Search Results (290)

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising sustainable urban mobility solution, expected to lead to enhanced road safety, smoother traffic flows, less traffic congestion, improved accessibility, better energy utilization and environmental performance, as well as more efficient passenger and freight transportation, in terms of time and cost, due to better fleet management and platooning. However, challenges also arise, mostly related to data privacy, security and cyber-security, high acquisition and infrastructure costs, accident liability, even possible increased traffic congestion and air pollution due to induced travel demand. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among 654 residents who experienced an autonomous bus (AB) service in the city of Trikala, Greece, in order to assess their willingness to use (WTU) and willingness to pay (WTP) for ABs, through testing a range of factors based on a literature review. Results useful to policy-makers were extracted, such as that the intention to use ABs was mostly shaped by psychological factors (e.g., users’ perceptions of usefulness and safety, and trust in the service provider), while WTU seemed to be positively affected by previous experience in using ABs. In contrast, sociodemographic factors were found to have very little effect on the intention to use ABs, while apart from personal utility, users’ perceptions of how autonomous driving will improve the overall life standards in the study area also mattered. Full article

The global population is increasing rapidly and, according to the United Nations (UN), it is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. The demand for food is also increasing with a growing population. Food shortages, land scarcity, resource depletion, and climate change are significant issues raised due to an increasing population. Meat is a vital source of high-quality protein in the human diet, and addressing the sustainability of meat production is essential to ensuring long-term food security. To cover the meat demand of a growing population, meat scientists are working on several meat alternatives. Bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae have been identified as sources of microbial proteins that are both effective and sustainable, making them suitable for use in the development of meat analogs. Unlike livestock farming, microbial proteins produce less environmental pollution, need less space and water, and contain all the necessary dietary components. This review examines the status and future of microbial proteins in regard to consolidating and stabilizing the global food system. This review explores the production methods, nutritional benefits, environmental impact, regulatory landscape, and consumer perception of microbial protein-based meat analogs. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of microbial proteins by elaborating on the connection between microbial protein-based meat analogs and multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

This study contributes to the broader sustainability discourse by evaluating public knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding air pollution among residents of Hanoi, Vietnam, focusing on its causes, health impacts, and mitigation strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 521 individuals in suburbs around Hanoi. A multistage sampling technique, combining cluster and simple random sampling, was used for participant recruitment. Three central and three suburban districts of Hanoi were randomly selected as clusters. One individual from each household was invited to participate and answer a structured survey, which assessed perceptions of air pollution, its human-induced causes, recognised health impacts, and individual and community-level mitigation behaviours. Nearly all participants (98.3%) were aware of air pollution, with 65.3% attributing it to human activities and 61.2% recognising specific air pollutants as primary contributors. The majority (93.9%) acknowledged health impacts, citing respiratory infections (55.1%) and sinus issues (51.2%) as prevalent concerns. Vulnerable groups, such as children under 5 (82.3%) and adults over 65 years old (77.4%), were identified as disproportionately affected. Social media (68.9%) and television (58.3%) were the dominant sources of information. Despite a recognition of air pollution’s importance (98.5%), there was limited engagement in systemic sustainability actions, such as supporting renewable energy initiatives. Most participants (84.3%) reported personal mitigation efforts, including energy-saving practices (35.5%) and walking instead of driving a car or bike (35.3%). While awareness of air pollution and its health impacts is high among Hanoi residents, proactive engagement in systemic solutions remains limited. Policymakers should prioritise community-based programs, public–private partnerships, sustainability education, and culturally tailored policy interventions to bridge gaps between awareness and action. Tailored interventions addressing demographic and cultural factors are essential to fostering socio-environmental sustainability in rapidly urbanising contexts. Full article

In recent decades, the River Ganges in India has been heavily contaminated with domestic waste and industrial toxins because of cultural activities, a lack of community awareness, an absence of sewage disposal facilities, and rapid population growth. Previous studies have focused separately on either the physical or social factors associated with River Ganges pollution but have not combined these elements in a single study. To fill this research gap, our study assesses the bio-physical and social vulnerability of the River Ganges by using a holistic approach. The following four sampling stations were selected: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, and Varanasi. These locations were chosen to test the water quality in bio-physical aspects and to assess the social perceptions of river vulnerability among the residents and visitors. Perceptions of river water quality and likely sources of pollution were gathered via the distribution of over 1000 questionnaires. Data collection took place in the winter and summer of 2022 and 2023. The results showed that river water quality is not suitable for drinking purposes at any of the four cities without conventional treatment, and that the river is unsuitable for bathing at all locations, except upstream of Rishikesh. Nearly 50% of those questioned agreed that the river is polluted, whilst 74% agreed that pollution has increased in recent decades, particularly in the last 10 years. These compelling results are critical for policymakers and decision makers. They highlight the urgent need for novel strategies that address Ganges pollution while fostering community health education and environmental management. By dispelling myths surrounding river quality, this study strengthens the ongoing efforts to restore the Ganges, ensuring that it remains a vital lifeline for present and future generations. Full article

The widespread integration of digital technologies into the industry, institutions, and everyday life has introduced environmental challenges known as digital pollution, including the carbon footprint of data centers, energy consumption of digital devices, and electronic waste (e-waste). While general environmental education is extensively studied, public awareness and understanding of digital pollution remain overlooked. This study investigates how demographic factors, including age, education level, income, and occupation, in addition to the perception of environmental knowledge and self-assessed tech-savviness, are associated with environmental and digital pollution literacy. A cross-sectional survey of 300 participants from the UK was conducted, assessing the associations between demographic characteristics, environmental knowledge, and digital pollution awareness. The findings reveal that education level and income are not significantly correlated with literacy scores, whereas age and tech-savviness display meaningful associations with digital pollution literacy. Additionally, general environmental knowledge is positively correlated with digital pollution literacy, suggesting that enhancing environmental literacy may foster a deeper understanding of digital sustainability issues. Notably, a gap emerged between self-reported and actual knowledge, highlighting the need for educational interventions. These findings suggest practical implications for developing targeted educational programs and policies that promote sustainable digital practices and reduce environmental impacts. Full article

(1) Background: Plastic and microplastic pollution in freshwater systems has emerged as a significant environmental and human health concern, yet limited research has explored how affected communities perceive these risks and support related policy interventions. This study addresses this gap by comparing the perceptions of pollution risk and preferred policy responses among stakeholders and the general public associated with the Tennessee River—one of the most plastic-polluted rivers globally. (2) Methods: Using an online survey, we collected data from 419 public respondents and 45 local stakeholders. Participants assessed perceived environmental and human health risks posed by six common pollutants and expressed support for a range of policy solutions. (3) Results: Results indicate that the public consistently perceives higher risks from pollutants than stakeholders, particularly for plastics, E. coli, and heavy metals. Surprisingly, stakeholders demonstrated significantly stronger support for regulatory policy interventions than the public, despite perceiving lower levels of pollution risk. Importantly, perceived harm from microplastics emerged as the most consistent predictor of policy support across all policy types. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that risk perceptions, particularly regarding microplastics, play a critical role in shaping policy preferences and highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in designing effective freshwater pollution mitigation strategies. Full article

Air pollution is a growing environmental and public health concern, particularly in urban areas where vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and public events contribute to deteriorating air quality. This study examines air pollution concentrations in two districts of Cusco, Peru, using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental monitoring and social risk perception analysis. Air quality measurements revealed elevated levels of PM2.5 and NO₂, with 40–60% of data falling within “Moderate” or “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories according to international standards. Notably, major cultural events such as Inti Raymi were associated with a threefold increase in pollutant concentrations, highlighting their impact on urban air quality. Simultaneously, surveys and interviews assessed public perception, revealing a varied understanding of pollution risks and a general concern for health impacts, especially in more polluted and densely populated areas. However, trust in scientists remains limited, which poses challenges for the implementation of evidence-based environmental strategies. This study highlights significant environmental inequality within the city, with central districts facing greater pollution burdens than peripheral zones. These findings underscore the need for holistic air quality management strategies that combine scientific assessments with community engagement. Strengthening trust between scientists and local populations is essential to develop inclusive and effective interventions that align with both technical and social priorities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing contexts such as Cusco. Full article

In regions with sustained air pollution, the adoption of protective health behaviors is critical, particularly among pregnant women—a population marked by physiological vulnerability and heightened receptivity to preventive guidance. Understanding and supporting patient-driven behavioral change requires attention to individual perception and awareness, which are shaped by socio-economic and spatial factors, as well as access to credible information. Objectives: This study investigates how pregnant women in Serbia perceive air quality, identifies determinants that influence these perceptions, and evaluates the extent and nature of behavioral adaptations undertaken to mitigate exposure-related risks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 279 pregnant women using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire. Collected data included demographic and psychosocial variables, air quality perceptions, self-reported health effects, and behavioral responses. Residential proximity to land-use attributes was assessed using GIS-based spatial analysis. Results: Most participants perceived air quality as poor (68.8%), primarily informed by unofficial sources such as mobile applications and social media. Living close to continuous urban fabric (OR = 0.180, 95% CI: 0.059–0.558, p = 0.003) and water (OR = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.127–0.738, p = 0.008) was associated with poorer perceptions, while proximity to forests (OR = 2.938, 95% CI: 1.323–6.525, p = 0.008) correlated with more favorable assessments. Despite prevalent concern, around half of respondents (50.2%) reported no behavioral modifications. Importantly, none had received guidance from healthcare professionals on the topic. Conclusions: These findings highlight critical gaps in environmental health literacy and provider engagement. Integrating tailored communication and behavioral support in existing prenatal counseling could advance health-related quality of life in this vulnerable population. Full article

Environmental pollution has become a significant issue, and environmental protection within the realm of sports has garnered increasing attention from various sectors of the academic community. This study takes the public’s intention to purchase sports stadiums as the research object, introduces two mediating variables of green value perception and sense of accomplishment, builds a hypothetical model from the perspective of motivation protection theory, and explores the influence of perceived functional risk of green sports stadiums on consumption intention through SEM analysis based on the samples of the recovered questionnaires (N = 1073). The results are as follows: first, there is a negative influence between perceived functional risk and green sports stadium consumption intention, and the lower the perceived functional risk of green sports stadiums, the more consumers can promote their choice of green sports stadiums when they consume in stadiums; second, green value perception plays a mediating role in the relationship between perceived functional risk and green sports stadium services consumption intention; third, a sense of accomplishment plays a mediating role in the relationship between perceived functional risk and willingness to consume green sports stadium; fourth, green value perception and a sense of accomplishment play a chain mediating role between perceived functional risk and willingness to consume in the context of green sports stadiums. This study aims to contribute to the popularization and development of green sports stadiums in China and to provide green sports stadium builders and managers with more targeted and effective marketing strategies. Full article

Climate change today is considered one of the most severe global problems. Additionally, it is inherently linked to sustainable development, particularly considering that it is a widespread problem affecting virtually all regions, countries, and continents. Therefore, it is essential to monitor its perception and behaviours towards it. Hence, there is the need for a diagnosis of climate-change attitudes found in various parts of the world. This premise is the foundation for the original study reported in the article. It offers the results of a survey of 300 adult rural residents from southeastern Poland. The article aims to diagnose the respondents’ attitudes towards climate change in the context of sustainable development premises. Respondents’ opinions on the potential activities their local communities could take to be more sustainable are a substantial part of the results. The most common suggestions were low-emission public transport (in the Wadowice District, it was 55% of responses) and road and street redesign to promote safe cycling and walking environments (in the Kraków and Tarnów Districts, over 50% of responses). The respondents found the promotion of sustainable development among youth and older people to be the least important (in three out of five districts, this percentage did not exceed 20%). The other thematic block was specific environmental protection and sustainable development activities that society should prioritise over a five-year horizon. The participants considered the development of new ways to eliminate waste in total production (in the Tarnów District, over 73% of responses), new technologies to curb the carbon footprint and GHG emissions (over 63% in the Wadowice District), and new technologies to scrape and monitor air pollutants (approx. 70% in the Kraków District). Full article

Air pollution is a major environmental and public health challenge, especially in urban areas where fine-grained air quality data are essential to effective interventions. Traditional monitoring networks, while accurate, often lack spatial resolution and public engagement. This study presents a novel wearable wireless sensor node (WSN) that was developed within the Horizon Europe SOCIO-BEE project to support air quality monitoring through citizen science (CS). The low-cost, body-mounted WSN measures NO₂, O₃, and PM_2.5. Three pilot campaigns were conducted in Ancona (Italy), Maroussi (Greece), and Zaragoza (Spain), and involved diverse user groups—seniors, commuters, and students, respectively. PM_2.5 sensor data were validated through two approaches: direct comparison with reference stations and spatial clustering analysis using K-means. The results show strong correlation with official PM_2.5 data (R² = 0.75), with an average absolute error of 0.54 µg/m³ and a statistical confidence interval of ±3.3 µg/m³. In Maroussi and Zaragoza, where no reference stations were available, the clustering approach yielded low intra-cluster coefficients of variation (CV = 0.50 ± 0.40 in Maroussi, CV = 0.28 ± 0.30 in Zaragoza), indicating that the measurements had high internal consistency and spatial homogeneity. Beyond technical validation, user engagement and perceptions were evaluated through pre-/post-campaign surveys. Across all pilots, over 70% of participants reported satisfaction with the system’s usability and inclusiveness. The findings demonstrate that wearable low-cost sensors, when supported by a structured engagement and data validation framework, can provide reliable, actionable air quality data, empowering citizens and informing evidence-based environmental policy. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of global agricultural modernization, intelligent technologies have gained significant attention in agricultural production—particularly in the field of intelligent orchard sprayers, where notable progress has been achieved. Intelligent orchard sprayers, equipped with precise sensing and control systems, enable targeted spraying. This enhances the efficiency of crop health management, reduces pesticide usage, minimizes environmental pollution, and supports the development of precision agriculture. This review focuses on three core modules of intelligent sprayer technology: perception and intelligent control, spray deposition and drift control, and autonomous navigation with system integration. By addressing key areas such as sensor technologies, object detection algorithms, and real-time control strategies, this review explores current challenges and future directions for intelligent orchard sprayer technology. It also discusses existing technical bottlenecks and obstacles to large-scale adoption. Finally, this review highlights the pivotal role of intelligent orchard sprayer technology in enhancing crop management efficiency, improving environmental sustainability, and facilitating the transformation of agricultural production systems. Full article

This study examines how seasonal air pollution affects health perceptions, risk awareness, and preventive behaviors among a sample of 150 individuals, particularly within vulnerable people living in Thailand. Many participants were older adults (54.7% aged ≥ 60), female (76.7%), and had a low income (less than 10,000 THB/month (USD 295), 92.6%). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, as indicated by urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), significantly increased during high-pollution periods (p < 0.001), while benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) levels did not show significant changes. Farmers exhibited the highest PAH exposure (p = 0.018). Risk perception and preventive behavior scores rose from 0.711 to 0.748 and from 0.505 to 0.707, respectively. Notable items with high factor loadings included “burning pollutes the air and spreads pollution” (Q2.1 = 0.998) and “avoid burning of any kind” (Q4.2 = 1.007). Neurological symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, increased from 0.956 to 1.049, while respiratory problems like pneumonia went up from 0.673 to 1.07. Environmental risk knowledge-related perceptions experienced a slight decline (from 0.609 to 0.576). These results highlight the need for targeted education through community workshops and strategies like mask distribution, indoor air filtration, and early warning systems for vulnerable populations. Full article

In recent decades, the intensification of extreme events, such as floods, earthquakes, and hydrogeological instability, together with the spread of pollutants harmful to health, has highlighted the vulnerability of territories and the need to direct urban policies towards sustainable strategies. The built assets and the real estate sector play a key role in this context; indeed, being among the first ones to be exposed to the effects of climate change, they serve as a crucial tool for the implementation of governance strategies that are more focused on environmental issues. However, the insufficient allocation of public resources to interventions to secure the territory has made it essential to involve private capital interested in combining the legitimate needs of performance with the “ethicality” of the investment. In light of the outlined framework, real estate managers are called upon to take into consideration the environmental risks associated with real estate investments and accurately represent them to investors, especially in the fundraising phase. The tools currently used for the analysis of such risks are based on their perception measured by the “risk premium” criterion, reconstructed on the basis of previous trends and the analyst’s expertise. The poor ability to justify the nature of the risk premium and the uncertainty about future scenario evolutions make this approach increasingly less valid. The present work, starting from the aspects of randomness of the risk premium criterion, aims at its evolution through the inclusion of environmental risk components (seismic, hydrogeological, and pollution). Full article

This research aims to evaluate the economic valuation of lead air pollution in the AA.HH. Virgen de Guadalupe, Callao, Peru. A survey was conducted with 182 residents, focusing on air quality, temporary exposure to pollution, aesthetic appreciation of the environment, willingness to accept (WTA) economic compensation, and willingness to pay (WTP) to mitigate lead air pollution. The data were analyzed using the logit model through STATA16 software. The results revealed that 62.09% of respondents were willing to accept economic compensation, while 56.04% expressed willingness to pay for reducing lead pollution. Furthermore, it was determined that the average monthly WTP is PEN 62.48 (USD 16.47), amounting to PEN 1,201,865.28 (USD 329,103.16) annually for the entire population of 1603 residents. In contrast, the average monthly WTA per resident is PEN 153.59 (USD 40.48), totaling PEN 2,954,457.24 (USD 809,010.16) annually due to lead air pollution. The study concluded that environmental perception, awareness, the desire to maximize present utility, and uncertainty about the future significantly influence the economic valuation of lead air pollution in this community. Full article