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One of Californias most pressing social and environmental challenges is the rapid expansion of the wildlands-urban interface (WUI). Multiple issues associated with WUI growth compared to more dense and compact urban form are of concern-including greatly increased fire risk, greenhouse gas emissions, and fragmentation of habitat. However, little is understood about the factors driving this growth in the first place and, specifically, its relationship to urban-regional housing dynamics. This paper connects work in urban social science, urban and regional planning, and natural sciences to highlight the potential role of housing crises in driving displacement from the urban core to relatively more affordable exurbs, and with this, WUI growth. We analyze this relationship in California, which leads the nation in lack of affordable housing, scale of WUI growth, and many associated WUI hazards, including wildfire. We offer three related arguments: first, that Californias affordable housing crisis, with its effect of driving migration to exurban areas, should be recognized as a significant urban form-related sustainability challenge; second, that to understand this challenge scholars must expand the spatial scale and analytic toolkit of both urban and WUI analysis through relational, mixed methods research; and third, that political and programmatic efforts to address Californias housing crisis should undergird efforts to address WUI growth and climate change. Ultimately, we argue that expanding access to affordable urban housing can produce a more sustainable and just urban form that mitigates WUI-related climate and environmental impacts and reduces the vulnerability of growing numbers of WUI residents living in harms way.

ABSTRACT Municipal waste management (MWM) poses significant challenges in the context of rapid urbanisation and population growth. Accurate forecasting of waste production is crucial for designing sustainable waste management strategies. However, traditional forecasting methods often struggle to capture the complexities of waste generation dynamics. This paper proposes a novel methodology leveraging deep learning techniques to forecast municipal waste production. By harnessing the power of deep neural networks, our approach transcends the limitations of conventional models, providing more accurate and impactful predictions. We integrate heterogeneous data sources, including demographic and territorial information, into a comprehensive graph representation of municipalities. Graph Neural Networks are then employed to extract intricate spatial and temporal patterns from the graph structure. Empirical validation through a case study in the Apulia region demonstrates the effectiveness of our methodology in furnishing accurate forecasts for waste production. Our framework is adaptable and scalable, making it suitable for application across diverse geographical areas. This research contributes to advancing waste management practices by providing stakeholders with actionable insights for informed decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short communication explores the urban geology sub-field, which emerges as a crucial discipline to address the dynamic interaction between human activities, geological processes, and environmental sustainability. It aims to guide land use planning, assess and mitigate the impacts of urbanization on natural resources, evaluate geological hazards, address geoenvironmental problems, and enhance public awareness. The correspondence also touched upon urban geochemistry, a relatively nascent interdisciplinary sub-field, elucidating its role in studying trace element characteristics, human activities' impacts on the environmental quality, and the influence on biogeochemical cycles. Despite its significance, urban geology faces underappreciation and challenges, particularly in African megacities. Inadequate funding, data collection difficulties, and a lack of awareness hinder its promotion. Therefore, we advocate for increasing the collaboration between academic institutions, research centers, and governmental authorities to overcome these barriers and promote multidisciplinary research projects for a holistic understanding of the complexities of the urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic city mayors influence municipal sustainability outcomes, navigating decisions on waste management, social service funding, and economic development. How do mayors make these decisions and to what extent do they integrate sustainability indicator data? Interviews with the mayors of Fairbanks, Alaska, Yellowknife, Canada, and Luleå, Sweden, revealed indicators are used on a case-by-case basis to track trends but lack systematic integration into decision-making. Constituent concerns drive agendas rather than indicator trends. Based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines, 128 indicators grouped into 19 sustainability themes were compiled from 2000 to 2019 for the study cities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the utility of ISO indicators as a guiding factor for sustainability trend tracking, identifying key themes for each city. Results show that indicator trends are too inconsistent and interconnected to be useful as an independent form of guidance for mayors. For Arctic municipalities, sustainability indicator datasets are useful in specific circumstances, but they do not provide the same kind of decision-making heuristic that mayors receive from direct constituent interaction. Findings emphasize the importance of more robust data collection and the development of management frameworks that support sustainability decision-making in Arctic cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adopts an integrative review approach to explore the differences and similarities between smart cities and sustainable cities. The research starts by performing two systematic literature reviews about both paradigms and, after that, employs a thematic analysis to identify key themes, definitions, and characteristics that differentiate and connect these two urban development concepts. The findings reveal more similarities than differences between the two paradigms. Despite this, some key differences are identified. Smart cities are characterized by their use of advanced information and communication technologies to enhance urban infrastructure, improve public services, and optimize resource management. In contrast, sustainable cities focus on environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability to ensure long-term urban resilience and quality of life. This study is important because it clarifies both concepts and highlights the potential for integrating smart and sustainable city strategies to address contemporary urban challenges more holistically. The findings also suggest a convergence towards the concept of 'smart sustainable cities', which leverage technology to achieve sustainability goals. Finally, this study concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing a future research agenda to further understand and optimize the synergy between smart and sustainable urban development paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Climate change, drought, floods, and other natural disasters are frequently encountered problems for cities in the 21st century. Today, urban sustainability is an essential resource for achieving sustainable development goals. In this context, many countries worldwide have started taking measures through of urban sustainability indicators to withstand environmental disasters and hazards. From a broad perspective, the vulnerability of cities to disasters has been identified in social, environmental, and economic dimensions, and solutions have been aimed at addressing these issues. In this context, within the scope of the study, urban renewal projects implemented in the Alipaşa-Lalebey Neighborhood, located in the historic Walled City of Diyarbakır, were compared with the old city fabric and evaluated by means of environmental, economic, and social sustainability indicators. Literature review, GIS (Geographic Information System), field study, and indepth interviews were used as methods in the study. The Conservation Development Plan and Urban Renewal Projects of the old-new settlement pattern were mapped using the ArcMap program and then evaluated within the framework of social, environmental, and economic sustainability indicators. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the new housing texture in the urban renewal project implemented in the Alipaşa-Lalebey Neighborhood does not make comprehensive reference to the traditional texture. Changing the street texture, spatial changes in building blocks, parcel-building typologies, and non-use of traditional construction techniques and materials are environmental and social consequences that prevent the preservation of cultural heritage and social memory. The ineffective use of local resources and the decreased need for traditional professions have led to the failure to implement economic sustainability indicators. The absence of resources in the literature that discuss urban renewal project applications in a traditional historical context in the context of social, economic, and environmental sustainability indicators reveals the unique value of the study. This research aims to guide future urban renewal projects in historical contexts in hot-arid climate regions by comprehensively considering social, environmental, and economic urban sustainability principles to contribute to the creation of more effective and sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the fragility and resilience of cities facing crises is an important step towards sustainable planning and development. The study aims to understand the fragility and resilience of the town of Kaya in Burkina Faso, based on the perceptions of urban actors. A field study was carried out using a mixed research method. Focus groups were conducted with 73 stakeholders representing the city's various social groups. Questionnaire surveys were administered to 565 people selected using the quota method. The results show that overcrowding, insecurity, violence, poverty, shortcomings in providing basic public services, lack of dialogue between the authorities and residents, and exposure to flooding, all weaken the city. Social groups such as women, the elderly, people living with disabilities and internally displaced persons are more likely to identify marginalization, inequality and injustice as signs of fragility. Despite the difficult situation, people have confidence in their authorities and consider that the presence of the state and humanitarian actors in the area, natural resources, economic activities, traditional values and social cohesion are the pillars of resilience. Fragility and resilience lie in the relationships between social groups and between communities and their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate how urban residents interact with Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) in Nagpur, India, specifically focusing on the patterns of visitation and engagement. Data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire survey using the Survey 123 app. The analysis included interaction (types of UGSs, visitation frequency, and UGS availability); engagement (activities); demographics (age, gender, and work status); and nature connection (self-reported) aspects. Using data from 2002 participants, the study employs statistical analyses using R software (4.3.2) to explore the correlations between these variables. The results revealed key factors influencing UGS usage, highlighting the interplay between environmental and social aspects. Neighborhood UGSs, proximity, and accessibility were found to be pivotal in promoting frequent visitation, while physical activity emerged as the most common activity among daily visitors. Older adults visited UGSs less frequently, suggesting potential barriers, while employed individuals visited more often. A strong association between nature connection and UGS interaction was highlighted, emphasizing the psychological and emotional aspects of UGS usage. For example, individuals who felt more connected to nature reported using UGSs for physical activities, mental relaxation, and socializing. These findings underscore the need for integrating UGSs within broader urban social-ecological systems, which means recognizing these spaces as vital components contributing to overall health and resilience and catering to the population's diverse needs, ensuring that these spaces are accessible and enjoyable for all community members, including those from different cultural, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, fostering nature connectedness through education and exposure to natural environments is recommended to enhance UGS usage, supporting broader urban planning strategies to create sustainable and healthy urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Rising greenhouse gas emissions have significantly altered the composition of the atmosphere, exacerbating global climate disruptions. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), composed of six nations rich in resources, holds a pivotal position in the global economy, prompting an examination of how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives can enhance urban sustainability in the region. Methodologically, this study synthesizes existing literature on the impact of ESG on urban sustainability, employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates comparative analysis of major GCC capital market contributors with insights from published sustainability guidelines and reports, as well as findings from seven focus groups. The research investigates the underexplored role of ESG integration in promoting sustainable urban development within the GCC. It identifies various barriers to ESG adoption in the region, including cultural factors, regulatory gaps, and limitations in data availability. Despite global efforts, the GCC faces distinctive challenges, such as climate change impacts and economic reliance on hydrocarbons. Key findings reveal that ESG integration can incentivize sustainable practices among corporations, attract responsible investments, and enhance economic resilience. However, challenges persist due to cultural factors, regulatory gaps, and insufficient stakeholder knowledge. The study proposes strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the improvement of sustainability reporting across both private and public sectors, the promotion of standardized ESG metrics, and the effective use of technology for robust data management. By overcoming these hurdles, the transformative potential of ESG in GCC urban sustainability initiatives can be maximized. This research offers crucial insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and urban planners navigating the evolving landscape of ESG integration and urban sustainability in the GCC and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of urban sustainability and the development of resilient cities, the use of 4D geospatial data and the integration and association of building information with geographical information are of considerable interest. Achieving this integration is particularly significant in the scientific field from a technical standpoint but poses significant challenges due to the incompatibility between the two environments. This research proposes various methodologies for the effective integration of BIM/GIS data by analyzing their pros and cons and highlights the innovative aspects of the integration between these systems. Starting with the use of commercial software that has enabled the integration of a building's 3D model within a GIS environment (this system is particularly useful for its ease of management and the potential for practical applications), this study progresses to an experimental virtual/augmented/mixed reality app developed by the authors that allows for the virtual integration of a building with its territorial context. It concludes with an innovative methodology that, by using the customizable and extensible libraries of the Cesium platform, facilitates the integration of structural data within a 4D geospatial space. This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating BIM and GIS data despite inherent incompatibilities. The innovative use of Cesium platform libraries further enhances this integration, providing a comprehensive solution for intelligent and sustainable urban planning. By addressing the challenges of incompatibility, the final solution offers critical insights for a deeper understanding of evolving urban landscapes and for monitoring urban expansion and its environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophilic design has gained prominence in architecture as a strategy to integrate natural elements into built environments, aiming to improve human comfort, well-being, and environmental sustainability. This paper critically reviews existing biophilic design frameworks, identifying gaps in their integration of health outcomes and the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, with a primary focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors such as air quality, natural light, thermal comfort, and acoustics. The review was conducted systematically, comparing frameworks using criteria such as health benefits, human–nature connections, and user satisfaction. Key findings highlight a lack of comprehensive frameworks that explicitly link biophilic design to measurable improvements in human health, comfort, and satisfaction. To address this gap, the study proposes an enhanced biophilic design framework that bridges IEQ-focused indoor environments with urban outdoor elements, prioritizing human comfort alongside environmental sustainability. The framework also emphasizes the role of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in assessing the real-world performance of biophilic interventions, particularly in achieving user satisfaction and ensuring long-term effectiveness. This research contributes to the advancement of biophilic design by offering actionable strategies for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt biophilic principles that create resilient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for empirical testing and validation of the proposed framework, including POE and user surveys, to assess its real-world impact on human well-being and satisfaction, thus setting the stage for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for new tools in urban planning, design, and management (urban PDM) of green-blue infrastructure (GBI) to better support resilience and sustainable development. Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a potential tool in this context. GBI provides a diversity of ecosystem services that increase the capacity of urban environments to absorb change while continuing to develop (adaptive capacity), a key factor in resilience and sustainability. However, there is a lack of tools capable of effectively capturing and communicating the designs, functions, and uses of GBI. Despite this need, research on the contributions of VR as a tool in urban PDM of GBI remains limited. To address this gap, an exploratory experiment using inductive qualitative data analysis was conducted. Participants of different ages and with different expertise viewed 360-degree video clips from urban areas through VR, completed a questionnaire, and participated in interviews. The results showed that the 360-degree video VR experience enhanced participants' understanding of the viewed sites. Specifically, participants paid attention to details, captured the context, responded by generating emotional engagement, identified site development potential, and described an immersive experience. These results align with key principles for the sustainable management of ecosystem services, such as participation, learning, diversity, place-making, and stewardship; and adaptive capacity aspects such as processes and results grounded in complexity-embracing creativity. Our analysis shows that 360-degree video VR can increase the understanding of complexities, connections, and nuances in the urban environment. We conclude that 360-degree video VR could serve as a valuable complement to traditional tools in urban PDM, enriching decision-making with information that can support adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has accelerated dramatically across the world over the past decades. Urban influence on surface temperatures is now being considered as a correction term in climatological datasets. Although prior research has investigated urban influences on precipitation for specific cities or selected thunderstorm cases, a comprehensive examination of urban precipitation anomalies on a global scale remains limited. This research is a global analysis of urban precipitation anomalies for over one thousand cities worldwide. We find that more than 60% of the global cities and their downwind regions are receiving more precipitation than the surrounding rural areas. Moreover, the magnitude of these urban wet islands has nearly doubled in the past 20 y. Urban precipitation anomalies exhibit variations across different continents and climates, with cities in Africa, for example, exhibiting the largest urban annual and extreme precipitation anomalies. Cities are more prone to substantial urban precipitation anomalies under warm and humid climates compared to cold and dry climates. Cities with larger populations, pronounced urban heat island effects, and higher aerosol loads also show noticeable precipitation enhancements. This research maps global urban rainfall hotspots, establishing a foundation for the consideration of urban rainfall corrections in climatology datasets. This advancement holds promise for projecting extreme precipitation and fostering the development of more resilient cities in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global epidemic is relatively stable, but urban pandemics will still exist. This study used sDNA (spatial design network analysis), spatial autocorrelation, and GWR (geographically weighted regression analysis) to identify potentially risky roads, pandemic hazard areas, and various infrastructure hazard areas in the Tongzhou District for urban sustainability. The results show that urban roads at risk during an epidemic have high proximity and aggregation effects. These roads are mainly concentrated in the core area. The hazard identification areas are focused on the urban sub-center and Yizhuang New Town. This paper derives the actual hazard areas using the POI (points of interest) data of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and compares the results with the hazard identification areas. It is found that the hazard identification areas do not show the actual hazard area completely. In this study, GWR analyses based on gridded data of infrastructure POI proximity are used to obtain the hazard areas of various infrastructure types and develop different control ranges and methods. This provides new perspectives for identifying priority areas for epidemic prevention, control, and sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes a unique approach to analyzing the sustainability and climate planning in major Hungarian cities. It conducts a qualitative analysis, examining the selected cities' sustainability and climate strategy objectives/goals. The aim is to comprehensively assess the extent of harmony between these objectives and identify potential hindering factors. An impact series with six distinct levels (+ + , + , 0, NR, −, –) was established for this analysis, from which positive (+ + , +), neutral (0, NR), and negative (−,–) categories were formulated. The main result of the study presents the efficiency score of the sustainability and climate goals, in which only the ratio of the positive impacts are covered. The findings reveal that the impacts of sustainability objectives show significant differences among the cities, particularly concerning positive and neutral effects. However, climate objectives present a more modest discrepancy regarding positive, neutral, and negative effects observed among the cities. There was no clear regional pattern in terms of sustainability and climate planning efficiency; on the other hand, Budapest, Győr, and Nyíregyháza emerged with outstanding performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities stand at the focal point of vulnerability to heat waves (HWs) as they threaten urban livability and sustainability. National, regional, and local heat-health action plans (HHAPs) are vital for combating HWs and are increasingly crucial as adaptation measures to extreme heat. The present article highlights the most recent development on the working mechanism of HHAPs, its contemporary challenges, barriers to it and a range of operational heat management and planning strategies. It introduces the concept of ‘smartness’ to the existing mechanism of HHAPs which holds a significant potential to be intelligent, explicit and dynamic to address the growing and multifaceted impacts of extreme heat. It emphasizes urgent priorities including long-term heat planning, multisectoral heat-early warning systems, building urban heat resilience and recommends the application of eight core elements endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for effective implementation of HHAPs. Collaboration among meteorological, epidemiological, public health, and urban planning experts is essential for addressing the multidimensional challenges of extreme heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Korean media refer to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, as a "city in a park," and urban researchers explore the potential for Pyongyang to become a sustainable city. Given North Korean media's function as a propaganda organization supporting the Kim Jong-un regime and consistently producing positive content about the regime, we can employ alternative and more objective methods to assess Pyongyang's sustainability. This article seeks to find unsustainable aspects of Pyongyang by analyzing satellite images while maintaining distance from North Korean media, which monopolizes the production of knowledge that defines Pyongyang as a green and sustainable city. In the socialist city of Pyongyang, there are politically, economically, and socially privileged areas, even if they are not as clearly evident as in capitalist cities. These areas exhibit privileged urban nature, as evidenced by a less polluted and higher quality natural environment. Specifically, I estimate hybrid spaces where the line between privileged and underprivileged blurs. Although they belong to relatively privileged areas, residents take certain risks, referred to as an (under)privileged urban nature. These (under)privileged urban natures could crack the dominant discourse on seeing Pyongyang as a sustainable city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As city-level decisionmakers generate urban policies and spatial interventions aimed at enhancing children's environments and increasing their health, wellbeing and participation in urban life, they also impact the types of citizens that cities produce. Yet, despite the increasing ubiquity of city plans targeting the creation of child-friendly environments, child-centred transformations within the urban built fabric have not been a major analytical theme compared to other economic, spatial and welfare aspects of city restructuring in the context of neoliberal urbanisation. In light of this need for greater empirical and theoretical exploration of child-centred urbanism, we compare and contrast how plans reorganise children's urban social space across different neoliberalising contexts. Drawing on empirical research conducted in Amsterdam, Vienna and Bristol in 2019, including 46 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in child-friendly planning, we contribute to the understanding of how place-based subjectivation processes operate within these plans. We argue that child-friendly urban plans are instrumental in the process of creating subjects that have internalised the norms of neoliberal urbanisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on political economy literature at the nexus of urban entrepreneurialism and policy experimentation, this paper explores how policy experiments are purposely used to stage the restructuring of urban sustainability and what entrepreneurial urban experiments function in actual. This article focuses on the case of a local experimental policy, "pay-as-you-throw," to show how urban experiments employed by the entrepreneurial municipality are not always a silver bullet, and their effectiveness is conditional. We demonstrate that entrepreneurial local governments' efforts to enhance urban sustainability were undermined by three combined factors in the government-led approach to urban experiments: the false delegation of experimental discretion, routinized implementation of experiments, and positive selection of pilot sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

This study examines the interplay between Airbnb and gentrification in Thessaloniki and Greece, focusing on their economic and social impacts on urban neighborhoods. Utilizing data from 110 online publications and qualitative insights from ten semi-structured interviews with real estate agents, Airbnb stakeholders, residents, and experts, the research provides a nuanced view of these dynamics. The findings suggest that Airbnb influences housing markets by driving up rental and home prices, potentially exacerbating housing scarcity and displacing vulnerable populations in gentrifying areas. While this aligns with the existing literature, the results remain tentative due to the complexities involved. The trend toward corporate-hosted short-term rentals appears to shift Airbnb away from its original community-focused model, though this shift is still evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced changes, such as a move from short-term to long-term rentals and the conversion of commercial spaces to residential use, impacting neighborhood dynamics. However, these effects may be temporary and do not fully address broader housing issues. While an oversupply of Airbnb accommodations might stabilize rental prices to some extent, its impact on the overall housing crisis remains uncertain. Future research should investigate the long-term effects on housing affordability and social equity, considering the limitations of current findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative model for the organization and management of municipal bio-waste collection networks in major cities, particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing circular economy principles and sustainable city practices, the proposed model addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban bio-waste management systems. Delving into the dynamic urban landscape, with a focus on the city of Athens, the study highlights the necessity of a robust decision-making methodology, the implementation of resilient processes, and the evaluation of their efficacy, especially during challenging times. The model centers on the effective collection, transportation, and monitoring of bio-waste, with a strategic aim to moderate environmental impacts, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and advance sustainable development goals. Utilizing the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, this paper thoroughly examines critical components of an innovative bio-waste collection network, including infrastructure, technology, and human resources. By merging best practices from global urban centers and accounting for the unique characteristics of Athens, the model envisions a transition toward a circular economy. Notably, the proposed municipal bio-waste collection network at the source anticipates substantial contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in major cities. The study concludes by showcasing the successful application of these methodologies in the Municipality of Athens, providing tangible evidence of their positive impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Planning Education & Research is the property of Sage Publications Inc. 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.)

Population-dense urban areas often concentrate high commercial and industrial activity and intricate transportation systems. In crowded cities, extreme events can be even more damaging due to the high population they affect and the social inequalities that are likely to emerge. Extreme heat is a climate hazard that has been linked to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cities with high population densities. The way extreme heat events are felt in the population varies depending on a variety of factors, such as age, employment status, living conditions, air-conditioning, housing conditions, habits, behaviors and other socio-demographic parameters. In this article, we quantify and locate vulnerabilities of populations to extreme heat in order to formulate policy and practice recommendations that will make communities resilient and will shape the transition to a more sustainable future. This work contributes towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities—by developing the tools to make cities and settlements resilient and sustainable. To this end, we analyze socioeconomic data at the NUTS3 level for the national case study of Greece and at the census tract level for the local case study of the city of Athens. The target variable for this study is defined as the average daily mortality during heatwaves per 100,000 individuals, and a methodology is developed for constructing this variable based on socioeconomic data available in public databases. The independent variables were selected based on their contribution to socioeconomic vulnerability; they include the percentage of elderly individuals, retirees, unemployed persons, renters, those living alone, those residing in smaller houses, those living in older houses and immigrants from developing countries. An ensemble gradient boosted tree model was employed for this study to obtain feature importance metrics that was used to construct a composite index of socioeconomic heat vulnerability. The socioeconomic heat vulnerability index (SHVI) was calculated for each prefecture in Greece and for each census tract in the city of Athens, Greece. The unique feature of this SHVI is that it can be applied to any geographical resolution using the same methodology and produces a result that is not only quantifiable, but also facilitates a comparison between vulnerability scores across different regions. This application aimed to map the SHVI of both prefecture and city, to examine the significance of scale, to identify vulnerability hotspots, and rank the most vulnerable areas, which are prioritized by authorities for interventions that protect public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study takes a unique approach to analyzing the sustainability and climate planning in major Hungarian cities. It conducts a qualitative analysis, examining the selected cities' sustainability and climate strategy objectives/goals. The aim is to comprehensively assess the extent of harmony between these objectives and identify potential hindering factors. An impact series with six distinct levels (+ + , + , 0, NR, −, –) was established for this analysis, from which positive (+ + , +), neutral (0, NR), and negative (−,–) categories were formulated. The main result of the study presents the efficiency score of the sustainability and climate goals, in which only the ratio of the positive impacts are covered. The findings reveal that the impacts of sustainability objectives show significant differences among the cities, particularly concerning positive and neutral effects. However, climate objectives present a more modest discrepancy regarding positive, neutral, and negative effects observed among the cities. There was no clear regional pattern in terms of sustainability and climate planning efficiency; on the other hand, Budapest, Győr, and Nyíregyháza emerged with outstanding performances.

Understanding stakeholders’ differences in perceptions of ecosystem services (ES) is crucial for guiding ecological conservation and planning. However, the variations of ES perception amongst different types of residents in urbanizing areas along an urban-rural gradient are still poorly understood. Combining a questionnaire-based survey, redundancy analysis, and statistical tests, we delineated the urban-rural gradient according to local residents’ socio-economic characteristics, and investigated the differences in local residents’ perceptions of ES and potential factors affecting them in the Guanting Reservoir basin, a rapidly urbanizing basin in China. The results showed that residents living in urban-rural transitional areas attached great importance to provisioning services of providing food and domestic water, regulating services of carbon sequestration and air purification, and cultural services of providing education and training, which were 0.7%–13.1%, 0.7%–9.1% and 2.5%–21.2% higher than that of residents in other areas, respectively. Age and occupation were major factors affecting residents’ perceptions. In terms of land-use types that deliver ES, the difference in perceptions of ES delivered by grassland was the greatest amongst residents. Our results support recommendations for policymakers to take into account the stakeholders’ diverse perceptions, thus promoting residents’ sense of gain on ES.

In the era of knowledge, the rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a crucial factor in addressing the growing environmental, social, and economic challenges in urban areas. Knowledge -based cities, leveraging this technology, are at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for residents and the efficiency of services towards achieving sustainable urban development. This study aims to explore the potential and application of ICT in knowledge -based urban development. The data analyzed were collected through a survey of 66 experts from the Deputy of Urban Planning in the 22 districts of Tehran Municipality, ensuring theoretical saturation. Structural equation modeling and the partial least squares approach, utilizing Smart PLS3 software, were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that the variables of ICT application and potential, as well as knowledge -based urban development in Tehran, and their respective components, scored an average ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 on a 5 -point Likert scale, suggesting a relatively stable status. Furthermore, the coefficient for the impact of ICT application and potential on knowledge -based urban development exceeded 0.96, confirming the main model of this research. The outcome suggests that investing in research and development of ICT can serve as a solution to overcome the limitations of knowledge -based urban development in the Tehran metropolis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are increasingly becoming sites where violence and conflict thrive. In the African continent, civil conflict has been rife, with cities not only being targets but also hosts to civil unrest. Since 2016, Anglophone (English-speaking) cities in Cameroon have been host to a civil conflict that has had devastating impacts on the socio-economic well-being of the Anglophone regions, impeding efforts to achieve sustainable development goal 11 (SDG 11), related to inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainability in Anglophone cities. Moreover, the conflict has deepened the divide between the Anglophone and Francophone populations, making peaceful coexistence between them increasingly difficult. Utilising a content analysis methodological approach, this paper examines the Anglophone Cameroon civil conflict through the lens of urban sustainability, looking to unravel how the conflict has affected efforts towards pursuing SDG 11 in Anglophone cities. The paper argues that civil conflict has robbed Anglophone cities of the required ingredient of socio-economic and political stability necessary for SDG 11 to thrive, and unless the civil conflict is curbed and a stable peace attained, the pursuit of inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainability in Anglophone cities would be a futile venture. This paper recommends the establishment of a comprehensive approach to resolve the conflict in a way that considers the root causes of the conflict, as well as measures to foster urban sustainability in Anglophone cities. When this is done, it would be more feasible to attain inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability in Anglophone cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of rapid urbanization and in­creasing population density, the livability of cities has become a major topic of interest for authorities and researchers. This paper explores the concept of livability, highlighting its historical evolution and its interaction with notions such as quality of life and sustainability.Using the PRISMA methodology for a system­atic literature review, the paper identifies the deter­minants of livability and analyzes the various defi­nitions and measurements associated with it. Addi­tionally, case studies from Vienna and Copenhagen are presented as examples of best practices in enhancing urban livability. The paper emphasiz­es the importance of an integrated approach that combines objective and subjective factors to create sustainable and pleasant urban environments for residents.

An examination of a few examples of aquifer-use shows the importance and fragility of groundwater, with poor management leading to over-extraction by individuals and authorities producing subsidence – sinking cities. Freshwater is one of our most precious resources and it is rapidly disappearing, leading to global drying. At the same time, the global and urban populations are increasing, with civil unrest increasing due, in part, to freshwater shortages. The increasing global population and global urbanisation are driving an increase in water use, restriction of aquifer recharge and increased aquifer pollution. It is argued that urban population growth with attendant increased water use, combined with climate change and poor management, is significant in water stress. Particular attention must be paid to the effect of rising populations on local water resources, especially groundwater, and the knock-on effect on urban sustainability.

This interdisciplinary quantitative study offers a comprehensive assessment of how visits to the Civil War shelters in Alicante, which have been rehabilitated and opened to the public, influence awareness of cultural memory heritage in an urban context. The framework of the FEDER Operational Program "Sustainable Growth 2014-2020", delves into how these spaces contribute both to sustainable urban de-velopment and to historical understanding in society. Through a retrospective longitudinal design, data from 407 visitors were collected and analyzed between August 2023 and January 2024, aiming to profile the visitors, their motivations, and their visitation patterns. Preliminary findings reveal a positive reception and an increase in awareness of the historical significance of the shelters, suggesting a substantial impact on the appreciation of memory heritage. The analysis provides key insights for managing cultural heritage by proposing enhanced strategies for the communication and promotion of historical legacy. This article is positioned at the intersection of tourism research and cultural heritage studies, exploring the links between culture, sustainable development and tourism through an inter- and transdisciplinary approach that encompasses both social sciences and administrative and business practices.

This article explores how smart leadership contributes to developing inclusive, equitable, and sustainable smart cities amidst the backdrop of rapid urbanization and technological advancement. Smart leadership, as articulated in this article, embodies a holistic and forward-looking approach that prioritizes the well-being and inclusion of residents as a primary concern. In line with this approach, technological innovation is harmoniously embodied alongside an unwavering commitment to social justice, sustainability, and long-term planning, enabling cities that are not only technologically advanced, but also more sustainable, equitable and enriched for all residents. Central to this visionary leadership is a profound recognition of equality and representation in city governance. The principles of inclusive leadership require a leadership structure that reflects the diversity of the population, ensuring that the voices of all communities are integral to decision-making processes. Smart leaders actively advocate for the problems and aspirations of each segment of society, promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment among residents, thereby strengthening the city’s commitment to the principles of social cohesion and equal opportunities. In addition, sound leadership recognizes the key challenge of the digital divide, which can exacerbate disparities in urban landscapes. This article highlights the fundamental importance of digital access in ensuring all residents’ full participation in modern society, economics, and governance. Smart leaders introduce policies and initiatives to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to digital tools and information for every resident, regardless of socioeconomic background. This proactive approach promotes digital inclusion and lays the foundation for seamless smart technology integration in the city, ultimately improving its residents’ overall quality of life. Through a systematic analysis of articles, this inquiry observes the metamorphosis of cities into centers of advanced technological implementation and economic dynamism. The article proposes the author’s Smart City Leadership Activity Model, which contains several key principles of smart leadership in the context of equitable, sensible, and strategic smart city growth, development, and innovation.

Slums are considered one of the largest problems that threaten our urban environment, and their negative impact is exacerbated by the passage of time without a radical solution. This research investigated measures that are successful in achieving sustainable urban development within slums or surrounding urban areas. Reducing the negative aspects accompanying the traditional remedies for this phenomenon, which Iraq is currently suffering from, has become a widespread trend in most Iraqi cities. As a result, there emerged belts surrounding urban areas, causing severe repercussions, some of which can be addressed. However, most problems are challenging to address because they affect the urban structure. In Iraqi cities, slums are a feature of the city’s transformation phase, distorting their essence. This phenomenon directly and indirectly affects sustainable urban development by conflicting with one of the most important pillars of sustainable development: not to pass on problems to future generations. Over the past decade, our cities have been formed with slums being a large part of their structure. This poses significant challenges for future generations, which will be difficult to solve unless we proactively address them with effective solutions to mitigate their impact. After reviewing various remedies for this problem, it was found that the proposed treatments were unsuitable for the Iraqi situation. The research proposes the idea of exchange (land versus time). When comparing this strategy with the rest of the treatments, it has been found to be the best solution for slums in Iraq, meeting the requirements of sustainable urban development.

Mekong Delta cities are increasingly degrading as a result of urbanization, flood control, and climate change. These cities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, and current flood control measures are not only inappropriate but also exacerbate the impacts of climate change and urbanization. A flood-resilient city is a solution; however, applying this idea to the actual urban environment through exposure to flood risk is not effective for long-term, sustainable development. This research evaluates landscape structure, changes in land use, and changes in economic, social, and cultural structure, thereby proposing rules for sustainable urban development planning. In addition, this research also suggests a comprehensive functional space plan for Cao Lanh City. This city plays a role as a case study that helps clarify the proposed rules for sustainable urban development planning for Mekong Delta cities in Vietnam.

Accurate mapping and timely monitoring of urban redevelopment are pivotal for urban studies and decision-makers to foster sustainable urban development. Traditional mapping methods heavily depend on field surveys and subjective questionnaires, yielding less objective, reliable, and timely data. Recent advancements in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote-sensing technologies have improved the identification and mapping of urban redevelopment through quantitative analysis using satellite-based observations. Nonetheless, challenges persist, particularly concerning accuracy and significant temporal delays. This study introduces a novel approach to modeling urban redevelopment, leveraging machine learning algorithms and remote-sensing data. This methodology can facilitate the accurate and timely identification of urban redevelopment activities. The study’s machine learning model can analyze time-series remote-sensing data to identify spatio-temporal and spectral patterns related to urban redevelopment. The model is thoroughly evaluated, and the results indicate that it can accurately capture the time-series patterns of urban redevelopment. This research’s findings are useful for evaluating urban demographic and economic changes, informing policymaking and urban planning, and contributing to sustainable urban development. The model can also serve as a foundation for future research on early-stage urban redevelopment detection and evaluation of the causes and impacts of urban redevelopment.

The advancement of emission reduction benefits in ridesplitting relies on a comprehensive carbon reduction incentive policy initiated by the government and implemented through the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders. The aim of this study is to understand the implementation mechanism and explore the carbon reduction potential of the Carbon-Inclusive Policy. A framework has been developed to explore an evolutionary stabilization strategy through a three-party evolutionary game model, which considers the crucial stakeholders of the government, shared mobility companies, and travelers. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis has been conducted across various scenarios on key factors to ensure the robustness and accuracy of findings. The study's primary findings indicate that the government's level of commitment to the Carbon-Inclusive Policy significantly influences strategic decisions and the pace of evolution among the three stakeholders in the evolutionary game. Companies critically assess the economic viability of ridesplitting, particularly in light of development costs and subsidy incentives. Government backing and increased ridesplitting adoption by travelers serve to mitigate risks, incentivizing companies to actively promote ridesplitting. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity of balancing individual, company, and societal interests for sustainable transportation development, advocating for reasonable carbon tax credits and the promotion of novel development concepts such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. These findings serve as a significant resource for policymakers navigating the complexities of integrating carbon considerations into transportation policy frameworks, contributing to a deeper theoretical understanding of Carbon-Inclusive Policy implementation in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and climate change exacerbate the urban heat island effect, increasing the vulnerability of urban residents to extreme heat. Although many studies have assessed urban heat vulnerability, there is a significant lack of standardized criteria and references for selecting indicators, building models, and validating those models. Many existing approaches do not adequately meet urban planning needs due to insufficient spatial resolution, temporal coverage, and accuracy. To address this gap, this paper introduces the U-HEAT framework, a conceptual model for analyzing urban heat vulnerability. The primary objective is to outline the theoretical foundations and potential applications of U-HEAT, emphasizing its conceptual nature. This framework integrates machine learning (ML) with remote sensing (RS) to identify urban heat vulnerability at both long-term and detailed levels. It combines retrospective and forward-looking mapping for continuous monitoring and assessment, providing essential data for developing comprehensive strategies. With its active learning capacity, U-HEAT enables model refinement and the evaluation of policy impacts. The framework presented in this paper offers a standardized and sustainable approach, aiming to enhance practical analysis tools. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in bolstering urban resilience and stresses the need for sustainable urban ecosystems capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and increased urban heat. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, urban administrators, and planners to effectively combat urban heat challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global concern over heat-related health risks, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affects low-income populations, particularly in tropical regions like Indonesia. This study investigates indoor thermal conditions in home-based enterprises (HBEs) within the informal urban settlements of Surakarta City, Indonesia, focusing on the struggle for thermal comfort under constrained conditions. By addressing the thermal comfort challenges in low-income urban housing, this research contributes to sustainable development goals, aiming to enhance living conditions in tropical climates. Our methodology included detailed field measurements of thermal comfort using standard indices in these dwellings, complemented by surveys and interviews to understand building designs, occupant behaviors, and adaptation strategies. Findings indicate that temperatures inside the dwellings frequently exceeded 30 °C during 50–60% of working hours, prompting residents to adopt coping strategies such as opening windows, adjusting work schedules, and utilizing shading devices. Space limitations necessitated multifunctional use of dwellings, exacerbating heat and humidity from activities like cooking and ironing. Despite reliance on natural ventilation, ineffective architectural layouts impeded airflow. This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable architectural solutions that accommodate the dual residential and commercial functions of these spaces, aiming to improve living conditions in such challenging environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the sustainability of urban growth, described by patterns of environmental fitness. The main assumption is that resource use--energy, materials, electricity, water, fossil fuels, soil, and humans--describes growth patterns whose sustainability can be categorized according to environmental fitness, which is assessed by the availability of environmental resources (characteristics of the environment) and the adaptation of the city to this availability (characteristics of the built environment). The article offers an innovative perspective by proposing a model for categorizing the sustainability of urban growth based on environmental fitness, but also by providing a mean to understand the city as a process and the city as a satisfier of needs. The methodology comprises two parts: (1) creating a matrix of indicators of urban environmental fitness and (2) constructing an urban growth sustainability index. From this methodology, six patterns emerged: (i) Economizing growth: available resources with maximum urban adaptation; (ii) Weak growth: availability of resources with minimal urban adaptation; (iii) Efficient growth: availability of resources with appropriate urban adaptation; (iv) Deficient growth: availability of resources without urban adaptation; (v) Efficient growth and of investment: lack of resources with urban investment; and (vi) Deficient growth and of degradation: lack of resources with urban deterioration and wear. The finding of these sustainable urban growth patterns demonstrates the concrete application of environmental adaptation theories and an understanding of the global behavior of cities. The empirical results support the assertion that urban growth presents challenges and potentials in terms of reduction, of reuse, and recycling; of urban sprawl, urban renewal, redevelopment and infill growth, and the efficiency and maintenance of urban infrastructure as guidelines for urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food-energy-water (FEW) nexus has been argued as an approach to improve system resilience and sustainability theoretically. However, there is limited empirical understanding of which governance factors lead to FEW nexus collaboration in practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate the conditions associated with FEW nexus collaboration in cities in resilience planning: does it arise from risk of resource insecurity, pre-existing governance mechanisms, or both? The study analyzed the 22 cities in the United States that are part of the Resilient Cities Network using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The results show that food, energy, and water insecurity are not sufficient to explain FEW nexus collaboration in resilience planning. However, the results do show that FEW nexus collaboration is present in resilience planning in (a) cities that do experience water insecurity and employ two of three investigated governance conditions--policy coherence, stakeholder participation, or institutional support--or (b) that employ all three governance conditions, regardless of whether or not they experience water insecurity. It concludes that the risk of resource insecurity alone is not sufficient to explain cities' implementation of FEW nexus collaborations and provides policy recommendations for increased FEW nexus collaboration in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of a few examples of aquifer use shows the importance and fragility of groundwater, with poor management leading to overextraction by individuals and authorities producing subsidence - sinking cities. Freshwater is one of our most precious resources and it is rapidly disappearing, leading to global drying. At the same time, the global and urban populations are increasing, with civil unrest increasing due, in part, to freshwater shortages. The increasing global population and global urbanisation are driving an increase in water use, restriction of aquifer recharge and increased aquifer pollution. It is argued that urban population growth with attendant increased water use, combined with climate change and poor management, is significant in water stress. Particular attention must be paid to the effect of rising populations on local water resources, especially groundwater, and the knock-on effect on urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the mounting global challenges associated with climate change and resource depletion, achieving sustainable development is paramount. Focusing on cities as vital scenarios for pursuing sustainability, this research measured urban sustainability and identified its obstacles. Employing the DPSIR (Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) framework, we establish a metric system with 25 indicators to assess the urban sustainability of six innovation zones in China and identify their developmental impediments to sustainability with an obstacle model. The core findings of the study are as follows: First, over the five-year period, all six cities demonstrated a consistent increase in their urban sustainability levels except for Shenzhen, which experienced a decline from its top position among these cities due to a decrease in its score from 0.44296 to 0.36942 in 2017. Second, there was consistent urban sustainability progress in five cities, with the exception of Shenzhen, from 2016 to 2020. Third, inadequate government response emerges as a primary obstacle across all six cities, marked by shortcomings in public expenditure, R&D investment, and healthcare. Every year, all six cities experienced more than 60% obstacle degrees in terms of response, with the exception of Shenzhen in 2016. The urban sustainability pursuit model we developed bridges urban sustainability theory with practical interventions, promoting adaptive governance. In addition, this study provides scholars and policymakers with a comprehensive approach to gauging urban sustainability, recognizing obstacles, and designing strategies for a sustainable urban future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connections between urban areas and innovations have been widely discussed and well recognized in both academia and practice. Notably, urban innovation (UI), as a type of innovation and/or innovation system, can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, current research on UI and SDGs is still limited. To fill this research gap, this systematic literature review is conducted using published work in the first half of the SDG era, i.e., 2015 to 2022. It proposes the hierarchy of the urban innovation level and the SDG pizza model with a definition of UI. This systematic literature review is based on four main steps: literature selection, abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. In step #1, the keyword "urban innovation" is used to identify the initial publications. Next, an inclusion criterion is applied in step #2, which covers UI in the abstract. Then, an exclusion criterion is used in step #3, which covers the connection between/among UIs and any one or more SDGs. Step #4 is mainly data extraction following the full text review. This paper provides detailed results and discussions with a few critical views on this nexus analysis. This paper contributes to existing research by highlighting the importance of the innovation-sustainability nexus, particularly from the SDG perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While tackling sustainability challenges, engineering students confront various uncertainties, including the unpredictability of real-world scenarios, unfamiliar aspects of problems, and conflicting viewpoints among stakeholders. Despite previous research indicating the likelihood of encountering such uncertainties in sustainability projects, it is unclear if students are aware of uncertainty and what specific regulatory behaviors they develop to address them. This study seeks to deepen our understanding of the awareness and regulation of uncertainty by students while they work on real-life sustainability challenges. To achieve this, we observed nine MSc students enrolled in a transdisciplinary course on urban sustainability at a Dutch university of technology. Through interviews, we explored the uncertainties they faced and how they navigated them. Our analysis, conducted through open, consensus-based coding by two researchers, revealed that students primarily encountered the uncertainty of multiplicity, characterized by divergent stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, students increasingly recognized the inherent unpredictability of the challenges over the course. To address uncertainty, students developed three kinds of behaviors to deal with uncertainty: seeking social support from commissioners, coaches, and peers; employing small coping mechanisms to overcome obstacles; and developing attitudes such as empathy, flexibility, and relativism. This study offers detailed insights into how students navigate uncertainty. Moving forward, efforts in uncertainty education should prioritize how educators can positively influence the development of metacognition in uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect-eating bats play a crucial role in agriculture and public health by suppressing populations of agricultural pests and disease vectors. These ecosystem services promoted by insect-eating bats are essential in a world that seeks sustainability in agricultural production and the management of urban areas. Despite Brazil's status as one of the largest agricultural producers globally, research using insect-eating bats for pest control is lacking. This review underscores the importance of filling this knowledge gap and provides guidelines for future research. Bats exhibit diverse feeding habits and consume significant quantities of insects, including agricultural pests. While studies in the USA and Europe have highlighted insect-eating bats' role in reducing agricultural losses, research in Brazil is limited. Challenges include the need for more advanced diet analysis techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding, and understanding bat habitat use in agricultural and urban landscapes. Research on natural and artificial roosts' effectiveness and population dynamics is also essential. Integrating bat conservation into agricultural sustainability requires investment in technological methods, valuation of ecosystem services, population monitoring, habitat use studies and environmental education. Financial incentives and collaboration between sectors are crucial for advancing research and implementing bat-friendly practices in agriculture, ultimately enhancing biodiversity conservation and production sustainability in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]