Population growth and economic development have significantly intensified material resource consumption, with a notable surge in demand for energy transition minerals and metals (ETMs). The global shift towards carbon-neutral economies has driven major economic powers to secure stable supplies of these critical raw materials (CRMs). On the other hand, resource-rich countries have been considering this trend as an economic opportunity through the required expansion in the extractive sector. Despite the immense wealth contained in natural resources, converting it into sustainable and inclusive development has remained a challenge that can be represented by the Resource Curse phenomenon and the Middle-income Trap. This critical analysis aims to present an overview of how main CRMs importers and exporters have been approaching this topic and address what we term “the dirty side of green technologies,” emphasizing that, despite their essential role in achieving sustainability goals, these technologies leave behind a trail of social and environmental liabilities along their material supply chains.

With the rapid progress of energy transition aimed at achieving carbon neutrality goals, a significant number of centralized ground photovoltaic (PV) power plants have been widely established across China. However, the impacts of PV panels on climate, soil, and vegetation have not been systematically studied, especially in nature-based agrophotovoltaic power plants. Taking three of the typical agrophotovoltaic power plants in Zhejiang Province, China as examples, combining perennial consecutive daily onsite meteorological monitoring and filed plot sampling data, this study conducts an in-depth assessment of the environmental effects. Our results show that: (1) the wind speed under panels (UP) was significantly lower than that between panels (BP), with reductions ranging from 40.32 to 41.43%; the net total radiation and photosynthetically active radiation of UP decreased by 67.17% and 74.83% compared to BP, respectively; (2) there were no significant variations in soil nutrient contents between UP and BP; and (3) the normalized difference vegetation index and fresh weight of vegetation of UP were lower than those of BP. However, there was no significant difference in aboveground biomass (dry weight). Our results suggest that agrophotovoltaic power plants can sustainably generate electricity while preserving land productivity through precision fertilizer management and appropriate crop selection in East China.

Despite the importance, contribution, and impact of Citizen Science, little is known about its utilization for biodiversity mapping at the local level. This study evaluates the Pros and Cons, and Potentials of such a scheme, using South Stoke Parish, UK, as a case study. The Parish biodiversity data collected over the last decade through Citizen Science by the South Stoke Wildlife and Conservation Group was used for biodiversity mapping using ArcGIS. Additionally, habitat quality modelling of the area was conducted using InVEST modelling software. The results revealed over 750 species of terrestrial organisms in the Parish. These include Annelids; Arthropods [(Centipedes and Millipedes, Arachnids (mites, harvestmen, spiders, scorpions), Insects, Terrestrial Crustacean)]; Mollusc; and Vertebrates (Aves, Terrestrial mammals, Reptiles and amphibians). The Citizen Science data facilitated the establishment of the current biodiversity status and the creation of spatial biodiversity maps for the area. In conjunction with InVEST modelling, it helped identify key factors influencing biodiversity distribution (mainly Land use pattern, transportation facilities, and green spaces); as well as environmental variables responsible for localisation of habitat sensitive species (e.g. amphibians). The study results are further discussed alongside other literatures, and appropriate recommendations and conclusions are made for improved actions, and best practices in such schemes to ensure data reliability. It is thus concluded that robust sampling strategies, well-defined monitoring methodologies, training of Citizen Science participants, and collaboration with volunteer experts such as practicing professionals and academia, will help harness the invaluable potential of Citizen Science for local biodiversity mapping.

The increasing effects of climate change on urban areas are driving interest in green and blue infrastructure (GBI) as climate mitigation measures. Vegetation as part of GBI plays a key role in urban heat island reduction strategies through multiple ecological and physical processes. However, carbon sequestration capabilities of vegetation as part of GBI are poorly studied. The understanding of the carbon balance of GBI is crucial to holistically assess their potential in sustainably enhancing urban climatic conditions and mitigating climate change effects. In Vienna, the artificial Danube Island is the most important GBI and recreational area in the city. This study aims to provide a holistic carbon balance of its use phase and examines the climate potential of the Island’s vegetation. To achieve this, field and remote sensing data were integrated to calculate the biomass and carbon stock. The total biomass was found to be approximately 40,840 t. Assuming the carbon content is half of the vegetation biomass dry weight, the Danube Island stores 20,420 t of carbon, equivalent to about 74,940 t of CO₂​. On the other side of the carbon balance, the study analysed the annual environmental burden of maintenance activities. Using the LCA method and considering the Global Warming Potential (GWP) impact category, the environmental burden was calculated with the Ecoinvent and Swiss non-road databases. Results indicate that maintaining the green infrastructure on Danube Island generates 353 t of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually. On the other hand, the Danube Island has the potential to absorb 2,272 t of CO₂ per year through its trees and shrubs. On balance, this places the Danube Island squarely on the side of being a carbon sink. This study innovatively combines biomass quantification with LCA to provide a comprehensive carbon balance of urban green infrastructure. The findings underscore the importance of considering both carbon sequestration and maintenance-related emissions in urban climate adaptation strategies.

The blue economy, which refers to economic development in harmony with marine ecosystems, is essential for achieving sustainable coastal development. Yet, rapid coastal economic growth has contributed to the degradation of blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) in recent years, raising concerns about the coordination between blue carbon wealth, which refers to the value of carbon stored in BCEs, and coastal economic wealth. To inform more targeted ecological management, the present study analyzes the temporal and spatial changing patterns of the global blue carbon wealth, using BCEs distribution data and the social cost of carbon. We further propose a coordination index to reveal the coordination relation between blue carbon wealth and coastal economic wealth. We find that: first, global blue carbon sequestration has generally declined but has shown signs of recovery in recent years, with substantial regional variation; second, the primary stakeholders adversely affected by the decline in global blue carbon sequestration are coastal populations; third, the coordination between blue carbon wealth and coastal economic wealth has steadily improved, suggesting that ecological restoration and economic growth are becoming more compatible. The result of the present study could provide policy insights for aligning ecological and economic goals in coastal zones.