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Spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of the fractional vegetation coverage in the Ertix River Basin LIU Yixuan, Alim SAMAT, LI Wenbo, Jilili ABUDUWAILI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100227-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100227 Abstract （124）   HTML （4）    PDF （3219KB）（19）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid acceleration of global warming and intensifying human activities have exacerbated the fragility and climate sensitivity of ecosystems worldwide, particularly in arid regions. Vegetation, a key component of ecosystems, is critical in enhancing the ecological environment. The Ertix River Basin (ERB) is a transboundary watershed that spans multiple countries, mostly in arid regions. However, research on the fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) and its driving factors in the ERB remains limited. Investigating the spatiotemporal changes in the FVC and its relationship with various factors in the ERB can offer scientific support for optimizing regional vegetation restoration policies and promoting the coordinated development of human-environment interactions. The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MYD13Q1 V6 data were obtained via the Google Earth Engine platform, and methods including the pixel dichotomy method, Theil-Sen median trend analysis, and Mann‒Kendall test were employed to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of the FVC in the ERB from 2003 to 2023, with future trend forecast using the Hurst index. The impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on the FVC were evaluated through the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that the FVC in the ERB showed a slight degradation trend with an average annual decrease of 0.046% during 2003-2023, with significant changes occurring in 2004, 2010, and 2019. Spatially, 53.380% of the study area was degraded, and the change in the FVC increased gradually from southeast to northwest. The FVC in 63.000% of the study area was highly stable and displayed long-term persistence; and the direct impact of natural factors (path coefficient of 0.617) on the FVC was significantly higher than that of socioeconomic factors (0.167). Among the natural factors, precipitation (0.999) was the most significant. This study reveals the significant impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on vegetation dynamics in arid regions, and provides a scientific basis for transnational ecological conservation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Enhancing climate-smart coastal farming system through agriculture extension and advisory services towards the avenues of farm sustainability Md Maruf BILLAH, Mohammad Mahmudur RAHMAN, Santiago MAHIMAIRAJA, Alvin LAL, Asadi SRINIVASULU, Ravi NAIDU Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100243-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100243 Abstract （124）   HTML （8）    PDF （914KB）（14）       Knowledge map    Save Agriculture extension and advisory services (AEAS) are integral to smart agricultural systems and play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable agricultural development. The study aimed to assess the role of AEAS in strengthening climate-smart coastal farming system to enhance coastal agricultural sustainability. A mixed-methods study was conducted in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh in 2023, which involved administering a structured questionnaire and conducing face-to-face interviews with 390 farmers. Perceived role index (PRI) was employed to assess the potential role of AEAS. To forecast the perceived role outcomes, the machine learning model was undertaken by utilizing suitable algorithms. Additionally, feature importance was calculated to underpin the significant factors of perceived role outcomes. The findings showed that coastal farming communities held a comprehensive understanding of the role of AEAS. Key roles included diffusion of agricultural innovations, acting as a bridge between farmers and research organizations, using demonstration techniques to educate farmers, training farmers on food storage, processing, and utilization, and promoting awareness and adoption of best practices. The machine learning model exposed a significant relationship between farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and their perception behavior. The results identified that factors like innovativeness, awareness, training exposure, access to AEAS, and access to information significantly influenced how farmers perceived the efficacy of AEAS in promoting a smart coastal farming system. However, farmers confronted multiple constraints in receiving demand-driven services and maintaining coastal farm sustainability. These insights can guide concerned authorities and policy-makers in providing AEAS for the purpose of strengthening climate-smart coastal farming system, particularly with a special focus on capacity building programs and machine learning application. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can assist the authorities of similar coastal systems throughout the world to initiate potential strategies for enhancing region-specific agricultural sustainability. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Exploring the influence of trade openness, energy consumption, natural resource rents, and human capital in achieving carbon neutrality Olani Bekele SAKILU, CHEN Haibo Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100247-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100247 Abstract （124）   HTML （2）    PDF （1037KB）（11）       Knowledge map    Save Addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and global warming requires a strong commitment to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Efficient energy use and international trade play crucial roles in promoting sustainable development and enhancing environmental quality. This study investigated the relationships of CO2 emissions with trade openness (export and import), energy consumption (renewable energy consumption and fossil fuel consumption), natural resource rents, and human capital across 20 developing countries (Brazil, Iran, Russia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, India, Peru, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and Philippines) from 1990 to 2022 using the augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) methods. The findings revealed that export, renewable energy consumption, and human capital significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while import, fossil fuel consumption, and natural resource rents increase CO2 emissions, although the effect of natural resource rents is statistically insignificant. Causality tests indicated the bidirectional relationship of CO2 emissions with export, import, renewable energy consumption, and fossil fuel consumption, and the unidirectional causality from human capital to CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions drive the greenhouse effect, thereby raising global temperature and accelerating climate change. As reducing CO2 emissions becomes an urgent global priority, this study provides actionable insights by identifying key variables that mitigate emissions and enhance sustainability. By bridging research and policy, this study offers targeted recommendations to accelerate progress toward a low-carbon future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Greenhouse gas emission dynamics and climate change mitigation efforts toward sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region Syed Masiur RAHMAN, Asif RAIHAN, Md Shafiul ALAM, Shakhawat CHOWDHURY Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100246-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100246 Abstract （103）   HTML （1）    PDF （1089KB）（72）       Knowledge map    Save Greenhouse gas (GHG) emssions from fossil fuel consumption are driving global climate change. This study applied the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) model and pairwise panel Granger causality test to explore the relationships of GHG emissions with gross domestic product (GDP), population, urbanization, natural resource rents, foreign direct investment (FDI), and renewable energy consumption in 12 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Qatar, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, and Yemen) from 1990 to 2023. Due to the limited data on renewable energy after 2020, the coverage of renewable energy consumption is from 1990 to 2021. Findings showed that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are the top 5 GHG emitters in the MENA region, with the GHG emissions of the energy sector rising fastest among all sectors. Results also indicated that a 1.00% increase in GDP, population, urbanization, natural resource rents, and FDI raises GHG emissions by 0.48%, 0.61%, 0.86%, 0.29%, and 0.11%, respectively. Conversely, a 1.00% increase in renewable energy consumption reduces GHG emissions by 0.13%. Effective policies promoting renewable energy investment and the adoption of renewable energy could significantly reduce electricity costs and GHG emissions, contributing to achieving climate goals, such as net-zero emissions and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the increase of renewable energy consumption and technology development would improve energy efficiency, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the MENA region. This study recommends tailored policy instruments to support the transition to low-emission technologies and strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Social-ecological indicators and framework for assessing the sustainability of shrimp farming in coastal Bangladesh Kazi Atiah TAIYEBI, Natalie Ann Cooper WELDEN, Md Sarwar HOSSAIN Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100260-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100260 Abstract （102）   HTML （5）    PDF （965KB）（93）       Knowledge map    Save Shrimp farming is a major global aquaculture activity; however, its social and ecological impacts raise sustainability concerns. While previous research has focused on isolated social or environmental aspects of sustainability in shrimp farming, integrated assessments of these factors using a social-ecological systems (SES) approach are rare. A framework for assessing the sustainability of shrimp farming—comprising a set of social and ecological indicators—is developed and conceptualized in this study for the first time, using an integrated, interdisciplinary, and empirical SES approach. We first identified key social and ecological indicators and developed a conceptual framework based on SES approach, then surveyed 90 shrimp farms across 3 coastal regions (including Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Cox’s Bazar districts) in Bangladesh. Nearly all farmers in Satkhira (97%) and all in Bagerhat (100%) expressed dissatisfaction with the decreasing pattern of shrimp production and profitability over the last decade. In contrast, nearly all respondents in Cox’s Bazar (97%) reported satisfaction with increasing shrimp production. Except in Cox’s Bazar, equity in labor payment remained a concern for the social sustainability of the shrimp farming system. The changing pattern of shrimp production and profitability, which does not ensure equity, poses a threat to the sustainability of shrimp farming. Most of the surveyed farmers recognized the mutual benefits of mangrove forests and shrimp farming (97% in Satkhira and 77% in Cox’s Bazar), which suggests potential for the development of policy on integrated mangrove-shrimp farming with community-based management. This research could help assess the sustainability of the shrimp farming system and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 (zero hunger) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). By examining existing practices and developing a novel framework, this study highlights informed decision-making and guides methodological discussion on assessing the sustainability of shrimp farming using the SES approach in coastal regions and different aquaculture systems worldwide. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Would resettlement be better? Understanding how poverty alleviation resettlement influences the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants in China LIU Bingsheng, YIN Yimeng, MA Li Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100228-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100228 Abstract （100）   HTML （3）    PDF （566KB）（13）       Knowledge map    Save Poverty remains one of the most pressing global challenges of this era, affecting millions of people across both developing and developed countries. The poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) is a policy with Chinese characteristics for eradicating poverty. By integrating the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, this study developed a theoretical framework to analyze the factors influencing the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants (PAMs). A telephone survey conducted between July and August 2022 in Hubei Province, Guizhou Province, Shaanxi Province, and Chongqing Municipality of China yielded 259 valid questionnaires. Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this study revealed that financial accessibility, health level, living conditions, and social networks significantly enhanced the well-being of PAMs, with living conditions having the strongest impact on the well-being of PAMs. Furthermore, the factors affecting well-being varied across age groups. Social networks played a more significant role in the elderly group, whereas health level had a greater impact on the young and middle-aged group. These findings deepen the understanding of the PAR and its effects on the well-being of PAMs, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and practitioners to refine poverty alleviation strategies and enhance social welfare. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Challenges and opportunities in the energy transition of agribusiness: A deep dive into the rebound effect in Latin America Fábio DE OLIVEIRA NEVES, Eduardo Gomes SALGADO, Mateus CURY, Jean Marcel Sousa LIRA, Breno Régis SANTOS Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100225-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100225 Abstract （98）   HTML （10）    PDF （451KB）（15）       Knowledge map    Save Growing climate change concerns have intensified the focus on agribusiness sustainability, driving an urgent energy transition to improve production efficiency and mitigate environmental harm. The complex interplay between energy efficiency and energy consumption highlights the essential role of strategic energy policies in ensuring sustainable development. This study used the Double-Log regression model with bootstrap resampling to examine the rebound effect in the energy transition of agribusiness focusing on five Latin American countries including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Mexico based on the agricultural sector data during 2010-2022. The findings revealed that the rebound effect significantly influences energy transition, with varying degrees of impact across agricultural sectors. This study identified partial rebound effect across all five countries, with elasticity coefficient varying from 9.63% (Colombia’s coffee sector) to 89.12% (Brazil’s livestock sector). In Brazil’s sugarcane sector, non-renewable energy, agricultural employment, and irrigation efficiency were identified as key factors influencing energy consumption, while in livestock sector, energy consumption was affected by CH4 emissions, income and well-being of farmers, water consumption, and water conservation practices. In Mexico’s livestock sector, CH4 emissions, non-renewable energy, and water conservation practices were the key factors affecting energy consumption. In Argentina’s sugarcane sector, pesticides, NO2 emissions, renewable energy, and agricultural employment were the key factors affecting energy consumption, while renewable energy, income and well-being of farmers, and water consumption were the key factors affecting energy consumption in livestock sector. In Uruguay’s livestock sector, non-renewable energy, income and well-being of farmers, and irrigation efficiency were the key factors affecting energy consumption. In Colombia’ coffee sector, NO2 emissions and irrigation efficiency were identified as key factors influencing energy consumption. Finally, this study reinforces the importance of aligning energy transition with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that energy efficiency gains do not inadvertently increase energy consumption or environmental degradation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impacts of land use and cover change on carbon storage: Multi-scenario projections in the arid region of Northwest China FENG Xuyu, ZHAO Xiao, TONG Ling, WANG Sufen, DING Risheng, KANG Shaozhong Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100248-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100248 Abstract （96）   HTML （4）    PDF （4027KB）（173）       Knowledge map    Save Carbon storage serves as a key indicator of ecosystem services and plays a vital role in maintaining the global carbon balance. Land use and cover change (LUCC) is one of the primary drivers influencing carbon storage variations in terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, evaluating the impacts of LUCC on carbon storage is crucial for achieving strategic goals such as the China’s dual carbon goals (including carbon peaking and carbon neutrality). This study focuses on the Aral Irrigation Area in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, to assess the impacts of LUCC on regional carbon storage and their spatiotemporal dynamics. A comprehensive LUCC database from 2000 to 2020 was developed using Landsat satellite imagery and the random forest classification algorithm. The integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model was applied to quantify carbon storage and analyze its response to LUCC. Additionally, future LUCC patterns for 2030 were projected under multiple development scenarios using the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model. These future LUCC scenarios were integrated with the InVEST model to simulate carbon storage trends under different land management pathways. Between 2000 and 2020, the dominant land use types in the study area were cropland (area proportion of 35.52%), unused land (34.80%), and orchard land (12.19%). The conversion of unused land and orchard land significantly expanded the area of cropland, which increased by 115,742.55 hm2. During this period, total carbon storage and carbon density increased by 7.87×106 Mg C and 20.19 Mg C/hm2, respectively. The primary driver of this increase was the conversion of unused land into cropland, accounting for 49.28% of the total carbon storage gain. Carbon storage was notably lower along the northeastern and southeastern edges. By 2030, the projected carbon storage is expected to increase by 0.99×106, 1.55×106, and 1.71×106 Mg C under the natural development, cropland protection, and ecological conservation scenarios, respectively. In contrast, under the urban development scenario, carbon storage is projected to decline by 0.40×106 Mg C. In line with China’s dual carbon goals, the ecological conservation scenario emerges as the most effective strategy for enhancing carbon storage. Accordingly, strict enforcement of the cropland red line is recommended. This study provides a valuable scientific foundation for regional ecosystem restoration and sustainable development in arid regions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Integrating neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) in South Asian cropping systems and diets: Challenges and prospects Saira SHAFIQ, Muhammad ZIA UL HAQ, Syed Abbas RAZA NAQVI, Wardha SARFARAZ, Hina ALI, Muhammad Majid ISLAM, Gul Zaib HASSAN, Muhammad NAWAZ, Tasawer ABBAS Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100242-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100242 Abstract （93）   HTML （3）    PDF （1937KB）（13）       Knowledge map    Save The present review critically examines the role of neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) in enhancing the resilience of South Asian cropping systems and diets in the context of climate change and nutritional challenges. This analysis reveals that integrating NUCs, such as millets, sorghums, amaranth, and indigenous legumes, into existing cropping systems can significantly improve the climate resilience, dietary diversity, and ecological sustainability of the food systems. These crops exhibit superior tolerance to abiotic stress and offer higher nutritional density compared to staple cereals, such as rice and wheat. However, their adoption faces challenges, including limited research investment, fragmented value chains, etc. We further identify that complementary cropping strategies and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices can optimize resource use while boosting smallholder farmers’ income. NUCs are pivotal for the transformation of exist cropping systems towards nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agricultural and food systems. Strategic integration of NUCs can simultaneously address food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and rural poverty. Yet, unlocking their potential requires coordinated efforts in genetic improvement, market development, and policy frameworks tailored to regional contexts. This synthesis provides a comprehensive roadmap for policy-makers, researchers, and farmers to leverage NUCs as “Future Smart Food”. By bridging agronomic, nutritional, and socioeconomic perspectives, this study highlights the transformative potential of NUCs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across South Asian countries. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Desertification dynamics in the Tarim Basin during 1990-2020 YU Xiang, LEI Jiaqiang, GAO Xin, SUN Lingxiao, LYU Zhentao, Ireneusz MALIK, Malgorzata WISTUBA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100226-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100226 Abstract （92）   HTML （3）    PDF （5640KB）（48）       Knowledge map    Save Desertification poses a significant ecological threat to global sustainability, notably within arid regions such as the Tarim Basin surrounding the extensive Taklimakan Desert in Northwest China. This study used the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and Random Forest (RF) to analyze multi-temporal Landsat images to reveal desertification dynamics in the Tarim Basin spanning from 1990 to 2020. The results showed that land use types of the Tarim Basin were classified into three types: artificial oases, natural oases, and desertified land. To robustly quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use, we introduced the Desertification Change Index (DCI), a novel metric specifically designed to measure the transformation sensitivity of land use types. Our analysis demonstrated that from 1990 to 2020, artificial oases showed a continuous increasing trend, while desertified land decreased significantly. Natural oases decreased during 1990-2000, then continued to grow, and showed a decreasing trend again after 2015. Moreover, natural oases have mainly been converted into desertified land and artificial oases. Artificial oases were mainly converted into natural oases, and most of desertified land was converted into natural oases. Regions with significant oasis expansion (DCI=2) were mostly concentrated within the influence radius of artificial oases. In contrast, regions with significant oasis degradation (DCI= -2) were generally farther from artificial oases. Finally, this study found that the changes in land use types of the Tarim Basin are mainly driven by human activities, which play a dual role—mitigating desertification by controlling oasis expansion and exacerbating desertification through unsustainable resource utilization. Ultimately, this research provides essential insights for policy-makers and land managers aiming to devise adaptive and sustainable desertification control measures in the Tarim Basin and similarly arid regions globally. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Adaptive conservation of natural resources determines the sustainable livelihood strategies of farmers in the semi-arid Loess Plateau region of China MA Shengli, XU Mingxiang Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100244-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100244 Abstract （91）   HTML （1）    PDF （1142KB）（76）       Knowledge map    Save Livelihood improvement and sustainable natural resource utilization are among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; however, most farm households either randomly select or just imitate livelihood strategies being practiced in other areas. As the livelihoods of farm households are vulnerable to several challenges in ecologically fragile areas, identifying the livelihood strategies of farm households in arid and semi-arid areas will help for promoting both livelihood security and environmental conservation. Hence, in this study, we constructed a sustainable evaluation index system for the livelihood of farmers in the Loess Plateau region of China by conducting field research and interviews. We employed the composite index method to measure the livelihood capital and the livelihood strategies chosen by farmers, and then analyzed the resource endowment of farmers under different livelihood strategies using logistic regression and structural equation modeling. The results revealed that under the combined influences of livelihood capital and government policy, farm households in the Loess Plateau region selected agro-dependent, agro-pastoral, agro-industrial, non-agricultural livelihood strategies. The key factors influencing the selection of these household livelihood strategies included the household labor capacity, the farmland owned per household, the number of livestock, and the grassland forage-supply ratio. The grassland forage-supply ratio was a crucial factor influencing the choice between agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood strategies. In this context, the grassland forage-supply ratio increased with the stocking rate. However, once the stocking rate exceeded 56.5 sheep/hm2, the grassland forage-supply ratio no longer increased rapidly under the agriculture-based livelihood strategy. The strategy of ecological resource conservation and moderate utilization based on the quality and quantity of natural resources ensures win-win benefits for the environment and human well-being in arid and semi-arid areas. Moderate grazing therefore has the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods without causing grassland degradation. These results contribute to the synergistic co-adaptation of livelihood improvement and ecological conservation in arid and semi-arid areas. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impact of climate change on global economy: A comprehensive review Mahalingam Santhosh KUMAR, Narasimabhrathi Venkatesa PALANICHAMY, K. M. SHIVAKUMAR, Mani CHANDRAKUMAR, Muthuswamy KALPANA, Dhandapani MURUGANANTHI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (6): 100274-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100274 Abstract （89）   HTML （7）    PDF （2046KB）（15）       Knowledge map    Save Climate change has emerged as an important global issue, primarily driven by human activities, affecting ecosystems, societies, and economies worldwide. This review employed a comprehensive narrative analysis that incorporates expertise from policy studies, environmental science, and economics. Targeted keywords are used to systematically search major academic databases. This article explores various aspects of climate change, economic consequences, and the evolving discourse on climate risk. It addresses the association between climate change and several economic variables, such as gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), and financial markets. The review highlights the complex relationship among physical risks, transition risks, and approaches to cope with climate change. It examines global climate policies such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. This study also investigates climate risk assessment models like Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) and how they help understand the economic effect of climate change. Moreover, it explores ways to adapt to and reduce climate change, such as carbon taxes and subsidies. This review focuses on the critical importance of instruments like the Climate Action Tracker in evaluating national and global climate change responses, which serve as a framework for assessing policy effectiveness and progress toward emission targets. By integrating different viewpoints from economics, environmental science, and governance, this review underscores the value of coordinated global action to address the challenges posed by climate change. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Leveraging farm heterogeneity to enhance living incomes: A gender-sensitive typology of cocoa farming systems in Côte d’Ivoire Franziska OLLENDORF, Claudia CORAL, Constant Yves ADOU YAO, Stefan SIEBER, Katharina LÖHR Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100245-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100245 Abstract （86）   HTML （3）    PDF （591KB）（102）       Knowledge map    Save About 44% of the world’s cocoa is produced in one single country, Côte d’Ivoire. Providing this important raw material, most Ivorian cocoa farmers live in severe poverty, which, despite a multitude of sector interventions, is still widespread, affecting social and environmental sustainability in cocoa production. In this context, cocoa farmers are still often treated as a homogeneous group of small-scale producers (mainly males), resulting in interventions being conceptualized as one-size-fits-all approaches and failing to deliver support schemes that take farmers’ specific conditions appropriately into account. Applying a broader typology approach that combines farm characteristics with farmers’ characteristics, this study aims to delineate Ivorian cocoa farmers and their farms into specific types in order to improve advice for targeted sustainability interventions and living income (LI) potentials. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis of a household dataset collected in 2022 in five cocoa-growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire were chosen to identify types of male-headed farms. To assure gender sensitive analysis, a female-headed farm type was created artificially. The specific characteristics of the identified types were captured using descriptive analysis. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were then applied to examine the relationships between these farm types and various outcomes. Additionally, a binary logistic model was used to estimate the probability of these links in relation to variables relevant for achieving a LI. Finally, Spearman non-parametric correlation was used to identify eventual differences in the strength of relationships between key variables per farm type. Three different types of male-headed farms are identified: type 1 (the most productive and diversified farms with larger size), type 2 (middle-sized farms with strong focus on cash crops), and type 3 (small-sized farms with a good level of diversification for self-consumption). The artificially created type 4 represents female-headed farms with the smallest size. On average, none of these farm types achieves a LI. However, type 1 shows the smallest LI gap, while type 4 is by far the worst. Our analyses reveal underlying socio-economic factors systematically disadvantaging female-headed cocoa farms, most notably limited access to land and other material assets. The key contribution of this study lies in the empirical identification of the different characteristics of farms in a given farming system, thereby identifying the need for targeted support interventions. Type-specific recommendations are made, showing pathways to provide tailored programs to farmers of different types in order to reduce their LI gaps. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Quantifying desertification control efficiency in a hyper-arid region: Spatiotemporal dynamics and policy synergies in Hotan Prefecture of China during 2005-2023 SUN Lingxiao, LI Chunlan, YU Yang, HE Jing, YANG Meilin, WANG Qian, LIANG Xueqiong, Ireneusz MALIK, Małgorzata WISTUBA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (6): 100275-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100275 Abstract （83）   HTML （1）    PDF （1484KB）（13）       Knowledge map    Save Desertification poses severe threats to socio-ecological resilience in arid regions, yet systematic quantification of desertification control efficiency remains limited. This study addressed this gap by developing an integrated Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Malmquist index to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of desertification control efficiency in Hotan Prefecture (a hyper-arid region) of China from 2005 to 2023. To achieve this goal, we analyzed 5 indices spanning the total factor productivity, technical change, efficiency change, pure efficiency change, and scale efficiency change across 7 counties and 1 city in Hotan Prefecture. Results revealed that the growth rate of the total factor productivity is 12.0%, which is driven primarily by technical change and management optimization. However, significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity emerged. Temporally, rapid early gains during 2005-2010, with the total factor productivity value of 1.372, were dominated by technological progress, where technical change reached 1.291, while scale efficiency change helped sustain progress between 2010 and 2015. A recent decline in the total factor productivity to 0.987 during 2015-2023 underscored the risks associated with technological stagnation. Spatially, Qira County achieved the highest growth rate of the total factor productivity at 33.7% through dual advances in technology and management, which stands in sharp contrast to Moyu County’s stagnation, where the total factor productivity reached only 1.029, reflecting the minimal growth rate of 2.9%. Furthermore, scale expansion change proved beneficial in Pishan County but counterproductive in Qira County. Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted policy recommendations to enhance desertification control efficiency in hyper-arid regions like Hotan Prefecture. It emphasizes the importance of continuous technological innovation, particularly water-saving and adaptive techniques to counteract declining productivity. Differentiated spatial strategies are essential, with tailored interventions for high-risk northern areas and scaling successful models from higher-efficiency southern zones. Optimizing project scale based on ecological carrying capacity rather than uncontrolled expansion is urged, along with strengthening cross-regional water resource coordination. Finally, establishing a data-driven monitoring and decision-support system could enable dynamic efficiency evaluations and evidence-based policy planning. This study provides a critical methodological framework for systematically quantifying desertification control efficiency in hyper-arid regions, establishing an empirical foundation for targeted ecological governance. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Integrating farmers’ perceptions and empirical climate data to assess agricultural productivity and food security in coastal Bangladesh Md Tauhid Ur RAHMAN, Adnan KHAIRULLAH Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100259-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100259 Abstract （81）   HTML （8）    PDF （1497KB）（87）       Knowledge map    Save Coastal Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to various impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, cyclones, droughts, and saltwater intrusion. These factors collectively threaten agricultural productivity and food security. This study examines the relationship between farmers’ perceptions and observable climatic trends, with a focus on the sustainability of food systems and the promotion of adaptable farming techniques in Bagerhat District, Bangladesh. A mixed-methods strategy was employed, incorporating household surveys (a total of 110 purposively selected farmers), focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and climatic data analysis. The Mann-Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, precipitation concentration index (PCI), and standardized rainfall anomaly index (SRAI) were employed to analyze climate trends from 1991 to 2020. The findings showed that more than 70.00% of respondents indicated that summers were becoming warmer, over 50.00% reported that winters were becoming colder, and 63.00% stated that yearly precipitation was decreasing. Farmers reported an increase in flood occurrences and a decline in the predictability of precipitation. Between 2011 and 2019, the output of most rice varieties decreased, with the exception of high-yielding Aman rice and hybrid Boro rice. The results also showed that 60.00% of respondents reported experiencing salinity intrusion, and 57.00% attributed significant yield losses to salinity. Planting salt-tolerant rice varieties (such as BRRI Dhan 67 and Binadhan-10), practicing homestead vegetable cultivation, and moderately integrating shrimp aquaculture were also common adaptive measures. To improve long-term food security in coastal Bangladesh, we suggest growing more salt-tolerant crop varieties, promoting vertical and homestead gardening, enhancing seed systems that are resilient to climate change, and educating farmers on the use of climate-smart farming methods. This study highlights the importance of aligning farmers’ perceptions with observed climatic data to design effective adaptation strategies. The findings of this study can guide policy-makers and development practitioners in strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and ensuring long-term food security in coastal Bangladesh. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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How climate change adaptation strategies and climate migration interact to control food insecurity? Mohammad Reza PAKRAVAN-CHARVADEH, Jeyran CHAMCHAM, Rahim MALEKNIA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100229-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100229 Abstract （79）   HTML （3）    PDF （444KB）（26）       Knowledge map    Save As the impact of climate change intensifies, climate migration (climate change-induced migration) has become a pressing global issue that requires effective adaptation strategies to lessen its effects. Therefore, this study delved into the complex relationship between climate change adaptation strategies and climate migration with food insecurity serving as a mediating factor. We collected sample data through face-to-face interviews in Khorramabad City, Iran from February to May in 2023. Using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we explored how food insecurity influences the relationship between climate change adaptation strategies and climate migration. The findings showed that while climate change adaptation strategies can boost community resilience, their success is closely tied to levels of food insecurity. About 78.72% of the surveyed households experienced certain levels of food insecurity, increasing the risk of displacement due to climate-related disasters. Climate change adaptation strategies including economic strategies, irrigation management strategies, organic-oriented strategies, sustainable development-oriented strategies, and crop variety management strategies played a significant role in reducing climate migration. Moreover, we found that climate change adaptation strategies not only impact food security, but also shape migration decisions. This research underscores the importance of an integrated approach that links climate change adaptation strategies, climate migration, and food insecurity. This study emphasizes the importance of food security for formulating sustainable adaptation strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Conservation agriculture for sustainable food system: Current insights and emerging perspectives Subhashisa PRAHARAJ, Bharat LAL, Himansu Sekhar GOUDA, Amit Kumar PANDEY, Shivasankar ACHARYA, Arunima KUMARI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100264-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100264 Abstract （75）   HTML （1）    PDF （2079KB）（29）       Knowledge map    Save Global challenges, including resource inefficiency, rising food demand, sustainability concerns, and climate change, necessitate more efficient and resilient agricultural systems. Conservation agriculture (CA), which is based on the principles of the minimum mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil organic cover, and species diversification, provides a promising solution. This study examined the principles and mechanisms of CA, assessed its benefits and constraints, and identified key research gaps. This study focused on CA outcomes related to soil health, biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem services, considering factors such as climate, soil type, and management practices. CA has demonstrated the potential to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and boost productivity across diverse regions. However, its effectiveness has been found to vary across studies, emphasizing the need for a more critical understanding of its benefits and limitations. Moreover, variations in outcomes are evident due to differences in experimental methodologies, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic factors. For the widespread adoption of CA practices, it is necessary to make personalized adjustments to it, integrating the corresponding technologies, thereby meeting the needs of farmers. Interdisciplinary research is crucial to refining CA practices and addressing existing knowledge gaps. This study is practiced to enhance the understanding of the potential of CA to promote a sustainable global food production system. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Hydrological change trends of the Surkhob and Khingov river basins in the Vakhsh River of Tajikistan under climate change Nasrulloev FARHOD, CHEN Yaning, Sheralizoda NAZRIALO, Gulahmadov NEKRUZ, Shobairi SEYED OMID REZA, Murodov MURODKHUJA Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100300-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100300 Abstract （75）   HTML （18）    PDF （1235KB）（19）       Knowledge map    Save The hydrological system in Central Asia is highly sensitive to global climate change, significantly affecting water supply and energy production. In Tajikistan, the Vakhsh River—one of the main tributaries of the Amu Darya—plays a key role in the region’s hydropower and irrigation. However, research on long-term hydrological changes in its two top large basins—the Surkhob and Khingov river basins—remains limited. Therefore, this study analyzed long-term climate and hydrological changes in the Vakhsh River, including its main tributaries—the Surkhob and Khingov rivers—which are vital for the water resource management in Tajikistan and even in Central Asia. Using long-term hydrometeorological observations, the change trends of temperature (1933-2020), precipitation (1970-2020), and runoff (1940-2018) were examined to assess the impact of climate change on the regional water resources. The analysis revealed the occurrence of significant warming and a spatially uneven increase in precipitation. The temperature changes across three climatic periods (1933-1960, 1960-1990, and 1990-2020) indicated that there was a transition from baseline level to accelerated warming. The precipitation showed a 2.99 mm/a increase in the Khingov River Basin and a 2.80 mm/a increase in the Surkhob River Basin during 1970-2020. Moreover, there was a gradual shift toward wetter conditions in recent decades. Despite the relatively stable annual mean runoff, seasonal redistribution occurred, with increased runoff in spring and reduced runoff in summer, due to the compensation of glacier melting. Moreover, this study forecasted runoff change during 2019-2040 using the exponential triple smoothing (ETS) method and revealed the occurrence of alternating wet and dry phases, emphasizing the sensitivity of the Vakhsh River Basin’s hydrological system to climate change and the necessity of adaptive water resource management in mountainous regions of Central Asia. Therefore, this study can provide evidence-based insights that are critical for future water resources planning, climate-resilient hydropower development, and regional adaptation strategies in climate-vulnerable basins in Central Asia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Examining the effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on sectoral growth: Evidence from different country income groups Piyali KUMAR Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100261-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100261 Abstract （73）   HTML （1）    PDF （965KB）（91）       Knowledge map    Save Climate change may have detrimental effects on different sectoral growth in global economy and according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the impacts of climate change will be more vigorous in the coming years. The climatic and non-climatic driving forces behind the economic sectoral performances involve short- and long-run interconnections among variables. This study attempts to investigate the effect of climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) along with non-climatic factors, including foreign direct investment (FDI), human capital index (HCI), natural capital (NC), and information and communication technology (ICT) on three major sectors of the economy (agricultural sector, industrial sector, and service sector) through non-linear model framework by employing cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) estimation technique. It considers a panel of 56 selected countries from different income groups, including high-income countries, upper-middle-income countries, lower-middle-income countries, and low-income countries, covering the period 1985-2022. The confirmation of slope heterogeneity, cross-sectional dependence, stationarity, and cointegration among variables lends support to the robustness of results. The augmented mean group (AMG) robustness test was applied to check robustness and the results were found mostly consistent with estimation method. The results revealed that upper-middle-income countries are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures compared to high-income countries. The results also confirmed an inverted U-shaped relationship between each sector’s output and precipitation in upper-middle-income countries. In contrast, for upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income, and low-income countries, this relation exists in industrial sector only in long run. This indicates that precipitation is initially beneficial for production activities. However, beyond a certain threshold of precipitation, this trend reverses, i.e., the output of the economic sectors tends to decline. Furthermore, there is no supporting evidence that confirms a short-run non-linear relation between precipitation and agricultural yields. In upper-middle-income countries, the results confirmed that FDI is a driving factor behind both agricultural sector and service sector in long run while short-run results indicated a negative association but insignificant. This study also showed that in long run, an increase in HCI contributes to improving the output of the three sectors for high-income countries. The empirical findings provide valuable insights for policy-makers and governments to formulate coherent adaptation and mitigation strategies, thereby accelerating the transition of sectoral productivity from low to high levels in the sample countries. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Current status and recent changes of glaciers in Tajikistan XU Chunhai, LI Zhongqin, HE Zhonghua, WANG Feiteng, MU Jianxin, CHEN Yaning, Sheralizoda NAZRIALO, Farhod NASRULLOEV, Aminjon GULAHMADZODA Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100296-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100296 Abstract （72）   HTML （9）    PDF （1655KB）（97）       Knowledge map    Save Tajikistan contains the majority of Central Asia’s glaciers, which cover about 6.00% of the national territory; their rapid shrinkage poses a significant threat to regional water resource security. However, glacier monitoring in Tajikistan was interrupted after 1991, creating a substantial gap in understanding the current state and temporal evolution of these glaciers. Based on glacier inventory data, in situ measurements, and published literature, this study examined the present status and recent variations of glaciers in Tajikistan through data integration and validation, literature collation and comparative analysis, and the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis techniques. As of 2023, Tajikistan possesses a total of 11,528 glaciers, encompassing an area of 7624.48 (±305.58) km2. Small glaciers dominate in number, whereas large glaciers account for the majority of the total area. Over the past two decades, the glacier count has decreased by 2014, and the total area has decreased by 628.98 km2, corresponding to an average annual reduction rate of 0.33%. Regional shrinkage rates range from 4.10% to 22.28%. Glaciers have undergone accelerated mass loss during the past 20 a; only those on the northeastern Pamir Plateau exhibit a weak positive mass balance. Observations of typical monitored glaciers also reveal intensified melting and retreat, consistent with regional trends. In light of the recent acceleration of glacier shrinkage in Tajikistan, focused measures should be implemented to strengthen glacier monitoring, enhance public awareness of glacier preservation, and promote the sustainable development and utilization of glacier tourism. These findings bridge the knowledge gap regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of Tajikistan’s glaciers over recent decades and provide essential data support for regional water resource management. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）