Sustainability

19 pages, 4979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current and Potential Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Scenarios in Dry Lands Using a CA-Markov Simulation Model and the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) Method: A Cloud-Based Google Earth Engine (GEE) Approach

by Elsayed A. Abdelsamie, Abdel-rahman A. Mustafa, Abdelbaset S. El-Sorogy, Hanafey F. Maswada, Sattam A. Almadani, Mohamed S. Shokr, Ahmed I. El-Desoky and Jose Emilio Meroño de Larriva

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11130; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411130 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

Rapid population growth accelerates changes in land use and land cover (LULC), straining natural resource availability. Monitoring LULC changes is essential for managing resources and assessing climate change impacts. This study focused on extracting LULC data from 1993 to 2024 using the classification [...] Read more.

Rapid population growth accelerates changes in land use and land cover (LULC), straining natural resource availability. Monitoring LULC changes is essential for managing resources and assessing climate change impacts. This study focused on extracting LULC data from 1993 to 2024 using the classification and regression tree (CART) method on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform in Qena Governorate, Egypt. Moreover, the cellular automata (CA) Markov model was used to anticipate the future changes in LULC for the research area in 2040 and 2050. Three multispectral satellite images—Landsat thematic mapper (TM), enhanced thematic mapper (ETM+), and operational land imager (OLI)—were analyzed and verified using the GEE code editor. The CART classifier, integrated into GEE, identified four major LULC categories: urban areas, water bodies, cultivated soils, and bare areas. From 1993 to 2008, urban areas expanded by 57 km², while bare and cultivated soils decreased by 12.4 km² and 42.7 km², respectively. Between 2008 and 2024, water bodies increased by 24.4 km², urban areas gained 24.2 km², and cultivated and bare soils declined by 22.2 km² and 26.4 km², respectively. The CA-Markov model’s thematic maps highlighted the spatial distribution of forecasted LULC changes for 2040 and 2050. The results indicated that the urban areas, agricultural land, and water bodies will all increase. However, as anticipated, the areas of bare lands shrank during the years under study. These findings provide valuable insights for decision makers, aiding in improved land-use management, strategic planning for land reclamation, and sustainable agricultural production programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Land Use Change in Tropical Ecosystems)

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10 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship Between Restorativeness, Environmental Risk Perception, and Well-Being: The Case Study of Piazzola sul Brenta

by Laura Miola, Enrico Rinaldi, Sara Di Resta and Francesca Pazzaglia

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411129 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

Urban environments in Northeastern Italy, both natural and historical, are exposed to urbanization, climate change, and environmental risks that can impact perceptions of environmental quality and sustainability. However, the relationship between the perceived environmental risks, the related emotions, and the quality of urban [...] Read more.

Urban environments in Northeastern Italy, both natural and historical, are exposed to urbanization, climate change, and environmental risks that can impact perceptions of environmental quality and sustainability. However, the relationship between the perceived environmental risks, the related emotions, and the quality of urban living and well-being remains underexplored. The present study, therefore, aims to investigate the link between the perceived risk of adverse events and the emotion felt about the possibility of damage to historically and economically valuable sites, as well as the residents’ restorativeness, well-being, residential satisfaction, and sense of community. Participants completed online questionnaires addressing the following variables: perceived risk of environmental events; emotions of possible damage; restorativeness; well-being; residential satisfaction; and sense of community. The results showed negative relationships between perceived risk and residential satisfaction, well-being and restorativeness, but positive relationships between negative emotions of losing places of economic value and residential satisfaction, sense of community, and restorativeness. The findings highlight the role of emotions and restorativeness with well-being and satisfaction in residents of Piazzola sul Brenta (Italy). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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29 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact Investing Innovation—From Impact 1.0 to 3.0

by Wulf Kaal

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11128; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411128 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

Impact innovation has progressed through three phases: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Impact 1.0 introduced carbon credit trading, while Impact 2.0 added participatory grantmaking, impact measurement, and price competitions. Impact 3.0 incorporates Web3 community tools and impact certificate trading. This paper examines the evolution [...] Read more.

Impact innovation has progressed through three phases: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Impact 1.0 introduced carbon credit trading, while Impact 2.0 added participatory grantmaking, impact measurement, and price competitions. Impact 3.0 incorporates Web3 community tools and impact certificate trading. This paper examines the evolution of these phases, focusing on Impact 3.0’s influence on philanthropic practices. Through an analysis of the literature and case studies, Web3 technologies and impact certificate markets are investigated for how these innovations affect transparency and efficiency in social impact initiatives. The information gathered indicates that Impact 3.0 facilitates decentralized impact verification and creates a marketplace aligning stakeholder interests. Consequently, leveraging the features of Web3 technologies can enable philanthropy to scale significantly and provide insights for impact-focused donors aiming to improve outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation and Digital Governance)

20 pages, 1237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Takeaway Delivery Route Optimization Problem Considering Merchant Priority

by Hanrong Xu, Wuyong Qian, Kaiyi Guo and Xuan Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11127; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411127 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

To address deficiencies in the delivery process of O2O takeaway delivery platforms, the concept of priority levels for merchants within the platform is introduced. Focusing on three core objectives—reducing the proportion of late deliveries, lowering delivery costs, and reducing average order fulfillment times—a [...] Read more.

To address deficiencies in the delivery process of O2O takeaway delivery platforms, the concept of priority levels for merchants within the platform is introduced. Focusing on three core objectives—reducing the proportion of late deliveries, lowering delivery costs, and reducing average order fulfillment times—a model is established that considers merchant priorities for multi-objective pickup and delivery vehicle routing. A two-stage optimization model is proposed for efficient management of real-time order generation and dynamic changes in delivery personnel locations. An improved variable neighborhood search algorithm is used to obtain the initial distribution plan; meanwhile, in the subsequent dynamic adjustment phase, a periodic optimization strategy is adopted. Finally, a test case was constructed using partial data provided by the food delivery platform, and the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm was verified through numerical experiments. The experimental results show that as the weight of cost increases, costs decrease, which leads to an increase in the proportion of late deliveries and delivery times, which is detrimental to improving customer satisfaction with deliveries. The research findings not only enrich the theoretical study of the pickup and delivery vehicle routing problem (PDVRP) but also provide scientific optimization methods for food delivery platforms, facilitating their sustainable operations and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban transportation networks. Full article

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17 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Threats to Sustainability: Evolving Perspectives of Latvian Students (2016–2022)

by Ireta Čekse and Reinis Alksnis

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11126; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411126 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

In an increasingly interconnected world facing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, citizenship education plays a critical role in preparing young people for responsible democratic participation and sustainability. This study aims to develop a model to explain factors influencing Latvian [...] Read more.

In an increasingly interconnected world facing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, citizenship education plays a critical role in preparing young people for responsible democratic participation and sustainability. This study aims to develop a model to explain factors influencing Latvian students’ perceptions of global threats, comparing data from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)’s International Civic and Citizenship Study (ICCS) cycles in 2016 and 2022, to assess how these opinions have evolved and their implications for promoting sustainability through civic education. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to test the latent factor structure modeling the students’ perceptions of environmental and economic threats to the world’s future. A multi-group structural equation model is constructed and used with the corresponding descriptive statistics to analyze various background factor effects on students’ sustainability concerns. The results of the study indicate that citizenship knowledge, as well as various student-level background factors, have an impact on environmental and economic sustainability concerns among 13-year-old students. In some instances, these effects are mediated by students’ civic knowledge level, while in other instances, they are directly attributed to the background factors. The findings show that there may have been some shift in students’ perceptions of sustainability threats, and the role of civic education may have changed in this respect. Furthermore, the varying levels of knowledge across various levels of background factors may suggest that content in lessons must be differentiated according to the needs of groups to support their understanding of the importance of sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

17 pages, 1274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Subjective Choices on Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Sludge Treatment Processes

by Isam Alyaseri and Jianpeng Zhou

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11125; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411125 (registering DOI) - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been used to evaluate wastewater treatment technologies, processes, and scenarios. The outcomes of LCA are affected by various uncertainties, including those from input data and those from the LCA model set-up (i.e., structural uncertainty). The impacts of structural [...] Read more.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been used to evaluate wastewater treatment technologies, processes, and scenarios. The outcomes of LCA are affected by various uncertainties, including those from input data and those from the LCA model set-up (i.e., structural uncertainty). The impacts of structural uncertainty have not received adequate attention in research. The objective of this study was to quantify how the subjective choices embedded in the LCA model set-up affect the LCA outcomes of three wastewater sludge treatment processes. The subjective choices were based on LCA’s cultural theory that considers the three different human perspectives: egalitarian, hierarchist, and individualist. The three processes are multiple hearth incineration (MHI), fluid bed incineration (FBI), and anaerobic digestion (AD) for wastewater sludge treatment. This study revealed that for MHI, lower impacts are in the categories of human toxicity and marine ecotoxicity under the individualist perspective when compared to the other two perspectives, but higher impacts are in the categories of terrestrial acidification, terrestrial ecotoxicity, fresh water ecotoxicity, and marine ecotoxicity under the egalitarian perspective. Among the three subjective perspectives and the three studied wastewater sludge treatment processes, AD has the lowest and MHI has the highest environmental impacts. The results from this study revealed that the differences from subjective choices created large differences in LCA outcomes in climate change, human toxicity, ionizing radiation, terrestrial acidification, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and marine ecotoxicity. Findings from this study can benefit stake holders to understand the impacts of subjective choices and the limitation of LCA outcomes for making informed and sound decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Scenarios as Interpretive Measurement of Human–Environment-Social Sustainable Interaction)

23 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Tolerance in Bacteria: A Review

by Nnabueze Darlington Nnaji, Chukwudi U Anyanwu, Taghi Miri and Helen Onyeaka

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11124; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411124 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution from industrial activities and poor waste disposal poses significant environmental and health threats to humans and animals. This calls for sustainable approaches to the cleanup of heavy metals. This review explores metal tolerance mechanisms of bacteria such as the formation [...] Read more.

Heavy metal pollution from industrial activities and poor waste disposal poses significant environmental and health threats to humans and animals. This calls for sustainable approaches to the cleanup of heavy metals. This review explores metal tolerance mechanisms of bacteria such as the formation of biofilms, efflux systems, and enzymatic detoxification. These mechanisms allow bacteria communities to adapt and survive in contaminated environments. These adaptations are enhanced by mutations in the bacteria genes and by horizontal gene transfers, enabling bacteria species to survive under environmental stress while simultaneously contributing to nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter. This review further explores the symbiotic interactions between bacteria, plants, and animals. These relationships enhance the metal tolerance ability of the different living organisms involved and are also very important in the bioremediation and phytoremediation of heavy metals. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Rhizobium, and Bacillus species are very important contributors to phytoremediation; they improve heavy metal uptake, improve the growth of roots, and plants resilience to stress. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of genetically engineered bacteria in closed-loop systems for optimized metal recovery. This offers environmentally friendly and sustainable options to the traditional remediation methods. Engineered Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and Pseudomonas putida strain 15420352 overexpressing metallothioneins have shown enhanced metal-binding capabilities, which makes them very effective in the treatment of industrial wastewaters and in biosorption applications. The use of engineered bacteria for the cleanup of heavy metals in closed-loop systems promotes the idea of a circular economy by recycling metals, thus reducing environmental waste. Multidisciplinary research that integrates synthetic biology, microbial ecology, and environmental science is very important for the advancement of metal bioremediation technologies. This review’s analysis on bacterial metal tolerance, symbiosis, and bioengineering strategies offers a pathway to effective bioremediation options, for the reclamation of heavy metal-polluted environments while promoting sustainable environmental practices. Full article

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22 pages, 1674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Restoration and Zonal Management of Degraded Grassland Based on Cost–Benefit Analysis: A Case Study in Qinghai, China

by Ziyao Wang, Feng Li, Donglin Xie, Jujie Jia, Chaonan Cheng, Jing Lv, Jianhua Jia, Zhe Jiang, Xin Li and Yuxia Suo

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11123; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411123 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has the largest area of natural grassland in China, and continuous grassland degradation poses a serious threat to regional ecological security and sustainable resource management. It is essential to comprehensively evaluate the cost–benefit differences and drivers of grassland degradation [...] Read more.

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has the largest area of natural grassland in China, and continuous grassland degradation poses a serious threat to regional ecological security and sustainable resource management. It is essential to comprehensively evaluate the cost–benefit differences and drivers of grassland degradation across various zones to enhance sustainable management practices. This study presents a zonal management framework for the ecological restoration of degraded grasslands based on cost–benefit analysis, specifically applied to Qinghai in the Northeastern QTP. The results indicate: (1) Although the overall NDVI of grasslands shows an upward trend, some areas still exhibit significant degradation. (2) Cost–benefit analysis can divide degraded grasslands into four types of Ecological Management Zones (EMZs): high-cost–high-benefit zone, high-cost–low-benefit zone, low-cost–low-benefit zone, and low-cost–high-benefit zone. (3) The driving factors of grassland degradation show significant differences in different EMZs. Based on these research findings, differentiated spatial planning and management strategies for grassland ecological restoration were developed for each EMZ. This study not only provides a scientific methodology for grassland ecological restoration but also offers important insights for the sustainable management of grassland resources in the QTP and other ecologically sensitive areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)

13 pages, 2104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Bioavailability in Compost Maturity During Aerobic Composting of Chicken Manure

by Jiahuan Tang, Shuqun Zhang, Guannan Zheng, Zhuoya Han, Dingmei Wang and Hao Lin

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11122; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411122 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of the type and proportion of bulking agents on compost maturity, chicken manure feedstock (J) was selected as the main raw material for aerobic composting, and wood chips (M), straw (S), and cornmeal (Y) were used as bulking agents. [...] Read more.

To evaluate the effects of the type and proportion of bulking agents on compost maturity, chicken manure feedstock (J) was selected as the main raw material for aerobic composting, and wood chips (M), straw (S), and cornmeal (Y) were used as bulking agents. The ratios of chicken manure feedstock to the three bulking agents were set at 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, respectively. The compost mixture composed of wood chips (M) and feedstock (J) in a 1:1 ratio exhibited the highest temperature (75 °C). The treatment with a bulking-agent-to-feedstock ratio of 3:1 exhibited the lowest temperature (52 °C) and the longest high-temperature period (about 10 days). Moreover, the compost mixture composed of wood chips (M) and feedstock (J) in a 3:1 ratio exhibited the highest seed germination index (1.32), while the GI values for all cornmeal treatments did not meet the standard requirements (0.4). The predominant microorganisms in all three treatments included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. The total carbon transformation-related microorganism abundance in MJ31, SJ31, and YJ31 was 1.65%, 10.69%, and 3%, respectively. Further analysis showed that the bioavailability of feedstock was strongly correlated with compost maturity. The treatment with a bulking-agent-to-feedstock ratio of 3:1, with the highest GI, also exhibited the highest bioavailability. These results can guide the selection of the appropriate bulking agent and the optimal bulking-agent-to-feedstock ratio, offering a new direction for the optimization of the composting process. Full article

19 pages, 1382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Sufficiency: A Conceptual Methodological Framework

by Paul Schmidhäuser, Max Inhofer, Annika Buchholz, Franziska Mais and Robert Miehe

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411121 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

Implementing sustainability strategies is essential for the future viability of companies. While companies have been focusing intensively on the operationalization of efficiency and consistency for quite some time, sufficiency approaches are rare. As a result, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of [...] Read more.

Implementing sustainability strategies is essential for the future viability of companies. While companies have been focusing intensively on the operationalization of efficiency and consistency for quite some time, sufficiency approaches are rare. As a result, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of the concept, its inherent potential, as well as a lack of basic implementation concepts for strategies, management systems, and product and process development. Based on a literature review using Scopus and Web of Science according to the PRISMA approach, this paper develops a definition for the concept of industrial sufficiency and presents three general industrial sufficiency strategies (frugality, longevity, and specificity) regarding three distinct business determinants (product, production, and business model). The investigation shows that not only can there be overlaps between the three general sustainability strategies (efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency) but that individual measures are also mutually dependent at different levels. In addition, significant conflicts of objectives for implementation in industrial practice are revealed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Enterprise Management and Sustainable Economic Development)

20 pages, 3769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Remediation Treatments and Rice Intercropping on the Integrated Quality of Paddy Soils Mildly Contaminated by Cadmium and Copper

by Luxiang Cai, Jinlun Lin, Mingtian Huang, Yong Hong, Xuemeng Zhong, Yourui Guo, Wu You, Qingtie Xiao and Ruiyu Lin

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11120; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411120 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

The issue of soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has attracted extensive attention. In the present study, the effects of four remediation measures combined with rice intercropping on the quality of soils were evaluated in a mildly HM-contaminated paddy field. The results showed [...] Read more.

The issue of soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has attracted extensive attention. In the present study, the effects of four remediation measures combined with rice intercropping on the quality of soils were evaluated in a mildly HM-contaminated paddy field. The results showed that better comprehensive remediation effects were found in the intercropping system with high and low Cd-tolerant rice than in the monoculture system. Both foliar spraying of sodium selenite and inoculation with Pseudomonas TCd-1 significantly reduced the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI) of the soils. The application of biochar and lime significantly increased the soil fertility index. Among all the treatments, the application of 30 t∙hm⁻² biochar and 3600 kg∙hm⁻² lime improved soil fertility the most. The lowest single-factor pollution indices (SFPIs) of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb and the NCPI of the soils were observed in the treatment with foliar spraying of sodium selenite at 45 mg∙L⁻¹, showing the greatest comprehensive reduction in soil HMs. The application of 1200 kg∙hm⁻² lime and 30 t∙hm⁻² biochar and foliar spraying of 45 mg∙L⁻¹ sodium selenite effectively improved the soil quality. Overall, the soil quality of paddy fields dramatically influenced the cleaner production of rice and is of great significance to the maintenance of food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)

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20 pages, 5946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variation in Precipitation on the Loess Plateau from 1961 to 2016

by Jiahui Wu, Hongbing Deng and Ran Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11119; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411119 (registering DOI) - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study utilized annual precipitation data collected from 76 meteorological stations located on the Loess Plateau and its adjacent regions. It employed empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test (M-K), and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to investigate the spatial distribution patterns, [...] Read more.

This study utilized annual precipitation data collected from 76 meteorological stations located on the Loess Plateau and its adjacent regions. It employed empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test (M-K), and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to investigate the spatial distribution patterns, temporal trends, and periodicity of annual precipitation from 1961 to 2016. The results showed the following: (1) The long-term averages of annual rainfall on the Loess Plateau exhibited a general decline from the southeast to the northwest, with certain areas demonstrating a trend of reduction radiating outward from the central region. This precipitation regime was fundamentally governed by the interplay between geographic coordinates and topo-graphical characteristics. Nevertheless, this spatial distribution pattern is expected to undergo changes in the future. (2) Annual precipitation in the southern and eastern parts decreased significantly, while the western part reported the greatest increase, and thus the spatial variability of precipitation will decrease in the future. (3) Annual precipitation on the Loess Plateau generally has a period of about 4 years. The wavelet coherence analysis reveals that El Niño events, occurring over a brief 4-year interval, correlate with diminished precipitation patterns across the eastern and southern sectors of the Loess Plateau, consequently attenuating the precipitation’s spatial variability throughout the entire geographical domain. Therefore, in the future, when El Niño occurs, it is necessary to prevent droughts in the eastern and southern regions of the Loess Plateau. Full article

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18 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on Residents’ Cultural Consumption in China: An Urban-Rural Difference Perspective

by Xiaohui Sun, Zhijian Cai, Chongyu Wang and Jing Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11118; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411118 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

This paper uses panel data from the 2014–2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to study the impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on the cultural consumption of urban and rural residents using two-way fixed effects. The results show that DIF can promote the [...] Read more.

This paper uses panel data from the 2014–2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to study the impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on the cultural consumption of urban and rural residents using two-way fixed effects. The results show that DIF can promote the growth of cultural consumption of urban and rural residents, and the promotion effect is greater for rural residents. Mechanism analysis shows that DIF increases the cultural consumption of urban and rural residents mainly through easing liquidity constraints, reducing precautionary savings, and increasing payment convenience. Moreover, reducing precautionary savings has a greater impact on the cultural consumption of urban residents, while the other two mechanisms have a greater impact on rural residents. In the heterogeneity analysis, credit business and some indicators reflecting the convenience of payment have a greater impact on rural residents. The insurance business has a greater impact on urban residents. This paper provides policy references for the development of DIF and the enhancement of residents’ cultural consumption. Full article

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18 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity

by Kedron Thomas, Hira Durrani, Julia Brady, Kendall Ludwig, Michelle Yatvitskiy, Abigail R. Clarke-Sather, Huantian Cao and Kelly Cobb

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411117 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

The negative environmental impacts of the current linear system of textile and apparel production are well-documented and require urgent action. The sector lacks an effective recycling system, resulting in massive waste and environmental pollution. This paper presents the results of qualitative research involving [...] Read more.

The negative environmental impacts of the current linear system of textile and apparel production are well-documented and require urgent action. The sector lacks an effective recycling system, resulting in massive waste and environmental pollution. This paper presents the results of qualitative research involving textile and apparel industry stakeholders, including representatives from brands and retailers, waste collectors, recyclers, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Our research focused on stakeholder perceptions of the significance and importance of textile circularity, the challenges that exist for transitioning the textile and apparel industry from a linear system to a circular economy (CE), and resources that exist to support this transition. The results of this study call attention to the following urgent requirements: a consistent definition of CE to promote transparency and accountability and prevent greenwashing; improved systems for materials identification, sorting, and pre-processing of post-consumer textile waste to enable recycling; innovations in mechanical recycling technologies to maintain the value of recycled materials; and new, materials-driven approaches to design and manufacturing that are responsive to feedstock variability and diverse consumer needs. The research findings also suggest the need for flexible, regional CEs that are rooted in community partnerships. Full article

25 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritizing Pathways Based on Satisfaction of Individuals Using Mobility Aids with Urban Road Infrastructure—Application of FSE and PROMETHEE II in Saudi Arabia

by Husnain Haider, Arshad Jamal, Meshal Almoshaogeh and Fawaz Alharbi

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11116; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411116 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

The convenience of commuting for individuals using mobility aids (IMAs) depends on various features of urban road infrastructure. The present research selected different pathways based on the relevance and convenience of IMAs in three regions of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail. [...] Read more.

The convenience of commuting for individuals using mobility aids (IMAs) depends on various features of urban road infrastructure. The present research selected different pathways based on the relevance and convenience of IMAs in three regions of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail. A survey questionnaire was developed to evaluate the satisfaction of IMAs with four critical criteria of road infrastructure, including travel distance, slope, availability of footpaths, and number of junctions, using a 5-point Likert scale from very low to very high. A sufficient sample size of this exceptional proportion of the population from different genders, age groups, education levels, employment status, number of disability years, and types of mobility aid participated in the survey. The main reasons for dissatisfaction of more than 50% of the participants were inadequate infrastructure design of entrances to public facilities, pedestrian crossings, and junctions. Social stigma and inadequate assistive technology were also highlighted by around 20% of the participants. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation identified length, slope, and footpaths along the pathway as the most critical features based on the subjective opinion of the participants, of which around 65% have been using artificial limbs or manual wheelchairs. PROMETHEE II aggregated the importance of weights estimated by the participants’ opinion and performance scores of infrastructure features to effectively rank ten pathways in three major cities of the selected regions, using partial and complete outranking. The framework developed in the present study helps concerned organizations to comply with the Vision 2030 goal of a vibrant society in Saudi Arabia by identifying critical pathways and improving infrastructure design to ensure safety, convenience, and satisfaction for IMAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

15 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Sales Volume of New Energy Vehicles in China and Analysis of Influencing Factors

by Run Sun, Kun Yang, Zongqi Peng, Meie Pan, Danni Su, Mingfeng Zhang, Lusha Ma, Jingcong Ma and Tao Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11115; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411115 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

China’s transportation carbon emissions account for 10% of the total, with nearly 90% originating from road transport. Additionally, China is the world’s largest automotive demand market. Therefore, in the context of achieving the “dual carbon” goals, the promotion and application of new energy [...] Read more.

China’s transportation carbon emissions account for 10% of the total, with nearly 90% originating from road transport. Additionally, China is the world’s largest automotive demand market. Therefore, in the context of achieving the “dual carbon” goals, the promotion and application of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are particularly crucial. However, the current situation regarding the promotion trends and driving mechanisms of NEVs in China remains unclear. Therefore, this study, based on panel data, explores the spatial-temporal evolution of NEV sales in China from 2016 to 2022 through spatial analysis. Simultaneously, based on correlation analysis and geographical detectors, this study qualitatively and quantitatively investigates the driving factors of NEV sales in China. The results show that: (1) China’s NEV sales will increase by 5.7 million units in the seven years from 2016 to 2022, which is an extremely fast growth rate; (2) There are significant spatial-temporal heterogeneities in the sales of NEVs in China. Sales in the eastern region constitute the largest share among the four major economic regions, accounting for 61% by 2022. The northeastern region has the lowest sales, representing only 2.9% of the national total. (3) Among different provinces, the sales in coastal provinces such as Guangdong, ZheJiang, and Jiangsu are much higher than in inland provinces like Tibet and QingHai. (4) The contribution rates of driving factors vary across regions. Overall, however, the order of influence factors is as follows: road length (0.49) > proportion of the tertiary industry (0.48) > road area (0.40). Therefore, infrastructure is identified as the primary influencing factor for the promotion of NEV. This study has revealed the spatial-temporal evolution of NEV sales and their driving mechanisms, aiming to provide theoretical support for the promotion of NEVs in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Regional Sustainable Development)

17 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Rural Construction and the Welfare of Disadvantaged Children: Exploring the Roles of Government and NGOs

by Qiong Liu and Cuiying Zhu

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11114; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411114 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

As global sustainable development goals progress, improving the welfare of vulnerable rural populations has become a critical issue for many countries. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022, this paper examines the impact of Digital Rural Construction [...] Read more.

As global sustainable development goals progress, improving the welfare of vulnerable rural populations has become a critical issue for many countries. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022, this paper examines the impact of Digital Rural Construction (DRC) on the welfare of disadvantaged rural children. Specifically, it explores the mechanisms through which DRC enhances child welfare, focusing on information access, educational resource availability, and medical service accessibility. Additionally, the roles of government and non-governmental organizations in moderating this process are analyzed. The findings show that DRC significantly improves children’s health, education, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, interventions by governments and non-governmental organizations amplify these positive effects, with non-governmental interventions proving particularly effective. This study not only addresses a gap in the literature on the mechanisms linking DRC and child welfare but also offers valuable insights for policymakers from a sustainability perspective. Full article

21 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Aquatic Plant Species Suitable for Growing in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Systems in Southwest Bangladesh

by Alif Layla Bablee, Abul Bashar, Md. Mehedi Alam, Neaz A. Hasan, Mohammad Mahfujul Haque, Lars Hestbjerg Hansen and Niels O. G. Jørgensen

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411113 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farming in Bangladesh began in the 1970s and has become a significant export industry. Despite its potential, there are concerns about the environmental sustainability of prawn farming due to its high greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, but [...] Read more.

Giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) farming in Bangladesh began in the 1970s and has become a significant export industry. Despite its potential, there are concerns about the environmental sustainability of prawn farming due to its high greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, but implementation of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) may help minimize the GHG emission. A key element in IMTA is using plants to take up inorganic nutrients released by the prawns, producing valuable plant products and cleaning the water. Using a quadrat sampling method, we conducted a field study in combined prawn and shrimp ponds, aquaculture fishponds, and non-aquaculture waters in south- west Bangladesh to characterize plant diversity and identify suitable species for IMTA in prawn farms. A total of 38 plant species were identified with densities ranging from 4.5–6.1 plants/m² in the aquaculture ponds to 11.6–17.1 plants/m² in the prawn/shrimp and the non-aquaculture ponds. Free-floating plants were the most abundant, followed by emergent, floating anchored, and submerged plants. Most plants have commercial values as food, fodder, fish feed, fertilizer, or medicines to local people. Our results suggest that species within the Oxalis, Ipomoea, Azolla, and Lemna genera are suitable extractive aquatic plants for the implementation of IMTA in prawn farms and may improve the sustainability of prawn production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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17 pages, 2820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Grey Modeling with a Novel Time-Varying Approach for Predicting Solar Energy Generation in the United States

by Ke Zhou, Ziji Zhao, Lin Xia and Jinghua Wu

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411112 - 18 Dec 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel time-varying discrete grey model (TVDGM(1,1)) to precisely forecast solar energy generation in the United States. First, the model utilizes the anti-forgetting curve as the weight function for the accumulation of the original sequence, which effectively ensures the prioritization [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a novel time-varying discrete grey model (TVDGM(1,1)) to precisely forecast solar energy generation in the United States. First, the model utilizes the anti-forgetting curve as the weight function for the accumulation of the original sequence, which effectively ensures the prioritization of new information within the model. Second, the time response function of the model is derived through mathematical induction, which effectively addresses the common jump errors encountered when transitioning from difference equations to differential equations in traditional grey models. Research shows that compared to seven other methods, this model achieves better predictive performance, with an error rate of only 2.95%. Finally, this method is applied to forecast future solar energy generation in the United States, and the results indicate an average annual growth rate of 23.67% from 2024 to 2030. This study advances grey modeling techniques using a novel time-varying approach while providing critical technical and data support for energy planning. Full article

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