Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100290
Jian Zhang , Kan Zhou , Jie Fan , Youkun Zhang
Global plateau regions face intensifying anthropogenic activities, yet sustainability efforts are frequently constrained by uncertainties in stress assessment and mismatches between governance scales and environmental processes. To address this gap, we developed an integrated multi-source framework to assess anthropogenic stress, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-factor approaches. Empirical evidence from the Tibet Plateau indicates that although overall stress levels remain low, high-intensity stress exhibits notable clustering. This spatial heterogeneity is identified as the fundamental driver of governance scale mismatches. We further reveal compounded spatial and hierarchical mismatches between governance units and stressor distribution, evidenced by 48.6 % of township units displaying stress levels that diverge from their aggregated county-level assessments. These mismatches are particularly acute in agro-pastoral areas and are further exacerbated by temporal mismatches driven by seasonal visits. Scenario simulations based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) indicate that current moderate policies are insufficient to curb rising stress. Conversely, a transformation to the strictest synergistic governance mode is required, which is projected to reduce anthropogenic stress by 50.5 % on the plateau. Finally, we propose a novel plateau-adapted cross-scale synergistic governance paradigm, offering a pathway to strengthen regional resource and environmental sustainability while contributing to the global sustainability agenda.
{"title":"Bridging scale-mismatch: Managing neglected anthropogenic stresses on environmental sustainability on the Tibet Plateau","authors":"Jian Zhang , Kan Zhou , Jie Fan , Youkun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global plateau regions face intensifying anthropogenic activities, yet sustainability efforts are frequently constrained by uncertainties in stress assessment and mismatches between governance scales and environmental processes. To address this gap, we developed an integrated multi-source framework to assess anthropogenic stress, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-factor approaches. Empirical evidence from the Tibet Plateau indicates that although overall stress levels remain low, high-intensity stress exhibits notable clustering. This spatial heterogeneity is identified as the fundamental driver of governance scale mismatches. We further reveal compounded spatial and hierarchical mismatches between governance units and stressor distribution, evidenced by 48.6 % of township units displaying stress levels that diverge from their aggregated county-level assessments. These mismatches are particularly acute in agro-pastoral areas and are further exacerbated by temporal mismatches driven by seasonal visits. Scenario simulations based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) indicate that current moderate policies are insufficient to curb rising stress. Conversely, a transformation to the strictest synergistic governance mode is required, which is projected to reduce anthropogenic stress by 50.5 % on the plateau. Finally, we propose a novel plateau-adapted cross-scale synergistic governance paradigm, offering a pathway to strengthen regional resource and environmental sustainability while contributing to the global sustainability agenda.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100290"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100301
Yuelu Wang , Haoyue Wang , Yunlong Zhang , Zhengyuan Zhao , Shiyu Yao , Bojie Fu , Yihe Lü , Xing Wu
Critical Ecological Areas (CEAs) are essential for sustaining ecosystem health, yet systematic projections of their future dynamics remain limited. This knowledge gap constrains effective measures for protecting and enhancing existing ecological functions. Furthermore, current scenario analyses often fail to integrate ecological and economic objectives comprehensively. To address these gaps, this study employs the Ecosystem Multifunctionality–Stability–Integrity (MSI) framework to assess future CEA dynamics under four land use scenarios projected for 2030 and 2050: Historical Baseline (HIS), Economic Priority (EN), Ecological Priority (EL), and Ecological-Economic Coordination (EE). Taking the Yellow River Basin (YRB) as a case study, our results indicate continued expansion of construction land across all scenarios, intensifying trade-offs between ecological and economic land uses. Land use change reshapes the spatiotemporal patterns and functional traits of CEAs by altering ecosystem multifunctionality (EMI), stability (ESI), and integrity (EII). CEAs are predominantly located in Sanjiangyuan, Huanglong, Qinling, and Lüliang Mountains. The EL scenario yields the most favorable outcomes, preserving the largest extent of CEA retained regions (CRRs) and the smallest risk areas, with CRRs surpassing those under the EN scenario by 1.5% by 2050. While expansion of ecological land (e.g., forest, grassland, wetland) partially offsets the adverse effects of construction land on EMI and ESI, the EE scenario demonstrates that merely increasing ecological land cannot counteract the negative impacts of rapid economic land growth on EII, underscoring persistent conflicts between conservation and development. Risk areas exhibit below-average levels of ESI and EII, with values 8.06–26.64% and 16.10–23.97% lower than CEA averages, respectively. Based on these findings, we propose differentiated governance strategies for the YRB at both near–long term and regional–basin scales. This study advances the understanding of how land use change shapes CEAs and provides insights for balancing ecological risk prevention and sustainable development in vulnerable river basins.
{"title":"Future land use intensifies trade-offs between development and conservation in the Yellow River Basin's critical ecological areas","authors":"Yuelu Wang , Haoyue Wang , Yunlong Zhang , Zhengyuan Zhao , Shiyu Yao , Bojie Fu , Yihe Lü , Xing Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Critical Ecological Areas (CEAs) are essential for sustaining ecosystem health, yet systematic projections of their future dynamics remain limited. This knowledge gap constrains effective measures for protecting and enhancing existing ecological functions. Furthermore, current scenario analyses often fail to integrate ecological and economic objectives comprehensively. To address these gaps, this study employs the Ecosystem Multifunctionality–Stability–Integrity (MSI) framework to assess future CEA dynamics under four land use scenarios projected for 2030 and 2050: Historical Baseline (HIS), Economic Priority (EN), Ecological Priority (EL), and Ecological-Economic Coordination (EE). Taking the Yellow River Basin (YRB) as a case study, our results indicate continued expansion of construction land across all scenarios, intensifying trade-offs between ecological and economic land uses. Land use change reshapes the spatiotemporal patterns and functional traits of CEAs by altering ecosystem multifunctionality (EMI), stability (ESI), and integrity (EII). CEAs are predominantly located in Sanjiangyuan, Huanglong, Qinling, and Lüliang Mountains. The EL scenario yields the most favorable outcomes, preserving the largest extent of CEA retained regions (CRRs) and the smallest risk areas, with CRRs surpassing those under the EN scenario by 1.5% by 2050. While expansion of ecological land (e.g., forest, grassland, wetland) partially offsets the adverse effects of construction land on EMI and ESI, the EE scenario demonstrates that merely increasing ecological land cannot counteract the negative impacts of rapid economic land growth on EII, underscoring persistent conflicts between conservation and development. Risk areas exhibit below-average levels of ESI and EII, with values 8.06–26.64% and 16.10–23.97% lower than CEA averages, respectively. Based on these findings, we propose differentiated governance strategies for the YRB at both near–long term and regional–basin scales. This study advances the understanding of how land use change shapes CEAs and provides insights for balancing ecological risk prevention and sustainable development in vulnerable river basins.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100301"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olive cultivation is a major agroecosystem in the Mediterranean basin, yet the environmental performance of its production systems remains poorly quantified, particularly in North Africa where life cycle inventory (LCI) data are limited.
Methods
This study applied a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to eight representative olive production systems (traditional, integrated, and intensive). Primary data were obtained from field surveys and farm records, while secondary data from the Ecoinvent database were used for background processes. Environmental impacts were evaluated per hectare and per ton of olives for global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication and water consumption.
Results
Fertilization and soil management emerged as dominant hotspots across all assessed impact categories, with synthetic inputs contributing up to 576 kg CO2-eq/ha to global warming potential and driving nutrient-related burdens. Water consumption ranged from 0.98 to 1767 m3/ha, primarily influenced by irrigation intensity. Overall global warming potential varied from 617 to 2583 kg CO2-eq/ha, reflecting substantial differences in input levels and resource-use efficiency among systems.
Discussion and conclusions
The results demonstrate that environmental performance is strongly shaped by fertilizer regimes, irrigation practices, and soil management. Precision nutrient management, optimized irrigation, reduced tillage and agroecological interventions could substantially reduce impacts. This study provides one of the first structured LCAs for Tunisian olive systems and offers essential evidence to support the development of robust regional LCI datasets for Mediterranean olive production.
橄榄种植是地中海盆地的主要农业生态系统，但其生产系统的环境绩效仍然缺乏量化，特别是在生命周期清单（LCI）数据有限的北非。方法采用比较生命周期评价（LCA）方法对8个具有代表性的橄榄生产系统（传统、综合和集约化）进行分析。主要数据来自实地调查和农场记录，而来自Ecoinvent数据库的次要数据用于后台处理。对每公顷和每吨橄榄的环境影响进行了评估，包括全球变暖潜势、酸化、富营养化和用水量。结果在所有评估的影响类别中，施肥和土壤管理成为主要热点，其中合成投入对全球变暖潜势的贡献高达576千克二氧化碳当量/公顷，并导致营养相关负担。用水量在0.98 ~ 1767 m3/ha之间，主要受灌溉强度的影响。总体全球变暖潜势在617 ~ 2583 kg co2当量/公顷之间变化，反映了系统间投入水平和资源利用效率的巨大差异。讨论与结论结果表明，环境绩效在很大程度上取决于肥料制度、灌溉方式和土壤管理。精确的养分管理、优化的灌溉、减少耕作和农业生态干预可以大大减少影响。本研究为突尼斯橄榄系统提供了首批结构化LCI之一，并为支持开发地中海橄榄生产的强大区域LCI数据集提供了重要证据。
{"title":"Comparative life cycle assessment of olive (Olea europaea L.) production under different agricultural systems: Environmental trade-offs and sustainability insights","authors":"Makrem Cherni , Hajer Ben Ammar , Mohamed Guesmi , Rabii Lanwer , Yassine Hidri , Khaled Ouertani , Hakim Boulal , Boubaker Dhehibi , Aymen Frija , Ajmi Larbi","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100288","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Olive cultivation is a major agroecosystem in the Mediterranean basin, yet the environmental performance of its production systems remains poorly quantified, particularly in North Africa where life cycle inventory (LCI) data are limited.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study applied a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to eight representative olive production systems (traditional, integrated, and intensive). Primary data were obtained from field surveys and farm records, while secondary data from the Ecoinvent database were used for background processes. Environmental impacts were evaluated per hectare and per ton of olives for global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication and water consumption<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fertilization and soil management emerged as dominant hotspots across all assessed impact categories, with synthetic inputs contributing up to 576 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq/ha to global warming potential and driving nutrient-related burdens. Water consumption ranged from 0.98 to 1767 m<sup>3</sup>/ha, primarily influenced by irrigation intensity. Overall global warming potential varied from 617 to 2583 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq/ha, reflecting substantial differences in input levels and resource-use efficiency among systems.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and conclusions</h3><div>The results demonstrate that environmental performance is strongly shaped by fertilizer regimes, irrigation practices, and soil management. Precision nutrient management, optimized irrigation, reduced tillage and agroecological interventions could substantially reduce impacts. This study provides one of the first structured LCAs for Tunisian olive systems and offers essential evidence to support the development of robust regional LCI datasets for Mediterranean olive production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100288"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100297
Kari Ylivainio , Risto Uusitalo , Johanna Nikama , Andrea Bauerle , Antonio Delgado
Phosphate fertilizer production relies on finite mineral resources. However, much of the phosphorus (P) taken up by crops eventually ends up in different waste streams. Ensuring P supply for agricultural sustainability requires a circular economy approach to producing bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) from these nutrient-rich side streams. This necessitates addressing not only the fertilizer value of BBFs but also the often-overlooked environmental impacts, which are surely affected not only by BBFs composition but also by soil properties. This study aimed to assess P losses promoted by BBFs, depending on their nature and the properties of soil to which they are applied, using a rain simulation after a 3-week incubation. To this end, 11 BBFs and triple superphosphate (TSP) were applied on soils originating from Finland (FI, pH 5.7), Germany (DE, pH 7.4), and Spain (ES, pH 8.1). The BBFs encompass a wide range of raw materials (plants, manure, animal by-products, sewage sludge) and production technologies (anaerobic digestion and composting, fermentation and distillation, various thermal treatments, and precipitation). The concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP) and molybdate-unreactive P (MU-P) in percolation water varied greatly depending on the soil properties and the P sources. Soil P tests that extract easily soluble P fractions predicted DRP concentrations in percolation water better than those extracting less soluble P fractions. The highest P concentration, especially DRP, was measured in the low P retention DE soil mixed with TSP. In acidic and calcareous soils, TSP, digested and composted pig slurry, and mineral/precipitate BBFs led to the greatest DRP mobilization. Organic BBFs containing tricalcium/hydroxyapatite and ash-based ones led to the least P mobilization in all soils. Granulation of BBFs effectively reduced P losses among BBFs with similar P speciation, while also offering improved handling and P utilization. Thus, compared with soluble mineral P fertilizers, BBFs offer a means to reduce P losses; however, minimizing P losses requires knowledge of both soil and BBF properties.
{"title":"Phosphorus mobilization induced by bio-based fertilizers from soils with varying phosphorus retention capacities","authors":"Kari Ylivainio , Risto Uusitalo , Johanna Nikama , Andrea Bauerle , Antonio Delgado","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphate fertilizer production relies on finite mineral resources. However, much of the phosphorus (P) taken up by crops eventually ends up in different waste streams. Ensuring P supply for agricultural sustainability requires a circular economy approach to producing bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) from these nutrient-rich side streams. This necessitates addressing not only the fertilizer value of BBFs but also the often-overlooked environmental impacts, which are surely affected not only by BBFs composition but also by soil properties. This study aimed to assess P losses promoted by BBFs, depending on their nature and the properties of soil to which they are applied, using a rain simulation after a 3-week incubation. To this end, 11 BBFs and triple superphosphate (TSP) were applied on soils originating from Finland (FI, pH 5.7), Germany (DE, pH 7.4), and Spain (ES, pH 8.1). The BBFs encompass a wide range of raw materials (plants, manure, animal by-products, sewage sludge) and production technologies (anaerobic digestion and composting, fermentation and distillation, various thermal treatments, and precipitation). The concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP) and molybdate-unreactive P (MU-P) in percolation water varied greatly depending on the soil properties and the P sources. Soil P tests that extract easily soluble P fractions predicted DRP concentrations in percolation water better than those extracting less soluble P fractions. The highest P concentration, especially DRP, was measured in the low P retention DE soil mixed with TSP. In acidic and calcareous soils, TSP, digested and composted pig slurry, and mineral/precipitate BBFs led to the greatest DRP mobilization. Organic BBFs containing tricalcium/hydroxyapatite and ash-based ones led to the least P mobilization in all soils. Granulation of BBFs effectively reduced P losses among BBFs with similar P speciation, while also offering improved handling and P utilization. Thus, compared with soluble mineral P fertilizers, BBFs offer a means to reduce P losses; however, minimizing P losses requires knowledge of both soil and BBF properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100297"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100298
Sobit Sapkota , Jooyoung Park , Jun-Ki Choi
The cement industry is a primary driver of the environmental footprint of the built environment, representing the most carbon-intensive component of construction material supply chains. Their energy and emissions trajectories directly shape the sustainability of buildings and urban infrastructure. However, forecasting these trajectories remains challenging due to limited data, technological transitions, and policy uncertainties. This study develops an integrated framework that combines a systematic review of forecasting methods with a comparative evaluation of the Grey Model (GM(1,1)) and the Markov-Chain Grey Model (MCGM). Using the cement sector of a rapidly developing economy as a case study, we embed forecasts within alternative scenarios, business-as-usual, efficiency improvement, and decline to assess future pathways of energy use and CO2 emissions. Results show that MCGM significantly improves forecasting accuracy relative to GM in this data-constrained and volatile industrial context and enables robust scenario analysis. Scenario outcomes highlight the risk of rising energy demand and emissions that could undermine sustainability targets in the construction sector, while efficiency pathways demonstrate alignment with international climate and development benchmarks. Beyond this case, the framework underscores the value of Grey–Markov forecasting as a transferable decision-support tool for evaluating the long-term environmental impacts of construction-related industries, supporting policymakers and sector stakeholders in achieving low-carbon development.
{"title":"Forecasting of energy and emissions for the cement sector: a comprehensive review and scenario-based assessment","authors":"Sobit Sapkota , Jooyoung Park , Jun-Ki Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cement industry is a primary driver of the environmental footprint of the built environment, representing the most carbon-intensive component of construction material supply chains. Their energy and emissions trajectories directly shape the sustainability of buildings and urban infrastructure. However, forecasting these trajectories remains challenging due to limited data, technological transitions, and policy uncertainties. This study develops an integrated framework that combines a systematic review of forecasting methods with a comparative evaluation of the Grey Model (GM(1,1)) and the Markov-Chain Grey Model (MCGM). Using the cement sector of a rapidly developing economy as a case study, we embed forecasts within alternative scenarios, business-as-usual, efficiency improvement, and decline to assess future pathways of energy use and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. Results show that MCGM significantly improves forecasting accuracy relative to GM in this data-constrained and volatile industrial context and enables robust scenario analysis. Scenario outcomes highlight the risk of rising energy demand and emissions that could undermine sustainability targets in the construction sector, while efficiency pathways demonstrate alignment with international climate and development benchmarks. Beyond this case, the framework underscores the value of Grey–Markov forecasting as a transferable decision-support tool for evaluating the long-term environmental impacts of construction-related industries, supporting policymakers and sector stakeholders in achieving low-carbon development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100298"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100292
Yabo Zhao , Yixin Guan , Cheng Zong , Petra Marschner , Robert Baxter , Bo Wang , Changlin Zou , Qiaoqi Sun
Riparian ecosystems are hotspots for carbon dioxide and methane emissions, contributing significantly to global carbon budgets and ecosystem sustainability. Under global warming, increasing flood frequency is causing substantial changes in riparian plant-soil systems, with consequent shifts in their carbon dynamics. However, little is known about the effects of altered flood frequencies on such riparian plant-soil-carbon flux interactions. In this study we aimed to address this knowledge gap by using a combination of remotely sensed imagery and field-based monitoring approaches. Field campaigns for plant, soil and gaseous samplings were initially conducted in the minimally flooded period and again resumed in the annually flooded period. Results showed that the study area transitioned from an annually flooded period (1984–2006) to a minimally flooded period (2007–2018) and then back to an annual flooded period once again (2019–2023). Increased flood frequency altered plant composition and diversity, shifting the community towards annual species that are better adapted to flood disturbance. Plant total carbon increased from 38.2 % to 44.0 %, whilst soil total nitrogen decreased from 0.18 % to 0.05 %. These shifts increased ecosystem respiration by 85 %, but not soil respiration, indicating autotrophic respiration drove the net rise. While methane production showed minimal response to flood frequency, a pronounced methane emission pulse (a 30-fold increase) was observed during active inundation. Our findings reveal flood frequency changes drive riparian carbon dynamics through synergistic vegetation-soil feedbacks, critically advancing the understanding of ecosystem responses to climate-amplified hydrological extremes. These findings provide valuable insights for flood management, ecosystem sustainability, and climate adaptation strategies.
{"title":"Increased flood frequency altered carbon fluxes via modifying plant and soil properties in a riparian grassland","authors":"Yabo Zhao , Yixin Guan , Cheng Zong , Petra Marschner , Robert Baxter , Bo Wang , Changlin Zou , Qiaoqi Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Riparian ecosystems are hotspots for carbon dioxide and methane emissions, contributing significantly to global carbon budgets and ecosystem sustainability. Under global warming, increasing flood frequency is causing substantial changes in riparian plant-soil systems, with consequent shifts in their carbon dynamics. However, little is known about the effects of altered flood frequencies on such riparian plant-soil-carbon flux interactions. In this study we aimed to address this knowledge gap by using a combination of remotely sensed imagery and field-based monitoring approaches. Field campaigns for plant, soil and gaseous samplings were initially conducted in the minimally flooded period and again resumed in the annually flooded period. Results showed that the study area transitioned from an annually flooded period (1984–2006) to a minimally flooded period (2007–2018) and then back to an annual flooded period once again (2019–2023). Increased flood frequency altered plant composition and diversity, shifting the community towards annual species that are better adapted to flood disturbance. Plant total carbon increased from 38.2 % to 44.0 %, whilst soil total nitrogen decreased from 0.18 % to 0.05 %. These shifts increased ecosystem respiration by 85 %, but not soil respiration, indicating autotrophic respiration drove the net rise. While methane production showed minimal response to flood frequency, a pronounced methane emission pulse (a 30-fold increase) was observed during active inundation. Our findings reveal flood frequency changes drive riparian carbon dynamics through synergistic vegetation-soil feedbacks, critically advancing the understanding of ecosystem responses to climate-amplified hydrological extremes. These findings provide valuable insights for flood management, ecosystem sustainability, and climate adaptation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100292"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100295
Lu Wang , Shiyu Cao , Yi Yang
Fruits are vital for healthy diets, yet their environmental impacts on a global scale are still not well understood. Our study fills this knowledge gap by systematically reviewing life-cycle analyses of results from 113 life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies covering 15 major fruit species across six key environmental impact categories. Results show substantial variation in yields and environmental impacts across species, regions, and production systems, driven by climate, soil conditions, and management practices. High-yielding fruits such as pineapple and apple (0.10 and 0.15 kg CO2e/kg, respectively) generally release fewer greenhouse gases than low-yielding crops like avocado and berry (0.48 and 0.44 kg CO2e/kg, respectively). Environmental footprints vary widely across countries—for example, apple carbon footprints range from 0.04 to 3.01 kg CO2e/kg. Production-weighted global averages indicate a carbon footprint of 0.31 kg CO2e/kg, acidification of 3.48 g SO2e/kg, eutrophication of 2.23 g PO4e/kg, blue water use of 0.13 m3/kg, land use of 0.49 m2·a/kg, and human toxicity of 0.09 kg 1,4-DBe/kg. However, some impact categories like carbon footprint have been studied more frequently than others, with data gaps remaining particularly significant for the toxicity and eutrophication impacts of fruits such as avocado, cherry, and plum. By synthesizing results across fruit types, regions, and multiple impacts, our study reveals opportunities for targeted interventions and best-practice transfer to improve sustainability across the global fruit sector.
水果对健康饮食至关重要，但它们在全球范围内对环境的影响仍未得到很好的了解。我们的研究通过系统地回顾113项生命周期评估（LCA）研究的生命周期分析结果，填补了这一知识空白，这些研究涵盖了6个关键环境影响类别的15种主要水果。结果表明，受气候、土壤条件和管理实践的驱动，不同物种、地区和生产系统的产量和环境影响存在显著差异。高产水果如菠萝和苹果（分别为0.10和0.15千克二氧化碳当量/千克）通常比低产作物如鳄梨和浆果（分别为0.48和0.44千克二氧化碳当量/千克）释放更少的温室气体。不同国家的环境足迹差异很大，例如，苹果的碳足迹从0.04到3.01千克二氧化碳当量/千克不等。生产加权全球平均值表明，碳足迹为0.31 kg CO2e/kg，酸化为3.48 g SO2e/kg，富营养化为2.23 g PO4e/kg，蓝水使用量为0.13 m3/kg，土地使用量为0.49 m2·a/kg，人类毒性为0.09 kg 1,4- dbe /kg。然而，像碳足迹这样的影响类别的研究比其他类别更频繁，在牛油果、樱桃和李子等水果的毒性和富营养化影响方面，数据缺口仍然特别大。通过综合水果类型、地区和多重影响的结果，我们的研究揭示了有针对性的干预措施和最佳实践转移的机会，以提高全球水果行业的可持续性。
{"title":"Global fruit production: environmental footprints, regional variability, and sustainability hotspots","authors":"Lu Wang , Shiyu Cao , Yi Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fruits are vital for healthy diets, yet their environmental impacts on a global scale are still not well understood. Our study fills this knowledge gap by systematically reviewing life-cycle analyses of results from 113 life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies covering 15 major fruit species across six key environmental impact categories. Results show substantial variation in yields and environmental impacts across species, regions, and production systems, driven by climate, soil conditions, and management practices. High-yielding fruits such as pineapple and apple (0.10 and 0.15 kg CO<sub>2</sub>e/kg, respectively) generally release fewer greenhouse gases than low-yielding crops like avocado and berry (0.48 and 0.44 kg CO<sub>2</sub>e/kg, respectively). Environmental footprints vary widely across countries—for example, apple carbon footprints range from 0.04 to 3.01 kg CO<sub>2</sub>e/kg. Production-weighted global averages indicate a carbon footprint of 0.31 kg CO<sub>2</sub>e/kg, acidification of 3.48 g SO<sub>2</sub>e/kg, eutrophication of 2.23 g PO<sub>4</sub>e/kg, blue water use of 0.13 m<sup>3</sup>/kg, land use of 0.49 m<sup>2</sup>·a/kg, and human toxicity of 0.09 kg 1,4-DBe/kg. However, some impact categories like carbon footprint have been studied more frequently than others, with data gaps remaining particularly significant for the toxicity and eutrophication impacts of fruits such as avocado, cherry, and plum. By synthesizing results across fruit types, regions, and multiple impacts, our study reveals opportunities for targeted interventions and best-practice transfer to improve sustainability across the global fruit sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100295"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100289
Walter Leal Filho , Johannes M. Luetz , Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis , Julian David Hunt , Gustavo J. Nagy
The Arctic region, warming at nearly four times the global average rate, is both an important carbon sink and a potential source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially due to thawing permafrost. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is increasingly recognised as a necessary measure to support global efforts to reduce emissions. This article examines whether, and under what conditions, large-scale CDR deployment in the Arctic is practically feasible. It also discusses the challenges associated with it. We synthesise peer-reviewed evidence on the performance of key CDR approaches relevant to high-latitude environments, including nature-based solutions (NbS), e.g. peatland restoration, blue carbon protection and afforestation, as well as enhanced rock weathering (ERW), ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS). Across these approaches, the feasibility is constrained by permafrost dynamics, hydrology, ecological sensitivity, energy availability, monitoring and verification, and governance. Whereas some CDR methods offer potential climate benefits, most are characterised by considerable uncertainty and context-dependent trade-offs. None currently demonstrates unequivocal feasibility at scale under Arctic conditions. Beyond these technical and ecological constraints, we identify four clusters of socio-political barriers that further complicate Arctic CDR: governance fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and uneven global deployment. A comparative assessment suggests that peatland restoration and blue carbon protection are the most immediately actionable options, whereas DACCS and OAE would require substantial new infrastructure and energy investment. The study concludes by outlining targeted policy and research priorities to address existing technological, ecological, and governance challenges, and to situate Arctic CDR within broader mitigation strategies without risking over-reliance or mitigation deterrence. The novelty of this paper lies in its analysis of the multiple variables that influence the viability of CDR. Overall, Arctic CDR appears technically possible but remains highly constrained, with its feasibility contingent on meeting stringent operational conditions, robust governance, and continued emissions reductions elsewhere.
{"title":"Is carbon dioxide removal in the Arctic region really feasible?","authors":"Walter Leal Filho , Johannes M. Luetz , Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis , Julian David Hunt , Gustavo J. Nagy","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Arctic region, warming at nearly four times the global average rate, is both an important carbon sink and a potential source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially due to thawing permafrost. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is increasingly recognised as a necessary measure to support global efforts to reduce emissions. This article examines whether, and under what conditions, large-scale CDR deployment in the Arctic is practically feasible. It also discusses the challenges associated with it. We synthesise peer-reviewed evidence on the performance of key CDR approaches relevant to high-latitude environments, including nature-based solutions (NbS), e.g. peatland restoration, blue carbon protection and afforestation, as well as enhanced rock weathering (ERW), ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS). Across these approaches, the feasibility is constrained by permafrost dynamics, hydrology, ecological sensitivity, energy availability, monitoring and verification, and governance. Whereas some CDR methods offer potential climate benefits, most are characterised by considerable uncertainty and context-dependent trade-offs. None currently demonstrates unequivocal feasibility at scale under Arctic conditions. Beyond these technical and ecological constraints, we identify four clusters of socio-political barriers that further complicate Arctic CDR: governance fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and uneven global deployment. A comparative assessment suggests that peatland restoration and blue carbon protection are the most immediately actionable options, whereas DACCS and OAE would require substantial new infrastructure and energy investment. The study concludes by outlining targeted policy and research priorities to address existing technological, ecological, and governance challenges, and to situate Arctic CDR within broader mitigation strategies without risking over-reliance or mitigation deterrence. The novelty of this paper lies in its analysis of the multiple variables that influence the viability of CDR. Overall, Arctic CDR appears technically possible but remains highly constrained, with its feasibility contingent on meeting stringent operational conditions, robust governance, and continued emissions reductions elsewhere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100289"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100293
Carla R.V. Coelho , Jan P. Lindner , Ottar Michelsen , Henrik G. Smith
Human appropriation of land reduces the quality and continuity of remaining natural habitat, affecting species fecundity, survival, and movements, which must be accounted for in impact assessments. Effective decision-making for sustainable land-use and resource extraction requires methods that represent the ecological impacts of human activities on surrounding landscapes. We propose a method that draws on the concept of landscape perforation, treats the land use in focus as the non-habitat, and quantifies adjacent human pressures by adapting the Human Footprint Index. The method aligns with the contention that disturbances in otherwise intact landscapes result in disproportionate ecological effects. We used a conservative intersection (algebraic product t-norm from fuzzy logic) to model the relationship between pressures that modify and those that do not. Inspired by landscape ecology's relative importance of spatial process to land transformation, we assumed a negatively sloped logistic function for pressures that modify the land cover, and a negative linear relationship for pressures that do not modify land cover. The index was applied to 102,646 quarries and mines, sourced from OpenStreetMap, quantifying their perforation potential. Developed in the context of life cycle assessment to quantify potential impacts of supply chains, a case study of steel illustrates its application from a product perspective. The method supports a proactive approach by equipping decision-makers with one more layer of information regarding “what is around” a land use. Globally applicable, it emphasizes transdisciplinary solutions for sustainable production, environmental stress assessment, and strategic resource planning with a spatially explicit component.
{"title":"Landscape perforation in life cycle assessment: Method development with global application to quarries and mines","authors":"Carla R.V. Coelho , Jan P. Lindner , Ottar Michelsen , Henrik G. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2026.100293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human appropriation of land reduces the quality and continuity of remaining natural habitat, affecting species fecundity, survival, and movements, which must be accounted for in impact assessments. Effective decision-making for sustainable land-use and resource extraction requires methods that represent the ecological impacts of human activities on surrounding landscapes. We propose a method that draws on the concept of landscape perforation, treats the land use in focus as the non-habitat, and quantifies adjacent human pressures by adapting the Human Footprint Index. The method aligns with the contention that disturbances in otherwise intact landscapes result in disproportionate ecological effects. We used a conservative intersection (algebraic product t-norm from fuzzy logic) to model the relationship between pressures that modify and those that do not. Inspired by landscape ecology's relative importance of spatial process to land transformation, we assumed a negatively sloped logistic function for pressures that modify the land cover, and a negative linear relationship for pressures that do not modify land cover. The index was applied to 102,646 quarries and mines, sourced from OpenStreetMap, quantifying their perforation potential. Developed in the context of life cycle assessment to quantify potential impacts of supply chains, a case study of steel illustrates its application from a product perspective. The method supports a proactive approach by equipping decision-makers with one more layer of information regarding “what is around” a land use. Globally applicable, it emphasizes transdisciplinary solutions for sustainable production, environmental stress assessment, and strategic resource planning with a spatially explicit component.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100293"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.resenv.2025.100286
Emanuele Blasi , Eleonora Sofia Rossi , Lorenzo Fosci , Angelo Martella
Debates revolving around food systems sustainability and farming production efficiency often depict animal production as intensive farming practices that are resource-inefficient and environmentally harmful. Agroecological approaches that value virtuous combinations of plants and animals in mixed farming conditions may support a citizen's reconciliation with animal farming, better addressing sustainability and ethics of farming. The study assesses the feasibility of transitioning to more sustainable production models by analysing poultry farming in synergy with permanent and aromatic crops, facing challenges such as environmental impact and animal welfare. This research explores the adoption of AgroSilvoPastoral Systems (ASPS), that combine plants and animals, to increase animal welfare as well as biodiversity and to reduce negative externalities. The research involved an Italian laying hen organic farm as an empirical case study. By investigating how this change can be addressed and supported by both sides of the supply chain (production and market) this study aims at proposing a novel metric for socio-economic assessments of ASPS. A gross margin evaluation and a choice experiment were utilized to determine if the changes in structural costs for producers were offset by consumers' willingness to pay for products derived from these systems. The findings indicate that implementing ASPS in egg production at a large scale could lead to a competitive advantage in the market while also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. In addition, engaging farmers in the decision-making process through a participatory approach facilitate the adoption and more efficient management of these systems, enhancing the probability of success.
{"title":"Exploring agrosilvopastoral systems as pathways toward sustainable transitions in Italian egg production: evidence from farm accountability and consumers’ willingness to pay","authors":"Emanuele Blasi , Eleonora Sofia Rossi , Lorenzo Fosci , Angelo Martella","doi":"10.1016/j.resenv.2025.100286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resenv.2025.100286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Debates revolving around food systems sustainability and farming production efficiency often depict animal production as intensive farming practices that are resource-inefficient and environmentally harmful. Agroecological approaches that value virtuous combinations of plants and animals in mixed farming conditions may support a citizen's reconciliation with animal farming, better addressing sustainability and ethics of farming. The study assesses the feasibility of transitioning to more sustainable production models by analysing poultry farming in synergy with permanent and aromatic crops, facing challenges such as environmental impact and animal welfare. This research explores the adoption of AgroSilvoPastoral Systems (ASPS), that combine plants and animals, to increase animal welfare as well as biodiversity and to reduce negative externalities. The research involved an Italian laying hen organic farm as an empirical case study. By investigating how this change can be addressed and supported by both sides of the supply chain (production and market) this study aims at proposing a novel metric for socio-economic assessments of ASPS. A gross margin evaluation and a choice experiment were utilized to determine if the changes in structural costs for producers were offset by consumers' willingness to pay for products derived from these systems. The findings indicate that implementing ASPS in egg production at a large scale could lead to a competitive advantage in the market while also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. In addition, engaging farmers in the decision-making process through a participatory approach facilitate the adoption and more efficient management of these systems, enhancing the probability of success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34479,"journal":{"name":"Resources Environment and Sustainability","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100286"},"PeriodicalIF":7.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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