Environmental Challenges最新文献

{"title":"What drives the regeneration dynamics in Central Himalayan Mountain Forests of Nepal?","authors":"Santosh Ayer ,&nbsp;Bimal Kumar Yadav ,&nbsp;Kishor Prasad Bhatta","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101359","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101359","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although forest regeneration has been studied in Nepal’s mountain regions, most research has emphasized single factors such as elevation or canopy cover, with few studies evaluating multiple drivers together. Stage-wise transitions and associated shifts in composition and diversity also remain understudied, particularly in protected areas under passive management. Regeneration dynamics in the Sikles region of the Annapurna Conservation Area were modelled using linear, quadratic, and generalized additive models (GAMs). Principal component analysis (PCA) simplified five soil variables into two composite gradients. Single predictor GAMs examined independent effects of topography, stand structure, and soils, while multivariate GAMs tested their combined influence. Results showed a clear shift in composition and reduced richness from seedlings to saplings, indicating demographic constraints, though evidence for bottlenecks was mixed. Cold-adapted taxa such as <em>Rhododendron</em> spp. dominated saplings at higher elevations. Seedling density was highest at 1500–2000 m (mean = 10,250 ha⁻¹), while sapling density peaked at 3500–4000 m (median = 6000 ha⁻¹). Diversity indices followed unimodal trends with elevation, with the strongest single predictor GAM fit for seedling richness (adj. R² = 0.41; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Single-predictor GAMs highlighted stage-specific drivers: seedling density was strongly elevation dependent, while sapling density declined with canopy cover and tree density, and soil fertility (PC2) promoted seedling establishment at lower elevations. Multivariate GAMs revealed stronger combined effects, with seedling density shaped jointly by elevation and soil fertility (adj. R² = 0.62) and sapling density constrained by canopy structure and soil fertility (adj. R² = 0.58). These findings show that while single-predictor models identify individual signals, multivariate approaches capture interacting drivers. Conservation strategies should therefore integrate soil management at lower elevations, canopy moderation at mid- to high elevations, and stage-specific monitoring to sustain regeneration under climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424785","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}

{"title":"Impacts of tree root intrusion on stormwater and sewer systems: Balancing urban greenery with infrastructure in an Australian case study","authors":"Georgina Miller ,&nbsp;Bal Krishna KC ,&nbsp;Lalantha Senevirathna","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Street trees provide valuable ecological and social benefits to urban environments; however, their root systems can compromise nearby infrastructure, reducing structural integrity and service life. This investigation quantifies the extent of these impacts, underscoring the significant asset damage and financial challenges posed by tree root intrusion into stormwater and sewer systems. Data collected from Orange City Council suggests that tree roots affect approximately 23.8% of stormwater lines, 20% of sewer reticulation mains, and 26.1% of sewer trunk mains, with Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes found to be the most negatively impacted. Financial modelling indicates that the current Council budget for asset renewal and replacement is severely underfunded, with stormwater and sewer allocations falling short by factors of 5.6 to 11.2 and 2.4 to 4.8, respectively, depending on damage severity. The study ranks commonly planted urban tree species based on their potential to damage infrastructure. The findings demonstrate the need for targeted preventive measures, such as the strategic selection of less invasive species, to mitigate infrastructure damage, reduce long-term costs and increase asset lifecycle. This study also outlines several potential solutions such as tree removal, root barrier installation, appropriate species selection, chemical treatments, and inspection programs evaluated in terms of cost, environmental impact, and feasibility based on existing literature. By integrating these strategies, local governments can better balance urban greenery with essential infrastructure durability, ensuring that the ecological benefits of urban forestry do not come at an unsustainable economic cost.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101355"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424783","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}

{"title":"The role of social and human capital on climate change adaptation in agricultural activities in Indonesia","authors":"Gunawan Prayitno ,&nbsp;Fikriyah ,&nbsp;Achmad Tjachja Nugraha ,&nbsp;Enock Siankwilimba ,&nbsp;Agus Dwi Wicaksono ,&nbsp;Dian Dinanti ,&nbsp;Aris Subagiyo ,&nbsp;Md Enamul Hoque ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101353","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101353","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change poses increasing risks to smallholder agriculture, threatening food security in developing countries. This study examines how social and human capital shape farmers’ adaptation strategies in Karangpatihan Village, East Java Province, Indonesia. A structured household survey of 241 farmers conducted in 2023 was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results show that key dimensions of social capital—trust, norms, and networks—and human capital factors such as education and training significantly influence adaptation behaviours, explaining 24.9 % of the observed variation. Interpersonal communication, religious participation, adherence to customary norms, and formal education are critical drivers of household-level adaptation. These findings highlight that strengthening farmer organizations, enhancing social cohesion, and expanding access to education are effective pathways for building rural resilience. The study provides novel empirical evidence from Indonesia on the combined role of social and human capital in shaping localized adaptation responses to climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101353"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424784","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}

{"title":"Driving island sustainability through tourist willingness to pay for decarbonization and coral reef conservation in Nusa Penida, Indonesia","authors":"I. Wayan Koko Suryawan ,&nbsp;Ari Rahman ,&nbsp;Sapta Suhardono ,&nbsp;Nova Ulhasanah ,&nbsp;Chun-Hung Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines adaptive decarbonization strategies in marine tourism, focusing on coral reef conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali. The research supports the island’s transition toward carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy by 2030. Using a choice experiment analyzed through Random Parameter Logit (RPL) and Latent Class Models (LCM), the study evaluates tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) across three adaptive attributes: (i) Asset support, referring to the provision of essential diving and coral maintenance resources; (ii) Knowledge experience, involving community-led education and coral planting activities; and (iii) Flexible transportation options, representing the use of solar- or biofuel-powered boats for sustainable reef exploration. Results reveal strong tourist preferences for participatory and low-carbon experiences that integrate these attributes. The estimated Marginal Willingness to Pay (MWTP) values were IDR 1552/coral reef/visit/day for <em>indirect coral engagement</em>, IDR 4269/coral reef/visit/day for <em>direct coral interaction</em>, and IDR 5821/coral reef/visit/day for the <em>adaptive coral conservation experience</em>. The highest MWTP value corresponds to the adaptive coral conservation package, which combines all three adaptive attributes into a holistic community-driven model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525461","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}

{"title":"Evaluating spatial spillover and non-linear effects of green innovation on environmental balance: A global perspective","authors":"Syed Kafait Hussain Naqvi ,&nbsp;Mirajul Haq ,&nbsp;Amjad Naveed ,&nbsp;Aziza Zhuparova ,&nbsp;Raigul Doszhan","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the spatial spillover and non-linear effects of green innovation (Gi) on environmental balance (EB) in the context of environmental challenges. Specifically, it aims (i) to analyze the spatial spillover effects of Gi on EB at local and global levels and (ii) to examine the linear and non-linear impacts of Gi on EB, following an inverted U-shaped pattern. Using spatial econometric techniques and panel data from 60 global economies (1990–2022), the study confirms significant spatial spillovers of Gi on EB. The empirical results show that the effects of Gi on EB decompose into local (64.7%), global spillover (35%), and feedback (0.3%) respectively. Initially, Gi exacerbates EB by widening the ecological footprint-biocapacity gap but improves it beyond a critical threshold (40.522), demonstrating a non-linear and U-shaped relationship between Gi and EB. A positive spatial relationship in EB is observed with high-high and low-low agglomeration patterns. Globalization (Gb) has mixed effects, negatively impacting EB locally and globally but showing positive effects when interacting with Gi. The findings have important policy implications for sustainable environmental practices at a global scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101352"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362549","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}

{"title":"Assessing motivators and barriers for the adoption of productive forest restoration in Northeastern Pará, Brazilian Amazon","authors":"Camilo Tomazini Pedrollo","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101351","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101351","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The choice for an agricultural production system reflects land managers’ goals, available resources, socioecological conditions, and institutional context. To align development with conservation, players in tropical regions are increasingly turning to productive forest restoration as an alternative or increment to conventional agriculture — particularly where land degradation and abandonment are widespread. This study investigates the complex set of motivators and barriers that influence the adoption of productive restoration across the Northeastern mesoregion of Pará, Brazil. Using semi-structured interviews and a gamified ranking exercise, a total of 53 informants (specialists and farmers) were approached. Ranking indices were obtained and applied in a principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the relative importance of predefined socioecological and motivational factors, and the level of convergence among subgroups of informants. An exploratory regression model was conducted to examine associations between the extent of tree planting and management practices, external support, land tenure, and household characteristics. Specialists largely converged that agroforestry-based active restoration is the most suitable system for the region, a view broadly consistent with farmers’ accounts. However, smallholder farmers — those most inclined toward agroecological practices — often face limited technical assistance and restricted access to credit, constraining more consistent transitions to agroecological systems. The exploratory model highlights factors and relationships warranting further attention, including a counterintuitive negative association between tree planting and two tenure-related variables: formal land title and Rural Environmental Registry (CAR). This pattern is, nevertheless, consistent with the informal nature of agroforestry practice. The results provide an integrated assessment of the determinants and barriers to productive restoration in NE Pará, with relevance to other tropical frontiers. Future work should (i) track adoption longitudinally to distinguish entry, persistence, and scale-up enterprises; (ii) incorporate program exposure, market access, and risk preferences where applicable; and (iii) test support instruments (e.g., technical assistance, credit) and tenure arrangements using quasi-experimental or panel designs, alongside improved remote sensing to differentiate managed from spontaneous regrowth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101351"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362547","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}

{"title":"Spatio-temporal assessment and source identification of heavy metals in the Abou Ali River, North Lebanon","authors":"Mira Sabat ,&nbsp;Yasmine Jabali ,&nbsp;Maurice Millet ,&nbsp;Dani Khoury","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lebanese rivers face increasing contamination pressures, yet systematic assessments of heavy metal pollution remain scarce. The Abou Ali River, a vital resource for irrigation, hydropower, and local livelihoods in North Lebanon, has been especially vulnerable to untreated wastewater, industrial effluents, and solid waste dumping, but no comprehensive evaluation has been conducted to date. This study provides the first spatiotemporal analysis of 12 priority heavy metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in the Abou Ali River. A total of 96 surface-water samples were collected from 16 sites during six field campaigns (2015–2017) and analyzed using and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical tools, including ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were applied to evaluate spatial and temporal variations and identify potential pollution sources. Results showed pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with upstream sites reflecting near-background levels, midstream sites influenced by agricultural and peri‑urban runoff, and downstream sites—particularly the estuary—showing severe contamination that exceeded WHO and EU guideline values for Fe, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Hg. Seasonal analysis further revealed higher concentrations during dry periods, underscoring the role of reduced dilution and continuous pollutant inputs. This study establishes the first systematic baseline for heavy metal contamination in the Abou Ali River, clarifies the dominant anthropogenic and geogenic sources, and provides a scientific foundation for water management, agricultural safety, and public health protection in North Lebanon.</div><div>By generating the first systematic baseline dataset for heavy metals in the Abou Ali River, this study fills a critical knowledge gap in Lebanon, identifies contamination hotspots, and provides urgently needed evidence to guide water management, agricultural safety, and public health protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101349"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332972","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}

{"title":"Assessing the potential and limitations of organic farming for sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh","authors":"Md Mukhtar Hossain ,&nbsp;Saimon Islam ,&nbsp;Md. Imran Ali ,&nbsp;Mehdi Rahimi","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The conventional farming practices in many developing countries including Bangladesh are heavily dependent on synthetic fertilizers. Because synthetic fertilizers are effective in increasing crop yields compared to organic fertilizer. But it leads to unsustainable agricultural development. The excessive use of chemical inputs has led to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances and environmental pollution, raising concern over long-term food and ecological security. Organic farming relies on the use of organic fertilizers derived from composted plant residues, animal manures, and microbial inputs, and often utilizes microbial-based pest control, providing ecological, nutritional, and environmental benefits through its natural approach to crop health management. This study reviews the status, challenges and opportunities of organic fertilizer use in Bangladesh, with particular attention to its role in improving soil fertility, enhancing food quality and reducing environmental risks. The research employs a literature-based assessment to evaluate both the potential benefits and the constraints associated with organic farming, highlighting its contribution to soil health, food safety and security and environmental sustainability. The meta-analysis data showed that organic farming increases soil microbial activity 32-84 %, organic carbon 19 % and total nitrogen 13 % which indicated the potentiality of organic farming to increase soil fertility as well as productivity. Despite its environmental benefits, the meta-analysis revealed that organic farming yields were 5-34 % lower than conventional methods—a significant challenge for widespread adoption. The review emphasized the potential of organic farming to advance sustainable agriculture by aligning food production with ecological balance and long-term soil health, while emphasizing the need to address yield limitations for broader adoption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101346"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362548","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}

{"title":"Community-powered environmental pathways to reduce stunting: Food security, social capital, and open innovation in semi-urban Indonesia","authors":"Gunawan Prayitno ,&nbsp;Lilik Zuhriyah ,&nbsp;Achmad Efendi ,&nbsp;Syamsul Arifin ,&nbsp;Rahmawati ,&nbsp;Aidha Auliah ,&nbsp;Aris Subagiyo","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Child stunting in Indonesia is tightly linked to environmental determinants within food and WASH systems.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To test how household food security and social capital, enabled by open-innovation practices, shape child nutrition, preventive care, and hygiene behaviors in a semi-urban setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A sequential explanatory design combined a household survey (<em>n</em> = 120) with in-depth interviews (<em>n</em> = 15) in Bumiaji, East Java. PLS-SEM estimated direct, moderating, and predictive effects; qualitative data explained pathways and contextual mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Food access and utilization showed the strongest links to toddler feeding and WASH behaviors, while social capital amplified these effects. Community-led open-innovation (peer groups, co-creation with health workers, and local institutions) accelerated behavior change.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Environmental pathways that integrate food systems, WASH, and community networks can deliver scalable stunting-prevention gains in semi-urban areas. Policy should institutionalize cross-sector collaboration and community co-design within local environmental governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101350"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145333321","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}

{"title":"Exploring the potential of interfacial solar evaporation for Sustainable Development Goals: A review","authors":"Maryam Nooman AlMallahi ,&nbsp;Mohamed Y E Selim ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Elgendi","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101348","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water scarcity and energy sustainability are pressing global challenges that require innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for freshwater production. Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) has emerged as a promising solution for producing clean water, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite growing interest in ISE, its broader contribution to sustainability remains underexplored. This review provides an evaluation of ISE from technological, environmental, economic, and social dimensions to understand its contribution to sustainable development. This study provides a sustainability-oriented Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to examine the ISE. Key strengths include energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and suitability for decentralized applications. Evaporators with costs as low as $1.05 m^-2 and $1.11 m^-2, show the feasibility of a scalable and affordable water treatment solution. Weaknesses include salt accumulation, scalability limitations, and concerns about long-term durability. The alignment of ISE with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13), is discussed. This work highlights the potential of ISE for sustainable freshwater production and identifies the key challenges that hinder its widespread adoption for sustainable water management systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 101348"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362546","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}