Itamir Costa Bernaldino, Valeria dos Santos Moraes-Ornellas
{"title":"Human Relations with Wildlife, Forests, and Rivers Defining Ribeirinho’s and Extractivist Identities in the Amazonian Xingu River, Pará, Brazil","authors":"Itamir Costa Bernaldino, Valeria dos Santos Moraes-Ornellas","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00093-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00093-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Traditional knowledge has been transmitted between generations in Ribeirinho’s and extractivist’s communities in the Amazon, but this sociocultural and ecological identity is not yet socially and academically well-known, which leads to the new generations not being interested in continuing to live in the forest. In an attempt to strengthen the valorization of this identity and its continuity in the Amazon, a study based on cultural ecology was carried out in the Xingu River Extractivist Reserve. Seven analytical categories were identified, representing interactions between elements of culture and the environment, and behavioral patterns adapted to sociocultural changes and the consequences of changes in culture. The following were highlighted: (i) the disappearance of wooden handicrafts; (ii) the ongoing nutritional transition, with a strong influence from the foreign market for processed food products; and (iii) the use of natural remedies, made from medicinal forest plants, maintained by some of the residents. On the other hand, subsistence hunting is still quite alive, as is fishing, whose main characteristics have changed, however, due to alterations in the river cycles by anthropogenic action. We suggest the description of Ribeirinho and/or extractivist identity can contribute with better insights for the residents of the extractivist reserves themselves, which is fundamental for supporting the development of public policies, differentiated school education and the valorization of this identity by new generations. This is essential if the Amazon rainforest is to remain standing, with traditional populations living sustainably from the natural resources of the forest and the river.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"66 - 71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Millets Awareness, Cultivation, and Consumption Pattern in Northwestern Himalaya: A Case Study from Jammu and Kashmir, India","authors":"Shweta Sharma, Usha Mina, Chubbamenla Jamir, Meenakshi Gupta","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00085-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00085-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Northwestern Himalayan (NWH) region, including the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), are characterized by fragile soils, remote locations, poor socio-economic conditions, and fewer livelihood opportunities. Millets have tremendous potential to address these challenges. This study was conducted in the Jammu, and Kishtwar districts of the NWH to assess millet awareness, cultivation, consumption, and associated traditional knowledge. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that all the respondents could identify at least one of ten common millets, though the type of millet identified, cultivated, and consumed differed across the two agro-climatic zones. Over the past 20–30 years, a decline in millet cultivation was reported mainly due to climate change, availability of refined cereals through the Public Distribution System (PDS), and land diversion to other cash crops. Despite the decline, 98.46% of respondents reported consuming at least one millet mainly for cultural reasons, while \"less preference by children\" and \"availability of rice through PDS\" were responsible for lower consumption. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) as per FAO was evaluated and a score of 7.86 was obtained. It was observed that only 7.69% of respondents were aware of the International Year of Millets-2023. Policy interventions targeting millet processing and value-addition can enhance their cultivation, uplift the livelihood of marginalized rural populations, and ensure food and nutritional security. The study findings can contribute towards the State Millet Mission plan for the Union Territory.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"42 - 58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elmugheira M. I. Mohammed, Emad H. E. Yasin, Budi Mulyana
{"title":"Analysis of Species Richness Variability, Spatial Distribution, and Carbon Stock in Okalma Natural Forest Reserve, Sudan","authors":"Elmugheira M. I. Mohammed, Emad H. E. Yasin, Budi Mulyana","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00091-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00091-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Forests play a significant function in global carbon sequestration and mitigation, yet the dynamics of species dominance related to carbon storage remain underexplored. This study bridged this gap by analyzing the species richness variability, spatial distribution, and carbon stock in Okalma Natural Forest Reserve, across 46 sample plots systematically distributed in the reserve. The study findings highlighted the importance of Okalma forest as it hosts 30 tree species belonging to 12 diversified families. Fabaceae and Combretaceae emerged as the most prevalent families, contributing to 53.4% of the forest’s composition. Regeneration status assessments revealed that 30.0% of species had no regeneration, 40.0% had poor regeneration, and only 3.3% showed excellent regeneration. <i>Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Combretum aculeatum, Dalbergia melanoxylon</i>, <i>Sterculia setigera</i>, and <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i> were among the most frequent species. <i>A. senegal</i> and <i>A. seyal</i>, despite having smaller DBH, displayed higher tree density, and thus a significant carbon stock contribution. The study concludes that Okalma Natural Forest Reserve, with unique carbon storage patterns, emphasizes the significance of dominant species in determining a forest’s overall carbon sequestration potential, which can be used as an indicator for forest health and resilience. The study recommended that it is essential to prioritize the conservation of dominant species like <i>A. senegal</i> and <i>A. seyal</i> due to their substantial carbon sequestration potential. The findings underscore the necessity for region-specific research on forest carbon dynamics. The revelation that tree density is a stronger predictor of carbon stock has significant implications for future research and forest conservation approaches. Emphasizing dominant species and understanding forest-specific dynamics will be pivotal in global efforts to combat climate change and the anthropogenic-based disturbances.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"30 - 41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pearl Millet: A Sustainable Source of Food and Nutrition in the Age of Climate Change","authors":"Raneem Ismail Al-Khaleel, Tarasatyavati Chellapilla, Chandra Nayaka Siddaiah","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00090-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00090-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Pearl millet (<i>Pennisetum glaucum</i>) is a climate-resilient cereal grain, crucial for food security in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. This review explores pearl millet’s botanical characteristics, agricultural practices, nutritional value, and biological activities, highlighting its significance in addressing global food security and climate change. Pearl millet is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, essential fatty acids, dietary fibre, and key micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. It also contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially mitigating the risk of chronic diseases. Its tolerance to high temperatures, low rainfall, and poor soil conditions, combined with a short growth cycle and efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway, makes it a sustainable agricultural option. Furthermore, pearl millet has many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects, which suggest that it may help prevent and treat non-communicable diseases. Promoting pearl millet cultivation supports crop diversification, sustainable farming systems, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced food security in the face of global climate challenges.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"1 - 13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miguel da Silva Pinheiro, Pablo José Francisco Pena Rodrigues
{"title":"What Anthropocene Do We Want?","authors":"Miguel da Silva Pinheiro, Pablo José Francisco Pena Rodrigues","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00089-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00089-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Anthropocene is marked by unprecedented imbalances and increasing human impacts. It highlights the urgency of better choices, and the perspectives outlined here can inform our decision-making process. The <i>Biocentric–Technological</i> way stresses the need to change the human niche to recalibrate human–ecological interactions in order to halt the process of biosphere transformation. The <i>Bio-anthropogenic</i> way is a middle path between the extremes, based on strategies that could lead to novel ecosystems and a symbiotic relationship between humans and new organisms. This will require ethical, cultural, and technological changes toward a less-harmful transformation. The final is the <i>Anthropocentric</i> way, which is the outcome of current human behavior and population growth. Failure to develop new environmentally friendly technologies and cultures will lead to the collapse of current life-support systems, leading to hazardous scenarios. These perspectives can help us to choose a safer and more sustainable future.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"84 - 90"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Anthropogenic Factor as a Driver of Ecosystem Changes","authors":"Jaime Gómez-Márquez","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00086-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00086-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Throughout history of life, natural events have shaped ecosystems until the human species began to overwhelmingly conquer and exploit this planet. Humans are profoundly altering ecosystems and the natural course of evolution, posing a serious threat to the future of life on our planet. The term \"anthropogenic factor\" refers to the influence of human actions and population growth on ecosystem structure and dynamics. In light of this, ecosystems can be classified into two categories: (i) natural ecosystems, which remain unchanged by human intervention, and (ii) intervened ecosystems, which have been influenced by the anthropogenic factors. Intervened ecosystems can be further categorized into three types: human-altered ecosystems, human-engineered ecosystems, and urban ecosystems. There is another category of ecosystems, the disappeared ecosystems, whose disappearance may be due to natural catastrophe or human intervention. The disappearance of an ecosystem is a biological tragedy, but it can also represent a new opportunity for life. For the sustainability of the planet as a source of life and to ensure a future for our species in harmony with nature, we need to achieve a sustainable balance between the development and well-being of all human beings, the population growth, the use of the services provided by ecosystems and the preservation of wild nature.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"59 - 65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44177-025-00086-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rethinking Urban Future: Towards Sustainable Cities and Communities","authors":"Varsha Mishra","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00088-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00088-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Urbanization is considered as the key driver of social and economic progress, nationally and globally but such progress often comes at a cost of environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increasing inequalities. Despite occupying only 2–3% of the Earth’s surface, cities consume 75% of global resources, use 80% of energy, and are responsible for 50% of waste and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges are further intensified by rapid population surge and uneven urbanization, which puts immense stress on natural ecosystems and existing urban infrastructure. These urban trend poses a significant threat to sustainable urban future, impacting both developing and developed countries. Therefore, the study dwells into evolving such urban landscapes into sustainable cities, in line with global sustainability goals, majorly aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The study takes lessons from global case studies featured in Sustainable Cities Indexing (2024) like Amsterdam, Singapore and others, highlighting the significance of integrating mixed land use, data-smart technology, active mobility, nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to enhance liveability and resilience in urban areas. Additionally, the study also emphasizes the urgent need of smart urban planning which blends compact-polycentric model encompassing smart connectivity, multifunctionality, governance and environment as well as adopting smart-eco designs comprising data-driven smart-nature technologies with active community involvement. Thus, implementation of such strategic urban growth models enables cities to grow sustainably, putting people, planet, and profit at the center, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient tomorrow.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"91 - 98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Paradox and Fallacy of Global Carbon Credits: A Theoretical Framework for Strengthening Climate Change Mitigation Strategies","authors":"Ben Chester Cheong","doi":"10.1007/s44177-025-00084-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-025-00084-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Carbon credit systems have emerged as a key policy tool in global efforts to mitigate climate change. Under these market-based schemes, entities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions below a specified cap are issued tradable credits that can be sold to entities exceeding their emissions allowances. In theory, this creates financial incentives for emissions reductions and allows reductions to occur where they are most cost-effective. However, this Policy Analysis argues that the increasing reliance on global carbon markets as a climate solution is deeply problematic and paradoxical. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental economics, law, ethics, and political ecology, I explore the problem through a theoretical framework elucidating the inherent limitations and fallacies underpinning carbon credit approaches. I contend that carbon markets (1) fail to produce real, verifiable emissions reductions; (2) exacerbate global inequities and undermine climate justice; (3) distort climate policy by emphasising cost-effectiveness over ecological necessity; and (4) delay the structural economic changes needed to achieve deep decarbonisation. My analysis is supported by a narrative review of the literature, case studies, and empirical evidence. This Policy Analysis concludes by proposing alternative climate mitigation approaches that could help transcend the paradoxes of global carbon credits, including accelerating fossil fuel phaseouts, scaling up public investment in low-carbon infrastructure, advancing climate justice principles, and rethinking carbon accounting frameworks. <b>Article Highlights</b></p><ul>\u0000 <li>\u0000 <p>Carbon credit systems have emerged as a key policy tool for mitigating climate change, but their effectiveness and equity are increasingly being questioned.</p>\u0000 </li>\u0000 <li>\u0000 <p>This Policy Analysis explores the problem through a theoretical framework that elucidates four major paradoxes and limitations of carbon markets.</p>\u0000 </li>\u0000 <li>\u0000 <p>The analysis draws on interdisciplinary perspectives and is supported by a narrative review of the literature, case studies, and empirical evidence.</p>\u0000 </li>\u0000 <li>\u0000 <p>The Policy Analysis proposes alternative climate mitigation approaches that could help transcend the paradoxes of global carbon credits.</p>\u0000 </li>\u0000 <li>\u0000 <p>Developing effective and equitable climate change mitigation policies in the coming decades will require moving beyond the limitations of carbon markets.</p>\u0000 </li>\u0000 </ul><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"72 - 83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44177-025-00084-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Amal George, P. S. Sunil, A. U. Anish, K. M. Sreejith, Girish Gopinath, A. A. Mohamed Hatha
{"title":"Landslide Risk Assessment in a Century-Old Tea Plantation Range Following Monsoonal Extremes in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India","authors":"K. Amal George, P. S. Sunil, A. U. Anish, K. M. Sreejith, Girish Gopinath, A. A. Mohamed Hatha","doi":"10.1007/s44177-024-00082-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-024-00082-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Landslides pose a significant threat in the Kannan Devan Hill (KDH) region of the Western Ghats (WG) in Peninsular India, particularly during the monsoon season. This study seeks to explore the various factors contributing to landslides, beyond the primary trigger of heavy rainfall. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), which emphasize sustainable cities, climate action, and disaster risk reduction, we employed the Frequency Ratio (FR) method on Geographic Information System (GIS) platform to evaluate the influence of geological characteristics, terrain morphology, and human activities on landslide occurrences. As a result of this analysis, we developed a Landslide Susceptibility Zonation (LSZ) map for the KDH region. The map classifies the area into three risk categories: low-risk (20.96%), moderate-risk (46.40%), and high-risk (32.64%). These classifications reflect the combined effects of various contributing factors, with heavy rainfall and increased surface runoff identified as key drivers of landslide events. A focused analysis of the catastrophic Pettimudi Landslide (Idukki district, Kerala, dated 28.08.2020 Map No: 20202/03, NRSC/ISRO, Hyderabad, 2020), further demonstrated the complex interplay between climatic, geological, geomorphological, and anthropogenic factors in triggering such disasters. The study underscores the critical need for integrated preventive measures to mitigate future landslide risks, thereby enhancing the resilience and sustainability of vulnerable regions in accordance with global development objectives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"4 1-2","pages":"14 - 29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging Research Trends in River Health Assessment: A Bibliometric Analysis","authors":"Amit Kumar Tiwari, Rinku Singh, Sanoj Kumar Patel, Sudhanshu Kumar, Nazuk Bhasin, Anil Barla, Gopal Shankar Singh","doi":"10.1007/s44177-024-00081-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44177-024-00081-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This article used bibliometric analysis and uncovered salient features of literature published in the twenty-first century focusing on river health assessment (RHA). We analysed 509 articles related to RHA obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database from 2002 to 2024. The Bibliometrix package was used in RStudio software for the analysis of several publication characteristics viz. productivity, countries, country collaboration, journals, trending topics, and keyword co-occurrences. Results indicated a steep growth in total publications over the past 23 years. The Republic of China took the top rank out of 25 countries, followed by the USA and India. The largest collaborative research was done by scientists from China, the USA and Iran. The analysis highlighted a concentration of research outputs on river health in various journals, reflecting significant recognition of this area within the scientific community. The results revealed that the majority of RHA investigations have used physico-chemical parameters, but recent years have seen an increased emphasis on using biological factors to assess river health. However, geo-morphological, hydrological, and habitat-based parameters remain underutilized in RHAs. To achieve a comprehensive RHA, it is essential to include these parameters alongside indicators based on ecosystem services and people’s perception. This analysis would assist scientists, policymakers, and river managers by providing a holistic approach and facilitating the development of adequate policies and multifaceted management strategies for riverine ecosystems.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":100099,"journal":{"name":"Anthropocene Science","volume":"3 3-4","pages":"157 - 178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142889775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}