Sustainability

24 pages, 1498 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience Assessment of Forest Fires Based on a Game-Theoretic Combination Weighting Method

by Zhengtong Lv, Junqiao Xiong, Mingfu Zhuo, Yuxian Ke and Qian Kang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7907; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177907 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires, driven by climate change and intensified human activities, pose substantial threats to ecological security and sustainable development. However, most assessments remain centered on occurrence risk, lack a resilience-oriented perspective and comprehensive indicator systems, and therefore [...] Read more.

The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires, driven by climate change and intensified human activities, pose substantial threats to ecological security and sustainable development. However, most assessments remain centered on occurrence risk, lack a resilience-oriented perspective and comprehensive indicator systems, and therefore offer limited guidance for building system resilience. This study developed a forest fire resilience (FFR) assessment framework with 25 indicators in three levels and six domains across four resilience dimensions. Balancing expert judgment and data, we obtained indicator weights by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) via a game-theoretic scheme. The analysis revealed that, among the level-2 indicators, climate factors, infrastructure, and vegetation characteristics exert the greatest influence on FFR. At the level-3 indicator scale, monthly minimum relative humidity, fine fuel load per unit area, and the deployment of smart monitoring systems were critical. Among the four resilience dimensions, absorption capacity plays the predominant role in shaping disaster response. Building on these findings, the study proposes targeted strategies to enhance FFR and applies the assessment framework to twelve administrative divisions of Baise City, China, highlighting marked spatial variability in resilience levels. The results offer valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for strengthening FFR. Full article

24 pages, 664 KB

Open AccessArticle

And Then, There Were None: The Nexus of Agricultural Labor, Migration, and Food Insecurity in Rural and Urban Settings in the United States

by Beatrice Fenelon Pierre, Tracy Anne Irani and Joy Fatokun

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7906; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177906 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

By 2030, the world population is projected to reach approximately 9.7 billion. One of the core objectives of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs), adopted from the 1996 World Food Summit, is to eradicate hunger by that time, meaning ensuring food security for [...] Read more.

By 2030, the world population is projected to reach approximately 9.7 billion. One of the core objectives of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs), adopted from the 1996 World Food Summit, is to eradicate hunger by that time, meaning ensuring food security for all. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines food security as follows: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” Conceptually, it is posited that food security can be understood as a nexus of four elements: Food security = Availability + Access + Utilization + Stability of a food system. This study focused specifically on the food availability component of food security. It addresses a critical gap in the existing literature: the limited understanding of the role farmworkers and their families play in sustaining food systems. Specifically, it explores how the children of Haitian farmworkers in the United States perceive agricultural labor through the lens of their family’s experiences, including their personal willingness to engage in it and their advocacy for others to pursue such work. Although qualitative in nature, this study employed the Political Economy of the Food System, also referred to as Agrifood Systems Theory or the Political Ecology of Food Systems, as its guiding theoretical framework, as it aligns closely with the study’s objectives. The data were collected between December 2022 and June 2023. The sample consisted of eight young adults (ages 18 to 29), all of Haitian descent. Overall, the findings indicated that participants commonly reported feeling a sense of inferiority and a lack of interest in and respect for farmwork as a profession during their upbringing, particularly in comparison to peers from non-farmworker households and those outside of their immediate communities. This sense of inferiority was attributed to several factors, including their upbringing, the inherent vulnerability associated with farm work, and the long-term physical toll agricultural work had on both themselves and their parents. The study’s findings carry important implications for practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and all stakeholders involved in achieving food security. They underscore the urgent need to reform labor policies and improve the conditions surrounding farm work, making it a more appealing, dignified, desirable, and sustainable occupation in the face of a growing world population. Full article

24 pages, 1409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Heterogeneous Spatiotemporal Graph Network Model for Traffic Flow Prediction at Highway Toll Stations

by Yaofang Zhang, Jian Chen, Fafu Chen and Jianjie Gao

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177905 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study aims to guide the management and service of highways towards a more efficient and intelligent direction, and also provides intelligent and green data support for achieving sustainable development goals. The forecasting of traffic flow at highway stations serves as the cornerstone [...] Read more.

This study aims to guide the management and service of highways towards a more efficient and intelligent direction, and also provides intelligent and green data support for achieving sustainable development goals. The forecasting of traffic flow at highway stations serves as the cornerstone for spatiotemporal analysis and is vital for effective highway management and control. Despite considerable advancements in data-driven traffic flow prediction, the majority of existing models fail to differentiate between directions. Specifically, entrance flow prediction has applications in dynamic route guidance, disseminating real-time traffic conditions, and offering optimal entrance selection suggestions. Meanwhile, exit flow prediction is instrumental for congestion and accident alerts, as well as for road network optimization decisions. In light of these needs, this study introduces an enhanced heterogeneous spatiotemporal graph network model tailored for predicting highway station traffic flow. To accurately capture the dynamic impact of upstream toll stations on the target station’s flow, we devise an influence probability matrix. This matrix, in conjunction with the covariance matrix across toll stations, updated graph structure data, and integrated external weather conditions, allows the attention mechanism to assign varied combination weights to the target toll station from temporal, spatial, and external standpoints, thereby augmenting prediction accuracy. We undertook a case study utilizing traffic flow data from the Chengdu-Chengyu station on the Sichuan Highway to gauge the efficacy of our proposed model. The experimental outcomes indicate that our model surpasses other baseline models in performance metrics. This study provides valuable insights for highway management and control, as well as for reducing traffic congestion. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of using data-driven approaches to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation, enhance resource allocation at toll plazas, and promote sustainable highway transportation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Intelligent Transportation, Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles in the Context of Sustainability)

23 pages, 1660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soundtalking: Extending Soundscape Practice Through Long-Term Participant-Led Sound Activities in the Dee Estuary

by Neil Spencer Bruce

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177904 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study explores the practice of “soundtalking”, a novel method of participant-led sound practice, across the Dee Estuary in the UK. Over the course of twelve months, the Our Dee Estuary Project facilitated monthly meetings where participants engaged in sound workshops, in-depth discussions, [...] Read more.

This study explores the practice of “soundtalking”, a novel method of participant-led sound practice, across the Dee Estuary in the UK. Over the course of twelve months, the Our Dee Estuary Project facilitated monthly meetings where participants engaged in sound workshops, in-depth discussions, and sound-making activities, with the aim of fostering a deeper connection with both their local and sonic environments. This longitudinal practice-based research study created an environment of sonic learning and listening development, documenting how participants’ interactions and narratives both shape and are shaped by the estuarial environment, its soundscape, and their sense of place. Participant-led conversations formed the basis of the methodology, providing rich qualitative data on how individuals perceive, interpret, and interact with their surroundings and the impact that the soundscape has on the individual. The regular and unstructured discussions revealed the intrinsic value of soundscapes in participants’ lives, emphasising themes of memory, reflection, place attachment, environmental awareness, and well-being. The collaborative nature of the project allowed for the co-creation of a film and a radio soundscape, both of which serve as significant outputs, encapsulating the auditory and emotional essence of the estuary. The study’s initial findings indicate that “soundtalking” as a practice not only enhances participants’ auditory perception but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. The regularity of monthly meetings facilitated the development of a shared acoustic vocabulary and experience among participants, which in turn enriched their collective and individual experiences of the estuary. Soundtalking is proposed as an additional tool in the study of soundscapes to complement and extend more commonly implemented methods, such as soundwalking and soundsitting. Soundtalking demonstrates the efficacy of longitudinal, participant-led approaches in capturing the dynamic and lived experiences of soundscapes and their associated environments, over methods that only create fleeting short-term engagements with the soundscape. In conclusion, the Our Dee Estuary Project demonstrates the transformative potential of soundtalking in deepening our understanding of human–environment interactions and, in addition, has shown that there are both health and well-being aspects that arise from the practice. Beyond this, the project has output a film and a radio sound piece, which not only document but also celebrate the intricate and evolving relationship between the participants and the estuarine soundscape, offering valuable insights for future soundscape research and community engagement initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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14 pages, 489 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Catholic Church and Mining: Types of Responses

by Séverine Deneulin and Caesar A. Montevecchio

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7903; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177903 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation; biodiversity loss; soil, water, and air contamination; violations of civil, political, and labour rights; loss of livelihoods; and harm to [...] Read more.

The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation; biodiversity loss; soil, water, and air contamination; violations of civil, political, and labour rights; loss of livelihoods; and harm to health. It is a paradox that the quest for sustainability and transition away from fossil fuels are leading to another set of unsustainable practices. The paper analyses how one major faith actor, the Catholic Church, is dealing with this paradox and is translating its theological and moral commitment to integral ecology into practice in the context of mining. Based on a series of consultations with cross-continental actors, the paper aims to offer a typology of responses in order to inform the work of other actors in sustainable development and the transition to renewable energy. The paper examines five types of intertwined responses: (1) the accompaniment of mining-affected populations, which is the starting point of all responses; (2) the mediation of experience through theological and organisational resources and international policy frameworks; (3) the documentation of what is happening or likely to happen; (4) education and formation to address the structural causes of social and ecological degradation at a multi-scalar level; and (5) advocacy for policy and institutional change, including alternative modes of socio-economic development. The paper concludes by discussing some shortcomings in these responses, as well as avenues for broad-based coalitions for sustainability in the context of the mining requirements of the energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Faith and Sustainable Development: Exploring Practice, Progress and Challenges among Faith Communities and Institutions)

22 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Guardians of Growth: Can Supply Chain Pressure, Artificial Intelligence, and Economic Inequality Ensure Economic Sustainability

by Ibrahim Msadiq, Kolawole Iyiola and Ahmad Alzubi

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7902; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177902 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines the effects of supply chain pressure, smart AI, and socio-economic fairness on long-term economic sustainability. To this end, this study uses quarterly data from 1999 Q1 through 2024 Q4 for the United States and employs the recently introduced Wavelet Cross-Quantile [...] Read more.

This study examines the effects of supply chain pressure, smart AI, and socio-economic fairness on long-term economic sustainability. To this end, this study uses quarterly data from 1999 Q1 through 2024 Q4 for the United States and employs the recently introduced Wavelet Cross-Quantile Regression (WCQR) to analyze this relationship. This study finds that smart AI, supply chain pressure (SC), and renewable energy consumption (REC) significantly drive U.S. economic growth, with the strongest short-term effects appearing when adoption and output are in the lower quantiles, reflecting threshold and diffusion dynamics. SC enhances growth once supply chain networks reach a critical level of connectivity, while REC generates substantial gains at low penetration levels, illustrating a “catch-up” effect. In contrast, economic inequality (EI) generally dampens growth, especially at moderate to high inequality levels; however, long-term reductions in EI yield positive returns in high-growth states by improving social cohesion and workforce productivity. Based on these findings, this study proposes funding low-adoption AI now, scaling to mid-adoption users mid-term, and entrenching long-term gains through economy-wide upskilling. Full article

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21 pages, 2096 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Assessment of Climate-Driven Streamflow Changes in a Transboundary Lake Basin Using CMIP6-SWAT+-BMA: A Sustainability Perspective

by Feiyan Xiao, Yaping Wu, Xunming Wang, Ping Wang, Congsheng Fu and Jing Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7901; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177901 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Estimating the impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Xiaoxingkai Lake Basin is vital for ensuring sustainable water resource management and transboundary cooperation across the entire Xingkai Lake Basin, a transboundary lake system shared between China and Russia. In this study, 11 [...] Read more.

Estimating the impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Xiaoxingkai Lake Basin is vital for ensuring sustainable water resource management and transboundary cooperation across the entire Xingkai Lake Basin, a transboundary lake system shared between China and Russia. In this study, 11 Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) were used to drive the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model. Streamflow projections were made for two future periods: the 2040s (2021–2060) and the 2080s (2061–2100). To correct for systematic biases in the GCM outputs, we applied the Delta Change method, which significantly reduced root mean square error (RMSE) in both precipitation and temperature by 3–35%, thereby improving the accuracy of SWAT+ simulations. To better capture inter-model variability and enhance the robustness of streamflow projections, we used the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) technique to generate a weighted ensemble, which outperformed the simple arithmetic mean by reducing uncertainty across models. Our results indicated that under SSP245, greater increases were projected in annual streamflow as well as in wet and normal-flow seasons (e.g., streamflow in normal-flow season in the 2080s increased by 13.0% under SSP245, compared to 7.0% under SSP585). However, SSP585 produced a much larger relative amplification in the dry season, with percentage changes relative to the historical baseline reaching up to +171.7% in the 2080s, although the corresponding absolute increases remained limited due to the low baseline flow. These findings quantify climate-driven hydrological changes in a cool temperate lake basin by integrating climate projections, hydrological modeling, and ensemble techniques, and highlight their implications for understanding hydrological sustainability under future climate scenarios, providing a critical scientific foundation for developing adaptive, cross-border water management strategies, and for further studies on water resource resilience in transboundary basins. Full article

24 pages, 586 KB

Open AccessReview

Powering Change: The Urban Scale of Energy, an Italian Overview

by Martina Massari

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7900; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177900 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Ten years after the Paris Agreement the escalating global geopolitical turmoil and waning interest in climate change’s effects, posit cities again as critical arenas for addressing the global energy transition. Drawing on the concept of the city as a living entity, the role [...] Read more.

Ten years after the Paris Agreement the escalating global geopolitical turmoil and waning interest in climate change’s effects, posit cities again as critical arenas for addressing the global energy transition. Drawing on the concept of the city as a living entity, the role of energy at the urban scale is considered not only as a technical infrastructure but as a complex system embedded in the spatial, political, and social fabric. The energy transition is situated within the broader context of urban governance and spatial planning, arguing that energy should be considered a foundational urban good essential to everyday life and ensuring equitable development. The study adopts a conceptual and literature-based approach, synthesizing insights from urban studies, energy geography, and climate governance literature. Special attention is given to the Italian context, where a lack of coordination across European, national, and regional political levels hinders energy transition efforts. Key references include theoretical frameworks on urban metabolism, socio-technical systems, and planning innovation, focusing on the intersection of infrastructure, policy, and local agency. The findings highlight the need to reframe energy planning as an integral part of urban and territorial governance. While grounded in Italy, the study’s insights reveal how governance fragmentation and multi-level coordination barriers resonate with European urban energy challenges, offering transferable lessons for territories with complex political and spatial systems. This would help integrate energy concerns into urban design, reduce consumption through spatial organization, and foster civic and institutional cooperation for rapid, often unplanned local energy actions to respond more swiftly to crises than traditional planning mechanisms. As a result, embedding energy within urban policy and spatial design fosters co-evolution between energy production, behavioral change, and infrastructural transformation. Recognizing this is vital for global urban policy and planning to drive resilient, equitable transitions in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

29 pages, 3968 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rethinking Local Development in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities: Challenges, Gaps and Opportunities

by Ayça Soygür and Naciye Doratlı

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7899; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177899 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) face unique development challenges—ranging from environmental pressures to heritage vulnerability—yet remain underrepresented in urban research. This study addresses this gap by proposing a context-sensitive analytical framework and applying it to six diverse SSMCs: Peñíscola (Spain), Mahdia (Tunisia), Marsala (Italy), [...] Read more.

Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) face unique development challenges—ranging from environmental pressures to heritage vulnerability—yet remain underrepresented in urban research. This study addresses this gap by proposing a context-sensitive analytical framework and applying it to six diverse SSMCs: Peñíscola (Spain), Mahdia (Tunisia), Marsala (Italy), Rethymno (Greece), Ayvalık (Türkiye), and Lefke (Cyprus). These cities were selected for their varied geographies, cultural assets, and planning contexts. Using a qualitative methodology based on policy analysis and secondary data, each case was evaluated across six principles: contextual urbanism, environmental stewardship, heritage integration, economic resilience, participatory governance, and adaptive planning. Findings show strong cultural identity and human-scale design across cases, but also widespread issues like fragmented planning and tourism dependency. Nonetheless, emerging local initiatives in sustainability and civic engagement highlight opportunities for reform. The study offers a unique and transferable framework for guiding inclusive, resilient development in small-scale Mediterranean contexts. Full article

32 pages, 2476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Impact of Climate Policy on Urban Carbon Emissions: New Insights from China’s Environmental Protection Tax Reform

by Xianpu Xu, Yiqi Fu, Qiqi Meng and Jiarui Hu

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7898; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177898 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Environmental protection tax (EPT), as a major tool to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, is of great significance for promoting urban low-carbon transformation. In this context, this paper has compiled a dataset from 282 Chinese cities during 2006–2022 and empirically identify [...] Read more.

Environmental protection tax (EPT), as a major tool to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, is of great significance for promoting urban low-carbon transformation. In this context, this paper has compiled a dataset from 282 Chinese cities during 2006–2022 and empirically identify the implication of EPT for carbon emissions at the city level by using the intensity difference-in-differences (I-DID) model. The result discloses that EPT greatly lowers carbon emissions by an average of 10.9% compared to non-pilot cities. Even after conducting some robustness checks, the result remains unchanged. Mechanism testing reveals that EPT curbs carbon emissions through enhancing energy utilization efficiency, fostering green technological advancements, and modernizing urban industries. Meanwhile, we show that EPT exerts a more substantial effect on carbon emissions in innovative cities, central and western cities, non-industrial-based cities, and non-resource-dependent cities. More importantly, EPT greatly promotes imitation and learning in neighboring regions, forming a radiation impact upon carbon reduction in surrounding areas. Hence, these results offer an important decision-making guide for optimizing the EPT system, strengthening the coordinated governance of carbon emission across regions, and ultimately promoting urban low-carbon development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 2848 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contributing to the Concept of Sustainable Buildings: Evaluation of the Carbon Emissions of a Solar Photovoltaic Coating Developed in Northeast Brazil

by Monica Carvalho, Heitor do Nascimento Andrade, Beatriz Ferreira de Oliveira, Sidnéia Lira Cavalcante and Kelly C. Gomes

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7897; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177897 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Solar coatings have become increasingly relevant as a means to enhance the performance and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, playing a critical role in advancing sustainable solar energy solutions. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas [...] Read more.

Solar coatings have become increasingly relevant as a means to enhance the performance and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, playing a critical role in advancing sustainable solar energy solutions. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production process of a coating used on solar PV panels. Actual data were collected for the manufacture of the solar coating, constituted by two layers: (i) tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (ii) titanium isopropoxide (TTIP). Data on energy and material flows were compiled. The GHG emissions for the TEOS and TTIP coatings were 1.8977 and 6.3204 g CO₂-eq/mL, respectively. With experimental data demonstrating a 4.5% increase in panel efficiency from the coatings, a simulation was carried out to verify the impact of the solar coating on a 16.4 MW solar power plant. The results indicate lifetime avoided emissions of 98,029,294 kg CO₂-eq over 25 years. Sensitivity assessments verified the impact of shorter lifetimes of the coatings, and even with frequent reapplication—down to monthly intervals—the coating continues to provide net environmental benefits. This robustness reinforces the potential of solar coatings as a complementary strategy for decarbonizing PV systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Energy and Environmental Assessment in Sustainable Buildings)

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22 pages, 804 KB

Open AccessArticle

Greening Through Recognition: Unveiling the Mechanisms of China’s High-Tech Enterprise Identification Policy on Sustainable Innovation

by Daleng Xin, Wenying Liu, Zhonghe Wang and Kehui Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7896; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177896 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines whether China’s high-tech enterprise identification policy promotes corporate sustainable innovation. Using panel data from Chinese listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges between 2008 and 2022, we adopt a time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness [...] Read more.

This study examines whether China’s high-tech enterprise identification policy promotes corporate sustainable innovation. Using panel data from Chinese listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges between 2008 and 2022, we adopt a time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness and explore its underlying mechanisms. The results reveal that this certification policy significantly facilitates green innovation, and the findings remain robust across various checks, including alternative measurements, placebo tests, propensity score matching DID (PSM-DID), and the exclusion of digital transformation trend and confounding macro-level policies. Mechanism analysis shows that the policy influences green innovation by alleviating financing constraints, increasing access to government subsidies, facilitating the agglomeration of scientific and technological talent, and encouraging greater R&D investment. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the policy effect is more pronounced among non-state-owned enterprises, small-scale firms, capital-intensive businesses, those located in high-institutional-quality regions, and firms in China’s eastern provinces. Moreover, the positive impact is strongest for growth-stage firms. The policy has also been found to improve green innovation efficiency. These findings offer empirical insights for optimizing selective industrial policies to enhance sustainable innovation and support China’s dual-carbon goals. Full article

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26 pages, 356 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Cap Funding Absorption for Agricultural Investments in Western Romania During the Transition Period

by Flavia Aurora Popescu, Cosmin Salasan, Cosmin Alin Popescu, Imbrea Ilinca Merima, Cristian Iliuță Găină and Florinel Imbrea

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7895; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177895 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

The research focuses on the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) during the transition period, assessing the absorption level of sub-measure 4.1, “Investments in agricultural holdings”, which impacts rural development in the agricultural sector in western Romania. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of all [...] Read more.

The research focuses on the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) during the transition period, assessing the absorption level of sub-measure 4.1, “Investments in agricultural holdings”, which impacts rural development in the agricultural sector in western Romania. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of all selection reports associated with sub-measure 4.1 submitted during the transition period (2021–22) was conducted to investigate a potentially relevant link between the number of beneficiaries identified in the analysed region and their location. Fisher’s exact tests indicate that the null hypothesis, which postulates independence between county and measure in the observed dataset, cannot be rejected. Further empirical analysis was conducted using panel data analysis to identify any relevant regression traits. Tests indicate that funding allocation, the spatial dimension and the temporal dimension are all statistically and substantively significant. Larger budget allocations are associated with a higher volume of proposals. Two out of the four analysed counties systematically outperformed the predicted values in the model by submitting more proposals than would be expected given their budgets. Later application stages yielded a greater number of successful proposals, which is consistent with residual demand capture in sequential competitive calls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

30 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can ESG Strategies Drive Firm Value Growth in the MENA Region?

by Mohamed Rashwan, Nardin Farouk and Rania Pasha

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177894 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Cross-industry and cross-country evidence from the ESG–firm value literature indicates no consensus on the ESG performance impact on corporate financial performance. Stemming from the ongoing debate over whether ESG principles enhance or hinder value creation, this study investigates the effect of Environmental, Social, [...] Read more.

Cross-industry and cross-country evidence from the ESG–firm value literature indicates no consensus on the ESG performance impact on corporate financial performance. Stemming from the ongoing debate over whether ESG principles enhance or hinder value creation, this study investigates the effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on firm value through three proxies: Tobin’s Q (TQ), Price to Book ratio (PB), and Price to Earnings ratio (PE). Using a cross-country and cross-sectoral comparative approach, the study employs static and dynamic panel regression analyses, along with principal component analysis, to test the hypothesized relationships across nine MENA region countries and ten sectors between 2017 and 2022. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine ESG’s impact on TQ, PB, and PE while offering a comparative analysis in the MENA region. Empirical results reveal a significantly positive relationship between ESG scores and firm value using TQ and PB ratios, but this relationship is insignificant with the PE ratio. This study contributes to the ESG and financial decision-making literature, providing insights for investors on portfolio optimization and sustainable investing. The findings offer recommendations that further benefit businesses, policymakers, and decision-makers in enhancing their understanding of ESG implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Finance, Technologies, and Regulatory Frameworks: Advancing Sustainability in a Digital Era)

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25 pages, 312 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Sustainable Energy Citizenship: An Empowerment Toolkit for Adult Learners and Educators

by Adina Dumitru, Manuel Peralbo Uzquiano, Luisa Losada Puente, Juan-Carlos Brenlla Blanco, Nuria Rebollo Quintela and María Pilar Vieiro Iglesias

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7893; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177893 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Human energy production and consumption have significantly contributed to the environmental crisis, impacting human health, wellbeing, and social justice. In this context, the concept of energy citizenship has emerged, referring to civic engagement in fostering sustainable and democratic energy systems and transitions. Under [...] Read more.

Human energy production and consumption have significantly contributed to the environmental crisis, impacting human health, wellbeing, and social justice. In this context, the concept of energy citizenship has emerged, referring to civic engagement in fostering sustainable and democratic energy systems and transitions. Under the Horizon Europe project EnergyPROSPECTS (PROactive Strategies and Policies for Energy Citizenship Transformation), we investigated the conditions and dynamics that promote or hinder energy citizenship and empower citizens to contribute to sustainable energy transformations. Through 44 in-depth interviews and four deliberative workshops in four European case study regions with individuals and organizations engaged in different forms of energy citizenship, we identified key psychological and organizational factors driving citizen empowerment. These findings informed the development of an interactive empowerment toolkit, a digital learning resource designed to enhance energy citizenship literacy and skills. This toolkit, although primarily targeting adults interested in energy citizenship, is adaptable for students and educators at various levels, offering two tracks: one for beginners with no prior involvement in the exercise of energy citizenship, and another for those with experience in energy activism. We highlight the scientific basis of the toolkit, detailing its components and demonstrating its application in fostering energy citizenship empowerment. The tool aims to equip users with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in sustainable energy transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Digital Education for Reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs))

18 pages, 535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Humanizing AI in Service Workplaces: Exploring Supervisor Support as a Moderator in HPWSs

by Temitope Ayodeji Atoyebi and Joshua Sopuru

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7892; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177892 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded within service-oriented High-Performance Work Systems (HPWSs), understanding its implications for employee well-being and organizational sustainability is critical. This study examines the relationship between AI service quality and job satisfaction, considering the mediating effect of perceived organizational [...] Read more.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded within service-oriented High-Performance Work Systems (HPWSs), understanding its implications for employee well-being and organizational sustainability is critical. This study examines the relationship between AI service quality and job satisfaction, considering the mediating effect of perceived organizational justice and the moderating influence of supervisor support. Drawing on the ISS model, equity, organizational justice, and Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) theory, data were collected from a diverse sample of service sector employees through a cross-sectional design. The findings indicate that higher AI service quality significantly enhances job satisfaction, particularly in environments with strong supervisor support. Contrary to expectations, perceived organizational justice did not mediate the AI-satisfaction link, suggesting that perceived organizational justice constructs may be less influential in AI-mediated contexts. Instead, supervisor support emerged as a key contextual enabler, strengthening employees’ positive perceptions and emotional responses to AI systems. These results emphasize that technological optimization alone is insufficient for building sustainable service workplaces. Effective leadership and human-centered practices remain essential to fostering trust, satisfaction, and long-term engagement in digitally transforming organizations. This study offers practical and theoretical insights into integrating AI and human resource strategies in support of socially sustainable service systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Employee-Centric Approaches to Sustainable Tourism Development, Hospitality, and Tourist Satisfaction)

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29 pages, 5279 KB

Open AccessArticle

Technical and Economic Approaches to Design Net-Zero Energy Factories: A Case Study of a German Carpentry Factory

by Pio Alessandro Lombardi

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177891 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

As many German SMEs approach the end of their photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff period, the challenge of maintaining economic viability for these installations intensifies. This study addresses the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources (iRES) into production processes by proposing a method to [...] Read more.

As many German SMEs approach the end of their photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff period, the challenge of maintaining economic viability for these installations intensifies. This study addresses the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources (iRES) into production processes by proposing a method to identify and exploit industrial flexibility. A detailed case study of a German carpentry factory designed as a Net-Zero Energy Factory (NZEF) illustrates the approach, combining energy monitoring with blockchain technology to enhance transparency and traceability. Flexibility is exploited through a three-layer control system involving passive operator guidance, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. The installation of a 40 kWh battery raises self-consumption from 50 to 70%, saving approximately EUR 4270 annually. However, this alone does not offset the investment. Blockchain-based transparency adds economic value by enabling premium pricing, potentially increasing revenue by up to 10%. This dual benefit supports the financial case for NZEFs. The framework is replicable and particularly relevant for low-automation industries, offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a viable pathway to decarbonization. The results align with the European Clean Industrial Deal, demonstrating how digitalization and industrial flexibility can reinforce competitiveness, sustainability, and digital trust in Europe’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Environmental Sustainability: The Development of Green Industry)

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21 pages, 5766 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Prediction of Land Use and Landscape Ecological Risks in the Henan Section of the Yellow River Basin

by Lu Zhang, Jiaqi Han, Jiayi Xu, Wenjie Yang, Bin Peng and Mingcan Wei

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7890; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177890 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

To accurately grasp the land and ecological dynamics in the Henan section of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and provide detailed local data for the ecological protection of the YRB, this article takes the Henan segment within the YRB as the research area, [...] Read more.

To accurately grasp the land and ecological dynamics in the Henan section of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and provide detailed local data for the ecological protection of the YRB, this article takes the Henan segment within the YRB as the research area, explores the spatio-temporal evolution of land use (LU) and landscape ecological risks (LERS), and predicts LU and LERS under various scenarios in the future based on the PLUS model. We found that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, object types in research area were given priority with cultivated land, forest land, and construction land, with construction land and cultivated land experiencing the largest changes of 5.71% and −6.34%, respectively. Changes in other land types varied within a ±3% range. The expansion of construction land principally encroached upon cultivated land, indicating significant urban sprawl. (2) The high-ecological-risk areas were clustered in the area centered in Zhengzhou, and the low-ecological-risk areas were distributed in the edge of the study area. As risk levels increased, the risk center gradually shifted towards the central regions, particularly around Luoyang and at the junction of Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Jiaozuo. (3) The LU status in 2030 was projected using the PLUS model under three varied scenarios. The Kappa coefficient of the model was 0.81, and the overall accuracy was about 88.13%. Cultivated land, forest land, and construction land still accounted for the main part, and the area of cultivated land and construction land changed significantly. Based on this analysis of LERS prediction, the distribution of risk levels in different scenarios was different, but in general, high-ecological-risk areas and higher-ecological-risk areas accounted for the main part, while the study area’s edges were where low-ecological-risk zones were situated. Research can offer scientific and technological support for the sensible utilization and administration of resources, along with the protection of the ecological environment and regional sustainable development. Full article

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28 pages, 3460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contributing to Responsible Tuna Management in the Indian Ocean: Updating Catch Reporting for the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea

by Dario Pinello, Ahmed Esmaeil Alsayed Alhashmi, Nicola Ferri, Duncan Leadbitter, Mohamed Hasan Ali Al Marzooqi, Mohamed Abdulla Ahmed Almusallami, Sultan Rashed Al Ali, Shamsa Mohamed Al Hameli, Franklin Francis and Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7889; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177889 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a long history and tradition in fishing, yet its role in regional tuna management remains yet to be fully defined. This is the case specifically of tuna species, such as yellowfin, which are highly migratory and require [...] Read more.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a long history and tradition in fishing, yet its role in regional tuna management remains yet to be fully defined. This is the case specifically of tuna species, such as yellowfin, which are highly migratory and require coordinated efforts in the context of a corresponding international governance framework, particularly in ecologically important areas like the Northern Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman. Data collection and species identification present significant complexities for these species, yet accuracy is crucial for effective conservation and fair allocation of management shares. Although UAE fisheries are partly within the area of competence of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the country has only recently begun to give consideration to the process toward participating in this Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) which, in turn, would provide for the relevant governance framework for the species examined in this paper. This paper explores the factors behind these developments and assesses their implications for regional tuna management. Based on scientific sampling, we developed estimates of past landing volumes and propose mechanisms for ensuring data collection instrumental to an informed participation by the UAE in the regional tuna management framework under the IOTC. Finally, we explored the implications that this development would have under public international law, departing from the traditional principle “ex facto oritur ius” (Latin: the law arises from facts), which embodies the notion that certain legal consequences attach to particular developments. With regard to the specific developments being addressed by this paper, there could be certain legal consequences for UAE; following the reconstruction of landings and the enhancement of international datasets, we postulate that there would be legal ground for UAE to exercise historical fishing rights and seek a potential allocation of quotas within the framework of IOTC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building a Healthy Marine Environment: A Conservation Biology Perspective)

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