Earth and Environmental Science (R0)

This book analyses and develops overarching concepts for forest policy and forest governance and includes a detailed investigation into the historical discussion on forests. It examines opportunities and limits for negative emissions in a sector that – like peatlands – appears significantly less ambivalent compared to highly technical large-scale forms of climate geoengineering. The analysis shows that the binding climate and biodiversity targets under international law are much more ambitious than most people assume. Measured against that, the volume critically reviews the potentials of afforestation and reforestation for climate mitigation, which is often presented as the new saviour to fulfil the commitments of the Paris Agreement and to reach climate neutrality in the future. It becomes clear that ultimately only biodiverse and thus resilient forests can function as a carbon sink in the long term. The volume shows that the existing European and international forest governance approaches fail to comply with these targets and insights. Furthermore, the book develops a bundle of policy measures. Quantity governance systems for livestock farming, fossil fuels and similar drivers of deforestations represent the most important approach. They are most effective when not directly targeting forests due to their heterogeneity but central damaging factors. With regard to the dominant regulatory and subsidy-based governance for forests we show that it remains necessary to supplement these quantity governance systems with certain easily graspable and thus controllable regulatory and subsidy regulations such as a regulatory protection of old-growth forests with almost no exceptions; extension of the livestock-to-land-ratio established in organic farming to all farming; far-reaching restriction of bioenergy use to certain residues flanked by import bans; and a national and international complete conversion of all agricultural and forest subsidies to “public money for publicservices” to promote nature conservation and afforestation in addition to the quantity control systems.

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.  

This book describes initiatives and concrete examples on sustainable food production worldwide. In the current world scenario, where nations all over the world are struggling to accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to ensure sustainable patterns for all, this book provides a contribution towards a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the cross-cutting issues related to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. This interdisciplinary book supports the efforts to engage a commitment from all fields of science, to work together to provide knowledge that could help to address SDG2 (No hunger) and lead to the promotion of quality of life, by means of a more sustainable food production, and improved food security. 

This edited volume analyzes cases of higher education programs engaging with sustainable development. Offering cases from across the globe that focus on the role of universities in promoting societal transformations and building sustainable futures, the volume specifically discusses how higher education institutions can educate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As critical spaces for research, development, and innovation, higher education institutions are fundamental change agents for societal transformations. Their role in disseminating sustainability through different paths is undeniable, and it is worth discussing the dimensions that surround the concept of sustainability within universities. Considering the role of policy, curriculum, practice, teaching, research, and development paths in universities, this book looks at the contributions of higher education sector to our vision of sustainable development. This publication offers readers a chance to look at different higher education institutions’ engagement with sustainable development through political, managerial, curricular and practical steps.

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 analyzes ancient cities that are facing crisis, and their coping mechanism to maintain resiliency and sustainability to remain economically viable and historically relevant. The book takes a fresh look at the underlying causes of the crises and recommends good governance and strategic planning options that the city could use to develop a robust economy using surveys and other materials, including geez (old Ethiopian language) church sources. This book illustrates the usage of the concepts of resilience and sustainability to critically assess the historical and cultural transformation of cities and the role of local government in maintaining a sustainable community.

A historic city that served as the national capital for close to 250 years, where Christians, Moslems, and Jews lived side by side for centuries, and once dubbed “Paris de l’Abyssinie” by European travelers because of its rich cultural resources, modern artifacts, and setting of new fashions, today Gondar is experiencing stagnation and decline because of changes that moved the center of political power from the city to Addis Ababa in the central part of the country. Since the last century, Gondar has been struggling to maintain its identity as the historical and cultural center of Ethiopia.

This book also gives insights on some of Gondar’s extraordinary historic issues/subjects including who were the main construction workers that built the Fasil castle, how did the Ethiopian Orthodox churches of Gondar sustain themselves for centuries, where is kurate Reesu (the 16th century painting of Christ with crown of thorns) treasured by Gondarian emperors, how did the tabot of Abune Teklehaymanot of Debre Libanos (the most influential church in Ethiopia) end up in Azezo (Gondar) and stayed there for over 260 years, and who were the main royal women that opposed the Jesuits plan of converting Ethiopia to Catholicism?

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.

This book updates the first edition for the status of knowledge in the physics of lake ice and the interactions between the ice cover and the liquid water underneath. Since the first edition was written in 2013, there has been a lot of progress in the field, in particular concerning environmental questions and the impact of climate change. Life conditions in ice-covered lakes and practical matters are now brought more into the picture so that the revision also properly serves as a handbook for applications. The author has worked widely with boreal lakes, polar lakes and Central Asian lakes that provides a wide geographical spectrum.

Chapter 1 gives a brief overview and presents the research fields. The second chapter contains the classification of ice-covered lakes and observation techniques, especially remote sensing. In Chapter 3, the structure and properties of lake ice are presented including optics and geochemistry. Ice growth and melting are treated in Chapter 4, while the following chapter focuses on ice mechanics with applications to traffic on ice and ice loads. Chapter 6 goes into the exotic environment of pro-glacial lakes. Chapter 7 contains the stratification and circulation of the water body beneath lake ice, Chapter 8 presents the winter ecology of freezing lakes and discusses the lake ice interface toward the society, and Chapter 9 summarizes the climate change impact on lake ice seasons. The book ends into a brief closing chapter and list of references. Research problems for student learning are listed throughout the book. Annexes are included to provide numerical data of constants and standard formulae to help practical calculations and student tasks.

In response to student demands reflecting the urgency of societal and ecological problems, universities are making a burgeoning effort to infuse environmental sustainability efforts with social justice. In this edited volume, we extend calls for higher education leaders to revamp programming, pedagogy, and research that problematically reproduce dominant techno-scientific and managerial conceptualizations of sustainability. Students, staff and community partners, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, are at the forefront of calls for critical sustainabilities programming, education and collaborations. Their work centers themes of power relations, (in)equity, accessibility, and social (in)justice to study the interrelationships between humans, non-humans, and the environment. Their voices, perspectives and lived experiences are provocations for institutions to think and act more expansively. This book amplifies some of these voices and bottom up efforts toward a more critical approach to sustainability on campus. We ground our recommendations on findings from campus-wide surveys that were taken by over 8,000 undergraduates in 2016, 2019, and 2022. Furthermore, we share the design principles and lessons learned from several innovative, award-winning initiatives designed to foster critical sustainabilities at UC Santa Cruz. 

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.

This book summarizes new discoveries on fracturing in chalk. Based on studies on the Danish North Sea, this book shows how observations from outcrop analogues, core and seismic data can be used to characterize the density, distribution and geometry of natural fractures in chalk and marl. Laboratory experiments on chalk samples reveal the controls on the geomechanical properties of chalk and thus on the growth of natural fractures. Finally, various modeling techniques are employed to investigate the mechanical deformation in the chalk structures of the Danish North Sea and to predict fracture distribution and geometry in the subsurface.

An understanding of fracture density, distribution and geometry is essential for planning efficient fluid extraction or injection strategies and CO₂ sequestration. This book provides the necessary knowledge.

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.

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 offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices. The publication is needed at this time because the world is facing urgent environmental and social challenges, such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, which require a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems. The transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices offers a promising pathway to address these challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.

The purpose of the publication is to provide a holistic and practical guide for policymakers, business leaders, investors, and other stakeholders who are interested in advancing sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices. The book covers a range of topics, including the drivers of the transition, policy frameworks and regulations, technology and innovation, business models and financial instruments, and the role of stakeholders in facilitating the transition. It also emphasizes the importance of integrated approaches that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives, and provides practical examples and case studies of successful sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices from around the world.

The new contribution of this publication is its interdisciplinary and practical approach to sustainable energy, circular economy, and ESG practices. The book draws on the latest research from various fields, including economics, engineering, environmental science, and social science, and provides a synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from a diverse range of stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. The publication also provides a roadmap for how stakeholders can work together overcome the challenges of the transition and create a more sustainable and equitable future.

The book is a timely and essential guide for anyone who is interested in advancing sustainable development goals. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to sustainable energy, circular economy, and sustainable financing for ESG practices and offers practical solutions and case studies from around the world. Its interdisciplinary and practical approach makes it a valuable resource for policymakers, business leaders, investors, and other stakeholders who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

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.

This proposed book aims to present an analysis of several crisis issues induced by global climate changes and implications at the micro-level, particularly from the perspective of ground-based study. Climate crisis leads to several socio-ecological issues which need to discuss with some empirical case studies from the contextual global evidences. Climatic crisis generates several social responses which are associated with mitigating issues in addition to sustainable development goals. Under these circumstances, several loopholes interlinked with climatic crisis need to expose in the present-day context. This book argues that it is important to understand the issues from multiple dimensions. It identifies some important dimensions to discuss in the process. Themes we purpose to cover are: several field-based studies are included for which micro-level field-based data would incorporate to understand current crisis induced by climate change, thus exposing the vulnerabilities of the communities which would be incorporated in different chapters with adequate representation of qualitative methods, modelling-based geospatial approach. Therefore, some secondary data-based studies have also been included to provide a broader picture.

Additionally, this book aims to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the issues mainly from the lenses of Geography, Economics, and Sociology as well as Environmental Studies too. Given the focus of this study, it is believed that an approach that harmonizes the cognitive domain from different discipline is appropriated. A combination of chapters using qualitative as well as quantitative methods also made this book exclusive from others. We believe that this edited book surely contributes the knowledge domain with some relevant chapters’ discussion in the contemporary time and leads to reduce the gap of knowledge.

This edited book is an outcome of the selected papers presented at the International Conference on Electrical Systems & Automation, (ICESA 2023) held from 29 to 30 May 2023 at the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Al Hoceïma, Morocco. This edited book is divided into two volumes. This volume is divided into four parts, each devoted to distinct yet interconnected aspects of the subject matter. The first part presents the control of electrical machines and power converters. It covers a comparative study of different control approaches, including Proportional-Integral (PI), Fuzzy Logic, and Neural Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Boost Converters. It also presents an innovative approach for single-phase half-bridge inverters and improved direct torque control of dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors. Part 2 of the book, titled "Control Systems & Automation", thoroughly explores advanced control and automation technologies in electrical systems. These chapters collectivelyshowcase the latest developments and research across various engineering domains. Several control approaches have been discussed such as fuzzy control, sliding mode control, artificial neural networks (ANN), and machine learning. The third part highlights emerging technologies and applications in various fields such as mobile robots, industry 4.0, agriculture, and health. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including intelligent navigation for autonomous robots, self-driving car perception and pedestrian detection, machine learning for cloud and IoT-based smart agriculture, outdoor navigation systems for micro-tractors, healthcare intelligent systems for melanoma image classification, maximizing the performance of Light Emitting Diode Luminaires. The research explores innovative solutions and technologies in different domains, aiming to improve functionality in various applications. Part 4 of this book is dedicated to "Advanced Wireless Communication and Antenna Technology". This part explores cutting-edge developments and innovations in the realm of wireless communication and antenna design, with a focus on their applications and impact in various fields.

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 book includes the insights of a seminar that was held at IUAV University of Venice, on May 29th and 30th featuring 10 speakers. 8 speakers, 2 moderators, and 1 organizer from the seminar, plus 10 other authors contributed to this book. The writers’ expertise spans from local climate adaptation planning, public policy analysis, climate and environmental finance, and climate adaptation advocacy to multi-risk analysis, GIS, disaster risk management, ecosystem services assessment, urban geography, art, and civic engagement. The book contents address adaptation and flood risk mitigation along the Science-Policy-Action path - both theoretical and operative perspectives are discussed. EU climate adaptation policy and finance, climate adaptation implementation, flood risk analysis, nature-based solutions, blue ecosystem services, regional adaptation planning, and critical infrastructure adaptation are the topics investigated in depth by the writers.

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.  

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.

For small-scale fisheries around the world, the Blue Growth and Blue Economy initiatives may provide sustainable development, but only insofar as they align with the global consensus enshrined in the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication. If states do nothing to fulfill the promises they made when they endorsed these guidelines in 2014, the Blue Economy will come at a loss for small-scale fisheries and further their marginalization in the ocean economy. Under the umbrella of Blue Justice, this book demonstrates that these risks are real and must be considered as states implement their sustainable ocean development plans. These are human rights issues, which are embedded into governance principles and institutions and which make a difference for small-scale fisheries people in their daily lives. In stressing the importance of policies and institutions that build on the experiences of small-scale fisheries people in the contexts in which they operate, this book draws on case studies of small-scale fisheries from countries on all continents to clarify what Blue Justice entails for small-scale fisheries and make suggestions for real change. 

“Through the Blue Justice paradigm, this book flags the relevance of recognizing the potential impact that different factors, including the Blue Economy approach, could bring to fishing communities, their livelihoods, cultural traditions, and other potential multidimensional conflicts. Vulnerability in fishing communities can increase and inequalities can be reinforced at different levels if individuals and community capabilities are not strengthened… A first of its kind, not to be missed, this book is informative, purposeful, and pertinent in an era of change”.

Silvia Salas, CINVESTAV, Marine Resources Department, Mérida, Mexico 

"The studies reveal that Blue Justice is a ‘governability’ issue, which requires establishing ‘right’ institutions, that are transdisciplinary (integrated), participatory, and holistic. It is implicit from these writings that the SSF Guidelines and Blue Growth initiatives do not form two different discourses, and that the implementation of the former would resolve many of the justice issues caused by the latter, in favor of small-scale fisheries and their communities". 

Oscar Amarasinghe, Professor & Chancellor, Ocean University of Sri Lanka and    President, Sri Lanka Forum for Small Scale Fisheries (SLFSSF)

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.