Browsing by Author "Sierra, Javier"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- 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.
- 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.
- Fostering students’ participation in the implementation of the sustainable development goals at higher education institutionsPublication . Filho, Walter Leal; Trevisan, Laís Viera; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Ulmer, Nico; Paço, Arminda; Borsari, Bruno; Sierra, Javier; Salvia, AmandaStudents are central actors at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Whereas much can be achieved by the active participation of students in sustainability affairs, it is unclear what is the current level of students’ knowledge and engagement regarding the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around the world, as well as which initiatives are being undertaken by HEIs on this matter. In order to address this research gap, this study investigated the current status of students’ knowledge and participation in initiatives aimed at the implementation of the UN SDGs. A comprehensive research methodology was carried out by means of a bibliometric analysis, case studies, and a survey involving a sample of 602 students from 53 countries. For the bibliometric analysis, data were analysed with the support of the VOSviewer software, while quantitative data analysis was performed with the support of IBM SPSS Statistics. The study shows that the participation of students in SDGs activities is associated with the commitment level of the HEIs to the implementation of the SDGs. In addition, the fact that students have taken a course or have a discipline related to the SDGs, plays a significant role in the SDGs implementation process. Moreover, the findings reveal that graduate students are more familiar with the SDGs than their undergraduate peers. The analysed HEIs case studies also demonstrate the commitment to sustainable development (SD) through different initiatives being pursued at different levels and scopes. Based on the results, the study provides recommendations on a set of specific measures that may be implemented to increase HEIs students’ interest and engagement in SD.
- Mapping universities-communities partnerships in the delivery of the sustainable development goalsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dibbern, Thais; Trevisan, Laís Viera; Cristofoletti, Evandro Coggo; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Matandirotya, Newton; Sierra, Javier; Shulla, Kalterina; Buttriss, Gary; Decosta, Patrick L’Espoir; Mbah, Marcellus; Sanni, MarufThe establishment of partnerships between universities and communities can significantly support the implementation of initiatives related to sustainability as a whole and help to realize some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Despite the usefulness of mapping of partnerships, there is a perceived necessity for studies, which may shed some light on these interactions, and the many advantages they offer. Against this background, this paper reports on a study which has assessed the extent to which partnerships between universities and communities may assist in achieving the SDGs. Methodologically, by means of a bibliometric analysis and the use of a set of enlightening case studies, the paper introduces some of the partnerships being implemented today and draws the lessons learned, which may be helpful in future initiatives. A total of eight initiatives are presented and discussed during the paper. The results suggest that more joint efforts are needed, as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs at the university level, including a list of measures that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) could apply to address those goals. Overall, this research contributes to the sustainability area by providing empirical evidence, insights, and recommendations for fostering partnerships between universities and communities. It adds to the existing body of knowledge and understanding of how collaborative efforts can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs.
- The role of universities in accelerating the sustainable development goals in EuropePublication . Filho, Walter Leal; Sierra, Javier; Price, Elizabeth; Eustachio, João Henrique Paulino Pires; Novikau, Aliaksandr; Kirrane, Maria; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Salvia, Amanda LangeThe process of implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were approved by the UN General Assembly in 2015 has not been simple, being influenced by variety of social, economic, and logistical problems. It has also been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are to date no specific studies aimed at assessing the extent to which higher universities institutions in Europe are active in the SDGs implementation process. Departing from this research need, this paper reports on a study aimed at examining the current degree of engagement of European universities in the implementing the SDGs. By using a multi-methods approach, which entails a review of existing documents, a survey involving participants from 22 countries and case studies, the paper maps, documents and disseminates examples of what European universities are doing to implement the SDGs, the challenges they face, and the solutions being deployed to overcome them.
- When the alarm bells ring: Why the UN sustainable development goals may not be achieved by 2030Publication . Leal Filho, Walter; Viera Trevisan, Laís; Simon Rampasso, Izabela; Anholon, Rosley; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Londero Brandli, Luciana; Sierra, Javier; Lange Salvia, Amanda; Pretorius, Rudi; Nicolau, Melanie; Paulino Pires Eustachio, João Henrique; Mazutti, JanainaWhen the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were agreed upon by the UN General Assembly in 2015, and subsequently endorsed by most UN Member States, there was a sense of optimism in respect of their timely implementation by 2030. This optimism has now become a concern. This is due to the fact that a combination of unfavourable circumstances and crises have so severely undermined the pursuit of the SDGs, that there are serious concerns about the probability of their achievement by 2030. This paper reports on an expert-driven literature review of the implementation of the SDGs and a bibliometric analysis, aimed at identifying some of the issues which have been slowing SDGs’ progress. Based on the information gathered, it suggests some specific measures which may be deployed, in order to accelerate their implementation by 2030.