A study by Snoussi et al., 2024 proposes a methodology for evaluating excavated material's environmental, geotechnical, and agronomical properties to determine its ecological reuse potential, particularly for constructing soil in urban green infrastructure. Through the SWOFI framework (Safety, Workability, Fertility, Infiltrability), the authors characterised a non-cohesive sedimentary parent rock with a sandy loam texture from Bou Argoub in Tunisia. The method successfully assessed the material’s pollution hazard, compaction sensitivity, and fertility showcasing a novel integrated approach for sustainable soil construction in urban landscapes.
Soil systems play a key role in the fight against climate change. A paper, produced by Rubio et al., 2024, highlights the importance of soil management and land conservation for sustainable use of resources. It calls for a comprehensive vision recognizing soil's socio-economic benefits and ecological functions, urging for radical environmental, social, and economic shifts to address climate change responsibly for present and future generations, in alignment with initiatives like the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Areas prone to drought and land degradation need effective water management plans to secure food production. Methods such as hydrological modelling and digital soil mapping can aid in evaluating water availability (water content and water stress). A study by Horta et al., 2023 examined the use of a global and local soil hydraulic properties (SHP) dataset to simulate soil-water balance at a regional scale in Portugal and found that the SHP dataset is a key factor to consider. The results showed that the choice between global and local SHP datasets significantly impacts the accuracy of soil-water balance simulations, influencing irrigation schedules and potentially jeopardizing crop production and soil quality, particularly in Mediterranean conditions.
The objective of the meta-analysis is to identify impacts on various sectors, adaptation strategies, and the challenges of climate change in the Ethiopian context.
This multi-city, multi-country One Earth Research Article shows that Paris Agreement-aligned climate action (SDG 13) is needed to avoid increasing ozone-related* deaths (SDG 3) because greener energy production is also cleaner pollution-wise. These actions will help make cities and communities more sustainable (SDG 11).
*Some greenhouse gases, and many co-emitted pollutants from fossil-fuel burning, contribute to ozone production near ground level where it is a harmful pollutant.
It is largely understood that climate mitigation (SDG 13) requires phasing out fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources which produce electricity (SDG 7). Is it better to directly electrify by e.g., developing electric cars, stoves, and freight, or to indirectly electrify by using renewable electricity to produce alternative fuels like hydrogen to power cars, stoves, etc.? This One Earth Research Article shows via modeling that for the EU an hybrid approach is optimal, with cars and stoves being electrified but shipping and chemical industry transitioned to synthetic fuels.
The United Nations urges governments to promote sustainable, healthy diets to combat undernutrition, obesity, and climate change. This paper examines policy insights from high-income countries (HICs) and their applicability to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Alternative proteins (AP) should be affordable, locally sustainable, and culturally acceptable. Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) should guide AP product development, ensuring they complement traditional proteins. Harmonizing multisectoral policies is crucial for LMICs to achieve a protein transition and food systems transformation by 2050.
This study underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse worldviews, knowledge systems, and values in addressing global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change. By providing a framework that emphasizes understanding onto-epistemological assumptions and power dynamics, the research offers principles to guide more inclusive and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives, aligning with the goals of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples to promote cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts.
The integration of comprehensive digital twins in laboratory environments heralds a paradigm shift, enabling a level of automation and data management previously unattainable. This integration promises to enhance the efficiency and scope of self-driving laboratories and pave the way for creating a general “artificial intelligence (AI) scientist” with universal capabilities.
Contemporary global agrifood production systems are striving to feed a growing population of over 8 billion people. The growing population and fast economic growth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are leading to shifts in dietary preferences. Climate change and other challenges also add pressure to the global food system. In this persepctive alternative protein (AP) foods are proposed to support a global protein transition. Whereas AP food innovation has been a strategy to promote consumption of protein sources with low environmental impact in high-income countries (HICs) diets, their relation to sustainable, high-quality diets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains to be established
