Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Construction of Cultivated Land Ecological Network Based on Supply and Demand of Ecosystem Services and MCR Model: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093745 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The research on the ecological protection of cultivated land has gradually become a focus and frontier of cultivated land protection. Constructing an ecological network of a cultivated land system is important to improve the effect of cultivated land ecological protection. In this study,
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The research on the ecological protection of cultivated land has gradually become a focus and frontier of cultivated land protection. Constructing an ecological network of a cultivated land system is important to improve the effect of cultivated land ecological protection. In this study, the supply-demand ratio of five ecosystem services was calculated from 2000 to 2020 in Shandong Province, a major grain-producing area in China. The morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model was used to construct the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. The conclusions of the study are as follows: (1) the areas with a higher supply and demand ratio of various ecosystem services of cultivated land in Shandong Province are distributed in southern and southwestern areas. (2) The ecological source of cultivated land in Shandong Province has decreased by about 7000 km2 from 2000 to 2020, and the fragmentation trend is obvious. (3) The total length of the ecological corridors is 798.5 km2. The majority of these corridors are located in central and southern Shandong. The ideas and conclusions of this study are important for the formulation of ecological protection policies for regional cultivated land systems.
Full article
Open AccessSystematic Review
The Decolonisation of Climate Change and Environmental Education in Africa
by
Marcellus Forh Mbah and Chidi Ezegwu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3744; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093744 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study examines key considerations for the decolonisation of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in Africa. It draws on epistemic inclusivity to systematically assess journal articles that drew on primary studies and were published between 2015 and 2022. The findings of the
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This study examines key considerations for the decolonisation of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in Africa. It draws on epistemic inclusivity to systematically assess journal articles that drew on primary studies and were published between 2015 and 2022. The findings of the review show that there is a persisting epistemic exclusion and alienation of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in CCEE, which contributes to affecting the quality of what is learned in educational centres across Africa. The ILK alienation and disconnection of learning from learners’ lived experiences render it difficult for them to connect subjects and issues they learn to their daily experiences in sociocultural environments. Decolonisation efforts must address exclusion and alienation and promote inclusion and epistemic agency. This paper captures various strategies to achieve these in Africa and highlights existential challenges and opportunities. In these regards, it contends that multidimensional approaches to decolonisation are required to promote Africa-relevant climate change and environment education. This includes the interrogation of existing theories and evidence that underpins subsisting practices, as well as seeking ways to mitigate evidence of the impact of the ongoing epistemic exclusion in different locations and contexts. It also requires policymakers and education managers to commit to developing epistemically inclusive education policies, curricula, and learning frameworks.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
Open AccessArticle
Reconfiguration of Agrifood Supply Chain Management in Latin America during COVID-19: A Brief Literature Review
by
Rafael Granillo-Macías, Héctor Rivera-Gómez, Isidro Jesús González-Hernández and Francisca Santana-Robles
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3743; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093743 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the changes in the agrifood supply chain (AFSC) configurations in Latin America (LATAM) imposed by the markets as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper analyzes the results of mobility trends, production rates, logistics performance, and the
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This study aims to analyze the changes in the agrifood supply chain (AFSC) configurations in Latin America (LATAM) imposed by the markets as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper analyzes the results of mobility trends, production rates, logistics performance, and the strategies developed by managers and decision makers of the organizations of the agro-industrial sector for supply chain configurations during the early stages of the pandemic in a food-exporting region that contributes 14% of the world’s production of agricultural and fishery products. Through a literature review of reports and scientific articles on the behavior of the pandemic published by international organizations, research centers, and researchers around the AFSC in LATAM, the impacts on logistical disruptions, configuration strategies, and disruptive technologies applied in Latin American agrifood supply chains during the lockdown are identified. As a result of this reconfiguration of the AFSC, the development of short supply chains and the digitalization of supply based on electronic commerce were the most used strategies during COVID-19 in LATAM. The results of this study show that Mexico, Chile, and Brazil maintained a prominent position as leaders in the different logistics indicators for the AFSC by developing strategies that include short supply chains and the digitalization of supplies based on electronic commerce. Finally, this study also highlights the imminent need to address new research and theories on the reconfiguration of the AFSC, which allows expanding analytical capabilities in organizations to face future risks and challenges that will enable the reconfiguration of the supply chain in the face of catastrophic scenarios such as COVID-19.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Sustainable Food Production and Supply Chain Management)
Open AccessArticle
Analyzing the Factors of Vacant Home Occurrence for Urban Sustainability: A Case Study of Medium-Sized Cities Focusing on Asan City, Chungcheongnam-do
by
Jeong-hyeon Choi, Seung-Seok Han and Myung-je Woo
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093742 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study aims to enhance urban sustainability by analyzing the spatial distribution and underlying causes of vacant homes in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. Various statistical methods were employed to analyze date concerning the number of vacant stores, population changes, land use complexity, and the physical
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This study aims to enhance urban sustainability by analyzing the spatial distribution and underlying causes of vacant homes in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. Various statistical methods were employed to analyze date concerning the number of vacant stores, population changes, land use complexity, and the physical characteristics of land and buildings; these factors were found to influence the prevalence of vacant homes across Asan. Additionally, it was found that distinct factors differentially affect specific regions, such as old downtown areas versus rural villages. This indicates that reducing vacant homes in these areas requires distinct policies tailored to the unique circumstances of each region. For instance, in old town areas, small lot ratios and land use complexity are significant, while in rural villages, the average number of floors and land use complexity play a major role. This study highlights the diverse factors influencing the prevalence of vacant homes and suggests that to effectively address this issue, policies should be developed that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each area, categorized at both the city and local levels.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning and Regional Development)
Open AccessArticle
A Study of the Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Coupling Coordination between Ecosystem Service Values and Habitat Quality in Diverse Scenarios: The Case of Chengdu Metropolitan Area, China
by
Gaoliu Huang, Shiming Feng and Chunguang Hu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3741; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093741 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The global ecological decline resulting from urban development presents a significant challenge for numerous regions striving to reconcile conservation efforts with developmental needs. This study explores the relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and habitat quality (HQ) under various scenarios to elucidate prospective
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The global ecological decline resulting from urban development presents a significant challenge for numerous regions striving to reconcile conservation efforts with developmental needs. This study explores the relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and habitat quality (HQ) under various scenarios to elucidate prospective development trajectories. This study utilized the PLUS model to simulate land use patterns in the Chengdu metropolitan area across four distinct development scenarios. Furthermore, it employed the equivalent factor method and the Invest model to quantify ESV and HQ values, and investigated the coupling coordination between ESV and HQ for each city using a coupling coordination model (CCM). The findings are as follows: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, land use in the Chengdu metropolitan area primarily expanded through the development of construction land. (2) Concurrently, ESV demonstrated a fluctuating trend characterized by an initial decline succeeded by an upsurge, culminating under the Development–Ecological Balance Scenario. Likewise, HQ displayed a similar fluctuating pattern with an initial decline succeeded by an increase, reaching its zenith under the Ecological Dominance Scenario. (3) The coupling coordination between ESV and HQ exhibited variability across cities and scenarios. Ultimately, this study offers a distinctive perspective on evaluating the interplay between urban development and conservation, providing valuable insights for promoting sustainable development in other regions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bringing Ecosystem Services into Decision-Making)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Foods: Consumer Opinions and Behaviour towards Organic Fruits in Poland
by
Renata Kazimierczak, Justyna Obidzińska, Bartosz Szumigaj, Hubert Dobrowolski and Ewa Rembiałkowska
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093740 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
By producing high quality food with a low environmental impact, organic farming plays an essential role in developing sustainable food systems. Over time, consumer interest in organic food is systematically growing, which results in a generally positive attitude towards organic products. Many studies
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By producing high quality food with a low environmental impact, organic farming plays an essential role in developing sustainable food systems. Over time, consumer interest in organic food is systematically growing, which results in a generally positive attitude towards organic products. Many studies that are devoted to analysing organic food consumers’ behaviour aim to generalise the studied trends to the population of a given country or region. Given the varying rates of organic market development between countries, there is a need for more narrowly focused research, which could more profoundly facilitate local development of organic market. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of Polish consumers about organic fruit and to identify the socioeconomic and sociodemographic determinants of the propensity to choose and purchase organic fruit. Respondents were recruited via a market research agency using a consumer access panel. To collect responses, a formal, structured questionnaire was developed and distributed using the CAWI method. The general acceptance of price increases for organic apples amounts to less than around 30% (89% of responses). The effect of income and package size tend to interact with regard to the purchase preference of apples (p < 0.001). The highest frequency of organic fruit purchases were indicated for physical stores, in particular supermarkets (5.35 times/month, 95%CI). A relationship between willingness to consume organic fruits and the self-described economic situation (p = 0.005), as well as true household income (p = 0.007), has been shown. A relationship between the frequency of organic fruit purchases and the number of household members (p = 0.006), as well as number of household members under the age of 18 (p = 0.011), has also been shown. Marketing techniques for organic products should emphasize family welfare and be directed at younger consumers, especially at retail outlets where customers are most likely to buy them, namely physical supermarkets, local grocery stores and discount stores.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)
Open AccessArticle
The Role of User-Generated Content in the Sustainable Development of Online Healthcare Communities: Exploring the Moderating Influence of Signals
by
Xiaodan Yu, Hongyang Wang and Zhenjiao Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3739; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093739 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Grounded in signaling theory, this study explores the influence of user-generated content (UGC) within online healthcare communities on patient purchasing behavior, with the overarching goal of advancing the development of online medical consultation services and contributing to the sustainable evolution of the online
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Grounded in signaling theory, this study explores the influence of user-generated content (UGC) within online healthcare communities on patient purchasing behavior, with the overarching goal of advancing the development of online medical consultation services and contributing to the sustainable evolution of the online healthcare community. Leveraging publicly available data from the “Haodf.com”, we construct an empirical model of online medical consultation purchases, integrating principles from signaling theory and trust theory. Our analysis scrutinizes the effects of various forms of UGC on patient purchasing behavior, alongside the moderating influence of associated signals. The results demonstrate that knowledge-sharing articles authored by doctors and patient ratings positively impact consultation service purchases, whereas public displays of doctors’ past consultation records impede such transactions. Furthermore, external signals were found to moderate the relationship between UGC and consultation service purchases. The implications of these findings offer actionable insights for stakeholders invested in online healthcare communities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Management Information Systems in Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Resident Preferences for Urban Green Spaces in Response to Pandemic Public Health Emergency: A Case Study of Shanghai
by
Yonggeng Xiong, Min Xu and Yan Zhao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093738 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a quintessential public health crisis, profoundly impacting the utilization patterns of urban green spaces through stringent quarantine and lockdown measures. However, existing research inadequately addresses specific concerns regarding future urban green spaces and tends to oversimplify population divisions. This
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The COVID-19 pandemic represents a quintessential public health crisis, profoundly impacting the utilization patterns of urban green spaces through stringent quarantine and lockdown measures. However, existing research inadequately addresses specific concerns regarding future urban green spaces and tends to oversimplify population divisions. This study delves into the needs and preferences of Shanghai residents affected by the pandemic and quarantine measures, focusing on various aspects such as specific types of green spaces, facilities, landscape elements, and landscape and spatial types. Multifactorial population clustering was also performed. This study delineates the following conclusions: (1) It is imperative to afford residents access to green spaces at least once a week, even during quarantine periods. (2) Residents exhibited a preference for accessible green spaces equipped with essential amenities, favoring unobstructed vistas and plant-centric ecological landscapes during the pandemic. Additionally, there is a notable preference for private green spaces among residents. (3) Post-pandemic, the “affluent” group displays a heightened overall demand for green spaces, the “middle-class” group shows a conspicuous inclination towards specific green space landscape elements, while the “low-income” group consistently exhibits a low preference for green spaces during and after the pandemic. This study underscores the necessity of developing human-centric green spaces to promote equity and resilience in the face of future emergencies, rooted in residents’ preferences amidst public health crises.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Evolution in Patterns of Urban Water Consumption Accompanying Socio-Economic Development
by
Sizhong He, Zhenzhen Ma, Huashan Wang and Yuqin Gao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093737 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
To explore the evolution in patterns of urban water consumption (UWC) accompanying socio-economic development, historical data on socio-economic conditions and water consumption in developed cities worldwide were collected. stages of evolution and patterns in UWC were identified through Pettitt tests. Through correlation analysis,
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To explore the evolution in patterns of urban water consumption (UWC) accompanying socio-economic development, historical data on socio-economic conditions and water consumption in developed cities worldwide were collected. stages of evolution and patterns in UWC were identified through Pettitt tests. Through correlation analysis, the main socio-economic indicators influencing UWC were identified, and their threshold values for different trends in the evolution of UWC were statistically analyzed. The use of these patterns of evolution for UWC prediction was explored taking Changsha, China as a case study. Results indicate the following: (1) UWC typically increases in the early stage of development and then stabilizes or decreases later; (2) when UWC stabilizes or decreases, socio-economic indicators, namely per capita GDP, tertiary industry’s contribution to GDP, and urbanization rate, range from [USD 10,000, 60,000], [60%, 80%], and [85%, 95%], respectively, entering or approaching the developed economy stage. (3) Using patterns in this evolution, Changsha’s UWC is predicted to increase until the turning point, which will occur between 2027 and 2035 (earlier than that predicted using genetic programming) and then decrease earlier than that of Hunan Province or the entirety of China. Predicted values are lower than those obtained using the quota method. This study provides a new perspective on relationships between UWC and socio-economic conditions, supporting water resources planning.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Water Consumption and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Application of Radar-Based Precipitation Data Improves the Effectiveness of Urban Inundation Forecasting
by
Doan Quang Tri, Nguyen Vinh Thu, Bui Thi Khanh Hoa, Hoang Anh Nguyen-Thi, Vo Van Hoa, Le Thi Hue, Dao Tien Dat and Ha T. T. Pham
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093736 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Using radar to estimate and forecast precipitation as input for hydrological models has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its superior spatial and temporal simulation compared with using rain gauge data. This study used radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) to select
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Using radar to estimate and forecast precipitation as input for hydrological models has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its superior spatial and temporal simulation compared with using rain gauge data. This study used radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) to select the optimal parameter set for the MIKE URBAN hydrological model and radar-based quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) to simulate inundation in Nam Dinh city, Vietnam. The results show the following: (1) radar has the potential to improve the modeling and provide the data needed for real-time smart control if proper bias adjustment is obtained and the risk of underestimated flows after heavy rain is minimized, and (2) the MIKE URBAN model used to calculate two simulation scenarios with rain gauge data and QPE data showed effectiveness in combining the application of radar-based precipitation for the forecasting and warning of urban floods in Nam Dinh city. The results in Scenario 2 with rainfall forecast data from radar provide better simulation results. The average relative error in Scenario 2 is 9%, while the average relative error in Scenario 1 is 15%. Using the grid radar-based precipitation forecasting as input data for the MIKE URBAN model significantly reduces the error between the observed water depth and the simulated results compared with the case using an input rain gauge measured at Nam Dinh station (the difference in inundation level of Scenario 2 using radar-based precipitation is 0.005 m, and it is 0.03 m in Scenario 1). The results obtained using the QPE and QPF radar as input for the MIKE URBAN model will be the basis for establishing an operational forecasting system for the Northern Delta and Midland Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center, Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Research in Sustainable Environmental Management: From the View of Human Ecology)
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Open AccessArticle
Ecologically Friendly Building Materials: A Case Study of Clay–Ash Composites for the Efficient Management of Fly Ash from the Thermal Conversion of Sewage Sludge
by
Krzysztof Wiśniewski, Gabriela Rutkowska, Katarzyna Jeleniewicz, Norbert Dąbkowski, Jarosław Wójt, Marek Chalecki and Tomasz Wierzbicki
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093735 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The European Union’s initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has paved the way for the exploration of innovative building materials that are environmentally friendly and meet all requirements of durability and strength. These criteria can be met by combining natural resources used in
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The European Union’s initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has paved the way for the exploration of innovative building materials that are environmentally friendly and meet all requirements of durability and strength. These criteria can be met by combining natural resources used in the production of building materials with waste materials that would otherwise be landfilled, having a negative impact on the environment. This study focuses on such materials and presents the results of recent research conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The aim was to develop a new generation of materials fully compliant with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. Simultaneously, these materials should have no adverse effects on human health and be strong enough to carry the required loads. This study proposes the combination of a natural raw material—in the form of clay—with fly ash from the incineration of sewage sludge to produce a new generation of materials. Several samples were prepared using fly ash from two sources and then were fired at 950 °C. The resulting composites underwent physico-chemical and strength tests. These tests not only confirmed the high strength and durability of the obtained product but also the neutralization of the heavy metals originally present in the fly ash.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal Strategies towards Sustainability of Water, Raw Materials and Energy)
Open AccessArticle
Urbanization of Chongqing Municipality: Regional Contributions and Influencing Mechanisms
by
Huiming Zong and Xiaoxuan Yu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093734 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Enhancing the level and quality of urbanization and embarking on a new path toward the sustainable development of urbanization are the forces that are driving the achievement of stable and healthy economic and social development. Based on data from three population censuses and
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Enhancing the level and quality of urbanization and embarking on a new path toward the sustainable development of urbanization are the forces that are driving the achievement of stable and healthy economic and social development. Based on data from three population censuses and official statistics spanning from 1997 to 2021, this study decomposed the changes in the urbanization rates in Chongqing during this period. We employed a fixed-effects model to conduct a regression analysis on the factors influencing the regional contributions of urbanization and provide a comprehensive analysis of their mechanisms. The study findings are as follows: 1. The central urban area has been the primary region driving the urbanization in Chongqing since the establishment of the Chongqing municipality; however, since 2017, the new urban area has gradually become the new “main force” driving the urbanization in Chongqing. In different stages, dynamic regions have exhibited a pattern of “diversification—centralization—diversification”. 2. Local urbanization is the main factor promoting the urbanization development in Chongqing, whereas remote urbanization has only played a supplementary role. The overall urbanization pattern in Chongqing is characterized by “local urbanization and population inflow”. The central urban area has primarily propelled the urbanization of Chongqing through remote urbanization, whereas the new urban area, as well as the northeastern Chongqing area and southeastern Chongqing area, have predominantly driven the urbanization of Chongqing through local urbanization. In the four major regions and 38 counties, the predominant urbanization type was often “local urbanization and population outflow”. 3. The level of the contribution of different regions to the urbanization development in Chongqing is the combined result of factors such as economic development, local administrative capacity, improvement in public services, and enhancement in transportation infrastructure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urbanization)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Environmental Education: A Systematic Review on the Use of Digital Tools for Fostering Sustainability Awareness
by
Mira Hajj-Hassan, Rawad Chaker and Anne-Marie Cederqvist
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093733 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Recently, sustainable development practices have increased attention as climate change and environmental impacts have increased. Interventions to encourage sustainability awareness are developing, so fostering them through education is crucial. Evidence-based studies conducted in this field have suggested the use of different digital tools
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Recently, sustainable development practices have increased attention as climate change and environmental impacts have increased. Interventions to encourage sustainability awareness are developing, so fostering them through education is crucial. Evidence-based studies conducted in this field have suggested the use of different digital tools to promote environmental learning gains and to foster better sustainability awareness among students. Following the PRISMA method, we found 21 articles published between 2013 and 2023 showing an interest in the use of digital tools in environmental education to foster sustainability awareness among learners. Findings indicate that virtual reality tools and climate change topics are the most trending in this research area. Further, the results show a positive impact of the use of digital tools on students’ concern for the sustainability of the planet.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection E-learning and Sustainability in Higher Education)
Open AccessArticle
Dual Substitution of Rural Energy Structure in China: Its Evolutionary Characteristics and Carbon Decoupling Effects
by
Chuang Liu, Hengshuo Zhang, Bing Yan and Xuesheng Qian
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093732 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Accelerating the transformation of the rural energy structure is an indispensable part of energy transformation in developing countries. In this novel study, the transformation effect of China’s rural energy structure from 2001 to 2020 was evaluated. Further, this paper also identified the decoupling
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Accelerating the transformation of the rural energy structure is an indispensable part of energy transformation in developing countries. In this novel study, the transformation effect of China’s rural energy structure from 2001 to 2020 was evaluated. Further, this paper also identified the decoupling state between the rural energy structure transition and carbon emissions, and decomposed the spatial–temporal effects of rural carbon decoupling through efficiency measures. According to the survey, the dual substitution index of the rural energy structure in China increased from 0.466 to 1.828, and showed a decreasing trend in spatial distribution from the east to the central and western regions. Economic development and climate characteristics have become important influencing factors for the dual substitution of the rural energy structure. The decoupling relationship between the dual substitution of the rural energy structure and carbon emissions was mainly characterized in the strong decoupling, expansion negative decoupling, and strong negative decoupling states. Regional imbalances have deepened as the efficiency of rural energy carbon decoupling has gradually increased. The annual average efficiency of rural energy carbon decoupling in a dynamic perspective has increased by 10.579%, and the dual substitution of the energy structure has a significant driving effect on rural carbon reduction.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Management and Sustainable Development from Economic, Social and Environmental Aspects)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Infrastructure Maintenance: Crack Depth Detection in Tunnel Linings via Natural Temperature Variations and Infrared Imaging
by
Wenchuan Gu, Xuezeng Liu and Zhen Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093731 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this research, we propose the use of infrared detection methods for identifying cracks in the tunnel lining of concrete structures. Through thermal simulation experiments on pre-existing cracks, we investigate the heat conduction patterns in cracked linings under natural temperature variations. The influence
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In this research, we propose the use of infrared detection methods for identifying cracks in the tunnel lining of concrete structures. Through thermal simulation experiments on pre-existing cracks, we investigate the heat conduction patterns in cracked linings under natural temperature variations. The influence of temperature differences inside and outside the lining, crack depth, and crack width on the temperature distribution on the inner surface of the lining is analyzed by using a controlled variable approach. This exploration aims to assess the feasibility and applicable conditions of using infrared thermal imaging technology for detecting lining crack defects, contributing to sustainable maintenance of infrastructure. We further validate the experimental approach through numerical simulations. Considering the temperature distribution on the inner surface of the lining, it becomes feasible to comprehensively determine the location and depth of cracks. This offers a novel and rapid inspection method for tunnel lining cracks, thereby enhancing the sustainability of tunnel infrastructure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Modeling for Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Combining Zinc Biofortification and Native Trichoderma Inoculation Strategies for Subterranean Clover
by
Carlos García-Latorre, Rocío Velázquez, Alejandro Hernández, Paula Tejero and Maria J. Poblaciones
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093730 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Using beneficial microorganisms along with sustainable strategies such as agronomic biofortification offers eco-friendly alternatives to combat climate change in ecosystems like dehesas. This study analyzes the combined effects of four wild Trichoderma spp. isolated from Extremadura, Spain (T. koningiopsis, two T.
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Using beneficial microorganisms along with sustainable strategies such as agronomic biofortification offers eco-friendly alternatives to combat climate change in ecosystems like dehesas. This study analyzes the combined effects of four wild Trichoderma spp. isolated from Extremadura, Spain (T. koningiopsis, two T. gamsii, and T. koningii, with negative and positive controls) and four Zn biofortification treatments (no Zn application; soil application of 5 mg of ZnSO4·7H2O per kg of soil, labeled soil Zn; two foliar applications of 5 mL 0.5% ZnSO4·7H2O, labeled foliar Zn; and soil + foliar combination, labeled SF) on Trifolium subterraneum performance. The combination of T. koningiopsis and T. gamsii with foliar Zn improved plant growth by up to 34.4%. Zinc accumulation was about 30% higher when T. gamsii and T. koningii were applied with SF, and their inoculation resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in ash. Trichoderma spp. affected nodulation differently; both T. gamsii inhibited nodulation by 24%, whereas neither T. koningiopsis nor T. koningii showed differences from the controls. These results highlight the potential of combining beneficial microorganisms with biofortification strategies to address nutrient deficiencies and improve agricultural sustainability. However, the complex interactions between both factors underscore the importance of strain selection and call for further research to optimize application strategies and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Agriculture: The Impact of Climate Change on Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Green Supply Chain Management Diffusion under Environmental Regulation
by
Kai Qi, Xinyuan Guo, Xinying Guan and Zhi Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093729 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The continuous deterioration of the ecological environment and the increasing scarcity of resources have posed a serious challenge to the survival and development of human beings, and the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) in this context is an effective means to
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The continuous deterioration of the ecological environment and the increasing scarcity of resources have posed a serious challenge to the survival and development of human beings, and the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) in this context is an effective means to ensure the sustainable development of society and the economy. In order to seek the optimal strategy of evolutionary game in the implementation of green supply chain management and explore the influence of environmental regulation intensity and public preference degree on the evolution process of green supply chain management diffusion development, this paper takes the study of green supply chain management diffusion as the core innovation point, and under the premise of environmental regulation, selects the government, the core enterprise, and the public as the participating bodies of green supply chain management diffusion, and uses the theory of evolutionary game to construct a diffusion model of green supply chain management. Using evolutionary game theory to construct a diffusion model, and with the help of MATLAB and other mathematical tools for numerical simulation analysis, we discuss the diffusion of the green supply chain and derive the optimal combination strategy. The results of the study show that: (1) there are four evolutionary stable states in the process of green supply chain management diffusion: preliminary diffusion, extinction, semi-diffusion, and full diffusion; (2) it will be beneficial for the government to promote the evolutionary diffusion of green supply chain management by implementing a higher intensity of pollution tax policy while implementing green supply chain incentive strategies; (3) the government, while implementing environmental regulation policies, should also pay attention to the guidance of the public’s awareness of environmental friendliness and greenness, and focus on the role of the comprehensive strategy selection of the three parties of the game in reaching the optimal state. The conclusions of the study provide theoretical guidance and decision support for the implementation and diffusion of green supply chain management under environmental regulation.
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Open AccessArticle
Image-Based Phenotyping Study of Wheat Growth and Grain Yield Dependence on Environmental Conditions and Nitrogen Usage in a Multi-Year Field Trial
by
Stanley J. Miklavcic, Joshua Chopin and Hamid Laga
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3728; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093728 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
As the global population and resource scarcity simultaneously increase, the pressure on plant breeders and growers to maximise the effectiveness of their operations is immense. In this article, we explore the usefulness of image-based data collection and analysis of field experiments consisting of
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As the global population and resource scarcity simultaneously increase, the pressure on plant breeders and growers to maximise the effectiveness of their operations is immense. In this article, we explore the usefulness of image-based data collection and analysis of field experiments consisting of multiple field sites, plant varieties, and treatments. The goal of this approach is to determine whether the noninvasive acquisition and analysis of image data can be used to find relationships between the canopy traits of field experiments and environmental factors. Our results are based on data from three field trials in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in South Australia. Image data were supplemented by environmental data such as rainfall, temperature, and soil composition in order to explain differences in growth and the development of plants across field trials. We have shown that the combination of high-throughput image-based data and independently recorded environmental data can reveal valuable connections between the variables influencing wheat crop growth; meanwhile, further studies involving more field trials under different conditions are required to test hypotheses and draw statistically significant conclusions. This work highlights some of the more responsive traits and their dependencies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Plant Physiology, Nutrition and Crop Production)
Open AccessArticle
The Analysis of Present and Future Use of Non-Conventional Water Resources in Heilongjiang Province, China
by
Hongcong Guo, Yingna Sun, Tienan Li, Yun Teng, He Dong, Hui Li and Gengwei Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093727 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Analyzing the development trend of non-conventional water resources and identifying the main influencing factors is the initial step toward rapidly increasing the utilization and allocation of these resources in a rational and scientific manner. This will help relieve pressure on water resources and
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Analyzing the development trend of non-conventional water resources and identifying the main influencing factors is the initial step toward rapidly increasing the utilization and allocation of these resources in a rational and scientific manner. This will help relieve pressure on water resources and improve the ecological environment. This study introduces the concept of comparison testing and employs advanced Dematel and Random Forest models to identify two sets of optimal indicators from a pool of nine. Based on the two best indicator sets, three prediction models—BP neural network, Particle Swarm Optimization-optimized BP neural network, and Genetic neural network—were used to forecast the future potential of non-conventional water resource use in Heilongjiang Province. The findings reveal that economic indicators are the most significant factors influencing Heilongjiang Province’s utilization of non-conventional water resources. The findings of this study help us understand the extent of development in utilizing non-conventional water resources.
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Open AccessArticle
Spatial Layout of Vegetation Buffer Zones around Water Bodies to Avoid Non-Point Source Pollution in a Mining Area
by
Haochen Wang, Shaogang Lei, Mian Zhang, Yufan Xu and Lei Duan
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093726 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Show Figures
The riparian vegetation buffer zone plays an important role in the prevention and control of non-point source pollution, and consideration should be given to selecting one with a lower cost and better effect. The SWAT model was used to simulate the regulation ability
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The riparian vegetation buffer zone plays an important role in the prevention and control of non-point source pollution, and consideration should be given to selecting one with a lower cost and better effect. The SWAT model was used to simulate the regulation ability of riparian vegetation buffer zone layout on runoff, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the Jiawang Basin, and five different vegetation buffer zone layout scenarios were set up. The results showed that (1) the SWAT model has good applicability in simulating runoff and water quality in the Jiawang Basin; (2) the reduction rates of runoff, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in continuous forest riverbank buffer zones reached 2.46%, 6.63%, and 9.18%, and their regulatory effects were better than those in grasslands; (3) there is not much difference in the inhibitory effect of forest and grassland on total nitrogen, but the discontinuous forest buffer zone has a better reduction effect on total phosphorus than grassland. Therefore, in the actual arrangement of vegetation buffer zones, it should be tailored to local conditions to achieve ideal non-point source pollution prevention and control effects at a lower cost.
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