Sustainability

Research

25 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Personality in the Adoption of Pro-Environmental Behaviors through the Lens of the Value-Belief-Norm Theory

by J. Hidalgo-Crespo, Andrés Velastegui-Montoya, J. L. Amaya-Rivas, M. Soto and Andreas Riel

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712803 - 24 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1734

The present study investigated citizens’ self-reported pro-environmental behaviors by adopting a survey and bootstrapping via structural equation modeling for five different personality traits. Adopting one traditional psycho-social theory, this study investigates how motivations, values, intentions, norms, and behaviors are connected by using different [...] Read more.

The present study investigated citizens’ self-reported pro-environmental behaviors by adopting a survey and bootstrapping via structural equation modeling for five different personality traits. Adopting one traditional psycho-social theory, this study investigates how motivations, values, intentions, norms, and behaviors are connected by using different constructs from the value-belief-norm theory extended with external influences and three different pro-environmental behaviors, namely, waste preventer, green consumer, and avoider, and how the connections change between different personality traits from the Big Five personality test, namely, openness, extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, and consciousness. According to this study, personal conscience may inspire environmentally beneficial behaviors like green purchasing and waste reduction when appealing to the emotions of the general public. As a result, strengthening the population’s subjective norms requires interventions that concentrate on communication tactics to raise knowledge of penalties and obligations for communal advantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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18 pages, 12425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Green Spaces on User Satisfaction in Historical City of Nicosia

by Selda İnançoğlu, Havva Arslangazi Uzunahmet and Özge Özden

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12198; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612198 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 845

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) are one of the most important issues regarding the sustainability of a city. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of UGS on the historical urban texture by measuring user satisfaction. The city of Nicosia was chosen [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces (UGS) are one of the most important issues regarding the sustainability of a city. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of UGS on the historical urban texture by measuring user satisfaction. The city of Nicosia was chosen as a case study due to its rich texture. This texture has remained in the center of the modern city over time. In line with the purpose of this study, firstly, the existence of UGS, as well as their functionality and contribution to the texture of Nicosia (Walled City), were determined by literature review, field work, and appropriate computer programs. Then, a survey method based on functional factors was applied in order to measure the satisfaction of the users with UGS, and the results were statistically evaluated and compared with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0 software and the Pearson’s chi-squared test. As a result of the survey, it has been revealed that the existing green areas are insufficient for the people living in the old city of Nicosia. This research has shown that quality green areas that can be used for social activity or relaxation are not available in the old city of Nicosia. In addition, it has been determined that the existing green areas are not clean and safe, there are not enough shading plants, and the existing plants are very neglected. In this context, it is essential to make proper plans for future urban developments in order to have green areas of sufficient scale in the urban fabric. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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23 pages, 11700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Effectiveness of Environmental Regulations and Its Spatial Spillover in China’s High-Quality Human Habitat Cities

by Chuansheng Wu, Weixuan Fan, Lingling Qi and Levent Kutlu

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310529 - 04 Jul 2023

Viewed by 833

Abstract

High-quality human habitat cities in developing countries are facing new urban environmental problems as a result of the significant resource footprints of wealthy urban populations in the process of rapid urbanization. These areas are desperate for solutions to the coexistence of old and [...] Read more.

High-quality human habitat cities in developing countries are facing new urban environmental problems as a result of the significant resource footprints of wealthy urban populations in the process of rapid urbanization. These areas are desperate for solutions to the coexistence of old and new pollutants, as well as inorganic and organic compounds. The authors of this study propose a comprehensive framework and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of environmental regulation in high-quality human habitat cities for a state-of-the-art path of improving environmental governance and optimizing environmental policies in these regions. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of environmental regulation and its spatial spillover in cities with high-quality human habitats. The results reveal that environmental regulation has a marginal effect on such cities, and local governments in the area have a race to the bottom in environmental governance. This study not only contributes to the promotion of an evaluation framework for examining the effectiveness of existing environmental regulations but also makes policy recommendations for adapting to the changing ecological environment in high-quality human habitat cities in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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22 pages, 33197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Urban Sustainability through Perceived Importance, Performance, Satisfaction and Loyalty: An Integrated IPA–SEM-Based Modelling Approach

by Arghadeep Bose, Debanjan Basak, Subham Roy, Indrajit Roy Chowdhury, Hazem Ghassan Abdo, Mohammed Aldagheiri and Hussein Almohamad

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9788; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129788 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge in research pertaining to sustainable urban development. Importance–performance analysis (IPA) has emerged as one of the most widely used methods. However, few studies have combined IPA with structural equation modelling (SEM). This study introduces and [...] Read more.

In recent years, there has been a surge in research pertaining to sustainable urban development. Importance–performance analysis (IPA) has emerged as one of the most widely used methods. However, few studies have combined IPA with structural equation modelling (SEM). This study introduces and evaluates an integrated IPA–SEM approach to assess the impact of perceived importance and performance of sustainable city dimensions on residents’ satisfaction and loyalty. The data for this study were collected from 425 survey respondents residing in Siliguri City of West Bengal, India. The results indicate that the ‘Keep Up the Good Work’ quadrant, consisting of social quality, connectivity conditions, and environmental quality, significantly and positively affected satisfaction. On the other hand, the ‘Concentrate Here’ quadrant concerning environmental pollution presented a negative yet insignificant relationship with satisfaction while both the ‘Low Priority’ and ‘Potential Overkill’ quadrants demonstrated no notable influence. Furthermore, a robust positive correlation between satisfaction and loyalty is confirmed. Overall, the findings offer valuable implications for urban planning, policy-making, and strategies aimed at enhancing Siliguri residents’ quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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18 pages, 5197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Coupling Coordination Relationship between Urban Development Intensity and Water Environment Carrying Capacity of Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle

by Hongwei Deng, Jinxin Yang and Peng Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097111 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028

Abstract

The high-level coupling coordination relationship between urban development and a city’s water environment carrying capacity is conducive to urban sustainable development. Taking the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle as the research object, this study developed an index system to determine the urban development intensity and [...] Read more.

The high-level coupling coordination relationship between urban development and a city’s water environment carrying capacity is conducive to urban sustainable development. Taking the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle as the research object, this study developed an index system to determine the urban development intensity and water environment carrying capacity, respectively. Based on the comprehensive evaluation model and the coupling coordination degree model, the spatial distribution characteristics, agglomeration law of urban development intensity, water environment carrying capacity and their coupling coordination relationship were analyzed. The results showed that the areas with a high urban development intensity were distributed in the main urban districts of Chengdu and Chongqing, and the intensity gradually reduced away from both core cities, which formed a “ripple-like” pattern. The areas with a high water environment carrying capacity were mainly in the southwest, southeast, northeast and central parts of the region and were distributed in a “W” pattern along the Yangtze River. The coupling coordination degree between the urban development intensity and water environment carrying capacity was low, as only 11.4% of the cities were coordinated while most cities were slightly uncoordinated. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for sustainable urban development in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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23 pages, 4144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heritage Protection Perspective of Sustainable Development of Traditional Villages in Guangxi, China

by Yong Lu and Yahaya Ahmad

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043387 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanization process has had a significant impact on traditional villages, and a series of problems, such as heritage destruction, space abandonment, and population loss, have emerged. The village protection and development research process is considered to be a critical turning point. [...] Read more.

China’s rapid urbanization process has had a significant impact on traditional villages, and a series of problems, such as heritage destruction, space abandonment, and population loss, have emerged. The village protection and development research process is considered to be a critical turning point. This paper aims to build a scientific evaluation system for the sustainable development of traditional villages in Guangxi, seek the contemporary development value in the process of heritage protection, and solve the contradiction between protection and development. In order to achieve this goal, firstly, relevant data from six sample traditional villages were obtained through the use of field surveys, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys. The key indicators were determined by using the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process for scoring and evaluation, and the factors were given corresponding weights to complete the construction of the evaluation system and the classification of sustainable development levels. Secondly, the elements, functions, and values of traditional village heritage were statistically classified, and the differences between preserving the natural, historical living environment and adapting to modern development needs were analyzed. The results show that the sustainable development level of traditional villages in Guangxi needs to be balanced, and that the development degree in the living spaces and production spaces of villages in different distribution areas of geomorphic types is different. Therefore, additional protection and development modes should be adopted according to the specific environmental conditions of the traditional villages. Finally, this study proposes relevant heritage space protection and development strategies from aspects of heritage value extraction, characteristic industry development, spatial resources, and environment distribution, hoping to narrow the development gap between villages and to promote the sustainable development of village heritage spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Medium-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Population Dynamics: The Case of Italy

by Leonardo Salvatore Alaimo, Mariateresa Ciommi, Ioannis Vardopoulos, Bogdana Nosova and Luca Salvati

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13995; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113995 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an abrupt break in economic, demographic and social dynamics, both in developing countries and advanced economies, perhaps with a more significant impact in the latter, though further evidence is needed to support this assumption. Unfortunately, earlier research on [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an abrupt break in economic, demographic and social dynamics, both in developing countries and advanced economies, perhaps with a more significant impact in the latter, though further evidence is needed to support this assumption. Unfortunately, earlier research on medium- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on urban and regional systems—with particular reference to the demographic dimension—have not yet reached a consensus on methodological and operational approaches. In the present study, we have applied an interpretative framework to the analysis of the demographic balance in Italy, one of the most affected countries in the world, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we have compared a wide set of demographic indicators at two time periods of equal duration (2002–2010 and 2011–2019) and in two subsequent years (2020 and 2021), controlling for the regional context. These periods were chosen as sufficiently long to be representative of differentiated economic dynamics (2002–2010: economic expansion and demographic recovery; 2011–2019: recession and consequent demographic decline). Years 2020 and 2021 were assumed to reflect the short- and medium-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the statistical analysis highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted considerable pressure on population dynamics, determining short-term (mortality increase), medium-term (more volatile migration flows) and long-term (fertility decline) effects. Future studies should clarify the aggregate role of pandemics in population dynamics as a possible proxy of the decline of demographically fragile regions in advanced economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

23 pages, 3776 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Emerging Trends and Knowledge Structures of Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability: A Regional Perspective

by Abdulaziz I. Almulhim, Simon Elias Bibri, Ayyoob Sharifi, Shakil Ahmad and Khalid Mohammed Almatar

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13195; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013195 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3473

Abstract

More than 59 million people reside in the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia). The rate of urbanization is more than 80% in each of these countries. To better [...] Read more.

More than 59 million people reside in the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia). The rate of urbanization is more than 80% in each of these countries. To better understand the trends and knowledge structures and to aid policy design and implementation, more research is needed on the topic of urbanization in GCC countries. In order to address this knowledge gap, bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping procedures utilizing VOSviewer were employed. A total of 415 academic papers covering four decades, from 1980 to 2021, were collected from the Web of Science database and split into three time periods: 1980–2017, 2018–2019, and 2020–2021. The findings indicate that the topics related to sustainable development, environmental regulations, renewable energy, and smart cities have received the most attention. In addition, land use planning, urban growth, and energy consumption have been dominant themes over different periods. Several intertwined factors have contributed to the evolution of research over these periods. These include the widespread diffusion of the sustainability agenda, the rise of advanced ICT, and the escalating rate of urbanization. It can also be explained by the fact that the world has been grappling with numerous environmental challenges, increasingly requiring innovative solutions for sustainability. The findings of this study can be used to develop better strategies for sustainable urban development in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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19 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Driving Mechanism of Coupling Coordination between New-Type Urbanization and Ecological Environment in China

by Yao Zhang, Taoyuan Wei, Wentao Tian and Kai Zhao

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811780 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

The coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and ecological environment is important for regional sustainable development in China. This study proposes an evaluation index system of new urbanization and ecological environment, and adopts a coupling coordination degree model and a spatial error model to [...] Read more.

The coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and ecological environment is important for regional sustainable development in China. This study proposes an evaluation index system of new urbanization and ecological environment, and adopts a coupling coordination degree model and a spatial error model to explore the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of the coupling coordination degrees of new-type urbanization and ecological environment in 31 provinces of China from 2010 to 2019. The results show spatiotemporal differences in the overall coupling coordination degree, which has shifted from a mild disorder stage to a near disorder stage over the study period. The spatial distribution of the coupling coordination degrees by province has shifted over time from a pattern of low in the middle and high in both east and west regions to a pattern of stepwise decreasing from east, middle to west regions. The spatial correlation of the coupling coordination degrees is gradually weakening over time. Regional economic development, social security, technological progress, industrial structure, and education input can all contribute to inject strong impetus to the coupled and coordinated development of the two systems. As the development of impetus is still insufficient, it is suggested to pay attention to local conditions, strengthen inter-regional cooperation, and strengthen the superposition effect of multiple driving forces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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20 pages, 2432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction between Urbanization and Eco-Environment in Hebei Province, China

by Hefeng Wang, Ao Zhao, Yuan Cao, Yi Xie and Lanxuan Guo

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9214; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159214 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1558

Abstract

Understanding the complex interaction between urbanization and the eco-environment is necessary for rapid and quality urbanization, eco-environmental protection, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature within a region. Based on panel data from Hebei Province between 1985 and 2019, we suggested a [...] Read more.

Understanding the complex interaction between urbanization and the eco-environment is necessary for rapid and quality urbanization, eco-environmental protection, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature within a region. Based on panel data from Hebei Province between 1985 and 2019, we suggested a symbiosis hypothesis of urbanization and the eco-environment (SHUE) and used the distance coordination coupling model, the Tapio decoupling model, and the symbiosis model to quantitatively determine the interaction relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment. We found that (1) the improved ‘Northam curve’ of urbanization in Hebei Province met the logistic equation. (2) During the study period, the coordinated coupling degree (CCD) of urbanization and eco-environment exhibited an overall upward trend, while the coupling type gradually changed from the endangered imbalance recession type to the coordinated development type. (3) The decoupling types showed strong and weak decoupling fluctuations, with a high frequency of strong decoupling; the growth rate of the urbanization index was higher than that of the eco-environment index; and there was a positive effect between urbanization and eco-environment indicating positive urbanization. (4) The research results verified SHUE. The symbiosis mode of urbanization and eco-environment was mainly asymmetric mutualism, with the two demonstrating mutual promotion and mutualism. However, in 2016–2019, the symbiosis mode became parasitic, urbanization development enforced upon the eco-environment. The study constructed a set of quantitative method to systematically discuss the interaction relationship from two dimensions: coupling and decoupling. The results provide reference for the coordinated development of urbanization and eco-environment in Hebei Province and consequentially enrich this research field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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21 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of In Situ Urbanization on Housing, Mobility and Employment of Local Residents in China

by Yanxu Li, Zhenfa Xie, Bo Li and Muhammad Mohiuddin

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9058; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159058 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

Rapid economic growth and infrastructure development force in situ urbanization in locations where people from rural areas gain urban residency without experiencing long-distance geographical relocation. However, the impacts of in situ urbanization on farmers’ and other residents’ well-being remains unclear, and there are [...] Read more.

Rapid economic growth and infrastructure development force in situ urbanization in locations where people from rural areas gain urban residency without experiencing long-distance geographical relocation. However, the impacts of in situ urbanization on farmers’ and other residents’ well-being remains unclear, and there are some arguments about the idea that “urbanization of people lags behind urbanization of land” in China. Therefore, this study firstly finds a reasonable way to measure in situ urbanization: the transfer of rural-urban division codes. On this basis, by applying the PSM-DID method, we use national census data to explore the impacts of in situ urbanization on farmers from the perspective of housing, mobility and employment. The research results show that after the in situ urbanization, the possibility of farmers moving into non-self-built high-rising buildings increases, while the possibility of farmers leaving the county for employment decreases. Besides, the employment structure in the county where in situ urbanization takes place has shifted from primary industry to secondary and tertiary industry. Moreover, this paper also discusses the spillover effects of in situ urbanization on other residents in the county. Our study shows that in situ urbanization can improve residents’ well-being and offers sustainable land-people integrated urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

23 pages, 3172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Spatial–Temporal Patterns and Factors Influencing Human Settlement Quality in Beijing

by Tiancheng Xie, Xinyan Liu and Pingjun Nie

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073752 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

Human settlements lay the basis for urban sustainable development and embody comprehensive urban competitiveness. Based on data from the period 2010–2019, the entropy value method, global spatial correlation, and local spatial correlation are adopted to systematically analyze the overall level and spatial–temporal pattern [...] Read more.

Human settlements lay the basis for urban sustainable development and embody comprehensive urban competitiveness. Based on data from the period 2010–2019, the entropy value method, global spatial correlation, and local spatial correlation are adopted to systematically analyze the overall level and spatial–temporal pattern of human settlement quality in Beijing. In particular, this study sought to uncover the factors that influence human settlement quality in Beijing by using the panel data model. The results show that the quality of human settlements in Beijing has generally followed an upward trend, with slow growth and a slight decline since 2017. Despite significant spatial positive correlations and stable local spatial self-correlation, the spatial difference is still evident, and regional correlation needs further improvement. Medical resources, economic development, public services, governance investment, and infrastructure are significantly and positively correlated with human settlement quality, while population growth is significantly and negatively correlated with it. Based on this study, specific recommendations are proposed which can be used as a reference for Beijing and other cities’ human settlement construction and its improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability)

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