Search

Background: Active school transportation (AST) is an important source of physical activity for children and a potentially important climate change mitigation strategy. However, few studies have examined factors associated with AST in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used baseline data from a longitudinal survey to investigate correlates of AST during the second wave of COVID-19 (December 2020). We collected survey data from 2291 parents of 7- to 12-year-olds across Canada and linked this information with data on neighborhood walkability and weather from national databases. We assessed potential correlates representing multiple levels of influence of the social–ecological model. We used gender-stratified binary logistic regression models to determine the correlates of children's travel mode to/from school (dichotomized as active vs motorized), while controlling for household income. We examined the correlates of travel mode for both the morning and afternoon trips. Results: Consistent correlates of AST among Canadian children during the COVID-19 pandemic included greater independent mobility, warmer outdoor temperature, having a parent who actively commuted to work or school, living in a household owning fewer vehicles, and living in a more walkable neighborhood. These findings were largely consistent between boys and girls and between morning and afternoon school trips. Conclusions: Policymakers, urban planners, and public health workers aiming to promote AST should focus on these correlates while ensuring that neighborhoods are safe for children. Future research should monitor the prevalence and correlates of AST as COVID-19 restrictions are removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calls to action addressing the interconnections between physical (in)activity and the climate crisis are increasing. The current study aimed to investigate public support for policy actions that potentially have co-benefits for physical activity promotion and climate change mitigation. Methods: In 2023, a survey through the Angus Reid Forum was completed by 2507 adults living in Canada. Binary logistic regressions were conducted. Separate models were created to reflect support or opposition to the 8 included policy items. Several covariates were included in the models including age, gender, political orientation, physical activity levels, income, urbanicity climate anxiety, and attitudes surrounding physical activity and climate change. The data were weighted to reflect the gender, age, and regional composition of the country. Results: Most individuals living in Canada strongly or moderately supported all actions (ranging from 71% to 85%). Meeting the physical activity guidelines, higher self-reported income, and scoring high on personal experience of climate change were associated with higher odds of supporting the policy actions related to climate actions. Conclusions: Most adults living in Canada support policies that align with the recommended policy actions related to physical activity and climate change. National campaigns enhancing awareness and understanding of the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and climate change are warranted, and these should consider the consistent demographic differences (eg, gender, age, and political orientation) seen in public support for physical activity-related policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of incorporating climate education in business curricula and highlights the challenges faced by educators in doing so. It introduces En-ROADS, a computer simulation model developed by Climate Interactive, the MIT-Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and Ventana Systems, as a promising tool for experiential learning about climate change and the role of businesses in addressing it. The simulation allows participants to propose actions that can mitigate climate change and assess their impact on global temperatures and equity considerations. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of En-ROADS in increasing knowledge, engagement, and optimism towards climate action, and highlights its versatility and availability as open-source software. [Extracted from the article]

Agricultural soils have the potential to store C (carbon), thereby improving soil health, and contributing to climate change mitigation. However, the capacity of a soil to hoard C may be limited. We tested the C saturation behavior of agricultural soils belonging to predominant soil orders (Inceptisols, Entisols, Alfisols, Aridisols and Vertisols) in Indian Subcontinent. A mesocosm experiment in open environmental conditions was conducted with six rate of farmyard manure (FYM) addition (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40 Mg ha−1) for three and half years and total carbon (TC) was analyzed. Addition of more than 10 Mg FYM ha−1 enhanced TC content of soil with the period of experimentation irrespective of soil orders. Application of C input of the agriculturally recommended addition of FYM in India at 5.0 Mg ha−1 maintained the soil TC content. Without addition of any C input, sometimes there was depletion in native carbon. With higher levels of C additions, all the soils did not show any evidence of C saturation, thereby suggesting their higher potential to additional C storage. Indian agricultural soils could contribute significantly toward achieving the target of "4 per 1000" initiative of the United Nations. Higher organic carbon in soils would make agroecosystems more resilient toward extreme climate events and sustain crops productivity thereby could help to meet the food demand of the ever-increasing population of the country in the years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential and non‐residential buildings are a major contributor to human well‐being. At the same time, buildings cause 30% of final energy use, 18% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), and about 65% of material accumulation globally. With electrification and higher energy efficiency of buildings, material‐related emissions gain relevance. The circular economy (CE) strategies, narrow, slow, and close, together with wooden buildings, can reduce material‐related emissions. We provide a comprehensive set of building stock transformation scenarios for 10 world regions until 2060, using the resource efficiency climate change model of the stock–flow–service nexus and including the full CE spectrum plus wood‐intensive buildings. The 2020–2050 global cumulative new construction ranges from 150 to 280 billion m2 for residential and 70‐120 billion m2 for non‐residential buildings. Ambitious CE reduces cumulative 2020–2050 primary material demand from 80 to 30 gigatons (Gt) for cement and from 35 to 15 Gt for steel. Lowering floor space demand by 1 m2 per capita leads to global savings of 800‐2500 megatons (Mt) of cement, 300‐1000 Mt of steel, and 3‐10 Gt CO2‐eq, depending on industry decarbonization and CE roll‐out. Each additional Mt of structural timber leads to savings of 0.4‐0.55 Mt of cement, 0.6‐0.85 Mt of steel, and 0.8‐1.8 Mt CO2‐eq of system‐wide GHGE. CE reduces 2020–2050 cumulative GHGE by up to 44%, where the highest contribution comes from the narrow CE strategies, that is, lower floorspace and lightweight buildings. Very low carbon emission trajectories are possible only when combining supply‐ and demand‐side strategies. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renewable energy and climate change are vital aspects of humanity. Energy is needed to sustain life on Earth. The exploration and utilisation of traditional fossil-based energy has led to global warming. The exploration and use of fossil-based energy have significantly contributed to global warming, making the shift to renewable energy crucial for mitigating climate change. Renewable energies offer a sustainable alternative that does not harm the environment. This review aims to examine the role of machine learning (ML) in optimising renewable energy systems and enhancing climate change mitigation strategies, addressing both opportunities and challenges in this evolving field. The vital significance of renewable energy and measures to circumvent climate change in modern civilisation is first contextualised in the review. It draws attention to the difficulties encountered in these fields and describes the exciting potential of ML to solve them. Important discoveries highlight how ML can improve renewable energy technology scalability, dependability and efficiency while enabling more precise climate change projections and practical mitigation strategies. Simultaneously, issues including ethical considerations, interpretability of models and data quality demand attention. Method: This review conducted a systematic literature analysis on the application of ML in renewable energy and climate change mitigation. It involved a comprehensive search, selection, and analysis of recent studies, focusing on ML's role in energy forecasting, predictive maintenance, and climate modelling. The review synthesised key developments, challenges, and future directions, emphasising the need for ongoing transdisciplinary research to fully realise ML's potential in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Result: The review found that machine learning significantly enhances renewable energy system efficiency, scalability, and climate change mitigation through improved forecasting, predictive maintenance, and climate modelling. However, challenges like ethical concerns, model interpretability, and data quality persist. Ongoing research is essential to fully leverage ML's potential in these areas. Short conclusion: The paper highlights how machine learning can be used to revolutionise the energy and climate change mitigation industries for sustainable futures. It promotes ongoing transdisciplinary research and innovation to fully realise ML's synergistic potential and tackle urgent global issues. In the end, the review advances our knowledge of how to use ML to hasten the transition to a future that is more robust and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application to soil is a potential climate change mitigation strategy. In addition to long-term sequestration of the carbon content of the biochar itself, its application may reduce the emissions of other greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the soil. However, the reported effects of biochar application on soil GHG fluxes exhibit inconsistent results. Prediction of such effects is an important gap that needs to be addressed in biochar research. In this study, rule-based machine learning models were developed based on rough-set theory. Data from the literature were used to generate the rules for predicting the effects of biochar application on soil GHG (CO2, N2O, and CH4) fluxes. Four rule-based models for CO2 fluxes, two rule-based models for N2O fluxes, and three rule-based models for CH4 fluxes were developed. The validity of these models was assessed based on both statistical measures and mechanistic plausibility. The final rule-based models can guide the prediction of changes in soil GHG fluxes due to biochar application, and thus serve as a decision-support tool to maximize the benefits of biochar application as a negative emission technology (NET). In particular, mechanistically plausible rules were identified that predict triggers for GHG fluxes that can offset carbon sequestration gains. This knowledge allows biochar application to be calibrated to local conditions for maximum efficacy. Highlights: • Biochar interaction with soil affects net CO2 removal. • Rough set-based machine learning was used to find patterns in biochar literature data. • Rule-based models for CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes were developed. • The final rule-based models show both good statistical performance and mechanistic plausibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate carbon neutrality pledges have been criticized for their lack of integrity, especially when they are primarily based on the simple purchase of carbon offsets without making any significant emission reductions. Neutrality pledges that are consistent with the goal of the ISO corporate net zero guidelines should be based on the reduction of all but the so-called unavoidable or residual emissions. The residual emissions should be neutralized not through reduction offsets but by actually removing the equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere. In this paper, I analyze whether climate pledges of 115 large companies, which cover all eleven Global Industry Classification Standards' sectors, follow the aforementioned net zero definition. The assessed criteria are (i) the type of pledge made, (ii) the definition of residual emissions employed and (iii) whether the company commits to neutralize its emissions exclusively with removals. Secondly, the assessment involves evaluating the companies' commitment to their net zero pledges by examining the residual emission level provided and determining if their climate goal extends to absolute scope 3 emissions. From the companies that had a net zero target (69) only 22% aimed to reduce emissions to a residual level and compensate with removals. The residual emission levels in the target year is specified by 29 companies and ranges between 0 and 80% (mean = 19.3%, median = 10%, n = 29). More than half of the residual emissions that exceed the median of 10% are claimed by sectors that are not classified as hard-to-abate such as information technology or communication companies. Key policy insights: Corporate net-zero goals appear more ambitious than the reduction and compensation commitments that companies are making Residual emission levels that determine the reduction obligations under a net-zero pledge should not be determined by corporates or technical experts alone Involvement of governments and civil society actors in participatory processes at national and international level is needed to determine residual emissions 'Fair contributions' and thus residual emissions should be informed by companies' impact on fulfilling the needs of the most vulnerable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the contestations and compromises that underpin the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework, with the aim to analyze whose climate action priorities are reflected in these arrangements. Key mandatory obligations of the transparency framework relate to submission of greenhouse gas inventories and reporting and review of mitigation-related climate actions. Less analyzed are the non-mitigation focused transparency provisions, particularly those relating to adaptation, loss and damage and financial support, all of which are of key importance to developing countries. We address this research gap here by unpacking what different groups of countries desired with regard to these less examined aspects of the enhanced transparency framework, in the lead-up to finanalization of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and the nature of the political compromises reached on each. Furthermore, we analyze how these agreed transparency provisions are being operationalized since 2015. We find that many of the compromises reached on the scope of the enhanced transparency framework, but perhaps even more so in its subsequent operationalization, marginalize certain aspects of reporting and review that are of the highest priority to developing countries. These include, for example, reporting on adaptation needs, on having voluntary information on loss and damage be reviewed by international experts, and having access to comparable and actionable reporting on support provided by developed countries. This highlights the need for future research to assess the domestic consequences of engaging in global climate transparency arrangements for developing countries; and whether and how such engagement aligns with domestic priorities. Key policy insights: The Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework goes beyond a mitigation-focus to include adaptation, loss and damage and support, which was a key demand of developing countries, yet important caveats lie in its detailed operationalization. Reporting on adaptation needs, a priority for developing countries, is covered only in a cursory manner in the enhanced transparency framework. Loss and damage too features only marginally in the enhanced transparency framework, as a sub-element of adaptation reporting and review. Reporting on support provided is mandatory for developed countries, as demanded by developing countries, but the devil is in the detail, with provision of ex-ante information relegated to a different process and little progress towards common accounting methods. It remains unclear whether participation in the enhanced transparency framework will help developing countries to generate information relevant to furthering domestic climate action priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective mitigation of climate change requires a robust set of policy interventions. Existing policy appraisal frameworks and approaches impact the design and choice of these policy options. However, their application to transformative climate policy can present several shortcomings. In light of criticism around current appraisal methods, we review the climate policy appraisal landscape and interview policy experts in three major emerging economies: Brazil, China and India. Little research has been done on the perception, approach, and practice of policy appraisal in these countries, even though they will have a significant impact on global progress to mitigate climate change. We find that policy appraisal in Brazil, China, and India is supported by guidelines, but the detail and implementation of those guidelines vary significantly. Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is the prevailing decision-making framework in both Brazil and India whereas multi-criteria analysis is the dominant framework in China. Practitioners appear to understand CBA and its limitations well but also value its usability and the perception of robustness. Across all countries, political considerations can outweigh appraisal findings; respondents suggested this can be negative, in the sense that appraisal results are sometimes ignored, but can also be positive in the sense that other objectives are considered. Existing approaches present several limitations, particularly regarding transformational change, which could hamper progress to formulate and implement effective climate and energy policy. Key policy insights: Guidelines that standardize the appraisal process are considered better for accountability and therefore increase the influence of appraisal in policymaking. The choice of approach affects the appraisal outcome. The type of policy and its intended aims should inform the method of appraisal used. Climate policies are often transformational in nature. As such, their outcomes can be very uncertain. More efforts are needed to integrate these considerations of uncertainty into appraisal frameworks. More computational models that consider system feedbacks and uncertainty are needed to robustly analyse the impacts of transformative policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nanotechnology, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) with unique physicochemical properties, has significant potential in enhancing sustainable agriculture through innovations in plant nutrition, growth, and protection. Aims: This review aims to assess how nanotechnology, particularly NPs, contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving plant nutrition and growth, enhancing stress resistance, and offering solutions for phytoremediation and agricultural efficiency. Methods: We examine studies showcasing the application of NPs in agriculture, focusing on their effects on plant growth, nutrient delivery, stress mitigation, pollutant removal, and the enhancement of food shelf life through nano‐encapsulated fertilizers and nano‐sensors. Results: NPs have demonstrated promising results in slow‐release fertilizers for targeted nutrient delivery, improved germination and physiological activity under stress, and enhanced efficiency in phytoremediation by aiding the removal of pollutants. Nano‐sensors in food packaging detect deterioration and extend food shelf life, whereas nano‐encapsulation of agrochemicals offers environment‐friendly pest and nutrient management solutions. Conclusions: Nanotechnology presents a forward‐looking approach to sustainable agriculture by enhancing crop productivity, resource use efficiency, and environmental protection. Continued research is essential to unlock the full potential of NPs in agriculture, emphasizing safe and efficient application methods to mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses and promote sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed cultivation, including kelp species, is rapidly expanding in many regions. A widely assumed co-benefit of seaweed farming is increased local carbon sequestration rates (thereby contributing to climate change mitigation), although direct field-based measurements of carbon assimilation and release are largely lacking. We quantified growth, erosion and dislodgement rates of farmed Saccharina latissima in Porthallow Bay (Cornwall, UK) throughout a typical cultivation season to provide insights into the carbon sequestration potential of small-scale kelp farms. Blade elongation rates increased from ~ 1.3 cm day−1 to ~ 2.3 cm day−1 in March–April, before declining to 1.4 cm day−1 by May. Meanwhile, erosion rates remained low, ranging from ~ 0.5 to ~ 0.8 cm day−1. Dislodgement rates decreased from 20% of plants in January–February to 5% in April–May. Rates of carbon accumulation and loss increased from January to May, related to an increase in standing stock. Conservative first-order estimates suggest that the farm captures 0.14 t C ha−1 y−1, of which up to 70% is released into the environment as particulate organic carbon. Based on previous estimates of carbon burial and storage rates, the farm may sequester 0.05 t CO2e ha−1 y−1. These values suggest that scaling-up European kelp farming should be motivated by other co-benefits, such as low-carbon product alternatives, job creation and potential biodiversity gains, and not be solely driven by a perceived meaningful increase in carbon sequestration. Importantly, further information needs to be obtained from a variety of cultivation sites to develop a better understanding of carbon dynamics associated with kelp farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined future changes in the microphysical properties of surface solid precipitation over Hokkaido, Japan. A process-tracking model that predicts the mass of the hydrometeors generated by each cloud microphysical process was implemented in a meteorological model. This implementation aimed to analyze the mass fraction of hydrometeors resulting from depositional growth and the riming process to the total mass of surface solid precipitation. Results from pseudo–global warming experiments suggest two potential future changes in the characteristics of surface solid precipitation over Hokkaido. First, the rimed particles are expected to increase and be dominant over the west and northwest coast of Hokkaido, where heavy snowfall occurs primarily due to the lake effect. Second, the mass fraction from depositional growth under relatively higher temperatures is expected to increase. This increase is anticipated to be dominant over the eastern part and mountainous area of Hokkaido. Additionally, the fraction of liquid precipitation to total precipitation is expected to increase in the future. These results suggest that the microphysical properties of solid precipitation in Hokkaido are expected to be similar to those observed in the current climate over Hokuriku, the central part of Japan even in warmer climate conditions. Significance Statement: This study examines potential future changes in the growth processes contributing to surface precipitation particles in Hokkaido, Japan. The surface solid precipitation particles in the western and eastern regions of Hokkaido are mainly generated through depositional growth that occurs within the temperature ranges −36° to −20°C and −20° to −10°C, respectively. A future shift is anticipated, with riming becoming the primary process. This shift suggests that snowfall particles will be heavier than those in the current climate, which would increase the snow-removal workload. The change in precipitation characteristics could influence adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding mechanisms stabilizing ecosystem functions, such as primary production, is crucial for forecasting global environmental responses. While biological diversity is expected to enhance stability through compensatory reactions to environmental changes, empirical evidence is lacking, especially in old‐growth forests vital for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Moreover, whether increased niche complementarity and stronger intraspecific than interspecific competition are key mechanisms promoting compensatory dynamics and stabilizing ecosystem functions in diverse forests remains unexplored.This study investigates productivity and stability in temperate old‐growth forests over 20 years at community and individual levels. Analysing 4380 trees in a 4‐ha plot in northern Japan with over 35 tree species, structural equation models evaluated the effects of biodiversity and average asynchrony in species fluctuations (compensatory dynamics) on productivity stability across 100 m2 grid quadrats. Functional traits and taxonomic diversity represented species complementarity and the insurance effect. Temporal growth correlations between conspecific and heterospecific neighbours and neighbourhood effects on growth performance indicated intra‐ and interspecific interactions at the individual level.Communities with greater stability exhibited higher diversity and asynchronous species fluctuations, suggesting that compensatory dynamics buffer community productivity against environmental variability. The inverse relationship between tree size variation and stability indicates that communities with less pronounced size and abundance hierarchies have more efficient compensatory mechanisms, ensuring stable forest functioning.The absence of negative temporal correlations in biomass production among heterospecific neighbours suggests the limited significance of interspecific competition in compensatory dynamics. Conversely, positive correlations among conspecific neighbours and their suppressed growth in dense conspecific patches highlight the importance of conspecific negative density‐dependent mechanisms in sustaining tree species diversity and ensuring stable productivity.Synthesis: The study underscores the critical role of tree species richness in stabilizing ecosystem functioning via asynchronous growth in one of the world's most diverse temperate forests. Stronger intraspecific than interspecific competition helps prevent single‐species dominance, maintaining diversity and productivity stability. Despite occasional destabilization from size‐asymmetric interspecific competition, species‐trait complementarity enhances stability by promoting overall biomass production. This study highlights the importance of overall diversity for the stability of forest productivity, with implications for nature conservation and ecosystem functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realise their potential to lead in sustainability development, cities require both symbolic resources such as social capital and legitimacy and material resources such as financial and technical support. Recent research in urban studies has shown that cities overcome institutional barriers to urban sustainability by drawing on support from their wider environment. However, we argue that resource needs vary depending on whether cities spotlight or sideline sustainability. Drawing on in-depth interviews with sustainability managers in cities with variable seriousness about sustainability, and representatives of city networks and support organisations, we show that cities express different symbolic and material resource needs as well as means to acquire them. When cities express pragmatic needs, they seek to demonstrate political feasibility and look to peer cities for legitimation; when cities express progressive needs, they aim to push the boundaries of technical possibility and broadcast their achievements to the world. Since cities require dissimilar external support, skewed attention towards 'leading' cities in extant research limits our understanding of how cities can overcome institutional barriers to climate action, especially when these barriers are high. Our findings offer contributions to the literature on city strategies for climate change on the institutional drivers of urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global goals play a catalyzing role in orienting efforts to address climate change. Yet, the negotiation of the main goal in climate governance is understudied. This article aims to fill this gap by examining the negotiation, adoption, and refinement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (unfccc) Long-Term Global Goal (ltgg), from the late 1970s to date. I gather insights from semi-structured interviews with climate governance experts, the scientific literature, and official documentation to highlight the developments that shaped the ltgg over time. The study shows that agential, ideational, normative, structural, and contextual factors co-interacted in negotiating, adopting, and refining the ltgg. Drawing lessons from the ltgg experience, the manuscript contributes to knowledge on the politics of global goals, international negotiations, climate governance, and, more broadly, international relations, diplomacy, and global environmental politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shines a light on the act of social construction of climate change mitigation as a policy issue at the hands of expert bodies enjoying epistemic power, notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) as key tools. This is crucial to the politics of tackling climate change as IPCC models and scenarios profoundly shape what are seen as viable futures and mitigation policy options. Analysing how technocratic governance bodies broach climate change, its mitigation, and the associated economic costs and implications, reveals contestations within the technocratic politics of climate change. The particular social construction of mitigation as a policy issue through IAMs and IPCC scenarios has important and real socio-ecological consequences. This engagement with the technocratic politics of mitigation problematises five key assumptions that are fed into modelling, and reveals why and how they matter politically. We also highlight ways in which contestable assumptions built into IPCC IAMs undermine their credibility and usefulness for planning mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, inefficient, and polluting cooking solutions that have adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Here, we propose a novel integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system that combines sustainable biomass production in sequential agroforestry systems with biomass-based cleaner cooking solutions and rural electricity production in small-scale combined heat and power plants and estimate the biophysical system outcomes. Despite conservative assumptions, we demonstrate that on-farm biomass production can cover the household's fuelwood demand for cooking and still generate a surplus of woody biomass for electricity production via gasification. Agroforestry and biochar soil amendments should increase agricultural productivity and food security. In addition to enhanced energy security, the proposed system should also contribute to improving cooking conditions and health, enhancing soil fertility and food security, climate change mitigation, gender equality, and rural poverty reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable livestock management plays a crucial role in food production, climate change mitigation, and cultural preservation. Our study aimed to identify and analyse the diversity of social–ecological conditions that characterize extensive livestock systems in southern Patagonia. We integrated data collected from interviews and secondary sources and analysed data using hierarchical cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling to identify distinct ranching types. A qualitative analysis of key informant interviews identified key social–ecological changes for each type. The results emphasize the impact of administration, production, and biophysical factors on shaping different livestock ranching schemes. Further, we identified three significant social–ecological changes driving the dynamics of these systems, including shifts from (1) sheep to cattle ranching, (2) domestic to feral cattle ranching, and (3) landowners to tenant land managers. These findings have implications for policymakers seeking to develop strategies tailored to diverse realities, ensuring the sustainability of livestock systems in Tierra del Fuego. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accelerated urbanization has led to economic prosperity, it has also resulted in urban heat island effects. Therefore, identifying methods of using limited urban spaces to alleviate heat islands has become an urgent issue. In this study, we assessed the spatiotemporal evolution of urban heat islands within the central urban area of Fuzhou City, China from 2010 to 2019. This assessment was based on a morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model and an urban thermal environment spatial network constructed using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Optimization measures for the spatial network were proposed to provide a theoretical basis for alleviating urban heat islands. The results show that the heat island area within the study area gradually increased while that of urban cold island area gradually decreased. The core area was the largest of the urban heat island patch landscape elements with a significant impact on other landscape elements, and represented an important factor underlying urban heat island network stability. The thermal environment network revealed a total of 197 thermal environment corridors and 93 heat island sources. These locations were then optimized according to the current land use, which maximized the potential of 1599.83 ha. Optimization based on current land use led to an increase in climate resilience, with effective measures showing reduction in thermal environment spatial network structure and function, contributing to the mitigation of urban heat island. These findings support the use of current land use patterns during urban heat island mitigation measure planning, thus providing an important reference basis for alleviating urban heat island effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In approximately one decade, global temperatures will likely exceed a warming level that a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report considers a "red alert for humanity". We propose exploring tidal flat diatoms to address climate change challenges. Tidal flats are extensive coastal ecosystems crucial to the provisioning and regulation of aquatic environments. Diatoms contribute to tidal flat biomass production and account for 20% of global primary productivity and 40% of annual marine biomass production, making them crucial for nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization. Potential CO2 removal from Korean tidal flats by diatoms is estimated to be 598,457–683,171 t CO2 equivalents (CO2e) annually, with the economic value of blue carbon (BC) resulting from diatom activity being approximately US$ 17.95–20.50 million. Dissemination of this potential could incentivize coastal wetland protection and climate change mitigation measures. The global estimated CO2e removal potential of tidal flat diatoms is 40,957,346–46,754,961 t CO2e, representing 0.11–0.13% of the annual global greenhouse gas emissions, even though tidal flats cover 0.0025% of the Earth's surface and diatoms represent less than 0.5% (by weight) of all photosynthetic plants. Researchers should combine ecology and economics to develop standardized approaches for carbon input monitoring and quantification. Further, spatiotemporal analyses of environmental threats to tidal flat diatoms are necessary for conserving their biodiversity and function as a critical BC source. Land-based cultivation for large-scale biomass production and biorefinery processes can contribute to a greener, more prosperous future for humanity and the marine ecosystems upon which we rely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines tourism professionals' perceptions of climate change and their reactions to the associated challenges. Sixteen in-depth interviews with tourism professionals who work at Arctic destinations in Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark (i.e. Greenland), reveal that the professionals acknowledge several pressing issues arising from climate change, such as glacier retreating and snow shortfall. It discovers one salient adaptation action in association with snow-related activities. Further, three streams of driving forces prompt the professionals to devise sustainable mitigation actions entailing (1) staging socially responsible and wellbeing tourist experiences, (2) implementing waste programmes friendly to the Arctic ecosystem, and (3) cultivating eco-friendly practices through certifications and educational programmes. Lastly, to further construe the attitudes of tourism professionals, this study elicits the Climate Resilience Model on Arctic Tourism, characterizing the interplay among climate impacts, driving forces, and climate actions by the tourism business across four Arctic nations under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature‐based tourism has a unique opportunity, and arguably responsibility, to promote widespread action on climate change. However, research suggests an aversion to providing information that might appear divisive or 'ruin' peoples day, particularly in places that are vulnerable to degradation.We explore how exposure to climate change information in vulnerable nature settings influences indicators of (i) the visitor experience and (ii) climate change engagement. Using a quasi‐experimental approach, we provided climate information on tourist boats operating on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and compared visitor experiences with a control condition where climate information was not provided. Visitor surveys (n = 656) assessed perceptions and experiences.Overall, visitors on trips where climate information was provided were more likely to report that the reef experience exceeded their expectations and did not report any reduction in subjective trip satisfaction.However, we detected minimal effects of climate information on indicators of climate engagement (threat awareness, action awareness, or information seeking), suggesting room for improvement in interpretation approach and design. Indeed, visitors reported high levels of acceptability for incorporating more information about climate change, particularly about actions.Synthesis and applications: These results suggest that providing climate information does not undermine visitor experiences and while further research is required to determine the most effective approach for influencing climate change engagement, an appetite for more information exists. It is possible that what tourism operators are fearful of, may be an opportunity to improve outcomes aligned with both industry and environmental objectives. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is currently one of humanity's greatest threats. To help scholars understand the psychology of climate change, we conducted an online quasi-experimental survey on 59,508 participants from 63 countries (collected between July 2022 and July 2023). In a between-subjects design, we tested 11 interventions designed to promote climate change mitigation across four outcomes: climate change belief, support for climate policies, willingness to share information on social media, and performance on an effortful pro-environmental behavioural task. Participants also reported their demographic information (e.g., age, gender) and several other independent variables (e.g., political orientation, perceptions about the scientific consensus). In the no-intervention control group, we also measured important additional variables, such as environmentalist identity and trust in climate science. We report the collaboration procedure, study design, raw and cleaned data, all survey materials, relevant analysis scripts, and data visualisations. This dataset can be used to further the understanding of psychological, demographic, and national-level factors related to individual-level climate action and how these differ across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numbers do matter; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s 2010 data that the waste sector is responsible for just 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has led to the misperception that solid waste management (SWM) has little to contribute to climate mitigation. Global efforts to control methane emissions and divert organic waste from landfills had already reduced direct emissions. But end-of-pipe SWM has also been evolving into more circular waste and resource management, with indirect GHG savings from the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) which IPCC accounts for elsewhere in the economy. The evidence compiled here on both direct emissions and indirect savings demonstrates with high confidence that better waste and resource management can make a significant contribution to climate mitigation, and must form a core part of every country's nationally determined contribution. Even the most advanced countries can still achieve much from the 3Rs. In the Global South, the challenge of extending waste collection to all and stopping open dumping and burning (sustainable development goal 11.6.1), essential to improve public health, can be turned into a huge opportunity. Moving early to divert waste from landfill by separation at source and collecting clean organic and dry recycling fractions, will mitigate global GHG emissions, slash ocean plastics and create decent livelihoods. But this can only happen with targeted climate, plastics and extended producer responsibility finance; and help to local communities to help themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mini-review emphasises the role of municipal solid waste (MSW) as the biggest contributor to climate change, as well as the need for more grounded climate action. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2023 Synthesis Report by the co-facilitators on the technical dialogue Key Finding 3 of applying the 'whole-of-society' approach in this article is interpreted as a cultural approach in MSW management planning and implementation process. Using anthropological critiques of development, the cultural approach is frequently considered an obstacle or a justification for a project's failure rather than an important aspect of the people being developed. Therefore, the goal of this mini-review is to showcase the findings and explore the practical application of UNFCCC Key Finding 3, emphasising its importance in every phase of the solid waste management process for climate action. This mini-review argues that applying a cultural perspective presents both opportunities and challenges. More importantly, without careful acknowledgement and consideration, opportunities can become challenges, if not vice versa. The discussion section explores the ways in which religious and economic conditions might offer a contextual understanding and effective techniques for managing MSW at the local level. To apply Key Finding 3 in practice, academia needs to move away from generality and embrace multiple 'modernities', while practitioners also need to include cultural perspectives to complement scientific knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global waste management challenges demand innovative and multi-functional solutions. The Nordic Biogas Model (NBM) based on anaerobic digestion of organic waste and valorization of its outputs provides several benefits beyond waste treatment such as energy recovery, nutrient recycling and climate impact mitigation. Despite these benefits, its international adoption remains limited, revealing an implementation gap. One way to address this gap is to adapt technology and knowledge from the provider to each specific context. This involves the embedding of the technology into the local context and the development of conditions such as formal and informal institutions over time. Based on decade-long interactions with Nordic companies and municipal decision-makers, we highlight the importance of communication between the technology provider and potential adopter, to ensure that the diverse sustainability benefits of NBM are acknowledged. Furthermore, most provider companies can benefit from a systematic guideline that supports early-stage decision-making as an essential component of the adaptation and implementation of the NBM in diverse international contexts. In this article, we offer suggestions for both: (1) how to better communicate the sustainability benefits of the NBM, and (2) how to assess the risk and opportunities of entering new markets at the early stages of decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article highlights the outcomes of collaborative governance in disaster management and its correlation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular interests are the origins and emergence of scholarship, core themes discussed under the subject, global contexts reported in the studies, and empirical findings regarding the relationship between collaborative governance in disaster management and the SDGs. The findings indicate that the USA dominates in publications on collaborative governance in disaster management. The most reported areas include COVID‐19, general theory development, the role of nonprofits, policy development frameworks, and other disasters including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The areas connected with the SDGs are grouped into three sections. The first section describes the study's focus on SDG 17, highlighting partnerships as pivotal for goal attainment; the second section examines the Sendai Framework's alignment with goals such as poverty eradication, urban resilience, climate action, and partnerships; while the third section addresses additional areas connected to foundational SDGs, outlining a comprehensive framework for collaborative governance research. The study concludes by proposing a research agenda for more research from multiple contexts and research on areas under a developmental agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of environmental policies on trade and innovation, utilizing an expanded dataset sourced from the WTO Environmental Database (EDB). It makes two contributions to the literature: First, employing advanced text analysis algorithms, we extracted valuable information from the EDB, enhancing its usefulness for future research and policy analysis. Second, we leverage this augmented dataset to evaluate the impact of environmental measures on trade and green innovation. Our empirical findings suggest that environmental policies not only elevate demand for environmental goods and stimulate imports but also bolster competitiveness and amplify exports of environmental goods. Additionally, these policies appear to stimulate green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient supporting policies jeopardize the role of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in climate action and energy transition. A few studies have addressed the policy challenges facing CCUS but left policy integration underappreciated. In this article, we analyze the preference for and integration between key elements of China's CCUS policy using policy integration theory and content analysis method that includes a novel three‐dimensional framework. Analysis of 63 CCUS policy documents indicates that China's CCUS policy is not sufficiently comprehensive in including policy implementers and goals, lacks consistency between policy instruments and goals, and is not yet a collaborative system. Finally, we present some implications for addressing the defects in integration of China's CCUS policy: (1) broader incorporation of citizens and non‐governmental organizations, (2) enhanced integration of enterprises, voluntary policy instruments, and economy goal, and (3) enhanced integration of government agencies, compulsory policy instruments, and safety goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural extension programs promote regenerative land management practices by increasing farmers' awareness of land use, climate risks, and adoption of adaptation practices for sustainable livelihoods. This study focuses on the perceptions of communities that participate in extension programs and those that do not, regarding climate change risks and livelihood sustainability in Pakistan's Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. The findings indicate that communities participating in extension programs reported poor community land use practices as a cause of negative climate impacts. Farmers identified livestock deaths due to drought and frequent flooding as the main climate risks in their communities. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of extension programs in mitigating and adapting to environmental risks by increasing awareness, promoting a comprehensive understanding of climate risks and adaptation, and planning for land use management. Additionally, our findings underscore the significance of extension initiatives in enhancing livelihoods, such as agriculture, livestock, and forest‐based livelihoods, in the face of climate change challenges. We recommend increasing access to extension programs, strengthening the role of extension initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and promoting community participation in decision‐making to support sustainable livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale seaweed and shellfish aquaculture are increasingly being considered by policymakers as a source of food, animal feed and bioproducts for Europe. These aquacultures are generally thought to be low impact or even beneficial for marine ecosystems as they are 'extractive' -- i.e., growing passively on foodstuff already available in seawater, and with potential habitat provision, fisheries, climate mitigation and eutrophication mitigation benefits. At some scale however, over-extraction of nutrients or chlorophyll could potentially have a negative effect on natural systems. Understanding the likely impacts of aquaculture production at scale is important to identify when safe limits are being approached. Taking seaweed aquaculture as the primary focus, this work uses operational oceanographic model outputs to drive prognostic growth models to predict the likely optimal distribution of seaweed farms across European waters to meet different production scenarios. A novel nutrient transport scheme is then used to model the interacting 'footprints' of nutrient drawdown from aquaculture facilities to demonstrate the likely spatial impact of large-scale aquaculture. Evaluation of both seaweed and shellfish contributions to CO2 balance under large scale production, and the potential impact on fisheries are also considered. The study finds that the impact of intensive seaweed aquaculture on nutrient availability could be significant where many farms are placed close together; but at the regional/basin scale even the highest level of production considered does not significantly impact total nutrient budgets. Seaweed aquaculture has the potential to extract large amounts of carbon dioxide, but the impact on carbon budgets depends on the end-use of the extracted seaweed. Shellfish aquaculture is a net source of CO2 due to the impact of calcification of shells on the carbonate system (i.e., alkalinity removal). However, gram-for-gram the CO2 impact of shellfish production is likely to be less than the impact of land-based meat production. Whilst operational oceanographic models are useful for taking a 'broad brush' approach to likely placement and impacts of aquaculture, reliable yield predictions for individual locations across European waters would require models integrating more physical and biogeochemical factors (wave environment, local currents, riverine inputs) at a finer scale than currently achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urgent solutions are needed in cities to mitigate twin crises of global climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban nature-based solutions (actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems while simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits) are being advocated for as multi-functional tools capable of tackling these societal challenges. Urban forest management is a proposed nature-based solution with potential to address both climate change mitigation and biodiversity loss along with multiple other benefits. However, bodies of evidence measuring multiple outcomes (e.g., biodiversity conservation and nature-based climate solutions) remain siloed which limits conservation and management opportunities. In this article, we present a systematic map of the literature on urban forest management strategies that measure both biodiversity goals (through avian conservation) and climate change mitigation goals (through carbon storage and sequestration). Methods: Following a published protocol, we searched for evidence related to urban forest management strategies for (1) avian conservation and (2) carbon solutions within the global temperate region in academic and grey literature. In addition to Scopus, ProQuest and Web of Science Core Collection, we searched 21 specialist websites. We screened English language documents using predefined inclusion criteria on titles and abstracts, and then full texts. All qualifying literature items were coded, and metadata were extracted. No study validity appraisal was conducted. We identified knowledge clusters and gaps related to forest management strategies for both topics. Review findings: Our searches identified 19,073 articles published, of which 5445 were duplicates. The title and abstract screening removed a further 11,019 articles. After full-text screening (1762 and 1406), a total of 277 avian and 169 forest carbon literature items met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final database. We found a large knowledge base for broad-scale avian metrics: abundance, species richness. We similarly found that both avian and carbon solutions most often used broad-scale forest management components: land use type, composition, and forested area and least often considered fragmentation, connectivity, and diversity metrics (abundance, richness). The most understudied avian metrics were foraging, resources, and survival while the most understudied carbon solutions metrics were soil carbon, dead wood and organic matter and infrastructure. Avian literature most often used an experimental design (56% with comparator, 44% no comparator) while forest carbon solutions literature was dominated by observational studies (86%). In both topics, studies most often occurred over short timelines between 0 and 1 and 2–5 years. The body of evidence for both avian and carbon outcomes present a scale-mismatch between the scale of forest management strategy (e.g., land use type) and scale of application (e.g., patch). For example, the majority of studies considered forest strategies at broad scales, like land use type or composition, yet were conducted at a patch or multi-patch scale. Our systematic map also highlights that multi-city and regional urban scales are underrepresented in both carbon solutions and avian conservation and will require additional research efforts. Finally, we highlight gaps in the inclusion of recommendations in both bodies of literature. Roughly 30% of articles in each topic's database did not include recommendations for practitioners or researchers. Conclusions: Our systematic map provides a database and identifies knowledge gaps and clusters of urban forest management strategies for (1) avian conservation and (2) carbon solutions. Overall, our map will allow researchers to fill existing gaps in literature through new research investigations, meta-analyses or systematic reviews while also pointing policymakers toward strong knowledge bases in addition to understudied or mismatched areas that require more funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding and implementing strategies to adapt to climate change is essential for maintaining the livelihoods and well-being of the human population. In Colombia, interest in climate change is increasing, reflected in growing attention towards adaptation and mitigation strategies. There is a lack of detailed research on this subject, especially in ecologically significant areas like the La Mojana region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of different focus population groups such as fishermen, farmers and ranchers on climate change, regional adaptation strategies and implementation of public policies in the La Mojana Region of Northern Colombia, which is highly vulnerable to extreme climate phenomena. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the dynamics of scientific production at both national and global levels, focusing on the perception and adaptation policies related to climate change. METHODS: Data collection for this study involved conducting semi-structured questionnaire interviews with 420 participants from the fishing, agriculture, and livestock sectors. The aim was to gain insights into their perspectives on climate change risks and the mitigation measures they have implemented. A bibliometric analysis using the SCOPUS scientific database was conducted to explore global and Latin American publication trends related to climate change perception and adaptation policies, with a particular focus on Colombia. This analysis emphasizes the latest trends in research and the scholarly influence in the areas of climate change, public policies, and strategies for adaptation. FINDINGS: The findings indicated that all participants observed changes in climate patterns over the past two decades, specifically in terms of irregular rainfall patterns and disruptions in traditional sowing and harvesting cycles that were once considered predictable. Focus groups' perception aligned with historical meteorological data on flood and La Niña phenomena. Priorities for government intervention include response to early emergencies, community participation, and stakeholder collaboration in future planning. Various strategies for adaptation were implemented, such as the management of communities, conservation of ecosystems, construction of resilient housing and livestock management, sustainable water management, and diversification of crops. Colombia ranks third in Latin America for scientific production on climate change perception and adaptation policies, with political context and international compliance key factors. CONCLUSION: The study highlights how climate change affects psychological well-being through social and economic insecurity, exacerbated by the local government's lack of intervention to mitigate the vulnerability of focal groups and strengthen their adaptation and resilience capacities against climate change Colombia's significant contribution to regional scientific production on climate change perception highlights the pressing requirement for further research to explore these issues and improve adaptation strategies in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efforts to enhance carbon stocks and boost carbon absorption potential are essential for climate change mitigation. Peatland ecosystems, known for their high organic content, are particularly vulnerable to environmental management. The study aimed to examine the alterations in land use and land cover that occurred between 1998 and 2022, spanning a 24-year duration. Additionally, it sought to assess the associated variations in carbon stocks within the designated Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area. The area under investigation encompasses a peatland ecosystem that has experienced substantial changes in land cover and land use. This study investigated the fluctuations in carbon stock caused by these alterations and provides valuable perspectives on the potential of agroforestry systems to promote a wider range of land uses. Additionally, it highlights their role in ecosystem restoration initiatives and the better management of forest peatland regions. METHODS: A spatial analysis was conducted on Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images by using shapefile data stored within the Google Earth Engine platform. Data analysis was carried out using Classification and Regression Tree, a decision tree algorithm used in machine learning for guided classification. Furthermore, purposive sampling was utilized to gather socioeconomic data, followed by the implementation of a benefit-cost analysis. FINDINGS: The results revealed significant changes in the land cover within the Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area over a 24-year period, with forested areas and open areas decreasing by 23.15 hectares per year and 16.94 hectares per year respectively, and oil palm plantation areas expanding by 40.10 hectares per year. From 1998 to 2022, there has been a consistent annual decline in carbon stocks, resulting in a reduction of 1,933.11 tons of carbon per year. The changes in land use and cover are closely linked to this decline. In an effort to increase plant species diversity in the area and support the gradual transition away from monoculture, a participatory agroforestry scheme was implemented by intercropping Coffea liberica and Shorea balangeran between oil palm rows in a 2-hectare oil palm plantation block within the agroforestry demonstration plot. According to measurements taken at breast height, the aboveground biomass of these species was measured, leading to projected estimates of carbon stocks in Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area reaching 19,455 tonnes of carbon by the year 2030, with Coffea liberica contributing 4,148 tonnes carbon and Shorea balangeran contributing 15,307 tonnes carbon. CONCLUSION: The study area experienced a substantial reduction in forest cover, whereas the extent of oil palm areas expanded significantly. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to strengthen the governance of specific-purpose forest areas through community empowerment and the establishment of demonstration plots to promote agroforestry development. The results of this study provide insights for long-term forest rehabilitation strategies aimed at fostering sustainable forest management that yields environmental and socio-economic benefits in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we document knowledge gaps between consumers and experts about what consumer actions most effectively help mitigate climate change. We then identify three sources for lack of consumer knowledge on greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumption: carbon emissions labeling, awareness of indirect versus direct emissions, and orders of magnitude differences in carbon intensity across behaviors. We further propose that this lack of knowledge and several cognitive and motivational biases lead consumers away from effective climate actions, including the tendency to focus on first- versus second-order effects of "green" behaviors, motivated reasoning that easier, more accessible actions are more impactful, and a focus on individual behavior versus systemic changes. We close with a research agenda designed to address the lack of knowledge and biases we identify, while acknowledging that shifting marketers and consumers to focus on systemic changes may be both most challenging and most impactful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compliance with green requirements is becoming increasingly important in assessing the performance of companies. The new CSRD legislation requires a wider range of companies to produce sustainability reports and their content is influenced by the EU's taxonomy regulation setting out the framework for sustainable finance. The disclosure of information affects the perception of companies' sustainability performance, which will affect their access to financial resources and development opportunities. The main question is, both in theory and in practice, how companies can comply with the legislation in the future. It is essential for the competitiveness of Hungary's food industry to keep pace with future environmental sustainability requirements, so we examined the sustainability reporting practices of the sector's key companies in terms of their contribution to the environmental objectives set out in the taxonomy regulation. The research fits well with the EU's overall green transition regulatory procedure and our study is gap-filling at macro-regional and sectoral levels. The sustainability reports were assessed by content analysis using a scoring method. The results show that the sustainability reporting practices of food processing companies in Hungary differ significantly. Furthermore, greater emphasis must be placed on reporting and the credibility of the reports to meet future expectations. Foreign-owned companies and companies with more than 500 employees attribute greater importance to reporting. In the food processing sector, the disclosure of information and data under the taxonomy objectives of mitigation of climate change, sustainable use of water and marine resources, and transition to a circular economy was most common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finland shows strong support for reducing its climate footprint originating from the built environment as part of the national carbon neutrality goal by 2035. Two prime examples are increasing wood use in construction and favoring building renovation to alleviate emissions from the use of virgin construction materials. However, the open question remains whether citizens also support these decarbonization pathways. By using national-level data from a randomly sampled citizen survey in Finland (n = 1448), we model citizen preferences to these two decarbonization pathways. The results suggest that a preference to renovate rather than to build anew is shown by respondents of the female gender; over 55 years of age; with a lower household equivalent income; and possessing housing property investment. Wood material is positively favored by respondents with higher age; a lower household equivalent income; living in smaller population centers in the countryside; and owning forestland. Interestingly, the effect of climate agency was negative in both models. This can be interpreted in the wood material case as reflecting conflicting views of negative environmental effects from forest harvesting to produce renewable building materials. In the renovation model case, we argue that the climatic impact of renovations remain weakly understood by citizens in Finland, given that the media and national regulations emphasize operational emissions. These results benefit both policy makers and municipal-level decision making in understanding of acceptability of wood material use and building retrofits among the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the most recent climate projections, urban settings and historic centres will be affected by considerable increases in temperature extremes and heat waves as a result of climate change. For this reason, the issue of energy efficiency and indoor comfort in historic buildings has become a topic of major interest for the significant number of buildings in the national and European territories. The performance redevelopment of architectural heritage, particularly religious buildings, requires accurate design, through a careful assessment of the occupants' needs and the historic building's characteristics, to guarantee adequate levels of thermal comfort and ensure an indoor climate suitable for safeguarding the cultural asset. In this regard, the study investigates, through a data-driven approach and building performance analysis, the indoor comfort level of a religious building in the historical centre of Rome that presents phenomena of excessive indoor overheating. The objective is to identify passive cooling strategies, through the optimization of natural ventilation levels and reduction of surface temperatures of the envelope exposed to solar radiation, in order to propose different design scenarios. The results show how a data-driven process in a digital environment can significantly contribute to the identification of optimal and integrated design strategies and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude of the current environmental degradation requires an urgent restructuring of food production systems. In this sense, agroecology is considered a sustainable approach, because it provides tools to guide transition toward sustainable production systems and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Nevertheless, it is imperative to possess evidence regarding the implementation of agroecology and current extent. The goals of this study are to compare two instruments for assessing agroecological transitions, to measure the agroecological performance of extensive livestock systems in slightly disturbed wetlands, identify agroecological elements that differentiate farm categories, and identify relationships among these elements. We evaluated 19 representative extensive livestock production ranches from central-western Argentina. We used the Characterization of Agroecological Transition (CAET) from the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE). Moreover, CAET was modified through interaction with ranchers and technicians (Adapted CAET). The results obtained with both tools revealed that the agroecological performance of extensive livestock systems is currently in transition, with an overall average of 56.9%. This suggests that there is a group of farmers implementing agroecological strategies which have the potential to drive the transition to achieve the SDGs. This research provides valuable knowledge for applying agroecology principles in minimally impacted wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionalization of organic farming calls into question its sustainability. No consensus has been reached on the criteria allowing evaluation of this conventionalization. We propose a methodology based on autonomy – a major sustainability attribute from an agroecological perspective. It was applied to Mediterranean beef cattle and pig livestock systems in Spain and led to the differentiation of five models based on their degree of closeness to conventional systems. Semi-intensive white pig systems were the most conventional compared to the extensive dehesa pastureland systems. In most cases, conventionalization derived from the farms’ socioeconomic and institutional context. It is essential to adapt and change public policies in order to improve livestock farm sustainability and to prevent the most vulnerable farmers from disappearing: they are the ones who generate the most valuable ecosystem services. The proposed methodology, based on environmental and socioeconomic indicators, is applicable to assess the conventionalization of other organic systems beyond the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of irreversibility is central in several disciplines, from physics to biology and economics, as well as in many philosophical disputes. Yet, it is seldom clearly defined. In this article, it is argued that the thermodynamic framework with its concept of entropy – allegedly the hallmark of irreversibility – offers a formal framework for a thorough conceptualisation of irreversibility based on three (generic) parameters: (1) the openness of the systems and the possible interventions, (2) the (acceptable) equivalence of the final state, and (3) the timeframe. Its usefulness for socio-ecological systems, and hence for sustainable development and sustainability science, will be shown by presenting how these generic parameters can be applied and interpreted in topics such as the precautionary principle, climate change mitigation and environmental aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgent climate action, especially carbon emissions reduction, is required to achieve sustainable goals. Therefore, understanding the drivers of and predicting emissions is a compelling matter. We present two global modeling frameworks—a multivariate regression and a Random Forest Regressor (RFR)—to hindcast (until 2021) and forecast (up to 2035) emissions across 117 countries as driven by 12 socioeconomic indicators regarding carbon emissions, economic well-being, green and complexity economics, energy use and consumption. Our results identify key driving features to explain emissions pathways, where beyond-GDP indicators rooted in the Economic Complexity field emerge. Considering current countries' development status, divergent emission dynamics appear. According to the RFR, a −6.2% reduction is predicted for developed economies by 2035 and a +19% increase for developing ones (referring to 2020), thus stressing the need to promote green growth and sustainable development in low-capacity contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science should drive policies and regulations to ensure a sustainable (environmentally, socially, and economically) green transition to a Net-Zero / Net-Negative circular economy. Since 2015, which saw COP21 in Paris, Net Zero has been a global target that must be rapidly accompanied by a Net Negative strategy to mitigate climate change. Accordingly, biochar's role as a durable carbon removal method is gaining attention and increasing. In this work, we discuss the durability of the carbon in biochar and the need for analytical techniques to support stakeholders on a project level. The different ecologically relevant groups of carbon forms contained in biochar are presented, and possible project-based methods to assess the quality and durability of the product versus the regulatory requirements for the permanence of carbon removals are summarized. Biochar is today one of the CDR technologies with the highest technology readiness level (TRL 8–9) that can ensure permanent removals for time frames relevant to climate change mitigation projects, combined with co-benefits that are gaining relevance in terms of mitigating climate impacts in agricultural soils. Biochar comprises different carbon forms, for which permanence is discussed here. Biochar can deliver cost-effective long-term Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), which is possible to deploy at large scale. Project-level Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) can be verified by analytical techniques and third-party certification. Certified BCR can be accounted towards nation-wide climate targets. Site-specific co-benefits can be generated, supporting the shift to more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDistress about climate change is a growing global phenomenon associated with mental health problems. We sought to understand climate change distress among youth in Brazil, a country that plays a critical role in climate change. After identifying individuals experiencing at least mild functional impairment due to climate anxiety based on a cross-culturally validated scale, we conducted 4 focus groups and 20 in-depth interviews with youth ages 10–16 (total N = 65). Data analysis used deductive and inductive thematic coding done in Atlas-ti. Climate change-related distress was common, including sadness, despair, and anxiety, and was associated with concerns about the local physical environment. Education about climate change in school was lacking, leading to misinformation and uncertainty. Global warming concerns and lack of deforestation policies were stressors, and the media was the most common information source about climate change. Participants expressed concern about Indigenous peoples and demonstrated anxiety about future unknowns, but also showed hope. Results suggest that education about climate change in schools and training for youth facing climate distress are important ways forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy-inefficient buildings are a major driver of climate change. The aging, energy inefficient housing occupied by low-income households in the US and other high-income countries is a driver of notable environmental and health disparities as well. Public policies for alleviating the financial and health burdens of energy inefficient housing have existed for decades, but fallen short of reaching most households in need. This paper proposes a promising new approach to filling gaps left by public programs -- one that relies on mobilizing the tools of private governance, carbon offsetting and the voluntary carbon market (VCM) to finance energy upgrades for low-income households. We develop a new and readily applicable methodology for calculating energy and carbon savings from efficiency upgrades based on readily accessible publicly available data. Tailored to the needs of estimating energy and carbon savings from efficiency upgrades to low-income units, rentals in particular, this methodology can be fruitfully deployed in monetizing the carbon savings from efficiency driven reductions in household energy use. Specifically, we propose packaging the emission reductions generated through energy savings as carbon offsets, then selling these offsets on the voluntary carbon market to generate financing for energy upgrades to low-income homes not served by public energy efficiency programs. Given the multiple economic and health co-benefits from low-income energy upgrades, we expect that carbon offsets generated through such upgrades will be attractive to many corporate and institutional offset buyers, particularly those who seek to fulfill climate commitments while also advancing economic and human development in their host communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]