Search Results (92)

This study explores the relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, economic growth (EG), and ecological footprint (EF) in Poland’s top 18 energy-importing countries from 2000 to 2022. While the energy-growth-environment nexus is well-studied, limited attention has been paid to how a single major energy-exporting country influences sustainability in its trade partners, a gap this study aims to fill. A panel dataset was constructed using five key variables: real GDP per capita, Poland’s fuel exports, ecological footprint per capita, renewable energy consumption, and primary energy consumption per capita. Methodologically, the study employs panel cointegration techniques, including FMOL and DOLS estimators for long-run analysis, as well as the VECM and Granger causality tests for the short run. The study’s main contribution lies in its novel focus on Poland’s export influence and the application of advanced econometric models to examine long-run and short-run effects. Results indicate a stable long-run cointegration relationship. Specifically, a 1% increase in renewable energy use is associated with a 0.0219% rise in GDP per capita. Additionally, Poland’s fuel exports and ecological footprint positively impact growth, whereas primary energy use is statistically insignificant. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers in Poland and its trading partners aiming to align energy trade with sustainability goals. Full article

Italy is a global top wine producer, with emphasis on high-quality wines. This study investigates the Carbon Footprint (CF), Water Footprint (WF), and Ecological Footprint (EF) of twelve red wine producers in Piedmont, Northern Italy. The analysis was based on a 0.75 L wine bottle as functional unit (FU). Twelve producers were interviewed and given questionnaires, which made it possible to gather primary data for the environmental evaluation that described vineyard and agricultural operations and wine production. The average CF was 0.88 ± 0.3 kg ${CO}_{2eq},$ with 44% of CF associated with the glass bottle, 20% to the diesel fuel fed to the agricultural machines, 32% to electricity consumption, and 4% to other contributions. The average WF was 881 ± 252.4 L, with 98% Green WF due to evapotranspiration, and 2% Blue and Grey WF. The average EF was 81.3 ± 57.2 global ha, 73% ascribed to the vineyard area and 27% to CO₂ assimilation. The obtained CF and WF values align with existing literature, while no comparison is possible for the EF data, which are previously unknown. To reduce the environmental impacts of wine production, actions like using recycled glass bottles, electric agricultural machines and renewable energy can help. However, high-quality wine production in Piedmont is deeply rooted in tradition and mostly managed by small producers. Further research should investigate the social acceptance of such actions, and policies supporting economic incentives could be key enablers. Full article

The educational value of the Ecological Footprint (EF) lies in its ability to facilitate the identification and quantification of individuals’ environmental impacts, stemming from their daily habits and lifestyles, while also supporting the achievement of the 2030 sustainability goals. This study aimed to enhance primary school students’ understanding of their EF through the implementation of specially designed educational materials based on the Greek online EF calculator. A 10 h teaching intervention (TI) on EF was designed and carried out with 112 primary school students aged 10–12 years. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using a specially developed questionnaire. The results showed a statistically significant increase in students’ scores from the pre-test to the post-test regarding their understanding of the EF concept. When each EF category was examined individually, the most statistically significant differences were recorded in the categories of Infrastructure/Housing, Goods/Services, and Waste. These findings suggest that primary school students’ understanding of the EF can be effectively improved through a well-structured teaching intervention. This conclusion holds value not only for education for sustainable development (ESD), but also more broadly, in an era where understanding and embracing sustainability is a top priority for all modern educational institutions. Full article

The sustainable development of the Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration (GPUA), which is a pivotal Belt and Road hub, is critical for achieving the UN’s 17 SDGs. Based on the ecological footprint (EF) model, this study innovatively constructs a three-dimensional framework integrating natural and human-made capital, using the Gini coefficient and spatiotemporal analysis to evaluate resource allocation fairness in the GPUA from 2005 to 2022. Key findings include the following: (1) EF and GDP grew continuously at annual rates of 11.43% and 11.87%, while ecological carrying capacity (EC) stabilized, pushing the GPUA toward its ecological threshold under the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Moreover, the increasing Ecological Pressure Index (EPI) shows that after 2014, the GPUA has trended toward “extremely unsafe” status. (2) The ecological carrying capacity Gini coefficient (G₁, 0.1710–0.6060) fluctuated significantly, while the economic contribution Gini coefficient (G₂, 0.1039–0.3519) showed a narrow upward trend; since 2015, the comprehensive Gini (G < 0.4) indicates that the EF aligns with its EC and economic contribution. (3) The GPUA shows fair resource allocation. Tongchuan, Baoji, and Xianyang are low economic contribution and high ecological contribution; Xi’an and Yangling Demonstration Zone are high economic contribution and low ecological contribution; Weinan is low ecological contribution and low economic contribution. These findings provide critical insights for hub urban agglomerations to achieve the 17 SDGs through fair ecological resource allocation and sustainable development. Full article

Achieving environmental sustainability in the G20 requires aligning economic growth with effective policy interventions. This study examines the role of financial technology (FNT), environmental legislation (ENL), and institutional quality (INQ) in reducing the ecological footprint (EF), while also assessing the adverse impacts of natural resource extractions (NRS) and economic expansion. Using CS-ARDL on panel data from 2000 to 2022, the study confirms cross-sectional interdependence and long-term cointegration through CIPS, CADF, and Westerlund tests. The findings reveal that FNT, ENL, and INQ significantly mitigate EF, whereas NRS and economic growth exacerbate it. Robustness is validated through the AMG and CCEMG methods, with ANN models reinforcing the results. The Dumitrescu–Hurlin test establishes a bidirectional link between NRS, economic growth, and EF, while FNT, ENL, and INQ exert a unidirectional influence on sustainability. These insights underscore the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, green fintech integration, and governance reforms to drive sustainable economic transitions in G20 economies. Full article

Water resources are considered to be of paramount importance to the natural world on a global scale, being critical for the sustenance of ecosystems, the support of life, and the achievement of sustainable development. However, these resources are under threat from climate change, population growth, urbanization and pollution. This necessitates the development of robust and effective assessment methods to ensure their sustainable use. Although assessing the ecological footprint (EF) of urban water systems plays a critical role in advancing sustainable cities and managing water assets, existing research has largely overlooked the application of geospatial visualization techniques in evaluating resource allocation strategies within karst mountain watersheds, an oversight this study aims to correct through innovative methodological integration. This research establishes an evaluation framework for predicting water resource availability in Guizhou through the synergistic application of three methodologies: (1) the water-based ecological accounting framework (WEF), (2) ecosystem service thresholds defined by the water ecological carrying capacity of water resources (WECC) thresholds, and (3) composite sustainability metrics, all correlated with contemporary hydrological utilization profiles. Spatiotemporal patterns were quantified across the province’s nine administrative divisions during the 2013–2022 period through time-series analysis, with subsequent WEF projections for 2023–2027 generated via Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) temporal forecasting techniques. Full article

The challenges of limited cropland resources and ecological degradation in grain-producing areas were addressed in this study within the broader context of China’s ecological civilization and dual carbon goals. An integrated framework was employed, applying the three-dimensional ecological footprint (EF_3d) model, enhanced by carbon footprint improvement, to assess cropland at the provincial, municipal, and county levels. The analysis indicated a rise in both carbon absorption and emissions, resulting in a carbon surplus. Since 1984, chemical fertilizers have been identified as the predominant source of carbon emissions. Carbon absorption was found to vary distinctly among the four crops. Additionally, carbon fluxes displayed notable spatial and temporal variability. The ecological deficit persisted, showing distinct spatial clustering. Moreover, the cropland ecological footprint breadth (EF_size) was found to exhibit a pattern of decrease–increase–decrease, while cropland occupation remained high. The ecological footprint depth (EF_depth) consistently surpassed the threshold of 1. Spatially, the distribution pattern of cropland EF_size was opposite to that of EF_depth; the centroid of per capita cropland EF_depth underwent a significant spatial shift. The cropland EF_3d was observed to experience a downward trend, with considerable regional disparities. Furthermore, unsustainable use of cropland was observed across multiple scales. This research provides an empirical foundation for promoting advancing ecological agriculture and sustainable cropland use practices. Full article

The aim of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between renewable energy consumption and the ecological footprint (EF), using Denmark as a case study, based on data covering the period from 1990 to 2020. In examining this relationship, the roles of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries value-added; economic growth; and financial development are also explored. The analysis, conducted using fractional frequency Fourier approaches, considers the presence of structural breaks. The results reveal a negative relationship between renewable energy consumption and EF, while a positive relationship is found between agricultural, forestry, and fisheries value-added; economic growth; and financial development with the EF. According to the causality analysis, a unidirectional causality is detected from renewable energy consumption to the EF. These findings highlight the potential impact of renewable energy on EF and emphasize the importance of integrating green energy investments and renewable fuel usage into strategies aimed at reducing the EF. Full article

A land-grant university in the Southeastern U.S. has integrated sustainability into an environmental science course (ES100, Introduction to Environmental Science). Two assignments—calculating ecological footprints (EF) and designing a Lifestyle Change Project (LCP)—ask students to consider their environmental impact (EF) and make a lifestyle change to reduce their ecological footprints (LCP). However, these two aspects have been evaluated separately, and assessing their connectivity is less explored. Here, we utilized data from the course to (1) assess the size of students’ EFs; (2) identify Lifestyle Change Projects; and (3) evaluate the relationship between EF and their lifestyle changes. Results showed that the average EF was 7.3 global hectares (gha), which is three times higher than the global average of 2.6 gha. Students performed lifestyle changes focusing on shelter (26%), food (15%), mobility (13%), and goods (46%). Generally, students planned to focus their LCP on their highest calculated category for their EF (R² = 0.88, p < 0.05). Surprisingly, this alignment shifted once students put their LCPs into practice (R² = 0.44, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that attitudes toward EF results do not always translate into actual behavioral changes in students’ lifestyles. Our study highlighted the effectiveness of the EF calculator as a tool for potentially influencing students’ lifestyle behavior in reducing their ecological footprints, thus enhancing their ecological literacy. Full article

This study incorporated ecological footprint (EF) consumption into a framework to assess ecological well-being. A model and implementation framework for characterizing regional net ecological well-being were then developed. Using the Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration (GPUA) as a case study, land use data from 2000 to 2020 were utilized to calculate the ecosystem service value (ESV), representing the supply side of regional ecological functions. Simultaneously, the regional EF consumption was assessed as the demand side. Taking into account the level of regional economic development and the characteristics of people’s living, a regional net ecological well-being evaluation model was constructed to arrive at a deficit or surplus ecological situation. The results indicated that: (1) The overall ESV of the GPUA follows a trend of initial growth followed by a decline. Woodland, grassland, and farmland are the main contributors to the total ESV, with regulating and supporting services accounting for more than 80% of the total ecosystem value. (2) EF consumption in the GPUA shows a significant upward trend, increasing by over 70% on average. The level of ecological carrying capacity has slightly increased, with the biologically productive area that can support human activities expanding to 1909.49 million hectares. Additionally, the carrying capacity of the urban agglomeration cities has tended to stabilize since 2015. (3) Since 2010, anthropogenic consumption in the GPUA has continued to exceed the regional ecological capacity, resulting in an ecological well-being deficit. The average ecological well-being compensation per hectare in the urban agglomeration increased from 35.588 CNY to 187.110 CNY. This study offers a theoretical foundation for expanding the definition and research framework of regional ecological well-being by providing a more accurate assessment of regional ecological service supply and consumption at multiple scales. It is expected that this approach will help reduce the opportunity costs associated with ecological protection, while promoting a balanced approach to economic development and ecological preservation. Full article

Ecological carrying capacity (ECC) is a crucial indicator for assessing sustainable development capabilities. However, mountain ecosystems possess unique complexities due to their diverse topography, high biodiversity, and fragile ecological environments. Addressing the current shortcomings in mountain ECC assessments, this paper proposes a novel hybrid evaluation framework that integrates improved ecological footprint (EF) and ecosystem service value (ESV) approaches with spatial econometric models. This framework allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes and driving factors of the mountain ecological carrying capacity index (ECCI), using Pingbian County as a case study. The results indicate the following: (1) Land use changes and biodiversity exert varying impacts on the ECCI across different regions. The ECCI decreased by 42% from 2003 to 2021 (from 4.41 to 2.54), exhibiting significant spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity. (2) The ecological service value coefficient is the main factor increasing the ECCI, while the energy consumption value and per capita consumption value inhibited the increase in the ECCI. For every 1% increase in the ecosystem service value coefficient, the ECCI increased by 0.66%, whereas every 1% increase in energy consumption value and per capita consumption value reduced the ECCI by 0.18% and 0.28%, respectively. (3) The overall spatial distribution pattern of the ECCI is primarily “southwest to northeast”, with the distance of centroid migration expanding over time. Based on these key findings, implementing differentiated land use practices and ecological restoration measures can effectively enhance the mountain ECCI, providing scientific support for the sustainable management of mountain areas. Full article

In recent years, the integration of industrial robotics has emerged as a powerful tool in reshaping industries by enhancing production efficiency, reducing waste generation, and optimizing resource utilization. However, industrial robotics, particularly in manufacturing and production, require significant energy that can potentially impact on environmental quality. Despite the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-based industrial robotics, there is a paucity of literature on the impact of industrial robotics on the ecological footprint (EF), particularly in the context of advanced economies. In this context, this study aims to investigate the impact of industrial robotics, resource efficiency, energy transition, and geopolitical risk EF in G7 countries from 1993 to 2021. The study employed advanced econometric techniques, including Kernel-based Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) machine learning methods. The results unveiled that industrial robotics significantly curtail environmental degradation by impeding the EF. Resource efficiency and energy transition posed a significant and negative impact on the EF. Geopolitical risks and economic growth exacerbate the EF. Based on the results, the study proposes important policy implications for achieving sustainable development. Full article

Environmental challenges have intensified as a result of global warming and climate change, creating significant threats to environmental quality. The member nations of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are especially impacted by these issues, primarily because of their reliance on fossil fuels, leading to elevated carbon emissions. This study examines the influence of natural resources, renewable energy, technological innovation, and globalization on environmental degradation in five OTS member countries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan—covering the years 1996 to 2020. The ecological footprint and CO₂ emissions are employed as the main indicators of environmental harm. Through the application of the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), the findings reveal that natural resources significantly contribute to CO₂ emissions in the lower quantiles but show a lesser impact on the ecological footprint. Conversely, renewable energy consistently improves environmental quality across all quantiles, whereas technological innovation and globalization are both associated with increased environmental degradation. Additionally, the causality test reveals a bidirectional causality between renewable energy consumption and both CO₂ emissions and the ecological footprint (EF), as well as between technological innovation and EF. Moreover, a unidirectional causal relationship is observed from globalization to EF. Based on the findings, policy recommendations for OTS member states include promoting the adoption of renewable energy, fostering green technological innovations, and addressing the negative environmental effects of globalization. Such measures are vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. Full article

Cultivated land ecological compensation (CLEC) is an important way to solve regional development imbalance and cultivated land problems, and the scientific quantification of the ecological value of cultivated land is the key to CLEC. This study quantified the total amount and urgency of CLEC in China’s main grain-producing region using the cropland ecological footprint (EF) and ecosystem service value (ESV) methods. Furthermore, this study analyzed the comprehensive zoning of CLEC considering natural and economic development. The results showed that the spatial distribution of EFs and the ecological carrying capacity of cultivated land in Henan Province are similar, presenting the spatial characteristics of being high in the southeast and low in the northwest; the cultivated land in most of the counties and districts is in a state of ecological surplus, and the cultivated land resources are sufficient to support their own consumption needs. Henan Province as a whole is an ecologically compensated region, with a compensation amount of CNY 1.39 billion, and the total amount of compensation is in a positive value of 94.94%. The Southwest Yu and North Yu economic zone of Henan are the areas of high and low values of cultivated land compensation. The priority compensation region is the most extensive and widely distributed type in the five regions of Henan Province, accounting for 55% of the counties and districts. The degree of compensation is most urgent in the Huanghuai, Southwest Yu, and North Yu economic zones. This study’s findings provide new ideas for the development of differentiated ecological compensation policies, and provide references for the participation of multiple market participants and the diversification of compensation forms. Full article

Mountain town ecosystems are fragile and highly susceptible to the impacts of human activities and ecological imbalances. This study aimed to improve the traditional ecological footprint (EF) model by incorporating expanded land functions, localised factors, and temporal continuity. Using Lushan County in Sichuan Province as a case study, we calculated spatial and temporal changes from 2009 to 2022 and evaluated sustainable development through four indicators: ecological pressure, ecological sustainability, ecological occupation, and ecological–economic coordination. The results show that from 2009 to 2022, the per capita ecological carbon footprint in Lushan County decreased by 48%, and the ecological carrying capacity declined by 9%. Despite a more than 73% reduction in the ecological surplus, indicating gradual ecological recovery, Lushan County remains in an ecological deficit state with increasing ecological unsustainability. Only forest land is in an ecological surplus state among the six land use categories, while all other categories are in ecological deficit states. Regarding ecological sustainability assessment, Lushan County’s overall land use is in a strong sustainability state, with the sustainable development index gradually improving. However, ecological–economic coordination remains poor, with a high ecological occupation index and significant ecological pressure, indicating an imbalance between economic development and ecosystem protection. For future sustainable development in mountainous areas, Lushan County should focus on reducing the ecological carbon footprint and enhancing the ecological carrying capacity. These research findings provide valuable insights and methodological references for the sustainable development of mountain towns. Full article