Search Results (553)

As climate change intensified water scarcity in Southern Europe, tourism-dependent regions such as Portugal’s Algarve faced growing pressure to adapt their water management systems. This study investigated how hotel groups in the Algarve have adopted and communicated water reuse technologies—specifically desalination and greywater recycling—under environmental, institutional, and reputational constraints. A comparative qualitative case study was conducted involving three hotel groups—Vila Vita Parc, Pestana Group, and Vila Galé—selected through purposive sampling based on organizational capacity and technology adoption stage. The analysis was supported by a supplementary mini-case from Mallorca, Spain. Publicly accessible documents, including sustainability reports, media coverage, and policy frameworks, were thematically coded using organizational environmental behavior theory and the OECD Principles on Water Governance. The results demonstrated that (1) higher organizational capacity was associated with greater maturity in water reuse implementation; (2) communication transparency increased alongside technological advancement; and (3) early-stage adopters encountered stronger financial, regulatory, and operational barriers. These findings culminated in the development of the Maturity–Communication–Governance (MCG) Framework, which elucidates how internal resources, stakeholder signaling, and institutional alignment influence sustainable infrastructure uptake. This research offered policy recommendations to scale water reuse in tourism through financial incentives, regulatory simplification, and public–private partnerships. The study contributed to the literature on sustainable tourism and decentralized climate adaptation, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6.4, 12.6, and 13. Full article

Air pollution monitoring in ungauged zones presents unique challenges yet remains critical for understanding environmental health impacts and socioeconomic dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study investigates air pollution patterns in northwestern Syria during 2019–2024, analyzing NO₂ and CO concentrations using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data processed through Google Earth Engine. Monthly concentration averages were examined across eight key locations using linear regression analysis to determine temporal trends, with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients calculated between pollutant levels and five meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation) to determine the influence of political governance, economic conditions, and environmental sustainability factors on pollution dynamics. Quality assurance filtering retained only measurements with values ≥ 0.75, and statistical significance was assessed at a p < 0.05 level. The findings reveal distinctive spatiotemporal patterns that reflect the region’s complex political-economic landscape. NO₂ concentrations exhibited clear political signatures, with opposition-controlled territories showing upward trends (Al-Rai: 6.18 × 10⁻⁸ mol/m²) and weak correlations with climatic variables (<0.20), indicating consistent industrial operations. In contrast, government-controlled areas demonstrated significant downward trends (Hessia: −2.6 × 10⁻⁷ mol/m²) with stronger climate–pollutant correlations (0.30–0.45), reflecting the impact of economic sanctions on industrial activities. CO concentrations showed uniform downward trends across all locations regardless of political control. This study contributes significantly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing critical baseline data for SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), mapping urban pollution hotspots for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), demonstrating climate–pollution correlations for SDG 13 (Climate Action), revealing governance impacts on environmental patterns for SDG 16 (Peace and Justice), and developing transferable methodologies for SDG 17 (Partnerships). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating environmental safeguards into post-conflict reconstruction planning to ensure sustainable development. Full article

This article explores the role of the European Union (EU) as a normative gender actor promoting women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. In a context marked by global inequality and overlapping international efforts, this paper assesses the extent to which EU-driven Europeanisation influences national gender policies in non-EU states. Using a postfunctionalist lens, this research draws on a qualitative analysis of EU-funded programmes, strategic documents, and a detailed case study encompassing Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. This study highlights both the opportunities created by EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and regional programmes like EU4Digital and the challenges presented by political resistance, institutional inertia, and socio-cultural norms. The findings reveal that although EU interventions have fostered significant progress, structural barriers and limited national commitment hinder the long-term sustainability of gender equality in STEM. Moreover, the withdrawal of other global actors increases pressure on the EU to maintain leadership in this area. This paper concludes that without stronger national alignment and global cooperation, EU gender policies risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative. Full article

Scientific knowledge and international collaboration are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study conducts a large-scale bibliometric analysis of 49.4 million publications indexed in the Web of Science (1945–2023) related to the SDGs, with a specific focus on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Since 1992, SDG 3 has accounted for 58% of SDG-related scientific output. Using K-means clustering and network analysis, we classified countries/regions by research productivity and mapped core–periphery collaboration structures. Results reveal a sharp concentration: the United States, China, England, and Germany account for 51.65% of publications. In contrast, the group composed of the 195 least productive countries and territories accounts for approximately 5% of the total scientific output on the SDGs, based on the same clustering method. Collaboration patterns mirror this inequality, with 84.97% of partnerships confined to the core group and only 2.81% involving core–periphery cooperation. These asymmetries limit the capacity of developing regions to generate health research aligned with local needs, constraining equitable progress toward SDG 3. Expanding scientific cooperation, fostering North–South and South–South collaborations, and ensuring equitable research funding are essential to promote inclusive knowledge production and support sustainable global health. Full article

The future of marine sustainability depends on public understanding and trust in the policy recommendations that emerge from scientific research. For common pool marine resource decisions made by the people who depend on these resources for their food, employment, and economic future, understanding the current status of these marine systems and change is essential to ensure these resources will persist into the future. As such, the informal learning infrastructure is essential to increasing marine science literacy in a changing world. This mixed-methods research study analyzed the distribution and accessibility of marine science education and research across Alaska’s five geographic regions. Using the PRISMA framework, we synthesized data from 198 institutions and analyzed peer-reviewed literature on marine ecosystems to identify geographic and thematic gaps in access to informal science learning and research focus. In parallel, we undertook geospatial analysis and resource availability to describe the distribution of resources, types of informal learning infrastructure present across the state, regional presence, and resources to support informal marine science learning opportunities. Findings from this multifactor research revealed a concentration of resources in urban hubs and a lack of consistent access to learning resources for rural and Indigenous communities. The configurative literature review of 9549 publications identified topical underrepresentation of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, as well as a lack of research on seabirds across all regions. Considered together, these results recommend targeted investments in rural engagement with marine science programming, culturally grounded partnerships, and research diversification. This review concludes that disparities in learning resource support and government-funded priorities in marine wildlife research have created conditions that undermine the local people’s participation in the sustainability of sensitive resources and are likely exacerbating declines driven by rapid change in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Full article

The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking has become a widely adopted instrument for benchmarking institutional sustainability performance; nevertheless, empirically grounded evidence from universities in diverse regional contexts remains scarce. This study undertakes a rigorous appraisal of the extent to which Mahasarakham University (MSU) has institutionalized the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within its pedagogical offerings, research portfolio, community outreach, and governance arrangements during the 2021–2024 strategic cycle. Employing a mixed-methods design and guided by the 2024 UI GreenMetric Education and Research indicators, this investigation analyzed institutional datasets pertaining to curriculum provision, ring-fenced research funding, 574 peer-reviewed sustainability publications, student-led community initiatives, and supporting governance mechanisms; the analysis was interpreted through a Plan–Do–Check–Act management lens. The number of sustainability-oriented academic programs expanded from 49 to 58. Student participation in community service activities strongly recovered following the COVID-19 pandemic, and MSU’s GreenMetric score increased from 7575 to 8475, thereby elevating the institution to the 100th position globally. These gains were facilitated by strategic SDG-aligned investment, cross-sector collaboration, and the consolidation of international partnerships anchored in Thailand’s Isaan region. The MSU case provides a transferable model for universities—particularly those operating in resource-constrained contexts—endeavoring to align institutional development with the SDGs and internationally recognized quality benchmarks. The findings substantiate the capacity of transformative education and applied research to engender enduring societal and environmental benefits. Full article

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital drivers of economic growth in Kenya, yet they face persistent barriers, including limited capacity, financial exclusion, and weak market integration. This study assessed the potential of universities as strategic hubs for MSME capacity building through a collaborative initiative between Egerton University and the KCB Foundation. Using the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) methodology, 481 entrepreneurs from Egerton, Njoro, and Gilgil were trained in a business development bootcamp. This study evaluated the training effectiveness, participant demographics, confidence in skill application, networking outcomes, and satisfaction levels. The results showed high participant confidence (over 95% across all regions), strong financial management uptake (85%), and mobile banking adoption (70%). Gilgil led in inclusivity and peer engagement, while Njoro showed stronger gender representation. However, logistical challenges caused 25% absenteeism in rural areas, and only 23% accessed post-training mentorship. These findings underscore the transformative role of HEIs in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship through localized, inclusive, and industry-aligned training. Policy recommendations include hybrid delivery models, tiered curricula for diverse skill levels, and institutionalized mentorship through public–private partnerships. This case demonstrates the value of embedding entrepreneurship support within university mandates to advance national MSME development agendas. Full article

This paper examines the impact of carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment on national carbon intensity (CI) across 43 countries from 2010 to 2020. Using a dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) log–log panel, we estimate the elasticity of CI with respect to sectoral CCS facility counts within four income-group panels and the full sample. In the high-income panel, CCS in direct air capture, cement, iron and steel, power and heat, and natural gas processing sectors produces statistically significant CI declines of 0.15%, 0.13%, 0.095%, 0.092%, and 0.087% per 1% increase in facilities, respectively (all p < 0.05). Upper-middle-income countries exhibit strong CI reductions in direct air capture (–0.22%) and cement (–0.21%) but mixed results in other sectors. Lower-middle- and low-income panels show attenuated or positive elasticities—reflecting early-stage CCS adoption and infrastructure barriers. Robustness checks confirm these patterns both before and after the 2015 Paris Agreement and between emerging and developed economy panels. Spatial analysis reveals that the United States and United Kingdom achieved 30–40% CI reductions over the decade, whereas China, India, and Indonesia realized only 10–20% declines (relative to a 2010 baseline), highlighting regional deployment gaps. Drawing on these detailed income-group insights, we propose tailored policy pathways: in high-income settings, expand tax credits and public–private infrastructure partnerships; in upper-middle-income regions, utilize blended finance and technology-transfer programs; and in lower-income contexts, establish pilot CCS hubs with international support and shared storage networks. We further recommend measures to manage CCS’s energy and water penalties, implement rigorous monitoring to mitigate leakage risks, and design risk-sharing contracts to address economic uncertainties. Full article

Young people are frustrated and disheartened with the lack of adult leadership and action to address the climate crisis. Although youth representation in global, regional, and local decision-making contexts on climate change is steadily growing, the desired role and effect of youth in environmental and climate decision-making has shifted from a focus on having youth voices heard, to having a direct and meaningful impact on policy and action. To meaningfully integrate youth perspectives into climate policies and programs, intergenerational approaches and youth–adult partnerships are key. This paper explores strategies to support youth action and engagement as adult partners by investigating youth perspectives on what adults and adult-led organizations should consider when engaging young people in climate-related work. This qualitative research study introduces a revised version of the 7P youth participation framework, developed through focus groups with high school youth. This paper provides reflective questions and practical recommendations for participants engaged in youth–adult partnerships to help guide engagement beyond token representation and create meaningfully participatory conditions for youth agency in climate organizing spaces. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming drug discovery and development by enhancing the speed and precision of identifying drug candidates and optimizing their efficacy. This review evaluates the application of AI in various stages of drug discovery, from hit identification to lead optimization, and its impact on clinical outcomes. The objective is to provide insights into the role of AI across therapeutic areas and assess its contributions to improving clinical trial efficiency and pharmaceutical outcomes. Methods: A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to analyze studies published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on AI in drug discovery and development. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases to identify studies employing AI techniques. The studies were categorized based on AI methods, clinical phase, and therapeutic area. The percentages of AI methods used, clinical phase stages, and the therapeutic regions were analyzed to identify trends. Results: AI methods included machine learning (ML) at 40.9%, molecular modeling and simulation (MMS) at 20.7%, and deep learning (DL) at 10.3%. Oncology accounted for the majority of studies (72.8%), followed by dermatology (5.8%) and neurology (5.2%). In clinical phases, 39.3% of studies were in the preclinical stage, 23.1% in Clinical Phase I, and 11.0% in the transitional phase. Clinical outcome reporting was observed in 45% of studies, with 97% reporting industry partnerships. Conclusions: AI significantly enhances drug discovery and development, improving drug efficacy and clinical trial outcomes. Future work should focus on expanding AI applications into underrepresented therapeutic areas and refining models to handle complex biological systems. Full article

This study investigates the influence of agricultural mechanization on maize productivity in Tanzania’s Ruvuma region, a major maize-producing area vital to national food security. It addresses gaps in understanding the cumulative effects of mechanization across the maize production cycle and identifies region-specific barriers to adoption among smallholder farmers. Focusing on five key stages—land preparation, planting, plant protection, harvesting, and drying—this research evaluated mechanization uptake at each stage and its relationship with yield disparities. Statistical analyses using Python libraries included regression modeling, ANOVA, and hypothesis testing to quantify mechanization–yield relationships, controlling for farm size and socioeconomic factors, revealing a strong positive correlation between mechanization and maize yields (r = 0.86; p < 0.01). Mechanized land preparation, planting, and plant protection significantly boosted productivity (β = 0.75–0.35; p < 0.001). However, harvesting and drying mechanization showed negligible impacts (p > 0.05), likely due to limited adoption by smallholders combined with statistical constraints arising from the small sample size of large-scale farms (n = 20). Large-scale farms achieved 45% higher yields than smallholders (2.9 vs. 2.0 tons/acre; p < 0.001), reflecting systemic inequities in access. These inequities are underscored by the barriers faced by smallholders, who constitute 70% of farmers yet encounter challenges, including high equipment costs, limited credit access, and insufficient technical knowledge. This study advances innovation diffusion theory by demonstrating how inequitable resource access perpetuates low mechanization uptake in smallholder systems. It underscores the need for context-specific, equity-focused interventions. These include cooperative mechanization models for high-impact stages (land preparation and planting); farmer training programs; and policy measures such as targeted subsidies for harvesting equipment and expanded rural credit systems. Public–private partnerships could democratize mechanization access, bridging yield gaps and enhancing food security. These findings advocate for strategies prioritizing smallholder inclusion to sustainably improve Tanzania’s maize productivity. Full article

Achieving the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation (PRCM) is a core pathway for promoting green and low-carbon transition and realizing the “dual carbon” goals, as well as a crucial mechanism for coordinating ecological environment governance with climate action. Based on panel data from three major urban agglomerations (Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta) between 2008 and 2019, this study employs network centrality and structural holes to characterize urban network positions (UNP), and systematically investigates the impact mechanisms and spatial heterogeneity of urban network positions on PRCM synergy using a dual fixed-effects model. The findings reveal that (1) urban network positions exert significant inhibitory effects on the overall synergy of PRCM, meaning higher centrality and structural hole advantages hinder synergistic progress. This conclusion remains valid after robustness checks and endogeneity tests using instrumental variables. (2) Heterogeneity analysis shows the inhibitory effects are particularly pronounced in Type I large cities and southern urban agglomerations, attributable to environmental governance path dependence caused by complex industrial structures in metropolises and compounded pressures from export-oriented economies undertaking industrial transfers in southern regions. Northern cities demonstrate stronger environmental resilience due to first-mover advantages in heavy industry transformation. (3) Mechanism testing reveals that cities occupying advantageous network positions tend to reduce environmental regulation stringency and research and development investment levels. Conversely, cities at the network periphery demonstrate late-mover advantages by embedding environmental regulations and building stable technological cooperation partnerships. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing urban network spatial configurations and implementing differentiated environmental governance policies. It emphasizes the necessity of holistically integrating network effects with ecological effects during new-type urbanization, advocating for the establishment of a multi-scale coordinated environmental governance system. Full article

This study examines how the Russia–Ukraine conflict has affected the robustness of the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade network—an essential component of the global energy transition. As environmental concerns intensify worldwide, LNG is gaining strategic importance due to its cleaner emissions and greater flexibility compared to traditional fossil fuels. However, the global LNG trade network remains vulnerable to geopolitical shocks, particularly due to its concentrated structure. In this context, we construct the LNG trade network from 2020 to 2023 and employ complex network analysis to explore its structural characteristics. We assess network robustness under various attack strategies, budget constraints, and phases of the conflict. Furthermore, we utilize the difference-in-differences (DID) method to evaluate the conflict’s impact on network robustness. Our findings reveal that the global LNG trade network exhibits a distinct center–periphery structure and regional clustering. Although the network scale has continuously expanded, its connectivity still requires improvement. The Russia–Ukraine conflict has significantly weakened network robustness, with negative impacts intensifying across attack phases and under greater budget constraints. The optimal attack strategy causes the most severe degradation, followed by high-importance attacks, while random and low-importance attacks exert limited influence. Our DID-based analysis further confirms the conflict’s significant negative impact. To strengthen its resilience, the global LNG trade network should diversify its partnerships and invest in infrastructure enhancements. Full article

This study critically reflects on Myanmar’s readiness and potential to transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) amidst escalating climate pressures, energy insecurity, and regional technological shifts. It aims to advocate a systemic and inclusive EV strategy rooted in environmental, economic, and governance imperatives. Drawing on an extensive review of scholarly literature, policy documents, and regional best practices, this study synthesizes evidence to frame a normative argument for accelerating the adoption of EVs in Myanmar. It combines the environmental, infrastructural, and political–economic perspectives to support its position. Myanmar’s EV transition is not merely a technological leap, but a structural transformation intertwined with energy equity, public health, and geopolitical positioning. While significant barriers, such as grid unreliability, policy inconsistency, and socioeconomic disparities, persist, coordinated national efforts and regional cooperation can unlock transformative opportunities. Policy clarity, grid modernization, public engagement, and international partnerships are essential enablers. This study offers a timely and region-specific perspective on the EV debate, highlighting Myanmar’s unique vulnerabilities and latent advantages. It presents a value-based call for inclusive, future-oriented policymaking that aligns Myanmar’s mobility system with its sustainability and development goals. Full article

This study examines the establishment of a Hub for Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis (HUB-CEIS) centred on a forest biomass waste plant in Fundão, Portugal, presenting an innovative model for rural industrial symbiosis, circular economy governance, and sustainable waste management. Designed as a strategic node within a reverse supply chain, the hub facilitates the conversion of solid waste into renewable energy and high-value co-products, including green hydrogen, tailored for industrial and agricultural applications, with an estimated 120 ktCO₂/year reduction and 60 direct jobs. Aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, this initiative addresses global challenges such as decarbonization, resource efficiency, and the energy transition. Employing a mixed research methodology, this study integrates a comprehensive literature review, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and comparative case study analysis to formulate a governance framework fostering regional partnerships between industry, government, and local communities. The findings highlight Fundão’s potential to become a benchmark for rural industrial symbiosis, offering a replicable model for circularity in non-urban contexts, with a projected investment of USD 60 M. Special emphasis is placed on the green hydrogen value chain, positioning it as a key enabler for regional sustainability. This research underscores the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving scalable and efficient waste recovery processes. By delivering practical insights and a robust governance structure, the study contributes to the circular economy literature, providing actionable strategies for implementing rural reverse supply chains. Beyond validating waste valorization and renewable energy production, the proposed hub establishes a blueprint for sustainable rural industrial development, promoting long-term industrial symbiosis integration. Full article