Environmental and Sustainability Indicators最新文献

{"title":"Nexus of FDI, GDP, renewable energy, trade openness, and environmental pollution in Japan: New evidence from ARDL method","authors":"Vu Ngoc Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The manuscript investigates the dynamic relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Renewable Energy (RE), Trade Openness (TO), and environmental pollution in Japan, employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The analysis uses time-series data to uncover both these variables' short- and long-term effects on Japan's environmental and economic outcomes. The manuscript finds that while FDI and TO significantly contribute to GDP growth, their effects on CO₂ emissions are nuanced, with trade liberalization potentially leading to higher emissions in the short run. In contrast, adopting RE shows a robust negative relationship with CO₂ emissions, suggesting its role in decarbonizing the economy. The long-run results emphasize the importance of transitioning to green technologies, with RE being a key driver for sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. Policy recommendations include fostering green FDI, enhancing RE investments, and promoting trade policies that align with environmental goals. The findings provide important insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with climate change mitigation efforts in Japan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100677"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820709","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 impact of digital technologies on eco-efficiency: Evidence from ICT patents","authors":"Yan Li,&nbsp;Xiyue Xu,&nbsp;Zhaoxuan Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In light of the swift advancement of the digital economy, exploring how digital technology influences eco-efficiency allows for an assessment of the effects of digital economic growth on sustainable development. This article empirically analyses the effect of digital technology development on eco-efficiency from the perspective of digital technology, based on the data of China's information and communication technology (ICT) patents, and tests the mechanism of capital productivity. It is found that digital technology development can significantly promote eco-efficiency, and the conclusion passes the robustness test. The results of the heterogeneity analysis indicate significant variation in how digital technology development promotes digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, the impact of digital technology development on eco-efficiency is more pronounced in coastal cities, particularly after the new economic norm, the opening of high-speed railways, and in mega-cities. The findings from the mechanism analysis suggest that advancements in digital technology enhance eco-efficiency by increasing capital productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100675"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143790823","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":"Gis and parametric based coffee site suitability zonation in North Shewa zone of Oromia region, central Ethiopia","authors":"Ayehu Fekadu,&nbsp;Belay Andarege","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several studies are now being undertaken to examine land suitability using GIS and soil data. This study mapped and assessed the sustainability of coffee farming in Ethiopia's central highlands using GIS and parametric decision-making criteria. The method combined geographic, meteorological, and soil quality data. We obtained spectral and DEM data from the USGS and climate data from EMSA. To evaluate soil suitability for coffee, we established 120 soil plots using a stratified random sampling method based on grids and transects. Samples were obtained from depths ranging from 0 to 30 cm and evaluated in the laboratory. The suitability metrics were generated using GIS and multi-criteria decision-making analysis, with the Storie and square root methods used to assess topographic, climatic, and soil suitability. Our findings revealed that Arabica coffee may be grown in the central highlands, with approximately 27 % (303,421.5 ha) of land classified as highly to marginally suitable (S1-S3) based on minimal coffee production standards. Conversely, 73 % of the region's land (821213 ha) was rated unsuitable due to lower temperatures or major production constraints. Our methodology also effectively assessed the suitability of present coffee-growing areas at higher elevations, where it was previously thought that coffee could not be grown. We conclude that our findings have the potential to influence coffee producers, policymakers, and specialists, serving as a resource for coffee production in highland areas by identifying viable land suitability classes that could benefit from improvement efforts for sustainable and productive coffee farming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100674"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759741","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":"Sustainability analysis of water management, with emphasis on Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in Koga Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia","authors":"Abebe Belay Gebeyehu","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study focused on investigating how Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) recommended measures are supporting sustainable development. A five-member analysis group was established to ensure objectivity and consensus in addressing the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) through mDSS software. The Pair-Wise Comparison (PWC) method developed by Saaty (1980) was used for assessing the criterion weights i.e. the relative importance of each pillar of sustainability; relative importance of measures to each pillar and the order of layers in wedding cake framework was determined. Furthermore, it aids in validating the criticisms made regarding the ordering of layers. This pairwise comparisons result gives social 6.3 percent, economic 26.5 percent of the criteria priority, and with the most important criteria being environment, at 67.2 percent. The economic pillar came in the middle layer of the wedding cake framework. The measures were not equally adapted to different pillars. These trade-offs appear to be particularly obvious in the short term, as long-term synergy among the pillars of sustainable development appears to be prominent. The ranking of measures depends on the sustainability framework of the relative importance of pillars and method of aggregation. The analysis shows that the EIA-recommended measures are likely to succeed in promoting sustainable development, especially when synergy in sustainable development is considered, as most of them are progressing well. The most favored adaptation and mitigation measures are training and extension courses, and planting forest seedlings. Planting forests appears to be the only method to achieve sustainable development in some circumstances under Wedding Cake framework. However, planting forest seedlings does not fully comprehend as a sustainable solution because of the negative consequences of eucalyptus plantations on environment and a threat to food security, as it is being planted in fertile lands. Proper planting and management are essential. The academia should also determine the suitable sustainable development framework of whether a triple bottom line or wedding cake framework should be adopted given the current environmental situations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100667"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814962","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":"New ecological change indicators using breakpoints in vegetation trends applied to a dryland pastoral catchment in the Moroccan high atlas","authors":"Angelique Vermeer ,&nbsp;Saskia Foerster ,&nbsp;Ángeles G. Mayor","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to improve ecological change quantification from remote sensing-based methods by incorporating the sign of breakpoints in vegetation productivity trends and proposing a new breakpoint typology. The typology distinguishes between positive and negative breakpoints reflecting either an improvement or deterioration in ecosystem functioning. Using 35 years of Landsat NDVI data, the analysis focused on a dryland pastoral catchment in Morocco's High Atlas, including the most severe drought during this period. The frequency of negative breakpoints increased with aridity, especially in areas of scant vegetation, while positive breakpoints were more evenly distributed throughout the catchment. Regions with smaller NDVI changes over time exhibited a higher number of breakpoints with a similar share of positive and negative, compared to areas with stronger greening or browning. During the drought, positive breakpoints (positive reversals) were most common, followed by negative breakpoints (interrupted decreases). Areas with positive reversals experienced fewer total breakpoints over the study period and had a greater share of positive breakpoints than areas with interrupted decreases. The contrasting vegetation responses to drought may have reflected the interaction between grazing pressure and aridity, with positive drought responses aligning with herd collapses and higher aridity limiting recovery despite reduced grazing. These findings highlight the importance of analysing the balance of positive and negative breakpoints alongside their total count for understanding ecological change. The study also revealed significant ecosystem resilience to severe drought across much of the catchment, but underscored the potential risk of crossing resilience thresholds as aridity intensifies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100672"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143734962","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":"Roots of urban forest conservation behaviors: Discovering determinants of citizens’ attitudes","authors":"Rahim Maleknia","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban forests play a vital role in promoting sustainable cities by providing ecological, social, and health benefits. Despite their significance, the psychological factors influencing citizens’ attitudes toward urban forest conservation remain insufficiently explored. Addressing this research gap, this study investigates the cognitive, emotional, and experiential determinants of conservation attitudes among urban forest visitors in Tehran, capital of Iran. Drawing on a comprehensive theoretical framework, seven key predictors were examined: perceived benefits, ecological worldview, place attachment, nature connectedness, environmental concern, environmental knowledge, and media literacy. Using structural equation modeling to analyze data, the findings of research revealed that perceived benefits (ƛ = 0.317) exert the strongest influence on attitudes, highlighting the critical role of recognizing urban forests' advantages. Other significant predictors include ecological worldview (ƛ = 0.270), place attachment (ƛ = 0.199), and nature connectedness (ƛ = 0.133), emphasizing the importance of emotional connections to nature and urban green spaces. Additionally, environmental concern (ƛ = 0.166), environmental knowledge (ƛ = 0.104), and media literacy (ƛ = 0.106) demonstrated significant contributions to attitude formation via cognitive and affective pathways. The proposed model explains 79.6 % of the variance in attitudes, demonstrating the robustness of the proposed framework. These findings advocate for integrating cognitive, emotional, and experiential strategies to enhance public engagement and support for urban forest conservation. Practical implications suggest that urban planners, policymakers, and forest managers should highlight the benefits of urban forests, foster emotional bonds with nature, and promote media literacy and environmental knowledge through public engagement initiatives. By addressing cognitive and emotional dimensions, this study offers critical insights to enhance public support for urban forest conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100671"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747100","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":"How agricultural extension shapes farmers’ attitudes toward the eco-development paradigm for sustainability in Iran","authors":"Mahsa Fatemi ,&nbsp;Kurosh Rezaei-Moghaddam ,&nbsp;Mathis Wackernagel","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental management is a critical challenge for many nations, including Iran, which faces environmental issues. This study introduces a comprehensive framework for environmental management and eco-development as pathways to achieving sustainable agriculture while examining the factors influencing farmers' attitudes toward this approach. The first stage involved a survey using a questionnaire administered to 423 farmers from 50 villages, selected through a multi-stage stratified random sampling. The questionnaire's face validity was confirmed by a panel of experts, and its reliability was verified through a pilot study. The second stage utilized the AHP to assess the dominant mindset of agricultural extension managers of Fars Province. The findings indicated significant differences among farmers regarding environmental awareness, social participation, adoption of green technologies, attitudes toward environmental independence strategies, and perceptions of extension service effectiveness, depending on their access to agricultural extension services. Based on these results, a model was developed integrating green technologies, environmental awareness, the consequences of conventional agriculture, village population, social participation, the effectiveness of extension services, and attitudes toward independence strategies to explain farmers' perspectives on the eco-development paradigm. The AHP results revealed that the prevailing mindset among extension managers was an economic-oriented perspective aligned with frontier economics. This perspective conflicted with the conservation-based and sustainable agricultural practices promoted within the eco-development paradigm. Therefore, a shift in agricultural managers' perspectives toward eco-development is essential for advancing sustainability. The study highlights the critical role of agricultural extension in fostering environmental management and promoting eco-agriculture as a key objective of modern extension programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100673"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724961","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":"Land use change affects net ecosystem production in the Eastern Indian Himalayan region","authors":"Bandana Kurmi ,&nbsp;Arun Jyoti Nath ,&nbsp;Gudeta W. Sileshi ,&nbsp;Rajiv Pandey ,&nbsp;Ashesh Kumar Das","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human-driven land use changes in the Indian East Himalayan region threaten vital life-support systems by disrupting the carbon cycle, significantly affecting the global climate. Understanding net ecosystem production (NEP) is essential for evaluating the carbon sequestration potential of various managed systems, such as plantations and agroforestry. This study aimed to quantify NEP across six different land uses: natural forest, degraded forest, rubber plantation, <em>Areca</em> plantation, <em>Areca</em> agroforestry, and <em>Piper</em> agroforestry. This study provides the first estimates of NEP in forests, plantations, and agroforestry systems in this region. The net primary production was highest in <em>Areca</em> agroforestry (11.35 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and lowest in <em>Areca</em> plantations (5.30 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Carbon loss occurred through soil respiration and harvest, with annual soil respiration highest in rubber plantations (2.12 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and natural forests (1.69 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Harvest carbon loss was greatest in natural forests (4.80 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and nearly non-existent in rubber plantations. NEP was highest in <em>Areca</em> agroforestry (6.99 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and lowest in natural forests (1.68 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), as the former exhibit high NPP and lower carbon release from the system. These results indicate that <em>Areca</em> agroforestry are more effective carbon sinks than other land uses, including natural forests. The study concludes that the NEP of certain managed ecosystems can equal or surpass that of forest ecosystems, emphasizing their potential as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and their role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100670"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704782","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":"Two studied metropolitan cities in Ethiopia and their current integrated infrastructure plan to enhance resilience and sustainability","authors":"Geremew Worku,&nbsp;Dagnachew Adugna","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As urbanization accelerates globally, cities face increasing challenges related to infrastructure development, especially in metropolitan areas central to economic and social activities. The main objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the current integrated infrastructure planning in in Addis Ababa and three selected sub cities of Sheger (Burayu, Galan, and Furi), focusing on their potential to improve urban sustainability and resilience. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both descriptive and explanatory research designs. We used a purposive sampling method to get a sample that represents the group well. This included 69 respondents, 15 key interviews, and 90 focus group discussions (FGDs). We processed, coded, classified, and input the data into Microsoft Excel for analysis. The study identifies significant gaps in current planning approaches, notably the tendency to treat urban systems in isolation. It underscores the critical roles of governance, stakeholder collaboration, and efficient resource allocation in overcoming these challenges. The research looks at Addis Ababa and Sheger to find ways to improve city infrastructure. It identifies strategies, challenges, and opportunities to make the cities stronger and more sustainable. Key findings indicate substantial gaps in governance, lack of institutional collaboration, critical gap in the regulatory frameworks, Proper drainage system, gap in waste management, inefficiencies in the transportation system, poor accessibility, absence of an integrated transport plan between the cities, and lack of existing institution managing the common transport infrastructure. These insights provide actionable recommendations for city administrations, policymakers and urban planners.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100668"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143714648","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":"Higher transpiration in plant invasive species impacts soil water","authors":"Rishabh Kaushik ,&nbsp;Maharaj K. Pandit ,&nbsp;Kumar Manish","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.100665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Studies on plant invasives are largely focused on their impacts on plant community structure, native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and economy, but their ecosystem effects as high water-spenders are underestimated. Here, we report contrasting results in transpiration volumes in <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> (Sw.) DC (<em>Prosopis juliflora</em>), a widespread invasive alien, its native non-invasive congener, <em>Prosopis cineraria</em> (L.) Druce (<em>P. cineraria</em>), and an unrelated co-occurring native, <em>Azadirachta indica</em> A. Juss. (<em>Azadirachta indica</em>) at 3 sites spread across North and South between 200 and 550 m elevations in India. Our results demonstrate that <em>P. juliflora</em> shows higher transpiration than the native <em>P. cineraria</em> and <em>A. indica</em> at all the three investigated sites. The transpiration volumes of <em>P. juliflora</em> were 2.9–8 times higher than <em>P. cineraria</em> and <em>A. indica</em> at Jodhpur, and 6–11 times higher than <em>A. indica</em> at New Delhi and Hyderabad, respectively. The soil moisture content in the rhizosphere of <em>P. juliflora</em> dominated sites was 2–5 times lower than that of <em>P. cineraria</em> and <em>A. indica</em> dominated sites during summer. The results clearly demonstrate that invasive species transpire more water than the natives that consequently leads to decrease in soil moisture availability. Our investigations provide a strong rationale for managing the alien invasive <em>P. juliflora</em> and restoring native vegetation. Controlling the invasive species is particularly important for the regions with prolonged hot summers and freshwater shortages, such as tropical Asia, Middle East and tropical Africa, where <em>P. juliflora</em> has invaded vast areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100665"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644242","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}