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The security of the Earth system has been extensively discussed through the concept of planetary boundaries, which hypothesizes the Anthropocene as the crisis for pushing environmental variables beyond safe limits. Cities, as burgeoning population centers, warrant heightened attention to issues surrounding planetary boundaries and ecological security. While groundwork has been laid for environmental change detection, the acoustic or soundscape perspective is rarely considered. This paper presents abundant empirical evidence supporting the feasibility of leveraging the soundscape as a valuable lens for exploring ecosystem structures, functions, and their contribution to human well-being. Particularly, it proposes spatialized soundscape maps as practical tools to implement this innovative perspective. We elaborate on two key aspects: (i) soundscape as a reflection of ecosystem evolution, enabling evaluation of ecosystem structures, interactions, and the ecosystem's functions; (ii) soundscape has the attribution of providing cultural services, allowing assessment of its impact on human health. Consequently, we propose two paradigms: (i) "security in soundscape" and (ii) "security of soundscape", thereby initiated the concept of "soundscape for security". Furthermore, we outline two generalized pathways: (i) soundscape monitoring, encompassing long-term strategies for real-time tracking of ecosystem evolution, and (ii) soundscape perception, involving detailed surveys to investigate perception and public participatory sensing for large-scale evaluation of ecosystem cultural services. We argue that integrating soundscape considerations holds promise in urban ecological security initiatives and the pursuit of sustainable cities. Moving forward, collective efforts among academics are crucial to establish widely accepted protocols to maximize the value of soundscape for urban ecological security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Synergistically maintain or enhance the numerous beneficial contributions of nature to the quality of human life is an important but challenging question for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. However, the spatiotemporal distributions of global nature's contributions to people (NCPs) and their interactions remain unclear. We built a rapid assessment indicator framework and produced the first spatially explicit assessment of all 18 NCPs at a global scale. The 18 global NCPs in 1992 and 2018 were globally assessed in 15,204 subbasins based on two spatial indicator dimensions, including nature's potential contribution and the actual contribution to people. The results show that most of the high NCP values are highly localized. From 1992 to 2018, 6 regulating NCPs, 3 material NCPs, and 2 nonmaterial NCPs declined; 29 regulating-material NCP combinations (54 in total) dominated 76% of the terrestrial area, and the area with few NCPs accounted for 22%; and synergistic relationships were more common than tradeoff relationships, while the relationships among regulating and material NCPs generally traded-off with each other. Transitional climate areas contained few NCPs and have strong tradeoff relationships. However, the high synergistic relationship among NCPs in low latitudes could be threatened by future climate change. These findings provide a general spatiotemporal understanding of global NCP distributions and can be used to interpret the biogeographic information in a functional way to support regional coordination and achieve landscape multifunctionality for the enhancement of human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of eye-tracking technology to evaluate biophilic design in built environments has increased, yet a comprehensive analysis of its integration and efficacy remains limited. This review conducted a structured search in Scopus and Web of Science using the search terms "eye tracking" AND "biophil∗," identifying 35 publications that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. It collates the details of the biophilic elements under investigation, the research designs employed, and the theoretical frameworks that underpin the use of eye-tracking technology. The analysis reveals that daylight and plants are the most commonly examined biophilic elements. Synthesizing eye-tracking responses to these elements is challenging due to the distinct theoretical perspectives applied across studies of daylight and plants. Moreover, the research designs in these studies differ significantly, especially regarding the choice of eye-tracking devices, metrics, and experimental tasks. Extending beyond the initial 35 publications, the discussion incorporates insights from additional eye-tracking studies outside the biophilic realm, pinpointing opportunities for theoretical and methodological improvements. This research underscores the capacity of eye-tracking technology to enrich our understanding of human interactions with natural elements, advocating for the biophilic design in built environments. • Daylight and plants are the most commonly examined biophilic elements. • Daylight studies have identified visual discomfort indicators, such as pupil size. • Plants studies use the Attention Restoration Theory, gauged by fixation duration. • Eye-tracking studies on daylight and plants vary in devices, metrics, and tasks. • Virtual reality is more common in plant studies than in daylight studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces are integral elements of urban landscapes, conferring a multitude of advantages that enrich urban living. Nevertheless, the rapid urbanization of cities often ignores green spaces. To ensure that physical planning creates effective and accessible green spaces, this study explores the use, perception, and socio-economic dynamics of urban green spaces in Nairobi. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and GIS analysis, the study reveals insights into how urban green spaces contribute to environmental sustainability, physical and mental well-being, and social cohesion. Additionally, the findings of the economic assessment of the use of urban green spaces underscores the cost efficiencies and willingness of users to invest in their enhancements, thereby emphasizing the economic significance of green spaces. These results underline the importance of equitable access, effective management, and inclusive design in maximizing the benefits of urban green spaces for urban residents. This research further contributes to a broader understanding of urban green space planning and management, providing insights applicable to diverse urban contexts globally. • Urban green spaces (UGS) enhance health, livability, and attractiveness in rapidly urbanizing cities • Economic valuation reveals users' willingness to pay for UGS improvements, highlighting their value perception. • Conflict between urban development and open spaces persists due to undervaluation of UGS benefits • UGS increases the value of cities and fosters healthier, cohesive, and sustainable urban communities. • Safety, green space quality, leisure time, and gender roles influence men's and women's UGS usage differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) emphasized addressing this century's interconnected challenges of food, water, and energy. This study proposes a coupled ecosystem service and multi-scenario land-use change simulation model designed to investigate the future dynamics of water-carbon-land coupled systems in the Hanjiang River Basin (HJRB), the primary objective is to provide valuable insights that can inform strategic spatial management decisions, aligning with the ambitious objectives outlined in COP 27. Specifically, this study utilized the PLUS model, InVEST model, and redundancy analysis to comprehensively analyze the interplay between ecosystem services and land-use changes, with a specific focus on water, carbon, and land dynamics. The results showed that regardless of the simulated scenarios, there was a consistent pattern observed in the changes of land use types within the HJRB, with a decrease in farmland and an increase in forest. However, the water area showed an increasing trend in all scenarios, especially in the ecological land protection (ELP) and sustainable development scenarios. Furthermore, the ELP scenario effectively suppressed the expansion of building land and the erosion of ecological land. Ecosystem services under different scenarios showed similar spatial distribution patterns but presented varying degrees of change related to the impact of future land use and urban development on ecosystem services. The water yield (WY), carbon storage, and soil conservation in the upstream areas increased to varying degrees, while those in the downstream areas decreased. In conclusion, precipitation, land use/land cover change, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were the main driving factors affecting ecosystem services, with precipitation having the most significant and enduring impact on WY. This study supports the adoption of targeted spatial management measures to promote sustainable development and enhance human well-being. [Display omitted] • Developed a novel coupled ecosystem service and land-use model. • Suppressed building land expansion effectively in ELP scenarios. • Identified unique spatial patterns of ecosystem service changes. • Emphasized targeted spatial management for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many African countries are endowed with huge natural resources but still lag behind as far as human development is concerned. This study examines the link between globalization, natural resource rents and human development in 49 African countries over the 2000–2017 period. We use the two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimations to analyse data coming from UNDP, the World Bank, and the KOF globalization index dataset. Our findings show that globalization improves human well-being. When further decomposition is done, we find that economic, social and political globalizations are positively and significantly associated with human development index. We also find evidence of a natural resources-human development curse. Moreover, our results show that the magnitude of the improving effect of globalization on human development depends on the natural resource rents with threshold of 9.15 (%GDP) at which the positive effect of globalization becomes negative. Finally, we perform sub-regional analyses and find that these patterns are shown to be robust across Sub-Saharan African countries. The main lessons learnt from the study are that African countries should care about how to seize opportunities offered by globalization and avoid rent-seeking behaviours when endowed with natural resource rents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable energy use and management are key to improving human well-being, while rapid urbanization intersecting with economic development makes it challenging. Extensive cross-national analyses on this topic can inform the global agenda; however, far fewer subnational explorations consider the impact of urbanization in moderating the relationships between energy resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, socio-economic and human development. Therefore, this research analyzed Chinese subnational data from 2000 to 2019 to reveal the dynamic relationship between energy use and objective human well-being and explored how urbanization moderated the transitional linkages from energy use to economic development to human need satisfiers and to human well-being. This research found a diminishing return from energy use (both primary energy extraction and final energy use) to the Human Development Index (HDI) from 2000 to 2019. Moreover, in later years, there was neither a linear correlation nor a log-linear relationship between energy use and HDI at the subnational level. In contrast, HDI was consistently strongly correlated with GDP per capita and household income at the subnational level in China over time. Two distinct energy-GDP pathways, i.e., high energy use-low GDP and low energy use-high GDP, were observed at the subnational level, which explained why the log-linear relationship between HDI and energy use/GHGs diminished over time. Urbanization level had a significant moderating impact on the linkages between human need satisfiers and HDI, as well as life expectancy. Subnational policies should prioritize different human need satisfiers in different urbanization periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• System dynamics model coupling ecosystem services and human well-being on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was constructed. • From 2010 to 2020, ecosystem service values and human well-being in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau increased. • The value of ecosystem services shows a declining trend under the economic development priority scenario. • Among five scenarios, the integrated development scenario proves optimal as it satisfies economic development needs, basic social security, and environmental protection requirements. • Grasslands, water bodies, and environmental protection investment are identified as the main driving factors in the synergistic improvement of ecosystem services and human well-being. The synergistic development of ecosystem services (ESs) and human well-being (HWB) is of utmost importance for the construction of sustainable development. In this study, we focus on the provinces of Qinghai and Tibet as our research area. To measure the value of ESs and HWB, we employ the per unit area value equivalence method and the Human Development Index method, respectively. Based on the feedback relationship between ESs and HWB, we establish a system dynamics model that considers economic, social, ecological, land use, and policy influencing factors. This model enables us to conduct multiscenario simulation predictions and system dynamics sensitivity analysis, aiming to explore the main factors driving the coupled relationship between ESs and HWB. The results show that: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the value of ESs in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau generally increased, from 6049.49 billion CNY in 2010 to 6210.65 billion CNY in 2020, with generally higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest, and local high-high and high-low aggregation patterns. (2) From 2010 to 2020, the HWB index in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau exhibited a continuous rise, from 0.19 in 2010 to 0.53 in 2020, indicating substantial development potential. (3) The system dynamics model established in this study demonstrates effectiveness with high fitting accuracy. From 2021 to 2050, the HWB index in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau displays an upward trend in all five scenarios, while the value of ESs shows a declining trend under the economic development priority scenario and an upward trend under the status quo, ecological protection priority, social development priority, and integrated development scenarios. Among these, the integrated development scenario proves optimal as it satisfies economic development needs, basic social security, and environmental protection requirements. (4) Grasslands, water areas, and environmental protection investment are identified as the main driving factors in the synergistic improvement of ESs and HWB. And the influence of different driving factors will change dynamically with time. Our study can guide the search for the optimal development model for the synergistic improvement of ESs and HWB in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, providing a theoretical foundation for future development planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene, fostering a more sustainable relationship between humans and nature is paramount. National parks, as successful global models of conservation, promote coexistence between humans and the natural world. This study examines the complex interplay between human well-being, connection to a national park, and pro-environmental actions among community residents. Employing a community survey within Wuyishan National Park in China, we collected and analyzed 285 valid questionnaires. Using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), our findings reveal significant positive correlations between both objective and subjective well-being, place attachment, and pro-environmental intention and behavior. Our results further indicate that human well-being influences pro-environmental intention and behavior in complex ways, with place attachment acting as a mediating factor. These findings suggest that strengthening community-park bonds and enhancing residents' well-being are crucial strategies for promoting the sustainable conservation of protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an emerging consensus that the health of the planet depends on the coexistence between rapidly growing cities and the natural world. One strategy for guiding cities towards sustainability is to facilitate a planning process based on positive visions for urban systems among actors and stakeholders. This paper presents the Urban Nature Futures Framework (UNFF), a framework for scenario building for cities that is based on three Nature Futures perspectives: Nature for Nature , Nature for Society , and Nature as Culture. Our framework engages stakeholders with envisioning the three Nature Futures perspectives through four components using participatory methods and quantitative models: identification of the socio-ecological feedbacks in cities, assessment of indirect impacts of cities on biodiversity, development of multi-scale indicators, and development of scenarios. Stakeholders in cities may use this framework to explore different options for integrating nature in its various manifestations within urban areas and to assess how different community preferences result in various cityscapes and distribution of associated benefits from nature among urban dwellers across multiple scales. • The Urban Nature Futures Framework (UNFF) explores transformative future scenarios that are positive for nature and people. • Nature for Nature promotes rewilding in city parks and in areas around cities. • Nature for Society promotes a range of nature-based solutions in cities that benefit society. • Nature as Culture promotes a cultural experience of nature in cities. • This framework can be used to develop alternative visions and scenarios for the management of nature in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple environmental stressors threaten the environmental quality in urban areas.Several policies were implemented in Italy to improve environmental quality, following the rationale that the more populated municipalities need high intervention priority and funds. Nevertheless, this approach not necessarily ensures to address real environmental challenges. This study aims to provide an innovative approach to explore interventions' priority at the national scale, based on Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) of five factors related to three environmental stressors, air pollution (O 3 , PM 10 , NO 2), thermal stress (heatwave days), and hydraulic vulnerability (flooding events). A multi-criteria analysis assessed the cumulative effect of factors by combining them into a single Aggregate Index of Challenge (AIC), and a hotspot analysis identified AIC spatial aggregation through the territory. Finally, the spatial mismatch between Italian environmental policies and the co-occurrence of factors was explored. Results evidenced EQS exceedances in the national territory of O 3 for 89%, PM 10 for 8%, NO 2 for less than 1%, heatwaves for 45%, and hydraulic vulnerability for 10%. AIC highlighted that 43% of the national surface shows the coexistence of at least two factors in EQS exceedance. Results highlighted that administrative boundaries are not sufficient to delimit an area of analysis and intervention as opposed to an evidence-based approach which seems promising for enhancing the costeffectiveness of funds allocation as well as their return in terms of human wellbeing. This study provides a novel approach to enhance environmental policies and planning, giving insight for future research, especially for Nature-Based Solutions implementation, performance, and multifunctionality. • Multi-criteria analysis was performed to assess co-occurrence of stressors. • Intervention priority was identified based on aggregate indices of challenge. • 43% of the Italian territory is simultaneously threatened by multiple stressors. • High stressors heterogeneity is found within the analyzed administrative domains. • Evidence-based approach can improve cost-effectiveness of policies in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global warming, various regions have witnessed frequent meteorological disasters, and human lives are increasingly affected by these disasters. Snow disasters are among the most severe natural disasters affecting the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in the Dadu River Basin (DRB). Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the spatiotemporal variation patterns of snow disasters and comprehensively assess their risk. Based on meteorological data from 2000 to 2019, this study analyzed the spatial distribution and temporal variations in snow disaster frequency, duration, depth, and level in the DRB. We constructed an evaluation index system for the human well-being (HWB) of farmers and herders in the DRB and quantitatively analyzed the relationship between HWB and snow disasters. Furthermore, the key factors affecting the responses of farmers and herders to snow disasters were identified. The results show that the spatial distribution characteristics of snow disaster frequency, duration, mean snow depth, and snow disaster level in the DRB were relatively similar, with high values in the north and low values in the south. The northern high-value center is located in the Aba-Maerkang-Hongyuan region in the northeastern upper reaches. This region experiences the most frequent and severe snow disasters in the DRB. There were apparent interdecadal fluctuations in the frequency and duration of snow disasters, average snow depth, and snow disaster levels. Moreover, comprehensive risk zoning for snow disasters in the DRB was conducted using Geographic Information System technology. The results showed that high-risk areas were mainly distributed in the Aba-northwestern Hongyuan region of the northeastern DRB. The sub-high-risk areas were located at the periphery of the high-risk areas, including eastern Rangtang, northern Maerkang, and eastern Hongyuan. The medium-risk areas included central Rangtang and central Maerkang. In addition, Maerkang in the upper reaches of the DRB, Kangding in the middle reaches, and Shimian in the lower reaches had high HWB levels for farmers and herders during 2000–2019, exhibiting distinct administrative center characteristics. Regarding temporal variation, the HWB level in the entire DRB gradually increased. Five typical regions, namely Aba, Maerkang, Rangtang, Luding, and Danba, have been selected to explore the possible impacts of snow disasters on the HWB of farmers and herders since the 21st century. For every 1% increase in snow disaster risk, the HWB indices of farmers and herders decreased by 0.513, 0.485, 0.321, 0.064, and 0.267%. Snow disasters affect the HWB of farmers and herders primarily through direct or indirect impacts on agricultural productivity (per capita arable land area and per capita grassland area), overall labor capacity (rural population and the number of agricultural, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery workers), per capita meat production at the end of the year, per capita value-added of the primary industry, per capita net income of farmers and herders, and urbanization rate. • The spatial distribution characteristics of snow disaster in DRB shows high values in the north and low values in the south. • Aba-Maerkang-Hongyuan region suffers from the most frequent and severest snow disasters. • Human well-being in DRB exhibited distinct administrative center characteristics. • The increase in the risk of snow disasters will lead to a decrease in the HWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterfront accessibility is one of the major planning aspects of cities. However, tackling this issue from the Human Well-Being (HWB) perspective is relatively new. Alexandria is one of the leading Mediterranean cities that was planned, shaped, and configured as based on its direct linkage to the waterfront. Nowadays, city extensions make many of its newly developed zones detached from the waterfront. This paper investigates the correlations between waterfront accessibility and HWB in Alexandria. It uses an analytical approach -based on statistical investigations- to compare HWB in two zones based on their proximity to the waterfront. The results show that detailed configuration of street pattern and travel duration are the most influencing attributes on waterfront accessibility. Consequently, these attributes have a higher impact on residents' satisfaction or negative affect, and therefore their HWB than other attributes. The paper concludes with guidelines to policymakers, urban planners, and researchers' contributions to waterfront accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation and sustainable management activities are critical for enhancing ecosystem services. Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is a spatial decision support process used to identify the most cost-effective places for intervention and is increasingly incorporating ecosystem services thinking. Yet, there is no clear guidance on how to incorporate ecosystem service components (i.e., supply, demand, and flow) for multiple beneficiaries into the decision problem underpinning SCP. As such, conservation plans may fall short of maximizing benefits for both people and nature. We propose a benefit-based approach to integrate ecosystem service components into SCP that uses the principles of decision theory. Our approach will improve the likelihood that ecosystem service benefits are enhanced in spatial planning applications. We are at a critical time to ensure long-term prosperity for people and nature. This is reflected by international policy frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Systematic conservation planning (SCP) has been applied as a rigorous and transparent approach to inform solutions for biodiversity conservation by private and government conservation organizations globally. This approach has gained increased attention for safeguarding ecosystem services. Nevertheless, inappropriate incorporation of the social and biophysical components of ecosystem services could result in landscape plans that fail to generate the expected benefits for people. Taking inspiration from decision theory, we provide guidance on how to incorporate ecosystem service components into SCP to secure nature's contributions to human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a narrative systematic review (SR) of the impacts of sugarcane production on different ecosystems employing the ecosystem services framework. The literature assessed showed that sugarcane, like all agro-systems, depends on practices and techniques to transform negative impacts into positive externalities on ecosystems. However, the literature studied failed to include the inter-linkage in the effects of sugarcane production and therefore, evaluate the ecosystem services and account for existing trade-offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We found direct and indirect references to 19 different ecosystem services. • The provision of ecosystem services is mainly seen as based on anthropogenous activities. • Cultural ecosystem services are treated superficially and associated with economic considerations. • Internal coherence of the main ecosystem services is not given within the PFEIL-document. • While it is assumed that there are synergies between ES, trade-offs are not taken into account. The second pillar of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy is to foster rural development in terms of ecosystems and environment, economics and society. This paper analyses whether the pillar-II rural development programme "PFEIL" in the German federal state Lower Saxony of the funding period 2014–2020 takes into account the promotion of the benefits (agricultural) ecosystems provide for humans, called ecosystem services (ES). We find ES in the different PFEIL-sections but their frequency of occurrence varies as well as the length and elaborateness of the text passages. 'Biodiversity' and 'supporting services and ecosystem functions' are treated consistently within the programme, while provisioning, regulating and cultural ES are not. Cultural ES are touched on superficially and associated with economic considerations; regulating ES are addressed more deeply. Often, ES are described as being provided by agriculture. PFEIL does not treat potential ES interdependences; it does not tap the potentials of the ES-concept. Whether policies and management consider ES or not and how they are looked at has consequences for their provision. We hope to start a scientific interface to policymakers in the field of the promotion of ES in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • People perceive more ecosystem disservices (EDS) than services (ES) related to bats. • People know the ecosystem service bats 'provide' in insect pest suppression. • EDS relate to security (attacks on people and domestic animals) and human health (disease transmission). • Sustaining the role of bats for ES and management needs collaboration among public and private institutions. • Conservation measures helping avoid human-bat contact may balance tradeoffs between ES and EDS related to bats. Understanding the potential tradeoffs in the social perceptions of ecosystem services (ED) and disservices (EDS) may help decision-making when managing human-modified landscapes like agroecosystems. These tradeoffs are critical when ES and EDS come from the same "provider". Using bats as a provider example, we show how understanding tradeoffs between ES and EDS may assist in exploring management actions to mitigate human-bat conflicts and thus promote bat conservation. We used a socio-cultural approach consisting of focus groups and individual stakeholder interviews. People noticed more EDS than ES related to the presence of bats, mainly personal security (fear of attacks) and health (risk of disease transmission). Suppression of insect agricultural pests was the most frequently mentioned service. Incomplete and distorted information from mass media sources strongly influences people's perceptions of bats. Avoiding human-bat contact may help counteract the fear, insecurity and unpleasantness people perceive from bats. Innovative management interventions, such as bat boxes and other artificial roosts, may help to favour bat conservation and their role in the agroecosystem, while other management actions (e.g., educational programs to reinforce ES) help balance ES and EDS tradeoffs. Nevertheless, balancing the tradeoffs in people's perceptions of ES and EDS related to bats and collaboration among public and private institutions is necessary to facilitate conservation, management, and environmental education. Our findings recognise society's challenges and how best to identify, protect, and conserve critical human and ecosystem health services in agroecosystems and human-modified landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of indoor isolation in modern society has resulted in a rise in mental health issues among urban residents. To address this, biophilic design has emerged as a potential solution to reconnect occupants with nature. It has been confirmed that indoor plants effectively improve human well-being by stimulating sensory experiences such as vision and olfaction. However, there is limited systematic study on the impact of single-sensory and multisensory stimuli from indoor plants on occupant health, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this research, the impact of visual, olfactory, and combined stimuli from coriander plants on psychophysiological restoration and cognitive performance were analyzed utilizing a method that combined subjective evaluation, electrophysiology, salivary biochemical analysis, and cognitive task. Additionally, the potential intervention mechanisms of different types of sensory stimuli were explored from neurological, endocrine and immunological perspectives. The results indicated that the various types of sensory stimuli associated with coriander plants exhibited different intervention effects on mood and cognition, with the combined stimulus demonstrating better effects compared to single-sensory stimulus. All three stimuli—visual, olfactory and combined —induced spontaneous neural oscillations associated with relaxation or cognitive function, and significant changes occurred in metabolic pathways related to antidepressant, anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective effects. It appeared that visual stimulus elicited a greater response from the nervous system, while olfactory stimulus elicited a greater response from the endocrine and immune systems. This research provides an important reference for psychological interventions that utilize visual-olfactory stimuli from indoor plants. • Impacts of visual, olfactory, and combined stimuli of plants on health were studied. • All three types of sensory stimuli could improve mood and cognition. • Combined stimulus was more effective than single-sensory stimulus. • Visual stimulus elicited a greater response from the nervous system. • Olfactory stimulus elicited a greater response from the endocrine and immune systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the interdependent relationship between economic development, and environmental and human well-being in China. We evaluate panel data of the carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB) to measure environmental sustainability and human well-being for 30 Chinese provinces from 1995 to 2016. We then employ a spatial model to test the environmental Kuznets curve. The CIWB is an important indicator that incorporates the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The coefficients of GDP, squared GDP, and cubic GDP are −1.043, 0.123, and −0.0045, respectively, indicating that the relationship between CIWB and economic growth is an inverted-N shape. In other words, as GDP increases from low to high, the CIWB first decreases, then increases for a long period until it reaches a turning point, and declines thereafter. GDP per capita at the two turning points are 850 yuan and 110,000 yuan, respectively. In the long run, economic growth is expected to have a positive effect on sustainable development; however, currently, environmental policies are needed to offset unintended environmental harm. Analysis of spatial evolution and multiplier spatial effects show that spatial disparity and clustering exist simultaneously. This suggests that overall planning for the big picture and cooperative development between adjacent provinces could help to handle regional environmental problems. • This study evaluates the carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB) in China. • The relationship between CIWB and economic growth is an inverted-N shape. • Turning point curve transfers from eastern provinces to northwestern provinces. • Currently, environmental policies are needed to offset the environmental harms. • Overall planning and cooperative development are helpful to promote CIWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to modern energy services in households is central to achieving decent living standards and well-being. Almost 3 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia still lack access to modern energy services and endure energy consumption rates equivalent to a fraction of that in developed countries. While critical for the successful achievement of several internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), closing this energy divide may pose an additional pressure on the already daunting challenge of securing climate stabilization. The ways in which this divide is closed will significantly affect the development of buildings-related emissions. This paper revisits previous work on the potential conflict between efforts towards closing the energy divide and enabling the achievement of higher levels of human well-being, and those associated with climate stabilization. It estimates the additional energy needed to achieve the former in terms of final energy consumption levels in key regions, and the associated emission pathways under different climate action scenarios. It then analyses the impact that such pathways could have on estimated carbon budgets associated with fulfilling the Paris Agreement, and provides some suggestions on how this impact could be minimized in the buildings sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oil palm is promoted to alleviate poverty, despite limited social impact evidence. • The social impacts of oil palm plantations are not uniformly positive nor negative. • Improved welfare had occurred for plantations developed in market-based villages. • The opposite was found for plantations developed in subsistence-based villages. • Oil palm expansion in remote forest areas requires careful planning and evaluation. Palm oil producing countries regularly promote the positive impact of oil palm agriculture on poverty alleviation, despite limited evidence about the contribution of this crop on village well-being. Past evaluations that quantify the social impact of oil palm are dominated by localized studies, which complicate the detection of generalizable findings. Moreover, only a few of these evaluations are based on rigorous case-control studies, which limits the robustness of the conclusions. Here we examined the association between the development of oil palm plantations and change in objective or material well-being between 2000 and 2014 across villages in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. We applied a matching method to evaluate the impacts of oil palm plantations across different aspects of well-being, accounting for varying time delays in the accrual and realization of benefits after plantation development. Our study reveals that the social impacts of oil-palm plantations are not uniformly positive, nor negative, and have varied systematically with biophysical locations and baseline socioeconomic conditions of nearby communities prior to oil palm development. Plantations developed in villages with low to moderate forest cover, in which the majority of communities already relied on market-oriented livelihoods, were associated with improved socioeconomic well-being compared to villages without oil palm development. However, we found the opposite for plantations developed in remote villages with higher forest cover, in which the majority of communities previously relied on subsistence-based livelihoods. Overall, oil palm growing villages were more associated with reduced rate of improvement of social and environmental well-being compared to villages without oil palm development, regardless of location and baseline community livelihoods. Our findings highlight an urgent need for careful evaluation and planning in the development of oil palm agriculture in remote forested areas. For oil palm regions that have been developed, our study shows that unsustainable livelihoods, increased socioeconomic disparity, and environmental issues remain major challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human impact assessment (HIA) model was developed to guide research to understand how changes in a fishery can impact fishermen and fishing communities. Path analysis demonstrates that job satisfaction is an important variable intervening between marine governance and well-being. Individual-level variables in the demographic latent variable influence aspects of job satisfaction as well as well-being. It is variance in management that influences satisfaction with fishing which has a direct effect on well-being. In the HIA model, the three components of job satisfaction (self-actualization, income, and psycho-social) have the greatest total impact on well-being. The model also indicates complex relationships between management, fishing activity attributes, job satisfaction, and individual and social attributes. Relationships between community context and differences in job satisfaction in the Northeast and Alaska regions confirmed that these factors, also included in the HIA model, are important aspects of impact assessment. Results help to show that changes in ocean governance have impacts on the human communities who use these important resources. To anticipate and ameliorate potential impacts on human well-being as indicated by tools such as the HIA model, research needs to be accomplished to appropriately design and account for these impacts. • Human Impact Assessment model is useful to understand impacts of marine governance. • HIA shows relationships between fisheries management and human well-being. • Job satisfaction is a key variable between fisheries management and well-being. • Community context and job satisfaction relationship is key to impact assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The UN Sustainable Development Goals states that urban air pollution must be tackled to create more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. Urban green infrastructures can mitigate air pollution, but a crucial step to use this knowledge into urban management is to quantify how much air-quality regulation can green spaces provide and to understand how the provision of this ecosystem service is affected by other environmental factors. Considering the insufficient number of air quality monitoring stations in cities to monitor the wide range of natural and anthropic sources of pollution with high spatial resolution, ecological indicators of air quality are an alternative cost-effective tool. The aim of this work was to model the supply of air-quality regulation based on urban green spaces characteristics and other environmental factors. For that, we sampled lichen diversity in the centroids of 42 urban green spaces in Lisbon, Portugal. Species richness was the best biodiversity metric responding to air pollution, considering its simplicity and its significative response to the air pollutants concentration data measured in the existent air quality monitoring stations. Using that metric, we then created a model to estimate the supply of air quality regulation provided by green spaces in all green spaces of Lisbon based on the response to the following environmental drivers: the urban green spaces size and its vegetation density. We also used the unexplained variance of this model to map the background air pollution. Overall, we suggest that management should target the smallest urban green spaces by increasing green space size or tree density. The use of ecological indicators, very flexible in space, allow the understanding and the modeling of the provision of air-quality regulation by urban green spaces, and how urban green spaces can be managed to improve air quality and thus improve human well-being and cities resilience. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • How do natural and anthropic factors influence ecosystem services (ES) provisioning? • We model the provision of air quality regulation ES by urban green spaces. • Ecological indicators allowed overcoming the lack of monitoring stations. • Green space size and vegetation density were key drivers influencing ES provision. • The effects in ES of multiple scenarios of policy options were then modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Average ambient temperatures are 2.6–8.3 °C cooler in forests than open areas. • Work shifts, breaks, and thus risks of heat stress differ between those working only in open areas (74%) and those working in forests and open areas (26%). • Increasing temperatures affect the working behavior of 98% of our sample via greater heat exposure and more frequent breaks. • Those working in both forests and open areas more are impacted more by hotter temperatures and will take more steps to adapt in the future. • Exposure above the Threshold Limit Value can be up to 6.5 h a day for those working only in open areas. Climate change and land use change are increasing average and extreme temperatures. Hotter temperatures can detrimentally affect workers' health and their economic productivity and livelihoods, especially in rural areas in industrializing countries that may be more vulnerable and less resilient. A growing literature has examined these factors at large spatial scales, yet few studies have done so at finer scales. Micro-level data from developing regions is needed to understand the extent of heat exposure, as well as current and future adaptation strategies of working, healthy, and rural populations. We fill this gap using objective environmental measurements from 3M TM Questemp TM 46 Heat Stress Monitors, as well as survey data from working, healthy, and rural communities in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Our data contain two groups: those who work in only open areas, and those who work in both forests and open areas. We document workers' livelihood strategies, work schedules, perceptions of how temperatures impact their work, and future adaptation strategies for even hotter days. Ambient temperatures are 2.6–8.3 °C cooler in forests compared to open areas, indicating the temperature effects of deforestation can be immediate and significant. Those working only in open areas face up to 6.5 h of exposure to temperatures above the accepted Threshold Limit Value for worker well-being. Workers adapt to hotter temperatures by altering the timing of their work shifts and breaks, indicating our sample is already adapting to increasing temperatures from climate and land use change. We also find differential adaptation strategies between those working only in open areas compared to those working in both forests and open areas, suggesting current acclimatization may be a factor in how people adapt. Our results suggest the need for adaptation and mitigation policies tailored to the unique constraints of rural workers that specifically incorporate extant adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Conceptual frameworks for ecosystem services of (ESCF), such as the cascade framework, have been used for various purposes. In this paper we demonstrate that the structure and content of ESCF are tailored to the user's specific concerns. We discuss which requirements an ESCF needs to fulfil in relation to two cases: when it acts as an organizing structure and when it serves as a model for the valuation of ecosystems in terms of their contribution to human well-being. Although such a framework will need to fulfil different requirements for each of these purposes, we provide some general recommendations for development, the most important ones being to include human well-being in the framework, to value ES functions, services and benefits, and to define the ESCF components first and foremost in terms of their relation to human well-being. Highlights • The concepts of functions, ecosystem services (ES) and benefits need clarification. • The meaning of these concepts within frameworks depends on the purpose of use. • Integration of human well-being is vital in ES conceptual frameworks. • Values can be assigned to ES and benefits, and also to functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of human well-being and its relation to ecosystem services has been defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). To visualize the structure of human well-being related to ecosystem services in coastal areas, and to make an international comparison of these structures, this study investigated the satisfaction level of human well-being by using questionnaire survey, and the interactions among these components in the coastal areas of the six countries (Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US). The questionnaire items were selected according to the components of human well-being as defined by MEA. The analysis suggested a common hierarchical structure. Findings suggest the levels of satisfaction with ‘Security’ and ‘Basic materials for a good life’ functioned as the most fundamental variables among the five components of human well-being, while ‘Health’ and ‘Good social relations’ functioned as mediating variables of ‘Freedom of choice and action’. The degree of interaction among the five components varied by country. In Canada and Russia, satisfaction with ‘Security’ had a more significant effect on ‘Health’ and ‘Good social relations’ than did ‘Basic materials for a good life.’ In the other countries, satisfaction with ‘Basic materials for a good life’ had a more significant effect on ‘Health’ and ‘Good social relations’ than did ‘Security’. This study suggests that the structure of human well-being is dependent upon a range of natural and social factors. Knowledge of the differences which occurs across nations will be significant in establishing societal goals, and for societal engagement in marine conservation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People have negative perceptions of underground environments on account of the absence of natural elements. To alleviate negative perceptions, many investigators have proposed indoor plants and artificial windows. Although a few studies have provided quantitative evidence of the benefits of indoor plants and artificial windows in an otherwise windowless environment, research has yet to systematically investigate these effects in an underground environment. To address this gap in our knowledge, the present study investigated the effects of indoor plants and artificial windows in an underground environment by means of a room-assessment questionnaire, an electrodermal activity (EDA) measure, and a response-time task. The findings indicate that indoor plants in an underground environment increase positive perceptions along the semantic-differential scales “Artificial–Natural”, “Unsuitable for a task–Suitable for a task” and “Monotonous–Diverse”, and that they reduce response times. By contrast, artificial windows are effective only on the “Monotonous–Diverse” scale, and are associated with increased response time. These findings should contribute to improvements in underground environments using indoor plants and artificial windows, so that people can maintain above-ground ways of living and working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basins are one of the bio-geo-physical areas where the ecological processes that generate the ecosystem services (ES) and contribute to human well-being (HWB) are more evident. They are also the physical scenario where the nature-human interaction is more intense. The explicit relationships that link biodiversity, ES and HWB, and the direct and indirect causes responsible for their degradation, have been rarely explored. We used the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to explore the relationships between the river ecosystem and the Biobío Basin’s social system. We selected 65 basin and regional-scale indicators to analyse the existing trends and associations among the different DPSIR components. The trend analysis results showed major biodiversity loss and how the regulating services and non-material goods of the HWB component deteriorated, while cultural services, direct and indirect pressures and institutional responses increased. The relationships among the different DPSIR components revealed biodiversity loss to be positively associated with cultural services, the material goods of the HWB component and pressures. Indirect drivers were negatively associated with regulating and cultural services, non-material goods and pressures. Institutional responses did not correlate with any DPSIR component. However, these results do not reflect the complexity of the Biobío Basin’s socio-ecosystem. We estimate that the DPSIR framework shows a corseted and reductionist vision of a greater complexity than merely a unidirectional nature-human relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the links among ecosystem services (ES) supply, social demand and human well-being is important to realize sustainability, especially in mountain–oasis–desert (MOD) areas, which are facing an intense conflict between socioeconomic development and ecological conservation. Using a biophysical model, we mapped six ES in the Manas River Basin, which is a typical MOD area. A questionnaire survey was employed to evaluate social demand for ES and human well-being in four different regional units (i.e., high mountain, low hills, oasis and desert) in our site. Spider diagrams were applied to identify the links among ES supply, social demand and human well-being. The results showed that a high supply of provisioning services occurred in the oasis, while a high supply of regulating services existed in the high mountain region. The ES social demand was not completely accordant with the biophysical supply in spatial distribution, and the factors from the supply side and demand side could both cause ES supply–demand mismatches. The total well-being level of all indicators was higher in the oasis and desert than in the upstream areas (i.e., the high mountain region and low hills region), but some indicators (e.g., water consumption) were the inverse. The supply–demand mismatches in provisioning services had a strong impact on human well-being, while the supply–demand mismatches in regulating services had a low impact on human well-being. This can be explained by the ES social demand questionnaire results, which showed that the level of social importance was higher for provisioning services than for regulating services at our site. In accordance with our results, we recommended several policies to promote ecological conservation and improve human well-being in the Manas River Basin, and these policies could also be applied in other MOD areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today’s world, improving the efficiency of transforming ecological consumption into human well-being is a necessary condition for humanity as a whole to achieve higher levels of well-being within ecological limits. In this paper, the Index of Ecological Well-being Performance (IEWP) is defined and constructed to measure the efficiency of transforming ecological consumption into human well-being and to determine which countries are more ecologically efficient in improving human well-being. As an efficiency measure, the main mission of the IEWP is to urge and stimulate countries to improve human well-being in an ecologically efficient way. The Human Development Index (measuring human well-being) and the Ecological Footprint (measuring ecological consumption) are employed to construct the IEWP. An empirical IEWP analysis of 82 countries with a population larger than 10 million in 2012 demonstrates that the developed countries (except Romania) and the G20 countries (except India and Indonesia) are generally less ecologically efficient in improving human well-being. To make national well-being improvement not only ecologically efficient but also equitable, several suggestions are proposed regarding respective responsibilities for global ecological sustainability in the process of improving IEWP performance for countries with different ecological conditions and development stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We define a new approach for assessing the impact of development on the ecosystem. • Thirty years of urban spatial growth and ecological security were evaluated. • Urban sprawl has a 67% increase and Landscape Security Index has a 3.3% decrease. • Urbanization and Ecological security have negative correlation and strong decoupling. • The macro changes have occurred since the adoption of wheat self-sufficiency in Iran. Analyzing the relationship between urbanization and landscape ecological security (LES) is necessary for environmental protection during development. The concept of LES refers to the ecological state of the environment, which depends on the sustainability of ecosystem services and ultimately human well-being. Here, the effect of urban growth on the LES in Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province (KBP) was evaluated. Urbanization evaluation indicators were defined from demographic-spatial dimensions and the LES system defined the landscape approach. Decoupling theory and global and local Moran's correlation methods, and classical statistics were used to analyze the interaction between the urban growth index and the LES during 1990–2020. The results showed that the intensity of urban growth in the counties of KBP had an upward trend, in which the sprawl growth decreased by 67% and the average Landscape ecological security index (LESI) of the land surface decreased by 3.3%. In addition, 80 percent of the province's counties have reached or crossed the insecure threshold in terms of the LESI, while only Basht and Lendeh counties have been less destroyed. The evaluation of spatial patterns and analytical indices showed a negative relationship between urban growth and LESI. In terms of the decoupling theory, a strong relationship (ε = 0.03) was observed between them. Overall, monitoring and investigating the dimensions of urban growth and its effects on the LES can lead to sustainable spatial planning without destroying the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem service supply–demand ratios. • Human well-being responds differently to the supply–demand of ecosystem services. • Urbanization, ecosystem service, and human well-being evolve asynchronously. • The evolutionary pathways show the characteristics of clustering and heterogeneity. Ecosystem services (ESs) are closely related to human well-being (HWB). Recently, urbanization has increased worldwide, which has had a significant impact on the ecosystem service supply–demand (ESSD) and HWB. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the spatiotemporal pattern of ESSD and HWB, while ignoring their evolutionary pathways, especially in karst areas. We aimed to quantify the optimal trade-offs of ESSD under the constraints of urbanization and the nonlinear relationship between ESSD and HWB, further constructing a tree-like framework to explore the evolutionary pathways of urbanization, ESSD, and HWB from a landscape evolution perspective. We used the production possibility frontier (PPF) to quantify the optimal trade-offs of three ESSDs, the generalized additive model (GAM) to fit the nonlinear relationship between ESSD and HWB, and the geographic evolution tree model (Geotree) to construct the tree-like structure of urbanization levels, comprehensive ecosystem service supply–demand (CESD), and HWB. There is a trade-off between the deficit of carbon storage services (CS) and water yield services (WY), but a synergy between the deficit of WY and the surplus of FS. Further, there is a synergy between the deficit of CSs and the surplus of food supply services (FS). The response of HWB to the ESSD of CS is not obvious, but the response to the ESSD of WY and FS is obvious. Based on the Geotree model, the urbanization, CESD, and HWB present strong coupling relationships, which show the characteristics of clustering, stratified heterogeneity, and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's interregional trade leads to interregional carbon inequality and impacts the flow and distribution of interregional human well-being. Few studies have been conducted that construct human well-being from a multidimensional perspective and explore the inequality of carbon emissions in interregional trade based on a human well-being equity perspective. This study applies a multiregional input‒output (MRIO) model to analyze the flow of carbon emissions and human well-being and capital between regions, explores the carbon inequality embodied in interregional trade based on the regional environmental inequality (REI) index, and finally proposes a shared responsibility scheme for carbon emissions and policy implications based on a human well-being equity perspective. The results demonstrate that the transfer of carbon emissions and human well-being through regional trade is realized through consumption. Different transfer paths of carbon emissions and human well-being lead to significant carbon inequality in interregional trade. Regions such as the West and North, which suffer more significant inequality in trade, receive carbon emissions mainly from carbon-intensive industries; regions such as the East coast and South coast, which benefit more from trade, transfer large amounts of carbon emissions by importing products from industrial sectors with a high carbon emission intensity and relatively low value and by acquiring more human well-being and capital. This study provides evidence regarding the current status of carbon inequality based on human well-being equity in China; fills the gap in existing research; and provides a reference for addressing the inequality of carbon emissions and human well-being and each type of capital between regions and formulating a fair and effective carbon reduction policy. This study provides an overall solution for sustainable development in China. • The paths of flows of carbon emissions and human well-being are different in China. • China had significant carbon inequality from perspective of human well-being equity. • Regions with carbon inequality bear carbon emissions from high CO2 intensity sectors. • Shared responsibility is useful for solving the inequality of carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beaches are important suppliers of recreational services to human beings, through bathing water resources, marine biodiversity and scenic values of coastal seascapes. This study presents a conceptual model for risk-based analysis of multiple anthropogenic stressors (e.g. nutrient load, marine litter, pollutants or pathogens) on recreational ecosystem services supply-demand patterns in beaches for seven regions of the Italian Adriatic Sea. Results of the supply-demand analysis show that the beaches in Puglia region have highest recreational supply, while demand for coastal recreation is highest in the beaches of Emilia-Romagna region, which is a region prone to mass recreational activities. Based on the supply-demand analysis we performed a risk assessment on recreational ecosystem services provision by analysing the exposure of beaches ecosystems to multiple stressors generated by different maritime (e.g. shipping, aquaculture) and land-based activities (e.g. agriculture). Beaches of the Northern Adriatic region suffer from high exposure to pollutants due to port activities, aquaculture industry, shipping, and riverine discharge. The presented study advances knowledge on the integration of ecosystem-services-based recreational supply-demand analysis in coastal areas and discusses its application potentials for sustainable management of coastal resources and the investigation of tourism flow to coastal recreational areas for large geospatial settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research exploring the relationship between human well-being and ecosystem functions by assessing cultural ecosystem benefits (CEBs) is a crucial and emerging field. However, quantifying CEB is challenging due to the lack of a uniform measurement scale. In addition, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence CEBs to enhance ecosystem functions and contribute to human well-being. While physical landscape features have been investigated, there is limited evidence supporting the link between perception-based landscape features and CEBs. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a CEBs measurement scale and investigate the impact of perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) of urban green spaces (UGSs) on CEBs. We conducted a Public Participation GIS-survey (PPGIS) at Guangzhou National Haizhu Wetland Park. 1473 participants took part in our study and evaluated the CEBs provided by urban green spaces (UGSs). Using SPSS statistics and ArcMap tools, we found that PSDs of UGSs are significantly associated with CEB. Additionally, we confirmed that different levels within a PSD influence the levels of CEBs gained from UGSs. Our results indicate that creating serene, open, and natural UGSs is more effective than incorporating numerous cultural elements. In conclusion, this study introduces PSDs into the framework of CEB, which landscape architects can use to shape the specific environmental characteristics of UGSs and provide the CEBs required to support the well-being of urban populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human benefits from ecosystems result from complex interactions between ecological and social processes. People affect ecosystems’ capacity to deliver services that contribute to the well-being of humans and their resilience. The delivery of ecosystem services (ES) has often been considered as a linear and direct flow from nature to people without feedbacks or human inputs. We adjusted the widely used ES cascade to highlight how humans mediate each step in the ES delivery. We then applied the proposed framework to empirical field studies in Indonesia. We focused on the role of forested landscapes to increase rural people’s resilience to climate hazards such as drought and floods. We found that human actions determine benefits from ES through several mechanisms (ES management, mobilization, allocation-appropriation, and appreciation). These mechanisms are influenced by peoples’ decisions along the ES cascade, which depend on specific factors related to rules, assets, values, and spatial context. By facilitating or hindering ES flows, some stakeholders can determine who benefits from ES and influence the well-being of others. A better understanding of the mediating mechanisms, factors, and feedbacks in ES delivery can support the design of sound environmental assessments and sustainable land management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between LUCC (land-use and land-cover change), ecosystem services and human well-being is not only an important cross topic in studies of natural ecological and social economic systems but also the key research direction and content of the GLP (Global Land Project) and Future Earth program, indicating its significance to the development of regional policy and the promotion of regional sustainable development. In the present study,“3S” (GIS, RS, GPS) technology, the Equivalence Factor Evaluation Method of Ecosystem Services and the Index System Evaluation Method of Human Well-being were separately used to analyze land use changes, ecosystem services and human well-being in the Manas River Basin in 2003 and 2013 and to characterize the relationship between these factors. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. In the past ten years, driven by the market economy, the structure of land use in the basin has obviously changed. Croplands and developed lands markedly increased, leading to a marked reduction in aquatic, grassland and woodland regions. 2. The land use changes resulted in a large increase in human economic income, in contrast with the obvious decrease in the value of climate regulation, gas regulation and other various types of ecosystem services influenced by the decrease in grasslands, woodlands and aquatic regions. 3. Most aspects of human well-being were improved. The most important aspect was the economic income well-being as a result of land use changes. However, the well-being associated with natural ecological resources showed a significant decline. 4. The extreme increase of croplands and developed lands has resulted in a structural imbalance of the ecosystem services and abnormal development of the structure of human well-being. Thus, to enhance the stability of the “nature-society-economy” system of the basin and pursue sustainable development, it is imperative to slow down or even stop the existing development trend of land use, and it is urgent to improve the structure of ecosystem services and human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global sustainability policies, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Aichi Targets, aim to ensure sustainable development, including improved human well-being and the conservation of nature. Although not yet explicitly used to evaluate the progress towards sustainable development, the ecosystem service concept implies a direct link between biodiversity and human well-being. This study explores how and which ecosystem services are currently considered in the SDGs and the Aichi Targets. We also identify which information might be already available for monitoring the progress towards their goals by reviewing national ecosystem assessments. This allows the identification of the main knowledge gaps for monitoring progress towards these global sustainability targets. There is a wealth of information on all major ecosystem services categories which is directly relevant for the Aichi Targets and the SDGs. The top 25% most cited ecosystem services across both policy documents are: Natural heritage and diversity, Capture fisheries, Aquaculture, Water purification, Crops, Cultural heritage & diversity and Livestock. Most monitoring information recommended for the global sustainability goals, as well as in the information available from national assessments, is biased towards supply related aspects of ecosystem services flows. In contrast, there is much less information on social behaviour, use, demand and governance measures. Indicators are rarely available for all aspects of a specific ecosystem service. The national statistical bureaus currently in charge of providing observations for reporting on SDGs, could be well placed to address this bias, by integrating ecological observations with socio-economic statistics into socio-ecological indicators for ecosystem services flows. IPBES can potentially address the gaps identified in this paper by improving coverage of the different dimensions of ecosystem services flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of changing environmental conditions on MMI ES in seagrasses and mangroves. We used data from satellite and biodiversity platforms combined with field data to explore the links between ecosystem pressures (habitat conversion, overexploitation, climate change), conditions (environmental quality, ecosystem attributes), and MMI ES (provisioning, regulation, cultural). Both seagrass and mangrove extents increased significantly since 2016. While sea surface temperature showed no significant annual variation, sea surface partial pressure CO2, height above sea level and pH presented significant changes. Among the environmental quality variables only silicate, PO4 and phytoplankton showed significant annual varying trends. The MMI food provisioning increased significantly, indicating overexploitation that needs urgent attention. MMI regulation and cultural ES did not show significant trends overtime. Our results show that MMI ES are affected by multiple factors and their interactions can be complex and non-linear. We identified key research gaps and suggested future directions for research. We also provided relevant data that can support future ES assessments. [Display omitted] • Overfishing and climate change show potential effects on MMI ES. • MMI regulating ES can be quantified using species richness and functional traits. • Digital platforms are valuable tools to retrieve data but have limitations. • Baseline data and information on environmental changes and MMI ES is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces provide important ecological, environmental, and cultural benefits, including biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing. However, a significant portion of urban green space is currently managed as highly manicured grassy lawns that provide limited ecosystem services. Managing urban green spaces as diverse meadows can have a multitude of ecosystem benefits such as biodiversity conservation, stormwater infiltration, and aesthetics. Relatively little is known about the range of ecosystem services or disservices in managing urban green spaces as lawns versus meadows. In this paper, we separately characterize three major categories of ecosystem services and disservices (provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural) delivered by urban lawns and meadows while highlighting several trade-offs and synergies associated with urban lawn and meadow management strategies. Additionally, we suggest specific research priorities to better evaluate ecosystem services and disservices across these urban green spaces. Understanding ecological, environmental, and cultural trade-offs and synergies of managing different urban green spaces is key to maintaining multiple ecosystem services in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The number of express delivery outlets is growing faster than the number of traditional shops. • The net ecosystem services provided by express delivery outlets are 3-fold those of shops. • The spatial distribution of express delivery outlets is wider and more equal than that of shops. • Online shopping reduces the spatial inequality of shopping opportunities by 35%. • Spatial inequality declined with the increase of city's economic level and population size. The orderly spatial structure of cities promotes city vitality and human well-being. The spatial mismatch between traditional shops and population causes spatial inequality in shopping opportunities along urban‒rural gradients. This spatial inequality has been deconstructed. The rapid expansion of express delivery outlets linked to online shopping reduces the spatial inequality of shopping opportunities to an unknown degree. This study focused on the spatial patterns of shops and express delivery outlets in cities. The Gini coefficient was used to quantify the spatial inequality of shopping opportunities in 18 Chinese cities. This study further compared the ecosystem services of the two types of shopping facilities. The results show that (1) the net ecosystem services provided by express delivery outlets are 3-fold those of shops; (2) the environmental impact of online shopping are lower than those of traditional shopping; (3) express delivery outlets show more spatial dispersion than shops; (4) the spatial inequality of shops is higher than that of express delivery outlets; and (5) the supplement of express delivery outlets to shops reduces spatial inequality by 35%. These findings show that online shopping promotes ecosystem services, reduces the spatial inequality of city structure and improves human well-being and the sustainability of cities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed a spatially explicit approach to mapping supply and demand of CESs. • The approach integrated the SolVES model and social media comments. • Almost 70% of the study area, including protected areas, supply exceeded demand. • Protected areas internal Supply and demand exceeded the external. • Areas surrounding protected areas should also be considered. The construction of protected areas (PAs) is not only the most effective way to preserve biodiversity resources and the natural heritage, but also provides important cultural ecosystem services (CESs) for satisfying human psychological and spiritual needs and improving human well-being. Knowledge of CESs at the county level is vital for the bottom-up promotion of the overall work of China's PAs. The assessment and mapping of the spatial pattern of CESs, and their supply and demand relationship in PAs and their surrounding areas, are of great significance for high-quality development planning at the county scale. In our study, we developed an integrated approach to mapping the supply and demand of CESs, and then integrated the SolVES model with social media comments to explore the matching relationship between CESs' (aesthetic inspiration, education humanities, and recreation and ecotourism) supply and demand using Wuyishan City, China, with its abundant PAs, as a case study. The results showed that the supply of three types of CESs accounting for approximately 70% of the study area was greater than the demand, and thus these CESs have significant future development prospects. The distribution of the three high-supply CESs and tourist destinations showed roughly the same spatial patterns, in which the high-demand hot spots were identified in the south of Wuyishan City. And the total supply and demand levels inside the PAs were much greater than those outside. Therefore, clarifying the matching relationship between supply and demand of CESs at the county level is not only conducive to promoting the sustainable development of natural resources, but also provides a reference for the planning of county-level protection of PAs under each county's jurisdiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the increasing demand for ecosystem services (ESs) and rising pressures from global change on mountain lakes, sustainable management strategies are increasingly needed. However, integrative assessments of ESs provided by small mountain lakes are lacking. This study adopted an integrative ES valuation perspective, applying multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to four exemplary mountain lakes in South Tyrol, Italy. With the involvement of stakeholders, we identified five ESs of particular importance: provision of habitat, aesthetics, surface water, recreation, and representation. These ESs were weighted with respect to their perceived importance and quantified based on multi-metric indicators integrating biophysical and socio-cultural/economic aspects. The current ES provision of mountain lakes was then evaluated by applying PROMETHEE II. We showed that the quantity of ESs varied with distinct socio-ecological characteristics. Well accessible and larger lakes currently provide larger amounts of ES in high demand, such as habitat provision, aesthetics, and recreation, but remarkably, smaller and remote lakes also provide notable amounts of ES aesthetics. Our integrative approach provides insights to support sustainable ES management of mountain lakes considering future challenges that are potentially applicable in other regional contexts. • We evaluated rarely explored ES of mountain lakes via an integrative MCDA approach. • Lakes' ES provision is quantified, accounting for stakeholders' views on ES importance. • ES habitat, aesthetics, water, recreation, and representation were prioritised. • ES provision depends on lakes' characteristics, such as size and accessibility. • Results can be used by decision makers to ensure a sustainable future ES provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban environments are expanding globally, and by 2050 nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in towns and cities, where opportunities to experience nature are more limited than in rural areas. This transition could have important implications for health and wellbeing given the diversity of benefits that nature delivers. Despite these issues, there is a lack of information on whether or how the experience of nature changes as green space becomes less available. We explore this question for residents of two case study cities of varying urban designs, sprawling (Brisbane, Australia) and compact (three English towns, U.K). Second, we examine how people’s feelings of connection to nature (measured using the Nature Relatedness scale) vary across this same gradient of nature availability. Despite climatic and cultural differences we found substantial similarities between the two locations. Lower levels of neighbourhood tree cover were associated with a reduced frequency of visits to private and public green spaces, and a similar pattern was found for the duration of time spent in private and public green spaces for Brisbane. Residents of both urban areas showed similar levels of nature relatedness, and there was a weak but positive association between tree cover and Nature Relatedness. These results suggest that regardless of the style of urban design, maintaining the availability of nature close to home is a critical step to protect people’s experiences of nature and their desire to seek out those experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between human well-being (HWB) and ecosystem services (ES). We studied the Río Cruces watershed (Chile) as a social-ecological system by means of a social survey and compared the results with those previously obtained at the Aysén watershed. We surveyed six localities characterized by different types of habitat. HWB was assessed by means of two indicators (material conditions and quality of life) and ES through the analysis of provisioning and regulating services. Results for Río Cruces show no significant HWB differences between localities, with the exception of life satisfaction (lower on isolated localities). The use of provisioning and regulating services did not differ between localities, with the exception of two components (wood and soil fertility), and we only found a significant positive correlation between regulating services and HWB material conditions. The comparison between watersheds show that changes in HWB material conditions and both types of ES are positively correlated. We conclude that the relationship between human well-being and ecosystem services seems to be contextual to the analysed social-ecological system and that generalizations across systems may not be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the underlying development outcomes and cumulative emissions trajectories of 20 middle-income countries from Eastern Europe, Latin America, North Africa and South Asia. First, well-being outcomes are assessed, defined in terms of access to education, democratic and legal rights, and the infrastructures that support physical health. Second, emissions trajectories are estimated to 2050, taking into account current trends in energy consumption and carbon intensity, a likely start-date for stringent climate policy arising from the Paris Agreement (2020), and maximum feasible rates of mitigation. Comparing these estimates to a per capita allocation from the global carbon budget associated with 2 °C, ten countries have low-carbon development trends that will not exceed their allocation. Of these, Costa Rica and Uruguay are achieving very high well-being outcomes, while many more are delivering good outcomes in at least two domains of human need. However, most are seriously deficient in terms of social well-being (education, democratic and legal rights). These results call into question the socio-economic convergence of developing countries with industrialised countries; but they also reaffirm the low-emissions cost of extending good infrastructure access and physical health outcomes to all, demonstrated by the existence of multiple countries that continue to avoid carbon-intensive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent decades, green lawns have gradually become one of the main sources of greening in many cities in both developed and developing countries. Although, much research has received large attention to green lawns in residential places, few studies have addressed the benefits of having access to green lawns at workplaces to enhance the quality of life. More specifically, this study focused on the question of how employees view, socialize, and utilize their workplace green lawns. To provide some insight into this direction, the study was conducted in Smart Village, Egypt that uses green lawns as main form of greening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically investigates the effect of economic development on the energy intensity of human well-being (EIWB) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the period (1995–2012). We employ a time-series cross-sectional Prais–Winsten regression model with panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE). We conclude that economic development has had a significant positive impact on EIWB during the period (1995–2012). The results indicate that the stress on the environment had increased in a noticeable manner from 1995 until 2006. However, over the period 2007–2012, the stress went back to the level observed in 1995. This observation is unfortunate from the perspective sustainable economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem services provide multiple benefits to human wellbeing and are increasingly considered by policy-makers in environmental management. However, the uncertainty related with the monetary valuation of these benefits is not yet adequately defined or integrated by policy-makers. Given this background, our aim was to quantify different sources of uncertainty when performing monetary valuation of ecosystem services, in order to provide a series of guidelines to reduce them. With an example of 4 ecosystem services (i.e., water provisioning, waste treatment, erosion protection, and habitat for species) provided at the river basin scale, we quantified the uncertainty associated with the following sources: (1) the number of services considered, (2) the number of benefits considered for each service, (3) the valuation metrics (i.e. valuation methods) used to value benefits, and (4) the uncertainty of the parameters included in the valuation metrics. Results indicate that the highest uncertainty was caused by the number of services considered, as well as by the number of benefits considered for each service, whereas the parametric uncertainty was similar to the one related to the selection of valuation metric, thus suggesting that the parametric uncertainty, which is the only uncertainty type commonly considered, was less critical than the structural uncertainty, which is in turn mainly dependent on the decision-making context. Given the uncertainty associated to the valuation structure, special attention should be given to the selection of services, benefits and metrics according to a given context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]