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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 （167）   HTML （9）    PDF （2046KB）（25）       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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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 （159）   HTML （5）    PDF （965KB）（207）       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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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 （156）   HTML （10）    PDF （1655KB）（342）       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）

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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 （149）   HTML （1）    PDF （965KB）（193）       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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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 （144）   HTML （2）    PDF （1484KB）（19）       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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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 （141）   HTML （18）    PDF （1235KB）（133）       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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What’s in a name for timber? Trade documentation and conservation prioritization in four tropical timber species imported to the United States Mandira POKHAREL, René Henri GERMAIN, John Eric WAGNER, Susan Elizabeth ANAGNOST, William Bradford SMITH Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100258-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100258 Abstract （140）   HTML （3）    PDF （522KB）（997）       Knowledge map    Save The tropical timber trade faces significant sustainability challenges, including deforestation, illegal logging, and inadequate traceability. Inaccurate species identification further complicates these issues, leading to unreliable trade statistics and enforcement challenges. The Lacey Act Amendment (LAA) of 2008 mandated declaring scientific names for timber shipments entering the United States. Therefore, this study assessed the implementation of the LAA using data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request to the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for 4 tropical timber species including Keruing, Meranti, Acajou d’Afrique, and Mahogany from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Philippines, Cameroon, Ghana, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, and Bolivia, with high rates of illegal logging. This study showed that the United States imported 49 species of Keruing species group, 126 species of Meranti species group, 6 species of Acajou d’Afrique species group, and 2 species of Mahogany species group during 2017-2023. Despite mandatory declarations, approximately 14.60% of timber import records lacked species-specific names. Conservation assessments identified 37 species of Keruing species group and 68 species of Meranti species group listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) but absent from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Moreover, the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the first principal component was primarily driven by import value and import volume, reflecting the overall trade prominence, while the second principal component captured temporal pattern through import year. Further, this study developed a Trade-Adjusted Conservation Priority Index (TACPI) that integrated conservation status with trade prominence to prioritize species at risk. Species with high TACPI scores, such as Dipterocarpus coriaceus and Shorea balangeran, were identified as urgently needing regulatory focus. To strengthen sustainable trade and conservation, it is recommended to enforce the LAA more strictly, expand timber identification technologies, and mandate key supplier countries, who are the CITES’ signatories, to list high-risk species in the CITES appendices. 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 （138）   HTML （8）    PDF （1497KB）（170）       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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Nonlinear carbon-water coupling in terrestrial ecosystems: Insights from China’s Three-North Shelterbelt Forest region CHEN Xuanhao, LI Chao, ZHANG Shiqiang Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (2): 100328-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100328 Abstract （137）   HTML （10）    PDF （3584KB）（23）       Knowledge map    Save Understanding the coupling between carbon and water in terrestrial ecosystems is essential for achieving sustainable development. Net primary productivity (NPP), carbon use efficiency (CUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) are key indicators for assessing carbon balance and carbon-water interactions. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding how these indicators respond to climate change and interact with one another. This study examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of NPP, CUE, and WUE, as well as their interrelationships, within the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest region of China. Furthermore, the study investigated the driving mechanisms of these indicators using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that from 2000 to 2020, both NPP (2.69 g C/(m2•a); P<0.010) and WUE (0.004 g C/(kg H2O•a); P<0.010) increased significantly, while CUE exhibited a non-significant decline (-5.40×10-4/a; P>0.050) across different climatic zones (arid, semi-arid, humid, and sub-humid) and vegetation types (cropland, forest, grassland, shrubland, and wetland). The correlation between WUE and NPP (correlation coefficient of 0.70) was stronger than that between CUE and NPP (correlation coefficient of 0.15). NPP and WUE were primarily influenced by leaf area index, whereas CUE was most strongly affected by elevation. The relationships between the key drivers and the three indicators were largely nonlinear, with stronger driver contributions corresponding to more pronounced nonlinear interactions. Moreover, these nonlinear relationships were modulated by differences in dry versus wet climatic conditions. Geographical factors (e.g., longitude, latitude, and elevation) further shaped vegetation characteristics (e.g., fractional vegetation cover and leaf area index) by regulating climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration, ultimately influencing NPP, WUE, and CUE. This study advances the understanding of vegetation carbon-water coupling and provides a scientific basis for ecosystem management and sustainable development policy-making in various climatic zones. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Spatial differentiation and risk zonation of debris flow hazards in Tajikistan JIA Wenjun, CHEN Ningsheng, XUE Yang, WANG Zhihan, WEN Tao, GUO Ru, Safaralizoda NOSIR, Aminjon GULAKHMADOV Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100299-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100299 Abstract （136）   HTML （3）    PDF （5945KB）（19）       Knowledge map    Save Debris flow events are frequent in Tajikistan, yet comprehensive investigations at the regional scale are limited. This study integrates remote sensing, Geographic Information System, and machine learning techniques to evaluate debris flow susceptibility and associated hazards across Tajikistan. A dataset comprising 405 documented debris flow points and 14 influencing factors, encompassing geological, climatic-hydrological, and anthropogenic variables, was established. Three machine learning algorithms—Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Multi-layer Perceptron—were applied to generate susceptibility maps and delineate debris flow risk zones. The results indicate that the areas of higher and high susceptibility accounted for 20.43% and 4.41% of the national area, respectively, and were predominantly concentrated along the Zeravshan and Vakhsh river basins. Among the evaluated models, SVM model demonstrated the highest predictive performance. Beyond conventional topographic and environmental controls, drought conditions were identified as a critical factor influencing debris flow occurrence within the arid and semi-arid mountainous regions of Tajikistan. These findings provide a scientific basis for regional debris flow risk management and disaster mitigation planning, and offer practical guidance for selecting conditioning factors in machine-learning-based susceptibility assessments in other dry mountainous environments. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Combined adoption decisions of climate-smart agriculture and their impacts on maize yield in western Ethiopia Yadeta BEDASA, Adeba GEMECHU, Amsalu BEDEMO Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (6): 100280-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100280 Abstract （133）   HTML （5）    PDF （545KB）（40）       Knowledge map    Save Households in western Ethiopia are experiencing food insecurity driven by the effects of climate change. Hence, there is an opportunity to lessen the consequences of climate change by adopting climate-smart agriculture (CSA). The study involved 385 households from western Ethiopia during the 2023-2024 production period. Specifically, we examined the variables that affect adoption decisions and investigated how the combined adoption of CSA practices affects maize yield. The multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model was used to analyze these factors. The results showed that the adoption of CSA practices is positively impacted by age, gender, farm size, and education, but the distances from the household residence to market and plot have a negative impact. Adopters of CSA practices achieved a greater average yield per hectare than the non-adopters. Specifically, agroforestry, crop diversification, and adjusted planting dates all considerably increased maize yield, with gains of 0.21, 0.70, and 0.52 t/hm2, respectively, compared to non-adoption. The implementation of combined CSA practices, rather than a single CSA practice, is a great way to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Therefore, we recommend ensuring adequate funding, providing incentives, facilitating technical assistance, and fostering community involvement when implementing combined CSA practices. This information is essential for reducing the negative consequences of climate change and developing successful 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 （130）   HTML （1）    PDF （2079KB）（64）       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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Insights into material use and economic decoupling in China’s infrastructure for sustainable development GUO Hongwei, HAN Ji Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100262-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100262 Abstract （130）   HTML （2）    PDF （1784KB）（26）       Knowledge map    Save Quantifying material use in infrastructure development and analyzing its relationship with economic growth is essential for enhancing resource efficiency and steering regional resource management toward sustainable development. This study systematically assessed infrastructure related material use in 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China during 1978-2022. The result indicated that material stock has experienced significant growth, increasing from 16.91×109 t in 1978 to 103.60×109 t in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 4.20%. However, from 1978 to 2015, material input followed a strong upward trend but saturated after 2015. At the national level, material input peaked in 2015, after which it began to decline. The central region reached its peak earlier in 2013, while the eastern and western regions peaked in 2015. Using a decoupling analysis framework, this study revealed that nationally, the elasticity value between material stock and gross domestic product (GDP) remained near or above 1.0, reflecting continued reliance on stock accumulation. Regionally, the elasticity value between material stock and GDP has increased in the central and western regions during 1978-2022, whereas elasticity value between material stock and GDP in the eastern region showed a slower growth rate but still struggled to achieve absolute decoupling. Moreover, the elasticity value between material input and GDP has declined at the national level, presenting a relative decoupling, with some regions already achieving absolute decoupling. The eastern region was closer to absolute decoupling, while the central and western regions, though still intensive in material input, exhibited faster declines in elasticity. Accelerating the transition from linear to circular economy is an essential step for China to achieve absolute decoupling and long-term sustainability. Finally, this research recommends promoting the adoption of renewable energy, driving industrial upgrading, implementing compact urban design, and extending the lifespan of infrastructure to reduce material dependency and achieve sustainable infrastructure transformation at the national level. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of runoff in Tajikistan and its driving mechanisms under climate change LI Chunlan, YU Yang, SUN Lingxiao, HE Jing, LU Yuanbo, GUO Zengkun, FANG Gonghuan, Alexandr ULMAN, Vitaliy SALNIKOV, Ireneusz MALIK, Małgorzata WISTUBA Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100297-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100297 Abstract （129）   HTML （4）    PDF （7189KB）（24）       Knowledge map    Save Based on monthly runoff and climate datasets spanning 2000-2024, this study employed the Theil-Sen’s slope estimation, Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend test, as well as Pearson correlation and Spearman rank correlation analyses to systematically examine the spatiotemporal patterns of runoff and its climatic driving mechanisms across Tajikistan, providing a scientific basis for sustainable water resource utilization and management in the study area. Results indicated that during 2000-2024, the annual runoff in Tajikistan exhibited statistically non-significant long-term trend (P=0.76), while displaying pronounced seasonal variability and strong spatial heterogeneity. Spring and summer average runoff primarily exhibited slight declining tendencies, while winter average runoff exhibited pronounced reduction in localized regions, such as the Syr Darya Basin, the Vakhsh River Basin, and the lower reaches of the Zeravshan River Basin. Precipitation emerged as the dominant positive driver of runoff, exhibiting moderate to strong positive correlations across over 78.00% of the country, whereas potential evapotranspiration consistently functioned as a negative driver. Rising temperatures exerted a dual competitive effect on runoff: in high-elevation, glacier-covered regions, rising temperatures temporarily increased runoff by accelerating glacier melt; however, at the national scale, the negative impact of rising temperature on runoff has played a slightly dominant role to a certain extent by enhancing evapotranspiration. Collectively, these results indicated that the present stability of runoff in Tajikistan is strongly dependent on the short-term compensatory effects of glacier melt and the risk of future runoff decline is likely to intensify as glacier reserves continue to diminish. This study provides a critical scientific evidence to inform sustainable water resource management in Tajikistan and underscores the need for glacier conservation and integrated water resource management strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Coupling dynamics of SDGs in Tajikistan from 2001 to 2023 Ranna HAZIHAN, DU Hongru, HE Chuanchuan, Kobiljon Khushvakht KHUSHVAKHTZODA, Bobozoda KOMIL Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100295-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100295 Abstract （129）   HTML （5）    PDF （3688KB）（71）       Knowledge map    Save Since the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, global implementation has steadily advanced, yet prominent challenges persist. Progress has been uneven across regions and countries, with Tajikistan representing a typical example of such disparities. Based on 81 SDG indicators for Tajikistan from 2001 to 2023, this study applied a three-level coupling network framework: at the microscale, it identified synergies and trade-offs between indicators; at the mesoscale, it examined the strength and direction of linkages within four SDG-related components (society, finance, governance, and environment); and at the global level, it focused on the overall SDG interlinkages. Spearman’s rank correlation, sliding window method, and topological properties were employed to analyze the coupling dynamics of SDGs. Results showed that over 70.00% of associations in the global SDG network were of medium-to-low intensity, alongside extremely strong ones (|r| value approached 1.00, where r is the correlation coefficient). SDG interactions were generally limited, with stable local synergy clusters in core livelihood sectors. Network modularity fluctuated, reflecting a cycle of differentiation, integration, and fragmentation, while coupling efficiency varied with the external environment. Each component exhibited distinct functional characteristics. The social component maintained high connectivity through the “poverty alleviation-education-healthcare” loop. The environmental component shifted toward coordinated eco-economic governance. The governance-related component broke interdepartmental barriers, while the financial component showed weak links between resource-based indicators and consumption/employment indicators. Tajikistan’s SDG coupling evolved through three phases: survival-oriented (2001-2012), policy integration (2013-2018), and shock adaptation (2019-2023). These phases were driven by policy changes, resource industries, governance optimization, and external factors. This study enriches the analytical framework for understanding the dynamic coupling of SDGs in mountainous resource-dependent countries and provides empirical evidence to support similar countries in formulating phase-specific SDG promotion strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Assessing spatial equity in employment opportunities in low-rent residential areas: Evidence from Urumqi, China FAN Liqin, LEI Jun, ZHANG Shubao, DUAN Zuliang Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (2): 100333-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100333 Abstract （126）   HTML （3）    PDF （1488KB）（97）       Knowledge map    Save Differentiation in housing costs reinforces the concentration of low-income groups in low-rent residential areas through residential location sorting, making the surrounding employment opportunity environment a crucial perspective for assessing urban inclusiveness. Using residential areas as the unit of analysis, this study proposed a multidimensional framework for evaluating the spatial equity of urban employment by jointly capturing disparities between opportunity supply and access across three dimensions: employment opportunity quantity, wage levels, and commuting accessibility. In addition, we compared spatial differentiation among residential area types under rent-based stratification. This study focused on Urumqi, a major city in Northwest China, and integrated multisource geospatial data for 3465 residential areas, including points of interest (POIs), online job postings, and rental data for residential areas. Empirical analyses were conducted using the Gini coefficient, location quotient, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. The findings reveal marked disparities in employment access across ring road areas and rent-based groups. In the urban core, low-rent residential areas benefit from relatively favorable commuting conditions; however, the accessible employment opportunities are concentrated in low-wage service sectors. In the peripheral zone, low-rent residential areas face a dual disadvantage of limited nearby employment supply and longer commuting distances. Even when spatial conditions are comparable, low-rent residential areas are systematically disadvantaged relative to non-low-rent residential areas in realized access to both employment opportunity quantity and wage levels. This pattern indicated that capability constraints impede the conversion of spatial resources into effective access. Further analyses highlight housing costs, infrastructure quality, and residential location as key associated factors. The findings underscored the importance of coordinated, targeted policies in affordable housing delivery, the spatial distribution of employment opportunities, and improvements in transport accessibility to promote urban spatial justice. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Risks of snow drought and impacts on streamflow in Tajikistan LI Yupeng, CHEN Yaning, WANG Fei, ZHANG Xiang, ZHANG Qifei, SUN Fan, FANG Gonghuan, Safarkhon SHAROFIDDINOV, Jafar NIYAZOV Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (1): 100298-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100298 Abstract （123）   HTML （3）    PDF （2561KB）（25）       Knowledge map    Save Tajikistan, a mountainous country and a vital water tower for Central Asia, is becoming increasingly vulnerable to snow drought under climate change, threatening its snow- and glacier-fed streamflow. Yet, the impacts of snow drought on the regional hydrology remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we integrated multisource data, including the Fifth Generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Atmospheric Reanalysis for Land Applications (ERA5-Land) data and hydrological station data, to systematically assess the snow drought patterns and their impacts on streamflow during 1950-2023. We identified snow drought events based on precipitation and snow fraction anomalies relative to climatological means and classified them into warm snow drought, dry snow drought, and warm&dry snow drought. The results revealed that snow drought was a recurrent phenomenon, occurring in 51.70% of the years during the study period, with warm&dry snow drought accounting for 21.90% of the total events. Both the frequency and severity exhibited pronounced spatial variability, largely governed by the elevation and snowfall fraction. Specifically, the frequency of warm snow drought was negatively correlated with the snowfall fraction, decreasing on average by 0.20 per unit increase in snowfall fraction, whereas the frequency of dry snow drought was positively correlated, increasing by 0.07 per unit increase. The streamflow analysis results demonstrated that snow drought typically reduced the warm-season discharge by 5.00%-18.00% in certain rivers, thereby exacerbating the water stress during the dry season. The results of this study advance our understanding by explicitly linking the types of snow drought to hydrological responses in Central Asia’s high mountains, providing a scientific basis for climate adaptation and sustainable water resource management in Tajikistan. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Dual impact of digitalization on the carbon emissions of Yangtze River Delta urban agglomerations in China: A spatiotemporal perspective WEI Meng, RU Lifei, CAI Zhi, MA Minda Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (5): 100263-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100263 Abstract （123）   HTML （4）    PDF （5791KB）（222）       Knowledge map    Save Digital transformation, as a recent trend in socioeconomic development, is considered as a critical pathway for urban carbon reduction because of its potential to increase productivity and energy efficiency. However, few studies have explored the relationship between urban digitalization and carbon emissions (CE). Therefore, this study systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution and interaction mechanism between digitalization and CE in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomerations of China during 2006-2020 based on a multidimensional indicator system, including digitalization industry level, digitalization application level, and urban green digitalization willingness. The findings revealed that both digitalization and CE in the YRD exhibit a significant and synchronously evolving “core-periphery” spatial pattern. Core cities generated substantial positive spillover effect on periphery cities through technology diffusion and policy demonstration, advancing both regional digitalization and the collaborative governance of CE. However, digitalization had dual impact on CE. On the one hand, it promoted the reduction of CE by enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing industrial structures, and promoting the application of green technologies. On the other hand, the expansion of digital infrastructure introduced a potential risk of increased energy consumption. Therefore, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to facilitate the coordination of environmental sustainability and digitalization in the YRD. This study provides empirical support and policy insights for advancing the coordinated development of regional digital transformation and green low-carbon initiatives. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Eco-environmental effects and driving factors of spatiotemporal change in production-living-ecological space in the source region of the Yellow River, China WANG Shiru, SONG Qian, ZHANG Haoxiang, TANG Man, Gao Wenming Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (2): 100335-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100335 Abstract （120）   HTML （5）    PDF （3879KB）（27）       Knowledge map    Save As one of China’s most important ecological conservation regions, the source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) has a fragile ecological environment. Investigating land use transformations and their ecological consequences in this region is of great significance for optimizing territorial spatial structure and promoting regional sustainable development. Based on the dominant functions of production-living-ecological space (PLES), we employed the land use transfer matrix and the standard deviational ellipse method to elucidate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of PLES in the SRYR from 2000 to 2020. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the differentiation of eco-environmental effects in this region was explored using the optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) model. Results indicated that ecological space predominated within the PLES of the SRYR, accounting for approximately 98.74% of the total area. Living space was sparsely distributed in township areas with a proportion below 1.00%. Production space was mainly distributed in Guinan County and Gonghe County, accounting for about 1.16% of the area. In terms of the temporal scale, during 2000-2020, the overall eco-environmental quality of the SRYR exhibited an improving trend, primarily driven by the conversion of other ecological spaces into grassland ecological space. Interaction detection results revealed that the interaction between normalized difference vegetation index and gross domestic product was the strongest. In addition, the interaction between precipitation and temperature showed a significant bilinear enhancement effect. This finding suggests that the variations in eco-environmental quality in the SRYR during 2000-2020 have been jointly influenced by natural, climatic, and human factors. This study helps to provide a scientific basis for the rational layout of PLES and guiding ecological restoration efforts in the SRYR. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Elevational patterns of plant species and phylogenetic diversity in the eastern Pamir Plateau WEI Susu, ZHANG Yuanyuan, TAO Ye, ZHANG Yue, DAI Ling, Mekhrovar OKHONNIYOZOV, MA Xuexi, LI Yaoming, ZHANG Yuanming Regional Sustainability    2026, 7 (2): 100330-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2026.100330 Abstract （119）   HTML （3）    PDF （4686KB）（28）       Knowledge map    Save Mountain ecosystems offer natural gradients for exploring biodiversity patterns; however, the elevational patterns of plant species and phylogenetic diversity in the eastern Pamir Plateau remain poorly understood. As a biogeographical junction of the Central Asian mountain ranges, the eastern Pamir Plateau in China is geographically connected to the main part of the Pamir Plateau in Tajikistan, resulting in significant climatic and topographical heterogeneity and unique regional vegetation communities. In this study, we established 5 elevational transects and 91 plots (1500-4870 m) in the eastern Pamir Plateau to investigate the patterns and environmental drivers of plant diversity at both regional and local spatial scales. We examined diversity patterns and community composition using regression models and community structure analysis and quantified the relative importance of environmental factors using a random forest model. The results showed a distinct differentiation along elevation gradients, with overall plant diversity, herbaceous plant diversity, and phylogenetic diversity index increasing with elevation, whereas woody plant diversity declined. The phylogenetic structure indices (including net relatedness index and nearest taxon index) exhibited heterogeneous elevational responses, indicating that community assembly was jointly driven by environmental filtering and niche differentiation. Soil nutrients, water availability, and temperature were the primary environmental drivers, with soil factors predominantly influencing herbaceous plant diversity, while climatic variables dominated woody plant diversity. These findings demonstrate that plant diversity along elevational gradients of the eastern Pamir Plateau exhibits the characteristic patterns of a unique arid mountain ecosystem, where enhanced soil fertility and moderate moisture at higher elevations partly offset energy limitations, thereby maintaining plant diversity through functional convergence of closely related lineages. This pattern of biodiversity maintenance contrasts with the divergence-driven community assembly processes commonly observed in humid mountain systems. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of biodiversity maintenance in the eastern Pamir Plateau. Given its geographical continuity with the Pamir Plateau in Tajikistan, our findings can provide a basis for alpine conservation efforts across arid Central Asia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）