Earth and Environmental Science (R0)

This volume advances the state-of-the-art in the study of the interplay among financial crises, poverty dynamics and environmental sustainability. It offers timely and unique contributions to the immediate global challenge of sustainable development. Developing a new evidence-base, the volume offers concrete recommendations for policy action needed in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to environment and poverty during the current conditions of financial distress. The approach taken is inductive and evidence-driven. Most analysis is based on in-depth case studies that aim to offer a detailed and dynamic picture on how poverty and environmental sustainability interact in specific social contexts and financial crises. In this way the volume aims to generate a wealth of new and concrete evidence that offer a solid foundation to understand the multiple channels through which social and environmental factors interact, and the ways in which this interaction canand should be managed in order to achieve the needed global transition to sustainability.

Broader dynamics that are covered and analysed include the historical legacies of structural adjustment and colonialism; the current debt wave experienced in developing countries; the role of inequality; the significant impact that climate change has on livelihoods and on meeting the SDGs; the new challenge presented by the Covid-19 pandemic for the SDGs; the challenge of sustainable funding for SDGs; and the need for a new eco-social contract. Case-studies examined include Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Zambia, and subregions such as the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa and Lower Mekong Countries.

The volume is part of a joint initiative by the ‘Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP)’ of the University of Sussex, the ‘UNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals’ and the ‘United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)’.The overall aim is to advance a new research programme and foster a better understanding of the multiple, complex and often opposing ways through which the punctuated economic slowdown of financial crises, poverty dynamics and environmental sustainability interact. It also makes novel recommendations into how poverty reduction and environment can work in synergy rather than being antagonistic, especially during financial distress, leading into recommendations directly geared towards achieving the SDGs and beyond.

The book examines management strategies for developing and implementing strategic resilience and sustainability plans for sustainable and climate-resilient communities and organizations. It examines trends in resilience and sustainability planning, highlighting best practices and case studies. The book explores Quadruple Bottom Line strategies and methods to implement resilience and sustainability-related initiatives in organizations and communities. It also examines diverse perspectives on climate resilience, climate preparedness and readiness, greenhouse gas emission reductions policies, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster preparedness and readiness, and sustainable energy policies and projects. Additionally, the book offers insights on strategic resilience and sustainability planning during a pandemic as well as private sector perspectives on strategic resilience and sustainability.

In chapter one,the author presents expanded definitions of strategic resilience and sustainability as well as mechanisms reshaping communities and organizations. Chapter two examines strategic planning processes for communities and organizations and lays out planning steps. Chapter three offers insights into community and organizational level engagement, looking at internal and external stakeholders, organizers, partners, collaborators, and implementers of distinct stages of strategic resilience and sustainability planning. Chapter four outlines measurements and tactics to track and improve strategic resilience and sustainability reporting mechanisms using the quadruple bottom line strategy. It offers a resilience progress report to ensure accountability, answerability, transparency, and good governance. Chapter five details the implementation of a strategic resilience and sustainability plan, describing programs and initiatives to achieve resilient and sustainablecommunities and organizations. Chapter six extensively examines the theoretical and practical intersection between climate change, resilience, and sustainability. Chapter seven reviews resources available for strategic resilience and sustainability plans to aid communities and organizations. Chapter eight assesses the current and future state of resilience and sustainability in communities and organizations, including concerns surrounding climate change, pandemics, disaster resilience, and emergency management and preparedness.

This book considers the application of recycled materials both in pavement and geotechnical engineering. Currently, Australia has faced the fundamental concern of recycling waste plastic. On 1 January 2018, China enforced a prohibition on the importation of waste plastic. China's ban is followed by other countries like India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The ban caused many corporations to abandon waste collection agreements, and the stockpiling of waste, as there is nowhere to safely deposit this waste. This issue seems, to a great extent, to have placed Australia's recycling industry in a crisis. As a result, local councils will have to find strategic ways of recycling accumulated waste that will become a more significant issue in the coming years. In Australia, apart from economic growth, the road pavement has weakened rapidly as the current pavement unable to withstand this urgent traffic load demand. The adding of polymers to the mixtures improves the stiffness, rutting resistance,and fatigue cracking [1]. However, the application of virgin polymer is costly. Thus, using waste polymer such as waste plastic polymer is an inexpensive substitute. The potential for recycled plastic to improve the performance properties of asphalt mixtures has been demonstrated in many countries the UK, Canada, The Netherlands, and India [2]. Similarly, another application of recycled materials can be in geotechnical infrastructure. This book considers the application of recycled materials both in pavement and geotechnical engineering.

References 

[1] Airey, G.D., Singleton, T.M., & Collop, A.C.(2002). Properties of polymer modified bitumen after rubber- bitumen interaction. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering .14(4), 344- 354.

[2] K. O'Farrell. Australian Plastics Recycling Survey- National Report. 

Australian Government, Department of Environment and Energy, Australia. Project reference,2018 A21502.

This book provides recent understanding about the sustainable development in agriculture. It includes information regarding new approaches for sustainable development in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries. It examines the effect of climate change and provides information on climate smart practices. In addition, some important aspects like quality seed production, role of bioinoculants, on-farm water harvesting, non-thermal processing of food, importance of water use in organic agriculture have also been discussed. It also presents in detail plant disease aspect and their management strategies.

This book aims to provide an overall understanding of all aspects related to the study of environment resources, its protection for sustainable development. To meet the growing food demand of the over nine billion people who will exist by 2050 and the expected dietary changes, agriculture will need to produce 60 percent more food globally in the same period. The goalof sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Every person involved in the food system growers, food processors, distributors, retailers, consumers, and waste managers can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system.

This book analyses the adaptive reuse potential of inner-city modern movement car parking structures for controlled environment agriculture systems and the contribution of such a transformation to urban development. Modern movement garages built over the last 60 years are becoming redundant due to changing mobility trends and growing environmental awareness. Adaptive reuse is one of the scenarios that can reconcile these megastructures with contemporary urban needs. The novel function proposed in this study for multi-storey garages is controlled environment agriculture, which is a food production technique that is now developing in cities as an innovative business and a secondary food source.  

The aim of this volume is to foster more sustainable business models through financial markets. To that end, it is necessary to know the main global challenges facing financial markets and their impact on creating sustainable value in business models of enterprises in the context of sustainable adaptation. The book focuses on assessing the decision criteria adopted by financial markets in the process of transaction risk valuation, in terms of the presence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, and by assessing the impact of including these criteria in the risk assessment process by financial markets in business decisions, leading as a consequence to building new value in the form of a sustainable business model.

The book presents global ESG risks facing the financial markets, and discusses how ESG risks are managed and monitored, and how financial markets can measure and operationalize extra-financial risks in its assessment process. The book alsoanalyses ESG risk implications and influences on company behavior, and the actions that companies should take considering the ESG assessment requirements of financial markets. Finally, it provides a comprehensive, structured, and systematic view of how financial markets and companies should adapt and improve their business models. The book provides unique challenges for investors, companies, financial markets, and for our society as a whole, advancing traditional risk management approaches to address global risks.

The book presents expert assessments of modern opportunities for fisheries and aquaculture in terms of economic efficiency, the state of fishery reservoirs, and the state of ichthyocenoses. The purpose of this book is to provide interested parties (government bodies, representatives of business, science and civil society) with information about modern solutions in the field of aquatic biological resources management, the state of aquatic ecosystems and fish stocks, and modern and promising technologies in aquaculture and fisheries. The book contains an assessment of the state and recommendations for the restoration of natural aquatic ecosystems, an analysis of the state of fisheries and aquaculture in inland waters, taking into account regional characteristics, the development of a methodology for assessing freshwater fish stocks, information on advanced technologies in cage aquaculture in reservoirs and lakes and in circulation systems, data on opportunities for capacity building in small-scale fisheries, and the prospects for establishing a data and information management system for fisheries and aquaculture.

This book explores the role of scientific evidence within United Nations (UN) deliberation by examining the negotiation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), endorsed by Member States in 2015. Using the SDGs as a case study, this book addresses a key gap in our understanding of the role of evidence in contemporary international policy-making. It is structured around three overarching questions: (1) how does scientific evidence influence multilateral policy development within the UN General Assembly? (2) how did evidence shape the goals and targets that constitute the SDGs?; and (3) how did institutional arrangements and non-state actor engagements mediate the evidence-to-policy process in the development of the SDGs? The ultimate intention is to tease out lessons on global policy-making and to understand the influence of different evidence inputs and institutional factors in shaping outcomes.

To understand the value afforded to scientific evidence within multilateral deliberation, a conceptual framework is provided drawing upon literature from policy studies and political science, including recent theories of evidence-informed policy-making and new institutionalism. It posits that the success or failure of evidence informing global political processes rests upon the representation and access of scientific stakeholders, levels of community organisation, the framing and presentation of evidence, and time, including the duration over which evidence and key conceptual ideas are presented. Cutting across the discussion is the fundamental question of whose evidence counts and how expertise is defined? The framework is tested with specific reference to three themes that were prominent during the SDG negotiation process; public health (articulated in SDG 3), urban sustainability (articulated in SDG 11), and data and information systems (which were a cross-cutting theme of the dialogue). Within each, scientific communities had specific demands and through an exploration of key literature, including evidence inputs and UN documentation, as well as through key informant interviews, the translation of these scientific ideas into policy priorities is uncovered. 

The intended audiences of this book include academic practitioners studying evidence to policy processes, multilateral negotiation and/or UN policy planning. The book also intends to provide useful insights for policy makers, including UN diplomats, officials and staff working to improve the quality of evidence communication and uptake within multilateral institutions. Finally, it aims to support the whole global academic and scientific community, including students of public policy and political science, by providing insights on how to input into, influence, and even shape international evidence-informed policy-making.

This book discovers what it will take to reindustrialize the previous industrial powerhouses in order to offset the advantages of cheap labor suppliers dominating the industrial sector by exploring the current situation of the production, processing, and manufacturing industries. The Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Cobotics, Automation, AI, 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, SDN, Blockchain technologies are outlined in this unique and comprehensive book, which has true potential for professionals, researchers, policymakers, and book users.

New Horizons for Industry 4.0 in Modern Business encompass trends in business and technology globally that may completely alter how manufacturing and production are conducted. What you will discover: Learn about the Industrial Internet of Things and the Industrial Internet. Learn about the technologies that must develop to support Industry 4.0 and what is being done right now to make that happen. In this book, the topic of Industry 4.0 is covered in detail, and it even moves on to concepts of Digital Twins to boost output and create Industrial Internet of Things.

With the development of new digital industrial technology, or "Industry 4.0," it is now feasible to collect and analyze data from many machines, resulting in processes that are quicker, more adaptable, and more efficient, producing things of higher quality while spending less money. The manufacturing revolution will boost productivity, alter economics, promote industrial development, and alter workforce demographics, ultimately altering the competitiveness of businesses and areas. Although advanced digital technology is being employed in manufacturing, Industry 4.0 will completely change how things are done. Greater production efficiencies will result, and conventional connections between suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers—as well as between people and machines—will shift.Industry 4.0 is changing the business process. This disruptive technology is radically changing the way businesses/manufacturing is conducted. It will give machines that little bit of intuition with the help of robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality—that will help them do mindless and repetitive jobs without human intervention, allowing humans to focus more on their core competencies.

This book provides a critical theoretical framework for understanding the implementation and development of smart cities as innovation drivers, with long-term effects on productivity, livability, and the sustainability of specific initiatives. This framework is based on an empirical analysis of 21 case studies, which include pioneer projects from various regions. It investigates how successful smart city initiatives foster technological innovation by combining regulatory governance and private agency. The typologies of smart city-making approaches are thoroughly examined. This book presents the holistic approach of smart cities, which start from current issue and challenges, advanced technological development, disaster mitigation, ecological perspective, social issue, and urban governance.

The book is organized into five major parts, which reflect interconnection between theories and practice. Part one explains the introduction which reflects the diversity andchallenges of the urban commons and its regeneration. Part two covers the current and future situation of urban growth, anglomeration agglomeration, and urban infrastructure. This section includes rethinking urban sprawl: moving towards sustainable cities, drivers of urban growth and infrastructure, urban land use dynamics and urban sprawl and urban infrastructure sustainability and resilience. Part three describes climate crisis, urban health, and waste management. This section includes climate change and health impacts in urban areas, green spaces: an invaluable resource for delivering sustainable urban health, health and wellbeing and quality of life in the changing urban environment, urban climate and pollution—case study, sustainable urban waste management and urban sustainability and global warming and urban heat Island. Part four covers the ecological perspectives, advanced technology, and social impact for i.e., smart building, ecosystem services, society and future smart cities (SSC). This section includes urban ecosystem services, environmental planning, and city management, artificial intelligence and urban hazards and societal impact, and using geospatial application and urban/smart city energy conservation—case study. Part five covers urban governance, smart solutions, and sustainable cities. It includes good governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, urban governance, space and policy planning to achieve sustainability, smart city planning and management and Internet of things (IoT), advances in smart roads for future smart cities, sustainable city planning, innovation, and management, future strategy for sustainable smart cities and lessons from the pandemic: the future of smart cities.

The aim of this book is to open a vision to sustainability and development through a holistic perspective comprising the critical blocks of energy, environment and economy. From renewable energy, urban infrastructure, societal health to industrial symbiosis, the book assesses critical issues to reach a green future with realistic solutions proposed by a diverse range of multidisciplinary experts. It is intended for a broad readership of academics, researchers and industry experts focusing on these fields, and with specializations in sustainability. 

The book is divided into different clusters starting with an introductory foreword to express the theme of the book and the route of the titles. The first cluster of the book highlights various multidisciplinary perspectives considering the interaction between different expertise. From engineering to economy supported with social pillars, this section gives the critical points of selected topics to focus on the future with a sustainability vision. The second cluster focuses on health issues, with discussion about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward. Critical points like vaccines, health care and food security are highlighted. The third cluster is comprised of titles related to the urban environment and infrastructure. New solutions and discussions on biodesign, waste management and transportation are covered in this section. The last cluster covers energy, and highlights renewable energies such as bioethanol, biogas and wind. 

This volume explores the spatial side of sustainability using cases from India. It provides a variety of chapters from scholars from West Bengal and elsewhere in the country, highlighting spatial perspectives on environmental issues and offering insight on sustainable development in the subcontinent from a geographical perspective. A wide variety of topics are covered here, including but not limited to mitigation of and adaptation to climate issues, hydrogeomorphologic issues, environmental management, agricultural sustainability, ecosystem services, urban environmental management and tourism issues. The lessons learned here are transferable to other contexts, and the book is a resource for researchers, academics, practitioners, government organizations, NGOs and anyone else interested in the spatial side of sustainability.  

This volume aims to explore project management contributions to sustainable business change based on renewability, reuse, and repair as well as the effect of circular economy business solutions on project management in terms of the management approach, governance, and leadership. The main aim of integrating project management with a circular business paradigm is not only to learn how project management can contribute to achieving circular economy principles, but also to understand the impact of business needs on project management. By understanding these needs, recommendations can be developed and promoted among different stakeholders such as governments, financial institutions, and education institutions with the goal of supporting and assisting project management to drive sustainable business change. This approach will enable readers to assess how project management professions can support a shift toward sustainable business. The primary audience of this work is management scholars, educators, researchers, and students. Scholars, government representatives, financial institutions, management educators, start-up companies, innovative entrepreneurs, and all others who use the circular economy to support sustainable development can also find much of use in this book.

This book aims to present a reality view for Papua New Guinea based on many years of first-hand field work and research accounts. It further assesses sustainability in the light of 47,000 years of a self-sustained type of civilization without bad global impacts. This book contrasts the modern sustainable development failures from the colonial times onwards, as promoted by the ‘western world’, namely Australia, the UK, EU and the U.S as well as Japan and now, China, in times of globalization, Trump’ism and royal governance (Papua New Guinea is still part of the British Dominion and of the Antarctic Treaty etc). This assessment and book is the first of its kind also employing modern data analysis, Landscape Ecology principles (patterns and processes, telecoupling) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Open Access data focusing on ecological economics, marxism, socialism and contrasting it with current capitalism and neoliberalism that Papua New Guinea is fully exposed to. Throughout the 31 book chapters various aspects are covered how a further insistence on the ‘new’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and so-called Development Aid will result in unwanted side effects and perverse outcomes for Papua New Guinea and for the world in times of wider ‘global change’ and unprecedented man-made crisis.

The book focuses on a systemic study of the challenges of the modern economy and related problems and areas of sustainable development of countries, regions, and businesses, with particular attention paid to the new prospects offered by the spread of digital technology. The book’s contribution to the literature is that it reveals the specifics and digital perspectives of supporting the SDGs in the economy at every level of the economy: country, regional, and corporate, considering sectoral specificities—this is reflected in six parts of the book. 

Part 1 identifies contemporary challenges of the modern economy as barriers to sustainable development. Part 2 reflects the future direction of sustainable development of the countries. Part 3 considers the problems and prospects for sustainable development of regions. Part 4 focuses on the problems and prospects for the sustainable development of enterprises and industries. Part 5 sheds light on the economic and legal foundations and cooperative mechanisms of sustainable development. Part 6 offers recommendations for enhancing the use of digital technologies offered by Industry 4.0 to support the SDGs. 

Scientists whose research interests include sustainable economic development are the primary target audience for this book. For the primary target audience, the book forms a systemic view of the global challenges of sustainable development and offers a set of scientific and methodological recommendations to provide an effective response to these challenges at every level of the economy. An additional audience for the book is practicing experts, who will find international best practices and applied recommendations to support sustainable economic development and implementation of the SDGs in the practice of state (national regulation and public administration of the region) and corporate (in various industries) management. 

This book is a selection of the best papers presented at the XXX National Conference of Commodity Science held in Bari, Italy on 27 to 28th October, 2022. It is designed to help advance the knowledge and application of Commodity Science in innovation, quality, and sustainability principles and goals. Furthermore, it provides support in confronting the current environmental and socioeconomic challenges and contributes to addressing and solving those concerns in a circular economy context.

Sustainability is now a widely spread concept, and much progress has been achieved since the 1970s, when it started to be widely discussed. At present, many international organizations and scientists are active in implementing sustainable development as a whole and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular. Nevertheless, the main research agenda is being led by some countries, providing a good opportunity for other nations and regions which have not yet been so active, to bring their viewpoints to the global discussion. One of these regions is Latin America.

a) to provide research institutions, universities, NGOs, government agencies, and enterprises from the region with an opportunity to present their works in the field of sustainability and

Last but not least, a further aim of the book is to present methodological approaches and experiences deriving from case studies and projects, which aim to show how sustainability may be enhanced in practice.

Environmental impacts created by the textiles and fashion sector are well known and acknowledged by various stakeholders involved in the entire supply chain. The entire lifecycle of textile products creates various impacts to the environment and hence any attempts to alleviate the impacts are highly welcomed. The whole sector is keen to investigate novel sustainable alternatives in terms of raw materials, processes, approaches to make the entire textiles and fashion sector more sustainable. This broad title of novel sustainable alternatives can be split into three subtopics: novel raw material alternatives, novel process alternative and novel alternative approaches. This volume is dedicated to deal with the novel sustainable alternative approaches for the textiles and fashion industry.

Environmental impacts created by the textiles and fashion sector are well known and acknowledged by various stakeholders involved in the entire supply chain. The entire lifecycle of textile products creates various impacts to the environment and hence any attempts to alleviate the impacts are highly welcomed. The whole sector is keen to investigate novel sustainable alternatives in terms of raw materials, processes, approaches to make the entire textiles and fashion sector more sustainable. This broad title of novel sustainable alternatives can be split into three subtopics: novel raw material alternatives, novel process alternative and novel alternative approaches. This volume is dedicated to dealing with novel sustainable raw material alternatives for the textiles and fashion industry.

This open access book contributes not only to the scientific literature on sustainable agricultural development and in particular rice agriculture but also is highly valuable to assist practitioners, projects, and policymakers due to its sections on reducing carbon footprint, agricultural innovations, and lessons learned from a multi-country/multi-stages development project.

The scope of the book is conceived as a detailed documentation of the implementation, dissemination, and impact of the CORIGAP project in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with spill-over to Cambodia and the Philippines. It pulls together actionable research findings with the experience of bringing these findings into use. The aim of the book is to provide a wide array of pathways to impact for sustainable rice production in lowland irrigated rice-based agricultural systems. The book is written by local actors of the rice value chain, researchers, and engineers working on a range of best management practices, climate-smart rice production innovations, knowledge translation, and dissemination, as well as decision-making and policy aspects. It is envisioned that the contents of the book can be translated into messages that can help farmers, extension workers, policymakers, and funders of agricultural development, decide on implementing best management practices and climate-smart technologies in their agroecological systems by presenting the technological/practical options along the rice value chain and the partnerships and business models required for their implementation. The book is aimed at practitioners, extension specialists, researchers, and engineers interested in information on current best management practices, sustainable, and climate-smart rice production and constraints that need further investigation. Furthermore, the book is also aimed at policymakers and agricultural development funders required by public opinion and legallybinding agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve biodiversity and increase agroecological practices, who are looking for research-based evidence to guide policymaking and implementation.

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is a well-known and popular method to evaluate the economic sustainability, which as the term implies is structured on the life cycle of a product or process. LCC is a method primarily consisting of estimating the total cost of a product, taking into account the whole life cycle of the product as well as the direct and external costs. It is one of the important methods and tools under the sustainability umbrella. This book describes the concept of LCC and offers several interesting case studies.

The Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh has witnessed important changes linked to its geo-strategic importance, the rapid development of means of communication with other parts of India, socio-economic transformation processes and the effects of climate change. The sixteen chapters document these key changes, ranging from melting glaciers and extreme weather events to the exponential increase in infrastructure, tourist and military activities. The book examines the impact these changes are having on the environment and on the socio-economics and identity of Ladakhi communities. The book also attempts to evaluate the likely direction of future changes, identify some of the main environmental challenges faced by Ladakh in the 21st century, and provide perspectives for sustainable development of the high mountain region.

Natural dyes offer a time-tested and generally more sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry. The issues surrounding synthetic dyes are well-known, and in the literature it is generally accepted that natural dyes have a smaller environmental impact. However, even natural dyes have issues that must be dealt with in order to ensure sustainability in the industry. For example, the mordants needed to improve the dyeing process may release hazardous heavy metal pollutants when used. This book is dedicated to exploring cases such as this that illustrate the benefits and drawbacks to natural dyes and steps that must be taken for their sustainable use in the textile industry.

The book addresses the interdisciplinary and multiscale theme of the design of sustainable, inclusive and creative urban green spaces in relation to the socio-ecological transition and in line with the systemic vision promoted by the 2030 Agenda, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles outlined by the New European Bauhaus (European Commission, 2021). The publication refers to the International Study Day organized in June 2022 by the Unit for Internationalization of the PDTA Department of the Sapienza University of Rome, develops and updates its themes, with essays that deepen theories and methodologies pursued in specific disciplinary and research fields, and with case studies of design experiments and achievements that constitute best practices at an international level in the sign of a conscious sustainability.

The book is therefore part of an international and interdisciplinary dialogue and discussion focused on the challenges of climate change, economic crises and social inequalities as well as the questions that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. These issues are fundamental in the rethinking and reconfiguration of the role of urban green spaces, conceived as a priority place for the existence of citizens, the archetype of European culture, the conservation of biodiversity, and the relationship with nature.

The book focuses on environmental monitoring, pollution discharge control and management, environmental pollution governance, ecological remediation technology, and environmental sustainability. With the rapid growth of global population and the development of industry and cities, environmental pollution problems are becoming increasingly serious, affecting people's lives and social development. In order to protect the environment and achieve sustainable ecological development, we need to maintain research on environmental pollution governance and ecological remediation. This book aims to promote scientific information interchange between scholars from the top universities, research centers, and high-tech enterprises working all around the world and is a valuable resource for those in both academia and industry.

This volume contains the proceedings of the 2023 iteration of the ISPGAYA conference, titled “Digital Sustainability: Inclusion and Transformation” and held in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The conference and resulting book intend to explore the involvement of Portugal, a country on the semi-periphery of the world system, in developments regarding the understanding of and progress toward sustainability. The conference was organized by ISPGAYA, an institution belonging to the private polytechnic higher education system in Portugal, and brought together participants from around the world. This volume intends to establish a milestone in the multidimensional approach to the theme of sustainability, affirming the concept's multi and interdisciplinary nature and bringing together scholars across disciplines.

This book delves into the complexities of urban crises, focusing on the efforts of researchers and practitioners who confront precarious housing and forced displacement. Originating from the 8th International Conference on Building Resilience (convened in November 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal), this book examines challenges across diverse contexts and geographies, including Chile, India, Kenya, Mexico, Portugal, and Syria. Structured in three parts, the book's 12 chapters address disaster prevention and recovery, humanitarian architecture, and issues related to housing, migration, and urban forced displacement. The narratives emphasize vulnerabilities, community-driven design, and cross-cultural perspectives, comprehensively reviewing global urban planning, slum upgrading, and incremental housing strategies. The contributions engage readers with practical insights for mitigating urban vulnerability and intellectual analyses that consider the complexities of life amid systemic injustices. Ultimately, the authors suggest integrating architectural practice with social work within communities to address intricate urban housing challenges.

This volume explores the critical intersection of environmental sustainability and public health by exploring innovative approaches to address air pollution. With the ever-increasing global population and urbanization, air quality degradation has become a pressing concern, directly impacting the well-being of individuals and the planet. This comprehensive work synthesizes the latest research findings, policy insights, and technological advancements to offer a holistic perspective on mitigating air pollution while fostering sustainable development. The book begins by establishing a firm understanding of the multifaceted nature of air pollution, from its sources and composition to its effects on human health and the environment. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, it examines the intricate links between air quality, climate change, and societal well-being. "Sustainable Air" then shifts its focus to practical strategies and solutions, presenting a range of innovative approaches for reducing emissions, promoting clean energy sources, and enhancing urban planning to create livable, resilient communities. Through case studies and real-world examples, the book highlights successful initiatives from around the world, demonstrating how communities can transition to cleaner and more sustainable air quality standards. It also addresses the critical role of policy frameworks and international cooperation in achieving long-term air quality goals. Moreover, the book underscores the importance of public awareness and engagement, emphasizing the power of informed citizenry in advocating for cleaner skies and healthier environments. "Sustainable Air: Strategies for Cleaner Skies and Healthier Communities" provides a roadmap for policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and concerned citizens to collaboratively work towards a future where clean air and sustainable living are not only attainable but also synonymous with human progress. By promoting a balanced and harmonious relationship between society and the environment, this book aspires to inspire meaningful change, ultimately leading to improved air quality and well-being for generations to come.

This book comprehensively discusses different scientific approaches, including groundwater sustainability, numerical modeling, index approach, isotope hydrology, environmental Isotopes, and advanced GRACE satellite data from different regions in developing countries globally, to help understand the groundwater system for strategic management of freshwater resources. This would help estimate an accepted logistic framework that might help control, and evaluate the significance of predicted climatic and anthropogenic impacts on groundwater resources.

The book presents and discusses unique case studies from Asia (Turkey, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan), MENA (Middle East and North Africa), particularly focussing on Algeria, Egypt New Delta, and KSA and West Africa (Nigeria) and has chapters covering most of the other MENA countries. The book presents a comprehensive investigation of the methods employed for groundwater utilization, with a dual focus on elucidating existing issues and confronting contemporary challenges. The findings are significant as they provide a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding groundwater utilization. Approaches for enhancing and rationalizing water extraction from Saharan aquifers are discussed to promote regional advancement and preserve long-term sustainability. The book will be of great help to numerous researchers and academicians, and will be an important account for stakeholders.  

The book is based on Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund data from the Outcome Monitoring Surveys 1,2,3 (OMS123) which comprised of three rounds of panel data set with the same households being interviewed three consecutive times in 18 districts. The OMS1, OMS2 and OMS3 were undertaken in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The findings in this book demonstrate and provide a better understanding of what works and what does not work to strengthen communities’ resilience in Zimbabwe. The information contributed in each chapter will be useful to inform adaptive programming and design of future resilience interventions and policy, with a focus on Climate Resilient Development (CRD). The chapters also address the challenge of formulating concrete policy in an environment with severe data constraints.

This book compares how seismic fault activation can be described by frictional-based theories such as the rate and state theory or by a general dynamic plasticity approach such as the Cam-Clay theory. In this book, the leading edge of fault physics concepts that are best suited and applicable to assess the risk of leakage and induced seismicity associated with large-scale CO₂ storage in sedimentary basins are explored. It compares the hydromechanical response of faults under deviatoric loading at laboratory, field experiment and basin scales. A review of some key parameters that drive the brittle-ductile behavior of faults affecting the reservoir-caprock system is presented. It is suggested that more general plastic criteria than the Coulomb failure should be used to better account for the ratio between the bulk plasticity and localized frictional strength of a fault zone. Based on new field data, it is shown that most of the fault permeability increase occurs at the onset of activation due to bulk dilation, whereas shearing has less impact on the permeability. This is different from laboratory observations where shearing often results in strong permeability reductions. This last part leads to some new concepts that have not been discussed to date, such as the possibility of slow fault movements eventually evolving to earthquakes at timescales of years to decades, thus relevant to the time life of CO₂ storage permits.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of climate justice intertwined with energy transitions, specifically focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities in developing countries. It presents a series of in-depth studies and discussions across various dimensions such as legal frameworks, economic incentives, gender issues, and the socio-economic impacts of energy policies. By dissecting complex relationships like those between renewable energy consumption and employment in Nigeria as well as the impacts of financial development, official development assistance, institutional quality and foreign direct investment on energy transition in Africa, this book illuminates the multifaceted nature of sustainable development. Starting with an overarching introduction to the imperatives of climate justice and the necessity for energy transition, the book delves into detailed analyses including the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy, the impacts of fossil fuel dependency and reforms, and the critical role of legal and institutional frameworks in supporting just transitions. Subsequent chapters discuss the gender-specific impacts of energy policies, the potential of international partnerships, and the entrepreneurial ventures emerging within just energy markets. Further, the book addresses public engagement, the educational imperatives for climate and energy literacy, and the intricate links between climate-induced migration, conflicts, and energy policies. It also explores the economic frameworks that can facilitate a just transition, evaluates the role of carbon markets in climate justice, and assesses how energy transitions impact water and food security. The book concludes by synthesizing key findings and offering strategic recommendations for integrating climate justice into energy transition policies. This final chapter provides actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities aimed at fostering sustainable and equitable energy solutions. Targeted at policymakers, academics, and professionals involved in energy and climate policy, as well as students and researchers, this book serves as an essential resource for anyone committed to advancing sustainable and just energy transitions in developing countries.

This book is part of the Climate Change Management Series. It includes the works focusing on climate change policies and technologies that support the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The included works also discuss methodological approaches and experiences showing how the principles of climate change adaptation may be implemented in practice across various geographical regions. The book includes high-quality, interdisciplinary contributions on the scientific, social, economic, political aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions which makes it available to a wide audience professionals and practitioners.

This book provides an extensive critical review of seismic inversion methods and applications. Hydrocarbon reservoir extensions and properties cannot be accurately defined from information provided by geological data, geophysical data, and well log data. Seismic data has adequate spatial coverage but lacks vertical resolution, while well data has excellent vertical resolution but spatially sparse. Seismic reflection amplitudes are related to pore fill and lithology changes. Seismic AVO analysis and inversion exploit variation of amplitudes with angle of incidence to derive useful attributes and elastic rock properties such as velocity, impedance, and density. Seismic inversion attempts to fill the gap between and away from the already drilled wells with rock properties that are available from the measured and/or interpreted well log data. In this endeavour, seismic data, well log data, and all available geological model data are integrated to predict rock and ultimately reservoir properties such as porosity, water saturation, shale content, brittleness, and pore pressure. This book is aimed at graduate and postgraduate students, academics, and geoscientist exploiting earth resources. It is especially directed to oil and gas industry professionals in supporting their efforts in quantitative reservoir description from seismic data. While brief theoretical derivations are provided to understand power and limitations of inversion methods used, emphasis has been on the practical applications. A comprehensive critical review of the seismic inversion and AVO theory and applications published and presented at technical meetings is provided with ample references and further references for probing geoscientists.

This book provides an extensive critical review of seismic inversion methods and applications. Hydrocarbon reservoir extensions and properties cannot be accurately defined from information provided by geological data, geophysical data, and well log data. Seismic data has adequate spatial coverage but lacks vertical resolution, while well data has excellent vertical resolution but spatially sparse. Seismic reflection amplitudes are related to pore fill and lithology changes. Seismic AVO analysis and inversion exploit variation of amplitudes with angle of incidence to derive useful attributes and elastic rock properties such as velocity, impedance, and density. Seismic inversion attempts to fill the gap between and away from the already drilled wells with rock properties that are available from the measured and/or interpreted well log data. In this endeavour, seismic data, well log data, and all available geological model data are integrated to predict rock and ultimately reservoir properties such as porosity, water saturation, shale content, brittleness, and pore pressure. This book is aimed at graduate and postgraduate students, academics, and geoscientist exploiting earth resources. It is especially directed to oil and gas industry professionals in supporting their efforts in quantitative reservoir description from seismic data. While brief theoretical derivations are provided to understand power and limitations of inversion methods used, emphasis has been on the practical applications. A comprehensive critical review of the seismic inversion and AVO theory and applications published and presented at technical meetings is provided with ample references and further references for probing geoscientists.

The world will likely exceed 9 billion people by 2050 and is unlikely to stabilize in the 21st century, requiring 70–100% more food production, while an increasing number of countries are reaching alarming levels of water scarcity. Water for irrigation and food production constitutes one of the greatest pressures on freshwater resources. Agriculture accounts for around 70% of global freshwater withdrawals (up to 90% in some fast-growing economies), impacting environmental flows, downstream access to water, groundwater levels, and reducing the extent and functions of wetlands including the ecological functions of biodiversity, nutrient retention, and flood control. Agriculture is also one of the largest contributors to non-point source pollution. Rapid population growth combined with changing diets due to increased income levels will likely result in an 70% increase in food demand by 2050. Urbanization will also concentrate the portions of populations needing meat, dairy products, and processed food.

The corona pandemic has ravaged economies, lives, livelihoods, availability, affordability, and access to food the world over. Its negative consequences will likely escalate and spread widely. Invigorating urban food systems is seen as a feasible and necessary strategy to mitigate the many negative consequences of the pandemic by strengthening community resilience buttressed by environmentally friendly programs. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC, Government of Canada) and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) bring together a distinguished group of authors to analyse and prescribe policies and measures that can effectively meet and sustain the sustainable development goals not only in the area of food security, but also in several areas within the nexus of food, energy, green economy and health.

The book provides a synthesis of perspectives, knowledge, and insights within the urban-food-water nexus. Each chapter guides reads through the complex nexus landscape citing a wide body of recent, relevant literature sources (print and open access, online) for readers. Literature sources include peer-reviewed journal publications, books, as well as governmental and UN reports.

The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the innovative strategies, smart recycling solutions, and advanced technologies that enable the sustainable utilization of wastewater resources. This book aims to shed light on the untapped potential of wastewater as a valuable resource and to present practical approaches for unlocking its benefits through intelligent recycling solutions and cutting-edge technologies. By exploring smart recycling solutions, advanced technologies, and best practices in resource recovery, this book will empower readers to unlock the full potential of wastewater resources for a more sustainable and resilient future. With increasing concerns about water scarcity, pollution, and resource depletion, there is a growing demand for comprehensive resources that address wastewater management challenges. The book will serve as a comprehensive guide, offering insights, case studies, and practical solutions for readers interested in the intersection of smart recycling, advanced technologies, and sustainable resource management in the context of wastewater. This book aims to inspire positive changes in current practices and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. 

This edited volume is based on the accepted papers for presentation at the 3rd MedGU Annual Meeting, Istanbul 2023. With four parts spanning a large spectrum of geological and geophysical topics, this book presents a series of newest research studies that are nowadays relevant to Middle East, Mediterranean region, and Africa. The book gives a general overview on current research, focusing on geoenvironmental issues and challenges in hydrogeosciences in the Middle East and Mediterranean region and surrounding areas. It offers a broad range of recent studies that discuss the latest advances in geoenvironmental and hydrogeosciences from diverse backgrounds including climate change, geoecology, biogeochemistry, water resources management, and environmental monitoring and assessment. It shares insights on how the understanding of ecological, climatological, oceanic and hydrological processes is the key for improving practices in environment management, including the eco-responsibility, scientific integrity, and social and ethical dimensions.

Why has global economic growth failed to deliver equity, sustainability, and well-being for all? Despite decades of growth-centric and free-market policies, poverty and inequality persist, and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources threatens the planet’s future. This thought-provoking book critically examines the limitations of current economic models and highlights how growth has often been achieved at the cost of environmental and social health.

Drawing from ancient Indian philosophical traditions, historical and cultural practices—while steering clear of religious dogma—the authors challenge the modern obsession with profit maximization, consumerism, and self-interest. They advocate for a behavioral and ethical transformation in economic thinking: one rooted in community, sustainability, and intergenerational equity.

This work is the product of years of dialogue with scholars, thinkers, and practitioners, and offers a powerful alternative vision: an economy that not only thrives but also uplifts all.

The future of space exploration, space stations, and space settlements hinges on our ability to grow tasty nutritious foods as part of efficient long term recycling the air, water, and wastes. This book provides a walkthrough of the chemistry, biology, machinery, plants, animals, and engineering required to make these synthetic ecologies possible with realistic foods, current technologies, and real crops.  Plentiful diagrams and illustrations, dozens of tables, and simple processes allow a variety of professions and backgrounds to estimate and understand the principles of farming in space.  Tables have rules of thumb that can quickly contribute to space proposals. This book will be a key resource at the elbow of business professionals, engineers, space architects, and space students. The book also includes a story to show what it is like to work in a space farm, menus and meals from the farm, and future work to bridge the technological gaps to bring long term space ideas to fruition.

This book offers a rich compilation of diverse research, innovative practices, and forward-thinking strategies that redefine how cities can grow sustainably while effectively adapting to climate impacts. In an era characterized by rapid urbanization and escalating climate challenges, the need for sustainable cities has never been more urgent. This comprehensive book, compiled from conference proceedings, explores how cities can evolve and transform into resilient, inclusive, and ecologically balanced urban environments through holistic, integrated approaches.

The book is organized into four parts, each addressing a key dimension of green urbanism and resilience.

This book serves as a valuable resource for urban planners, environmental researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in community development. It goes beyond theoretical discussions, showcasing case studies and practical examples from different parts of the world, including Belgium, Italy, Brazil, and Indonesia. By addressing diverse geographic and socio-economic contexts, the book presents a well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges inherent in transitioning to more sustainable urban forms.

Through its interdisciplinary approach, this collection encourages readers to think broadly and act locally. It illuminates how the collective power of urban planning, technological innovation, community engagement, and circular economy can be harnessed to foster environmental sustainability and social resilience and equity. Ultimately, it inspires hope for the future of urban environments, where cities become models of resilience, inclusivity, and ecological harmony.

This edited volume offers innovative research and applications in the analysis, modelling, and mapping of crime using geospatial and GeoAI technologies. This is a follow-up publication of an edited volume by the same editor with a similar title, Crime Modeling and Mapping Using Geospatial Technologies, published by Springer in its popular Geotechnologies and the Environment series in 2013.

The book comprises sixteen chapters authored by some of the most esteemed researchers in the field. These chapters are organized into four sections: big data and microspaces (Part I), mobility (Part II), drugs (Part III), and additional geospatial applications (Part IV).

Part I includes five chapters focusing on interactive crime mapping by using large data sets obtained from social media and analyzing these data using AI applications; a fundamental spatial problem that considers spatial properties of a crime dataset to determine an adequate areal unit size; different aspects of the influence or prediction of crime in microspaces; and the use of sampled surface pollen to model the search space for documented forensic cases. Part II has four chapters that introduce two route generation heuristics that automate the creation of hot spots policing patrol routes; discuss how to optimize police response with two different maximal covering location problems; and examine how human mobility patterns impact crime trends and modelling. Part III consists of three chapters addressing opioid overdose patterns using a spatial mixed methods approach; spatial-temporal changes in hot spots of drug-related offences; and how geospatial technology can be used to empower stakeholders to make informed policy decisions about alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions. Part IV comprises four diverse chapters that do not fit under a single theme. The topics discussed include: the impact of video surveillance on the spatial distribution of crime; the identification of the location of missing persons outreach events with spatial clustering analysis methods; an examination of the distribution patterns of all types of juvenile delinquency to investigate underlying factors; and a review and comparison of GeoAI methods for detecting and mapping illegal logging.

This book would be useful to faculty, students and research scholars from geography, sociology, criminal justice, criminology, forensic sciences, and other related disciplines as well as to crime analysts working for law enforcement agencies at the local, state, or federal levels from around the world.