Abstract This study examines crime hotspots in Northern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria, using GIS. The prevalence of crime has escalated in Nigeria and Taraba State, especially in the northern region, where Jalingo, the state capital, is situated. The study focused on identifying crime hotspots in Northern Taraba and assessing the socio-economic consequences associated with high crime rates in the study area. The data was acquired from the field and from the Nigerian Police Force. The findings indicate that the most prevalent offenses are theft (20.9%) and thuggery/cultism (12.9%). The study period revealed that the rates of murder (12.5%), armed robbery (10.8%), kidnapping (6.2%), rape (8%), housebreaking (11.4%), false pretense and cheating (9.4%), mischief (4.4%), and the possession of firearms (3.4%). Jalingo exhibited the highest number of criminal incidents over the past decade, with a total of 3105. Ardo-kola followed with 1285 incidents, while Yorro LGA had the lowest record with 547 incidents. The hotspot of criminal activity is mostly focused on the central regions of Jalingo, Yorro, and Ardo-kola. The vulnerabilities to crime in high-density residential neighborhoods stem from several factors, including uneven plot layouts with narrow dirt streets, the existence of marketplaces, a large population, and the lack of police divisions for reporting crimes. The impacts of crime encompassed resource depletion, hindered development, loss of life, insecurity, property destruction, social isolation, and reputational damage. A substantial percentage of participants expressed strong agreement or disagreement regarding the escalation of crime rates in the surveyed region during the past five years. The study recommends the allocation of resources towards combating criminal activities, particularly in the designated areas with high crime rates. It is also imperative for the Nigerian police to meticulously document crime cases, including the precise geographical coordinates of crime incidents, in order to facilitate hotspot research.

Abstract Transportation is fundamental to shaping urban form and quality of life. The transport sector contributes to a quarter of global GHG emissions. It is integral to countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to mitigate global warming or control warming beyond 2 ℃ or 1.5 ℃ above the pre-industrial level. Climate change mitigation in the transport sector demands a tailored approach for cities of the global south—recently urbanizing with increased dependence on motorization—incorporating social aspects of sustainability. The study examines the delivery of climate change mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Udaipur’s passenger transport sector through six SDGs. Over and above the business-as-usual scenario, the two scenarios presented are the technology scenario, which recalibrates Udaipur’s available low-carbon mobility plan, and the SDG scenario, which addresses social transformations by applying assumptions derived from the primary survey in the city. The socially sensitive SDG scenario prioritizes the mobility demands of those with low or no mobility. It also enhances mobility by retaining the share of non-motorized transport (NMT), intermediate public transport (IPT), and public transport (PT) and regulating excessive use of private motorized vehicles. However, the SDG scenario causes a 26% increase in the vehicle kilometer traveled (VKT), a 24% increase in CO 2 emissions, and a 29% decrease in other GHG emissions over the Technology Scenario.

Abstract With global economic transformation and environmental sustainability increasingly taking center stage, the role of the digital economy (DE) becomes particularly critical in corporate green technology innovation (GTI). Based on the data of Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2020, this paper explores the interactive effects of DE and GTI and the mechanism role of data resources (DR) in them, as well as conducts in-depth analyses for different regional and city characteristics. The main findings are as follows: First, DE significantly promotes the process of GTI. Second, from the perspective of regional differences, the promotion effect of DE on green technology innovation is particularly prominent in the eastern and central regions. And analyzed from the city level, its positive effect is most significant in the second-tier cities but shows a negative effect in the fourth and fifth-tier cities. Further examined from the perspective of resource dependence, DE inhibits green technology innovation in resource-based cities while showing a significant facilitating effect in non-resource-based cities. Third, DE can further promote green technology innovation by enhancing firms’ DR. Fourth, the study reveals the threshold effect of DR in this relationship: when DR < 2.5649, DE presents an inhibitory effect on green technological innovation, while its promotional effect begins to appear when 2.5649 ≤ DR < 4.2767, and the promotional effect of DE on GTI becomes more obvious when DR ≥ 4.2767.

Abstract Indian cities are becoming more and more populated, and the technological, environmental, social, political, and economic infrastructure of those cities is deteriorating, necessitating the development of more innovative methods to enhance public utilities and services. The growth of smart cities encourages the creation of a stable, networked, and sustainable metropolitan structure. The “100 Smart Cities Mission” was started by the Indian government to encourage planned development. However, there is also a literature of criticisms of the indicators used by the smart city mission. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify the critical infrastructure, important resources, and development patterns for smart city planning. The purpose of my study is to achieve and move towards Smart City Mission goals in a holistic framework. This research paper proposes a weighted criteria to assess the eligibility factors identified from the literature studies of the Smart City Mission, to analyze the complex relationships among the indicators, to develop a holistic approach, and to classify factors based on the drivers of dependence and implementation. The findings of this study shed light on the key drivers and barriers to the implementation of smart city initiatives. The DEMATEL method provided a valuable tool for analyzing the complex interrelationships between different factors and identifying the most influential drivers. The results can guide policymakers, city managers, and other stakeholders in developing more effective strategies for smart city implementation. However, the study also highlights the need for further research to explore the context-specific factors that may affect the drivers of smart city implementation in different regions and cities. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on smart cities and provides practical insights for decision-makers seeking to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Abstract With the acceleration of urbanization and the intensification of environmental issues, China is actively transitioning to a digital green economy development model, covering the application of digital technologies, sustainable economies, environmental protection, green infrastructure and transportation, digital management, and social inclusion. The model aims to improve urban efficiency through digital innovation, reduce resource waste, achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, and improve residents’ quality of life. Despite some progress, challenges remain, such as the digital divide, financial pressures, and inadequate environmental regulation. This paper selects the data from 2008 to 2022 for research and uses Eviews software to conduct multiple linear regression analysis and testing. It aims to explore the application of digital technology in urban management, promote the development of the green economy, and analyze and improve the problems in the digital green economy so as to promote sustainable urban development.

Abstract Land speculation poses a significant challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where large acquisitions and land scarcity prevail. This study aims to discern land speculators in Addis Ababa by employing the motivation and scale method to optimize societal benefits. Employing a multi-sourced data approach and triangulation techniques, this research enhances data reliability. Primary data sourced from interviews, focus groups, and field surveys, supplemented by secondary data from various literature, spanning October 2021 to January 2023, forms the basis of the analysis. Results indicate that affluent individuals, brokers, bankers, and local government officials dominate land speculation activities in both urban core and periphery areas of Addis Ababa, perpetuating the unfair exclusion of lower-income groups from land ownership. To address this issue, three key recommendations are proposed: implementing a one-person, one-plot statute, imposing high property value taxes, and enforcing temporal restrictions on land development. Additionally, exploring the economic and business ramifications of these recommendations on investment patterns and market dynamics is crucial for ensuring their sustained effectiveness in fostering sustainable development.

Abstract The exacerbation of climate change impacts within metropolitan areas is a well-documented phenomenon, often leading to severe consequences that pose significant risks to human populations. The impact of urban vegetation and planting design on these factors can be observed. However, it is worth mentioning that while there is an extensive body of literature on the consequences of climate change, there is a relatively small number of studies specifically focused on examining the role of vegetation as a mitigating factor in urban environments. This review paper aims to critically examine existing studies pertaining to the role of urban vegetation in mitigating the detrimental effects of the urban environment. The objective is to offer practical recommendations that can be implemented by city planners. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the literature available in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, employing specific keywords pertaining to urban vegetation and climate change, we have identified five prominent concerns pertaining to the urban environment. These concerns encompass particulate matter, gaseous pollution, noise pollution, water runoff, and the urban heat island effect. The present analysis highlights that the impact of urban vegetation on the negative consequences of climate change cannot be unequivocally classified as either positive or negative. This is due to the fact that the influence of urban greenery is intricately connected to factors such as the arrangement, makeup, and dispersion of vegetation, as well as the specific management criteria employed. Hence, this research has the potential to enhance comprehension of the multifaceted nature of urban green spaces and establish a solid groundwork for subsequent investigations.

Abstract The majority of the population in million-plus cities of India, especially the lower- and middle-income groups, are largely dependent on public transport (PT), intermediate public transport (IPT), and non-motorized transport (NMT) for their mobility. There is a need to assess such urban transport projects with regard to their contribution to various developmental goals, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the context of the Paris Agreement of 2015 and the Agenda 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), independently as well as in their interactions with each other. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India published a checklist for project appraisal of urban transport projects in 2015. This viewpoint proposes to expand the existing checklist for assessing public transport projects, i.e., BRTS and city bus services, IPT sector, i.e., auto-rickshaw, E-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, and shared mobility like Uber and Ola, and NMT infrastructure, i.e., walkways and cycle infrastructure to include parameters related to climate change mitigation, relevant SDGs targets, and participatory governance.

Abstract This opinion article delves into the critical role of nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate change mitigation. Despite their recognized potential, the multifaceted challenges of NbS remain complex and under-explored. Both potential and limitations are discussed, including economic, social, and political considerations. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach and adaptation to diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts to ensure equitable implementation of NbS is highlighted. This brief but critical perspective seeks to enrich the academic view and provide actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers. Finally, it proposes directions for future studies for researchers in the fields of sustainable urban development and climate change mitigation.