Search Results (1,746)

Climate change places urban coastlines at significant risk from rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity and frequency. This paper uses Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY as a case study to identify knowledge gaps in current climate resilience efforts across low-lying, post-industrial landscapes in coastal cities. Through an analysis of the short- and long-term effects of Superstorm Sandy (29 October 2012), current city planning efforts, and resulting architectural adaptations, this paper uncovers the shortcomings and possible maladaptive planning in Red Hook and New York City’s overall coastal resilience efforts. As a response to these findings, a new framing for future resilience efforts is proposed through speculative student design proposals and international case studies, applying a more dynamic understanding of climate resilience. These proposals envision a future climate-resilient, heterogeneous model for post-industrial coastal neighborhoods, transitioning to urban landscapes that embrace their shifting shorelines. This paper’s conclusion argues that effective coastal resilience requires strategies that work at multiple scales with shifting water–land boundaries rather than against them. Full article

Investigating the coupling coordination between urban scale and vitality is critical for enhancing holistic urban development quality and advancing sustainability. Taking the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan (ChangZhuTtan) metropolitan area as a case study, this research integrates multi-source raster and vector data to: (1) analyze spatial patterns of urban scale and virtual–substantive vitality; (2) delineate a “scale-vitality” hierarchical zonal structure; (3) quantify coupling relationships across subzones; and (4) propose synergistic spatial optimization strategies. Key findings reveal that, distinct core-periphery structure characterizes urban scale and vitality, with Changsha’s central districts dominating population, land use, and economic metrics, while Zhuzhou and Xiangtan exhibit moderate concentrations. Significant positive correlations exist between urban scale and dual vitality types, with scale-driven vitality enhancement being most pronounced in core agglomeration zones. Furthermore, in the metropolitan core, where both urban scale and vitality values are high, they exhibit a high-value coupling state. As they expanded outward, both metrics gradually decreased, resulting in a low-value coupling state. However, zonal comparisons (core agglomeration circle–peripheral expansion circle) reveal that the proportion of spatially coupled units progressively increases. By elucidating scale-vitality coupling in the ChangZhuTtan metropolitan area, this study provides actionable insights for spatial planning and sustainable urban transition. The methodology framework is replicable for similar metropolitan regions globally. Full article

Mountain forests in biodiversity hotspots show complex responses to climate and topographic gradients. However, the effect of synergistic controls of elevation and climate on Net Primary Productivity (NPP) dynamics remain insufficiently quantified in complex mountains. Southwest China’s mountains are Asia’s most biodiverse temperate region with pronounced vertical ecosystem stratification, representing a critical continental carbon sink. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of NPP in Southwest China’s typical mountain ecosystems over the past three decades using a high-resolution modeling framework integrated with relative importance analysis, a Geodetector, and an elevation-dependent model. The results showed that (1) NPP revealed a significant increasing trend, rising from 634 ± 325 to 748 ± 348 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ (mean rate 4 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹) from 1990 to 2018. Spatially, the most rapid increases occurred in eastern regions. (2) Rising CO₂ and climate warming (dominate 17% regions) drove interannual NPP growth, with elevation thresholds dictating driver dominance. The CO₂ governed low elevation, while temperature controlled higher elevation (>4800 m). (3) The elevation-dependent model revealed a more complex and nonlinear relationship between NPP and elevation, identifying three distinct phases: the saturation phase (<500 m) with negligible decay of NPP; the transition phase (500–3500 m) with linear decline (NPP loss of 29 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ per 100 m); and the collapse phase (>3500 m) with continuously attenuated NPP losses (NPP average loss of 10.5 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ per 100 m) reflecting high-elevation vegetation adaptation to extreme conditions. (4) Land cover dominated NPP spatial heterogeneity and was amplified by interactions with elevation and temperature, highlighting a vegetation–climate–topography coupling mechanism that critically shapes productivity patterns. Biodiversity-rich widespread mixed forests underpinned the region’s high productivity. Mountain protection should focus on protecting existing evergreen forests from fragmentation, while forestation should prioritize the establishment of biodiversity-rich mixed forest. These findings established a comprehensive framework for spatiotemporal analysis of driving mechanisms and enhanced the understanding of NPP dynamics in complex mountain ecosystems, informing sustainable management priorities in mountain regions. Full article

Draining wetland landscapes accelerates climate change, and multilateral support is therefore needed to speed up the transition to new land uses. This paper examines perceptions of ecosystem services (ES) in wetland areas in scientific and civic assessments. The case study area is Denmark’s largest drained wetland system, which is notable for its carbon sequestration potential. The area’s transformation efforts involving public participation offer a unique chance to examine differences between scientific and civic perceptions of ES. This exceptional case is ideal for revealing contextual differences, trade-offs, and controversies between scientific and civic perceptions of ES. Millennium ES Assessment and CICES are used as a conceptual framework for understanding and mapping human–nature interactions in a nature park. However, these systems are, in practice, not sufficiently developed to identify how citizens understand and value ES in real life. Therefore, we analyse perceptions using interviews, collaborative mapping, and media analysis. We compare these to scientific ES mappings based on local data, literature reviews, and fieldwork. The paper concludes that (1) scientific ES asymmetries are important; (2) environmental blind spots in scientific ES are due to its approach to knowledge collection; (3) citizens’ blind spots are due to their everyday life focus and tabooing the issue of local climate mitigation; and (4) science-based ES assessments and accounts are disconnected from local ES controversies. We argue that identifying ES controversies through various scientific methods may improve climate mitigation and restoration efforts if community planning becomes involved. Full article

Urban form optimization is crucial for controlling carbon emissions. Taking Shenzhen as a case study with 2022 data, this research constructs a multidimensional indicator system covering land use, functional mix, transportation structure, and spatial layout. It incorporates both static (inventory-based) and dynamic (transit-based) carbon efficiency metrics to capture complementary urban emission patterns. We employed OLS, GWR, and quantile regression methods to identify key influencing factors, spatial variations, and their impact on carbon emission efficiency. Results show that (1) compact road infrastructure and dense transit systems in the southwestern core contribute to higher efficiency, whereas extensive green coverage in eastern areas facilitates carbon sequestration; (2) elevated population and building densities in central zones are linked with lower efficiency, implying the necessity for balanced spatial redistribution and peripheral infrastructure enhancement; (3) despite comprehensive transit electrification, further improvements in network density and accessibility are essential to enhance urban low-carbon outcomes. These results establish a basis for optimizing urban spatial layout and reducing carbon emissions. Full article

As a typical desert oasis ecosystem in the arid region of Northwest China, the Ejina Delta plays a crucial role in regional ecological security through its vegetation dynamics and landscape pattern changes. Based on Landsat remote sensing images (1990–2020), runoff data, and vegetation landscape surveys, this study investigated the evolutionary patterns and driving mechanisms of vegetation degradation and restoration processes using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), landscape metrics, and Land Use Transition Matrix (LUTM) methods. The following key findings were obtained: (1) Since the implementation of the Ecological Water Diversion Project (EWDP) in the Heihe River Basin (HRB) in 2000, a significant recovery in vegetation coverage has been observed, with an NDVI growth rate of 0.0187/10 yr, which is five times faster than that in the pre-diversion period. The areas of arbor vegetation, shrubland, and grassland increased to 356.8, 689.5, and 2192.6 km², respectively. However, there is a lag of about five years for the recovery of arbor and shrub compared to grass. (2) The implementation of EWDP has effectively reversed the trend of vegetation degradation, transforming the previously herb-dominated fragmented landscape into a more integrated pattern comprising multiple vegetation types. During the degradation period (1990–2005), the landscape exhibited a high degree of fragmentation, with an average number of patches (NP) reaching 45,875. In the subsequent recovery phase (2005–2010), fragmentation was significantly reduced, with the average NP dropping to 30,628. (3) Stronger vegetation growth and higher NDVI values were observed along the riparian zone, with the West River demonstrating greater restoration effectiveness compared to the East River. This study revealed that EWDP serves as the key factor driving vegetation recovery. To enhance oasis stability, future ecological management strategies should optimize spatiotemporal water allocation while considering differential vegetation responses. Full article

Identifying and ranking the key drivers of grassland conversion at the county level is crucial for developing targeted policies and improving protection efficiency. However, this process faces methodological challenges because of spatial and temporal variability. Partial order theory offers a robust framework for addressing these complexities. This study applies partial order theory (POT) combined with the Hasse diagram technique (HDT) to analyze grassland conversion in the Hohhot–Baotou–Ordos region during two time periods (2000–2010 and 2010–2020). First, patterns of grassland transformation are quantified, and the dominant driving factors of grassland conversion out (GCO) are identified and ranked, highlighting regional differences and temporal shifts. By integrating POT and HDT, this study offers a novel approach to handling complex, nonlinear, and hierarchical relationships among multiple drivers. The results provide scientific insight and policy recommendations for region-specific grassland management and sustainable land-use planning. The results show that (1) transitions between grasslands and other land-use types became more frequent across the two periods. Specifically, the rates of grassland conversion out and conversion increased from 2.1% and 3.5% during the period 2000–2010 to 4.7% and 4.8% during the period 2010–2020, respectively. (2) Urbanization was the primary driver of grassland conversion in 11 and 10 of the 18 counties during the first and second periods, respectively, followed by factors related to weather variables. (3) In the future, the eastern region of the study area needs to prioritize mitigating the impacts of urban development, while the western region should focus on enhancing ecological construction projects. This study recommends adopting region-specific ecological protection and economic strategies for balanced outcomes in conservation and development. Full article

Herein is presented a systematic review on property documentation in Greece from 1830 to the present, examining the systems used and their impact on spatial data management and land administration policies. This review reveals that the adoption of the person-based land registry system in 1836, versus the parcel-based Cadastre, led to fragmented property documentation and hindered coherent land administration policies. The establishment of the Hellenic Cadastre in 1995 marked the transition to integrated property documentation within the sole official parcel-based system, facilitating spatial data management and sustainable development. The cadastral survey revealed significant spatial and descriptive fragmentation due to incomplete spatial and legal documentation, unregistered administrative acts, and unregistered public property, which also affects the operational Cadastre. This paper contributes to the literature on the full transition from land registries to a Cadastre, and its impact on spatial data management and overall land administration. Full article

Since the 1960s, Iran’s major cities have experienced significant migration from the country’s rural areas and from other nations. Although many urban planning and design concepts can be traced back to Iran, the country’s planning machinery has failed to effectively regulate urban growth, notably in the city peripheries, where land use has changed radically as semi-rural areas have been developed in a haphazard fashion with scant adherence to existing plans and planning regulations. Farahzad is one such area in the urban periphery of Tehran, where a range of sub-standard dwellings have been built, and urban services are deficient in many regards. This article examines how the urban landscape has evolved, how the resident population has grown, and the nature of the social and economic issues that persist today. The research method combines an analysis of the extant literature and local authority documentation, images developed from GIS data, and first-hand interviews with local practitioners to explore the growth of the neighbourhood in recent decades and assess the current problems confronting both residents and local authorities. The novelty of this article lies in the use of GIS-generated images and urban fabric classifications to assess the growth of the neighbourhood since the turn of century, during which time the planning machinery has generally failed to provide an adequate framework for development in this area of the Tehran urban periphery. Indeed, findings suggest that land use zoning has played little part in guiding or controlling urban development in Farahzad, and that identifying urban fabrics may prove a useful way of assessing socio-economic and physical development needs in such circumstances. This article makes a small contribution to our understanding of the change dynamics in a peripheral neighbourhood of a major city in the developing world. Full article

Addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy transitions in rural development while achieving the dual carbon goals, this study focuses on resolving critical challenges in agricultural photovoltaic (PV) applications, including land-use conflicts, compound energy demands (electricity, heating, cooling), and financial constraints among farmers. To tackle these issues, a dual-mode cost–benefit analysis framework was developed, integrating two distinct investment models: self-invested construction (SIC), where farmers independently finance and manage the system, and energy performance contracting (EPC), where third-party investors fund infrastructure through shared energy-saving or revenue agreements. Then, an integrated photovoltaic-storage agricultural greenhouse (PSAG) microgrid optimization model is established, synergizing renewable energy generation, battery storage, and demand-side management while incorporating operational mode selection. The proposed model is validated through a real-world case study of a village agricultural greenhouse in Gannan, China, characterized by typical rural energy profiles and climatic conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimal system configuration requires 27.91 kWh energy storage capacity and 18.67 kW peak output, with annualized post-depreciation costs of 81,083.69 yuan (SIC) and 74,216.22 yuan (EPC). The key findings reveal that energy storage integration reduces operational costs by 8.5% compared to non-storage scenarios, with the EPC model achieving 9.3% greater cost-effectiveness than SIC through shared-investment mechanisms. The findings suggest that incorporating an energy storage system reduces costs for farmers, with the EPC model offering greater cost savings. Full article

The integration of the Amazon into the global commodities market requires ensuring the rational use of resources to meet market and socio-political demands, such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Responsible production practices are essential to address the current demand for sustainable land use and resource management. This study reviewed the literature (2004–2024) on the opportunities and challenges of implementing and consolidating sustainable production systems in the Amazon. It found a low distribution of studies across Brazilian Amazon states and a surge in publications since 2015, focusing on agroforestry systems and forest management. Challenges include socio-political limitations that hinder public decision-making, leading to inefficient policies, as well as economic issues, lack of know-how, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics, and cultural resistance. Nevertheless, these systems offer opportunities such as intensified and diversified production, carbon sequestration, and soil and forest conservation. Finally, future research should consider political, social, and economic aspects to facilitate the transition from traditional to sustainable models, supporting strategies for consolidating these systems in the Amazon. Full article

This study evaluates Spain’s biomethane production potential for 2030 and 2050, focusing on agricultural residues, livestock manure, municipal solid waste (MSW), and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge. The research aims to provide a regional analysis based on historical data on livestock populations, cultivated land, waste availability, and demographic projections. Using utilization coefficients and technological assumptions derived from existing biogas infrastructure, the study estimates that Spain could generate 9.71 TWh of biomethane by 2030, slightly below the national target of 10.41 TWh. By 2050, agricultural and livestock residues are expected to contribute 30.04 TWh, accounting for nearly 80% of total biomethane production, while the relative share of MSW and WWTP sludge will decrease. Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Castilla y León emerge as key contributors due to their extensive agricultural and livestock sectors. Catalonia and Madrid maintain significant roles driven by urban waste generation. The findings underscore the need for infrastructure expansion, particularly enhancing biomethane injection facilities into the natural gas grid, alongside financial incentives to support industry growth. This study highlights the role of biomethane in Spain’s renewable energy sector, emphasizing its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize organic waste utilization, and contribute to a sustainable energy transition. Full article

This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes in land use within the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains (TNUA), aiming to identify the driving factors and provide a scientific basis for regional ecological protection, rational land use planning, and sustainable resource utilization. Using land use data, we analyzed transitions, dynamics, intensity, and gravity shifts in land use, examined driving mechanisms using geographic detectors, and simulated future land use patterns with the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results indicate that between 2010 and 2020, forest, water body, and unused land areas decreased, while cropland, grassland, and construction land expanded. The rate of land use change accelerated significantly, increasing from 0.0955% during 2010–2015 to 0.3192% during 2015–2020. The comprehensive land use dynamic degree index rose from 157.8371 to 161.1008, with Shayibake District exhibiting the most rapid growth. Precipitation, temperature, economic development, and elevation were the dominant driving factors throughout the study period. Population density had the strongest influence on the expansion of water body, while slope was the most significant factor for cropland expansion. Nighttime light was the primary driver of construction land growth. Projections for 2025, 2030, and 2035 suggest a continued decline in unused land and forest areas, alongside increases in cropland, grassland, water body, and construction land. Full article

With the gradual increase in the total volume of underground commerce in cities, underground commercial spaces are increasingly becoming a key carrier for breaking the constraints of land resources and reconfiguring the relationship between people and land. This paper quantifies and visualizes the layout and scale of underground commercial spaces in the central urban area of Qingdao by using kernel density, multi-distance spatial clustering, and spatial autocorrelation analysis and analyzes the influencing factors by using the geographical detector and MGWR model. The research results show that the underground commercial spaces in the central urban area present a “multi-core–multi-level” layout pattern, and high-density areas are more likely to cluster, with the most significant clustering scale being 3.39 km. Commercial supporting facilities, development of underground space, and population heat value are the core driving factors. The impact of rail transit, centrality, commercial supporting facilities, and development of underground space on the east coast urban area is much greater than that on the west and north urban areas. Finally, corresponding strategies are proposed from the perspectives of business districts, station areas, supply and demand, and planning and management to optimize the development and layout of underground commercial spaces, so as to promote the organic integration of underground commercial spaces and urban spaces. Full article

In Tunisia, the agricultural sector faces multiple challenges that affect both productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. Although agroecology is increasingly recognized as a pathway to sustainable agriculture, the extent of its adoption by farmers remains unclear. This study assesses the agroecological performance of 50 farms in the Sbikha delegation of the Kairouan governorate (Central Tunisia), using the Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE), developed by the FAO. This tool assesses how existing cropping systems align with the 10 principles of agroecology and explores their potential for further transition. The results reveal a modest level of agroecological adoption, averaging only 41%. Several factors influence this outcome, including limited farmer knowledge and technical capacity, a weak institutional and organizational framework, and low diversification of cropping systems. Furthermore, three types of farms were identified based on their production systems: farms specializing in fruit trees, farms specializing in cereal and vegetable crops, and farms specializing in olive and vegetable crops. Among these, fruit tree farms exhibit a higher level of agroecological transition, averaging 51%. This increased diversification enhances resilience to market fluctuations. To accelerate the agroecological transition, several key measures should be implemented. Updating land property titles would improve access to credit by enabling farmers to provide the necessary guarantees. Additionally, targeted training programs and awareness-raising initiatives could strengthen technical capacities, thereby facilitating the adoption of agroecological practices. These interventions would enhance farmers’ economic resilience, support sustainable agricultural production, and promote equitable rural development. Full article