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.
This chapter aligns with Goals 9, 11, and 13 by focusing on the use of renewable and recyclable materials, as well as adoption of methods to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Elsevier,
S.C. Onwubu, Z. Obiechefu, T.H. Mokhothu, Ajay Kumar Mishra, 17 - The environmental sustainability of biowaste in bioplastic production, Editor(s): Ajay Kumar Mishra, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, Bioplastics for Sustainability, Elsevier, 2024, Pages 407-428, ISBN 9780323951999
This chapter ties into Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities and Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate action by discussing the environmental sustainability of biowaste in bioplastic production, including a life cycle assessment of bioplastic production from biowaste and a comparison of its environmental impact to conventional plastics.
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.
