Abstract It is generally accepted that sustainable development encompasses three aspects: the environmental, social, and economic. It is not merely the same as ecologicalization or environmental protection. The environmental and social issues regarding sustainable development are the main focus of this issue, which also offers readers an engaging analysis of the factors influencing those problems. The content in this issue could inspire readers to pay close attention to various social phenomena and how they relate to sustainable development.

Abstract This article describes and analyzes the approach to the ownership regularization process implemented in Villa 20. Located in the City of Buenos Aires, Villa 20 is a low-income neighborhood that has been developed by its residents over the last 70 years through a progressive and continuous habitat self-development process. Based on the knowledge provided by the technical managers responsible for the implementation and by the social organizations involved, the aim of this study is to present the complexity of the ownership regularization process. Moreover, it seeks to show the fundamental role that the participatory process played in developing new instruments and reaching agreements meant to gradually advance towards the issuance of title deeds. Special emphasis is placed on the lack of normative interventions designed to adapt the built construction to the current planning regulations and on the prominence given to the title deed as the only validated instrument for proving tenure security. The ownership regularization approach conducted in Villa 20 focuses on addressing issues not covered by regulations through gradual urban and ownership regulatory actions. By means of a series of technical, social, and institutional adaptations legitimated by the participatory process, the aim of these actions is to issue a variety of documents that certify possession in order to strengthen housing security, even though they do not grant full title deed status.

Abstract The utilization of firewood for cooking in approximately 13 million Brazilian households in 2022 raises pressing concerns regarding its multifaceted impact on key development indicators. This impact stems from the profound connection between access to modern energy sources and fundamental rights, including education, health, housing, and leisure. Despite Brazil’s remarkable diversity in its energy matrix, the equitable distribution of this essential resource remains a persistent and significant challenge. To construct the present work, it was undertaking a systematic review of the technical literature, uncovering a stark disparity in energy access closely correlated with income levels. This inequality in energy access underscores the urgent need for comprehensive analysis and intervention. The present work endeavors to delve deeper into this complex issue, aiming to illuminate the profound implications of both broad energy access and the consequences of energy deprivation on individual well-being and broader socio-economic dynamics. Also, this work aims to provide a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by communities with limited access to modern energy sources and, concurrently, the opportunities and improvements that can be brought about through enhanced energy accessibility. In addition, this study seeks to identify and evaluate potential solutions to address this critical issue. This work is driven by the recognition that equitable energy distribution is not only a matter of environmental sustainability but also a fundamental human right, pivotal to social and economic progress.

Abstract Pre-service teachers must implement paperless behavior in line with institutional policies, technological developments, and environmentally friendly issues. Pre-service teacher candidates are expected to have digital competence in skills, abilities, and knowledge to successfully use computers, their related applications, and software in teaching and educational practice. It is predicted to affect their paperless behavior because digital activities reduce paper use. This study aimed to analyze the influence of prospective teachers’ digital competencies on their paperless behavior. The research is based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) using a quantitative approach and involved 372 pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES). Sampling was done by purposive sampling with specific criteria. The results of the study show that digital competence has an influence on paperless behavior by 43.1%. These findings add insight into the role of digital competence in an environmentally friendly learning process. This research suggests increasing students’ digital competence so that students’ paperless behavior rises in line with environmental issues.

Abstract With the improvement of people’s economic income and the upgrading of tourism consumption demand, rural tourism is becoming more and more popular. Although the rural tourism industry is emerging all over the world, how to realize the high-quality development of the rural tourism industry is still a complex systemic issue. The integrated development of the industry is an important way to realize the high-quality development of the industry; therefore, this study tries to discuss the path of the integrated development of the rural tourism industry by analyzing the micro-case study. For the case study, the authors chose Tangwan Town, a rural tourism town in Guixi City, Jiangxi Province, China. We collected relevant qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires, field research, and interviews, based on which we analyzed the SWOT and the obstacles to industrial development at the case site and gave suggestions on the path of integration development at two levels. Through the empirical study of the case study, we summarize the four priorities in the integrated development of the rural tourism industry, which are capital, operation, resources, and talents. This study further provides management implications for tourism management, visitor experience, and the further development of the rural tourism industry.

Abstract Today, the best way to discern the interlinkages between climate change and sustainability and/or sustainable development is the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13—Climate Action framework. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015 presents a shared blueprint for the peace and prosperity of humanity and the planet both now and in the future. At its core lie the 17 SDGs, which cover the 169 targets by constituting calls for urgent action in global partnership among developed and developing nations. Within this scope, countries acknowledge the imperative need to engage in strategies that simultaneously eradicate poverty and other deprivations, combat climate change, safeguard oceans, forests, and biodiversity, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable and climate-resilient economic growth. This article will briefly evaluate the various geographical, environmental, educational, and social dimensions of sustainable and climate-resilient socioeconomic development, considering the nexus between combating climate change and adaptation to climate change, as well as the adverse effects of climate change.

Abstract Few studies go beyond one or two parameters of groundwater characterisation at a time. This paper uses a multifaceted approach to describe the nature of groundwater beyond water quality, including the physical, environmental, and practical aspects of groundwater prospecting, the health effects, and how these conform to expected standards in global and national contexts. This was achieved by exploring the geological and hydrochemical characterisations of groundwater in the Wa municipality of Ghana. The main objective was to describe the spatial, hydro-geological, and hydro-chemical characteristics of groundwater in the rural areas of the Wa municipality. Using a sequential exploratory mixed research design and a digital elevation model, this study found that groundwater constitutes the main source of safe drinking water for rural and peri-urban communities, geologically dominated by granite and sandstone aquifers. The average transmissivity was 8.88 m 2 /day, the average hydraulic conductivity was 0.18 m/day, the average aquifer thickness was 56.8 mbgl, and the average borehole water yield was 14.54 L/min. However, there were technological constraints on the ability to prospect water from confined aquifers at sites in the higher parts of the digital elevation model. Also, a lack of water quality tests for some boreholes results in the exposure of users to the effects of fluoride, causing dental fluorosis. The use of ultra-deep hand pump technologies, water quality testing of all boreholes, and artificial groundwater recharge methods for sustainable borehole water yield were recommended.

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of urban travel demand forecasting and its implications for intelligent transportation systems, emphasizing the crucial role of intelligent transportation systems in promoting sustainable urban development. With the increasing challenges posed by traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and diverse travel needs, accurate prediction of urban travel demand becomes essential for optimizing transportation systems, fostering sustainable travel methods, and creating opportunities for business development. However, achieving this goal involves overcoming challenges such as data collection and processing, privacy protection, and information security. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a set of strategic measures, including advancing intelligent transportation technology, integrating intelligent transportation systems with urban planning, enforcing policy guidance and market supervision, promoting sustainable travel methods, and adopting intelligent transportation technology and green energy solutions. Additionally, the study highlights the role of intelligent transportation systems in mitigating traffic congestion and environmental impact through intelligent road condition monitoring, prediction, and traffic optimization. Looking ahead, the paper foresees an increasingly pivotal role for intelligent transportation systems in the future, leveraging advancements in deep learning and information technology to more accurately collect and analyze urban travel-related data for better predictive modeling. By combining data analysis, public transportation promotion, shared travel modes, intelligent transportation technology, and green energy adoption, cities can build more efficient, environmentally friendly transportation systems, enhancing residents’ travel experiences while reducing congestion and pollution to promote sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the study anticipates that intelligent transportation systems will be intricately integrated with urban public services and management, facilitating efficient and coordinated urban functions. Ultimately, the paper envisions intelligent transportation systems playing a vital role in supporting urban traffic management and enhancing the overall well-being of urban construction and residents’ lives. In conclusion, this research not only enhances our understanding of urban travel demand forecasting and the evolving landscape of intelligent transportation systems but also provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in related fields. The study encourages greater attention and investment from scholars and practitioners in the research and practice of intelligent transportation systems to collectively advance the progress of urban transportation and sustainable development.

Abstract The significance of sustainability efforts has been reaffirmed by negative circumstances, such as the escalating visible consequences of climate change, floods resulting from erratic weather patterns in certain areas, and fires and extreme droughts in other regions. The logical rationale behind employing digital tools for sustainability purposes lies in the efficiency of digital transformation, supported by artificial intelligence, in improving remote access, control, and decision-making processes, as well as accomplishing tasks that are unachievable through human effort alone. Upon analyzing practices worldwide, it becomes apparent that the European Union (EU) is the singular entity that places utmost importance on digitalization as a means to ensure sustainability. Additionally, it provides comprehensive allocations for projects pertaining to this subject and supports the collective wisdom of its members through the established union. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the current literature in detail via a systematic review to extract the EU practices of sustainability through digitalization. Findings reveal the particular EU focuses and key themes on achieving sustainability with a visual representation of the results. Besides, the EU practices with other well-known countries on sustainability through digitalization efforts are compared and discussed. Thus, a practitioner can understand the findings of this research to use as the first step when generating research questions to start a new study.