Addressing the Challenges of Sustainable Development in Transition Countries: Progress in Environmental Research and Climate-Resilient Development

Dear Colleagues,

Attaining sustainability presents a significant challenge for numerous societies, particularly for transition countries. Developing economies often exhibit a significant dependence on natural resources, which renders them particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. At the same time, the transitional processes often contribute to higher environmental degradation compared to their developed counterparts. Additionally, these countries typically prioritize economic growth, which may not align with the principles of sustainability. Rapid industrialization and unplanned urbanization in developing countries lead to air, water, land, and noise pollution and consequently affect human health and ecosystems. Environmental pollution disturbs economic development, intensifies poverty and inequality across urban and rural landscapes, and plays a substantial role in climate change, reflected in rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and increasing sea levels, which can lead to a greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Although transition countries have the lowest per capita contributions to global warming, they are among the most affected by climate change and pollution since they often lack the resources to shield their populations from the adverse effects. These societies need support to achieve sustainable development while reducing negative environmental impacts. Therefore, research that helps to understand the environmental problems, conditions, and challenges is encouraged. Since past experiences and present circumstances largely shape the future, promoting studies that mitigate risk and vulnerability is essential for enhancing society's resilience, capacity, and response. Various data and research methods can help identify issues, while an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach provides a broader perspective on specific mitigation measures and activities.

This Special Issue focuses on current challenges in research on environmental and climate change issues in developing countries, as well as their impact on health, ecosystems, and the economy. Contributors are invited to share their research on meeting the challenges of sustainable development in transition countries with a focus on environmental research advances and climate-resilient development.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Air, water, land, light, thermal, and noise pollution;
• Climate change;
• Renewable energy;
• Sustainable agriculture;
• Degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity loss;
• Depletion of natural resources;
• Effects of pollution and climate change on human health;
• Vulnerability of economic sectors to pollution and climate change;
• Public awareness of pollution and climate change;
• Sustainable environmental management;
• Sustainable development policies;
• Environmental education.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Slavica Malinovic-Milicevic
Dr. Gorica Stanojevic
Dr. Goran Trbic
Guest Editors

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• environmental pollution
• climate change
• sustainable development
• transitional countries