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Challenges in Sustainability
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Challenges in Sustainability (CiS)
ESM
ISSN: 2297-6477
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2025: Vol. 13
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Challenges in Sustainability (CiS) is a pioneering journal committed to advancing the discourse on sustainable development's complexities and opportunities. It distinguishes itself through a holistic examination of sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic perspectives. CiS serves as an essential forum for the articulation of innovative solutions and the evaluation of sustainability practices' effects, making a vital contribution to the discipline. The hallmark of CiS lies in its thorough engagement with both the promising prospects and the inherent challenges of sustainable development. Issued quarterly by Acadlore, CiS schedules its publication of four issues annually in March, June, September, and December.

  • Professional Service - Every article submitted undergoes an intensive yet swift peer review and editing process, adhering to the highest publication standards.

  • Prompt Publication - Thanks to our proficiency in orchestrating the peer-review, editing, and production processes, all accepted articles see rapid publication.

  • Open Access - Every published article is instantly accessible to a global readership, allowing for uninhibited sharing across various platforms at any time.

Editor(s)-in-chief（1）
katie kish
York University, Canada
katiekish@gmail.com | website
Research interests: Ecological Footprint; Complexity Thinking; Ecological Economics

Aims & Scope

Aims

Challenges in Sustainability (CiS) seeks to be a pivotal forum for the dissemination of innovative research that fosters the advancement of sustainability solutions amidst global environmental changes. Our journal's mission encompasses stimulating scholarly and public dialogue on sustainability challenges and proposing integrated solutions that address these issues head-on. We are committed to promoting a multi-disciplinary approach that spans natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, aiming to synergize diverse perspectives to unravel the complex interplay of factors affecting sustainability. CiS prioritizes research that offers actionable insights into navigating the socio-economic and environmental hurdles to achieving sustainability, advocating for a science-based approach to influencing policy and practice.

Aligned with its mission, CiS motivates authors to explore the theoretical foundations and practical implementations of sustainability, offering comprehensive research without imposing limits on the length of the manuscripts. Key characteristics of the journal include:

  • Every publication benefits from prominent indexing, ensuring widespread recognition.

  • A distinguished editorial team upholds unparalleled quality and broad appeal.

  • Seamless online discoverability of each article maximizes its global reach.

  • An author-centric and transparent publication process enhances submission experience.

Scope

The scope of CiS encompasses a broad range of subjects, providing an in-depth and comprehensive investigation into issues related to sustainability:

  • Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Advanced research on strategies to enhance the resilience of communities, ecosystems, and economies to climate variability and change.

  • Circular Economy and Waste Reduction: Studies focusing on the principles of circular economy, waste management practices, and strategies for reducing waste generation across different sectors.

  • Renewable Energy Technologies and Systems: Innovative research on the development, integration, and optimization of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy.

  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Investigations into sustainable farming practices, food systems planning, and the role of agriculture in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

  • Water Resources Management: Comprehensive research on sustainable water use, watershed management, and strategies to address water scarcity and quality issues.

  • Sustainable Transportation and Mobility: Exploration of sustainable transportation solutions, including electric and alternative fuel vehicles, public transportation systems, and urban mobility planning.

  • Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Urban Planning: Studies on the design and implementation of green infrastructure, sustainable building technologies, and urban planning approaches that contribute to sustainable urban development.

  • Social Sustainability and Equity: Research on social aspects of sustainability, including social equity, community engagement, and the intersection of social justice with environmental sustainability.

  • Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility: Analysis of corporate practices in sustainability, including sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and sustainable business models.

  • Technology for Sustainability: Examination of the role of technology in promoting sustainability, including information and communication technologies (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics in environmental monitoring and sustainability assessments.

  • Environmental Policy and Governance: Evaluation of policy frameworks, governance mechanisms, and international agreements that facilitate sustainable development goals.

  • Sustainability Education and Literacy: Studies on the integration of sustainability into education systems, development of sustainability curricula, and promotion of environmental literacy.

  • Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services: Research on the conservation of biodiversity, restoration of ecosystems, and valuation of ecosystem services.

  • Health and Well-being in the Context of Sustainability: Explorations of the connections between environmental sustainability and public health, including studies on pollution, environmental justice, and access to green spaces.

Articles
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Abstract

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Driven by the accelerating global demand for lithium as a strategic raw material for renewable energy storage systems and electric mobility, extensive extraction projects have been proposed across Europe. Among the most prominent is the development of lithium reserves in the Cínovec region of the Czech Republic. This study investigates how local actors perceive the anticipated environmental, economic, and social impacts of lithium mining in the region, and whether current regulatory and governance frameworks are perceived as sufficient to ensure sustainable mining practices. A mixed-methods approach has been employed, combining qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with policymakers, municipal leaders, mining license holders, and regional stakeholders, with quantitative analysis of public opinion data obtained through a survey of 256 residents, along with the systematic review of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), policy documents, and socio-economic datasets. The findings reveal a prevailing skepticism among local stakeholders regarding the project, with strong opposition rooted in concerns over environmental degradation—including risks to water quality, biodiversity, and landscape integrity. While economic benefits such as job creation and regional investment are acknowledged, doubts have been expressed about the equitable distribution of these benefits and the transparency of decision-making processes. A lack of effective public engagement and communication has been identified as a key factor exacerbating community distrust. Moreover, regulatory instruments have been perceived as fragmented and insufficiently enforced, raising questions about institutional readiness for sustainable resource governance. It is concluded that without substantial reforms to enhance procedural transparency, participatory governance, and environmental oversight, social acceptance of the project is unlikely to be secured. These results underscore the importance of aligning resource extraction initiatives with local socio-environmental contexts and of embedding sustainability principles within all phases of project development. The study contributes to current debates on critical raw material governance in the European Union and offers policy-relevant recommendations for designing inclusive, transparent, and environmentally responsible mining strategies that are sensitive to community resilience and long-term regional sustainability.
Open Access
Research article
Economic Viability and Policy Imperatives of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in Indonesia’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions
rudianto rimbono ,
jatna supriatna ,
raldi hendrotoro seputro koestoer ,
udi syahnoedi hamzah
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Available online: 06-15-2025

Abstract

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Anthropogenic climate change, driven primarily by the intensification of greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution, continues to pose significant environmental and socio-economic challenges. Among the most promising mitigation strategies is carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), which facilitates the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by capturing CO₂ from large point sources and storing it in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs. In some configurations, CCUS has also been employed to enhance hydrocarbon recovery. While the technology is widely recognised for its potential to contribute to decarbonisation goals, particularly in fossil fuel-dependent economies, its large-scale deployment remains constrained by considerable economic and regulatory barriers. In Indonesia, a country with ambitious commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 but a continued reliance on fossil energy, CCUS is increasingly being considered a strategic pathway for transitioning the energy sector toward sustainability. This study undertakes a systematic review of existing and near-operational CCUS initiatives globally, with a focus on economic performance, cost structures, and policy frameworks. Evidence from the literature suggests that although CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) can yield short-term productivity gains, the high capital and operational expenditures associated with CCUS systems often undermine their economic feasibility in the absence of supportive policy instruments or carbon pricing mechanisms. Furthermore, the lack of integrated regulatory frameworks and stakeholder coordination has been identified as a critical barrier to progress in Indonesia. It is therefore argued that a comprehensive national strategy is required—one that aligns with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and incorporates targeted subsidies, regulatory clarity, and inter-sectoral collaboration among emitters and storage providers. The analysis underscores the necessity of embedding CCUS into Indonesia’s long-term decarbonisation roadmap through an approach that balances environmental obligations with economic pragmatism.
Open Access
Research article
Divergent Pathways to Sustainability: Club Convergence Analysis of EU Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals
aslı özen atabey ,
sevilay ece gümüş özuyar ,
ercan özen ,
Simon Grima
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Available online: 06-15-2025

Abstract

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The integration of economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability within European Union (EU) development frameworks has been strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These objectives have been positioned to reinforce the EU’s welfare state model while fostering harmonization across member states. In this study, the performance trajectories of 27 EU countries from 2000 to 2023 have been assessed to determine whether convergence in SDG outcomes has occurred, and whether progress towards sustainable development has followed a common pathway. The SDG Index and data for 16 individual SDGs were analyzed using the club convergence methodology and the log t-regression test, allowing for the identification of heterogeneous dynamic patterns and latent convergence clubs. The results indicate that a singular equilibrium in SDG performance has not yet been achieved, with evidence of structural divergence across several key goals. While convergence has been observed for Goals 1, 9, 12, and 13, significant divergence persists for Goals 2, 5, 6, and 8. These findings underscore the limitations of a uniform policy approach and suggest that differentiated, context-sensitive strategies may be required to close performance gaps. The presence of club convergence further implies that member states are evolving towards distinct equilibria, shaped by domestic policy frameworks, institutional capacities, and socioeconomic contexts. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by providing a systematic and longitudinal analysis of SDG performance heterogeneity within the EU and contributes to ongoing debates on the effectiveness of supranational sustainability governance. It is argued that recognizing and responding to these differentiated trajectories is critical for the design of targeted policy interventions capable of advancing inclusive and balanced sustainable development across the union.
Open Access
Research article
Integrating Economic Analysis and Reliability Assessment for Sustainable Management in the Italian Used Car Market
elisa verna ,
stefano puttero ,
paolo saluto ,
silvano guelfi ,
maurizio galetto
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Available online: 06-04-2025

Abstract

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The used vehicle market has increasingly been recognised as a critical component in advancing sustainability objectives, particularly within the framework of a circular economy. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the Italian used car sector has been conducted, with emphasis placed on its economic viability, environmental implications, and role in promoting resource efficiency through extended product life cycles. Economic indicators demonstrate that the reuse of vehicles not only reduces material waste and energy consumption associated with new car production, but also enhances accessibility and cost-effectiveness for consumers. To quantify the reliability of used vehicles and support informed decision-making among stakeholders, a predictive model was developed employing a dataset comprising over 100,000 pre-owned vehicles. Reliability was evaluated through the estimation of the Percentage of Residual Life (PRL), derived using a hybrid approach that integrates Weibull distribution-based survival analysis with multivariate regression techniques, calibrated against vehicle age and mileage. This modelling framework enables the estimation of remaining service life with high granularity, offering a standardised metric to assess vehicle longevity and performance risk. The integration of economic and reliability analyses provides a multidimensional understanding of the market, addressing both financial sustainability and operational dependability. Through this dual approach, a pathway has been proposed for enhancing the transparency, sustainability, and efficiency of used vehicle transactions in Italy. The findings are intended to inform policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers by highlighting the strategic potential of second-hand vehicles in reducing lifecycle emissions and promoting circularity in the automotive industry. Broader implications for sustainable transport policy, second-hand asset valuation, and market regulation are also discussed, situating the Italian used car market as a replicable model for sustainable vehicle ecosystem management in Europe and beyond.
Open Access
Research article
Assessing Economic Profiles of Coastal Regions in the Blue Economy: A Radar Chart Approach
oleksandra ovchynnykova ,
mantas svazas ,
valentinas navickas
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Available online: 05-22-2025

Abstract

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This study investigates the features of regional development within the Blue Economy system, focusing on sustainable growth and resilience in coastal regions. The Blue Economy emphasizes the sustainable and equitable use of marine resources, requiring a development model that integrates economic, ecological, and social dimensions. This research explores how regional development under the Blue Economy can be understood, assessed, and supported through analytical tools. Using a multi-step tool that combines interquartile range (IQR) analysis, clustering methods, and z-score normalization, representative coastal economies are identified to provide insights into the stability, specialization, and economic efficiency of the Blue Economy. Additionally, a radar chart tool is introduced to assess and visualize the region’s profiles, offering an accessible means for planning by highlighting economic strengths, vulnerabilities, and sectoral dependencies. The findings emphasize the need for a balanced development approach tailored to each region’s socio-economic and ecological context to foster resilience and sustainability. Further enhancements to these tools are proposed, including incorporating additional socio-economic and ecological indicators, to broaden their applicability for comprehensive assessments of the development of the regions in the Blue Economy system. This research thus provides valuable tools for stakeholders to monitor and strengthen the economic health of coastal regions, supporting sustainable regional development within the Blue Economy.
Open Access
Research article
Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Water Bodies in the Ponce Enriquez Mining District, Ecuador
paola almeida-guerra ,
paulo escandón-panchana ,
josué briones-bitar ,
mark t. hernández ,
fernando morante-carballo
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Available online: 05-11-2025

Abstract

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Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has become increasingly significant in Ecuador, contributing to rural employment and economic stability. However, its environmental consequences, particularly those related to illegal mining and the discharge of untreated waste into water bodies, have raised concerns regarding water quality deterioration. The present study investigates heavy metal contamination in six rivers (Siete, Pagua, Fermín, Villa, Guanache, and 9 de Octubre) within the Ponce Enríquez mining district, where elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been detected. To facilitate the development of effective remediation strategies, an integrated statistical analysis was conducted to elucidate the relationships between pollutants and their potential sources. The methodology encompassed (i) an extensive review of water quality data, (ii) a statistical correlation analysis of predominant heavy metals, and (iii) an evaluation of environmental management approaches. The findings indicate that the Villa, Siete, Fermín, and Guanache rivers exhibit particularly high concentrations of aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), with contamination levels intensifying during the wet season due to runoff and the influence of the geological composition of the study area. Strong positive correlations (r>0.8) were observed between Fe-Pb, Fe-Al, and Pb-Al in both dry and wet seasons, suggesting that mining activities, mineralogical characteristics of the region, and agricultural runoff contribute to heavy metal accumulation. Based on these findings, sustainable remediation techniques are proposed to mitigate contamination and enhance water quality. The implementation of these measures is expected to facilitate the gradual improvement of riverine ecosystems while promoting economic diversification within the Ponce Enríquez mining district.
Open Access
Research article
The Relationship Between Municipal Management and Sustainable Tourism in Urban Protected Areas: A Quantitative Study
fiorella denisse maje-salazar ,
carol brissa guerra-mayhua ,
maría jeanett ramos-cavero ,
franklin cordova-buiza ,
miguel ángel ruiz-palacios
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Available online: 04-20-2025

Abstract

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This study investigates the relationship between municipal management and sustainable tourism in an urban protected area, specifically the Los Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge in Lima, Peru. The research adopts a quantitative, correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional design, focusing on a sample of 67 employees from the Municipal Authority. A probabilistic sampling technique was employed to select the sample from a population of 80 workers. Data were collected through two separate questionnaires, each tailored to measure one of the key variables, with responses recorded on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. The study area, Los Pantanos de Villa, is an urban protected area situated in a densely populated region where challenges such as pollution, waste management, and urban sprawl exert significant pressure on environmental sustainability. Findings revealed that 88.06% of respondents assessed municipal management in the protected area as "good," while 76.12% rated sustainable tourism positively. Statistical analysis revealed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.590, with a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant positive correlation between effective municipal management and the promotion of sustainable tourism. These results emphasize the crucial role of municipal governance in enhancing both environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism development within urban protected areas. Effective management practices can contribute to balancing the dual objectives of ecological conservation and urban development, thereby fostering a sustainable tourism model in highly urbanised contexts. This study underscores the importance of governance frameworks in mitigating urban pressures and advancing sustainability in Natural Protected Area (NPA).
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