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Discover Sustainability
Number of Followers: 5  Open Access journalISSN (Online) 2662-9984 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Exploring the sustainable reporting practices of universities in relation
to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for sustainable development
Abstract: Abstract Universities are aware of the imperative of sustainability and are focusing on promoting the aims and principles of sustainable development, such as greening their curriculum, enhancing the environmental performance of their campus and using sustainable criteria in their investment and purchasing behavior. Also, the scope of sustainable development was broadened by the introduction of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda which stipulates new directions for sustainability at a global level. Given this background, this paper examines the level of alignment of universities with the 17 SDGs through an analysis of sustainability reports prepared by universities, in order to highlight the issues which are mostly discussed by universities in relation to SDGs. To do so, an empirical analysis was carried out on a sample of 37 sustainability reports using a methodological framework based on scoring techniques to analyze their content. The findings show that the universities have disclosed more information about climate change mitigation and adaptation practices and less about SDGs regarding quality of education and peace, democracy and strong institutions.
PubDate: 2023-11-23
- Digital soil characteristics mapping for aiding site-specific management
practices in the West Nile Delta, Egypt
Abstract: Abstract Soil survey system is the key word for sustainable soil use and management. This study aimed to generate a digital soil mapping (DSM) using various spatial resolutions of freely available digital elevation models (DEMs) i.e., (30 m ALOS “Advanced Land Observing Satellite”, 12.5 m ALOS, 30 m SRTM “Shuttle Radar Topography Mission”, and 90 m SRTM) to assess the spatial variability of soil physio-chemical characteristics in El-Beheira Province, Western Nile Delta. A total of 196 geo-referenced soil profiles were collected from agricultural fields, and the soil's contents of total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), available phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) were analyzed. The study revealed that the soil's contents of TN, P, S, B, and Cu were low, and Mg was suspected to be higher than K, leading to an Mg-induced K shortage. The study also found wide-ranging spatial variability structures of inverse distance weight (IDW) interpolated maps for several soil physio-chemical characteristics. The DSM further revealed that poor status was present in 85.4% of TN, 91.7% of P, 76.9% of S, and 87% of both B and Cu. The conclusion is that soil variability, as demonstrated in DSM, outweighs uniform treatment, and this discovery will assist extension workers, scientists, and decision-makers in implementing site-specific nutrient management strategies. Validation of the DSM is recommended for crop and variety-specific nutrient treatment rates. Understanding the geographical variance in the soil is critical for long-term nutrient management and higher output.
PubDate: 2023-11-23
- Measuring employees’ perceptions of sustainability transitions at work:
a novel survey with findings from Finland
Abstract: Abstract Sustainability transitions have effects on working life, but there are no standardized measurement instruments for understanding employees’ views on their effects. This article presents a novel survey targeted at employees to gather information on employees’ perceptions of sustainability in their work. A survey was designed to gather information on all workers, regardless of the economic sector in which they work in, to broadly capture transition-relevant changes in working life. These include measuring the actions of both work organizations and employees to work in a more sustainable way. This paper presents the survey with findings from a nationally representative data collection taken in Finland. The topics include questions from work organizations’ sustainability actions to employees’ own sustainable actions. The results show the differences in organizations and individuals’ actions in working life. Large work organizations are most active, and there are differences between sectors. Individuals’ sustainable actions are more common among women and climate worried employees. The method provides evidence of employees’ views and actions in sustainability transitions and improves our holistic understanding of transitions in all sectors of the economy. In addition, the results provoke new questions for both policy and research on how to acknowledge differences between social groups in transitions and support them in delivering a just sustainability transition.
PubDate: 2023-11-15
- The role of microfinance service in the sustainable development goals of
women's empowerment: a glimpse from Amhara Credit and Savings Institution
(ACSI)
Abstract: Abstract Gender equality and women’s empowerment are major concerns under Goal 5 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Therefore, microfinance institutions in developing nations have been working on these issues by providing loans to married women and others in need. As a result, this paper focuses on one such microfinance institution in Ethiopia, called ACSI (Amhara Credit and Saving Institution), and its role in fostering economic independence for married women and their involvement in various public social schemes. The study utilized a qualitative approach, collecting data through in-depth interviews (26), focus group discussions (1), and life histories from ACSI experts (4) and key informants from Women's and Children's Affairs (6). Specifically, the study focused on married women in Basona Werana Woreda and examined the impact of ACSI's credit services on their social conditions. The empirical findings of the study reveal that the social condition of married women clients has improved due to the credit services provided by ACSI. Women's social empowerment indicators have shown positive changes after utilizing the credit services. However, the study also identified challenges faced by the institution, such as a lack of adequate transportation means and a shortage of personnel to reach remote residents and fulfill their mission of improving the situation of vulnerable low-income and productive poor resident women. Additionally, cultural attitudes pose significant challenges to the social empowerment of women. The empirical implementation of this study provides insights into the achievements and hurdles that need to be addressed in enhancing economic security for married women through microfinance initiatives.
PubDate: 2023-11-02
- Message-in-a-bottle: engaging stories around sustainable and safe wine
products
Abstract: Abstract The wine industry has evolved thanks to the introduction of digital technologies in every aspect of the wine production chain and the emerging need of the food industry for qualitative, sustainable, and safe products. As a result, the incorporation of digital services that facilitate access to related data of wine products is crucial for wine enterprises to increase their competitiveness, customer loyalty, and market share in this highly competitive domain. In this work, we present the Message-in-a-Bottle (MiB) ecosystem, which exploits multi-dimensional and multi-sourced data for creating engaging and interactive stories around wine labels. We especially focus on the sustainability and safety issues in the wine industry and showcase how MiB addresses them. The ecosystem is developed in the context of the MiB project and has already started to be available in the market through the Lyrarakis wine enterprise.
PubDate: 2023-10-31
- Prospects for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to decarbonize road transport
Abstract: Abstract This paper explores the role of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) in helping to meet global climate goals of limiting long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1.5 °C. Employing the GREET Model and data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the study comprehensively compares the full fuel-cycle emission profiles of HFCVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The paper conducts an in-depth examination of the interplay between the carbon intensity of the electric grid and the resulting GHG emissions within the context of refueling HFCV vehicles via electrolyzers, and the analysis draws a comparison to BEVs charged using the same electric grid. The study finds that while emissions for BEVs increase, emissions for HFCVs are significantly larger when HFCVs are refueled from retail outlets producing hydrogen via electrolysis from grid electricity—a finding that was not previously reached in the current literature. The research underscores that countries operating electric grids characterized by high GHG emissions or lacking robust pathways to emission reduction would face suboptimal outcomes by adopting HFCVs powered by hydrogen sourced from distributed grid electricity generation. The gCO2e/mi for BEVs and HFCVs are also calculated when the electricity is produced from renewable energy resources. When electricity is derived from renewable energy sources, it becomes evident that the gCO2e/mi for both HFCVs and BEVs converge towards ‘zero’. The emission metric of gCO2e/mile for a HFCV refueled with the hydrogen produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming (SMR) without carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), stands at 105 gCO2e/mile, whereas in the absence of CCUS, it escalates notably to 247 gCO2e/mile, an approximate 150% increase in stark contrast to CCUS inclusion. This quantitative portrayal serves to underscore the substantial potential for curtailing carbon footprints achievable through the integration of CCUS, thereby amplifying its significance within the realm of hydrogen-based transportation and the broader purview of climate change mitigation endeavors. In order to provide a comprehensive perspective, the study delves into the examination of hydrogen production pathways and associated costs for the years 2021, 2030, and 2050. The forecasted supply costs are elucidated, particularly in relation to the potential hydrogen supply originating from variable renewable energy (solar PV and wind) sources and from CCUS-equipped hydrogen production facilities (considering the project pipeline of projects upto 2030). These factors are of substantial importance in shaping the hydrogen supply landscape and subsequently influencing the adoption of HFCVs in the market. The study also examines the cost implications of hydrogen delivery for varying transportation distances (for 2030), acknowledging their important role in the broader context. The challenges posed by the integration of variable renewable energy sources are also addressed, along with the imperative for effective energy storage solutions. This discourse unfolds within the overarching framework of the energy transition, prominently characterized by the ascendancy of solar PV and wind energy. The intricate interplay of these aspects assumes a critical role in shaping the trajectory of future hydrogen supply dynamics over the medium and long term.
PubDate: 2023-10-23
- Exploration of urban sustainability in India through the lens of
sustainable development goals
Abstract: Abstract The United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a recognised metric for measuring environmental, economic, and societal progress. However, national or multinational-level analyses are more prevalent than sub-national types. The performance of 14 SDGs for 56 Indian cities (grouped into 6 regions) with the available 77 indicators (2020–2021) have been analysed. Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical clustering, data envelopment analysis, Theil index, etc. were used to infer existing status, interactions, inequality, efficiency, and interrelationships. Finally, policy suggestions have been offered coupled with limitations to mitigate the drawbacks of the Indian city SDG framework. The findings reveal the asynchronous nature of the SDGs. 18% of Indian cities register a poor track record of converting environmental performance into socioeconomic prosperity, while 55% of cities are lagging in performance compared to their respective states. Significant inequality exists among cities in various regions towards achieving the SDGs. The environment is adversely affected in a race to be economically powerful. So, mainstreaming the environment into development planning is urgently warranted.
PubDate: 2023-10-19
- Maximizing the output power for electric vehicles charging station powered
by a wind energy conversion system using tip speed ratio
Abstract: Abstract This study investigates the influence of tip speed ratio (TSR) as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique on energy conversion for wind-powered electric vehicles (EVs) charging stations. The data for 14 different models of (EVs) as well as the energy demand profile for El Sherouk city in new Cairo, Egypt, is used in the study. Those vehicles represent the models that are most likely to be used according to the nature of the Egyptian market from economic and technological concerns. This includes range, battery capacity, battery technology and charging methods. charging can be in the form of fast DC, three phases which are suitable for commercial charging stations or a single phase charging suitable for residential use. A simulation is done using MATLAB/Simulink for a wind turbine Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) system including TSR MPPT algorithm. The energy output is compared with and without implementing the MPPT algorithms to measure the difference in energy. The system simulation optimized by the TSR MPPT algorithm shows an increase in the energy yield by 41.68%. The economic analysis showed a 30% reduction in the levelized cost of energy while utilizing the TSR concerning a bare system without an MPPT algorithm.
PubDate: 2023-09-26
- Black sand as a cost-effective catalyst for methylene blue
photo-remediation under visible light
Abstract: Abstract Methylene blue (MB) is commonly a persistent and perilous pollutant in industrial wastewater effluent. While MB has a massive negative effect on human and ecology safety. The neutralization of such harmful material would save a huge clean water amount. This work proposes the natural and abundant black sand as a catalyst for MB photodegradation. The sand sample was calcined at three temperatures of 300°, 400°, and 600 °C. The properties of samples were analyzed with different micro- as well as spectroscopic techniques. The experimental data revealed the sample's main composition of SiO2, Fe2O3, and Al2O3. XRD and XPS results proved the formation of mixed oxides composites due to calcination, especially at 400 °C. The UV–vis analysis conducted showed that samples can absorb light in the visible range. The photodegradation reached a maximum of 975.3%, 82.7%, and 75.7% for BS400, BS600, and BS300 respectively; by illumination for 2.5 h in the visible range. The observed distinguishable catalytic performance was discussed via the spectroscopic analysis and oxygen availability in the catalyst lattice. When AO, t-BuOH, and BQ are used as scavengers instead of just BQ during the photodegradation of MB dye over BS400 catalyst, the photodegradation rate drops significantly. The degradation % of MB dye diminished to 60%, and 70% by using AO, t-BuOH, and BQ scavengers; respectively. This proved that rather than hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals or positive hole production is the main determining step in MB photo-degradation over BS400 catalyst.
PubDate: 2023-09-25
- Investigating determinants of pro-environmental behaviors amongst UAE
university students through Q-methodology
Abstract: Abstract Numerous high-tech advancements have established a healthy environment, reduced consumer consumption of non-renewable resources, and reduced the total ecological impact on the environment. Despite this technology, many people still do not have sustainable behavior ingrained in them. Environmental sustainability is threatened by human behaviors, and environmental choices made by individuals are correlated with pro-environmental behaviors. This research focuses on the relationship between people and the environment, the difficulties that have arisen as a result, and the factors that influence university students' pro-environmental behaviors. It explores the factors influencing university students in the United Arab Emirates to have positive environmental attitudes and behaviors using the Q methodology. The results elucidate several discourses, including connections between knowledge and attitude, the importance of formal and informal education, and necessary economic policies and incentives. The results of this research are consistent with those of other recent studies that place more emphasis on attitude than motivation when it comes to changing behavior towards the environment.
PubDate: 2023-09-14
- The social-education-economy-health nexus, development and sustainability:
perspectives from low- and middle-income and African countries
Abstract: Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent global action to address the challenges that impact society and nations, are inclusive, equitable, integrated, interdependent and people-centric. Some of the key SDG targets address societal issues, that include education, economic and health lags, particularly in low- and middle-income and African countries. The nexus of society, education, the economy and health, is therefore discussed and interrelated to provide perspectives on advancing development and sustainability. Being socioeconomically disadvantaged impacts access to quality education and health, limits economic activity and diminishes sustainability. Many people live in impoverished countries due to ailing economies with high unemployment. These global and pervasive challenges persist and limit the potential of people and nations. Sustainable advancement requires empowered well-educated people who contribute to economic growth and have access to quality healthcare who can contribute to greater development and sustainability. Therefore a social-education-economy-health nexus is contextualized that aligns with the SDGs and converges to support growth and sustainability, and realize social, education, economic and health value. Education, training and skilling that are relevant to address socioeconomic and health challenges are critical for development and sustainability. Strengthening the social-education-economy-health nexus will advance development and sustainability. Investment in low- and middle-income and African countries, through public–private-philanthropy partnerships to fund social, economic, education and health initiatives, will foster development and sustainability.
PubDate: 2023-09-04
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00153-7
- Sourcing third party logistics service providers based on environmental,
social and corporate governance: a case study
Abstract: Abstract The acronym ESG, environmental, social and governance, emerges as a strong trend in the era of the circular economy and stands out as a need for companies to respond to the segment in which they operate. Although most studies have been done in the past, they did not address ESG criteria to ensure operator exemption for logistics providers. Further research on the application of realistic circular economy techniques is recommended. Therefore, strategic sourcing, based on multicriteria decision analysis (MDA), considering parameters such as economic, technical, and environmental factors, has created a perfect methodology that considers all these essential requirements, revealing an excellent way to outsource logistics service providers (LSPs). The article aims to prove MDA’s effectiveness awarding the best LSP through predefined dimensions involving human resources, risk management, environmental and other social aspects, indicating dedication and commitment to social environmental issues and corporate governance during a procurement’s strategic sourcing in a Brazilian pharmaceutical company process. A Literature review supported by a real case study where a multifunctional team from Pharmaceutical and Consultants proved the objective was valid. A secondary objective was demonstrated on how current sustainability challenges can be overcome by the organization and generate value for its stakeholders and society, showing responsibility and commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. After reviewing all the concepts involved using the literature review, the results were achieved indicating that sourcing process’ case study through MDA validated the effectiveness choosing the 3PL with the best results in ESG. The article deals with a current, relevant, and not very explored topic and may contribute to enhancing the investments of logistics service providers (LSPs) in ESG, mainly those that weren’t awarded at end of the project.
PubDate: 2023-08-24
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00149-3
- A scientometric analysis of information technology in sustainable higher
education: knowledge structure and frontier trends
Abstract: Abstract Achieving quality education by providing equitable resources and promoting lifelong learning has attracted scholarly attention since the United Nations proposed Education for Sustainable Development (SDG4) in 2015. The transformation of information technologies has dramatically advanced the fulfillment of SDG4 by revolutionizing communication and learning processes. Updated research to trace the evolution of the relevant field will boost researchers executing ground-breaking research for improving the domain. By utilizing the bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace, this research investigated knowledge structures and frontier trends regarding information technology in sustainable higher education, which included 5370 documents primarily retrieved from the Web of Science between January 2010 and December 2022. The findings indicated that web-based online learning, transparent and unified sustainability reporting criteria, and sustainable campus administration with the assistance of information technologies had drawn significant attention. The most promising topics include: utilizing information technology to improve students’ cross-cultural competencies; adjusting curriculum content for the dynamic changing environment; collaborating between different participants to obtain a circular economy; and the priority of enhancing pedagogy competence of teachers. The results provide crucial insight to researchers via graphical expression, thus facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the field, shedding light on topics not thoroughly explored in this knowledge discipline, and providing valuable direction for future research.
PubDate: 2023-08-11
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00148-4
- Sustainability of donor-funded projects in developing remote minority
Tonga communities of Zimbabwe
Abstract: Abstract Underdevelopment and poverty are causes for concern, towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the Global South. In most developing countries donor-funded projects through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) accompany governments’ quest to achieve development through poverty reduction initiatives. However, the sustainability of these donor-funded projects in developing minority communities remains questionable. As such, this research evaluates the sustainability of donor-funded projects in developing remote-minority Tonga communities of Zimbabwe in pursuit of the SDGs. The research adopted a descriptive survey design triangulating quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Ten percent (805) of the total households (8053) in four wards of Binga District (Siabuwa Ward 23, Pashu Ward 19, Kabuba Ward 17, and Kani Ward 24) were selected to participate in this study. Findings indicated that there are various projects (food aid, water and sanitation, monetary aid, and climate change resilience) undertaken by NGOs in Binga District. There was a slight change in household socio-economic development since the operation of NGOs in the district and challenges were witnessed after donor-assistance withdrawal. This resulted in the stagnancy or collapse of some projects which affected the development of the Tonga minority community. There is an inadequate understanding of the livelihoods of the poor in Binga District due to a lack of adequate needs assessments, hence the need for participatory grassroots development approaches. Lack of development in Binga District, despite the various donor-funded projects operating in the area, is an indicator that the projects are insufficient and ineffective to deal with underdevelopment in this district. The paper recommends a shift in approaches used by both NGOs and the government to ensure sustainability in donor-funded projects to develop minority communities and help the government in its efforts to attain Vision 2030 and the SDGs.
PubDate: 2023-08-09
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00152-8
- A review of the knowledge base for the development of natural ingredients
value chains for a sustainable biobased economy in Colombia
Abstract: Abstract Natural ingredients (NIs) from plant biodiversity represent a value creation strategy in the transition to a sustainable biobased economy, especially in biodiversity rich countries. A necessary action to achieve this purpose is to orientate research and strengthen the knowledge base of NIs following a value chain (VC) approach. Although the promotion of NIVCs has gained increasing attention in the bioeconomy, a description of the scientific progress, research advances and gaps towards their development is necessary. This review aimed to scrutinize the existing literature on NIVCs to determine its state of progress. Firstly, we explored the global diffusion of research on natural plant ingredients. Secondly, we examined the research landscape in Colombia, focusing on the cooperation between countries, economic sectors impacted, and plant species reported. Lastly, we selected the most reported plant species as a promising NI source in Colombia to assess the literature that constitute the knowledge base of this plant in relation to the VC building blocks: biomass production, biomass processing, product development, and transversal aspects such as sustainability and governance. We show that research on NIs has risen worldwide, with notable scientific output from China, India, and the United States. In Colombia, the interest in NIs from plant biodiversity has also gained importance in the research agenda. Its progress is based on extensive collaboration between institutions, mainly from Spain, the United States, and Brazil. Its research prospects include diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. We identify Lippia origanoides as the most reported native plant in scientific literature in Colombia. Using this plant as case study, we provide an overview of the knowledge base of L. origanoides in relation to the VC. Our results indicate that most publications focus on product development, suggesting a lack of comprehensive coverage of the VC and potentially neglected aspects. Based on this, we describe the current and desired scenario of L. origanoides VCs, as well as needs and opportunities for their sustainable implementation in Colombia. This contributes to build research and development roadmaps of sustainable NIVCs from plant diversity supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration.
PubDate: 2023-08-03
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00150-w
- Allergenic tree pollen in Johannesburg and Cape Town as a public health
risk: towards a sustainable implementation framework for South African
cities
Abstract: Abstract South Africa’s urban population is increasing, and in parallel, urban green infrastructure has shown an increase in alien tree species, e.g., mulberry (Morus sp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and plane trees (Platanus spp.) to name a few. This causes ecological problems since alien trees are often more water-demanding and competitive than indigenous trees, but they also increase the abundance of respiratory diseases often triggered by an allergic reaction towards the pollen of those alien taxa. In the current study, utilizing 7-day volumetric spore traps, we illustrate that the most abundant tree pollen in the two largest cities of South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg, is produced by alien trees with a high risk of allergenicity. This adds another aspect related to public health when evaluating plant species composition in urban forestry and urban ecology, which underlines the urgency of more intense monitoring. More importantly, this—for South Africa—newly emphasized risk for public health underlines the applicability of current directives [i.e., Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), localized Precinct Plans, Land Use Schemes (LUSs)] and implementation options in urban planning. Here, we present ideas that may be implemented in such a framework. From both a public health and an ecological perspective, it is recommended to plant indigenous trees like Combretum erythrophyllum, Vachellia and Senegalia spp. that have fewer ecosystem disservices, like a lower impact on public health due to lower allergenicity/lower pollen occurrence and providing more ecosystem services such as lower water needs.
PubDate: 2023-08-03
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00151-9
- Correction: How attractive is the participation in a Living Lab study'
Experimental evidence and recommendations
PubDate: 2023-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00144-8
- Perceptions of commercialisation and value-addition of non-timber forest
products in forest adjacent communities in Ghana
Abstract: Abstract Residents living adjacent to forests commonly gather non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for income, nourishment, ailment treatment, firewood, religious reasons, and artefacts. This study investigates local perceptions of the commercialisation and value addition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in forest-adjacent communities in Ghana. NTFPs are integral to food security and cultural practices. However, more is needed to know about local perceptions of these products' commercialisation and value addition. In this study, we collected data using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members involved in NTFP collection and sales. To determine which NTFPs are collected, we interviewed 732 residents about their perception of value addition to the NTFPs collected and if value addition has impacted the commercialisation and quality of the products obtained from the forest. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. From the survey, frequencies and percentages of responses were analysed for each indicator related to value addition and commercialisation of NTFPs. The study found that 97.5% of those surveyed frequently visited the forest to gather different NTFPs. For example, mushrooms, snails, honey, and others were the most collected. Also, most interviewees do not process or add value to the NTFPs collected from the forest; thus, adding value to these NTFPs could increase incomes in the future. The findings indicate that locals have a variety of perceptions and understandings about commercialisation and value-addition processes. The study emphasises the importance of understanding local perceptions to develop effective strategies for the commercialisation and value addition of NTFPs. By incorporating the perceptions and insights of locals, interventions can be tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of forest-adjacent communities and promote sustainable resource management and equitable distribution of benefits. Future research should focus on educating locals about the value addition to NTFPs, and processes for increasing the price of NTFPs by adding value and commercialising these products. Proper commercialising of NTFPs may well help improve the lives of the locals.
PubDate: 2023-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00146-6
- International trends on transformative learning for urban sustainability
Abstract: Abstract It is widely assumed that transformative societal action is required to address the world's many sustainability challenges of today. This is especially true in an urban context, since urban sustainability may assist in improving the conditions of the urban environment and the quality of life of humans. Nevertheless, and despite the many advantages that urban sustainability may bring about, there is a need for studies that look at the role that transformative learning may play in influencing it. This study will address this need. It provides an analysis of the subject matter of transformative learning and how it may be practised and experienced in an urban context, thus contributing to urban sustainability in practical terms. It reports on a survey specifically directed to the teaching staff, on the extent to which transformative learning is being deployed in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in supporting urban sustainability efforts. In addition, the study ends by listing and presenting examples of approaches, methods, and initiatives in transformative learning within an urban sustainability context, and provides an analysis of its main features and learned lessons. It concludes with some best practices for transformative learning that could assist in designing and implementing urban sustainability teaching at HEIs, on a broader scale. It can be stated that not only can sustainability thought improve the urban conditions, but as the developing world gets further urbanised, sustainability in the urban context specifically becomes a matter of particular relevance.
PubDate: 2023-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00145-7
- Spatial perspectives on student profiling to inform open distance
e-learning (ODeL) in various geographical contexts: a case study from the
Global South
Abstract: Abstract Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 underpins the other SDGs and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to inclusive, equitable, quality education. Equitable and inclusive access to education remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, especially in the Global South. Developments and challenges experienced in the Global South have increased awareness of the potential of open distance e-learning to increase access to higher education. This potential has to be considered from the perspective of the digital divide. Analyzing student data can play an important role in obtaining insights into students' lives to improve the quality of the educational services provided. This paper aims to reflect on the use of spatial statistics in compiling a profile of the students registered for a Geography module at the University of South Africa. This paper has two objectives. The first is to specify the broad student profile in terms of the geographical location of students. The second objective is to reflect on the lifeworlds of the students in the different clusters and the challenges they may face in successfully completing their studies. Four representative student profiles could be compiled using lifestyle data. Marked differences in lifestyle factors between the four identified profile types were observed. These may directly impact students' ability to progress with their studies.
PubDate: 2023-06-26
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00143-9
