Search Results (206)

This study examines diurnal surface temperature dynamics across major Moroccan cities during the growing season and explores the interaction between urban and vegetated surfaces. We also introduce the Urban Thermal Impact Ratio (UTIR), a novel metric designed to quantify urban thermal comfort as a function of the surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensity. The analysis is based on outputs from a land surface model (LSM) for the year 2010, integrating high-resolution Landsat and MODIS data to characterize land cover and biophysical parameters across twelve land cover types. Our findings reveal moderate urban–vegetation temperature differences in coastal cities like Tangier (1.8 °C) and Rabat (1.0 °C), where winter vegetation remains active. In inland areas, urban morphology plays a more dominant role: Fes, with a 20% impervious surface area (ISA), exhibits a smaller SUHI than Meknes (5% ISA), due to higher urban heating in the latter. The Atlantic desert city of Dakhla shows a distinct pattern, with a nighttime SUHI of 2.1 °C and a daytime urban cooling of −0.7 °C, driven by irrigated parks and lawns enhancing evapotranspiration and shading. At the regional scale, summer UTIR values remain below one in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Casablanca-Settat, suggesting that urban conditions generally stay within thermal comfort thresholds. In contrast, higher UTIR values in Marrakech-Safi, Beni Mellal-Khénifra, and Guelmim-Oued Noun indicate elevated heat discomfort. At the city scale, the UTIR in Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca demonstrates a clear diurnal pattern: it emerges around 11:00 a.m., peaks at 1:00 p.m., and fades by 3:00 p.m. This study highlights the critical role of vegetation in regulating urban surface temperatures and modulating urban–rural thermal contrasts. The UTIR provides a practical, scalable indicator of urban heat stress, particularly valuable in data-scarce settings. These findings carry significant implications for climate-resilient urban planning, optimized energy use, and the design of public health early warning systems in the context of climate change. Full article

Although measurements of urban shrinkage in China have received much attention, most have relied on statistical yearbook data based on political–administrative city boundaries, and remote-sensing-based quantification is mainly one-dimensional. This has caused problems in incorporating rural areas and spatiotemporal inconsistencies, as well as an inadequate understanding, which has subsequently resulted in an inaccurate shrinkage identification. This study merely utilized the latest multisensory and time-series remote sensing data, including nighttime light, land use, and population grids, to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of multidimensional shrinkage based on the county-level urban entity mapping of Yangtze River Delta urban agglomerations (YRD-UAs) from 2003 to 2023. County-level urban entities were acquired from a pioneering mapping effort that utilized city-specific commuting distance and land use maps. The results demonstrated that urban entities in 215 counties grew at a generally slowing pace. The degree of economic, population, and space shrinkage was mainly slight, and the shrinking trajectory was dominated by temporary shrinkage. Most counties experienced population shrinkage in their coastal-oriented distribution, whereas economic shrinkage affected the fewest counties, with the lowest spatial clustering occurring northward. Population shrinkage also displayed the highest spatial autocorrelation, but its agglomeration weakened against space shrinkage clustering. This study concluded that the exclusive utilization of remote sensing products to measure urban-entity-based multidimensional shrinkage reduced the uncertainty associated with rural area inclusion and resulted in satisfactory assessment accuracy. The spatiotemporal patterns of multidimensional shrinkage suggested strengthening ecological land allocation within urban entities across the entire region, implementing polycentric development strategies in the north, as well as enhancing county-level economic governance in the northwest. This study presents a spatiotemporally comparable methodology for quantifying the multidimensional shrinking of county-level urban entities at a large scale and contributes to further optimizing the developments of YRD-UAs. Full article

With the acceleration of global urbanization, cropland loss and fragmentation due to construction land expansion have become critical threats to food security and ecological sustainability, particularly in rapidly developing coastal regions. Understanding urban–rural differences in these processes is essential as divergent governance policies, socioeconomic pressures, and land use transition pathways may lead to uneven impacts on agricultural systems. However, past comparisons of urban–rural differences regarding this issue have been insufficient. Therefore, this study takes Jiangsu Province, China, as an example. Based on 30 m-resolution land use data, Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis, and landscape pattern indices, it delves into the urban–rural differences in cropland loss and fragmentation caused by construction land expansion from 1990 to 2020. The results show that cropland in urban and rural areas decreased by 44.14% and 5.97%, respectively, while the area of construction land increased by 2.61 times and 90.14%, respectively. 94.36% of the newly added construction land originated from cropland, with the conversion of rural cropland to construction land being particularly prominent in northern Jiangsu, while the conversion of urban cropland to construction land is more pronounced in southern Jiangsu. The expansion of construction land has led to the continuous fragmentation of cropland, which is more severe in urban areas than in rural areas, while construction land is becoming increasingly agglomerated. There are significant differences in the degree of land use change between urban and rural areas, necessitating the formulation of differentiated land management policies to balance economic development with agricultural sustainability. Full article

Biomass burning processes affect many semi-rural areas in the Mediterranean, but there is a lack of long-term datasets focusing on their classification, obtained by monitoring carbonaceous particle concentrations and optical properties variations. To address this issue, a campaign to measure equivalent black carbon (eBC) and particle number size distributions (0.3–10 μm) was carried out from August 2019 to November 2020 at a coastal semi-rural site in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. Long-term datasets were useful for aerosol characterization, helping to clearly identify traffic as a constant eBC source. For a shorter period, PM_2.5 mass concentrations were also measured, allowing the estimation of elemental and organic carbon (EC and OC), and chemical and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis of aerosols collected on filters. This multi-instrumental approach enabled the discrimination among different biomass burning (BB) processes, and the analysis of three case studies related to domestic heating, regional smoke plume transport, and a local smoldering process. The AAE (Ångström absorption exponent) daily pattern was characterized as having a peak late in the morning and mean hourly values that were always higher than 1.3. Full article

This study explores a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Northern and Central Euboea (Evia), Greece, through the preservation and promotion of cultural and environmental assets. This research aims to redirect tourism flows from overdeveloped coastal zones to underutilized inland areas by leveraging local heritage and natural resources. The methodology was developed within the context of the AEI research project and combines bibliographic research, stakeholder consultation, GIS analysis, and socioeconomic assessment. Based on this framework, a series of thematic cultural routes and agritourism initiatives were designed to enhance regional attractiveness and resilience. The study proposes the utilization of ICT tools such as GIS-based mapping, a digital development platform, and an online tourism portal to document, manage, and promote key assets. The socioeconomic impact of the proposed interventions was evaluated using an input–output model, revealing that each EUR 1 million invested in the region is expected to generate EUR 650,000 in local GDP and create 14 new jobs. The results underscore the potential of alternative tourism to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in post-disaster rural regions. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other territories facing similar environmental, economic, and demographic challenges. Full article

Erosion represents a significant global threat to coastal zones, especially beaches, which are among the most valuable coastal landforms. This study evaluates the vulnerability to coastal erosion along the Brazilian Amazon coast, focusing on eight recreational beaches. The research is based on an assessment of geological, physical, ecological, and anthropogenic indicators. Some of these indicators were proposed in this study to enhance the evaluation of vulnerability in Amazonian beaches. The analysis reveals that most of the beaches studied are highly vulnerable to erosion due to a combination of natural factors and human activities. The barrier–beach ridge, composed of unconsolidated sediments, exhibits the highest vulnerability, while low cliffs present a moderate level of risk. The study highlights that semi-urban beaches with significant infrastructure development are particularly susceptible to erosion, a problem exacerbated by unplanned land use. Conversely, rural beaches, especially those located in protected areas, show lower vulnerability due to reduced human impact and better conservation of natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the study underscores the effects of extreme climatic events, such as prolonged rainfall and high-energy waves, which can intensify erosion risks. The findings suggest that anthropogenic changes, combined with extreme climate events, significantly influence the dynamics of coastal erosion. This research emphasizes the importance of targeted management strategies that address both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance coastal resilience and sustainability for Amazonian beaches. Full article

Heavy metal pollution is a growing public health concern owing to rising environmental pollution throughout the world. The situation is more vulnerable in Bangladesh; therefore, this study assessed contamination levels in different land use categories such as rural, local market, industrial, research, and coastal areas, as well as the related health risks for farmers in Bangladesh. A total of 45 soil samples were considered from three depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm) across five different areas, with three replications per depth, following the monsoon season. Samples were prepared using a diacid mixture, and heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risks were evaluated using standard assessment models. The results showed that coastal agricultural soils had the highest heavy metal concentrations (except Pb), while rural areas had the lowest (except Cu and Ni), with no clear depth-based pattern. Two contamination sources were identified: component 1 (Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn) and component 2 (Pb, Zn), indicating mixed and anthropogenic sources, respectively. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) was highest in coastal areas and lowest in rural areas. The average daily intake of metals followed the order of inhalation > dermal > ingestion, with inhalation being the primary exposure route. The highest cumulative cancer risk (CCR) was observed in coastal agricultural soils (5.82 × 10⁻⁹), while rural soils had the lowest CCR (8.24 × 10⁻¹⁰), highlighting significant regional differences in health risks. Full article

The sustainable preservation of archeological heritage located in rural and coastal regions requires more than technical interventions; it necessitates the awareness and active participation of local communities. However, community involvement in heritage management in such areas remains limited. This study aims to analyze the levels of cultural heritage awareness, conservation tendencies, and tourism-related expectations among local residents and visitors in the Magarsus Archeological Area, located in the Karataş district on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The study was conducted in three phases: a literature review, field observations, and a structured survey conducted between June and August 2022 with 510 participants (280 local residents and 230 domestic visitors from surrounding provinces). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 through descriptive statistical methods, complemented by cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to identify patterns across demographic variables. The survey results not only reflect general perceptions about heritage and tourism but also offer critical insights into how the rural and coastal character of the site shapes conservation attitudes and tourism behavior. The findings reveal nuanced perceptions, including strong symbolic appreciation for heritage and general openness to tourism, alongside concerns about cultural and environmental risks. While the local community prioritizes the potential for economic benefit, many participants also emphasized the importance of safeguarding local traditions, crafts, and culinary heritage. Nevertheless, concerns were expressed regarding the risks posed by uncontrolled tourism, including environmental degradation, erosion of cultural identity, and the commodification of heritage values. Based on these insights, the study introduces a governance approach built upon three interlinked pillars: community-based participation, environmental sustainability, and tourism practices aligned with cultural values. The proposed approach aims to support the inclusive and sustainable management of Magarsus and other rural and coastal archeological landscapes with similar characteristics. Full article

An urban heat island (UHI) refers to urban areas that experience higher temperatures due to heat absorption and retention by impervious surfaces compared to the surrounding rural areas. Urban wetlands are crucial in mitigating the UHI effect and improving climate resilience via their cooling effect. This study examines Colombo, Sri Lanka, the RAMSAR-accredited wetland city in South Asia, to assess the cooling effect of urban wetlands based on 2023 dry season data for effective sustainable management. We used Landsat 8 and 9 data to create Land Use/Cover (LUC), Land Surface Temperature (LST), and surface-reflectance-based maps using the Google Earth Engine (GEE). The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (mNDWI), topographic wetness, elevation, slope, and impervious surface percentage were identified as the influencing variables. The results show that urban wetlands in Colombo face tremendous pressure due to rapid urban expansion. The cooling intensity positively correlates with wetland size. The threshold value of efficiency (TVoE) of urban wetlands in Colombo was 1.42 ha. Larger and more connected wetlands showed higher cooling effects. Vegetation- and water-based wetlands play an important role in <10 km urban areas, while more complex shape configuration wetlands provide better cooling effects in urban and peri-urban areas due to edge effects. Urban planners should prioritize protecting wetland areas and ensuring hydrological connectivity and interconnected wetland clusters to maximize the cooling effect and sustain ecosystem services in rapidly urbanizing coastal cities. Full article

This study investigates the transfer of rural land contracting rights in Shandong Province, China, employing a mixed methods approach that integrates qualitative policy analysis and quantitative multiple linear regression models based on panel data from 16 prefecture-level cities (collected in 2010–2022). The findings demonstrate that land transfer optimizes resource allocation, enhances agricultural output efficiency, and serves as a critical mechanism for advancing agricultural modernization and rural revitalization. Key drivers, such as agricultural modernization and industrial development, significantly promote land transfer, particularly in coastal areas, while challenges like non-standardized contracts and inadequate farmer protections persist. The study proposes targeted strategies, including strengthening agricultural modernization, enhancing farmer income through non-agricultural industries, and improving institutional frameworks to stabilize the land transfer market. Additionally, it highlights the potential role of rural social workers in addressing contentious issues such as women’s rights, displacement, and access to resources, ensuring equitable and sustainable rural development. These measures aim to accelerate agricultural modernization, promote rural economic growth, and enhance the competitiveness and social well-being of rural areas, providing a robust foundation for policy formulation. Full article

Extreme drought events under the background of global warming pose a significant threat to China’s forest industry system. This study aims to analyze the impact of drought on China’s forest industry from the perspective of economics, and, through the mechanism test, to further study the communication path of drought to the forest industry. The study finds: (1) drought has been increasing in China in the last 50 years. (2) Drought has a significant restraining effect on the Chinese forest industry. Moreover, inland areas are more vulnerable to drought than coastal areas. (3) Drought will lead to an increase in the occurrence area of forest pests and diseases, forming a compound eco-economic loss effect, thus inhibiting the development of the forest industry. (4) Drought can drive an increase in irrigation facilities. Efficient irrigation may mitigate biological damages caused by drought, so as to resist part of the economic losses. (5) Drought may cause labor to migrate from the forest sector to non-forest sectors, leading to lower production in the forest industry. Labor transfer effects caused by drought are more obvious in the areas where the income gap is relatively big between rural and urban regions, e.g., in inland areas. Full article

Free trade zones are key regions experiencing rapid economic growth, urbanization, and a sharp increase in population density. During the development of free trade zones, these areas undergo drastic transformations in landscape types, large-scale urban construction, heightened resource consumption, and other associated challenges. These factors have led to severe landscape ecological risk (LER). Therefore, conducting comprehensive assessments and implementing effective management strategies for LER is crucial in advancing ecological civilization and ensuring high-quality development. This study takes Hainan Island (HI), China, as a case study and utilizes multi-source data to quantitatively evaluate land use and land cover change (LULCC) and the evolution of the LER in the study area from 2015 to 2023. Additionally, it examines the spatial patterns of LER under three future scenarios projected for 2033: a natural development scenario (NDS), an economic priority scenario (EPS), and an ecological conservation scenario (ECS). Adopting a spatiotemporal dynamic perspective framed by the “historical–present–future” approach, this research constructs a zoning framework for LER management to examine the temporal and spatial processes of risk evolution, its characteristics, future trends, and corresponding management strategies. The results indicate that, over an eight-year period, the area of built-up land expanded by 40.31% (504.85 km²). Specifically, between 2015 and 2018, built-up land increased by 95.85 km², while, from 2018 to 2023, the growth was significantly larger at 409.00 km², highlighting the widespread conversion of cropland into built-up land. From 2015 to 2023, the spatial distribution of LER in the study area exhibited a pattern of high-risk peripheries (central mountainous areas) and low-risk central regions (coastal areas). Compared to 2023, projections for 2033 under different scenarios indicate a decline in cropland (by approximately 17.8–19.45%) and grassland (by approximately 24.06–24.22%), alongside an increase in forestland (by approximately 4.5–5.35%) and built-up land (by approximately 23.5–41.35%). Under all three projected scenarios, high-risk areas expand notably, accounting for 4.52% (NDS), 3.33% (ECS), and 5.75% (EPS) of the total area. The LER maintenance area (65.25%) accounts for the largest proportion, primarily distributed in coastal economic development areas and urban–rural transition areas. In contrast, the LER mitigation area (7.57%) has the smallest proportion. Among the driving factors, the GDP (q = 0.1245) and year-end resident population (q = 0.123) were identified as the dominant factors regarding the spatial differentiation of LER. Furthermore, the interaction between economic factors and energy consumption further amplifies LER. This study proposes a policy-driven dynamic risk assessment framework, providing decision-making support and scientific guidance for LER management in tropical islands and the optimization of regional land spatial planning. Full article

Climate-induced migration has emerged as a major concern in India and Bangladesh, due to their geographical vulnerability and socioeconomic conditions. Coastal areas, such as the Sundarbans and the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta, face relentless threats due to rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods. These factors force millions to relocate, resulting in rural–urban transitions and cross-border movements that worsen urban challenges and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. For this, a systematic literature review of the Scopus database was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A detailed review analysis of 65 papers was carried out. The study highlighted key climatic and non-climatic drivers of migration, including natural disasters, resource depletion, poverty, and poor governance. Despite existing adaptation strategies, such as early warning systems, micro-insurance, and climate-resilient practices, gaps remain in addressing long-term resilience and legal recognition for climate migrants. The research emphasizes the need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, integrating adaptive infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and international cooperation. Recommendations include bridging research gaps, increasing community participation, and implementing global frameworks, like the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. Addressing climate migration through fair, inclusive measures is essential for building resilience and ensuring long-term development in the region. Full article

Balancing regional disparities in non-grainization is vital for stable grain production and sustainable urbanization. This study employs geospatial analysis to examine the spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of non-grainization in Jiangsu Province from 2001 to 2020. By integrating geospatial data from 77 county-level units and employing spatial autocorrelation analysis, multiple linear regression, and mixed geographically weighted regression (MGWR), this study reveals the spatial heterogeneity and key driving factors of non-grainization. The results indicate strong spatial dependence, with persistent high–high clusters in economically developed southern/coastal areas and low–low clusters in northern regions. Furthermore, the driving mechanism shifted significantly over the two decades. Early constraints from natural endowments (e.g., elevation’s positive impact significantly weakened post 2010) and individual economics diminished with technological progress, while macroeconomic development became dominant, influencing both scale and structure. Infrastructure improvements (reflected by rural electricity use) consistently limited non-grainization; some factors showed phased effects, and annual mean precipitation emerged as a significant influence in 2020. MGWR revealed substantial, dynamic spatial heterogeneity in these drivers’ impacts across different periods. These findings highlight the importance of geoinformation tools in managing regional disparities. Integrating spatial and socio-economic analysis offers practical insights for policymakers to develop targeted strategies that balance food security with agricultural diversification. Full article

Enhancing community resilience has become increasingly important in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disaster events. Determining how levels of community resilience vary across a local government area provides nuanced information from which targeted programs and initiatives can be developed, implemented, and evaluated. This study applies the Gympie Regional Community Resilience Metric (GCRM), developed with a local government organisation, and a community disaster sub-group in rural Queensland, Australia, and applies it to a larger, coastal region of Bundaberg, Queensland. Completed survey results returned by 696 households from across the region revealed that the Bundaberg community is generally well-prepared for disasters, with strong social networks and understanding of local risks. However, there are areas for improvement, such as increasing participation in local clubs and addressing the needs of those lacking confidence in obtaining help during disasters. Other findings indicate that the evidence of high levels of local knowledge and disaster experience within the community could provide opportunities to establish neighbourhood networks that aim to share local knowledge and experiences and enhance localised networks of support, particularly for more vulnerable and newer residents. Full article