Sustainability Indicators Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

2025, Scientific Reports

In 2015, the United Nations established the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, addressing the major challenges the world faces and introducing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). How are countries performing in their challenge toward sustainable development? We address this question by treating countries and Goals as a complex bipartite network. While network science has been used to unveil the interconnections among the Goals, it has been poorly exploited to rank countries for their achievements. In this work, we show that the network representation of the countries-SDGs relations as a bipartite system allows one to recover aggregate scores of countries’ capacity to cope with SDGs as the solutions of a network’s centrality exercise. While the Goals are all equally important by definition, interesting differences self-emerge when non-standard centrality metrics, borrowed from economic complexity, are adopted. Innovation and Climate Action stand as contrasting Goals to...

2025

Sustainability is vital in planning cities and urban areas but has received less attention in development of neighbourhoods. This paper assesses the sustainability of high, medium and low-density neighbourhoods in Nairobi City, Kenya. This paper is among the first to assess sustainability level of neighbourhoods in Kenya. Primary data was obtained from 267 questionnaires and checklists, while secondary data was obtained
from Registry Index Maps, multispectral images, and population census. Raw data with different units were normalised into a common and comparable scale followed by equal weighting to determine sustainability index. The findings show that medium density neighbourhood emerged as the most sustainable, while low-density is the least. Considering the three sustainability criteria, medium-density is rated high in environmental and social sustainability, high-density is rated high in economic
sustainability, while low-density is rated low in all the three criteria. The findings indicate distinctive sustainability strengths and challenges in each neighbourhood density across the assessment criteria and indicators, which calls for striking a delicate balance between them. Therefore, assessing sustainability of neighbourhoods help in guiding planners and policymakers in decision making on which sustainability criteria and indicators can be enhanced, which ultimately contributes to city sustainability.

2025

El diseño de estrategias de gestión tendientes a la planificación ambiental del territorio rural resulta fundamental para pasar del plano conceptual al plano aplicado y comenzar a superar las externalidades negativas identificadas en diagnósticos ambientales previos. Por consiguiente, se estableció como objetivo definir estrategias de gestión para la planificación ambiental rural de las unidades ambientales que contribuyan al sostenimiento de las funciones y servicios de los ecosistemas del partido de Tandil y a la sustentabilidad agroecológica de la región Pampeana Austral. Lograr una visión sistémica y dialéctica de la realidad que evite reduccionismos requiere la integración de aspectos o componentes que parten de marcos conceptuales distintos. Por ello, la propuesta de estrategias para la planificación ambiental rural se construyó a partir de dos ejes principales: (i) un componente técnico y (ii) un componente sociocultural-administrativo. Se evidenció la ausencia de planificación y de la existencia de un organismo capaz de nuclear e integrar las necesidades de productores de diferentes escalas y modalidades de producción que articulen la fragmentación propia del sector agrícola en la región. Este punto deja en claro que para el logro de una transición productiva hacia formas más sustentables de producción también es necesaria una transición en el diálogo entre actores y la integración de sus demandas e intereses.

2025

determinar si los cambios en la superficie sembrada total (SST) fortalecieron la equitatividad o profundizaron la inequitatividad. Se sistematizaron y analizaron datos sobre la superficie sembrada con los principales cultivos agrícolas y se aplicó un índice de equitatividad. La PA manifestó un crecimiento de la SST entre 1995/96 y 2020/21, acompañado por un aumento de la equitatividad, demostrando una disminución en la brecha entre el cultivo principal y los restantes; observándose la misma tendencia en la mayoría de los partidos. Estos resultados exhibieron un incremento en la diversidad cultivada del área y conforman una primera aproximación para su análisis.

2025, Ecosystem services

Recreational ecosystem services (RES), understood as the numerous benefits people obtain from landscapes and the natural environment, are a topical area of policy, research and society. This Editorial introduces the current state of RES research, provides an overview of the 21 contributions comprising this Special Issue of Ecosystem Services, and outlines opportunities for further research. This issue's publications employ diverse methods for assessing and valuing RES at different scales in Europe and beyond. The papers present advancements in mapping and valuation, provide evidence for the contributions of biodiversity and landscapes to the generation of RES and human well-being, and shed light on distributional effects across different beneficiaries. Taken together, contributions emphasize that RES may be a prime vehicle for reconnecting people with nature with positive effects on societal well-being. The diversity of approaches currently applied in RES research reflects much creativity and new insights, for example by harnessing georeferenced social media data. Future research should aim towards harmonizing datasets and methods to enhance comparability without compromising the need for context-specific adaptations. Finally, more research is needed on options for integrating RES information in decision making, planning and management in order to enhance actual uptake in public and private decisions.

2025

Indicators are used in all steps of the policy cycle: to assess existing policies or to develop new strategies. They mark where a society stands, where it wants to go and how remote is it from where it wants to arrive. Indicators (and... more

2025, Revista Iberoamericana Ambiente y Sustentabilidad

Las universidades tienen un papel importante en la generación y transmisión de conocimientos para avanzar hacia la sustentabilidad; esta investigación abordó las contribuciones universitarias en el rubro “residuos” a partir de los rankings universitarios. El objetivo fue comparar estrategias y retos en materia de residuos mediante el análisis de dos rankings de alto reconocimiento. Para este fin, se llevó a cabo un diseño transversal descriptivo en tres fases. Se eligieron a los rankings Universitas Indonesia GreenMetric y Times Higher Education-Impact Rankings y se estudiaron las 40 universidades mejor evaluadas en el manejo de residuos en 2022. Los resultados revelaron que las universidades establecidas en países con un Índice de Desarrollo Humano alto tienen una mejor gestión de sus residuos, 80% se ubicaron en Europa y 20% en América. Una tendencia similar se encontró en México, donde en el norte y centro tienen mejores condiciones de desarrollo y manejo. Se identificaron y compararon campañas de minimización, categorías de separación, acopio, disposición, investigación y publicaciones sobre el tema. Se concluyó que es necesario impulsar en México emprendimientos que diseñen, apliquen y gestionen procesos de transformación de los residuos para lograr su máximo aprovechamiento y la reducción en la disposición final.

2025, Journal IJETRM

Consumers today are increasingly aware of their consumption habits and their impact on social and environmental development, as a result of having access to a wealth of information about a product's quality and benefits in this current age of digitization. Over several decades, the idea of environmental sustainability carved out a business niche and attracted customers who were pro-environment. But there are still a lot of hidden factors that prevent consumers from changing their purchasing habits to favour eco-friendly goods. The goal of this review is to examine consumer attitudes and behaviours related to splurging on green and eco-friendly products and to assess whether consumption levels are sufficient. How social media assist consumers in overcoming hurdles to product identification, sustainability in consumption, and social media's obligation to gauge the moral standards and norms of the organic and eco-industry, their strategies, and branding techniques.

2025, EditorsTechnological Imagination in the Green and Digital Transition

The Urban Book Series is a resource for urban studies and geography research worldwide. It provides a unique and innovative resource for the latest developments in the field, nurturing a comprehensive and encompassing publication venue for urban studies, urban geography, planning and regional development. The series publishes peer-reviewed volumes related to urbanization, sustainability, urban environments, sustainable urbanism, governance, globalization, urban and sustainable development, spatial and area studies, urban management, transport systems, urban infrastructure, urban dynamics, green cities and urban landscapes. It also invites research which documents urbanization processes and urban dynamics on a national, regional and local level, welcoming case studies, as well as comparative and applied research.

2025, Revista de Urbanismo

Estudios recientes sugieren que la satisfacción residencial posrelocalización de asentamientos informales en viviendas sociales en ciudades intermedias latinoamericanas se asocia principalmente con la percepción de seguridad, las... more

2025, Nnedu, Stanley Chinonso

This study investigates the relationship between sustainability reporting and firm performance through a comprehensive thematic review, focusing on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Data was collected through a rigorous search of relevant academic literature published between 2018 and 2024. Employing content analysis, the study synthesizes empirical findings across various sectors and regions. The analysis reveals that sustainability reporting can enhance financial performance by improving transparency, stakeholder trust, and operational efficiency. However, its impact is highly context-dependent. Economic reporting fosters investor confidence and reduces financing costs but may signal inefficiencies in emerging markets. Social reporting strengthens brand loyalty and stakeholder engagement but involves high implementation costs that could strain short-term financial outcomes. Environmental reporting is particularly effective in resource-intensive sectors, enhancing regulatory compliance and investor trust. The conclusions emphasize the need for tailored reporting strategies aligned with sectoral, regional, and stakeholder dynamics to maximize benefits and mitigate risks. Recommendations include integrating sustainability practices into core business strategies to drive long-term value creation and adopting sector-specific approaches to balance profitability with societal expectations. Future research should explore moderating variables such as governance quality, industry sensitivity, and stakeholder pressure to deepen understanding of how sustainability reporting influences financial outcomes. This study advances knowledge on sustainability reporting as a strategic tool for corporate success and offers actionable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers.

2025, Business Strategy and the Environment

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores can act as an indicator for sustainability performance of organizations. This paper explores an empirical evidence for the relationship binding ESG scores and sustainability performances... more

2025

A quattordici anni dalla risoluzione ONU 65/309, "Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development", il modello di GNH (Gross National Happiness, Felicità Interna Lorda) del Bhutan emerge con rinnovata forza come proposta alternativa ai paradigmi dominanti dello sviluppo economico. Nato nel 1972 per volontà del quarto re Jigme Singye Wangchuck e radicato nella filosofia del Buddhismo Vajrayāna, il concetto di FIL propone una visione olistica del benessere che trascende la mera crescita del PIL. Questo saggio esamina i fondamenti culturali, spirituali e neuropsicologici della FIL, analizzando il suo indice multidimensionale-ispirato al metodo Alkire-Foster-e ne esplora l'applicabilità oltre i confini himalayani, in particolare nel contesto italiano. Attraverso un confronto critico con il World Happiness Report e i suoi limiti epistemologici, viene sottolineata l'unicità della definizione bhutanese di felicità (gewa), intesa come equilibrio eudemonico tra dimensioni materiali, relazionali, ambientali e spirituali. Si evidenziano i legami tra la meditazione buddhista, le neuroscienze della felicità e le implicazioni psicopolitiche del benessere soggettivo. Infine, il saggio discute le potenzialità di una localizzazione del metodo FIL in Italia, suggerendo come l'adozione di indicatori multidimensionali possa rendere visibili forme di sofferenza invisibile e orientare politiche pubbliche più empatiche, inclusive e sostenibili. Il Bhutan, dunque, non come modello da imitare, ma come specchio critico: una lente attraverso cui ripensare il significato stesso di progresso e felicità nel XXI secolo.

2025, Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Weeds are unwanted plant species growing in ordinary environment. In nature there are a total of 8000 weed species out of which 250 are important for agriculture world. The present study was carried out on weed species composition and distribution pattern with special reference to edaphic factor and farming practices in maize crop of District Mardan during the months of August and September, 2014. Quadrates methods were used to assess weed species distribution in relation to edaphic factor and farming practices. Phytosociological attributes such as frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density and Importance Values were measured by placing 9 quadrates (1 Â 1 m 2 ) randomly in each field. Initial results showed that the study area has 29 diverse weed species belonging to 27 genera and 15 families distributed in 585 quadrats. Presence and absence data sheet of 29 weed species and 65 fields were analyzed through PC-ORD version 5. Cluster and Two Way Cluster Analyses initiated four different weed communities with significant indicator species and with respect to underlying environmental variables using data attribute plots. Canonical Correspondence Analyses (CCA) of CANOCO software version 4.5 was used to assess the environmental gradients of weed species. It is concluded that among all the edaphic factors the strongest variables were higher concentration of potassium, organic matter and sandy nature of soil. CCA

2025, Estrategia Organizacional, 14 (1)

Introducción. El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar la viabilidad técnica y organizacional para el montaje de una fábrica de jeans en Riohacha, Colombia. Se parte de la necesidad de aprovechar oportunidades locales de mercado en el... more

2025, Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing

Corporate governance and social sustainability are conceptualized in western countries and their practices have developed over the globe. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores can measure the sustainability performances of firms and the social measures of sustainability are at present gaining greater importance. Hence to recuperate the level of corporate governance, this study links the same to performance in social sustainability. The study consider about 1820 firms, globally that are listed in the Thomson Reuters' ESG scores and observe the relations among social sustainability, corporate governance, and overall sustainability performances. Through this research; we empirically deliberate the relationship between social sustainability and corporate governance, which in return can influence the overall ESG score of an organization. Through partial least square (PLS) analysis, positive and significant relations of social sustainability over corporate governance and in turn over the overall sustainability performance of firms were observed. The insights from the study also indicate how efficiently the organizations are dealing with their corporate governance. These empirical findings can provide support to the theories explaining the rationale for the impact of social sustainability on corporate governance. Highlights • Empirically deliberate the link between social factors, corporate governance, and sustainability. • Conducted study of 1820 firms, globally that are listed in the Thomson Reuters' ESG scores. • Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis and standard bootstrapping are used to observe the results. • Findings can support the theories explaining the impact of social sustainability on corporate governance. • Managers can understand the binding relations among social sustainability, governance performances and the overall sustainability performances.

2025, Social Indicators Research

Considering the three dimensions of sustainability, viz. economic, environmental, and social, the social dimensions of sustainability are getting lesser attention by firms and the same can be evinced from the sustainability ratings of firms, particularly in developing economies. Social sustainability is measured over several dimensions, where Thomson Reuters uses an integrated framework using four major indicators: the shareholders score, the community score, the product responsibility score, and the human rights score to measure and evaluate the social sustainability performances of firms. These four indicators are measured based on a number of company level indicators, as observed from the reported information of firms. We consider for this study, the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings of 10 Indian firms that are constantly evaluated for their social sustainability performances, for the past nine years in the reports of Thomson Reuters. We have formulated a periodic prediction model for the social sustainability performances of firms based on a basic grey prediction model (GM (1, 1)) and a moving probability Markov based error prediction model. It is observed from the results of the case evaluation that Indian firms have to mend or amend their strategies to improving their focus on social sustainability. Although, some of the firms show trivial increasing performance trends for these indicators, many of them follow declining trends. Focusing on the theory of Utilitarianism, we conclude that any improvements in socially responsible activities of firms can result in social good; along with the gain of sustainable competitive advantages for them.

2025, Socio-Economic Planning Sciences

Corporate Social Performances (CSP) has a determining role in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores of firms. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy scores in the ESG ratings can provide a measure of the CSP concerts of firms. We observe in this research, the mean differences in the CSR strategy scores and the ESG scores of firms in select developed economies such as; US, UK, Japan, and Australia, representing different geographical regions globally. Thomson Reuters ESG scores based on ten major parameters and over 400 company level indicators are used to empirically evidence the study. The initial data of average performances on ESG indicators of 939 firms considered for a period of five years from 2014 to 2018 is analyzed. The results imply that the mean differences in the CSR strategy scores are not significant, considering the developed economies, deliberated in the study. Along with that, we observe a significant mean difference in the ESG scores of Australian firms considered for the study, in comparison with the firms from other developed economies. And the study confirm that the CSR strategy scores are significant predictors of ESG performance scores of firms in the developed economies considered for study.

2025, Environmental Development

Environmental sustainability performance predictions can help firms to set benchmarks for improvement and comparison. Although several works in literature have attempted in measuring environmental sustainability performances, predicting the same remains an area less explored. This is certainly due to the requirement of large datasets for constructing efficacious time-series prediction models. We attempt in this direction to forecast the environmental sustainability performances of firms based on the three indicators of performance provided by Thomson Reuters, the Resource use score, the Emissions score, and the Environmental innovation score. We propose a prediction model, which is best suited for prediction, when the available datasets are small. A trigonometric grey prediction model is employed, where the GM (1, 1) model for prediction is used initially, and later on, an error prediction model is built, based on a trigonometric residual prediction model. The model has been applied for real data of ten Indian firms to predict their future environmental sustainability performances. From the results, we observe an increasing consideration for environmental sustainability by the majority of Indian firms for the predicted year. The results of the study agree with the remarks reported in existing literatures. Hence, managers of firms are recommended to use the proposed prediction model for forecasting and improving their environmental sustainability performances for the future.

2025, IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems

Social dimensions of sustainability are far less discussed in the spectrum of sustainability. As suppliers are able to influence decisions across a supply network, we argue that the considerations for the social aspects of sustainability should begin from the process of supplier selection. Integrating social sustainability into the supplier selection process can ensure that firms can focus on the wider aspects of sustainability. We use a sustainability framework for social sustainability to identify the social sustainability factors for supplier selection. Based on this and the related literature, we identify and classify the factors into six categories of human rights and equity, health and safety, wages and benefits, education and training, child and bonded labor, and, finally, philanthropy and ethics. Furthermore, we propose a two-layered grey stratified decision-making (GSDM) model for identifying the best suppliers, by considering the attributes of social sustainability, along with the primary performance attributes of supplier selection, subject to a set of diverse objectives. A case evaluation and implementation of the proposed methodology has been conducted in the context of an electronics manufacturing industry in India. Here, we address the specific problem of social sustainability-based supplier selection, and the methodology is novel, as it can address the problems with compensatory aggregation in multicriteria decision-making situations. This research helps in increasing the awareness among firms regarding social sustainability and the related factors, and their prominence for a supplier selection problem, focusing on the sustainability theory extended to firms. Considering the practical implications of the study, managers and practitioners can ascertain the importance of social sustainability and the related factors in any strategic decision-making situation, including supplier selection.

2025

Models showing the anthropogenic and natural flows of two sustainability indicators; carbon based GHG and energy (as work energy) have been made for the Swedish region Jamtland. The methodology use ...

2025, Ecological Indicators

This study presents a regional model showing the balance of carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in the Swedish county Jämtland, applying a Global Warming Potential 20-year time horizon (GWP20) to meet the Paris agreement horizon and regional policy goals. The results clearly show the necessity to take both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic emissions into consideration in analyses to be able to make proper priorities in future action strategies. The total annual impact from Jämtland calculated as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO 2eq ) is an uptake of 2.4 Mton (19 ton per capita). Jämtland shows large annual uptakes in forests (12.7 Mton CO 2 ), but also large emissions of methane (80 kton corresponding to 6.7 Mton CO 2eq ), mainly from lakes, mires and ruminants. Anthropogenic carbon Greenhous gas emissions are dominated by transportation, working machines and consumption (mainly imported indirect emissions). As a complement to GWP also the Absolute Global Temperature Change Potential (AGTP) as degree K response, is presented per sector and total for Jämtland County, for yearly emissions (as a pulse) and continuous emissions over 200 years. A yearly pulse from Jämtland gives a temperature response of about 0 K after 10 years and about -4 μK (cooling effect) after about 50 years). Using both GWP and AGTP as indicators improves the possibilities to find ways how to optimize regional climate policies to reduce global warming until a specific year. Strategies and action plans should be developed focusing on the following: -Reduced regional transportation and consumption activity. -Increased (prioritized) use of renewable fuels for working machines in forestry and agriculture, as well as for heavy trucks. -Evaluate the potential to reduce emissions of methane from wetlands and mires. -Increase/optimize carbon dioxide assimilation in forests.

2025, Ecological Indicators

An analysis of energy and material flows has been elaborated for the Swedish region Jämtland with the aim of monitoring and comparing regional sustainability by following the work energy flow method developed in a study of the Danish island of Samsø . In the region of Jämtland about 46,000 TJ of energy flows into society, of which 88% is renewable. From this an amount corresponding to 30,800 TJ is exported as electricity from the region, while another 410 TJ is exported as waste to be incinerated. The remaining part, about 15,200 TJ (63% renewable), drives Jämtland. From an energy flow perspective, the most important production from the region, apart from electricity production, is biomass from the forest: 49,000 TJ estimated as energy content in the biomass harvested. Another 55,000 TJ is added to the standing biomass every year as forest growth (only productive forest land area has been calculated). Some suggested indices of sustainability have been calculated and Jämtland shows high values. However, it will be a challenge to transform the quite large transport sector of Jämtland, and therefore the potential to become fully sustainable (ref to indexes used for the Samsø study) might not be quite as high. In order to reduce the use of non-renewable energy, a major conversion of the transport fleet is needed, and this should be given high priority. The private sector is the largest single user of non-renewable energy (2,200 TJ). One successful transition is the Swedish diesel mix with 19% FAME/HVO derived from vegetable or animal sources and regarded as renewable. The consumption of FAME/HVO is predicted to increase significantly, increasing the importance of the forest as a source. A sustainability analysis based at work energy flows shows for both Samsø and Jämtland that large natural resources producing a high work energy output combined with low work energy use due to low population density, gives high sustainability indicators. This indicates that regions with high population density and the absence of natural resources (high import), as in most regions in the world, will show low sustainability indicators.

2025

The Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest is an area of exceptional biodiversity, but is severely threatened, and has been reduced to 7% of its original 1.2 million acre expanse. The principal causes of its destruction have been its exploitation for industrial development and agriculture, especially coffee cultivation. Despite government regulation authorizing its
protection, the forest continues to be degraded and deforested due to a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty whereby small farmers are forced to cut forest edges to sustain their livelihoods as their existing land becomes impoverished. Through the case study of Rosário da Limeira, a small municipality in the south-east of the state of Minas Gerais, the issues of land use and land degradation are highlighted. The research shows peasant farmers are isolated from markets and technical assistance to produce crops other than coffee. In order to halt continued deforestation, communities must either be given alternative methods of sustainable land management, which will provide them with sustainable livelihoods, or their current use of land must be made more sustainable. The study focuses on income diversification. The role of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture and soil conservation is explored. The study concludes that it is imperative to improve cooperation between stakeholders, increase investment in infrastructure and create alternative markets. A coordinated approach that involves the participation of farmers, NGOs, and various levels of government, is essential.

2025, Springer Singapore

The blue and green are the colors that color the economy. The blue economy has its origins in the green economy concept. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines the green economy as one 'that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities'. Green economy strategies focus on the sectors of energy, transport, agriculture, forestry, and general ecology. While the blue economy focuses on marine, coastal, and other water bodies resources. Both integrate strategies to concern climate moderation and adaptation. In today's economy, the growth index is no ordinary index rather it is the Green Growth Index which is a composite index that measures global, regional, and country performance in four dimensions of green growth-efficient and sustainable resource use, natural capital protection, green economic opportunities, and social inclusion. The purpose of the article is to analyze and depict the concepts of green and blue economy as a new paradigm of economy, targeting to consumption of limited natural resources most rationally. The allencompassing goal of this type of economic activity is to ensure socioeconomic development, and not only monetary growth. The method utilized in the article is based on a relative analysis of various sources dedicated to this topic, such as research-based books, reports, and policies of international organizations and institutions. The arrangement of the outcomes of conducting research is based on the expressive and phenomenological methods.

2025

Financial ratio: “OTVC – Overtime Value Creation ratio”, to measure enterprise sustainable value creation in the short term, and medium/long term, by comparing multiperiod solvency ratios.

2025

Població 1.602.386 habitants 47.3% homes 52,7% dones Densitat: 157 h./ha 7.874.941 turistes 17.091.852 pernoctacions de turistes Usos del sòl (% superfície municipi) Residència: 25,2% Equipaments: 10,2% Parcs urbans: 12,1% Indústria i infraestructures: 13,5% Xarxa viària: 22,6% Parcs forestals: 15,9% 4.395 m de platges Clima 16,3ºC mitjana anual 31,7ºC màxima extrema 0,6ºC mínima extrema

2025

1. The Executive Secretary circulates herewith, for the information of participants in the twentyfourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, an information document synthesizing scientific evidence relevant to the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The document has been prepared by a group of experts convened by the Earth Commission in collaboration with Future Earth and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Group met in Davos, Switzerland, from 28 February to 2 March 2020, on the margins of the World Biodiversity Forum.

2025, Science

Multiple, coordinated goals and holistic actions are critical

2025

The Atlantic forest of Brazil, known in Portuguese as Mata Atlântica, is an area of exceptional biodiversity, but is severely threatened, and has been reduced to only 7.5% of its original extent. The principal causes of its destruction have been its exploitation for industrial development and agriculture, especially coffee cultivation. Although the Brazilian environmental protection law gives special recognition to the Mata Atlântica, it has been unable to prevent its continuing deforestation. Concerned by the continuing destruction of the forest and land degradation, the Iracambi Research and Conservation Center seeks answers to the questions of land degradation and deforestation, and to feed the research results back into practical application. Our main focus is on: community engagement, forest restoration, land use management and planning, and the development of alternative products from forestland that can generate income and provide an incentive for forest conservation. The paper describes Iracambi´s work to date in identifying monitoring indicators, establishing a baseline and incorporating the data into a Geographic Information System (GIS)-the first in our area. We have conducted basic fauna inventories on species that are of especial importance in plant pollination, a study of plant communities and sociological studies on the community itself and how land degradation affects it. We are researching forest restoration through the establishment of forest corridors and we have an ongoing program of environmental education and field days for farmers. Since all our work is directed towards the ultimate benefit of the community in which we live, the long term aim of any research project must, to meet our criteria, give results that can be of use to the community. A program for the monitoring of the health of the Atlantic forest is of great interest to scientists at large, but for us it is not enough that it produce data that can only be understood by scientists: it must also have practical applications. We therefore require that the monitoring program be (1) participative, (2) educational and (3) give results of real use to local farmers.

2025, SPAST

Greenwashing, the deceptive practice of presenting an organization's operations as more environmentally friendly than they are, has significant implications for consumer trust and community engagement. While businesses increasingly adopt sustainability narratives, the prevalence of misleading claims undermines public confidence in environmental initiatives, leading to reduced participation in sustainability efforts. This study explores the impact of greenwashing on community engagement in environmental issues, examining the mediating role of public trust and the moderating effect of environmental awareness. A review of existing literature highlights the adverse effects of greenwashing on consumer perception, the importance of trust in fostering environmental activism, and strategies to mitigate misinformation. By analysing recent empirical studies, this research contributes to the discourse on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and consumer education to combat deceptive environmental claims.

2025, BMC Plant Biology

Background Subtropical forest plant diversity, characterized by a wide range of species adapted to seasonal variations, is vital for sustaining ecological balance, supporting diverse wildlife, and providing critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and soil stabilization. The Changa Manga Forest, an ecologically rich area with varied vegetation, was analyzed to understand the intricate relationship between plant diversity and environmental factors. This study investigates the diversity patterns, vegetation structure, and environmental influences on forest biodiversity. Methods A comprehensive survey was conducted across 127 stands within the Changa Manga Forest to document plant species and classify vegetation communities. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, while multivariate statistical methods, including hierarchical clustering and ordination, were applied to examine the relationships between vegetation structure and environmental factors. Diversity indices and beta diversity components were calculated to assess variations across plant communities. Results The species were classified into six distinct vegetation communities: Neltuma-Ziziphus-Malvestrum (NZM), Broussonetia-Lantana-Morus (BLM), Dalbergia-Lantana-Solanum (DLS), Morus-Abutilon-Ricinus (MAR), Eucalyptus-Vachellia-Sorghum (EVS), and Bombax-Leucaena-Croton (BLC). Analyses using hierarchical clustering and ordination methods revealed significant differences in species composition among these communities, with NZM and DLS exhibiting the highest dissimilarity. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that environmental factors such as soil pH, available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter percentage (OM%) are crucial in shaping plant distribution, though the total explained variation remained relatively low. Diversity indices varied significantly among communities, with the NZM community showing the highest Shannon and Simpson diversity, while EVS exhibited the lowest. The beta diversity analysis revealed a high species turnover between certain communities, indicating complex ecological interactions. Our results indicate significant variability in plant community composition and diversity patterns, influenced by edaphic factors and environmental gradients. We anticipate that future environmental changes, such as shifts in soil properties, precipitation patterns, and increased human activity, may

2025, Divulgatio

Fuego que, en las últimas décadas, ha manifestado fuertes y sostenidos crecimientos poblacionales producto de transformaciones sociales y productivas. Estos han impactado en el ambiente, la salud humana y animal. El objetivo para confeccionar el sistema se encuentra vinculado a generar, gestionar y analizar la información estadística sobre Salud Pública de la ciudad de Ushuaia que interviene en la sostenibilidad y desarrollo humano: la calidad del agua, la persistencia de zoonosis y mordeduras. Se utilizó un desarrollo metodológico en dos niveles, por un lado, el análisis de la información estadística disponible por medio de entrevistas a informantes clave y una grilla de evaluación, y por el otro, el cálculo y consolidación en fichas metodológicas reflejando la meta información de los indicadores seleccionados. En este sentido, se requirió un proceso de articulación o triangulación metodológica, combinando la implementación de técnicas cualitativas y cuantitativas que permitieron validar las conclusiones acerca del análisis y la evaluación de la información estadística. Producto del estudio se generó un sistema con 32 indicadores, clasificados en 4 categorías, que surgieron del análisis inicial de 7 indicadores propuestos por la ONU y los

2025, Sustainability

Weak sustainability (WS) requires that the inclusive wealth (IW) of a place (e.g., the world, a nation, or a sub-national region) be non-decreasing over a long time. The WS framework provides a more complete account of the sustainability of a place than do sustainability indicators or conventional economic measures, such as gross domestic product. However, while many decisions that affect sustainability are made at regional and local levels, the abstract theory of WS was developed without explicit recognition of the porosity of geographic boundaries and the interdependencies of regions. In this paper, we make three contributions: a carefully reasoned defense of IW per capita as the WS criterion, an improved understanding of the relationship between mobility, labor productivity, and regional economic growth, and an empirical application to US counties that demonstrates the feasibility of empirical regional WS assessment by summarizing Jones' research. This analysis, extending the framework developed by Arrow and co-authors, accounts for more region-specific factors related to population, most notably the labor productivity component of health capital, and assesses IW per capita for all 50 states and 3108 counties in the US from 2010 to 2017. These improved methods revealed substantially more states and counties that were not WS relative to results using the Arrow et al. framework. The not-WS counties exhibited a distinct rural bias, as regional scientists have suspected but, nevertheless, the majority of rural counties were WS. Our work demonstrated that regional WS assessment is feasible, produces results that are consistent with prior expectations based on reasoning and empirical research, and has the potential to provide fresh insights into longstanding questions of regional development.

2025, International Journal of Public Administration, Management and Economic Development (IJPAMED)

Sustainable innovation spurs financial performance, effectiveness, and strength. Embraced by MNEs, business sustainability mainstreaming remains a challenge due to regulation, technological limits, and differential stakeholder expectations. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing insights from over 100 executive surveys, in-depth case studies of Tesla (US), Unilever (British), BYD (China), Natura & Co. (Brazil), and Tata Group (India), and geopolitical and economic analysis to investigate the role of sustainable innovation in driving global business success. The research outlines three principal pillars to the effective integration of sustainability: stakeholder engagement, leadership, and policy support. AI-driven ESG analytics transforms sustainability reporting by improving data-driven decision-making; however, it remains constrained by algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and rating inconsistencies (e.g., ExxonMobil's varying ESG scores across MSCI, Sustainalytics, and Refinitiv). Effective regulatory oversight, third-party audits, and explainable AI governance models are necessary to ensure credibility and accountability. Regional regulatory patterns are explored using Institutional Theory, comparing the EU's mandatory CSRD with voluntary U.S.'s SEC guidelines and hybrid Asian arrangements. Using the RBV, linking resources to competitive advantage, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, which addresses adaptive innovation, the study illustrates how firms utilize sustainability to render markets more resilient. The conclusions provide practitioners with options to match sustainability with operation and financial objectives. For policymakers, they reveal methods to balance rules. This study encourages a governance-oriented approach to sustainability, seeing it as a driver to solve global environmental and social injustices and not merely an obligation to comply.

2025

This work would have not been possible without the dedication of HELIO’s African country teams, HELIO-Afrique and HELIO’s international network of energy analysts. HELIO would especially like to thank Shardul Agrawala, Rod Janssen, Axel Michaelowa and Mithra Moezzi for their insightful contributions and assistance. Climate-proofing Energy Systems is published by HELIO International Copyright 2009 Available on-line at: www.helio-international.org

2025

This thesis examines the complex bidirectional relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings and corporate financial performance. The central research question addresses whether companies with strong ESG ratings and robust sustainability practices tend to outperform their financial benchmarks over time, or conversely, whether companies that already outperform their benchmarks financially are more likely to subsequently invest in ESG initiatives and sustainability practices. Through a comprehensive analysis of empirical evidence, qualitative assessment, and quantitative data, this study finds evidence supporting both directions of causality, suggesting a potential virtuous cycle where ESG performance and financial success mutually reinforce each other. The analysis reveals that while 58% of corporate studies show a positive relationship between ESG and financial performance, the strength and direction of this relationship are moderated by factors including industry context, time horizon, and specific ESG components. The findings contribute to the academic discourse on sustainable finance by providing a nuanced understanding of the ESG-financial performance relationship and offer practical implications for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices.

2025, Balance Social

El Balance Social de AGROSAVIA 2024 constituye la octava edición de este mecanismo de evaluación de impacto, utilizado a nivel internacional por distintas entidades y con el que AGROSAVIA, de manera voluntaria, se comprometió desde el año 2017, con el fin de dar cuenta a la sociedad del impacto de la inversión en ciencia, tecnología e innovación que recibe la Corporación. Siguiendo la estructura del Balance Social de AGROSAVIA, en el primer capítulo se presenta el análisis del impacto económico, social y ambiental de una muestra de tecnologías ofrecidas por la Corporación y que se han incorporado en diferentes sistemas agropecuarios y agroindustriales. Aunque se trata de solo una pequeña parte de las tecnologías corporativas que han logrado transformar el sector productivo, la muestra recoge diferentes tipos de tecnologías que ofrece AGROSAVIA en distintos sistemas productivos y regiones del país. En 2024, la muestra estuvo conformada por 31 tecnologías que en su totalidad mantuvieron su análisis iniciado en años previos. De acuerdo con el tipo de tecnología, se distribuyen en material genético vegetal (14) y animal (1), recomendaciones de manejo de cultivos (10), protocolos para la producción agropecuaria (5) y diseños agroindustriales (1). En términos de sistemas productivos, se distribuyen en frutales (8), hortalizas y plantas aromáticas (1), cacao (4), cultivos permanentes (2), raíces y tubérculos (5), cultivos transitorios y agroindustriales (7) y ganadería y especies menores (4). Se estima que durante el año 2024 estas tecnologías se utilizaron en 461.522 hectáreas en producción o cosechadas de cultivos, en 313.444 hectáreas dedicadas a la ganadería, en 177.217 bovinos y en 781 hornillas para la producción de panela; de más de 114.000 productores agropecuarios y agroindustriales de 29 departamentos del país. Frente al impacto económico que generó su utilización, se estima un beneficio adicional para los productores de 2.126.581millonesdeloscualesel51,782.126.581 millones de los cuales el 51,78 %, es decir, 2.126.581millonesdeloscualesel51,781.101.230 millones es atribuible a agrosavia2. De este beneficio, el 65,6 % fue gracias al aumento de productividad en las actividades; el 19,2 % al incremento de valor agregado en los productos agropecuarios, que llevó a que alcanzaran un mejor precio; el 8,8 % a las ganancias en actividades agropecuarias nuevas, establecidas en áreas donde antes no eran tecnológicamente viables; y el 6,4 % a la disminución en los costos de producción.

2025, ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings.

The rise in value of commodi es at the beginning of the 21st century led to the expansion of mineral extrac on in Brazilian territories, crea ng what has come to be known as "neo-extrac vism". In other words, a development model based on exploi ng large volumes of natural resources for export without processing. The expansion of this model strengthens the control of territories by large enterprises, in addi on to accumula on by spolia on. Furthermore, its methods lead to the waste of resources such as water and energy, making other economic ac vi es unviable. Thus, with the support of governments that aim to compensate damage through income transfer policies, neo-extrac vism promotes capital accumula on while genera ng huge environmental liabili es locally and widening social inequali es. In this context, four mining companies are planning projects in sensi ve and biodiverse areas in the municipality of Serro, MG. There are concerns regarding the socio-spa al implica ons neo-extrac vism might have for Serro and its tradi onal communi es. Nestled in the Serra do Espinhaço, Serro has a unique cultural landscape where the "serranos" preserve strong es with their territories. Its mountainous terrain is home to several waterfalls and springs, like that of the Jequi nhonha River, whose basin was listed by the Cons tu on of the State of Minas Gerais (1989). This terroir defines the characteris cs of Queijo do Serro, an interna onally recognized na onal heritage. The significance of its architecture was acknowledged by the na onal lis ng of its urban complex in 1938. In addi on to these, other protected assets stand out, such as its vernacular technical-construc ve knowledge, tradi onal ways of living, agri-food, and culinary systems. Also noteworthy are the celebra ons and devo ons, as well as the ancestors' language, kept in the seven Quilombola communi es cer fied by the Palmares Cultural Founda on and others that are s ll in the process of being recognized. With an economy based on small-scale farming, just over 10% of its 21,952 inhabitants (2022) are formally employed. To an cipate what might happen in Serro, in addi on to consul ng secondary sources on this ini al process, we conducted fieldwork. Interviews with local agents and technical visits to tradi onal communi es revealed indica ons of changes in commercial expecta ons and increased pressure on rural areas. Furthermore, based on scien fic studies in the social and human fields, we conducted a compara ve analysis involving a neighboring municipality with similar characteris cs called Conceição do Mato Dentro. The results indicate a poten al fraying of social and territorial es, which are essen al for preserving the customs and intangible heritage of the serranos, poten ally impac ng the conserva on of their architectural heritage with the loss of their masters and cra smen's fundamental knowledge. In order to protect intangible assets, feasibility studies must assess the precariousness of life in tradi onal communi es resul ng from neo-extrac vism. The prevalent indicators for measuring development seem not to reflect the local reality. There is a need for recommenda ons to be incorporated into licensing processes and to safeguard human rights, preven ng damage that cannot be mi gated or compensated for.

2025

Neus ANDREU, Macià BLÁQUEZ, Sofia LÓPEZ, Llorenç MAS, Jaume MATEU, Felip MORRELL, Ivan MURRAY, Glòria TRUYOLS Departament de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de les illes Balears. Centre d'Investigació i Tecnologies Turístique de les illes Balears mblazquez@uib.es, fmorell@cittib.caib.es EL QUART BOOM? TENDÈNCIES DE CONSUM DE RECURSOS NATURALS A LES ILLES BALEARS RESUM La dialèctica entre el desenvolupament econòmic, l'especialització turística

2025

Se hace una propuesta metodológica para la estimación de la vulnerabilidad asociada a la posible ocurrencia de amenazas naturales en microcuencas, la cual se traduce en la definición de la vulnerabilidad ante cada posible amenaza. Posteriormente y con base en la combinación de una amenaza específica con los indicadores de vulnerabilidad que le son propios, se puede hacer la estimación del riesgo ante esa amenaza. Se proponen tres tipos de vulnerabilidades: social (preparación de la comunidad), económica (estructura económica de la microcuenca) y físico espacial (infraestructura). Cada una de estas vulnerabilidades se calcula con base en unos criterios y, dependiendo de la amenaza considerada, se definen unas tablas de decisión (reglas de decisión) que permiten definir la vulnerabilidad evaluada cualitativamente (alta, moderada y baja). Una vez evaluada la vulnerabilidad se puede estimar el riesgo asociado a cada amenaza usando mapas temáticos para las amenazas y vulnerabilidades específicas. Se presenta la forma de evaluar la vulnerabilidad y posteriormente el riesgo como producto de la combinación de las diferentes amenazas y sus vulnerabilidades asociadas mediante reglas lógica de decisión. Finalmente se presentan algunos de los resultados obtenidos con la aplicación de esta metodología a un caso particular en

2025

“Impact of Reporting Standards on Organizational
Performance : A Functional and Strategic Analysis Using Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs ) and Dashboards”

2025

This review examines theoretical and practical tensions between eco-humanism and eco-modernism, two frameworks for sustainable development. In eco-humanism, humans are considered close to nature and promote ethical stewardship and community-based sustainability efforts. In contrast, ecomodernism emphasises technological advancements that can solve environmental problems while sustaining economic growth. It discusses the synergies and contradictions that result from such opposite ideologies. Initiatives like renewable energy projects and precision agriculture show synergies between technological development and social equity targets. However, there are contradictions when technological solutions bypass ethical considerations, as in large-scale projects without community consultation. The review also considers how to integrate these frameworks, where priorities differ, and technological optimism might overshadow necessary behavior changes. It demonstrates how interdisciplinarity in research, inclusive education, and policymaking can close the gap between eco-humanism and eco-modernism. This paper concludes that human-centred ethics combined with technological innovation constitute a viable way forward towards sustainable development. By embracing both ideologies, future sustainability efforts can be more inclusive, just, and effective in tackling global environmental and social problems.

2025, PSN: Policy Analysis (Topic)

In order to promote the achievement of sustainable development at the global level, the signatory States of the 2030 Agenda, with Italy among them, starting from 2015, committed to define policies and strategies to guide the coordination and the cooperation of different actors and at different levels, and to encourage the application of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their targets from the global to the local level.<br><br>With the elaboration of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (SNSvS), Italy has played and is still playing a key role in the implementation process of the SDGs: by making use of monitoring, control and evaluation tools, our country is helping in tackling those systemic and enduring obstacles which prevent the realization of an economic growth compatible with both the constraints of the existing physical limits of our planet and with social equity.<br><br>With the aim of promoting knowledge, awareness and information ...

2025, Ecological Indicators

2025, QuikESG

The call for corporate accountability has never been louder. Stakeholders-investors, customers, employees, and regulators-are increasingly demanding transparency on how companies impact the environment, treat their people, and govern themselves. This has propelled ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting into the spotlight, transforming it from a niche concern to a mainstream expectation. While the underlying principles of ESG are undeniably crucial for a sustainable future, the current landscape of reporting is leaving many companies feeling overwhelmed and, frankly, exhausted.