Search Results (7,203)

Design Thinking (DT) has emerged as a relevant methodology for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents a systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which analyzes 42 peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. Through inductive content analysis, 10 core DT principles—such as empathy, iteration, user-centeredness, and systems thinking—I identified and thematically mapped to specific SDGs, including goals related to health, education, innovation, and climate action. The study also presents five real-world cases from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, and urban planning, illustrating how DT has been applied to address practical challenges aligned with the SDGs. However, the review identifies persistent gaps in the field: the lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, limited integration across SDG domains, and weak adaptation of ethical and contextual considerations, particularly in vulnerable communities. As a response, this paper recommends the adoption of structured impact assessment tools (e.g., Cities2030, Responsible Design Thinking), integration of design justice principles, and the development of participatory, iterative ecosystems for innovation. By offering both conceptual synthesis and applied insights, this article positions Design Thinking as a strategic and systemic approach for driving sustainable transformation aligned with the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Soil structural instability in reservoir riparian zones, induced by water level fluctuations, threatens sustainable land use by accelerating land degradation. This study examined the impact of water-level variations on soil aggregate composition and stability based on key indicators, including water-stable aggregate content (WSAC), mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD). The Savinov dry sieving, Yoder wet sieving, and Le Bissonnais (LB) methods were employed for analysis. Results indicated that, with decreasing water levels and increasing soil layer, aggregates larger than 5 mm decreased, while aggregates smaller than 0.25 mm increased. Rising water levels and increasing soil layer corresponded to reductions in soil stability indicators (MWD, GMD, and WSAC), highlighting a trend toward soil structural instability. The LB method revealed the lowest aggregate stability under rapid wetting and the highest under slow wetting conditions. Correlation analysis showed that soil organic matter positively correlated with the relative mechanical breakdown index (RMI) (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the relative slaking index (RSI), whereas soil pH was negatively correlated with both RMI and RSI (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis of aggregate stability methods demonstrated that results from the dry sieving method closely resembled those from the SW treatment of the LB method, whereas the wet sieving method closely aligned with the FW (Fast Wetting) treatment of the LB method. The Le Bissonnais method not only reflected the outcomes of dry and wet sieving methods but also effectively distinguished the mechanisms of aggregate breakdown. The study concluded that prolonged flooding intensified aggregate dispersion, with mechanical breakdown influenced by water levels and soil layer. Dispersion and mechanical breakdown represent primary mechanisms of soil aggregate instability, further exacerbated by fluctuating water levels. By elucidating degradation mechanisms, this research provides actionable insights for preserving soil health, safeguarding water resources, and promoting sustainable agricultural in ecologically vulnerable reservoir regions of the Yangtze River Basin. Full article

Sustainability education has become a global priority in educational systems, aiming to equip learners with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to address complex environmental and social challenges. This study specifically aims to understand the role of science education in promoting students’ awareness of sustainability and their understanding of the interconnected relationship between humans and the environment, based on the perceptions and practices of primary science teachers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A qualitative approach was utilized, which included semi-structured interviews complemented by classroom observations as primary data collection instruments. The targeted participants comprised a purposive sample consisting of forty-nine primary-level science instructors from the Al-Ahsa district, located in eastern Saudi Arabia. Emergent concepts from open and axial coding processes by using grounded theory were developed with the gathered data. Based on the findings, teachers perceive science teaching not only as knowledge delivery but as an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking and nurture eco-friendly actions among pupils. Classroom practices that underscore environmental values and principles of sustainability foster a transformative view of the teacher’s role beyond traditional boundaries. The data also highlighted classroom practices that integrate environmental values and sustainability principles, reflecting a transformative perspective on the teacher’s educational role. Full article

This article aims to explore and analyze current issues and features of environmental protection in managing local tourism destinations based on the principles of sustainable development through the relevant literature and thus to provide an insight into major environmental measures and activities that should be implemented in practice, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability as a key factor in the development and success of local tourist destinations in today’s business environment. Qualitative methods were used, with the literature review based on content analysis by keywords. This particularly affects the business process efficiency and the participation of destination stakeholders and in many cases leads to a low level of environmentally sustainable destination practices. In addition to this theoretical approach, this study also has direct managerial implications for destination environmental business operations. An attractive and well-preserved environment is the primary factor of tourism and local tourism destination development and its success, as well as an integrated part of the tourism product. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on environmental sustainability at local destinations, where prior work has often overlooked the integration of actionable, practice-oriented frameworks tailored for both researchers and practitioners. While theoretical insights into sustainable practices abound, there remains a scarcity of holistic analyses that bridge scholarly understanding with implementable strategies for on-the-ground application. To fill this void, our research provides a comprehensive overview and systematic analysis of current practices, with targeted emphasis on co-developing scalable frameworks for improving environmentally sustainable practices at local destinations. Full article

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) as a catalyst for integrating sustainability into industrial firms through a qualitative case study of LC Paper, the first B Corp-certified tissue manufacturer globally and a pioneer in applying BIA in the pulp and paper sector. Based on semi-structured interviews, organizational documents, and direct observation, this study examines how BIA influences corporate governance, environmental practices, and stakeholder engagement. The findings show that BIA fosters structured goal setting and the implementation of measurable actions aligned with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. Tangible outcomes include improved stakeholder trust, internal transparency, and employee development, while implementation challenges such as resource allocation and procedural complexity are also reported. Although the single-case design limits generalizability, this study identifies mechanisms transferable to other firms, particularly those in environmentally intensive sectors. The case studied also illustrates how leadership commitment, participatory governance, and data-driven tools facilitate the operationalization of sustainability. By integrating stakeholder and institutional theory, this study contributes conceptually to understanding certification frameworks as tools for embedding sustainability. This research offers both theoretical and practical insights into how firms can align strategy and impact, expanding the application of BIA beyond early adopters and into traditional industrial contexts. Full article

This study explores whether sustainability achievements—proxied through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—are associated with superior financial performance in Latvia’s manufacturing sector, where ESG maturity remains low and institutional readiness is still emerging. Building on stakeholder, legitimacy, signal, slack resources, and agency theories, this study applies a mixed-method approach (that consists of two analytical stages) suited to the limited availability and reliability of ESG-related data in the Latvian manufacturing sector. Financial indicators from three large firms—AS MADARA COSMETICS, AS Latvijas Finieris, and AS Valmiera Glass Grupa—are compared with industry averages over the 2019–2023 period using independent sample T-tests. ESG integration is evaluated through a six-stage conceptual schema ranging from symbolic compliance to performance-driven sustainability. The results show that AS MADARA COSMETICS, which demonstrates advanced ESG integration aligned with international standards, significantly outperforms its industry in all profitability metrics. In contrast, the other two companies remain at earlier ESG maturity stages and show weaker financial performance, with sustainability disclosures limited to general statements and outdated indicators. These findings support the synergy hypothesis in contexts where sustainability is internalized and operationalized, while also highlighting structural constraints—such as resource scarcity and fragmented data—that may limit ESG-financial alignment in post-transition economies. This study offers practical guidance for firms seeking competitive advantage through strategic ESG integration and recommends policy actions to enhance ESG transparency and performance in Latvia, including performance-based reporting mandates, ESG data infrastructure, and regulatory alignment with EU directives. These insights contribute to the growing empirical literature on ESG effectiveness under constrained institutional and economic conditions. Full article

Groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and livelihoods in the arid Middle Draa Valley (MDV) of southeastern Morocco. However, increasing groundwater extraction, declining rainfall, and the absence of effective floodwater harvesting systems have led to severe aquifer depletion. This study applies and compares six machine learning (ML) algorithms—decision trees (CART), ensemble methods (random forest, LightGBM, XGBoost), distance-based learning (k-nearest neighbors), and support vector machines—integrating GIS, satellite data, and field observations to delineate zones suitable for groundwater recharge. The results indicate that ensemble tree-based methods yielded the highest predictive accuracy, with LightGBM outperforming the others by achieving an overall accuracy of 0.90. Random forest and XGBoost also demonstrated strong performance, effectively identifying priority areas for artificial recharge, particularly near ephemeral streams. A feature importance analysis revealed that soil permeability, elevation, and stream proximity were the most influential variables in recharge zone delineation. The generated maps provide valuable support for irrigation planning, aquifer conservation, and floodwater management. Overall, the proposed machine learning–geospatial framework offers a robust and transferable approach for mapping groundwater recharge zones (GWRZ) in arid and semi-arid regions, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs))—notably SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), by enhancing water-use efficiency and groundwater recharge (Target 6.4), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by supporting climate-resilient aquifer management. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness and practical adoption of green wall systems in the Nigerian construction industry. It seeks to examine the current state of green wall implementation and recommend strategies to enhance their integration into construction practices among Nigerian construction professionals. A thorough review of the existing literature was conducted to identify different types of green wall systems. Insights from this review informed the design of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed to construction professionals based in Lagos State. The data collected were analyzed using statistical tests. The study reveals that while there is generally high awareness of green wall systems among Nigerian construction professionals, the practical use remains low, with just 8 out of the 18 systems being actively implemented, eclipsing the mean value of 3.0. The findings underscore the need for targeted education, industry incentives, and increased advocacy to encourage the use of green wall systems in the Nigerian construction sector. The results have significant implications for the Nigerian construction industry. The limited awareness and adoption of green wall systems highlight the need for strategic actions from policymakers, industry leaders and educational institutions. Promoting the use of green walls could drive more sustainable building practices, improve environmental outcomes and support the broader goals of decarbonization and circularity in construction. This research adds to the body of knowledge on sustainable construction by offering a detailed evaluation of green wall awareness and adoption within the Nigerian context. While green wall systems have been studied globally, this research provides a regional perspective, which in this case focuses on Lagos State. The study’s recognition of the gap between awareness and implementation highlights an important area for future research and industry development. Full article

In recent years, growing concerns over environmental degradation and deepening awareness of the necessity of sustainable development have propelled green and low-carbon energy transition into a focal issue for both academia and policymakers. By decomposing energy transition into the transformation of energy structure and the upgrading of energy efficiency, this study investigates the impact and mechanisms of green finance on energy transition across 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China, with the exception of Tibet. In addition, the impact of climate change is incorporated into the analytical framework. Empirical results demonstrate that green finance development significantly accelerates energy transition, a conclusion robust to rigorous validation. Analysis of the mechanism shows that green finance promotes energy transition through the facilitation of technological innovation and the upgrade of industrial structures. Moreover, empirical evidence reveals that climate change undermines the promotional influence of sustainable finance on energy system transformation. The magnitude of this suppression varies nonlinearly across provincial jurisdictions with differing energy transition progress. Regional heterogeneity analyses further uncover marked discrepancies in climate–finance interactions, demonstrating amplified effects in coastal economic hubs, underdeveloped western provinces, and regions with mature eco-financial markets. According to these findings, actionable policy suggestions are put forward to strengthen green finance and accelerate energy transition. Full article

The shift from Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) has accelerated global efforts to decarbonize transportation. However, battery degradation, high costs, and limited lifespan remain critical barriers. This review synthesizes recent innovations to extend Li-ion battery life in BEVs by exploring advances in degradation modeling, adaptive Battery Management Systems (BMSs), electronic component simulations, and real-world usage profiling. The authors have systematically analyzed over 80 recent studies using a PRISMA-guided review protocol. A novel comparative framework highlights gaps in current literature, particularly regarding real-world driving impacts, ripple current effects, and second-life battery applications. This review article critically compares model-driven, data-driven, and hybrid model approaches, emphasizing trade-offs in interpretability, accuracy, and deployment feasibility. Finally, the review links battery life extension to broader sustainability metrics, including circular economy models and predictive maintenance algorithms. This review offers actionable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers aiming to design longer-lasting and more sustainable electric mobility systems. Full article

This study examines the progress, challenges, and successes in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12), focusing on responsible consumption and production, using Qatar as a case study. The State has integrated Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into national policies, established coordination mechanisms, and implemented action plans aligned with SDG12 targets. Achievements include renewable energy adoption, waste management reforms, and sustainable public procurement, though challenges persist in rationalizing fossil fuel subsidies, addressing data gaps, and enhancing corporate sustainability reporting. Efforts to reduce food loss and waste through redistribution programs highlight the country’s resilience, despite logistical obstacles. The nation has also advanced hazardous waste management, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism policies, though gaps in data systems and policy coherence remain. Qatar’s approach provides a valuable local-to-global example of balancing resource-dependent economies with sustainability goals. Its strategies and lessons offer potential adaptability for other nations, especially those facing similar challenges in achieving SDG12. By strengthening data systems, enhancing policy integration, and fostering regional and international cooperation, Qatar’s efforts underscore the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, serving as a blueprint for global sustainability initiatives. Full article

The construction industry is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to environmental emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) using digital models is a valuable tool for conducting a science-based analysis to reduce these impacts. However, transferring data from environmental product declarations (EPDs) to BIM for the purpose of sustainability assessment requires significant resources for its interpretation and integration. This study is founded on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and standards, an analysis of published digital EPDs, and a thorough evaluation of IFC (industry foundation classes), identifying twenty gaps for the automated incorporation of LCA data from construction products into BIM. The identified limitations were assessed using the digital model of a building pilot, applying simplifications to incorporate actual EPD data. This paper presents the identified barriers to the automated incorporation of digital EPDs into BIM, and proposes eleven concrete actions to improve IFC 4.3. While prior studies have analyzed the environmental data in IFC, this research is significant in two key areas. Firstly, it focuses on the direct machine interpretation of environmental information without human intervention. Secondly, it is intended to be directly applicable to a revision of the IFC standards. Full article

Helminth parasites of wild animals represent a major threat to the health of these animals, leading to significant losses in performance, health, and zoonotic implications. In some zoos, anthelmintics have traditionally been used to control these parasites, many of which are also zoonotic. Other actions, such as the removal of organic waste, have also been adopted. Few or no control measures are applied to free-ranging wild animals. Helminthophagous fungi are a promising biological alternative. When animals ingest fungal spores, they are excreted in their feces, where they trap and destroy helminth larvae and eggs, preventing and reducing the parasite load in the environment. Another alternative is to administer fungi by spraying them directly into the environment. This review aims to examine the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in wild animals, highlighting their potential to minimize dependence on chemical treatments and promote sustainable animal breeding and production. There are many challenges to making this viable, such as environmental variability, stability of formulations, and acceptance of this new technology. These fungi have been shown to reduce parasite burdens in wild animals by up to 75% and can be administered through the animals’ feeding troughs. To date, evidence shows that helminthophagous fungi can reliably curb environmental parasite loads for extended periods, offering a sustainable alternative to repeated anthelmintic dosing. Their use has been linked to tangible gains in body condition, weight, and overall welfare in various captive and free-ranging wildlife species. Full article

The level of participation and performance of water user associations (WUAs) in drained and irrigated areas is influenced by many factors. This paper aims to identify the main challenges to the functioning and performance of these associations in Poland and Ukraine using the methodology of international comparative analysis. We examined legal, organizational, and financial framework of WUAs performance in Poland and Ukraine based on selected case study areas. The results of the study indicate that creation of WUAs in both countries can be assessed as beneficial for sustainable water development in general. However, it is found that the actions intended to bring benefits can actually exacerbate the problem of drought and water shortages. Research shows that the lack of complete documentation on the layout of the drainage networks plays a huge constraint factor that can lead to problems with controlling the reconstruction of drainage networks and significant deterioration of water relations. Another significant problem is the restriction of the scope of WUA activities in Poland to those types of actions subsidized by the state, while lacking financial resources for other necessary activities. Full article

This research examines the compounding risks of global environmental change, including climate change, environmental law, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which threaten the stability of economic systems worldwide. While digital technology and global governance regulation are increasingly being proposed as solutions, their synergistic potential in advancing economic sustainability has been less explored. How can these technologies mitigate environmental risks while promoting sustainable and equitable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals? We analyze policy global environmental data from the World Bank and the United Nations, as well as literature reviews on digital interventions, artificial intelligence, and smart databases. Global environmental change presents economic stability and rule of law threats, and innovative governance responses are needed. This study evaluates the potential for digital technology to be leveraged to enhance climate resilience and regulatory systems and address key implementation, equity, and policy coherence deficits. Policy recommendations for aligning economic development trajectories with planetary boundaries emphasize that proactive digital governance integration is indispensable for decoupling growth from environmental degradation. However, fragmented governance and unequal access to technologies undermine scalability. Successful experiences demonstrate that integrated policies, combining incentives, data transparency, and multilateral coordination, deliver maximum economic and environmental co-benefits, matching digital innovation with good governance. We provide policymakers with an action plan to leverage technology as a multiplier of sustainability, prioritizing inclusive governance structures to address implementation gaps and inform legislation. Full article