Search Results (792)

The European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires sustainable economic models that address both environmental degradation and energy security. While renewable energy technologies are recognized solutions to climate change, the relationship between circular economy principles and clean energy transition remains underexplored empirically. This study investigates the asymmetric relationship between circular economy implementation and clean energy development across 27 EU economies from 2010–2023. Using Method of Moments Quantile Regression to capture distributional heterogeneity, we reveal pronounced asymmetric effects of circular economy shocks on clean energy adoption. Positive circular economy shocks demonstrate amplified benefits in high-performing clean energy economies, with elasticity coefficients increasing across quantiles, indicating that nations with established renewable infrastructure optimally capitalize on circular economy improvements through synergistic effects. Conversely, negative shocks manifest heterogeneous impacts: lower-performing countries experience significant clean energy contractions, while advanced economies exhibit resilience, suggesting adaptive mechanisms that enable resource reallocation toward alternative sustainability pathways. These findings provide policymakers with an analytical foundation for optimizing circular economy strategies to accelerate EU climate-neutrality objectives while accounting for heterogeneous national circumstances and transition pathways. Full article

South Asia’s worsening air pollution crisis represents one of the most urgent public health and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Nearly two billion people—over one-quarter of the global population—reside in this region, where air quality levels routinely exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by factors of 10 to 15. This has translated into an unprecedented health burden, with approximately two million premature deaths annually, widespread chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and rising economic losses. According to recent World Bank estimates, welfare losses amount to over 5% of regional GDP, a figure far exceeding the projected costs of coordinated mitigation. Despite this, South Asia continues to lack a binding regional framework capable of addressing its shared airshed. Existing cooperative efforts—such as the Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution (1998)—have provided a useful platform for dialog and pilot monitoring, but they remain voluntary, under-resourced, and insufficient to manage the transboundary nature of the crisis. National-level programs, including India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Bangladesh’s National Air Quality Management Plan (NAQMP), and Nepal’s National Air Quality Management Action Plan (AQMAP), demonstrate domestic commitment but are constrained by fragmentation, limited financing, and lack of regional integration. This gap represents the central knowledge and governance challenge that prompted the present commentary. To address it, we propose a dual-track architecture designed to institutionalize binding regional cooperation. Track A would establish a United Nations-anchored South Asian Transboundary Air Pollution Protocol, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). This protocol would codify legally enforceable emission standards, compliance committees, financial mechanisms, and harmonized monitoring. Track B would establish a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Prime Ministers’ Council on Air Quality (SPMCAQ) to provide political leadership, align domestic implementation, and authorize rapid responses to cross-border haze events. Lessons from the Indian Ocean Experiment, the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, and Europe’s Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution demonstrate that legally binding agreements combined with high-level political ownership can achieve durable reductions in pollution despite geopolitical tensions. By situating South Asia within these global precedents, the proposed framework provides a pragmatic, enforceable, and politically resilient pathway to protect health, reduce economic losses, and deliver cleaner air for nearly one-quarter of humanity. Full article

In light of the global energy shortage, the development of renewable energy has become increasingly vital. With China’s commitment to achieving “carbon peak and carbon neutrality,” photovoltaic power generation has emerged as a focal point in new energy development. However, DC arc faults in photovoltaic systems pose significant safety hazards, potentially leading to electrical fires. While new detection technologies for DC arc faults in photovoltaic power generation systems have advanced rapidly, the diversity of international standards—such as UL 1699 B, GB/T 39750, IEC 63027, and CGC/GF 175—limits both the construction of experimental platforms and the universality of detection technologies. Current research often relies on a single standard to establish experimental platforms, resulting in detection methods with limited applicability and an inability to validate technological effectiveness fully. To address this issue, this paper conducts an in-depth study of four international and national standards (IEC 63027; UL 1699 B, GB/T 39750, and CGC/GF 175), focusing on the discrepancies in decoupling methods, impedance parameter settings, and experimental circuit topologies, including series and parallel arc scenarios. Through comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple standards, this study integrates major international and domestic specifications to develop a multi-standard compatible experimental platform. The platform is designed to accommodate diverse topologies and parameter requirements, enabling efficient collection of arc test data and performance evaluation of arc fault detection devices. It also provides a standardized foundation for the performance testing and classification of DC arc circuit breakers in photovoltaic power generation systems. Through a comprehensive multi-standard comparative analysis, we systematically analyze the technical differences in photovoltaic DC arc detection. We construct a multi-standard compatible experimental platform by integrating mainstream international and domestic standards. This platform is designed to accommodate various topological structures and parameter requirements, facilitating the collection of arcing experimental data and assessment of the performance of arc fault detection devices. The findings from this research provide both theoretical and experimental foundations for developing unified technical guidelines for photovoltaic DC arc protection. This will aid in standardizing the development of detection devices and enhancing the electrical safety of photovoltaic systems. Ultimately, this work is significant for promoting the safe utilization of new energy within the framework of the dual carbon goals. Moving forward, it is crucial to enhance the generalization abilities of detection algorithms further and foster the integration of standards and industrial applications. Full article

This case study examines the experience of solastalgia among individuals residing in gold mining towns in Zimbabwe, particularly as environmental degradation intensified, to illustrate the experience of solastalgia through the expressions and reflections of individuals who have been impacted by it. Ecological degradation has intensified, and national forest cover has been declining at an average rate of 327,000 hectares per year between 2000 and 2010. Meanwhile, artisanal gold mining releases more than 24 tons of mercury into ecosystems annually, contaminating water bodies. The research employed a qualitative design grounded in the interpretivist paradigm and utilized an inductive methodology. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 11 individuals who had resided in areas impacted by mining for an extended period. Thematic analysis was employed to examine individuals’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in response to environmental changes, with an emphasis on feelings of loss, sadness, frustration, and disconnection from place. Participants exhibited intense emotional reactions to environmental changes, including profound sadness, anger, feelings of helplessness, and a longing for the past. Of the participants, 70% reported experiencing profound sorrow, while 60% indicated that they employed community support as a coping strategy. The degradation of forests, water sources, and biodiversity contributed to a sense of alienation regarding their environment and identity. Nevertheless, some demonstrated resilience through their faith, community support, and efforts to safeguard the environment. However, their ability to heal and adapt was hindered by persistent systematic neglect and unfulfilled commitments. This case study contributes to the growing literature on solastalgia by presenting specific instances from Zimbabwe, a region where the phenomenon remains inadequately comprehended. This expands the concept of solastalgia to encompass the ecological degradation resulting from mining activities in Africa. Full article

Energy security remains a central challenge in the context of global sustainability, as geopolitical dynamics, technological advancements, and environmental imperatives converge to reshape energy systems worldwide. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between geopolitics and energy policy, with a particular focus on Türkiye’s evolving energy landscape. It examines how diversification of energy sources, investments in renewable technologies, resilient infrastructure development, and international collaborations collectively contribute to securing national and global energy futures. The study highlights the geopolitical significance of strategic energy corridors, resource competition, and the emergent role of renewable energy in redefining power structures. Drawing on comparative case studies, including Germany’s Energiewende, Norway’s resource management, Japan’s post-Fukushima challenges, and the United States’ shale revolution, the review distills lessons applicable to Türkiye and other emerging economies navigating energy transitions. Future trends discussed include the rising importance of energy storage, smart grids, digitalization, cybersecurity, and equitable energy access. Policy recommendations emphasize integrated approaches that balance economic growth, environmental stewardship, and national security, advocating for proactive diversification, innovation, and multilateral cooperation. The article concludes that achieving a resilient, low-carbon, and geopolitically stable energy system requires coordinated global efforts anchored in adaptive governance and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This work provides a valuable framework for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable and secure energy pathways in Türkiye and beyond. Full article

Grounded in frameworks of decoloniality and transnationalism, this study examines how organizational behaviors in education—particularly in teacher preparation—can shift to more inclusively serve transnational youth, challenging Eurocentric, nation-bound assumptions about pedagogy, belonging, and professional development. The present study aims to understand Mexican-origin returnees and transnational migrants who came back to Mexico to pursue English teacher preparation degrees in Guanajuato and Hidalgo after spending significant periods of time on either side of the Mexico-U.S. border. Our study aimed to recognize and describe the experiences that shaped their English teaching practices and professional commitments to teaching English as a foreign language. Using narrative inquiry within a longitudinal qualitative study of 28 Mexican-origin pre-service English teachers, our research was guided by frameworks of decoloniality and transnationalism. Our findings reveal that for participants, U.S.-based teaching approaches were recalled most often as the best compared to Mexican ones. Participants also reflected on how their experiences of learning and adapting to a new culture contributed to their professional identity and how their ability to adapt constituted a form of international-mindedness. We argue that through the comparison and adoption of multiple decolonial practices, teacher preparation programs can produce culturally responsive pedagogies that cross borders. By illustrating how teacher preparation programs can cultivate culturally responsive pedagogies that transcend national boundaries, the study highlights the potential of decolonial and transnational perspectives to transform organizational behavior at multiple levels of educational practice and policy. Full article

This study investigated the structure of vegetation communities in Yongneup, a representative montane peatland on Mt. Daeamsan, Korea. It also identified key microenvironmental drivers shaping their distribution. We surveyed 200 quadrats, analyzing herbaceous plant composition alongside peat depth, water level, and soil chemical properties. Multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis and classification tree analysis (CHAID), identified nine distinct vegetation communities. Each community was correlated with specific environmental gradients. Dominant species included Sanguisorba tenuifolia and Carex thunbergii var. appendiculata, with rare species such as Carex chordorrhiza and Drosera rotundifolia present in localized habitats. Peat depth emerged as the primary determinant of vegetation distribution, followed by hydrology and nutrient levels, including phosphorus and cations (Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). Our results underscored continuous ecological gradients rather than discrete zonation, aligning with ecological continuum theory. These findings provide a robust scientific framework for ecological monitoring and restoration. They also support Korea’s national wetland conservation policies and international commitments such as the Ramsar Convention. Full article

During the past two decades, researchers and professionals have increasingly explored the financial and macroeconomic implications of sustainable business practices, particularly through the lens of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. This review synthesizes evidence from financial economics and sectoral labor analysis to assess the impact of ESG performance and green employment on corporate financial performance (CFP) and broader economic growth. Using a discounted cash-flow framework and sectoral panel data from European economies (2008–2023), the findings reveal that robust ESG practices improve operating profits, reduce financial risk and support higher dividend distributions, while green jobs contribute significantly to Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with each additional green job adding approximately EUR 101.920 to GVA and EUR 135.000 to GDP, in annual terms. Sectoral impacts are especially pronounced in construction, energy, and financial services, with annual contributions ranging from EUR 10.4 to EUR 11.1 million in GVA and EUR 13.7 to EUR 14.8 million in GDP. These results underscore the dual role of ESG as a financial indicator and strategic sustainability tool, advancing key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The integration of green employment metrics into national productivity frameworks and corporate ESG strategies offers practical guidance to policymakers, investors, and cross-sector partners committed to sustainable development. Full article

Engineering education in developing countries faces critical challenges that hinder progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), students entering engineering programs often exhibit significant apprehension toward foundational sciences, creating barriers to developing the technical competencies required for sustainable development. This paper introduces the AI-Integrated Practical Learning in Engineering (AIPLE) Framework, an innovative pedagogical model that synergizes Problem-Based Learning (PBL), hands-on experimentation, and strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration to transform engineering education for sustainability. The AIPLE framework employs a five-stage cyclical process designed to address student apprehension while fostering sustainable engineering mindsets essential for achieving SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This study, grounded in qualitative surveys of engineering instructors at Université Loyola du Congo (ULC), demonstrates how the framework addresses pedagogical limitations while building technical competency and sustainability consciousness. The research reveals that traditional didactic methods inadequately prepare students for complex sustainability challenges, while the AIPLE framework’s integration of AI-assisted learning, practical problem-solving, and sustainability-focused projects offers a scalable solution for engineering education transformation in resource-constrained environments. Our findings indicate strong instructor support for PBL methodologies and cautious optimism regarding AI integration, with emphasis on addressing infrastructure and ethical considerations. The AIPLE framework contributes to sustainable development by preparing engineers who are technically competent and committed to creating environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable solutions for developing countries. Full article

This study examines the alignment between the European Union’s climate policy rhetoric and the actual fossil fuel consumption behaviours of its Member States. By combining long-term and short-term time-series data with machine learning classification techniques, the analysis captures dynamic national energy trends and decarbonisation signals. Key innovations include the use of slope acceleration metrics and the identification of label reversals to detect volatility, acceleration, or stagnation in transition trajectories. The results show that, while some countries such as France and Denmark demonstrate consistent structural progress, others show deceleration or reversal, particularly in the use of gas and liquid fuels. This indicates that the relationship between EU-level policy ambition and national implementation is asymmetric and conditionally aligned. This study concludes that ongoing empirical monitoring and targeted diagnostics are essential to prevent conflating symbolic commitments with material change, and provides practical insights for improving climate policy accountability and adaptability across the EU. Full article

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) constitutes an essential livelihood strategy for marginalized communities, yet it is also associated with severe environmental and social challenges. Persistent inequality and poverty underpin miners’ dependence on informal practices, where access to safer technologies is limited. Mercury use remains critical in ASGM, often mismanaged in processing, applied in amalgamation, and released into air, water, and soils. An estimated 1000–2000 tonnes are emitted annually despite Minamata Convention commitments. This paper examines how mining governance can foster sustainable transitions in ASGM, focusing on the Chilean National Mining Company (ENAMI) as a case study. ENAMI’s model—combining regulatory oversight, institutional support, and inclusive decision-making—shows how public governance can reduce mercury reliance, mitigate environmental degradation, and enhance social inclusion. Findings highlight the importance of regulation, community participation, capacity-building, and addressing structural inequalities as integral components of sustainability. The study argues that sustainable ASGM requires not only technical innovation but also culturally sensitive institutional reforms capable of overcoming resistance and promoting long-term behavioral change. By situating ASGM within the broader framework of sustainable rural development, this research provides insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to reconcile economic inclusion with environmental stewardship in vulnerable contexts. Full article

This article examines the legal and practical dimensions of religious education (RE) in Austria with a particular focus on interreligious education as an emerging pedagogical and societal response to increasing religious and cultural diversity. It begins by situating the discussion within Austria’s historical and constitutional framework, in which RE is governed as a res mixta—a joint responsibility shared between the state and legally recognized churches and religious societies (CRSs). The analysis highlights how this model of power-sharing is enshrined in both constitutional and ordinary legislation, granting CRSs extensive autonomy in the organization, content, and supervision of denominational RE. Despite the absence of explicit legal provisions for interreligious education, the article demonstrates that interreligious teaching practices can be implemented through cooperative arrangements between CRSs, particularly when aligned with national educational goals and international commitments to tolerance, religious freedom, and other human rights. It further analyses curricular references to interreligiosity across various denominational RE programs and discusses the institutional potential for integrating interreligious competencies into teacher training and school practice. Drawing on the example of the project Integration through Interreligious Education at the University Graz, a cooperative initiative between the Catholic Church and the Islamic Religious Society in Austria (IGGÖ) from 2017 to 2023, the article outlines how interreligious education was legally contextualized and contractually formalized. The article concludes that interreligious education, though legally unregulated, is both feasible and desirable within Austria’s current legal and educational framework. It calls for greater normative clarity and policy support to ensure the sustainability and broader implementation of such models, which foster mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society. Full article

Research visibility has become a critical issue for universities, yet the institutional conditions that shape it remain underexplored. While Current Research Information Systems (CRISs) provide essential infrastructure for managing publications and researcher profiles, their impact depends on broader governance and cultural factors. This study compares four universities—two in Peru, one in Chile, and one in Spain—that have adopted the Pure CRIS platform. Data were manually extracted from institutional portals and analyzed descriptively, using normalized indicators such as publications per researcher, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) alignment, and collaboration networks. Although based on a limited sample, the analysis highlights substantial contrasts: European institutions show consolidated integration of CRIS into national evaluation systems, while Latin American universities remain at earlier stages of adoption, with fragmented policies and limited international reach. The findings suggest that technological platforms alone are insufficient; institutional commitment, coherent policies, and academic cultures that value dissemination are decisive. These insights contribute a comparative framework to guide universities, particularly in Latin America, seeking to strengthen their global research visibility. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) and traffic offenses pose significant public health challenges and contribute to widespread social issues globally. This study examines the sociodemographic and psychological profiles of individuals who commit traffic offenses and GBV, focusing on three alternative penal programs: TASEVAL (for traffic offenses), PRIA-MA, and reGENER@r (both for GBV). The study involved 54 participants distributed across these programs, using various psychometric tests to assess their profiles. Participants across the three programs (TASEVAL, PRIA-MA, and reGENER@R) were comparable in age (mean range 39.13–40.69 years) and nationality, with roughly half having prior contact with the justice system. Educational levels varied, with TASEVAL participants mainly completing secondary education (43.8%), PRIA-MA participants primary education (43.8%), and reGENER@R participants post-secondary education (59.1%). Employment status differed slightly, with TASEVAL and reGENER@R participants mainly employed (62.5% and 63.6%, respectively), while most PRIA-MA participants were unemployed (56.3%). Family characteristics varied across groups. In TASEVAL, having a partner and no children predominated (62.5% and 31.3%); in PRIA-MA, not having a partner and having two children predominated (62.5% and 37.5%); and, in reGENER@R, not having a partner and having one child predominated (59.1% and 31.8%). No significant differences were observed in sociodemographic variables. Regarding psychological characteristics, results across all groups indicate a marked presence of psychopathological symptoms and difficulties in emotional intelligence domains, with a significant correlation between psychological traits and coping strategies. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring alternative penal measures to the specific characteristics of each group to enhance effectiveness and reduce recidivism. Full article

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern, and people at risk for TB are hesitant to seek care. The first South African National TB prevalence survey, conducted in 2017–2019, found that most participants with TB symptoms did not seek care for TB. In 2022, an estimated 23% of people with TB in South Africa were undiagnosed, contributing to the country’s burden of “missing” TB cases. This study explores health-seeking behaviour among people with TB (PwTB) in South Africa, focussing on barriers and facilitators to care-seeking and the quantification of TB-related stigma from a patient and community perspective. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method study in the City of Johannesburg (COJ) Metropolitan Municipality from February to March 2022. PwTB aged 18 and older initiating TB treatment for microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB were recruited from three primary healthcare facilities in the COJ. After providing written informed consent, they participated in a one-time, in-depth, face-to-face interview. The interviews were digitally recorded and conducted by trained facilitators. We used thematic analysis with deductive approaches to develop themes. We used the Van Rie TB stigma assessment scale to quantify perceived stigma. Results: We interviewed 23 PwTB with an overall median age of 39 years and 14 (61%) males. Patient-level barriers to accessing TB care included visiting traditional healers and pharmacists before their TB diagnosis; wrong or missed diagnosis by private doctors; work commitments; scarcity of resources to attend the clinic or walk long distances; perceived and experienced stigma; and a lack of TB knowledge. Facility-level barriers included long clinic queues and uncertainty about where to receive TB care in the clinic. Facilitators for TB care-seeking included being in contact with someone who had TB, receiving encouragement from family, or having knowledge about TB transmission and early diagnosis. The overall median total stigma score among 21 PwTB was 53 (IQR: 46–63), with median community and patient stigma scores of 25 (IQR: 22–30) and 31 (IQR: 21–36), respectively. Conclusions: We found important considerations for the TB programme to improve the uptake of services. Since PwTB consult elsewhere before visiting a facility for TB care, TB programmes could establish private–public partnerships. TB programmes could also increase TB awareness in the community, especially among males, and mobile clinics could be considered to assist with TB case detection and treatment provision. Applying behavioural design techniques and co-designing interventions with patients and providers could improve TB health-seeking behaviours. Full article