The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the... more The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. This article delves into the transformative power of education in addressing the complexities of climate change, unraveling its scientific intricacies. The narrative unfolds with an exploration of the symbiotic relationship between climate change and education. A critical analysis is presented on how education serves as a potent tool for disseminating comprehensive knowledge about the science behind climate change and instilling an understanding of the urgency for sustainable practices. An essential aspect of the article revolves around the global integration of climate change education (CCE) into school curricula. The discussion emphasizes the significance of incorporating climate change as a core subject, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the challenges posed by environmental degradation. Theoretical frameworks for CCE are examined to provide a conceptual foundation for effective pedagogy. The article goes on to present case studies focused on CCE in Nigeria, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by the country and the innovative approaches taken to address them. Furthermore, international case studies shed light on successful models adopted by other countries, fostering a global perspective on CCE. In conclusion, the analysis underscores the imperative of empowering individuals and communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change through targeted education. The implications for policy and practice are explored, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to integrate CCE into the broader framework of sustainable development.
Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames... more Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames. The winter tourism industry, dependent on low temperatures, faces significant impacts. This paper reviews the implications of climate change on winter tourism, emphasising challenges for activities like skiing and snowboarding, which rely on consistent snowfall and low temperatures. As the climate changes, these once taken-for-granted conditions are no longer as commonplace. Through a comprehensive review supported by up-to-date satellite imagery, this paper presents evidence suggesting that the reliability of winter snow is decreasing, with findings revealing a progressive reduction in snow levels associated with temperature and precipitation changes in some regions. The analysis underscores the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders who must recognize the reality of diminishing snow availability and work towards understanding the specific changes in snow patterns. This should involve multi-risk and multi-instrument assessments, including ongoing satellite data monitoring to track snow cover changes. The practical implications for sports activities and the tourism industry reliant on snow involve addressing challenges by diversifying offerings. This includes developing alternative winter tourism activities less dependent on snow, such as winter hiking, nature walks, or cultural experiences.
Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable ... more Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
This study evaluated the concentrations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (... more This study evaluated the concentrations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and Aerosol Index (AI) as well as different meteorological parameters, including atmospheric temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) in nine Nigerian cities: Aba, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia. The role of socioeconomic activities on air pollution was also investigated using nighttime light radiance as a surrogate measure. Welch's one-way ANOVA test was performed for the variance study to evaluate the concentration dynamics of the selected tropospheric air pollutants and their association with nighttime light radiance. The mean concentration of CO and AI was highest in Kano, while that of O3 was the lowest. A similar pattern was also observed in the spatiotemporal transition of the selected pollutants and the nighttime light during the study period. Further, the correlation analysis revealed that AT is positively correlated with NO2 except in Aba and Benin cities, while it is positively correlated with CO and AI for all cities. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that O3 and RH have strong negative factor loadings, whereas CO, AI, and AT have strong positive factor loadings. This study will guide future researchers by associating the level of pollution with socioeconomic activities, especially during the absence of permanent air quality stations.
Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable ... more Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
Climate change has been and is still affecting every region in Europe, with varying impacts acros... more Climate change has been and is still affecting every region in Europe, with varying impacts across the continent. While some cities are generally resilient to CC impacts, other cities are not necessarily as fortunate. Promoting policies that build resilience enhances cities' capabilities to cope with acute shocks and chronic stresses, adapt well to changing climate conditions, and ultimately transform to resilient cities. Conversely, the weak or absence of urban resilience increases the vulnerability of the urban poor to risks. It is therefore imperative to rapidly enhance urban resilience practices. To date, only 26% of 885 cities in Europe have viable adaptation plans, highlighting an imbalance in the adaptation and resilience progression across countries. Although digital transformation through increased data availability and the use of digitalization instruments has the potential to improve the rate of achieving the adaptation strategies, not much has been documented in this regard. Thus, this chapter examines the potentials of digitalization in accelerating adaptation and boosting resilience in selected European cities. Case studies are analyzed through a systematic literature search, and evidence of fruitful cases are presented. We conclude by discussing some challenges of digitalization and make recommendations for future works.
Advances in science, technology & innovation, Dec 30, 2018
The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has gained increasing attention being an indicator of the ... more The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has gained increasing attention being an indicator of the anthropogenic activities’ effects on urban areas. Moreover, the establishment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for urban areas underscores the need to monitor the UHI phenomenon. This paper explores the influence of land use type and population density on UHI intensity using two Saudi cities, Jeddah and Yanbu, as case studies. Landsat images from 1990 to 2015 were used to extract the land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) of the study areas. Statistical measures and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the variations in LST due to land use type. The correlations between LST and the indices (NDVI and NDBI) and population density were also computed. The results show variations in LST due to land use type (at 0.01 level of significance) and the differences in the thermal regimes of the two cities. The population density is positively correlated with LST with R2 varying from 0.3 to 0.87 for Jeddah and Yanbu from 1991 to 2016.
This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications... more This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications of its burgeoning urban population on urban sustainability. The first section of the chapter reviews the trend of urbanization in the Third World, and Saudi Arabia in particular, and the factors responsible for rapid urban growth. The second section critically analyzes major urbanization challenges in Saudi Arabia and their impacts on the people and the environment. The final section assesses the extent to which some sustainability initiatives being implemented by the government are meeting the competing and sometimes conflicting urbanization challenges. The chapter concludes with some policy implications.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted human socioeconomic activities, leaving an ever... more The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted human socioeconomic activities, leaving an everlasting impact on urban systems. As a result, there is a growing scholarly focus on exploring how urban planning strategies and tools can help create resilient cities. In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrimage city of Makkah, which has always faced the challenge of managing crowds during the annual pilgrimage, was left deserted due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. To quickly revive socioeconomic and pilgrimage activities in the city, a set of digital tools and communication technologies were deployed to manage crowds and enforce social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study examines the role of digitalization and smartification in reviving the city and the importance of context in building urban resilience. This study used desktop research and case study analysis to highlight the transformation to the new normal and the development of future smart technolog...
The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the... more The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. This article delves into the transformative power of education in addressing the complexities of climate change, unraveling its scientific intricacies. The narrative unfolds with an exploration of the symbiotic relationship between climate change and education. A critical analysis is presented on how education serves as a potent tool for disseminating comprehensive knowledge about the science behind climate change and instilling an understanding of the urgency for sustainable practices. An essential aspect of the article revolves around the global integration of climate change education (CCE) into school curricula. The discussion emphasizes the significance of incorporating climate change as a core subject, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the challenges posed by environmental degradation. Theoretical frameworks for CCE are examined to provide a conceptual foundation for effective pedagogy. The article goes on to present case studies focused on CCE in Nigeria, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by the country and the innovative approaches taken to address them. Furthermore, international case studies shed light on successful models adopted by other countries, fostering a global perspective on CCE. In conclusion, the analysis underscores the imperative of empowering individuals and communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change through targeted education. The implications for policy and practice are explored, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to integrate CCE into the broader framework of sustainable development.
Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames... more Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames. The winter tourism industry, dependent on low temperatures, faces significant impacts. This paper reviews the implications of climate change on winter tourism, emphasising challenges for activities like skiing and snowboarding, which rely on consistent snowfall and low temperatures. As the climate changes, these once taken-for-granted conditions are no longer as commonplace. Through a comprehensive review supported by up-to-date satellite imagery, this paper presents evidence suggesting that the reliability of winter snow is decreasing, with findings revealing a progressive reduction in snow levels associated with temperature and precipitation changes in some regions. The analysis underscores the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders who must recognize the reality of diminishing snow availability and work towards understanding the specific changes in snow patterns. This should involve multi-risk and multi-instrument assessments, including ongoing satellite data monitoring to track snow cover changes. The practical implications for sports activities and the tourism industry reliant on snow involve addressing challenges by diversifying offerings. This includes developing alternative winter tourism activities less dependent on snow, such as winter hiking, nature walks, or cultural experiences.
Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable ... more Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
This study evaluated the concentrations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (... more This study evaluated the concentrations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and Aerosol Index (AI) as well as different meteorological parameters, including atmospheric temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) in nine Nigerian cities: Aba, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia. The role of socioeconomic activities on air pollution was also investigated using nighttime light radiance as a surrogate measure. Welch's one-way ANOVA test was performed for the variance study to evaluate the concentration dynamics of the selected tropospheric air pollutants and their association with nighttime light radiance. The mean concentration of CO and AI was highest in Kano, while that of O3 was the lowest. A similar pattern was also observed in the spatiotemporal transition of the selected pollutants and the nighttime light during the study period. Further, the correlation analysis revealed that AT is positively correlated with NO2 except in Aba and Benin cities, while it is positively correlated with CO and AI for all cities. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that O3 and RH have strong negative factor loadings, whereas CO, AI, and AT have strong positive factor loadings. This study will guide future researchers by associating the level of pollution with socioeconomic activities, especially during the absence of permanent air quality stations.
Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable ... more Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
Climate change has been and is still affecting every region in Europe, with varying impacts acros... more Climate change has been and is still affecting every region in Europe, with varying impacts across the continent. While some cities are generally resilient to CC impacts, other cities are not necessarily as fortunate. Promoting policies that build resilience enhances cities' capabilities to cope with acute shocks and chronic stresses, adapt well to changing climate conditions, and ultimately transform to resilient cities. Conversely, the weak or absence of urban resilience increases the vulnerability of the urban poor to risks. It is therefore imperative to rapidly enhance urban resilience practices. To date, only 26% of 885 cities in Europe have viable adaptation plans, highlighting an imbalance in the adaptation and resilience progression across countries. Although digital transformation through increased data availability and the use of digitalization instruments has the potential to improve the rate of achieving the adaptation strategies, not much has been documented in this regard. Thus, this chapter examines the potentials of digitalization in accelerating adaptation and boosting resilience in selected European cities. Case studies are analyzed through a systematic literature search, and evidence of fruitful cases are presented. We conclude by discussing some challenges of digitalization and make recommendations for future works.
Advances in science, technology & innovation, Dec 30, 2018
The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has gained increasing attention being an indicator of the ... more The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has gained increasing attention being an indicator of the anthropogenic activities’ effects on urban areas. Moreover, the establishment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for urban areas underscores the need to monitor the UHI phenomenon. This paper explores the influence of land use type and population density on UHI intensity using two Saudi cities, Jeddah and Yanbu, as case studies. Landsat images from 1990 to 2015 were used to extract the land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) of the study areas. Statistical measures and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the variations in LST due to land use type. The correlations between LST and the indices (NDVI and NDBI) and population density were also computed. The results show variations in LST due to land use type (at 0.01 level of significance) and the differences in the thermal regimes of the two cities. The population density is positively correlated with LST with R2 varying from 0.3 to 0.87 for Jeddah and Yanbu from 1991 to 2016.
This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications... more This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications of its burgeoning urban population on urban sustainability. The first section of the chapter reviews the trend of urbanization in the Third World, and Saudi Arabia in particular, and the factors responsible for rapid urban growth. The second section critically analyzes major urbanization challenges in Saudi Arabia and their impacts on the people and the environment. The final section assesses the extent to which some sustainability initiatives being implemented by the government are meeting the competing and sometimes conflicting urbanization challenges. The chapter concludes with some policy implications.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted human socioeconomic activities, leaving an ever... more The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted human socioeconomic activities, leaving an everlasting impact on urban systems. As a result, there is a growing scholarly focus on exploring how urban planning strategies and tools can help create resilient cities. In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrimage city of Makkah, which has always faced the challenge of managing crowds during the annual pilgrimage, was left deserted due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. To quickly revive socioeconomic and pilgrimage activities in the city, a set of digital tools and communication technologies were deployed to manage crowds and enforce social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study examines the role of digitalization and smartification in reviving the city and the importance of context in building urban resilience. This study used desktop research and case study analysis to highlight the transformation to the new normal and the development of future smart technolog...
The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the... more The pivotal role of education in shaping sustainable futures becomes increasingly apparent as the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. This article delves into the transformative power of education in addressing the complexities of climate change, unraveling its scientific intricacies. The narrative unfolds with an exploration of the symbiotic relationship between climate change and education. A critical analysis is presented on how education serves as a potent tool for disseminating comprehensive knowledge about the science behind climate change and instilling an understanding of the urgency for sustainable practices. An essential aspect of the article revolves around the global integration of climate change education (CCE) into school curricula. The discussion emphasizes the significance of incorporating climate change as a core subject, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the challenges posed by environmental degradation. Theoretical frameworks for CCE are examined to provide a conceptual foundation for effective pedagogy. The article goes on to present case studies focused on CCE in Nigeria, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by the country and the innovative approaches taken to address them. Furthermore, international case studies shed light on successful models adopted by other countries, fostering a global perspective on CCE. In conclusion, the analysis underscores the imperative of empowering individuals and communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change through targeted education. The implications for policy and practice are explored, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to integrate CCE into the broader framework of sustainable development.
Encyclopedia of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2019
A campus sustainability ranking system can be defined as a tool that evaluates the sustainability... more A campus sustainability ranking system can be defined as a tool that evaluates the sustainability performance or expected performance of a higher education institution (HEI) and translates that evaluation into a general assessment that allows for comparison across similar institutions. It is referred to as global campus sustainability ranking whenever it is done on a global scale cutting across countries and continents. It is different from the conventional ranking of universities that evaluates a university based on teaching, research, employability of graduates, and other factors with limited or no consideration of the environmental or sustainability factors. The emergence of global campus sustainability ranking systems is increasingly contributing to a race among HEIs to achieve sustainability of their campuses. Higher education is witnessing an era of global competition due to the prominence of university ranking systems.
Global Changes and Natural Disaster Management: Geo-information Technologies, Pirasteh S., Li J. (eds)
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a human-induced phenomenon that results in higher temperatu... more The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a human-induced phenomenon that results in higher temperatures in urbanized areas as compared to their surroundings. Yanbu industrial city is one of the highly industrialized cities in Saudi Arabia with petrochemical, energy-intensive activities, and a growing population. So, it is imperative to study the effect of the industrial activities on the changes in temperatures especially in an arid area where such studies are limited. The objective of this study is to decipher the spatiotemporal variations in the temperatures of different land use/land cover types in Yanbu industrial city. Thermal bands of Landsat satellite images were used in the study. Multi-temporal images that spread over a period of 25 years between 1990 and 2015 were used to extract the land surface temperatures of the study area. Different land use/land cover categories in the study area were identified from IKONOS false color composite image (2012), and a correlation was sought out, between vegetationand surface temperature, using a vegetation index (NDVI). Normalized difference build index (NDBI) was derived in order to analyze the relationship between surface temperature and imperviousness. The results depict the thermal regimes of the area in different LULC types and their variations over time. The NDVI has an inverse relation with temperature whereas the NDBI has a positive relationship with the surface temperature, only in the residential and conservation areas. Urban heat islands are detected in the industrial area with 5–7° higher surface temperature, and urban cool islands are detected in the residential area with 3–5° lower surface temperature.
Handbook of Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development in Higher Education, 2017
In order to promote sustainability in higher education institutions, different sustainable campus... more In order to promote sustainability in higher education institutions, different sustainable campus awards have been established to foster best practices and encourage networking among universities. However, the impact and engagement with the awards have not been similar especially between developed and developing countries. This paper reviews the major sustainable campus awards on two fronts; the coverage of different dimensions of campus sustainability and the spatial distribution of award winners. It also examines the impacts of the awards within the local context of Saudi Arabia as a case study of developing countries. The findings show the gap in the aspects covered by these awards and the spatial distribution of winners. This paper concludes with recommendations on how to improve both the engagement and networking of these award bodies with higher education institutions and the coverage of campus sustainability awards in developing countries.
Population Growth and Rapid Urbanization in the Developing World, 2016
This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications... more This chapter highlights the challenges of rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia and the implications of its burgeoning urban population on urban sustainability. The first section of the chapter reviews the trend of urbanization in the Third World, and Saudi Arabia in particular, and the factors responsible for rapid urban growth. The second section critically analyzes major urbanization challenges in Saudi Arabia and their impacts on people and the environment. The final section assesses the extent to which some sustainability initiatives being implemented by the government are meeting the competing and sometimes conflicting urbanization challenges. The chapter concludes with some policy implications.
World Symposium on Sustainability Science and Research: Implementing the UN Sustaina-ble Development Goals, Manchester, United Kingdom., 2017
The recent transition from millennium development goals (MDGs) to sustainable development goals (... more The recent transition from millennium development goals (MDGs) to sustainable development goals (SDGs) raises issues about the extent to which developing countries have been able to achieve the MDGs and how prepared are they for the challenges of meeting the targets of the SDGs. Nigeria, with a population of 182 million people (about half living in urban areas), is the most populous country in Africa and seventh in the world, and by 2050 the UN projected the population to reach about 400 million, thus becoming the third largest country in the world. This paper examines Nigeria's prospects of achieving the SGDs, especially SDG 11 that aims to 'make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.' This research employs desk study methodology where data were collected from secondary sources, including official reports. With examples from some Nigerian States, the paper specifically highlights the extent to which the country has achieved MDG 7, 'ensure environmental sustainability,' and the challenges it faced, and then provides an analysis of the level of Nigeria's preparedness in meeting the SDG 11, considering its current urbanization, financial and security challenges. The paper then concludes with some recommendations on the way forward.
Urban areas are expected to host about 70% of world’s population by 2050. Ensuring that the expec... more Urban areas are expected to host about 70% of world’s population by 2050. Ensuring that the expected rapid urbanization occurs in a sustainable manner require better tools than the traditional planning ones. GeoICT is being increasingly adopted to foster urban sustainability and smart cities. Despite the burgeoning utilization of GeoICT, the development of frameworks of components and guidelines is still at the infancy. This is due to the fact that GeoICT implementations are guided by contextual factors and there is no one size fits all approach. This paper will focus on the topic of leveraging GeoICT for sustainable smart cities by examining the Saudi experience. The first section will review the definitions, roles and applications of GeoICT in sustainable smart cities. The second section will examine the frameworks and best practices for implementing GeoICT. The third section will review Saudi Arabian experience at promoting sustainable smart cities including highlights of case studies. The fourth section will compare Saudi experience with frameworks found in literature and best practices. The final section will highlight policy implications for Saudi Arabia and lessons for GeoICT framework development.
Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames... more Climate change affects human activities, including tourism across various sectors and time frames. The winter tourism industry, dependent on low temperatures, faces significant impacts. This paper reviews the implications of climate change on winter tourism, emphasising challenges for activities like skiing and snowboarding, which rely on consistent snowfall and low temperatures. As the climate changes, these once taken-for-granted conditions are no longer as commonplace. Through a comprehensive review supported by up-to-date satellite imagery, this paper presents evidence suggesting that the reliability of winter snow is decreasing, with findings revealing a progressive reduction in snow levels associated with temperature and precipitation changes in some regions. The analysis underscores the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders who must recognize the reality of diminishing snow availability and work towards understanding the specific changes in snow patterns. This should involve multi-risk and multi-instrument assessments, including ongoing satellite data monitoring to track snow cover changes. The practical implications for sports activities and the tourism industry reliant on snow involve addressing challenges by diversifying offerings. This includes developing alternative winter tourism activities less dependent on snow, such as winter hiking, nature walks, or cultural experiences.
Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable ... more Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
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