functioned as a sustainable infrastructure that fostered both the environmental and social dimensions of educational development, enabling teachers to build lasting professional confidence and emotional resilience through integrated theoretical learning and practical application. This sustainable approach to professional development helped educators overcome initial resistance to individualized solutions and empowered them to adopt more responsive, inclusive classroom strategies. By creating supportive knowledge-sharing networks that extend beyond initial implementation, these professional communities demonstrated their capacity to generate lasting educational change. The findings illuminate how systematic, collaborative professional development can create sustainable educational frameworks that enhance both teacher growth and inclusive pedagogical approaches, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable educational development. This research offers insights into building sustainable professional learning environments that support long-term institutional change while advancing inclusive education practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
19 pages, 219 KiB  
Article
Teacher Responsiveness in Inclusive Education: A Participatory Study of Pedagogical Practice, Well-Being, and Sustainability
by Noam Lapidot-Lefler
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2919; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072919 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 715
Abstract
This participatory action research study identified concrete responsive teaching practices that create sustainable, inclusive environments for vulnerable youth, focusing on two primary research questions: (1) How do teacher–pupil interactions shape learning experiences, and (2) What specific responsive practices create sustainable, inclusive environments? Thematic [...] Read more.
This participatory action research study identified concrete responsive teaching practices that create sustainable, inclusive environments for vulnerable youth, focusing on two primary research questions: (1) How do teacher–pupil interactions shape learning experiences, and (2) What specific responsive practices create sustainable, inclusive environments? Thematic analysis of data from eight teacher candidates, eight cooperating teachers, and seven pupils revealed a clear typology of sustainable, responsive practices organized into three core categories. The first category, the socioemotional response category, encompasses crucial practices including boundary-balanced relationships (creating safe spaces with clear expectations), ability-focused trust (communicating persistent belief in pupils’ capabilities), and non-abandonment approaches (illustrating unwavering commitment to each pupil regardless of challenges). The second category, the pedagogical response category, captured two essential practices: individualized learning adaptations (tailoring instruction to specific pupil needs) and strategic instructional pausing (recognizing when emotional needs must precede academic content). The third category, the systemic response category, highlighted the importance of collaborative professional networks, where mutual support among educators creates resilient teaching environments that enhance pupil outcomes. These findings underscore how responsive teacher–pupil interactions create inclusive environments that meet pupils’ academic, social, and emotional needs while fostering sustainable educational practices. This research contributes to sustainable education by (1) operationalizing responsiveness into actionable components for practice, (2) illustrating how sustainable, responsive teaching develops through structured collaborative inquiry, and (3) providing a framework showing how responsive relationships specifically support vulnerable youth in inclusive settings. The emerging themes illuminate how empathetic, responsive relationships build sustainable, inclusive learning environments empowering all participants for long-term development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
32 pages, 7229 KiB  
Article
Resilience as a Concept for Convergence Across Health, Systems, and Well-Being: An AI-Augmented Mapping of 50 Years of Resilience Research
by Elizabeth Ekren, Maria E. Tomasso and Melinda M. Villagran
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310333 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Resilience has become a focal point of academic research investigating the impact of adverse disruption to the well-being of people, systems, the built environment, ecosystems, and climate. However, the proliferation of this work has not been accompanied by increasing clarity about the core [...] Read more.
Resilience has become a focal point of academic research investigating the impact of adverse disruption to the well-being of people, systems, the built environment, ecosystems, and climate. However, the proliferation of this work has not been accompanied by increasing clarity about the core meaning of resilience as a singular construct, threatening its relevance and complicating its use in practice. To improve the application of resilience in cross-disciplinary and convergence approaches to sustainability and well-being research, this work synthesized resilience conceptualizations across disciplines with novel artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented approaches. Using open-source applications for text mining and machine-learning-based natural language processing algorithms for the examination of text-as-data, this work mapped the content of 50 years of academic resilience work (24,732 abstracts). Presented as thematic and statistical textual associations in a series of network maps and tables, the findings highlight how specific measurements, components, and terminologies of resilience relate to one another within and across disciplines, emphasizing what concepts can be used to bridge disciplinary boundaries. From this, a converged conceptualization is derived to answer theoretical questions about the nature of resilience and define it as a dynamic process of control through the stages of disruption and progression to an improved state thereafter. This conceptualization supports a cross-disciplinary meaning of resilience that can enhance its shared understanding among a variety of stakeholders, and ultimately, the rigor and uniformity of its application in addressing sustainability and well-being challenges across multiple domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3928 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Purchase of Electric Vehicles in Brazil
by Marceli Adriane Schvartz, Lucas Veiga Avila, Walter Leal Filho, Luciane Neves Canha, Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk, Thiago Antônio Beuron Corrêa de Barros, Luis Felipe Dias Lopes and Elda Rodrigues Steinhorst Kraetzig
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229957 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2260
Abstract
The transport sector, and especially the increase in individual vehicle ownership, contribute significantly to air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as a sustainable alternative to reduce emissions of polluting gases. However, in Brazil, the EV market has not yet [...] Read more.
The transport sector, and especially the increase in individual vehicle ownership, contribute significantly to air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as a sustainable alternative to reduce emissions of polluting gases. However, in Brazil, the EV market has not yet reached a significant size. Given this scenario, this study aims to analyze the factors that influence the decision to buy EVs in Brazil, highlighting personal, psychological, economic, performance, and environmental variables and barriers. The aim is also to develop a model with guidelines that can help stakeholders. The quantitative stage of the study involved a survey of 514 respondents. The data were analyzed using statistical methods, including structural equation modeling (SEM), which allowed for a deeper investigation of the proposed hypotheses. The survey findings reveal that, in the Brazilian context, performance factors—such as autonomy, availability of recharging infrastructure, and maintenance—are the main drivers influencing EV purchase decisions. Environmental factors, including energy reuse, pollution reduction, and minimizing environmental impacts, have also gained significant importance. Economic factors are crucial, particularly concerning cost–benefit perceptions. The differences between Brazil and other regions highlight the importance of accounting for cultural and economic variations when analyzing consumer behavior towards EVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explore Sustainable Development in Multiple Dimensions for Human Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop