Sustainable Life on Land, the fifteenth UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 15), calls for the protection, restoration and promotion of the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Among others, it requires societies to sustainably manage forests, halt and reverse land degradation, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss. Despite the fact that protection of terrestrial ecosystems is on the rise worldwide and forest loss has slowed, the recent IPBES report concluded that “nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history”. Consequently, the United Nations General Assembly recently declared 2021–2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. There is no doubt that the current global responses are far from sufficient and significant transformative changes of societies are needed to restore and protect nature and ecosystems. Transitioning to Sustainable Life on Land presents reviews, original research, and practical experiences from different disciplines with a focus on: theoretical and empirical reflection about the necessary transformation of values, institutions, markets, firms and policies, reviews and research on protection, restoration and sustainable use of diverse terrestrial ecosystems, analyses and reporting of encouraging local, regional, national, and global initiatives. Transitioning to Sustainable Life on Land is part of MDPI's new Open Access book series Transitioning to Sustainability. With this series, MDPI pursues environmentally and socially relevant research which contributes to efforts toward a sustainable world. Transitioning to Sustainability aims to add to the conversation about regional and global sustainable development according to the 17 SDGs. The book series is intended to reach beyond disciplinary, even academic boundaries.

This is an open access book. This edited volume discusses topics in environmental economics with a focus on sustainability, conservation, and responsible resource management. Written in memory of Peter Berck, Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, the chapters expand upon his insights about the connections between human activities and the natural world. The volume includes a selection of research on agriculture, energy, forestry, fisheries, land use, recycling, and conservation – all parts of the broad question of how natural resources can meet human needs while avoiding environmental degradation. Written from a 21st century perspective, with concerns about climate, renewable energy, biodiversity, and sustainable development, this volume will be of interest to researchers and students of agricultural and resource economics.

Advances in Ecological Research, Part Two, Volume 64, the latest release in this ongoing series, includes specific chapters on Tropical Ecosystems in the 21st Century. Chapters in this volume cover topics such as landscape-scale expansion of agroecology to enhance natural pest control, a systematic review and ecosystem services, and the resilience of agricultural landscapes. Provides information that relates to a thorough understanding of the field of ecology Deals with topical and important reviews on the physiologies, populations and communities of plants and animals

The fate of our planet hangs in the balance, making the pursuit of sustainable development more than a mere aspiration, it is an imperative. Green Economy and Renewable Energy Transitions for Sustainable Development delves deep into the intricate web of interconnections between the environment, green economies, and energy transitions, and lays down the intellectual foundation for a sustainable future. Drawing on the wisdom of experts in fields ranging from environmental science to policy analysis, this book unveils the multifaceted strategies needed to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and effectively mitigate the relentless march of climate change. Central to sustainability is a green economy—a holistic economic system that transcends profit margins to prioritize social equity, ecological balance, and robust economic growth. Through rigorous exploration and analysis, this volume showcases how sustainable production and consumption practices and judicious investments in renewable energy sources can catalyze a transformative shift towards a more sustainable global economy. The energy transition, a substantial shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, emerges as the linchpin of our battle against climate change. This book deciphers the intricate dance of policies, technologies, and behavioral changes required to usher in this transition. It reveals how renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower hold the key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and staving off the catastrophic consequences of global warming. This monograph is an invaluable resource for policymakers, researchers, educators, and anyone who aspires to be a custodian of our planet's future.

*Harvesting the Future A Guide to Sustainable Food Systems* Imagine a world where the food we eat is not only delicious and nutritious but also cultivated in a way that enriches the earth. "Harvesting the Future" is a compelling exploration and essential guide for anyone interested in the sustainability of our food systems. This eBook serves as a blueprint for revolutionizing the way we grow, distribute, and consume our sustenance. As you embark on this enlightening journey in Chapter 1, you'll grasp the urgency of shifting to sustainable food practices, understanding the environmental implications of traditional agriculture, and the transformative power of sustainable methods. You'll discover that there is a way to bridge the gap between industrial and sustainable agriculture that benefits both our health and our planet. Progressing further, you delve into the principles of sustainable farming, where traditional knowledge meets modern innovation in Chapter 2. Unearth the secrets of nature's blueprint for sustainability, and weigh the merits of organic versus conventional farming, understanding the intricacies of designing ecosystems that thrive. The soil beneath our feet holds the keys to productivity. Chapter 3 will educate you on the living, breathing entity that is soil and reveal techniques to enhance its fertility. From composting to regenerative agriculture, learn how soil health is the foundation of a flourishing farm. Water—the lifeline of agriculture and focus of Chapter 4—is pivotal to survival. This section will guide you through harvesting rainwater, efficient irrigation systems, and strategies to protect vital water resources. Dive into the genetic treasury of crops in Chapter 5. Discover how diversity is essential for resilience within agricultural systems, and why the Seed Saving Movement is crucial for the survival of our agricultural heritage. Chapter 6 examines Integrated Pest Management, redefining pest control with sustainable tactics, and exploring the natural balance within ecosystems. Techniques such as crop rotation and the use of beneficial insects are presented as part of a comprehensive IPM strategy. Local food movements and the reconnection to what we consume are celebrated in Chapter 7. Follow this trend from Community-Supported Agriculture to urban farming initiatives, rekindling the age-old farm-to-table philosophy. Chapters 8 through 17 continue to cultivate knowledge and passion, covering a breadth of subjects from sustainable livestock management to innovative farming techniques, as well as the wide-reaching effects of climate change on agriculture. The narrative delves into the economic viability of going green, the importance of education and community outreach, and the vital role of policy and legislation that frame our sustainable future. Closing with a heartfelt call to action, Chapter 17 leaves readers with a vision that is equally insightful and inspiring. An invitation is extended to partake in this global shift towards a more resilient and ethical food system, empowering individuals to become agents of change. "Harvesting the Future" is not just a book; it's a manifesto, illuminating a path to collective transformation. For thinkers, dreamers, and doers alike, this eBook promises to be both a source of hope and a roadmap to a thriving, sustainable world where every meal is a step toward a brighter future for all. Join the movement, nourish your mind and empower your actions with "Harvesting the Future".

This textbook introduces the key concepts that underpin sustainable energy transitions. Starting with the basic biophysical principles, current sources and environmental consequences of existing energy resource use, the book takes readers through the key questions and topics needed to understand, prescribe, and advocate just and sustainable energy solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of the book aims to build bridges across the social and natural sciences and humanities, bringing together perspectives, ideas and concepts from engineering, economics, and life cycle assessment to sociology, political science, anthropology, policy studies, the humanities, arts, and some interdisciplinary thinkers that defy categories. This accessible approach fills the gap for a textbook that integrates sustainability science and engineering studies with strong empirical social science and it will be a useful tool to anyone interested in the socio-ecological dimensions of energy system transitions.

In this book 60 authors from many disciplines and from 18 countries on five continents examine in ten parts: Moving towards Sustainability Transition; Aiming at Sustainable Peace; Meeting Challenges of the 21st Century: Demographic Imbalances, Temperature Rise and the Climate–Conflict Nexus; Initiating Research on Global Environmental Change, Limits to Growth, Decoupling of Growth and Resource Needs; Developing Theoretical Approaches on Sustainability and Transitions; Analysing National Debates on Sustainability in North America; Preparing Transitions towards a Sustainable Economy and Society, Production and Consumption and Urbanization; Examining Sustainability Transitions in the Water, Food and Health Sectors from Latin American and European Perspectives; Preparing Sustainability Transitions in the Energy Sector; and Relying on Transnational, International, Regional and National Governance for Strategies and Policies Towards Sustainability Transition. This book is based on workshops held in Mexico (2012) and in the US (2013), on a winter school at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (2013), and on commissioned chapters. The workshop in Mexico and the publication were supported by two grants by the German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF). All texts in this book were peer-reviewed by scholars from all parts of the world.

Balanced Perspectives on Different Urban Ecosystems

Humanity is well on its way in embracing the path of enlightenment. We have rejected the doomsday prophecies for earth and have taken back our power to create a more loving world. We have the choice to change what has not worked and to create a new reality on earth. There is no predestination-only our agreement to experience what we have manifested. In the year 2012, we are told that humanity has the potential of shifting to higher dimensions of thought and to participate in the global ascension of the human race. The questions are: What can we expect during this time of planetary changes? How can we create a heaven on earth? Is it possible to expand our consciousness to higher dimensions and plans, such as inter-dimensional communication with those in afterlife-beyond death? These and many more questions are addressed in this book, which focus on the next step in the human ascension and evolutional cycle.

This book contributes to current debates regarding purposive transitions to sustainable cities, providing an accessible but critical exploration of sustainability transitions in urban settings. We have now entered the urban century, which is not without its own challenges, as discussed in the preceding book of this series. Urbanization is accompanied by a myriad of complex and overlapping environmental, social and governance challenges – which increasingly call into question conventional, market-based responses and simple top-down government interventions. Faced with these challenges, urban practitioners and scholars alike are interested in promoting purposive transitions to sustainable cities. The chapters in this volume contribute to the growing body of literature on city-scale transformative change, which seeks to address a lack of consideration for spatial and urban governance dimensions in sustainability transitions studies, and expand on the basis established in the preceding book. Drawing on a range of perspectives and written by leading Australian and international urban researchers, the chapters explore contemporary cases from Australia and locate them within the international context. Australia is on the one hand representative of many OECD countries, while on the other possessing a number of unique attributes that may serve to highlight issues and potentials internationally. Australia is a highly urbanized country and because of the federal political structure and the large distances, the five largest state-capital cities have a relatively high degree of autonomy in governance – even dominating the rest of their respective states and rural hinterlands to a certain extent. This context suggests that Australian cases can provide interesting “test-tube” perspectives on processes relevant to urban sustainability transitions worldwide. This volume presents an extensive overview of theories, concepts, approaches and practical examples informed by sustainability transitions thinking, offering a unique resource for all urban practitioners and scholars who want to understand and transition to sustainable urban futures.