Search Results (64)

Despite the growing popularity of organic foods, research on their effects on human health, particularly regarding cancer and diabetes, remains limited. While some studies suggest potential health benefits, others yield conflicting results or lack sufficient evidence to draw conclusions. Understanding the causal relationship between organic food consumption and health outcomes is challenging, especially with limited datasets. Our study examines the correlation between organic food consumption and the prevalence of cancer and diabetes in European nations over time. We compared these findings with data from 100 Italian citizens regarding their perceptions of organic food’s health benefits collected through a novel questionnaire. To identify patterns, we applied Affinity Propagation clustering to group countries based on organic food consumption and disease prevalence. We also created an animated map to visualize cluster progression over time and used the Global Multiplexity Index to evaluate consistency. Our analysis revealed two subgroups of European countries exhibiting significant similarities in organic food consumption and health outcomes. The clustering analysis performed year-by-year on three variables across European nations using the Affinity Propagation algorithm revealed that two clusters consistently maximized the Global Multiplexity Index over time. The first cluster included Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, while the second comprised Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Greece, and Russia. These clusters displayed distinct trends concerning sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to organic farming and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, mapping SDG indicators along with geographic and socio-economic factors supported our findings. Moreover, we introduced a novel dataset and offered insights into both the European context and the Italian scenario, contributing to further research on organic food’s impact on public health. Full article

Renewable energy development is paramount in supporting the transition to a cleaner environment through green transition policies. Thus, policies and measures that support renewable energy development are fundamental. To this end, studies that examine how renewable energy development is achieved have been performed, but the role of research and development, which is crucial in fostering technological innovations and the role of investment in energy in achieving renewable energy development, is lacking. Therefore, this research was employed to investigate the role of research and development and investment in energy in the BRICS economies. The data of the BRICS economies were used for the period from 2000 to 2021. This study used the ‘Methods of Moments Quantile Regression’ to ensure robust findings are presented, hence informing policies that are crucial in achieving environmental sustainability through using renewable energy in the BRICS economies. Major findings showed that investment in energy, research and development, economic growth, and the overall inflation rate raised RE use in the BRICS countries. Oil rent, financial development, and institutional quality reduced RE development. This research suggests the adoption of vigorous policies that ensure financial resources are channeled toward financing the development of RE in the BRICS economies. Through supporting investment in energy and research and development, the BRICS economies can achieve the goal of sustainable carbon neutrality. Full article

Economic growth and environmental sustainability represent two critical components of sustainable development. This study analyzed the impacts of China’s international economic circulation (IC) on value added and carbon emissions, using a global value chain accounting framework, seeking to answer how to achieve the dual goals of economic growth and carbon emissions reductions through IC routes: traditional, simple, and complex international economic circulations (TIC, SIC, CIC). The major findings are as follows: (1) The contribution of China’s IC to the domestic economy has decreased since 2008, while its contribution to foreign economies continues to increase. Exports mainly promote domestic economic growth through TIC, while imports mainly promote foreign economic growth through SIC. (2) The carbon emissions embodied in China’s IC through exports are 2.1–4.5 times higher than those in imports. The impact of SIC on the embodied carbon emissions in exports is higher than that in imports, while the impact of CIC in exports is equivalent to that in imports. (3) Although China is a net exporter of carbon emissions, through certain routes, China’s bilateral trade with countries such as Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and Russia are conducive to China’s carbon emissions reductions. These findings provide scientific evidence for the design of trade and carbon emissions mitigation policies. Full article

The number of studies on submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and the evidence of its significance in biogeochemical cycling and potential impacts on the chemical and ecological status of coastal waters is increasing globally. Here, we briefly present SGD studies from the Baltic Sea identified along the coastlines of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Russia in the southwestern, southern and north–northeastern parts of the Baltic Sea. We introduce a digital SGD map viewer and information platform enabling easy overview and access to information on identified SGD sites in the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea. SGDs potentially transport critical pollutants from urban and agricultural areas on land to the marine environment. The pollutants include nutrients, dissolved organic and inorganic carbon, metals, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants, potentially harming marine ecosystems and biodiversity and possibly contributing to the poor chemical or ecological status of coastal waters, affecting human and environmental health. We focus on case studies from Finland, Germany, Poland and Denmark that include the results and interpretations from the applied geochemical, geophysical and geological methods, as well as bionic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for locating, investigating, modelling and visualizing SGD sites in 2D and 3D. The potential Pan-European or even global SGD information platform established within the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI) enables the easy combination and comparison of map layers such as seabed sediment types and coastal habitats. The EGDI map viewer provides easy access to information from SGD studies and may serve as an entry point to relevant information on SGDs, including contents of pollutants, for the scientific community and policy-makers. The information potentially includes the results of model simulations, data from near real-time sensors at permanently installed monitoring stations and surveys in time and space conducted by AUVs. The presented digital SGD information platform is particularly pertinent to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Full article

The motivation for this research stems from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDGs 7, 11, 12, and 13, which focus on the mitigation of climate change and sustainable economic development. This study examined the impact of renewable energy use, institutional quality, and production expansion on consumption-based carbon dioxide (CCO₂) emissions in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1996 to 2020. To achieve this, we applied advanced econometric techniques, including second-generation cointegration and unit root tests, along with the novel panel method of moments quantile regression (MMQR). The Westerlund cointegration test confirmed the presence of a long-run co-movement among renewable energy usage, economic growth, institutional quality, and environmental quality, suggesting a stable equilibrium relationship between these variables. The results from MMQR reveal that GDP has a positive and statistically significant effect on CCO₂ emissions across all quantiles, indicating that economic expansion contributes to environmental degradation. In contrast, renewable energy consumption and institutional quality show negative and significant impacts on CCO₂ emissions, indicating their mitigating effect on environmental deterioration. As a robustness check, the findings from fixed-effect OLS (FE-OLS), generalized method of moments (GMM), and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimations broadly confirm the results of MMQR. These findings underscore the importance of renewable energy consumption and strong institutional frameworks in promoting environmental sustainability. Full article

Energy is often described as the lifeblood of a nation’s economy, and the world energy trilemma calls for collaboration and innovative solutions at the national level. This is where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a crucial role, helping integrate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the challenges posed by the energy trilemma. Europe’s strong commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy is evident in its response to geopolitical changes and climate targets. Notably, the Baltic States have taken decisive action in response to the war in Ukraine, choosing to completely halt electricity imports from Russia and Belarus. This shift was supported by increased energy imports via interconnectors from Finland, Sweden, and Poland, with electricity imports rising to 13,053 GWh—an increase of 2.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Latvia, which holds the highest green energy potential in the Baltic Sea region, has nevertheless lagged behind its Baltic counterparts in terms of implementation. In 2021, Latvia ranked third among European Union (EU) countries for renewable energy share in final energy consumption, with 42.1%, significantly higher than the EU average of 21.8%. However, further progress is needed to meet Latvia’s 2030 target of 14% renewable energy use in transport. The Baltic States aim to produce 98–100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The Baltic States should be regarded as a unified energy system, with a coordinated strategy for achieving sustainable energy development through collaboration and joint planning. This analysis highlights the complexities of managing energy markets amidst global and regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of well-designed public interventions to secure long-term benefits. The study concludes with a call for enhanced interagency cooperation to reform ESD and create a new interdisciplinary sector dedicated to “Sustainable Development”. Full article

The 21st century is a time of rapid development, marked by technological advances, globalization, and international cooperation. It is also a period that has witnessed numerous global crises. In light of recent events, such as the migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is crucial to consider how to ensure economic stability and enhance the security of the transportation sector in the face of emerging threats. The goal of this publication is to identify the latest solutions in sustainable transportation development and to highlight their relevance in the context of potential global crises. To achieve this, a systematic review of the current research on transportation industry innovations was conducted using 4 different databases, yielding 492 results. From these, 223 publications were selected for analysis based on established criteria. The selected transport solutions were grouped into specific categories, and then their relevance in the context of global crises was discussed. The findings highlighted key solutions essential for economic stability and transport sector safety in potential crisis situations, while also pointing to further research directions. Additionally, they offer actionable concepts for transport organizers to promote a more resilient and sustainable flow of passengers and goods in anticipation of future crises. Full article

This study aims to establish an accurate hybrid model for predicting residential daily carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, offering essential theoretical insights and data support for decision-makers in the construction industry. A hybrid model named CRLPSO-LSTM was proposed, which integrates an enhanced particle swarm optimization (CRLPSO) algorithm with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network. The CRLPSO algorithm enhances population quality, diversity, and global search efficiency by introducing improved circle chaotic mapping, optimizing worst mutations, and incorporating the Lévy flight strategy. The performance of the CRLPSO algorithm was rigorously evaluated using 23 internationally recognized standard test functions. Subsequently, the CRLPSO algorithm was employed to optimize the parameters of the LSTM model. Experimental validation was performed on three datasets from China, the United States, and Russia, each exhibiting distinct emissions characteristics: China with high emissions and high volatility, the United States with medium emissions and medium volatility, and Russia with low emissions and low volatility. The results indicate that the CRLPSO-LSTM hybrid model outperformed other hybrid models in predicting residential daily CO₂ emissions, as demonstrated by superior R², MAE, and MSE metrics. This study underscores the effectiveness and broad applicability of the CRLPSO-LSTM hybrid model, offering a robust theoretical foundation and data support for advancing the sustainable development goals. Full article

This study analyzes OECD input–output data and UNCTAD database information to assess the impact of Sino-Russian digital trade on China’s position in the global value chain (GVC). The findings indicate that digital trade between China and Russia enhances China’s GVC status, especially in technology-intensive manufacturing sectors, while its impact is less pronounced in non-technology-intensive sectors. The digitalization level of the service industry significantly influences its effectiveness, with stronger effects in sectors that are less digitally mature. Mechanism analysis reveals that Sino-Russian digital trade boosts GVC positions through effective technology transfer, increased capital stock, and optimized human resources. Based on theoretical and empirical analyses, deepening the digitization of the manufacturing sector, expanding the layout of digital industries, strengthening Sino-Russian digital trade cooperation, and promoting the development of a digital “Belt and Road” initiative are beneficial for enhancing China’s position in the GVC and enhancing overall prosperity. These strategies not only enhance global competitiveness but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development by fostering economic resilience and innovation. Full article

The purpose of this paper was to reveal the influence of the support of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) on the financial risks of responsible universities in Russia. This paper fills the gap in the literature that exists regarding the unknown consequences of SDGs’ support by responsible Russian universities concerning their financial risks. Based on the experience of the top 30 most responsible Russian universities in 2023, we used regression analysis to compile a model for their financial risk management. This model mathematically describes the cause-and-effect relationships of financial risk management in responsible Russian universities. This paper offers a new approach to financial risk management in responsible Russian universities. In it, financial risks to Russian universities are reduced due to universities accepting responsibility for state and private investors. A feature of the new approach is that the effective use of university funds is ensured not by cost savings but by the support of the SDGs. The potential for a reduction in financial risk in responsible universities in Russia through alternative approaches to financial risk management was disclosed. The proposed new approach can potentially raise (to a large extent) the aggregate incomes of responsible universities in Russia compared to the existing approach. The main conclusion is that the existing approach to financial risk management in Russian universities is based on low-efficiency managerial measures which risk burdening universities. This burden could be prevented with the newly developed approach to financial risk management in responsible universities in Russia through support of the SDGs. The theoretical significance lies in clarifying the specific list of the SDGs whose support makes the largest contribution to reducing financial risks for the universities—namely, SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 9. The practical significance is that the new approach will allow for full disclosure of the potential reduction in financial risks in responsible universities in Russia in the Decade of Action (2020–2030). The managerial significance is as follows: the proposed recommendations will allow improved financial risk management in Russian universities through optimization of the support of the SDGs. Full article

This study aims to analyze the drivers behind price changes in agricultural products in Türkiye from 2002 to 2021, considering the impacts of three crises of different causes which are the global food crisis, the Russia–Türkiye aircraft crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential factors are categorized into four subgroups: governmental effects, agricultural inputs, macroeconomic indicators, and climatic conditions. The selected agricultural goods for price change measurement include wheat and maize representing subsistence goods, and olive oil and cotton as marketing goods. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is applied to observe both the short- and long-term impacts of the variables on price developments. The results suggest that government effectiveness, regulatory quality, nitrogen use, water price, money supply, exchange rate, and GDP under the related categories are the most effective factors in price changes. Among the variables under the category of climatic conditions, significant values are obtained only in the analysis of the temperature impact on olive oil. The analysis also reveals the variable impact of crises on the prices of the chosen products, depending on the goods involved. The maize and wheat analyses yield particularly noteworthy results. In the long run, nitrogen use demonstrates a substantial positive impact, registering at 29% for wheat and 19.47% for maize, respectively. Conversely, GDP exhibits a significant negative impact, with 26.15% and 20.08%. Short-term observations reveal that a unit increase in the governmental effect leads to a reduction in inflation for these products by 17.01% and 21.42%. However, changes in regulatory quality result in an increase in inflation by 25.45% and 20.77% for these products, respectively. Full article

Nuclear fusion is understood as an energy reaction that does not emit greenhouse gases, and it has been considered as a long-term source of low-carbon electricity that is favourable to curtail rapid climate change. Fusion offers a pathway to resolve energy security and the unequal distribution of energy resources since seawater is its ultimate fuel source and a few grams of fuel can generate mega kilowatts of power. The development and testing of new materials and technologies are unceasing to achieve the net fusion energy through national and international collaboration as well as private partnerships. The ever-growing number of research works report various designs and magnet-based fusion devices, such as stellarators, lasers, and tokamaks. This article provides an overview on the utilization of nuclear energy as a clean energy source, as well as the strategies and progress towards establishing successful commercial fusion energy to the grid and transition to a reliable clean energy source. The overview focuses on the fusion nuclear development in five major countries, UK, US, China, Japan, and Russia. Identified technical and financial challenges are also described at the end of this article. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has been an international reference program for fusion energy development and most developed countries with nuclear development capacity are aiming to complete their in-house fusion energy facilities in parallel to ITER. Many fusion programs are finishing the conceptual design and shifting into the phase of engineering design for the planned DEMO fusion facilities. The significant challenges were identified from the perspective of device efficiency and robustness, sustainable funding, and facility maintenance and safety, which must be addressed diligently to realize fusion energy as alternative clean energy that mitigates climate change and supports the goals of energy security. Full article

The global food trade network (FTN) is a critical infrastructure for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FTN’s vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts, public health crises, and climate change events directly impacts food security and the ability to meet the SDGs. This study aims to analyze the dynamic evolution of the vulnerability of FTN, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2022, to aim for strategies for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the global food system. Based on complex network analysis, we examine the structural characteristics and evolution of FTN for four major crops: soybeans, wheat, rice, and maize. We identify a trend towards increased network density and regionalization, with a decline in average shortest path length (ASPL) and an increase in the average clustering coefficient (ACC). These changes indicate a shift towards a more interconnected and resilient FTN in response to various shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The findings suggest that the global FTN has adapted to increase resilience, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to food security and sustainable development. The study’s insights can guide policy interventions to further strengthen the network against future shocks and promote global food security. Full article

The development of global transport infrastructure is a crucial aspect of economic growth and prosperity. In this study, the main trends in the development of global transport infrastructure are analyzed, with a focus on the state and trends in the functioning of the national transport infrastructure of the Russian Federation. By identifying key problems and determinants of financial growth, a preliminary decomposition is made to guide future development. Proceeding from the fact that the innovative development of Russia’s transport infrastructure should occur through state stimulation of the development of intellectual and partnership relationships and the formation of a digital environment for managing projects for its innovative transformation at the state level, this study identifies the goals, methods, and levels of ensuring the implementation of innovative transformations in transport infrastructure. Consideration of the historical aspects of the formation of the modern economy and comprehension of the mechanisms of state management and tools to ensure innovative transformations in the sphere of transport allowed us to identify three stages (dogmatic, strategic regulation, and innovative integration) of transformation regarding the theory of the state management for the innovative development of transport infrastructure in Russia. Taking into account the content of these periods of transformation allowed us to detail the specifics of the modern stage; highlight the shortcomings; and propose theoretical and methodological foundations for revising the provisions of the state regulation of innovative development in transport infrastructure. To determine the effectiveness of the processes of the state regulation of innovation activity in the transport industry, we propose a model for assessing the effectiveness of innovation activity in the transport complex, which is presented in the form of a three-level parametric system, where the first group of indicators allows us to assess the innovation activity of economic entities in the transport industry; the second allows us to assess innovation potential; and the third allows us to assess the effectiveness of innovation. The novelty of the proposed model is the consideration of the principles of dynamism, perspective, and expediency, and its application allows us to establish the level of innovative development in transport infrastructure. An important factor in ensuring the sustainable development of a country’s economy and forming its positive image in the world is its financial attractiveness. Therefore, the assessment of financial attractiveness is a priority task for the development of modern sustainable transport infrastructure in Russia. Full article

The sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems (ISES) largely depends on well-crafted policy regulations. In particular, Indigenous traditional food systems (ITFS) are an essential component of ISES that provide a variety of culturally accepted, healthy foods while also playing an important role in cultural, spiritual, and economic value to the Indigenous people (IP). Thus, sustainably managing these traditional natural resources must be a priority. As custodians of much of the world’s ecological system, IP have, for generations, exhibited sustainable lifestyles in governing these systems. However, Indigenous perspectives and voices have not been properly reflected in the ISES sustainability discourse, and few comparative case studies have addressed this issue. This study contributes to fill this research gap using a desktop research method based on the Political Ecological Theoretical Framework (PETF) to examine how existing regulatory policies may affect the resilience and sustainability of ISES-ITFS, especially in relation to growing environmental and climatic pressures. Two Indigenous communities, the Karen in Thailand and different Indigenous groups in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia, are examined as case studies. Our study provides crucial insight that should help the development of robust policy interventions that integrate Indigenous concerns into policies and regulations, emphasizing self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights. The findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive legal frameworks prioritizing Indigenous involvement and concerns in climate and sustainability policy implementations. The ultimate goal is to foster meaningful dialogues between policymakers and IP in navigating the climate and sustainability challenges of our time. Full article