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24 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harmonizing Cultural Landscape with Resilience: Climate Adaptation Strategies in the Arno and Hudson River Basins

by Ahmadreza Shirvani Dastgerdi and Giuseppe De Luca

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6058; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136058 - 2 Jul 2025

Viewed by 429

Abstract

Climate change increasingly threatens heritage-rich river basins, yet the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal environmental governance remains underexplored. This study investigates how historically embedded water management practices in Tuscany’s Arno River and New York’s Hudson River can inform adaptive strategies under [...] Read more.

Climate change increasingly threatens heritage-rich river basins, yet the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal environmental governance remains underexplored. This study investigates how historically embedded water management practices in Tuscany’s Arno River and New York’s Hudson River can inform adaptive strategies under conditions of climate uncertainty. Employing a Triangulated mixed-methods approach—including a systematic narrative literature review, variable coding (hydrological dynamics, cultural heritage, governance structures, economic livelihoods, and adaptive knowledge), and effect size analysis—we conducted a comparative assessment to uncover regional challenges, capacities, and implementation dynamics. The findings reveal that while both basins contend with hydrological volatility and fragmented governance, the Arno benefits from legally embedded heritage practices that continue to shape canal-based agriculture and flood mitigation. In contrast, the Hudson showcases strong multi-level stakeholder engagement and ecological restoration, though with less institutional reliance on traditional land stewardship. By integrating codified traditional practices with participatory governance and applying a weighted implementation structure, this study illustrates how resilience planning can be more context-sensitive, operationally feasible, and socially inclusive. Ultimately, this research positions cultural landscapes as active infrastructure for climate adaptation—provided they are institutionally supported and community-endorsed—offering a transferable model for policy innovation in similarly vulnerable riverine systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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26 pages, 4957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Climate Change on Water Quality and Sustainability in Baluchistan: Pakistan’s Challenges in Meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) Number 6

by Waseem Ishaque and Muhammad Zia ur Rehman

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062553 - 14 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1461

Abstract

Pakistan’s water quality and water management are at a crucial juncture, especially in the underdeveloped province of Baluchistan. The fifth most populous country, which ranks fifth in the global climate vulnerability index, confronts evolving water security challenges, which are complicating its national security [...] Read more.

Pakistan’s water quality and water management are at a crucial juncture, especially in the underdeveloped province of Baluchistan. The fifth most populous country, which ranks fifth in the global climate vulnerability index, confronts evolving water security challenges, which are complicating its national security matrix. Water shortages are escalating swiftly due to increasing demand across all sectors that utilize water. The burgeoning population, increasing from 175 million in 2010 to an estimated 247 million in 2025, and the adverse impacts of climate change are seriously affecting water quality and availability. This is exacerbated by persistent political instability and internal security issues, disincentivizing potential investors in the water sector in Pakistan in the short to medium term. The quality of water for drinking purposes is declining fast due to scarcity and contamination from various sources. The political promise of ensuring safe drinking water for the residents of Baluchistan remains an election slogan due to the persistent disparity between promises and implementation. The study involves a physical examination of water samples collected from various sectoral geographical zones of Baluchistan in the laboratory testing process to ascertain the quality of water. To develop a comprehensive picture, the samples were collected from both rural and urban areas in designated zones, ensuring that samples were representative of the entire province. In the last stage of the investigation process, the sample results have been compared with minimum safe standards instituted for drinking water by national and international organizations. Laboratory testing results indicate a significant decline in the quality of drinking water in Baluchistan; in most cases, the samples could not meet the permissible safe ranges outlined in Pakistan’s National Quality Standard (NQS) framework for drinking water and WHO guidelines. The persistent decline in water quality and water availability poses serious challenges to the attainment of UNSDG number 6 regarding the provision of clean drinking water to the inhabitants by 2030. The study provides incisive analysis and actionable recommendations as a policy input to facilitate relevant ministries and organizations in mitigating the vulnerabilities of climate change, providing clean drinking water to inhabitants of Baluchistan, and addressing critical issues of water sustainability in Baluchistan as an evolving national security challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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27 pages, 8235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Long-Term Perspective of Seasonal Shifts in Nutrient Dynamics and Eutrophication in the Romanian Black Sea Coast

by Elena Ristea, Elena Bisinicu, Vasile Lavric, Oana Cristina Parvulescu and Luminita Lazar

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031090 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1854

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term seasonal shifts in nutrient dynamics and eutrophication processes in the Romanian Black Sea coastal waters using multi-decadal data (1960/1976/1980–2023). The findings highlight significant seasonal and interannual changes, revealing a progressive rise in seawater temperature, declining oxygen concentrations, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates the long-term seasonal shifts in nutrient dynamics and eutrophication processes in the Romanian Black Sea coastal waters using multi-decadal data (1960/1976/1980–2023). The findings highlight significant seasonal and interannual changes, revealing a progressive rise in seawater temperature, declining oxygen concentrations, and notable shifts in nutrient stoichiometry, particularly an increasing nitrogen–phosphorus (N:P) ratio. These changes are closely associated with increased occurrences of harmful algal blooms (Noctiluca scintillans), emphasizing the complex relationship between warming, nutrient and dissolved oxygen cycles, and biological activity. Seasonal patterns show that prolonged warmer periods, especially during autumn, exacerbate oxygen depletion and nutrient imbalances, with implications for marine life and food webs. The study underscores the importance of targeted nitrogen reduction strategies, including optimized fertilizer use, improved wastewater treatment, and the establishment of buffer zones to minimize land-based nutrient inputs. Regional cooperation and integrated coastal management aligned with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are essential for mitigating eutrophication. The results provide critical insights into the impacts of climate change on the Black Sea ecosystems. This research contributes to global efforts under SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), addressing the key challenges to marine biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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28 pages, 4540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Hybrid Approach: Integrating Bayesian SPDE and Deep Learning for Enhanced Spatiotemporal Modeling of PM_2.5 Concentrations in Urban Airsheds for Sustainable Climate Action and Public Health

by Daniel Patrick Johnson, Niranjan Ravi, Gabriel Filippelli and Asrah Heintzelman

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10206; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310206 - 22 Nov 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1399

Abstract

This study introduces a novel hybrid model combining Bayesian Stochastic Partial Differential Equations (SPDE) with deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Deep Feedforward Neural Networks (DFFNN), to predict PM_2.5 concentrations. Traditional models often fail to account for non-linear relationships and [...] Read more.

This study introduces a novel hybrid model combining Bayesian Stochastic Partial Differential Equations (SPDE) with deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Deep Feedforward Neural Networks (DFFNN), to predict PM_2.5 concentrations. Traditional models often fail to account for non-linear relationships and complex spatial dependencies, critical in urban settings. By integrating SPDE’s spatial-temporal structure with neural networks’ capacity for non-linearity, our model significantly outperforms standalone methods. Accurately predicting air pollution supports sustainable public health strategies and targeted interventions, which are critical for mitigating the adverse health effects of PM_2.5, particularly in urban areas heavily impacted by climate change. The hybrid model was applied to the Pleasant Run Airshed in Indianapolis, Indiana, utilizing a comprehensive dataset that included PM_2.5 sensor data, meteorological variables, and land-use information. By combining SPDE’s ability to model spatial-temporal structures with the adaptive power of neural networks, the model achieved a high level of predictive accuracy, significantly outperforming standalone methods. Additionally, the model’s interpretability was enhanced through the use of SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) values, which provided insights into the contribution of each variable to the model’s predictions. This framework holds the potential for improving air quality monitoring and supports more targeted public health interventions and policy-making efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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33 pages, 45495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peplospheric Influences on Local Greenhouse Gas and Aerosol Variability at the Lamezia Terme WMO/GAW Regional Station in Calabria, Southern Italy: A Multiparameter Investigation

by Francesco D’Amico, Claudia Roberta Calidonna, Ivano Ammoscato, Daniel Gullì, Luana Malacaria, Salvatore Sinopoli, Giorgia De Benedetto and Teresa Lo Feudo

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10175; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310175 - 21 Nov 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1050

Abstract

One of the keys towards sustainable policies and advanced air quality monitoring is the detailed assessment of all factors that affect the surface concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols. While the development of new atmospheric tracers can pinpoint emission sources, the atmosphere [...] Read more.

One of the keys towards sustainable policies and advanced air quality monitoring is the detailed assessment of all factors that affect the surface concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols. While the development of new atmospheric tracers can pinpoint emission sources, the atmosphere itself plays a relevant role even at local scales: Its dynamics can increase, or reduce, surface concentrations of pollutants harmful to human health and the environment. PBL (planetary boundary layer), or peplospheric, variability is known to affect such concentrations. In this study, an unprecedented characterization of PBL cycles and patterns is performed at the WMO/GAW regional coastal site of Lamezia Terme (code: LMT) in Calabria, Southern Italy, in conjunction with the analysis of key GHGs and aerosols. The analysis, accounting for five months of 2024 data, indicates that peplospheric variability and wind regimes influence the concentrations of key GHGs and aerosols. In particular, PBLH (PBL height) patterns have been tested to further influence the surface concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), black carbon (BC), and particulate matter (PM). This research introduces four distinct wind regimes at LMT: breeze, not complete breeze, eastern synoptic, and western synoptic, each with its peculiar influences on the local transport of gases and aerosols. This research demonstrates that peplosphere monitoring needs to be considered when ensuring optimal air quality in urban and rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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21 pages, 3619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Formaldehyde’s Impact on Indoor Environments and Human Health via the Integration of Satellite Tropospheric Total Columns and Outdoor Ground Sensors

by Elena Barrese, Marco Valentini, Marialuisa Scarpelli, Pasquale Samele, Luana Malacaria, Francesco D’Amico and Teresa Lo Feudo

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9669; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229669 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1890

Abstract

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is harmful to human health and an adequate assessment of its concentrations, both in outdoor and indoor environments, is necessary in the context of sustainable policies designed to mitigate health risks. In this research, ground indoor and outdoor HCHO measurements are [...] Read more.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is harmful to human health and an adequate assessment of its concentrations, both in outdoor and indoor environments, is necessary in the context of sustainable policies designed to mitigate health risks. In this research, ground indoor and outdoor HCHO measurements are integrated with the analysis of tropospheric total columns obtained by satellite surveys to assess the concentrations of HCHO in a number of environments, exploiting the proximity of a World Meteorological Organization—Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO/GAW) observation site in Calabria, Southern Italy to a National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) department in the municipality of Lamezia Terme. The meteorological parameters used by the WMO station are also used to provide additional data and test new correlations. Using statistical significance tests, this study demonstrates the presence of a correlation between indoor and outdoor HCHO concentrations, thus showing that an exchange between indoor and outdoor formaldehyde does occur. Rooms located in the local INAIL building where indoor measurements took place also demonstrate degrees of susceptibility to HCHO exposure, which are correlated with the orientation of prevailing wind corridors in the area. The new findings constitute an unprecedented characterization of HCHO hazards in Calabria and provide regulators with new tools with which to mitigate formaldehyde-related risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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28 pages, 14767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in CO, CO₂, CH₄, BC, and NO_x during the First 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown: Source Insights from the WMO/GAW Station of Lamezia Terme (Calabria, Southern Italy)

by Francesco D’Amico, Ivano Ammoscato, Daniel Gullì, Elenio Avolio, Teresa Lo Feudo, Mariafrancesca De Pino, Paolo Cristofanelli, Luana Malacaria, Domenico Parise, Salvatore Sinopoli, Giorgia De Benedetto and Claudia Roberta Calidonna

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188229 - 21 Sep 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak led many countries across the globe to introduce lockdowns (LDs) that effectively caused most anthropic activities to either stop completely or be significantly reduced. In Europe, Italy played a pioneeristic role via the early introduction of a strict [...] Read more.

In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak led many countries across the globe to introduce lockdowns (LDs) that effectively caused most anthropic activities to either stop completely or be significantly reduced. In Europe, Italy played a pioneeristic role via the early introduction of a strict nationwide LD on March 9th. This study was aimed at evaluating, using both chemical and meteorological data, the environmental response to that occurrence as observed by the Lamezia Terme (LMT) GAW/WMO station in Calabria, Southern Italy. The first 2020 lockdown was therefore used as a “proving ground” to assess CO, CO₂, CH₄, BC, and NO_x concentrations in a rather unique context by exploiting the location of LMT in the context of the Mediterranean Basin. In fact, its location on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria and local wind circulation both lead to daily cycles where western-seaside winds depleted in anthropogenic pollutants can be easily differentiated from northeastern-continental winds, enriched in anthropogenic outputs. In addition to this, the first Italian LD occurred during the seasonal transition from winter to spring and, consequently, summer, thus providing new insights on emission outputs correlated with seasons. The findings clearly indicated BC and, in particular, CO as strongly correlated with average daily temperatures, as well as possibly domestic heating. CO₂’s reduction during the lockdown and consequent increase in the post-lockdown period, combined with wind data, allowed us to constrain the local source of emissions located northeast from LMT. NO_x reductions during specific circumstances were consistent with hypotheses from previous research, which linked them to rush hour traffic and other forms of transportation emissions. CH₄’s stable patterns were consistent with livestock, landfills, and other sources assumed to be nearly constant during LD periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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31 pages, 10918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropic-Induced Variability of Greenhouse Gasses and Aerosols at the WMO/GAW Coastal Site of Lamezia Terme (Calabria, Southern Italy): Towards a New Method to Assess the Weekly Distribution of Gathered Data

by Francesco D’Amico, Ivano Ammoscato, Daniel Gullì, Elenio Avolio, Teresa Lo Feudo, Mariafrancesca De Pino, Paolo Cristofanelli, Luana Malacaria, Domenico Parise, Salvatore Sinopoli, Giorgia De Benedetto and Claudia Roberta Calidonna

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8175; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188175 - 19 Sep 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

The key to a sustainable future is the reduction in humankind’s impact on natural systems via the development of new technologies and the improvement in source apportionment. Although days, years and seasons are arbitrarily set, their mechanisms are based on natural cycles driven [...] Read more.

The key to a sustainable future is the reduction in humankind’s impact on natural systems via the development of new technologies and the improvement in source apportionment. Although days, years and seasons are arbitrarily set, their mechanisms are based on natural cycles driven by Earth’s orbital periods. This is not the case for weeks, which are a pure anthropic category and are known from the literature to influence emission cycles and atmospheric chemistry. For the first time since it started data gathering operations, CO (carbon monoxide), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), CH₄ (methane) and eBC (equivalent black carbon) values detected by the Lamezia Terme WMO/GAW station in Calabria, Southern Italy, have been evaluated via a two-pronged approach accounting for weekly variations in absolute concentrations, as well as the number of hourly averages exceeding select thresholds. The analyses were performed on seven continuous years of measurements from 2016 to 2022. The results demonstrate that the analyzed GHGs (greenhouse gasses) and aerosols respond differently to weekly cycles throughout the seasons, and these findings provide completely new insights into source apportionment characterization. Moreover, the results have been combined into a new parameter: the hereby defined WDWO (Weighed Distribution of Weekly Outbreaks) normalizes weekly trends in CO, CO₂, CH₄ and eBC on an absolute scale, with the scope of providing regulators and researchers alike with a new tool meant to better evaluate anthropogenic pollution and mitigate its effects on the environment and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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25 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the UK Deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2050?

by Lily Warren, Ayotunde Dawodu, Ayomikun Solomon Adewumi and Cheng Quan

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135820 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8292

Abstract

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the [...] Read more.

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the UK government to achieve its carbon neutrality commitment by 2050. This will require all industries, including the housing sector, which currently contributes around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce their carbon emission contribution. One of the ways in which the housing sector plans to accomplish this is through delivering new zero carbon ready homes by 2050, at the latest. This study makes an innovative contribution to advancing the field of carbon neutral construction through its identification of the barriers to the UK in regards to their ability to deliver zero carbon homes (ZCH) and the provision of potential recommendations to overcome these barriers. To achieve this, a mixed-review method is used, combining a qualitative systematic analysis and a quantitative bibliometric approach. Several key barriers were identified and assigned to following key themes: legislative, socio-cultural, economic, financial, skills and knowledge, technical, industrial, environmental, and procurement factors. Legislative obstacles were found to be a primary barrier due to a lack of certainty, clarity, and clear definitions, as well as the removal and excess of government policies. Significantly, the findings reveal the under-researched impact of recent disruptive events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and economic factors in the UK, opening up novel avenues for exploring their implications. Overall, this study advances industry understanding and highlights innovative directions necessary to propel the sector towards realizing the UK’s legally-binding 2050 net zero target through the development of zero carbon ready homes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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Review

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35 pages, 15384 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Consumption and Production of Edible Plants in the Context of Reaching the EU Climate Neutrality by 2050: A Literature Review

by Katarzyna Mazur-Włodarczyk and Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10822; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410822 - 10 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1470

Abstract

Background: Human population has been overexploiting natural resources for many decades. Consumerism drives a strong economy, but at the same time it degrades the environment. The solution is to turn it into sustainable development. In this study, our aim was to determine how [...] Read more.

Background: Human population has been overexploiting natural resources for many decades. Consumerism drives a strong economy, but at the same time it degrades the environment. The solution is to turn it into sustainable development. In this study, our aim was to determine how the quest for sustainable consumption was perceived in the current scientific literature; Methods: A total of 712 papers from the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were investigated. Descriptive statistics and VOSviewer (version 1.6.18.) and Wordcloud software were used for further analysis. The analysis involved investigating publication trends over time, engaged countries and funding agencies, co-authorships, document types, thematic categories, sustainable development goals orientation, and the most frequently occurring words. Results: Word clouds created in the WordArt program based on the titles and abstracts indicated “food” to be the most frequently occurring word. The content of the articles was analyzed based on three term clusters: (1) “food waste”, “waste”, “food security”; (2) “agriculture” and “vertical farming”; and (3) “energy”. Conclusions: Analyzed articles surpassed the European Union, indicating the global range of striving for sustainability. The co-occurrence of the following sustainable development goals (SDGs) was indicated in the study: no. 1 (“no poverty”), no. 2 (“zero hunger”), no. 3 (“good health and well-being”), no. 6 (“clean water and sanitation”), no. 7 (“affordable and clean energy”), no. 8 (“decent work and economic growth”), no. 9 (“industry, innovation and infrastructure”), no. 10 (“reduced inequalities”), no. 12 (“responsible production and consumption”), no. 13 (“climate action”), no. 14 (“life below water”), and no. 15 (“life on land”). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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23 pages, 3693 KiB

Open AccessReview

Coastal Socio-Ecological Systems Adapting to Climate Change: A Global Overview

by Akbar Hossain Kanan and Carlo Giupponi

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10000; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210000 - 16 Nov 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2903

Abstract

A systematic literature review was conducted on papers studying coastal socio-ecological systems (SESs) in adapting to climate change to support sustainable coastal management and contribute to achieving the UN SDGs. We selected, analyzed, and synthesized 173 peer-reviewed, English-language scientific publications using the PRISMA [...] Read more.

A systematic literature review was conducted on papers studying coastal socio-ecological systems (SESs) in adapting to climate change to support sustainable coastal management and contribute to achieving the UN SDGs. We selected, analyzed, and synthesized 173 peer-reviewed, English-language scientific publications using the PRISMA method. Firstly, we summarized and compared the selected literature; then, we explored its geographical distribution and respective coastal landscapes, and we identified and classified the adaptation strategies focused on different coastal landscapes. Furthermore, we processed the results obtained to develop a unique conceptual model based upon the DPSIR framework for coastal SESs adapting to climate change. This review shows a gradual increase in the number of published papers, particularly after the Paris Agreement, with an uneven distribution across the world. The number of papers and case studies was lower in highly vulnerable coastal areas, with the exception of Bangladesh. Most of the literature presented a local perspective rather than a national or transnational one, focusing more on vulnerability assessment than adaptation strategies. Recent studies have shown an increasing focus on ecosystem-based adaptation. Institutional and financial support are reported as the main constraints on ensuring long-term monitoring and beneficial impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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11 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainability Skepticism: Attitudes to, and Beliefs about, Climate Change

by Adrian Furnham

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8164; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188164 - 19 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3062

Abstract

One of the most debated and researched aspects of environmental sustainability concerns the issue of climate change. This paper will review the literature on the individual difference correlates of climate change beliefs (CC), seen as a central aspect of environmental sustainability. It will [...] Read more.

One of the most debated and researched aspects of environmental sustainability concerns the issue of climate change. This paper will review the literature on the individual difference correlates of climate change beliefs (CC), seen as a central aspect of environmental sustainability. It will look at how attitudes and beliefs are measured; the demographic, ideological, and personality correlates of these beliefs; and the research on how they can be changed. This is a rapidly developing area of applied research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

15 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Empowering Secondary Education Teachers for Sustainable Climate Action

by Antonio García-Vinuesa

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7941; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187941 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1959

Abstract

Climate change education plays an important role in sustainable climate action, but there is a lack of knowledge about how middle and high school teachers address it. This presents an opportunity to explore the research on these essential agents of education in promoting [...] Read more.

Climate change education plays an important role in sustainable climate action, but there is a lack of knowledge about how middle and high school teachers address it. This presents an opportunity to explore the research on these essential agents of education in promoting sustainable behaviors among adolescents. This study aims to systematically identify and analyze the existing scientific literature concerning the knowledge, perspectives, challenges, and opportunities of middle and high school teachers regarding climate change as an educational topic. The review protocol adheres to the PRISMA extension for scoping review statements. The methodology includes the establishment of eligibility criteria, consultation of Scopus and Web of Science databases, implementation of a search strategy based on a preliminary scoping exercise, and the utilization of the CADIMA online tool to facilitate the selection and data collection processes. This systematic process resulted in a sample of 41 studies, which were rigorously analyzed. Results suggest multiple factors that challenge how teachers address climate change in their classrooms. Curricular constraints, limited school time, controversy surrounding the phenomenon, and lack of training emerge as potential obstacles. However, these challenges also present opportunities to improve and promote sustainable climate action among young students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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