Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental sustainability is one of the most discussed goals, with over 200 countries pledging their support. During the pandemic, environmental sustainability became more important, and it continues to be so even after the pandemic. World leaders, civil society organizations, and governments from developing and developed countries have recently reiterated their commitment to attaining carbon neutrality through energy efficiency, renewable energy, green financing, and a sustainable transportation system at the COP26 conference. This Topic welcomes empirical papers that enhance econometric approaches for climate change research, as well as studies that contribute to a better understanding of the financial and economic aspects of such policies. Therefore, this Topic will seek submissions related to the following themes: achieving sustainability in transport systems; disparities in energy poverty; energy transition; gender aspects of achieving carbon neutrality; the circular economy and sustainability; governance and democracy; the role of renewable energy sources; urbanization, globalization, and innovation; corporate social responsibility; green financing; responsible consumption; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and the role of industry and the agriculture, tourism, and health sectors. Submissions to this Topic will provide readers from all backgrounds with new policy ideas on how to formulate strategies and policies to address climate change and environmental issues. Furthermore, this volume will pave the way for new econometric approaches to guide future research in the field of environmental change. This Topic plans to bring together academia with the most up-to-date techniques and theoretical expertise to further our understanding of environmental pollution as well as inform policymakers about the stringent policy insights required to reach carbon neutrality in time.

Dr. Abdul Majeed
Prof. Dr. Yuantao Xie
Prof. Dr. Judit Oláh
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Economies economies	2.1	4.7	2013	23.1 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Resources resources	3.2	7.2	2012	23.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Water water	3.0	6.0	2009	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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32 pages, 3201 KB  

Open AccessArticle

New-Quality Marine Productive Forces and High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy in China: Mediating Mechanisms and Threshold Effect

by Xiujuan Sha, Huimin Tang, Yuting Wang and Chenshuo Cui

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094377 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 738

Abstract

With the implementation of China’s strategy to build a maritime power, new-quality marine productive forces have emerged as an important driver of high-quality development in the marine economy. Based on panel data from 11 coastal provinces in China covering the period 2013–2022, this [...] Read more.

With the implementation of China’s strategy to build a maritime power, new-quality marine productive forces have emerged as an important driver of high-quality development in the marine economy. Based on panel data from 11 coastal provinces in China covering the period 2013–2022, this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system for both new-quality marine productive forces and the high-quality development of the marine economy. It employs the entropy method to calculate a composite development index and uses panel models, mediation effect models, and threshold regression models to examine the mechanism through which new-quality marine productive forces influence the high-quality development of the marine economy. The study finds the following: (1) New-quality marine productive forces are positively associated with the high-quality development of the marine economy. (2) They are also positively associated with marine science and technology innovation, which in turn is associated with the high-quality development of the marine economy, suggesting a partial mediating role. (3) The level of economic development plays a nonlinear moderating role: the positive association is not significant at lower levels of economic development, strengthens at moderate levels, and weakens at higher levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 1115 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Emergency Industry Demonstration Base Policy on the Effectiveness of Safety Production Governance for Sustainable Development: Evidence from Multi-Temporal DID Based on Provincial Panel Data

by Jiale Zhang, Zhihong Li and Jun Tang

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094351 - 28 Apr 2026

Viewed by 538

Abstract

The implementation of the national emergency industry demonstration bases’ policies is a new way to achieve safety production governance and a key factor in improving the effectiveness of national safety production governance. This study regards China’s national emergency industry demonstration bases’ policies as [...] Read more.

The implementation of the national emergency industry demonstration bases’ policies is a new way to achieve safety production governance and a key factor in improving the effectiveness of national safety production governance. This study regards China’s national emergency industry demonstration bases’ policies as a quasi-natural experiment. Based on panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2010 to 2022, a multi-period difference in differences (DID) model is conducted to systematically evaluate the impact and mechanism of this policy on China’s safety production governance. The results show that this policy significantly reduced the death rate of safety production accidents with a GDP of 100 million yuan and has a significant governance improvement effect. Further analysis of the mediating effect shows that policies mainly exert governance effects by increasing public safety financial investment and promoting innovation output. The heterogeneity analysis results indicate that policy effects are more significant in regions with weaker energy-resource industrial bases and lower levels of digital development, suggesting that the marginal governance benefits of policies are mainly concentrated in areas with relatively weak supporting conditions for safety governance. This study makes three primary contributions to the literature. Theoretically, it expands the safety governance paradigm by shifting the focus from traditional administrative “command and control” regulations to market-driven industrial agglomeration. Methodologically, by utilizing a multi-period DID model, it overcomes endogeneity issues prevalent in prior correlation-based studies to rigorously identify causal effects. Empirically, it opens the “black box” of policy transmission by validating dual pathways—fiscal resource allocation and technological innovation—while highlighting a critical “filling the gap” marginal utility effect in resource-constrained regions. This study empirically reveals the mechanism and context-dependent characteristics of industrial policies in safety governance, providing empirical evidence for understanding the inherent logic between industrial policies, public safety governance, and regional sustainable development. It offers practical insights for optimizing the precise implementation and resource allocation of emergency industrial policies to foster socially sustainable and resilient industrial growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 831 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Financial Innovation and Ecological Balance: A Quantile Analysis of the Load Capacity Factor in OECD Countries

by Muniba, Chengang Ye and Abdul Majeed

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094285 - 26 Apr 2026

Viewed by 938

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development requires moving beyond pollution metrics to holistic measures, such as the load capacity factor (LCF), which balances ecological demand and supply. While recent studies have provided important insights into the determinants of LCF in OECD countries, further research is needed [...] Read more.

Achieving sustainable development requires moving beyond pollution metrics to holistic measures, such as the load capacity factor (LCF), which balances ecological demand and supply. While recent studies have provided important insights into the determinants of LCF in OECD countries, further research is needed to incorporate additional determinants and updated estimation approaches. This study addresses this gap by examining the impacts of financial innovation, forestry, urbanization, population, and economic growth on the LCF in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economies from 1990 to 2023. Using second-generation panel econometric methods, including tests for cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, second-generation unit roots, and cointegration techniques, this paper confirms a stable long-run relationship among the variables. The core analysis applies the method of moments quantile regression to uncover the heterogeneous effects across the LCF distribution. The results indicate that financial innovation consistently enhances the ratio of biocapacity to ecological footprint. In contrast, economic growth and urbanization exert significant negative pressure on the LCF, whereas population size shows a uniformly detrimental effect. Forestry has a positive but less pronounced influence. Robustness checks using fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares, and panel-corrected standard errors confirm these results. The present study concludes that targeted financial innovation and stringent urban demographic policies support OECD nations in improving ecological balance and reducing ecological deficits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 5040 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Prospects for the Development of Onshore Wind Energy in Light of the Implementation of the European Landscape Convention: The Example of Poland

by Krzysztof Badora and Radosław Wróbel

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010011 - 19 Dec 2025

Viewed by 551

Abstract

The development of onshore wind energy is linked to the conditions for landscape protection and development established during the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). In Poland, the implementation of the ELC results in the designation and protection of priority landscapes, which [...] Read more.

The development of onshore wind energy is linked to the conditions for landscape protection and development established during the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). In Poland, the implementation of the ELC results in the designation and protection of priority landscapes, which may restrict the construction of new wind farms. The widespread ratification of the ELC by European countries where wind farms are being developed makes the possibility of limiting wind energy development through ELC implementation an important issue from a research and practical perspective. Experience from Poland can be helpful in optimizing the implementation process without impacting the total installed capacity of wind farms. Using GIS tools and a multi-criteria assessment of the conditions for excluding areas from wind energy development in Poland, the scale of territorial barriers was assessed in the variants without and with priority landscapes. The resources available for wind farms and the reduction in these resources associated with the implementation of the ELC were assessed quantitatively and spatially. The amount of capacity that can be connected and that will be limited by the implementation of the ELC was estimated. The analysis was conducted for the country, its regions, and zones with varying wind conditions predisposing to wind energy development. An approximately 5% reduction in the territorial potential for onshore wind energy development was observed due to the implementation of the ELC. Significant spatial variation was observed, including regional limitations on wind farms associated with the implementation of the ELC. Spatial barriers to development result not only from the presence of high-quality landscapes but also from varying regional policies for their protection and shaping. There is a lack of national coordination of regional policies for the implementation of the ELC, and there is no coordination of this process with other plans and strategies, including energy transformation and security. Despite the identified limitations to wind energy development, no threat to the achievement of strategic wind energy development goals related to connecting new capacity by 2030 and 2040 has been identified. However, in the longer term, as areas available for wind energy development become increasingly scarce, implementing ELC may pose a significant barrier to energy transition. Research indicates that the ELC implementation model in Poland, which emphasizes landscape protection rather than landscape planning and sustainable management, is not beneficial for onshore wind energy. It is necessary to integrate landscape protection policy with energy transition policy, particularly in zones with the most favorable wind (economic) conditions for onshore wind energy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1606 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Digital-Driven Pathways for Green and Low-Carbon Development: A Survey of Chinese Cities

by Huafei Yan, Xiaobei Li and Yingting Qin

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219452 - 24 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1033

Abstract

Green and low-carbon development (GLD) is central to facilitating the high-quality transitional development of economic and social sectors, as well as to the achievement of China’s “dual carbon” goals. The digital economy (DE), a burgeoning economic paradigm, serves as a potent driver for [...] Read more.

Green and low-carbon development (GLD) is central to facilitating the high-quality transitional development of economic and social sectors, as well as to the achievement of China’s “dual carbon” goals. The digital economy (DE), a burgeoning economic paradigm, serves as a potent driver for GLD by leveraging its intrinsic strengths in innovation-led growth and cross-sectoral industrial integration. Drawing on the TOE (Technology-Organization-Environment) framework, this study employs dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and regression analysis to examine panel data (2014–2023) of 44 core coastal cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, aiming to identify the driving paths of GLD. The research results indicate that a single dimension in the DE cannot constitute the necessary condition for regional GLD. Specifically, there are 6 configurational paths for high-level GLD (categorized into “organization-led” and “technology-organization-environment multi-driven” models) and 3 paths for low-level GLD (summarized as “three-dimensional constraint” and “technology-organization deficiency” models). In terms of the driving effect, the technology-organization-environment multi-driven configurational path exerts the strongest promotional effect on regional GLD. This study yields a valuable theoretical foundation for understanding the synergistic role of multidimensional DE elements in driving GLD, while also delivering actionable insights for local governments to identify contextually tailored GLD trajectories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 863 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Examination of the Factors of Multidimensional Energy Poverty in a Hungarian Rural Settlement

by Mónika Rákos, Laura Mihály-Karnai, Dániel Fróna and Csaba Csetneki

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164287 - 12 Aug 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

Energy poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that impairs access to basic energy services and threatens social well-being, particularly in disadvantaged rural communities. This study investigates the extent and drivers of household energy poverty in a Hungarian village through a survey-based analysis (N = [...] Read more.

Energy poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that impairs access to basic energy services and threatens social well-being, particularly in disadvantaged rural communities. This study investigates the extent and drivers of household energy poverty in a Hungarian village through a survey-based analysis (N = 257) conducted in early 2025. The sample is not nationally representative, however, it reflects approximately 20% of the total village population (1331 inhabitants). This study aims to identify vulnerable household profiles, explore correlations between socio-economic and housing factors and perceived thermal comfort, and compare the effectiveness of multiple measurement indicators the 10% rule, low income high cost, 2M, and M/2. We employ descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Fuzzy C-Means clustering, and linear regression, revealing that over half of the sample is energy poor according to the 10% rule, while the LIHC method identifies 29%. Our regression results confirm that cluster membership significantly influences perceived comfort levels (R² = 0.063, p = 0.002). We conclude that single-indicator approaches are insufficient to capture the nuanced realities of rural energy poverty, therefore, we recommend the development of a rural energy poverty index. Such a tool could help identify affected households and support the formulation of context-sensitive, evidence-based energy and social policy interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 1590 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Driving SME Sustainability via the Influence of Green Capital, HRM, and Leadership

by Khalid Jamil, Wen Zhang, Aliya Anwar and Sohaib Mustafa

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136076 - 2 Jul 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4157

Abstract

This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how internal green capabilities and practices drive environmental sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the context of a developing economy. While prior studies have explored green intellectual capital (GIC), green human resource [...] Read more.

This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how internal green capabilities and practices drive environmental sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the context of a developing economy. While prior studies have explored green intellectual capital (GIC), green human resource management (GHRM), and green innovation separately, their combined effects and mechanisms have been underexplored. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), this research examines how GIC and GHRM influence environmental performance, considering green innovation as a mediating factor and green transformational leadership as a moderating factor. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 329 manufacturing SMEs in major industrial regions of Pakistan and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate that GIC and GHRM significantly enhance environmental performance both directly and indirectly via green innovation, while green transformational leadership strengthens the effect of GHRM on innovation. These results provide practical insights for managers and policymakers in developing countries to implement integrated green strategies and leadership development to achieve sustainability targets. Given its focus on Pakistani SMEs, the generalizability of the findings may be limited, suggesting directions for future research in other cultural and economic settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 489 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Polluting Industry Agglomeration, Environmental Regulation, and Urban Air Quality

by Hanna Li and Yu Chen

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041731 - 19 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

In China, with the increasing emphasis on the concept of green sustainable development, polluting industries characterized by pollution and high energy consumption are facing unprecedented challenges. The development of the intermediate demand-type characteristics of polluting industries should be more reasonably laid out and [...] Read more.

In China, with the increasing emphasis on the concept of green sustainable development, polluting industries characterized by pollution and high energy consumption are facing unprecedented challenges. The development of the intermediate demand-type characteristics of polluting industries should be more reasonably laid out and regulated. In this paper, environmental regulation and environmental quality are introduced into the new economic geography model. On the basis of theoretical analysis, the IV regression method was used to study the interaction between polluting industry agglomeration, environmental regulation, and their effects on urban air quality with key cities as research objects. The results show that an increase in the agglomeration of polluting industries leads to significant deterioration in urban air quality and that this effect is linear, whereas an increase in the intensity of environmental regulation significantly dampens this effect. Each 1% increase in the intensity of environmental regulation results in a 1.17% reduction in air pollution. Therefore, to effectively protect the environment, the development of polluting industries should be relatively decentralized. Additionally, city governments should fully consider their urban eco-geographical characteristics, directly reduce and indirectly inhibit the degree of agglomeration of polluting industries and simultaneously strengthen the intensity of environmental regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 7164 KB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Policy Frameworks and Their Role in the Sustainable Growth of Distributed Photovoltaic Generation

by Annelys Machado Schetinger and André Frossard Pereira de Lucena

Resources 2025, 14(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14020028 - 3 Feb 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4548

Abstract

In response to the growing photovoltaic distributed generation market, this study investigates the evolution of energy policies and mechanisms driving the growth of photovoltaic distributed generation (DGPV). Analyzing the top ten countries in photovoltaic installations, it examines historical trends in capacity growth, installation [...] Read more.

In response to the growing photovoltaic distributed generation market, this study investigates the evolution of energy policies and mechanisms driving the growth of photovoltaic distributed generation (DGPV). Analyzing the top ten countries in photovoltaic installations, it examines historical trends in capacity growth, installation costs, and stakeholder engagement to evaluate policy effectiveness. Eight policy categories are identified as follows: direct financial incentives, energy market regulation, government management, production incentives, performance-based feed-in tariffs, renewable energy obligations, research and development initiatives, and agreements and commitments. The research results emphasize the crucial influence of government management policies, direct financial incentives, and energy market regulation on promoting the growth of DGPV. Political will and effective governance are identified as key drivers in advancing technology and market development. Policies reducing installation costs and encouraging investment support the transition of photovoltaic systems from early adoption to market maturity. Despite these advances, disparities in policy implementation highlight the need for adaptable frameworks tailored to local contexts. By leveraging solar energy, an abundant and universally accessible resource, nations can enhance energy equity through effective policies and accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy systems. This analysis offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote DGPV as a central strategy in combating climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 719 KB  

Open AccessArticle

ICT-Driven Strategies for Enhancing Energy Efficiency in G20 Economies: Moderating the Role of Governance in Achieving Environmental Sustainability

by Zohaib Zahid, Jijian Zhang, Chongyan Gao and Judit Oláh

Energies 2025, 18(3), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030685 - 2 Feb 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2341

Abstract

Achieving environmental sustainability has become a global priority, with energy efficiency (EE) emerging as a critical pathway. This study examines the influence of information and communication technology service exports (ICT) on EE by integrating the moderating role of regulatory quality. We employ a [...] Read more.

Achieving environmental sustainability has become a global priority, with energy efficiency (EE) emerging as a critical pathway. This study examines the influence of information and communication technology service exports (ICT) on EE by integrating the moderating role of regulatory quality. We employ a super-slack-based measure (Super-SBM) and generalized least squares models in G20 economies throughout 2001–2023. The findings show that the average EE is 0.855, which indicates a potential for further improvement of 14.50%. The findings further show that ICT is positively related to EE, and regulatory quality delivers a conducive environment for the adoption of technologies to optimize energy usage. The findings also indicate a synergistic effect between ICT and regulatory quality, which can lead to substantial improvements in EE, emphasizing the importance of governance in facilitating technological advancements. The findings highlight the role of renewable energy and economic openness in shaping EE. Furthermore, Argentina and South Africa achieved the highest EE, reflecting their proximity to the efficient frontier. In robust tests, this study verifies its results using the generalized method of moments, panel-corrected standard error, and feasible generalized least squares models. The findings suggest that ICT and governance perspectives can provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance energy sustainability through digital transformation and institutional reforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition)

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