Percorrer por autor "Leal Filho, Walter"
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- Addressing climate change education: relevant contributions from universitiesPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Sow, Baba Libasse; Perlin, Ana Paula; Mbah, Marcellus Forh; Costa, Cristina Amaro da; Azam, Fardous Mohammad Safiul; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaPurpose: This study aims to identify and describe the nature of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) engagement with climate change (CC) education, exploring their contributions to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach: By using a dual methodological approach consisting of an expert-driven literature review with supporting cases, the study provides a novel perspective of university involvement in CC education, emphasising theoretical insights and practical applications. Findings: The study asserts that universities contribute significantly to CC education through the development of specialised teaching programmes, innovative research initiatives and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations. However, challenges abound, including limited financial resources, institutional inertia and the complexity of integrating CC topics across diverse academic disciplines. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, implementing innovative teaching methodologies and strengthening governance frameworks, universities can further enhance the effectiveness and reach of CC education initiatives. Research limitations/implications: While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges potential limitations, including the scope of example studies and the specificity of findings to certain institutional contexts, which impedes generalisation. Avenues for further research to understand university contributions to CC education have been advanced. Practical implications: The paper provides practical insights for universities to optimise their engagement in CC education, emphasising the mobilisation of student involvement and the promotion of transdisciplinary approaches, amongst others. Social implications: While emphasising the role of universities in CC education, the study underscores the broader societal impact of informed and engaged HEIs to drive positive change by instilling awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Originality/value: The findings offer original perspectives on the importance of university engagement in CC education and provide practical measures for optimising their contribution to a sustainable future via pedagogical, programme and strategic/whole institutional levels.
- An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructuresPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Abeldaño Zuñiga, Roberto Ariel; Sierra, Javier; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Corazza, Laura; Nagy, Gustavo J.; Aina, Yusuf A.Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.
- An overview of the contribution of the textiles sector to climate changePublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Perry, Patsy; Heim, Hilde; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Moda, Haruna; Ebhuoma, Eromose; Paço, ArmindaThe textile industry is responsible for a significant amount of global CO2 emissions, exceeding those from several other sectors such as international aviation and shipping. This article outlines the reasons for the textile industry’s contribution to climate change along with an overview of current trends. Finally, it outlines several measures to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Artificial intelligence and climate change: the potential roles of foundation modelsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Kovaleva, Marina; Ng, Artie; Nagy, Gustavo; Luetz, Johannes; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaArtificial intelligence (AI) is being developed fast and applied in several areas including education and healthcare with excellent potential for use in fields that require complex analytics, particularly in the case of climate change. Recent developments in AI, such as ChatGPT and OpenAI, machine vision technologies and deep learning, among others, may be deployed in various contexts, including climate change. Of specific interest is the role played by foundation models (FMs), which may help to augment intelligence on climate change and reduce the social risks of adaptation and mitigation initiatives. This article discusses the potential applications of FMs in climate change research and management and illustrates the need for further studies. FMs, built on large unlabelled data sets and enabled by transfer learning, offer versatility in handling complex tasks. Specifically, FMs can aid in climate data analysis, modelling future scenarios, assessing risks, and supporting decision-making processes. Despite their potential, challenges such as data privacy, algorithm bias, and energy consumption require careful consideration. The article emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary efforts to address these challenges and maximize the positive impact of FMs in mitigation and adaptation. AI, including advanced models like FMs, holds significant promise for addressing climate change challenges.
- Assessing climate change and health provisions among staff in higher education institutions: a preliminary investigationPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Lange Salvia, Amanda; Sierra, Javier; Vasconcelos, Helena; Henderson-Wilson, Claire; Diatta, Samo; Kumar, T. V. Lakshmi; Meirelles, Maria Gabriela; Carvalho, FernandaClimate change can have direct and indirect effects on human health. Direct effects can include an increase in extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, as well as an increase in the spread of vector-borne and infectious diseases, which may lead to a set of health problems and diseases. Indirect effects can include changes in air quality, water availability, and food production and distribution. These changes can lead to an increase in respiratory problems, malnutrition, and increased food insecurity. There is a perceived need to investigate the extent to which Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are engaged in efforts to foster a greater understanding of the connections between climate change and health. In this context, this preliminary investigation offers an overview of the relationships between climate change and health. By means of a survey among teaching staff and researchers at HEIs from 42 countries across all continents working on the connection between climate change and health. The study has investigated the extent to which current provisions for education and training on the connection between climate change and health are being considered and how current needs in terms of policy development, research, and training are being met. A series of case studies illustrate how universities worldwide are actively developing strategies and implementing measures to address climate change and health. The study concludes by providing specific recommendations aimed at facilitating the handling of issues related to climate change and health in a higher education context.
- Assessing the impacts of sustainability teaching at higher education institutionsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Trevisan, Laís Viera; Sivapalan, Subarna; Mazhar, Muhammad; Kounani, Aristea; Mbah, Marcellus Forh; Abubakar, Ismaila Rimi; Matandirotya, Newton R.; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Borsari, Bruno; Abzug, RikkiThe necessity of sustainability teaching (ST) has recently become increasingly crucial due to several interrelated factors. The world faces significant environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion. ST equips students with the knowledge and tools to address these issues and work towards a more sustainable future. ST helps students understand these complex challenges and fosters holistic problem-solving skills. ST at higher education institutions (HEIs) can take place in various modalities, including lectures, hands-on projects, field trips, simulations, and collaborative learning to enhance knowledge and develop competencies. The impact of ST at HEIs may be measured through multiple avenues, such as student surveys, interviews with faculty, and research studies on the effectiveness of sustainability courses. This paper reports on a study that assessed the current impact of ST at HEIs. The data collection used a multi-methods approach, which included a bibliometric analysis, the assessment of a set of case studies, and an international survey conducted with teaching staff from HEIs in 38 countries. The evidence supporting ST is presented and discussed, indicating how current teaching programmes are being delivered and their degree of success. The results show that the literature on ST has evolved substantially over the past years and covers a wide range of areas, as demonstrated by the various clusters. The case studies, in turn, show multiple real-world examples of how HEIs across diverse geographic regions have implemented ST practices and their implications. The paper’s novelty lies in its approach to evaluating sustainability education’s effectiveness and broader impacts on HEIs. It offers a unique approach by integrating assessments across multiple disciplines, showing how ST impacts students´ education. Also, the study tracks the impacts of the sustainability literature, providing insights into how sustainability education shapes students’ professional prospects. Finally, the paper shows the status of sustainability education across different HEIs and countries, offering a broader perspective on how it is implemented into practice. The study concludes by suggesting measures that may maximize the impact of sustainability courses in HEIs curricula and, among other things, the overall campus culture toward sustainable development.
- Assessing the provisions for sustainability in economics degree programmesPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Morales, Maria F.; Semitiel-García, María; Noguera-Méndez, Pedro; Ruiz de Maya, Salvador; Alarcón-del-Amo, María-del-Carmen; Esteban-Lloret, Nuria; Pemartín, MaríaPurpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) offer courses and programmes focusing on sustainability in economics, as courses on sustainable development (SD), which examine the economic, social and environmental dimensions of SD. This paper aims to examine sustainability integration in economics degree programmes. Design/methodology/approach Through an extensive literature review in Web of Science (WoS) and information search in Google, conducting to 28 relevant case studies, this paper elucidates the emphasis given to sustainability as part of economics degree programmes in HEIs. Findings The results suggest that, whereas the inclusion of sustainability components in this field is a growing trend, much still needs to be done to ensure that matters related to SD are part of the routine of university students studying economics. Research limitations/implications It is worth noting that the literature review conducted in WoS was primarily aimed at assisting in the selection of university case studies. The 28 university case studies scrutinised in this study may lack sufficient representation from numerous developing countries. Practical implications This study highlights challenges in integrating the SD into economics degree programmes, suggesting the need for curriculum adjustments as underscoring operational issues, acting as barriers. The inclusion of sustainability in economics programmes must navigate operational issues stemming from packed timetables and busy schedules, requiring innovative solutions. Social implications As far as the authors are aware, this study holds substantial importance in its emphasis on implementing sustainability within HEIs’ economics programmes, assisting in pursuing SD. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in addressing sustainability with the specific economics focus programmes within the HEIs context.
- Barriers to institutional social sustainabilityPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Salvia, Amanda Lange; Vasconcelos, Claudio Ruy Portela; Anholon, Rosley; Rampasso, Izabela Simon; Eustachio, João Henrique Paulino Pires; Liakh, Olena; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Olpoc, Raquel Cementina; Bandanaa, Joseph; Aina, Yusuf A.; Lukina, Regine Lolekola; Sharifi, AyyoobSocial sustainability is a work field characterised by an emphasis on social aspects, e.g. equity, ethics, health, gender balance, or empowerment, within a broader sustainability context. Although the concept seems to be reasonably well established and deemed worthy of pursuing, some obstacles prevent its wide dissemination. Through a bibliometric analysis focusing on the literature on social sustainability at institutions, with a focus on companies, this paper aims to investigate and describe some of the barriers associated with social sustainability implementation. Apart from identifying that sustainability reporting, environmental disclosure and financial performance play a central role in successfully achieving social sustainability, in the context of which gender-related issues seem more tangential, the results indicated some solutions commonly reported for overcoming barriers and obstacles to a company’s social sustainability implementation within different sectors. These solutions have to do, among many other factors addressed in this study, with strengthening communication transparency and trust, contributing to awareness, using technology to document and promote social sustainability. Thus, empowering organizations and citizens, recognized as essential factors to social development, and addressing the challenges in a multi-dimensional way.
- Circular economy implementation challenges for achieving SDG 12Publication . Leal Filho, Walter; Shollo, Fran; Sidsaph, Henry; Motta, Wladmir; Rampasso, Izabela Simon; Fonseca Albuquerque Cavalcanti Sigahi, Tiago; Anholon, Rosley; MEIRIÑO, MARCELO; Campos, Lucila Maria de Souza; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaDespite the relevance of Circular Economy (CE) and the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) and the growing body of literature on the CE and SDG 12, there remains a significant research gap in systematically linking theoretical barriers to CE implementation with practical, industry-specific examples that demonstrate how these barriers impede progress toward SDG 12 targets. In this context, this paper explores the multifaceted challenges impeding the transition to a CE and its potential to contribute to SDG 12. There is a perceived need to address the challenges associated with the implementation of SDG 12. To analyse these challenges, this study uses two methods of analysis. The first was a critical analysis of the literature describing the challenges in achieving SDG 12. The second method consisted of assessing three case studies of companies from different sectors. The evidence gathered led to the listing of specific measures that may be implemented to address current challenges, including greater stakeholders´ integration, policy innovation, and consumer engagement. By identifying key barriers and proposing strategic solutions, this paper provides valuable insights that may enhance the implementation of CE principles, ultimately facilitating progress for meeting SDG 12 and fostering a sustainable future. Therefore, the present research moves beyond general descriptions of CE barriers and offers a practical roadmap for policymakers and businesses. It highlights the specific challenges that must be addressed to achieve measurable progress in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns as outlined by the 2030 Agenda.
- Cities and climate change: combining bibliometric trends and city-level evidence to understand the connections between urban resilience and adaptive capacityPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Bichueti, Roberto Schoproni; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Begum, Halima; O'Hare, Paul; Malakar, Krishna; Kouassi, Jean-Luc; Danumah, Jean HomianClimate change poses escalating challenges to urban systems, intensifying risks from extreme temperatures, flooding, sea-level rise, and socio-environmental inequalities. Cities are increasingly recognised as critical arenas for climate adaptation, where resilience and adaptive capacity shape the capacity to anticipate, absorb, and respond to climate-related impacts. This study maps research on urban resilience and adaptive capacity through a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science publications (2010–2023), identifying dominant thematic clusters via keyword co-occurrence and collaboration patterns via co-authorship networks. To connect research trends with practice, this study also reports on a qualitative meta-synthesis of twelve published city case studies from diverse geographic and socio-economic contexts. Explicitly linking bibliometric themes with city-level adaptation evidence, this study identifies areas of convergence (e.g., governance, nature-based solutions, and risk assessment) and persistent gaps, particularly in the operationalisation of social equity, participation, and maladaptation risks. The findings provide an integrated evidence base that may help inform future urban climate adaptation research and policy.