ijerph-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Trends in Sustainable and Healthy Cities

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 2662

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12209-904, Brazil
Interests: nature-based solutions; urban green spaces; healthy cities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The urban landscape has undergone transformations as cities worldwide confront the challenges of global change. The rapid pace of urbanization has introduced opportunities and obstacles, making the pursuit of sustainable and healthy cities an imperative endeavor for the future. This Special Issue aims to explore and highlight the latest trends in creating urban environments that are both ecologically sustainable and conducive to the well-being of their inhabitants.

We invite contributions that delve into various dimensions of this theme, including but not limited to: green infrastructure; renewable energy in urban areas; efficient waste management systems; equitable access to resources; urban planning and design for sustainability; sustainable transportation systems; air quality management strategies; social equity in urban development; urban health and well-being initiatives; climate resilience in cities; sustainable water management; urban agriculture and food security; smart cities and technological innovations; community engagement and participation in urban planning; green building practices; public spaces and green areas; sustainable housing solutions; biodiversity and urban ecosystems; noise pollution control; policy and governance for sustainable urban development. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions and working together to illuminate the trends and innovations shaping sustainable and healthy cities for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Adriano Bressane 
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable urban development
  • green infrastructure
  • renewable energy
  • efficient waste management
  • social equity
  • urban health and well-being
  • climate resilience
  • smart cities
  • community engagement
  • green building practices

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 9538 KiB  
Article
Air Quality Geospatial Analysis in Vulnerable Areas. Case Study of Valencia (Spain)
by Nuria Guardiola Ibáñez, Eloina Coll Aliaga, Maria Joaquina Porres De La Haza, Victoria Lerma Arce and Edgar Lorenzo-Sáez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101278 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 763
Abstract
The escalating concern over poor air quality, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a critical public health challenge, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to analyze air quality in areas with [...] Read more.
The escalating concern over poor air quality, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a critical public health challenge, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to analyze air quality in areas with vulnerable populations through a geospatial analysis of NO2 concentration measured by the passive dosimetry method in 2022. The results reveal high vulnerability caused by areas with over-centralized facilities and high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, often coinciding with busy avenues. The study emphasizes the urgent need to address air quality disparities, providing crucial insights for public decision-makers to allocate resources effectively and reduce environmental inequalities in the city, ultimately safeguarding the health of at-risk communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Sustainable and Healthy Cities)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Is Having Urban Green Space in the Neighborhood Enough to Make a Difference? Insights for Healthier City Design
by Adriano Bressane, Maria Eduarda Guedes Ferreira, Ana Júlia da Silva Garcia and Líliam César de Castro Medeiros
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070937 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
Background: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Purpose [...] Read more.
Background: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Purpose: This study delves into whether merely having green space in the neighborhood is sufficient to impact residents’ mental health in Brazilian metropolitan regions. Method: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 2136 participants. The analyzed variables included the intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement, suitability of UGS for visitation and physical activities, and mental well-being indicators measured by the DASS-21 scale. Multivariate statistical analyses and multiple regression models were employed to verify hypothetical relationships. Results and conclusions: Higher intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement in UGS were significantly associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Notably, having urban UGS in the neighborhood alone was not enough to reduce mental health issues. Practical implications: The findings point out the need for urban planning policies that prioritize the development of high-quality, accessible green spaces to maximize mental well-being benefits. These insights could inform city designs that foster healthier urban environments. Future directions: Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality between nature engagement and mental health improvements. Further research should incorporate objective measures of nature engagement and explore more aspects of green space quality, such as biodiversity and amenities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Sustainable and Healthy Cities)
Back to TopTop