Search Results (720)

Marginal areas in economically advanced countries are a critical issue that European and national policies have been addressing for some time. These areas are affected by depopulation, infrastructural gaps and labor systems that do not reach the corresponding national levels and where often agriculture still plays a critical role. In Italy, despite the fact that the National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) has been active for about a decade with the aim of increasing the territorial cohesion of these fragile areas, rather limited results have been achieved in terms of halting economic marginalization and demographic decline. In this specific context, our work is aimed at analyzing land use changes, the loss of ecosystem services and demographic trends in a Mediterranean region (Irpinia—Southern Italy) on district and municipal scales in the last 30 years (1990–2018) to capture current, subtle socio-economic dynamics. The analysis carried out has indicated a substantial increase in urban areas due to the development of new industrial areas and discontinuous urban fabric (urban sprawl) at the expense of natural areas (mainly meadows and shrublands). The agricultural areas have remained substantially unchanged in terms of extension, with a slight increase in heterogeneous agricultural areas and an expansion of high-value crops (vineyards), that are the most suitable for multifunctional agriculture activities (experiential and rural tourism). The analysis of the demographic trend has highlighted a widespread phenomenon of depopulation, with the exception of those municipalities who economically orbit around the provincial capital of Avellino. The municipalities in depopulation are mostly located in the inner areas characterized by a more rugged morphology and infrastructural gaps. Unexpectedly, most of municipalities show a significant anticorrelation among the population and agricultural areas which is an indicator of social and economic phenomena as complex as they are underestimated. As a final step, this analysis highlights also a loss of carbon storage mainly attributable to the soil sealing of large areas. This study can help to comprehensively understand the conditions of marginal areas in Mediterranean Europe over recent decades in the light of the main socio-economic dynamics to better direct efforts towards the containment of the human capital hemorrhage, consisting of persistently negative natural and migratory rates, and the sustainable empowerment of these geo-economic peripheries. Full article

The Model for Prediction Across Scales–Atmosphere (MPAS-A) has been widely used for larger scale simulations, but its performance in mesoscale, particularly in tropical regions, is less evaluated. This study aimed to assess MPAS-A in simulating extreme surface air temperature in Jakarta during the hot spells of October 2023 with eight different simulation setups. Several validation metrics were applied to near-surface meteorological variables, land surface temperature (LST), and vertical atmospheric profile. From the eight simulations, MPAS-A captured diurnal patterns of the near-surface variables well, except for wind direction. The model also performed well in LST simulations. Moreover, the biases in the vertical profiles varied with height and were sensitive to the initial/boundary conditions used. Simulations with modified terrestrial datasets showed higher LST and air temperatures over the sprawling urban areas. MPAS-A successfully simulated the extreme event, showing higher air temperatures in southern Jakarta (over 36 °C) compared to the northern part. Negative temperature advection by sea breeze helped lower air temperature in the northern area. This study highlights the role of sea breezes as natural cooling mechanisms in coastal cities. Additionally, MPAS-A is feasible for several applications for urban climate studies and climate projection, although further development is needed. Full article

The contradiction between ecological resource protection and urban sprawl in urban agglomeration areas is becoming more and more prominent, facing a serious imbalance between the supply and demand of ecosystem services. To analyze the impact of urban agglomeration expansion on regional ecosystem services, based on multi-source data, an assessment model of supply and demand of ecosystem services for water conservation, carbon sequestration, soil conservation and crop production was constructed. With the help of value transformation model and spatial analysis method, this paper explores the risk of ecosystem service supply and demand imbalance faced by the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration in the process of expansion. This study found that the supply capacity of ecosystem services in the YRDUA has continued to decline at the spatial pixel scale; ecosystem service value deficits are a common problem in the YRDUA, with cities around Taihu Lake, such as Shanghai and Suzhou, being the most serious; the value surplus areas are concentrated in the southern cities, such as Xuancheng and Chizhou, but the balance between the supply of and demand for ecosystem services in these cities is also facing a challenge as the cities are expanding. This study analyzed the spatial pattern changes in the Yangtze River Delta region in the context of urban sprawl from the perspective of ecosystem service supply and demand, which helps to clarify the changing ecosystem service dynamics of the region and guide the formulation of urban planning policies and to achieve a balance between ecological supply and demand as well as sustainable development. Full article

Water resources management and the broad concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) attract varied perspectives about their effectiveness and equity as they address diverse needs across sectors and contextual situations. Managers in the water sector generally support their current governance models, while anti-poverty advocates seek more equity in the distribution of resources. Another group of stakeholders claims a lack of inclusivity in decision-making, leading to inequitable outcomes due to hegemony and colonialization of the water management domain by sector experts, officials, and other actors. IWRM focuses on reforms in water governance to achieve greater participation and sharing of power by all sectors of society in decision-making. It can facilitate the involvement of all groups of stakeholders, including those who may in some cases need to engage in social action to address water issues. This paper reviews the claims about the validity of IWRM and analyzes them according to management scenarios where water is a connector among sector issues. The scenarios show that participation in utility and local government decisions is the main pathway for urban water, wastewater, and stormwater management, while the same pathway is more difficult to organize in dispersed situations for domestic supply and irrigation in rural areas, some cases of aquifer management, and management of sprawling flood risk zones. The body of knowledge about participation in water resources management is robust, but organizational and financial capacities among existing entities pose barriers. Water resources management and IWRM do involve hegemony, and the field of practice has been colonialized, but the existential issues and complexity of the decisions and systems involved challenge society to manage successfully while assuring equity and participation through governance reform. The debates over hegemony and colonialization in water management provide an opportunity to continue improving the norms of practice and water resources education. Full article

The urban areas of Mediterranean Europe, and particularly Italy, have experienced considerable expansion since the late 19th century in terms of settlements, structures, and infrastructure, especially in large population centers. In such areas, the geohydrological risk is high not only for inhabited areas but also along roadways exposed to flooding. This scenario is worrying, especially in road underpass sections, where drivers are unlikely to perceive a real risk due to the high degree of confidence that comes from the habit of driving. Underpasses have been widely used to obviate the need to find shorter alternative routes and manage vehicular traffic in urban settings impeded by previous anthropogenic and natural constraints. To assess the numerical consistency, frequency, and areal distribution of flood risk around road underpasses, several hundred pieces of data were selected (mostly from international, national and local newspapers, CNR IRPI archive and local archives) and cataloged in a thematic database, referring mainly to the Italian territory. The behavioral aspects in the face of risk were also examined in order to provide a better understanding and raise awareness for preventive purposes. The results of this specific CNR research, which lasted about two years, confirm the exposure of underpasses to extreme risk events, affecting road users. In Italy alone, between 1942 and 2023, 698 underpasses were identified as having experienced a flooding event at least once. The database shows that 680 vehicles were involved in Italy, with a total of at least 812 individuals, of whom 19 died. Despite incomplete and uneven information, the findings of the analysis regarding the increment in underpasses flooding and the drivers action in front of a flooded underpass may be useful for undertaking the appropriate mitigation strategies. Full article

Recently, legislative acts on the protection of the green belt have been increasingly adopted in various states. Using the legislation examples of the United Kingdom, the Canadian province of Ontario, and Russia, we have identified public relations that can be the subject of regulation of such legislation. Based on the analysis of typical legal conflicts, the problem areas which need the most attention of the legislator have been identified. The methods of differentiation of the legal regime for various areas within the green belt are investigated, taking into account their geographical features and specific management goals. The most promising areas for legal regulation that require the increased attention of legislators speak to the establishment of the procedures and criteria for excluding land plots from the green belt, the regulation of village development processes within the green belt, the establishment of a comprehensive list of agricultural types of permitted use, and the establishment of the procedure for the development of specialized plans or strategies for the use and protection of the green belt. The article offers solutions to these issues. The methodology of comparative law, including the functional method, was used in the study. Full article

This study explores the transition toward sustainable economic models through the circular economy (CE) in Mexico. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporates a comprehensive literature review and analyzes responses from 42 stakeholders, gathered through surveys and focus groups. These stakeholders comprise a diverse group including PhD students, professors, researchers, industry professionals in sustainability and the environment, and government advisors and coordinators from the Mexican Secretary of Environment. This representative sample provides a broad perspective on the barriers, opportunities, and societal perceptions regarding CE. The findings reveal significant challenges such as economic barriers, regulatory inadequacies, and a lack of awareness and education, all of which hinder the adoption of CE practices. Despite these challenges, there is a generally optimistic view among stakeholders about CE’s potential to positively impact societal needs, suggesting robust opportunities for innovation and policy enhancement to foster sustainable development. Key recommendations include intensifying educational programs to elevate public understanding and engagement, formulating supportive policies that facilitate CE adoption, and promoting intersectoral collaboration to leverage collective expertise and resources. Additionally, the research underscores the necessity of integrating CE principles into urban planning and policy frameworks to effectively address specific local challenges such as waste management, pollution, and urban sprawl. By providing a detailed analysis of the current state and potential of CE in Mexico, this paper contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on sustainability. It proposes strategic actions to overcome existing hurdles and capitalize on opportunities within the CE framework, charting a path forward for Mexico and serving as a model for other regions facing similar sustainability challenges Full article

Accessibility to rigorous scientific information to promote risk mitigation measures by citizens is crucial, especially in the context of climate change and extreme weather events. This study focuses on the perception of flood risk and the implementation of mitigation strategies by residents in drylands urban sprawl areas. Risk perception, defined as the subjective assessment of the likelihood and potential consequences of flooding, is a key element of mitigation. While many studies have explored the link between risk perception and behaviour, this research addresses gaps in understanding how public information affects these perceptions and actions. In areas of rapid urban expansion, where regulation often overlooks environmental features, the lack of adequate information poses significant barriers to effective risk mitigation. This research reveals that although residents claim to understand flooding, their descriptions often indicate a lack of understanding of the phenomenon. This ‘passive optimism’ could be mitigated by providing rigorous information and specific technical recommendations. This study highlights the disconnect between residents’ awareness of flood risks and the inadequacy of preventive measures, underlining the importance of targeted information and collaboration between the scientific community, government sectors, and local populations. Full article

Space efficiency in North American skyscrapers is crucial due to financial, societal, and ecological reasons. High land prices in major cities require maximizing every square foot for financial viability. Skyscrapers must accommodate growing populations within limited spaces, reducing urban sprawl and its associated issues. Efficient designs also support environmental sustainability and enhance city aesthetics, while optimizing infrastructure and services. However, no comprehensive study has examined the key architectural and structural features impacting the space efficiency of these towers in North America. This paper fills this gap by analyzing data from 31 case study skyscrapers. Findings indicated that (1) central core was frequently employed in the organization of service core; (2) most common forms were setback, prismatic, and tapered configurations; (3) outriggered frame and shear walled frame systems were mostly used; (4) concrete was the material in most cases; and (5) average space efficiency was 76%, and the percentage of core area to gross floor area (GFA) averaged 21%, from the lowest of 62% and 13% to the highest of 84% and 31%. It is expected that this paper will aid architectural and structural designers, and builders involved in shaping skyscrapers in North America. Full article

The implementation of an urban growth boundary (UGB) can effectively control urban sprawl and promote efficient land use, which is crucial for future urban development. However, most of existing studies overlook the reuse of existing idle and inefficient land within the city in the delineation of UGBs. With China’s urban construction shifting from incremental development to stock development, this study focuses on Wuhan and presents a set of technical approaches for delineating UGBs with a stock development orientation. First, a built-up area composite index (POI&ISA) is constructed based on point of interest (POI) kernel density analysis and impervious surface index extraction to evaluate constructive levels in 2010 and 2020 and identify the urban vitality zone. Then, we combine the current land use status and control policies to divide the urban spatial development potential into five categories: urban vitality land, urban non-vitality land, other vitality land, other non-vitality land, and restricted development land. Finally, the PLUS model is applied in the analysis of the driving forces of land use change in Wuhan, simulating the UGBs in three stages of incremental development (2020–2030), incremental and stock development (2030–2040), and stock development (2040–2050). Finally, the PLUS model simulation projects the UGB areas to be 436.436 km², 474.617 km², and 520.396 km² for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050, respectively. The predicted timespan of urban development extends up to 30 years, serving as a reliable reference for Wuhan’s long-term and near-term planning. Full article

Urbanization in Bni Bouayach, Morocco, threatens vital irrigated areas and agricultural land, raising concerns about environmental sustainability. This study employs a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP) framework to assess land suitability for sustainable development. It addresses knowledge gaps in urban planning as follows: (i) Evaluating land suitability for sustainable development: this analysis identifies areas appropriate for urban expansion while minimizing environmental impact. (ii) Balancing environmental and human needs: the framework integrates ten criteria encompassing accessibility, economic, social, geomorphological, and environmental factors. This comprehensive approach results in a Land Suitability Map with five categories: prohibited/unfit, extremely unsuitable, moderately unsuitable, adequately suitable, and highly suitable. Notably, 39.5% of the area falls within the adequately suitable or highly suitable categories, primarily consisting of accessible bare lands and pastures. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to guide Bni Bouayach towards sustainable urban development, ensuring balanced growth that respects both environmental preservation and resident needs. Full article

This study investigates the spatial urban growth patterns of cities along the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia border, a region of significant economic importance characterized by cross-border trade. This activity has led to rapid but unplanned urban growth. The objective is to quantify the spatial expansion of Congolese cities (Kipushi, Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania) bordering Zambia and to evaluate associated landscape changes. The methodology of this study includes the supervised classification of Landsat images with a spatial resolution of 30 m for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023. This classification was validated using field data. Subsequently, landscape metrics such as class area, patch number, Shannon diversity index, disturbance index, urban expansion intensity index, largest patch index, and mean Euclidean distance were calculated for each city and each date. The results reveal substantial landscape transformations in the border cities between 1990 and 2023. These changes are primarily driven by rapid urban expansion, particularly pronounced in Kasumbalesa. Between 1990 and 2023, forest cover declined from 70% to less than 15% in Kipushi, from 80% to 10% in Kasumbalesa, from 90% to 30% in Mokambo, and from 80% to 15% in Sakania. This forest cover loss is accompanied by an increase in landscape element diversity, as indicated by the Shannon diversity index, except in Kipushi, suggesting a transition towards more heterogeneous landscapes. In these border cities, landscape dynamics are also characterized by the expansion of agriculture and savannas, highlighted by an increase in the disturbance index. Analysis of spatial pattern changes shows that built-up areas, agriculture, and savannas exhibit trends of patch creation or aggregation, whereas forests are undergoing processes of dissection and patch attrition. Congolese cities bordering Zambia are undergoing substantial spatial changes propelled by intricate interactions between economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Our results underscore the need for sustainable development strategies to address urban sprawl through smart growth policies and mixed-use developments, mitigate deforestation via stricter land use regulations and reforestation projects, and enhance cross-border cooperation through joint environmental management and collaborative research initiatives. Full article

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is undergoing rapid urbanization, yet research comparing urban expansion and agricultural land loss in peri-urban areas is scarce. This study utilizes multi-temporal Landsat imagery to examine the impact of urban growth on agricultural land and fragile ecosystems in Kampala (a mega city) and Mbarara (a regional urban center) in Uganda. We distinguish between random and systematic land-use and land-cover (LULC) transitions in the landscape. The results reveal substantial urban expansion. Kampala’s urban area surged from 7.14% in 1989 to 55.10% in 2015, while Mbarara increased from 6.37% in 2002 to 30.95% in 2016. Correspondingly, agricultural land decreased, from 48.02% to 16.69% in Kampala, and from 39.92% to 32.08% in Mbarara. Notably, a significant proportion of urban growth in both cities encroached upon agricultural land (66.7% in Kampala and 57.8% in Mbarara). The transition from agricultural to built-up areas accounted for 14.72% to 28.45% of the landscapes. Additionally, unsustainable practices led to the conversion of wetlands and forests to agricultural land, with approximately 13% of wetlands and 23% of Savannah and forests being converted between 2001 and 2015. These findings underscore the necessity of monitoring LULC changes for sustainable urban growth management, emphasizing the importance of preserving agricultural land and ecosystems to ensure present and future food security. This research contributes to the understanding of urbanization’s impact on peri-urban agricultural land and ecosystems in SSA, providing insights that are crucial for informed urban planning and policy formulation aimed at sustainable development in the region. Full article

Green space is needed in urban areas to increase resilience to climate change and other shocks, as well as for human health and wellbeing. Urban green space (UGS) is increasingly considered as green infrastructure and highly complementary to engineered urban infrastructure, such as water and transport networks. The needs for resilient, sustainable and equitable future wellbeing require strategic planning, designing and upgrading of UGS, especially in areas where it has been underprovided. We explore the implications of these needs for urban development through a detailed review of cited UGS analyses conducted on the larger cities in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). There are important differences in UGS availability (i.e., quantity), accessibility and quality within and between cities. Some of these differences stem from ad hoc patterns of development, as well as topography. They contribute to apparently growing inequities in the availability and accessibility of UGS. Broader health and wellbeing considerations, encompassing Indigenous and community values, should be at the heart of UGS design and decisionmaking. Most of AoNZ’s cities aim (at least to some extent) at densification and decarbonisation to accommodate a growing population without costly sprawl; however, to date, sprawl continues. Our findings indicate a clear need for the design and provision of high-quality, well-integrated UGS within and servicing areas of denser housing, which are typically areas in cities with a demonstrable UGS deficiency. Full article

Urban sprawl leads to the degradation of aquatic environments and, consequently, to the destruction of biodiversity. With the aim of highlighting the distribution profile of benthic macroinvertebrates in the city of Yaoundé and its surroundings according to the level of degradation, this study was carried out in seven rivers. A total of 144 taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates, belonging to 74 families, 15 orders, five classes, and three phyla, were collected from seven rivers in urban, peri-urban, and forest environments on Yaoundé and its surroundings. The self-organizing map (SOM) analysis tool was used to group the collected taxa from all stations into three clusters or affinity cores. The indicator value analysis (IndVal) method was employed to determine, based on their ecological preferences, which organisms were most likely to belong to each group. Out of the 144 collected taxa, only 44 were indicated to represent the three different groups. Thus, three communities were defined: the Hydropsyche community, with Hydropsyche sp. as the predominant taxon in Group III, characterizing well-oxygenated and low-mineralized stations; the Hydrocyrius community, where the species Hydrocyrius sp. predominates in Group I, describing stations with low oxygenation and moderate mineralization; and the Lumbriculidae community, where Lumbriculidae is the taxon associated with environments with high mineralization and critical oxygenation. These two methods contribute to the biomonitoring of tropical aquatic environments, firstly by grouping organisms by affinity and then identifying those that reflect the environment conditions. This facilitates the detection of changes in the quality of hydrosystems and guides management and conservation efforts. Full article