373 documents found, page 1 of 38

Green correction facilities: lessons from case studies in sustainability in pri...

Prisons are inherently resource-intensive institutions, consuming substantial amounts of energy, water, and materials. The adoption of sustainable practices within these environments offers a significant potential to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and conserve natural resources—thereby contributing to broader environmental goals. Initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy integrat...

Social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy technologies

The escalating impacts of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels necessitate a global transition to renewable energy technologies (RETs). This chapter explores the social, economic, and environmental impacts of RETs, aiming to assess their role in achieving sustainable energy goals. The primary objectives include evaluating how RETs influence job creation, air quality, public health, and gross domesti...

The 15-minute city in Porto, Portugal: accessibility for the elderly

The concept of the 15-Minute City aims to enhance urban accessibility by ensuring that essential services are within a short walking distance. This study evaluates the accessibility of Porto, Portugal, particularly for the elderly, by assessing urban density, permeability, and walkability, with a specific focus on crossings and ramps. A five-step methodology was employed, including spatial analysis using QGIS a...

Dinner is served: how climate change interferes with olive oil production

The Mediterranean region accounts for nearly 95% of global olive oil production. However, climate change - manifesting in intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and increased pest prevalence - is undermining both the quantity and quality of yields. These disruptions threaten the livelihoods of rural producers and destabilize international markets. This article examines the complexities facing growers and ou...

Trajectories of circular economy in cities: key patterns and emerging pathways

Urbanisation and escalating resource pressures have intensified the need for systemic approaches to sustainable development, positioning the circular economy (CE) as a critical framework for cities. This study reviews academic literature to examine current trends, challenges, and forward-looking strategies for CE implementation in urban contexts. Using a search process aligned with the PRISMA protocol, 668 peer...

Sustainable generative AI and quantum computing: review assessment on the envir...

The rapid advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Quantum Computing (QC) presents transformative opportunities, yet their high computational requirements raise concerns about their environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review examines the ecological footprint of both technologies, focusing on key metrics like energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. Findings...

Global excellence in sustainability: Europe

Editorial: Global excellence in sustainability – Europe

Editorial on the Research Topic Global Excellence in Sustainability: Europe.

How cities are striving to cope with ever-increasing temperatures

Purpose: This study looks at the growing trend of higher temperatures in cities during the summer months. This rise in temperature leads to various environmental and health issues. This research aims to identify the major risks posed by extreme heat, especially for vulnerable communities. It also evaluates how well the current measures in different cities around the world address this increasing problem. Design...

Understanding climate change and net zero landscape

This chapter elaborates on the global climate change situation and outlines strategies for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The study is set against the backdrop of rising global energy consumption, which increased from 270.5 EJ (Exajoules) in 1978 to 580 EJ in 2018, resulting in a 87% increase in CO₂ emissions, from 18.0 to 33.7 billion tonnes over the same period. The primary objectives are to ass...