Search Results (769)

Nowadays, sustainable agriculture is emerging as a critical framework within which food production, environmental protection and resilience to climate change must go hand in hand. At the core of this framework are the linkages between soil, water, crops, and energy (SWCE). As pressures from climate change, population growth and agricultural land degradation intensify, environmental management strategies are called upon to become more interdisciplinary, targeted and cost-effective. This review article synthesizes recent scientific findings shaping the contemporary understanding of hydro-environmental agriculture and critically examines the conceptual foundation of the SWCE nexus under climate complexity. In addition to reviewing methodological approaches, it highlights both successful global practice examples—such as integrated solar-powered irrigation and conservation-oriented soil–water management systems—and failed or problematic implementations where institutional fragmentation, unsustainable groundwater use, or energy trade-offs undermined outcomes. By analyzing these contrasting experiences, the article identifies key limiting factors and enabling conditions for scaling up nexus-based solutions. Finally, it provides recommendations for future research, integration, and policy-making, emphasizing the importance of adaptive governance, participatory approaches, and cross-sectoral collaboration to enhance the sustainability and resilience of agriculture. Full article

Urbanization is a driving force of landscape transformation. One of the ecosystems most vulnerable to urban expansion processes is montane forests located in high altitude mountainous regions. Despite their significance for biodiversity, regulation of the hydrological cycle, stability, prevention of soil erosion, and potential for organic carbon storage, these forest ecosystems show high vulnerability and risk due to the global urbanization process. We analyzed the potential variations produced by land cover change in some attributes related to soil organic matter in transitional forest fragments due to the expansion of a predominantly urban matrix landscape. We identified and characterized a fragment of a high montane evergreen forest in the Western Cordillera of the Northern Andes located in the urban limits of Quito. Then, we comparatively analyzed the variations in the attributes associated with soil organic carbon: soil organic matter, density, texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH. We also considered the following soil coverages: forest, eucalyptus plantations, and grassland. We viewed the latter two as hinge coverages between forests and urban expansion. Finally, we estimated variations in soil organic carbon stock in the three analyzed coverages. For the montane forest fragment, we identified 253 individuals distributed among 18 species, corresponding to 10 families and 14 genera. We found significant variations in soil attributes associated with organic matter and an estimated 66% reduction in the carbon storage capacity of montane soils when they lose their natural cover and are replaced by Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Urban planning strategies should consider the conservation and restoration of natural and degraded peri-urban areas, ensuring sustainability and utilizing nature-based solutions for global climate change adaptation and mitigation. Peri-urban agroforestry systems represent an opportunity to replace and restore conventional forestry or crop plantation systems in peri-urban areas that affect the structure and function of ecosystems and, therefore, the goods and services derived from them. Full article

The global construction industry is facing pressure to reduce environmental impact by improving energy efficiency amid rising energy demands and growing concerns about climate change. Consequently, sustainable building practices, like the Passive House (PH) design, prioritize minimizing building energy demand. In Saudi Arabia, where cooling loads dominate electricity use, implementing PH could significantly lower energy demand. However, research on PH challenges in the Saudi climate is limited, which highlights the importance of investigating the barriers and potential solutions for PH adoption in this context. This study investigates barriers to PH adoption and proposes context-specific solutions for Saudi Arabia. A mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and structured questionnaires among construction professionals, was used. Thematic analysis and importance–performance analysis (IPA) helped prioritize barriers and identify strategies. By combining evidence from the literature and practitioner surveys, this study uniquely prioritizes PH adoption barriers and proposes tailored solutions for Saudi Arabia’s hot climate. The results showed that the most critical barriers include a lack of supportive building codes, the absence of government incentives, low awareness, contractor resistance, and limited material availability. At the same time, key strategies were identified, such as revising building regulations, offering tax incentives, and adapting PH design with improved shading and HVAC systems. Overall, these findings indicate that removing the identified barriers and implementing the suggested strategies can reduce energy demand and demonstrate the feasibility of PH in Saudi Arabia’s hot climate, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of long-term nutrient dynamics in the northern South China Sea (NSCS), a region that hosts the world’s largest marine ranching cluster and serves as a cornerstone of China’s “Blue Granary” initiative. By integrating multi-sensor satellite remote sensing data (Landsat and Sentinel-2, 2002–2024) with in situ observations, we developed robust retrieval algorithms for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), achieving high accuracy (TN: R² = 0.82, RMSE = 0.09 mg/L; TP: R² = 0.94, RMSE = 0.0071 mg/L; n = 63). Results showed that TP concentrations increased significantly faster than TN, leading to a decline in the TN:TP ratio (NP) from 19.2 to 13.2 since 2013. This shift indicates a transition from phosphorus (P) limitation to nitrogen (N) limitation, driven by warming sea surface temperatures (SST) (about 1.16 °C increase) and increased anthropogenic phosphorus inputs (about 27.84% increase). The satellite-based framework offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for monitoring aquaculture water quality. When integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, these near-real-time nutrient anomaly data can support early warning of harmful algal blooms (HABs), offering key insights for ecosystem-based management and climate adaptation. Overall, our findings highlight the utility of remote sensing in advancing sustainable marine resource governance amid environmental change. Full article

The modernization of agriculture can help humanity address major challenges such as population growth, climate change, and labor shortages. Semi-autonomous agricultural robots offer clear advantages in automating tasks and improving efficiency. However, in open-field conditions, their autonomy is limited by the size and weight of onboard batteries. Wireless charging is a promising solution to overcome this limitation. This work proposes a methodology for the design, modeling, and experimental validation of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for battery recharging of agricultural robots. A brief review of WPT technologies is provided, followed by key design considerations, co-simulation, and testing results. The proposed WPT system uses a resonant inductive power transfer topology with series–series (SS) compensation, a high-frequency inverter (85 kHz), and optimized spiral planar coils, enabling medium-range operation under agricultural conditions. The main contribution lies in the first experimental assessment of WPT performance under real agricultural environmental factors such as soil moisture and water presence, combined with electromagnetic safety evaluation and robust component selection for harsh conditions. Results highlight both the potential and limitations of this approach, demonstrating its feasibility and paving the way for future integration with intelligent alignment and adaptive control strategies. Full article

Per the United Nations, enhancing climate literacy can play an essential role in advancing climate mitigation, adaptation, and promoting sustainable human behaviors. Yet, there is a lack of empirical research explicitly studying the effects of climate solutions focused education. Here, we studied the effects of a climate solutions focused course—the University of California Bending the Curve (BtC) course on: (1) climate change beliefs, (2) personal pro-environmental actions, and (3) psychological health, using baseline and post-course surveys. A total of 374 youth (median age 21 ± 1.7 years, 63% female) participated in the study, and data analysis focused on statistically comparing pre- versus post-course survey-based data. We observed that the BtC course enhanced climate change beliefs. Specifically, at post-relative to pre-course, we observed significantly increased belief that global warming will impact individuals personally as well as impact our future generations; it tripled the number of students who believe that humans can and will act to reduce global warming; it significantly increased the number of individuals who believe in a scientific basis for climate change. Notably, climate solutions education also enhanced belief in the efficacy of personal climate action and increased agreement amongst youth that many of their friends also share the same views on global warming. With regard to personal pro-environmental actions, the course significantly improved self-reported actions, including waste reduction, making food choices with reduced emissions, and purchase of carbon offsets. These actions reduced the carbon footprint per student at post- vs. pre-course by a significant 0.3 ± 0.1 CO₂ tons/year, which is equivalent to the CO₂ absorbed by about 15 trees per year. While psychological health outcomes did not show any significant post- vs. pre-course change, we found that enhanced personal pro-environmental actions as well as enhanced psychological health were predicted by course-related strengthening of climate change beliefs. Overall, our findings provide evidence that solutions-based climate education can be an important strategy to enhance individual climate change awareness as well as personal pro-environmental actions that lead to significant individual carbon footprint reduction, with potential for widespread scale-up. Full article

Urban flooding presents increasingly complex challenges exacerbated by climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging infrastructure. This investigation combines planning theories and socio-hydrological modelling to create a planning-adaptable urban flood management strategy. The case study of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, demonstrates this approach in depth. By applying the Social-Ecological-Technological Systems (SETS) framework in combination with planning theories, the study has identified the relationship between the conventional engineered methods and the newly introduced environmentally friendly (nature-based) solutions. Our findings, which are based on content analysis of 23 official statutory planning documents, indicate that there is a significant focus on the conservation of ecosystems and green infrastructure balanced with issues of emergency planning and community engagement. One of the points that the results highlight is integrating the ecological, social and technological aspects in order to create flood management policies that are both robust and fair. This integrated approach offers a robust framework for mitigating flood risks while promoting sustainable urban development and long-term community resilience. Full article

This study applies the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) to assess how morphology-driven, nature-based solutions reduce urban heat island (UHI) effects and flooding in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade Nova. Multi-scale GIS diagnostics identify green continuity and vertical permeability as critical weaknesses. Simulations (Ladybug/Dragonfly) and hydrological modelling (rational method) quantify the intervention’s impact, including greening, material retrofits, and drainage upgrades. Results show a 38% increase in albedo, a 13% reduction in volumetric heat capacity, and a 30% drop in thermal conductivity. These changes reduce the peak UHI by 0.2 °C hourly, narrowing the urban–rural temperature gap to 3.5 °C (summer) and 4.3 °C (winter). Hydrologically, impervious cover decreases from 22% to 15%, permeable surfaces rise from 9% to 29%, and peak runoff volume drops by 27% (16,062 to 11,753 m³/h), mitigating flood risks. Green space expands from 7.8% to 21%, improving connectivity by 50% and improving park access. These findings demonstrate that IMM-guided interventions effectively enhance thermal and hydrological resilience in dense tropical cities, aligning with climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

In order to help mitigate climate change, carbon farming methods must be urgently introduced. The research systematically reviewed peer-reviewed literature, national statistical reports, and policy documents published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the impact of land management on soil organic carbon in Croatia. This paper provides an overview of current agricultural practices on croplands and grasslands in Croatia. It identifies the weak points of current soil management and suggests possible measures for carbon sequestration in cropland and grassland soils. About 89% of Croatian soils are tilled conventionally, along with other harmful practices such as uncontrolled grazing and improper fertilization, which contribute to increasing carbon losses and soil degradation. Different practices are presented and discussed as possible solutions, each adapted to the specific environmental and soil conditions of Croatia. For example, studies in Croatian Stagnosols report 5% lower CO₂ emissions under conservation tillage compared to conventional tillage, while long-term grass cover in perennial croplands has shown soil organic carbon increases of up to 51%. The recommendations are categorised according to the possibility of a change in carbon stocks over time and the associated carbon storage potential. Croatia needs to recognize any shortcomings in the existing system and create incentives and policies to transform management practices into site and environment-specific regional practices. Full article

Feeding a growing global population requires sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions, especially in light of the environmental damage and nutrient imbalances caused by excessive chemical fertilizer use. Microalgae have gained prominence due to their phylogenetic diversity, physiological adaptability, eco-compatible characteristics, and potential to support regenerative agriculture and mitigate climate change. Functioning as biofertilizers, biostimulants, and bioremediators, microalgae accelerate nutrient cycling, improve soil aggregation through extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), and stimulate rhizospheric microbial diversity. Empirical studies demonstrate their ability to increase crop yields by 5–25%, reduce chemical nitrogen inputs by up to 50%, and boost both organic carbon content and enzymatic activity in soils. Their application in saline and degraded lands further promotes resilience and ecological regeneration. Microalgal cultivation platforms offer scalable in situ carbon sequestration, converting atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biomass with potential downstream vaporization into biofuels, bioplastics, and biochar, aligning with circular economy principles. While the commercial viability of microalgae is challenged by high production costs, technical complexities, and regulatory gaps, recent breakthroughs in cultivation systems, biorefinery integration, and strain optimization highlight promising pathways forward. This review highlights the strategic importance of microalgae in enhancing climate resilience, promoting agricultural sustainability, restoring soil health, and driving global bioeconomic transformation. Full article

Urban areas face escalating hydrological risks due to climate change, urban sprawl, and aging stormwater infrastructures. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), especially Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs), have emerged as viable strategies to enhance water resilience and sustainability. However, the literature still lacks standardized and scalable methodologies for their design and performance monitoring. This study conducts a systematic review following the PRISMA protocol, combined with bibliometric and co-occurrence analyses, to identify prevailing approaches in the sizing and monitoring of NbS-based SUDSs. Based on the peer-reviewed literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024, the findings reveal an increasing integration of hydrological modeling with artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and IoT-based real-time monitoring. Despite this progress, challenges remain in methodology validation, data availability, and system adaptability. The review underscores the need for hybrid, context-sensitive frameworks that integrate empirical and simulated data to support decision-making in urban drainage planning and management. Full article

The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a comprehensive assessment of these impacts limits the development of effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the sector. In addition, in rural areas, the design of flexible and adapted solutions is required, as evidenced by recent studies in the Andean area. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and sustainability indicators for prefabricated concrete houses, employing international certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and VERDE, to validate various relevant environmental and social indicators. The methodology used is the Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), which facilitates the prioritization of impacts through paired comparisons, establishing priorities for decision-making. Hydrological, soil, faunal, floral, and socioeconomic aspects are evaluated in a regional context. The results reveal that the most critical environmental impacts in Ecuador are climate change (28.77%), water depletion (13.73%) and loss of human health (19.17%), generation of non-hazardous waste 8.40%, changes in biodiversity 5%, extraction of mineral resources 12.07%, financial risks 5.33%, loss of aquatic life 4.67%, and loss of fertility 3%, as derived from hierarchical and standardization matrices. Despite being grounded in a literature review and being constrained due to the scarcity of previous projects in the country, this research provides a useful framework for the environmental evaluation and planning of prefabricated housing. To conclude, this study enhances existing methodologies of environmental assessment techniques and practices in the construction of precast concrete and promotes the development of sustainable and socially responsible housing in Ecuador. Full article

Nuclear energy has undergone a significant transformation over the past decades, driven by technological innovation, shifting safety priorities, and the urgent need to mitigate climate change. This study presents a comprehensive review of the historical evolution, current developments, and future prospects of nuclear energy as a strategic low-carbon resource. A structured literature review was conducted following Kitchenham’s methodology, covering peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports from 2000 to 2025. Key advances examined include the deployment of Small Modular Reactors, Generation IV technologies, and fusion systems, along with progress in safety protocols, waste management, and regulatory frameworks. Comparative environmental data confirm nuclear power’s low life-cycle CO₂ emissions and high energy density relative to other generation sources. However, major challenges remain, including high capital costs, long construction times, complex waste disposal, and issues of public acceptance. The analysis underscores that nuclear energy, while not a standalone solution, is a critical component of a diversified and sustainable energy mix. Its successful integration will depend on adaptive governance, international cooperation, and enhanced social engagement. Overall, the findings support the role of nuclear energy in achieving global decarbonization targets, provided that safety, equity, and environmental responsibility are upheld. Full article

Architecture can play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis by embedding sustainable design principles that reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience. Beyond ecological considerations, architectural interventions are crucial in developing structures capable of withstanding extreme weather events—and thereby mitigating the displacement of vulnerable populations. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring architectural responses to the specific environmental challenges and evolving needs of rural communities. Drawing on the Perceived Values and Climate Change Resilience Dataset collected in Siaya County, Kenya, the research explores local perceptions of climate change and how these shape housing priorities. Among 300 respondents, 83% express concern about climate change, identifying drought as the most pressing environmental threat. The evolving desire for housing solutions that respond to specific needs highlights the need for more secure housing. This specifically calls for improvements in watertightness, pest resistance (especially against termites), and overall structural durability, as well as reducing maintenance effort, enabling houses to be enlarged, and improving their aesthetics. These findings provide critical insights into how rural populations in western Kenya are experiencing and responding to climate-related stressors. By foregrounding community perspectives, the study informs the development of adaptive, resilient, and contextually appropriate architectural solutions. It contributes to broader discourses on climate adaptation, vernacular design, and inclusive development strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa, reinforcing the imperative to align architectural innovation with both environmental imperatives and cultural realities. Full article

The outlook for biobased plastics in packaging applications is increasingly promising, driven by a combination of environmental advantages, technological innovation, and shifting market dynamics. Derived from renewable biological resources, these materials offer compelling benefits over conventional fossil-based plastics. They can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are often recyclable or biodegradable, and, in some cases, require less energy to produce. These characteristics position biobased plastics as a key solution to urgent environmental challenges, particularly those related to climate change and resource scarcity. Biobased plastics also demonstrate remarkable versatility. Their applications range from high-performance barrier layers in multilayer packaging to thermoformed containers, textile fibers, and lightweight plastic bags. Notably, all major fossil-based packaging applications can be substituted with biobased alternatives. This adaptability enhances their commercial viability across diverse sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, agriculture, textiles, and consumer goods. Several factors are accelerating growth in this sector. These include the increasing urgency of climate action, the innovation potential of biobased materials, and expanding government support through funding and regulatory initiatives. At the same time, consumer demand is shifting toward sustainable products, and companies are aligning their strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals—further boosting market momentum. However, significant challenges remain. High production costs, limited economies of scale, and the capital-intensive nature of scaling biobased processes present economic hurdles. The absence of harmonized policies and standards across regions, along with underdeveloped end-of-life infrastructure, impedes effective waste management and recycling. Additionally, consumer confusion around the disposal of biobased plastics—particularly those labeled as biodegradable or compostable—can lead to contamination in recycling streams. Overcoming these barriers will require a coordinated, multifaceted approach. Key actions include investing in infrastructure, advancing technological innovation, supporting research and development, and establishing clear, consistent regulatory frameworks. Public procurement policies, eco-labeling schemes, and incentives for low-carbon products can also play a pivotal role in accelerating adoption. With the right support mechanisms in place, biobased plastics have the potential to become a cornerstone of a sustainable, circular economy. Full article