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Climate change enhanced by human beings has become one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced in its entire existence. In this paper, an analysis is made of the variables that influence the environmental perception of the population of thirty countries —28 European countries, USA and China—, in order to estimate the most explanatory factors and identify the causes of the appreciable differences in awareness between States. The study is based on a representative survey conducted between 2021 and 2022 among more than thirty thousand people in the above-mentioned countries. After a first level of aggregate analysis to establish perceptual differences between States, a more detailed study is carried out which, after considering a wide variety of socio-demographic variables, leads to the conclusion that the population’s perception and awareness of the climate issue is markedly ideological. Nevertheless, within what is conventionally understood as awareness, it is possible to differentiate between multiple aspects: awareness of the seriousness, perception of impacts, predisposition to an eventual change in habits, support for government measures, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assesses the sustainability of fuelwood production in regard to REDD+ in southern Burkina Faso. Data collection included a review of the forest management plans, an inventory of 135 plots in addition to silvicultural observations in three Forest Management Units. Fuelwood production data exceeded data from approved management plans by 50%. The conversion of forests to farmlands was observed in two parcels in addition to bush fire and grazing activities – an indication that minimum safeguard measures were not respected. The use of chain saws, capacity strengthening, political will and the effective implementation of approved management plans can all ensure the sustainability of fuelwood production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and sustainable development indicators have proliferated since the Rio Earth Summit. This paper attempts to evaluate five indices developed in recent years: the Sustainable Society Index, Happy Planet Index, Environmentally Responsible Happy Nations Index, Responsibility–Capacity Index and Sustainability Index by Fuzzy Evaluation. These indices aggregate information about environmental and development indicators. A comparison of the empirical values of the indices reveals that they do not provide a consistent picture and that the aggregation methods are subjective and debatable. Nevertheless, they all show that the majority of nations in the world need to re-examine their development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human and wildlife well-being are linked to riparian and deltaic ecosystems. Human impacts and climate changes affect their environmental sustainability. To secure their protection, various national laws and international agreements have been established. Ecotourism can assist in promoting conservation for sustainability and economic improvement. This study reviews work bearing on these matters, especially with regard to the unique region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]