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Though considered a significant barometer of urban sustainable development, urban carrying capacity (UCC) has yet to be clearly defined and the concepts it comprises have not received adequate scholarly attention in relation to their empirical applicability. This article, by introducing the concept of human well-being and redefining it in the context of UCC, presents a novel framework for UCC assessment. The proposed framework discards the pursuit of "limits of growth," but instead focuses on whether the human well-being has been (or will be) compromised through monitoring the status of the associated UCC indicators. This framework is further applied to China's four first-tier cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, to assess their UCC in empirical terms. The results show that all of them are generally able to meet the survival-related well-being, while the prospect of meeting challenges of varying magnitude in order to realize higher-level goals. We developed this UCC assessment framework to provide a rational way for the implementation of UCC monitoring and forewarning, and in turn, to guide sustainable development of urban areas according their urban carrying status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The research of the triad of feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness in the context of the war in Ukraine is relevant and essential for understanding their impact on the health and quality of life of victims, the development of support and rehabilitation, and the process of rebuilding society after the conflict. The purpose of the research on interrelated feelings is to understand their interconnection and influence on each other, to identify the factors and mechanisms underlying this triad, and to determine their impact on human well-being. Methods: Systematisation, analysis, comparison, and typological approach. Results: The research has identified that emptiness can increase the feeling of pain, and pain can cause a feeling of emptiness. An analysis of the relationship between feelings of pain and aggression demonstrates that pain can lead to aggressive reactions, and aggression can increase feelings of pain. In addition, it was identified that aggression can increase feelings of emptiness, and emptiness can lead to aggression; risk factors associated with feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness were found. The research surveyed 100 Ukrainians of all ages on the presence of strong feelings, including pain, aggression, and emptiness. The highest rates of pain (12) were reported by representatives of 26–35 years old, aggression (13) – 18–25 years old, and emptiness (7) – 36–45 years old. Conclusions: These results provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between these feelings and their impact on human psychological processes, and disclose the causal connections between feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness, helping to understand how these feelings can interact and affect people's lives and well-being. The results of the research can be used by scientists, practical psychologists, and psychotherapists to develop effective strategies and interventions for managing destructive feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of modern global challenges and the growing impacts of anthropogenic activity, the issue of agricultural pollution of natural resources has become a critical issue, especially in countries experiencing ecological and social crises. Ukraine, as one of Europe's largest agricultural producers, faces unique challenges stemming from the legacy of radiation contamination following the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, intensive land use, and the environmental consequences of military conflict. Our study focuses on analyzing the sources of agricultural pollution, including chemical runoff, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and nutrient leaching, as well as their impacts on the sustainability of agroecosystems, food security, and human well-being. The methodology is based on a systematic analysis of scientific research, agrochemical surveys, monitoring reports, and documents from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The assessment of natural resources was conducted using an integrated approach combining quantitative and qualitative pollution indicators. The results reveal an increasing threat to natural resources in Ukraine due to outdated technologies, radiation contamination, and military activities. Special attention is given to the need for a transition to agroecological farming methods and bioremediation for restoring contaminated lands and water resources. The study contributes to the development of sustainable approaches to managing natural resources and strategic measures to minimize agricultural pollution. The Ukrainian context underscores the relevance of research in countries with transitional economies and unique environmental challenges, making the findings significant for international scientific agendas and environmental policy. Future research perspectives include developing innovative technologies to prevent pollution and enhance the sustainability of agroecosystems to ecological challenges, as well as creating international resource management models based on Ukraine's experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, UNESCO advocated for a systemic anchoring of culture in public policies, as an enabler and driver of emotional well-being and environmental sustainability. In recent years, economists have gradually shifted the measurement of well-being from "income" to "quality of life", which has led to an increasing interest in subjective well-being (SWB) sustainability-related topics in academic research. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which cultural heritage and its derivative activities sustainably affect subjective well-being. To achieve this goal, we maximised relevant literature through conceptual segmentation and combination and conducted a literature review to identify mechanisms validated in previous studies. This study suggests that the richness of cultural heritage may impact subjective well-being and that the extent of this impact is influenced by two factors: the availability of cultural heritage-derived activities and the perception of cultural heritage. Considering the complexity and uniqueness of different cultural heritage perception channels, this paper provides a separate discussion and comparative analysis of different cultural heritage perception channels. This study provides valuable insights, the main idea being that cultural heritage and its derived activities have an impact on the enhancement of human well-being, and, therefore, the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage is important for the sustainable enhancement of human well-being; moreover, it provides suggestions for specific empirical studies to be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soils, often perceived as merely the surface layer of Earth, play a crucial role as the foundation for terrestrial life and are deeply integrated into the worldviews, livelihoods and cultural practices of communities in Mexico. Mexican soils and the ecosystem services that provide are essential for food security and ecological resilience, especially amidst environmental challenges like climate change, desertification and biodiversity loss. Their conservation, restoration and sustainable management are essential to maintain the country's natural environment and to ensure the integral wellbeing of its inhabitants. This study evaluates the ecosystem services provided by soils in a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Mexico, adopting an approach that merges ecological economics perspectives with local community views. By understanding how residents of this region value their soils, this research highlights the ecological and economical significance of soils and their intrinsic cultural and social value within communities that have coexisted with these ecosystems for generations.Highlights: Valuation of soil ecosystem services reveals critical roles in nutrient cycling, climate regulation and hydrological stability. Connects the local impact of land use changes on soil ecosystem services underscoring implications for ecosystem conservation policies. Integrates interdisciplinary research of socio-cultural and economic significance of soil ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biodiversity is crucial to human well-being and economic prosperity. This study focuses on the literature related to biodiversity and human well-being, employing bibliometric analysis methods to trace the evolution of research hotspots from 1997 to 2024, thereby clarifying the frontiers and developmental trends in this field. The results indicate that strengthening international cooperation in relevant research, focusing on ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity, and engaging in national park protection, climate change response, and urban green space management are essential. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for conducting research on biodiversity and human well-being, thereby offering theoretical support for advancing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Biodiversity is crucial for human well-being and economic prosperity, representing a significant factor in constructing a global community of life on Earth. This study focuses on 4453 articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, employing the visualization analysis software Citespace 6.2.R7 for bibliometric analysis of research related to biodiversity and human well-being. The findings indicate the following: (1) there is a steady increase in publications on biodiversity and human well-being, covering 167 disciplinary fields, indicating a broad research scope; (2) the literature spans 168 countries and regions, with major contributions from the United States, England, Germany, Australia, and China; (3) COSTANZA R is the most cited author in this field, with Science being the most recognized journal; and (4) current research hot topics include ecosystem services, genetic diversity, marine protected areas, nature-based solutions (NbS), and green spaces, while climate change, urban green space management, and national park system development are identified as important emerging directions. This study, grounded in significant global literature, aims to enrich the breadth and depth of research on biodiversity and human well-being, offering feasibility references for constructing theoretical frameworks in biodiversity studies and providing theoretical guidance for promoting modern harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human well-being is critically linked to the condition of marine ecosystems. Intangible services, benefits, and values derived from ecosystems play a vital role in human well-being and promote conservation efforts that ultimately support ecosystem sustainability. Similar to many regions, communities along the west coast of Hawai'i Island are intertwined with their diverse and productive ecosystem. Though multiple resource management programs focus on operationalizing ecosystem-based management in this region, they lack adequate inclusion of connections between people and their environment. To address this, we used the Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) framework to investigate intangible connections and opportunities to include them in resource management. Through unstructured interviews with community members on Hawai'i Island, we explored relationships between CES and human well-being. We found that certain CES seem to be strongly related and/or connected to a large number of other CES. We also describe emergent interview themes, which include the ecosystem's influence on well-being, types of access to CES, and the values that people ascribe to their ecosystem-derived connections. Importantly, these themes represent necessary modifications to ecosystem assessment frameworks. Additionally, we suggest stepping away from discussing CES as if they exist in segregated categories that contribute to individual facets of human well-being. Taken collectively, our findings support deepening the scope of ecosystem assessments and improving sociocultural indicators for the benefit of marine ecosystems and human well-being alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on Goal 3 (Good Health and Well‐Being) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This study uses novel analytical techniques that consider cross‐sectional dependencies, intra‐cluster correlation, endogeneity, and parameter heterogeneity to explore the relationship between climate change and human well‐being in Asian countries from 1990Q1 to 2019Q4. Our empirical results show three things. First, an inverse relationship exists between temperature and human well‐being in Asian countries. Second, we observe a robust positive impact of rainfall on human well‐being in Asian countries. Lastly, there is a one‐way causal effect from rainfall to human well‐being and a two‐way causal relationship between temperature and human well‐being. Our robust results, therefore, suggest that developing comprehensive economic plans to promote public welfare can create a positive feedback loop where enhanced well‐being drives greater economic engagement and prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the concept of Industry 5.0 has been introduced, reinforcing the human-centric perspective for future industry. The human-centric scientific discipline and profession ergonomics is applied in industry to find solutions that are optimized in regard to both human well-being and overall system performance. It is found, however, that most production development and preparation work carried out in industry tends to address one of these two domains at a time, in a sequential process, typically making optimization slow and complicated. The aim of this paper is to suggest, demonstrate, and evaluate a concept that makes it possible to optimize aspects of human well-being and overall system performance in an efficient and easy parallel process. The concept enables production planning and balancing of human work in terms of two parameters: assembly time as a parameter of productivity (system performance), and risk of musculoskeletal disorders as a parameter of human well-being. A software demonstrator was developed, and results from thirteen test subjects were compared with the traditional sequential way of working. The findings show that the suggested relatively unique parallel approach has a positive impact on the expected musculoskeletal risk and does not necessarily negatively affect productivity, in terms of cycle time and time balance between assembly stations. The time to perform the more complex two-parameter optimization in parallel was shorter than the time in the sequential process. The majority of the subjects stated that they preferred the parallel way of working compared to the traditional serial way of working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, six different acoustic environments with different loudness and sharpness levels were reproduced to two groups of listeners—control and experimental. The difference between the groups was achieved by adding different melodious singing bird sounds to the original recording of a children's park. Therefore, the recording of the children's park represents the recording listened to by the control group, while the experimental groups listened to the recordings of a children's park mixed with different types of bird species. The questionnaire used in this research relies on the semantic differential method implemented by defining bipolar adjective pairs, which are selected in a way that they can significantly describe an auditory and emotional human response to a certain soundscape recording. In analyzing the results, psychological research methodology was used to determine the statistical significance of obtained human feedback, which enabled us to evaluate different acoustic environments appropriately. The calculation and correlation between the objective acoustic parameters (loudness, sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation strength) and subjective questionnaire parameters were carried out. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of different singing bird species, which are typical for Eastern Europe in terms of human appraisal and overall well-being, especially for participants residing in urban areas where the decline of biodiversity is already present. The results of this type of study could serve as a guideline for restoring and recovering biodiversity in urban areas across Europe; furthermore, it could benefit residents' mood and overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As digital transformation deepens, digital agriculture plays a crucial role in advancing the Coordinated Development Level of Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being (CD-ESWB). However, aligning ecosystem service capacities with human development needs remains a challenge. This study investigates how digital agriculture influences CD-ESWB, using panel data collected from 30 provinces in China between 2014 and 2022. First, an index system, the Level of Digital Agriculture Development (LDAD), is discussed, followed by a quantitative analysis using the entropy-weight TOPSIS method. The CD-ESWB is then evaluated through the "Ecosystem Services–Human Well-Being" coupling coordination model. Empirical analysis, incorporating fixed effects, mediation, and moderation models, demonstrates that digital agriculture significantly enhances CD-ESWB, though its impact varies across regions. Robustness checks, including instrumental variable methods, sample interval adjustment, and variable substitution, confirm the reliability of the findings. Notably, the Technological Innovation Effect (TIE) mediates digital agriculture's impact, while Industrial Structure Upgrade (ISU) acts as a positive moderator. This study emphasizes the importance of regional policies in promoting technological innovation and optimizing industrial structures, providing both theoretical and empirical insights into how digital agriculture shapes CD-ESWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we documented and compared similarities of the alien plant species richness between South Africa represented by three provinces: Free State (FS), Eastern Cape (EC), and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and Lesotho—an important water source area for southern Africa. We tested the prediction that alien plant species in Lesotho are a subset of South Africa’s species partly because of the short geographical distances between the provinces and Lesotho, and environmental similarity. Overall, 7124 records containing 1040 individual alien plant species belonging to 147 families were documented. South Africa had significantly greater alien plant species records than Lesotho. Of 147 plant families, 44 were represented in both countries, and 101 families did not occur in Lesotho. Against the study prediction, the Geraniaceae and Orobanchaceae families occurred in Lesotho but not in three provinces. KwaZulu-Natal had a significantly greater number of species than Lesotho but not the other provinces, and 49% of species in three provinces originated from the Americas (i.e. South and North), Europe, and Asia. A similar pattern was observed in Lesotho. Woody and herbaceous alien plants, habitat transformers, dominated three provinces, while herbaceous species dominated Lesotho. The 62% of 1040 alien species were not listed in the South African national regulations, indicating their negative impacts are also unknown in the study region. Plant nurseries were a dominant species dispersal pathway in South Africa, while home gardens were prominent in Lesotho. We conclude that invasive plant species constitute a future threat to the Lesotho Drakensberg highlands water catchments and recommend prioritising their management and improving cross-border biosecurity between Lesotho and South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes course-based projects in a Masters of Social Work class designed to explore the importance of environmental issues on the interactions between humans and animals. Three service-learning projects were implemented within a community "EarthFest" event to promote increased awareness of sustainability and actions to protect the environment while enhancing both welfare of animals and health and human well-being. Therapy and robotic animals were integrated into the projects to provide direct, hands-on benefits and interaction for participants. These projects reinforced social work values of service and social justice while developing student's skills in creating and facilitating an animal-assisted activity focused on sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite growing recognition of nature's impact on mental health, its specific effects on adolescents remain unclear. This gap hinders effective strategies for youth well-being in a world facing increasing environmental pressures. This study directly investigates the connections between coastal environments and subjective well-being in adolescents. We explore how interactions with coastal landscapes and associated cultural ecosystem services contribute to both personal and social dimensions of well-being in a sample of 202 adolescents (16 and 17 years old) from Sardinia, Italy. Our findings reveal a beneficial impact of coastal experiences, promoting positive affect, social integration, and physiological well-being. However, human pressures on these environments can lead to negative affect, while fostering a sense of social contribution. This research highlights the complex interplay between coastal environments, human impacts, and teenagers' well-being. Understanding these links empowers planners to craft coastal management strategies that balance adolescents' well-being with the long-term sustainability of coastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal green spaces (IGSs) play an essential role in enhancing urban well-being by offering restorative environments, yet the impact of visitor behaviors on perceived restorativeness (PR) remains underexplored. This study investigates how different spatio-temporal behaviors influence PR in IGS, providing urban planners with actionable insights to optimize these spaces for better user experiences. Using a visitor-employed photography (VEP) survey and post-visit PR assessments, K-means clustering was applied to identify distinct visitor behavior patterns. Correlation analysis further explored the relationships between these patterns and PR; the results reveal three unique clusters of visitor behaviors—fast, extensive exploration; moderate, focused exploration; and slow, thorough exploration—each showing distinct impacts on PR. Visitors who engage in rapid, broad exploration perceive larger, navigable spaces as more restorative, while those focusing on specific or in-depth exploration emphasize psychological aspects like escape and fascination. These behavioral patterns demonstrate varying strengths in their association with restorative experiences; This study underscores the importance of integrating spatio-temporal behavior data with PR assessments, highlighting how the physical and psychological features of IGS influence visitor experiences. These findings offer critical insights for designing and managing IGS to accommodate diverse user needs and promote urban well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of virtual immersive public art in improving the psychological well-being of urban residents. The research is set in the context of urban environments, where virtual immersive public art has the potential to foster innovation, integrate technology, and organically blend into public spaces. The study evaluates the impact of such art on psychological restoration by focusing on three key dimensions: interactive themes, interactive mechanisms, and artistic characteristics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect participants' real-life experiences and reactions to these art installations. The results show that virtual immersive public art significantly contributes to the restorative experience of urban residents, offering valuable insights into how these installations can promote mental health. Based on the findings, the study provides practical design recommendations for incorporating virtual immersive public art into future urban planning and design projects to enhance urban living conditions and support psychological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The research of the triad of feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness in the context of the war in Ukraine is relevant and essential for understanding their impact on the health and quality of life of victims, the development of support and rehabilitation, and the process of rebuilding society after the conflict. The purpose of the research on interrelated feelings is to understand their interconnection and influence on each other, to identify the factors and mechanisms underlying this triad, and to determine their impact on human well-being. Methods Systematisation, analysis, comparison, and typological approach. Results The research has identified that emptiness can increase the feeling of pain, and pain can cause a feeling of emptiness. An analysis of the relationship between feelings of pain and aggression demonstrates that pain can lead to aggressive reactions, and aggression can increase feelings of pain. In addition, it was identified that aggression can increase feelings of emptiness, and emptiness can lead to aggression; risk factors associated with feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness were found. The research surveyed 100 Ukrainians of all ages on the presence of strong feelings, including pain, aggression, and emptiness. The highest rates of pain (12) were reported by representatives of 26–35 years old, aggression (13) – 18–25 years old, and emptiness (7) – 36–45 years old. Conclusions These results provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between these feelings and their impact on human psychological processes, and disclose the causal connections between feelings of pain, aggression, and emptiness, helping to understand how these feelings can interact and affect people’s lives and well-being. The results of the research can be used by scientists, practical psychologists, and psychotherapists to develop effective strategies and interventions for managing destructive feelings.

Abstract Soils, often perceived as merely the surface layer of Earth, play a crucial role as the foundation for terrestrial life and are deeply integrated into the worldviews, livelihoods and cultural practices of communities in Mexico. Mexican soils and the ecosystem services that provide are essential for food security and ecological resilience, especially amidst environmental challenges like climate change, desertification and biodiversity loss. Their conservation, restoration and sustainable management are essential to maintain the country's natural environment and to ensure the integral wellbeing of its inhabitants. This study evaluates the ecosystem services provided by soils in a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Mexico, adopting an approach that merges ecological economics perspectives with local community views. By understanding how residents of this region value their soils, this research highlights the ecological and economical significance of soils and their intrinsic cultural and social value within communities that have coexisted with these ecosystems for generations.

Although dry rivers only flow after heavy rainfall, recent studies have evidenced that they provide benefits to people. However, part of society undervalues these benefits, raising the question of whether they contribute to a good quality of life (GQL). We hypothesised that the benefits of dry rivers contribute to GQL of local communities as long as these benefits are not altered by human disturbance. Local communities closely associated with three dry rivers in Murcia (Spain) were interviewed. The relationships between benefits and GQL, and between detriments and GQL were described. Different benefits and detriments have different impacts on GQL dimensions. Social perceptions of the contribution of benefits and detriments to GQL vary between communities and individuals, and change over time. This implies the development of social studies to ensure inclusive management. Incorporating detriment co-production into research can raise people's awareness of the role that human activities play in maintaining GQL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This systematic review focused on the benefits of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) for human well-being. It examines the intellectual structure of knowledge of these benefits to identify knowledge gaps for future research and explore sustainable management practices to manage IAPS. The screening of bibliometric data from 1601 publications in Scopus based on the PRISMA protocol resulted in the identification of 69 publications for detailed review. The findings show an increasing trend in studies on IAPS benefits for human well-being since 2009. These benefits include provisioning services (food, medicines, fodder, bioenergy, and construction materials), regulating services (bioagents and shades), cultural services (aesthetics and ornamentals) and supporting services (soil and land reclamation). Additionally, the findings reveal geographical disparity in the distribution of research produced by researchers from different regions, with most research produced in Europe and limited to Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. The findings also show skewness in the management practices of IAPS, though some of them enhance IAPS benefits. Furthermore, there are limited applications of interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the benefits of IAPS for human well-being. Employing interdisciplinary mixed methodologies may help to generate new knowledge with a better understanding of complex interactions between IAPS and human well-being. Given the unique sociocultural, economic, and ecological settings of the IAPS, future research is expected to include comparative perspectives on how different countries and regions use the IAPS for their benefit while considering both the positive and negative impacts of the IAPS on human well-being to develop sustainable management practices.

[Objective] Reducing carbon emissions while continuously improving the level of human well-being is the core connotation of human development.This study analyzed the spatial differences and driving mechanism of carbon-emission-sensitive human development index in Poyang Lake Basin, in an attempt to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the level of human well-being under the dual-carbon goals. [Methods] By incorporating the per capita net carbon emission index, this study constructed the carbon-emission-sensitive human development index (CHDI). Spatial Markov chain, Dagum Gini coefficient, LMDI method, and spatial Durbin model were used to analyze the spatial difference change of carbon-emission-sensitive development index in Poyang Lake Basin from 1990 to 2020. [Results] (1) The carbon-emission-sensitive development index of the Poyang Lake Basin increased from 0.5415 in 1990 to 0.7922 in 2020, realizing the leap from medium human development level to high human development level. (2) From 1990 to 2020, the spatial differences of carbon-emission-sensitive human development index in Poyang Lake Basin tended to shrink as a whole, intra-sub-basin differences shrank steadily, and the differences between the sub-basins decreased first and then increased. Narrowing the gaps between the sub-basins is the key to alleviate the spatial differences of human development level in Poyang Lake Basin. (3) The improvement of carbon-emission-sensitive human development index in Poyang Lake Basin was mainly driven by economic effect and technology effect, while social effect and environmental effect showed declining trends. (4) The regression results of the spatial econometric model show that increasing affluence, upgrading industrial structure, increasing public financial expenditures, and urbanization had a significant contributing effect on the enhancement of human development level in the Poyang Lake Basin, urbanization had a contributing effect on the enhancement of CHDI both locally and in the neighboring counties, while increasing energy intensity and population density had significant negative effects. [Conclusion] From 1990 to 2020, the low-carbon human development in Poyang Lake Basin tended to be balanced in the process of moving towards high human development. Narrowing the differences between the sub-basins and strengthening the dual-wheel drive of economic and technological effects are the focal points to further promote the balanced development of human well-being in Poyang Lake Basin.

The accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, poses unprecedented challenges to both the environment and human well-being. In this review, we delved into the intricate interaction between climate change and urbanization and the various effects they have on the environment and human well-being, shedding light on the emergent urban climate crisis. Urban areas serve as epicenters for diverse socio-economic activities, yet they also contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we explored the root causes of the urban climate crisis, examining how rapid urbanization exacerbates climate change and vice versa. By synthesizing current research and case studies, we elucidate the various environmental and social ramifications of this nexus, ranging from urban heat island effects to heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. Furthermore, we delve into the unequal distribution of climate risks within urban populations, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities. Finally, the chapter presents strategies and interventions for mitigating and adapting to the urban climate crisis, emphasizing the imperative of holistic and equitable approaches that prioritize both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Overall, this review calls for concerted efforts to unravel the complexities of the urban climate crisis and forge a path toward resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban futures.

This systematic review focused on the benefits of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) for human well-being. It examines the intellectual structure of knowledge of these benefits to identify knowledge gaps for future research and explore sustainable management practices to manage IAPS. The screening of bibliometric data from 1601 publications in Scopus based on the PRISMA protocol resulted in the identification of 69 publications for detailed review. The findings show an increasing trend in studies on IAPS benefits for human well-being since 2009. These benefits include provisioning services (food, medicines, fodder, bioenergy, and construction materials), regulating services (bioagents and shades), cultural services (aesthetics and ornamentals) and supporting services (soil and land reclamation). Additionally, the findings reveal geographical disparity in the distribution of research produced by researchers from different regions, with most research produced in Europe and limited to Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. The findings also show skewness in the management practices of IAPS, though some of them enhance IAPS benefits. Furthermore, there are limited applications of interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the benefits of IAPS for human well-being. Employing interdisciplinary mixed methodologies may help to generate new knowledge with a better understanding of complex interactions between IAPS and human well-being. Given the unique sociocultural, economic, and ecological settings of the IAPS, future research is expected to include comparative perspectives on how different countries and regions use the IAPS for their benefit while considering both the positive and negative impacts of the IAPS on human well-being to develop sustainable management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers in resource-poor communities still grapple with many information and communication technology (ICT) failures as they strive to access goods and services in small and medium enterprises near them. From a customer perspective, these challenges often lead to stress-related issues such as frustrations and anxiety, which can even result in transaction abandonment. Extended ICT failures result in SMEs failing to achieve sustainable e-commerce. This study delves into the impact of ICT initiatives by SMEs in stress-inducing environments on customers' quality of life. The study further examines whether customer stress and happiness play a role in this association. Quantitative data were acquired using the mall intercept method, while the developed hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SMART-PLS 4. The results shed light on how customers navigate daily ICT-related failures experienced by SMEs operating in poor resource communities as they strive for happiness and stress-free lives, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The study recommends that the government, through its agencies, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Department of Science and Technology, among others, not only create an environment supporting SME ICT initiatives but also find strategies for sustaining SME ICT adoption for improved human well-being and socio-economic development within resource-constrained communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife sometimes impose unmitigated costs and provide unevenly distributed benefits that exacerbate conflict among people or between wildlife and groups of people. Although previous research has primarily focused on the visible effects of wildlife, reducing conflict will require a broader understanding of wildlife effects on human well-being. Using a "noticing, collecting, thinking" analysis of 25 interviews with people living near grizzly bears in Montana, USA, we provide a nuanced profile of their perceived costs and benefits, including hidden and nonmaterial effects. Interviewees described the interconnected nature of grizzly bear effects on people, where visible effects on livelihoods, health, social relations, personal security, and freedom led to negative hidden effects such as threats to cultural identity and diminished perceptions of livelihood sustainability. Positive effects included enhanced mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being, such as enhanced feelings of connection to wild places. We discuss how this broader understanding of wildlife costs and benefits helps provide a more thorough understanding of the effects of living with grizzly bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Resources Development & Market is the property of Sichuan Resource Development & Market Magazine Co., Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urban green spaces are crucial for alleviating psychological stress, but the effect of multi-sensory experiences on psychological restoration remains underexplored. This study, conducted in Edinburgh, Scotland, with 40 participants, compares the effects of walking and sitting in different urban environments—built environments, semi-natural green spaces, and natural green spaces—on psychological restoration. The results reveal that while sensory quality positively correlates with psychological well-being, sensory perception and variety do not always have a positive effect on restoration. Moreover, supplementing visual and hearing experiences with tactility and smell in urban green spaces is more effective in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being, particularly in terms of vitality, which is largely affected by non-visual sensory inputs. This study highlights the importance of creating balanced sensory environments in urban green spaces, integrating a variety of sensory experiences to maximize psychological benefits. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners and designers aiming to optimize green spaces for enhanced mental health and overall quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs), as non-material benefits and well-being provided by ecosystems to humans, possess the ability to bridge nature and human society and interpret their complex interrelationships. Coastal areas are regions with concentrated human activities, where coastal zones are often subject to human development, pollution, and degradation. Compared to other ecosystems, coastal ecosystems face greater pressures and threats, and the cultural services they provide are more vulnerable. Research on coastal ecosystem cultural services needs to consider ecosystem vulnerability and find ways to protect and restore ecosystem functions. Therefore, this paper explores the intrinsic logical system and feasibility of guiding natural resource management and enhancing human well-being through coastal CESs, discussing related research data acquisition, method analysis, and perceptual application. Based on this, this paper analyzes the development trends of coastal CESs in natural resource management and enhancing human well-being from aspects such as biodiversity, human–nature interaction processes, cultural heritage conservation, local economic development, and community management. Finally, it proposes advancing the in-depth research of coastal CESs from the perspectives of integrating multi-source data, interdisciplinary development, and incorporating CESs into policy making, providing theoretical support for the systematic study of rational resource utilization and sustainable ecosystem development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the complex relationship between ESSD and human well-being is of paramount significance to protecting regional ecology, enhancing human well-being and achieving sustainable development. We take the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example and use multi-source data to analyse land use and cover change, as well as the spatiotemporal evolution of ESSD and human well-being. We explore and reveal the coupling coordination relationship between ESSD and human well-being. The results show that from 2000 to 2020, the overall trend in ESs in the region improved significantly, and the supply notably increased, whereas the demand growth rate was even more pronounced. The supply–demand ratio for water yield and soil conservation showed little change, with variations of <10%. However, the supply–demand ratio for carbon sequestration declined significantly by 41.83%, whereas that for food supply increased notably by 42.93%. The overall spatial pattern in ESSD presented a mismatch, which was characterised by 'low supply and high demand in the eastern region and high supply and low demand in the western region'. Overall, human well-being remained stable and was in line with the level of socio-economic development, thereby exhibiting a distinct trend of well-being 'polarisation between the rich and poor'. Well-being was higher in the eastern and central urban agglomerations and lower in the western plateau and mountainous areas. Over 20 years, the degree of coupling coordination between ESSD and human well-being increased by 0.0107, and the coupling level gradually transitioned from moderate imbalance to moderate coordination. Spatially, Hubei Province, Chongqing Municipality and the Yangtze River Delta were the main 'high–high' agglomeration areas, whereas the Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau were the main 'low–low' agglomeration areas. Based on these findings, we propose the following management recommendations for the Yangtze River Economic Belt and other related great river economic belts: optimise land use structure, rationally allocate natural resources, strengthen regional and external connections and promote regional coordinated development, enhance the implementation of policies for ecological and environmental protection, establish regional ecological compensation mechanisms and coordinate ecological protection in a full scope and focus on harmonising human–land relationships, build a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance mechanism and promote regional ecological protection and the elevation of human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Landscape sensation is essential for the delivery of cultural ecosystem services (CESs), yet the pathways through which these services are delivered remain inadequately understood. Exploring how people obtain CESs from landscapes facilitates better understanding of the tradeoffs and synergies between ecosystem services and landscape sustainability. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the sensory pathways that links landscape attributes to CESs, focusing on the roles of cognitive and affective experiences. Methods: We analyzed social media comments for the measurement scale of cognition. We employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to integrate sensation, cognition, affect, and satisfaction, using questionnaire data (n = 503). Results: Cognitive comprehensions and affective responses play a crucial role in interpreting CESs while sensory experiences do not directly determine people’s satisfaction with CESs. The effective pathways are achieved through the sole mediator of cognition or by serial mediators of cognition and affect. Of the two mediators, cognition has a more profound mediating effect than affect. Conclusions: Both physical and biological components, such as landscape sensory attributes, as well as cognitive and affective responses, influence human-nature interactions. These components should be considered when promoting the sustainability of human-dominated landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive research on the impact of landscape perception on well-being, the influence of urban trees across different seasons remains largely unexplored. This study employed a between-subjects design to assess psychophysiological responses through electrophysiological measurements and surveys. A total of 75 participants observed Sakura trees in three distinct seasonal stages—bare, foliage, and floral—for 3 min. The results showed that viewing Sakura trees with flowers or foliage elicited significantly higher alpha wave activity and parasympathetic nervous system responses compared to bare trees. Additionally, participants in the floral and foliage conditions reported higher levels of well-being compared to those exposed to bare trees. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating flowering trees into urban planning initiatives to enhance public well-being and highlight the critical role that tree species play in promoting mental and emotional health in urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely promoted as effective tools for conserving biodiversity and safeguarding ecosystem services. However, MPA success can be hindered by a lack of legitimacy and low social support because of perceived negative effects on ecosystem services and human well-being. Despite these social challenges, the social dimensions of marine conservation, such as the effects of MPAs on coastal livelihoods and local communities' perceptions of these effects, are often overlooked in conservation initiatives. In this study, we use a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative network analysis derived from interviews and focus group discussions, to examine the perceptions of key stakeholder groups about the Litoral Norte MPA in Portugal. Our findings reveal that most stakeholder groups hold more negative than positive views about the governance and management of the MPA. Key concerns include unsatisfactory participation in MPA decisions and perceptions that the MPA fails to deliver positive social and ecological outcomes, such as increased community involvement, fair income distribution, and enhanced fish abundance. Policy makers and managers need to address these negative perceptions to improve conservation governance and management. By considering the stakeholder feedback presented in this study, such as fostering better engagement with the local community and transforming conflicts into opportunities for co-developing new conservation actions with local resource users, policy makers and managers can increase support for Litoral Norte and enhance the social and ecological outcomes of the MPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Regional Safe and Just Operating Space (RSJOS), serving as a conceptual framework that supports environmental governance and policy formulation, has garnered growing recognition. However, the application of ecosystem services in the RSJOS framework still constitutes a knowledge gap in the realm of landscape sustainability science. Objectives: Our objective was to discuss the role of ecosystem services within the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) framework to promote regional sustainability. Methods: We analyzed the relationship between ecosystem services and the SJOS framework, including their similarities in core concepts and research objectives, as well as how ecosystem services relate to environmental ceilings and social foundations. Based on these analyses, we discussed the potential and challenges of bridging safe space and just space using an ecosystem services approach. Results: We found that ecosystem services have the potential to help understand the interaction between ecological ceilings and social foundations when assessing RSJOS, using ecosystem service flows to link “safe” and “just” boundaries. However, challenges in applying ecosystem services to assess RSJOS can limit the benefits of this framework. Conclusions: The examination of RSJOS should extend beyond snapshots of the current regional state and encompass their inherent interconnections and impact mechanisms. This broader perspective can subsequently inform policy decisions. Ecosystem services play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges within the RSJOS framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing global temperatures, biodiversity loss, and pollution are among the major transformative changes affecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The marine biome can be observed and monitored using ocean observations with satellite-based platforms, tagging of animals, autonomous platforms and vehicles, and ship-based measurements. Sustaining ocean observations at a given location over time are known as ocean time series. For example, stationary platforms like moorings record data autonomously at one location over time, while ship-based time series stations are sampled using discrete measurements at varying sampling frequencies throughout a given year. Ocean observations feed into networks that either focus on obtaining data, e.g., similar instruments, or a social focus that aims to connect participants, e.g., early career or science-policy interface. These platforms and associated networks feed into the Framework for Ocean Observing (FOO) with a set of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) developed by the global ocean observing community. The range of ocean observing activities around the world creates a complex landscape, which can be particularly difficult to navigate for early career ocean professionals (ECOPs). ECOPs face higher barriers to entering the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (“UN Ocean Decade”) than others despite actively contributing to ocean observations and playing the most significant role in the success of sustainability transformations. The review aims to provide an overview of the organizations and networks associated with ocean observations, motivate ECOPs to actively get involved in the ongoing UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030), and join or create new initiatives within the existing landscape. Ocean observations harbor an extraordinary benefit for a large diversity of end-users far beyond the scientific community, and there is a need to engage the next generation of ocean leaders as we transition to live and manage this blue planet sustainably.

Forests provide a variety of ecosystem services that contribute in various ways to human well-being. In times of land-use pressures, urbanisation, and nature degradation, the societal demand for forest-based therapeutic uses is increasing. Although nature-related therapies and the beneficial effects of nature on health and well-being are an old concept in cultures such as Asia and, more recently, Europe, forest therapy offers are increasingly taking hold in the forest recreation landscape. This Commentary paper identifies recent forest therapy offers and research in Asia and Europe that focus on the therapeutic effects of forests and examine their underlying rationales, practices, and status. In particular, we elaborate the socioeconomic potential of forest therapy to contribute to human health and sustainable forest management. Based on a scoping review on forest therapy offers and research, we found that countries such as Japan and South Korea are ahead of European countries in the professionalization of forest therapy offers and respective studies. While the number of studies that demonstrate the positive health benefits of forests are increasing, there is a lack of understanding the link with forest management approaches and forest and health policies. A lack of socioeconomic evaluation hinders its successful integration into policy frameworks, and prevents its use as an alternative forestry product or preventive medical treatment. For forest therapy to become part of the forestry portfolio and a medical alternative, we recommend: • Interdisciplinary research approaches and new actor alliances that link societal demands for forest therapy with insights from forest management and medical health research, • Transdisciplinary research and multi-actor approaches to link insights from forest and medical research with practitioners’ skills for forest management, service design, and communication, • To identify trade-offs and conflict potentials with forest therapy, for example in relation to timber production or questions of insurance in case of injuries by falling branches etc., that allow to develop integrated and sustainable solutions, • Policy backup and economic support for forest managers and owners to compensate for their efforts to manage their forests for therapeutic purposes • Recognition of forest therapy as an explicit part of the forestry portfolio and an alternative medical offer for clinical treatments.

The issues of human well‐being and happiness have been a priority throughout the history of human development. Modern trends in sustainable development define human well‐being issues as one of the most important 17 goals (SDG No. 3 "Good human health and well‐being"). At the business and company level, human orientation and human needs manifested themselves in corporate employee well‐being programs at the beginning of the 20th century. In recent years, corporate employee welfare programs became particularly relevant in connection with the Covid‐19 pandemic and other global challenges and turbulence. Aim. To analyze modern corporate programs for the development of employee well‐being and identify the main trends in their development. Methods. Methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific publications on human corporate well‐being, as well as the method of case analysis of corporate well‐being programs of leading global and Russian companies. Results. Because of the conducted research, the authors revealed a steady increase in scientific publications on corporate policies in the field of employee well‐being, as well as an increase in the share of interdisciplinary research. An analysis of successful practices of Russian and international companies shown a predominance at the business level of interest in subjective methods for assessing employee well‐being and a high orientation of companies towards practices for the development of social well‐being of employees. Conclusions. Corporate employee well‐being programs are an urgent and actively developing tool for personnel management and the effectiveness of the company. A distinctive feature of modern corporate employee well‐being programs is an individual assessment of the level of employee well‐being with a predominance of subjective assessment methods. The assessment of the employee well‐being index allows companies to increase the efficiency of social spending and investments. The issue requiring further study on the topic of corporate employee welfare programs, in our opinion, is a comprehensive assessment of the impact of corporate employee welfare programs on business economic results and its effectiveness.

This research investigates the intricate connection between indigenous knowledge and sustainable forest management, with two main objectives. It seeks to explore and outline indigenous knowledge, elements, and practices that support sustainable forest management (SFM). It aims to uncover the invaluable traditional insights and practices that have helped preserve and ensure the responsible use of forest ecosystems. Also, it investigated global environmental policies that support indigenous knowledge since the inception of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A narrative review method was employed to review and analyse peer-reviewed contents and reports to deduce ancestral or traditional wisdom, knowledge, practices, and beliefs from existing studies. The paper extracted data from existing literature from scholarly peer-reviewed journals. It aims to provide useful information for policy-makers, forest managers, and indigenous communities, to promote SFM and the sustainable development goals related to a sustainable environment. The study found that indigenous knowledge (IK) which includes ethnobotanical knowledge and plant selection, mixed land use, seed banks, and cultural beliefs such as sacred groves and taboos are some traditional practices, beliefs, and cultural knowledge that support SFM and can be integrated into international and national environmental management policies which the two-eyed seeing framework (TESF) seeks to promote. The framework highlights the potential of implementing IK into SFM. Also, the Akwé: Kon Guidelines, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), are some global environment policies that recognise traditional people and indigenous knowledge since the commencement of the CBD in the nineties. The paper recommends, for a future study, investigating the applicability of the Akwé: Kon Guidelines in international and national projects and programs that impact traditional sacred lands, forests and rivers, and indigenous people. Also, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement need to fully acknowledge the supporting role of indigenous knowledge and people in climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, especially in Africa, since the majority of the world's population constitutes indigenous people who inhabit healthy standing forests and ecosystems.

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.

The accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, poses unprecedented challenges to both the environment and human well-being. In this review, we delved into the intricate interaction between climate change and urbanization and the various effects they have on the environment and human well-being, shedding light on the emergent urban climate crisis. Urban areas serve as epicenters for diverse socio-economic activities, yet they also contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we explored the root causes of the urban climate crisis, examining how rapid urbanization exacerbates climate change and vice versa. By synthesizing current research and case studies, we elucidate the various environmental and social ramifications of this nexus, ranging from urban heat island effects to heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. Furthermore, we delve into the unequal distribution of climate risks within urban populations, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities. Finally, the chapter presents strategies and interventions for mitigating and adapting to the urban climate crisis, emphasizing the imperative of holistic and equitable approaches that prioritize both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Overall, this review calls for concerted efforts to unravel the complexities of the urban climate crisis and forge a path toward resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced understanding of environmental restoration can be achieved by examining how urban park visitors' perceptions of biodiversity contribute to their sense of environmental rejuvenation. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 554 visitors from five representative urban parks in Fuzhou, China, and a structural equation model was used to explore the interactions among perceived biodiversity, place attachment, and self-rated repair. The main findings were as follows: (1) Perceived biodiversity had significant positive and direct effects on place dependence and self-rated restoration, but not on place identity. It is worth noting that place dependence has a deep and direct impact on place identity. (2) Self-rated restoration could be directly influenced by perceived biodiversity and place dependence. The direct impact of perceived biodiversity showed more intensity than place dependence. (3) Place dependence can be the only intermediary or link in the chain between perceived biodiversity and self-rated restoration. Conversely, place identity may not act as an independent intermediary but can play a key role in the chain of intermediaries. The study not only advances our understanding of the complex relationship between perceived biodiversity, place attachment, and self-assessed restoration; it also provides practical implications for urban green eco-design initiatives, thereby contributing to the field of urban landscape planning and formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justice cuts across climate change in various ways. There are two viewpoints from which one can evaluate the degree of justice. The first comes from the perspective of a civil society, the other from a state's point of view. The final conclusion is that the degree of justice varies in accordance with the viewpoints, which on their part depend on where the evaluation is carried out. While a state's perspective on the justice of a climate regime is based on the ratio of benefits against costs derived from international climate agreements, a civil society's perspective is based on the evaluation of how the agreement can provide an effective response to adverse effects. As has been shown, States' views differ from those of the civil society. This means that what is just to States can differ significantly from what civil society considers to be just. As a consequence, an answer to justice and its role in designing the international climate regime should start taking into consideration the perspective from which the issue is viewed. By highlighting the diverging priorities--state-centric costbenefit analyses versus civil society's focus on tangible outcomes for communities--the paper aims to show that justice is a context-dependent concept within climate governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]