Despite significant global efforts to address energy access gaps, most off-grid communities remain underserved—solutions have frequently fallen short by treating energy transitions as primarily technical and financial challenges, neglecting the socio-cultural dimensions that determine whether communities can genuinely shape and sustain energy systems aligned with their values and ways of life. This paper examines three remote off-grid communities, Moa Village (Indonesia), Pasi Island (Indonesia), and Warraber Island (Australia), through comparative qualitative case analysis across contrasting institutional, governance, and socio-cultural contexts. Findings reveal that community agency, rather than social capital alone, determines whether energy systems build adaptive capacity or perpetuate dependency, and that governance frameworks and regulatory arrangements function as critical enablers or barriers to the socio-cultural conditions necessary for genuine energy autonomy. Divergent pathways, from customary governance-driven autonomy to systematic exclusion despite formal recognition, demonstrate that institutional arrangements either support or suppress the socio-cultural foundations of climate-resilient energy transitions. Grounding analysis in lived community experiences, the study refines seven literature-derived principles into nine interdependent dimensions for navigating socio-culturally appropriate energy transitions, arguing that genuine energy justice requires operational sovereignty, facilitative institutional support, and the legitimisation of customary governance within—rather than displacement by—formal regulatory frameworks. The findings offer empirically grounded guidance for policymakers, energy practitioners, and communities navigating off-grid energy transitions that genuinely serve community needs and strengthen climate resilience.

Background The 2023 Quebec wildfires in Canada attracted international attention, affecting 4.5 M ha of boreal forest.Aims We investigated if causal factors could be identified that explained spatial variation in the wildfire burn severity of the Quebec 2023 wildfires.Methods We conducted a series of Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models to investigate if the spatial distribution of the within-fire burn severity index could be attributed to climatic, vegetation and topographic variables.Key results The most important model variables were Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) (relative contribution 40%), Fire Weather Index (FWI) (relative contribution 23%), Topographic Position Index (TPI) (relative contribution 14%), forest age (relative contribution 14%) and vegetation type (relative contribution 9%). Higher burn severities were associated with larger FWI values, smaller TWI and TPI values, and forest age circa 20-40 years.Conclusions The model variables influence burn severity by the moisture content and flammability of plant biomass. Forest management is implicated indirectly through the accumulated impacts of harvesting which have skewered age class distributions toward younger forests.Implications Given projected worsening fire weather conditions, it is prudent to consider how forest management can be modified by, among other things, protecting and restoring depleted older forest age classes within the forest management zone.

Access to clean energy is a development imperative, particularly for the estimated 3.5 billion people globally residing in off-grid settings who lack reliable electricity access. As the energy sector faces increasing climate change impacts, and these communities emerge as particularly vulnerable, developing locally sourced, clean, and renewable energy systems becomes crucial for sustaining life on ancestral lands. While renewable energy systems can play essential roles in supporting sustainable livelihoods and building climate resilience in these communities, their successful implementation remains challenging. This paper presents the first bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature, industry and government studies examining established foundations—including frameworks, models, theories, and concepts—relevant to community-scale infrastructure and natural resource management. Analysis of practical case studies from 37 countries reveals a significant gap in addressing socio-cultural dimensions, with only 30% of studies considering these factors in their examination of barriers and enablers, despite the dominance of socio-technical and socio-economic considerations. This global analysis establishes benchmarks for implementing renewable energy systems in off-grid communities. As the first stage of a doctoral research project, this review aims to identify empirically based approaches and develop context-specific, culturally appropriate strategies for implementing renewable energy systems that enhance community resilience to climate change.

More than 1 degree of global warming has been reached and once projected impacts are now being realized. Despite these impacts and the short timeframe available to avoid further warming, climate inaction remains a major threat to sustainable development. In this article, we bring a renewed focus to the issue of climate inaction. We unpack the systemic market failure that underpins current climate action efforts globally and how by shifting focus to address inaction this could be overcome. We explore how climate policies are inadvertently allowing climate inaction to persist, why this is happening and how to address it. Central to our argument is that climate policies still draw too heavily on a neoclassical development paradigm, rather than reinvigorated industrial policy, resulting in market interventions that fail to address the scale and systemic nature of the climate action challenge. We therefore reorient climate policies towards addressing inaction as a systemic development challenge that demands a stronger role from the government. We conclude by proposing a market systems framework for guiding policymakers to better target the systemic nature of climate inaction and the threat it poses to sustainable development.

Pathways are proposed for progressing the goal of decarbonizing economies that rely on burning forest biomass for heat and electricity (bioenergy) based on the proposition that this creates benefits for the climate. The potential for negative impacts on biodiversity are either assumed to be benign or ignored. We critically examined claims, and models used to support them, that bioenergy sourced from forest biomass, including logging residues, is either carbon neutral or will reduce net emissions. We also examined evidence about the impacts on forest ecosystem integrity and species' capacity for adaptation. We found that models used to evaluate bioenergy rely on key assumptions that are in themselves capable of delivering results supportive of bioenergy as an effective strategy. Yet there is abundant evidence that these assumptions are invalid and that burning forest biomass for energy is not carbon neutral or beneficial. From our assessment, we concluded that burning forest biomass, including logging residues, increases atmospheric CO2 concentration; land sector reporting using net greenhouse gas inventories obscures the impact of forest harvesting on ecosystem carbon stocks; and biomass energy will most likely displace other renewable energy, rather than fossil fuels. We also found that the use of bioenergy results in major negative cascading impacts for forest ecosystem integrity and consequently a reduction in the resilience and natural adaptive capacity of species in the face of climate change impacts. Bioenergy use is therefore in direct conflict with the commitment to limit the rate of global warming so that ecosystems can adapt naturally to climate change. A rethink is warranted of its role in international and national climate policy, and it should not qualify under renewable energy policies including directives, targets, and other legislated instruments. Together, we conclude that burning forest biomass for bioenergy is not a pathway to climate resilient development.

Biodiversity decline and climate change are among the most important environmental issues society faces. Information to address these issues has benefited from increasing big data, advances in cloud computing, and subsequent new tools for analytics. Accessing such tools is streamlined by virtual laboratories for ecological analysis, like the ‘Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory’ (BCCVL) and ‘ecocloud’. These platforms help reduce time and effort spent on developing programming skills, data acquisition and curation, plus model building. Recently this functionality was extended, producing EcoCommons Australia—a web-based ecological modeling platform for environmental problem-solving—with upgraded infrastructure and improved ensemble modeling, post-model analysis, workflow transparency and reproducibility. We outline our user-centered approach to systems design, from initial surveys of stakeholder needs to user involvement in testing, and collaboration with specialists. We illustrate EcoCommons and compare model evaluation statistics through four case studies, highlighting how the modular platform meets users' needs.

Forests harbor some 80 % of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity and play a crucial role in sequestering and storing carbon that is linked to their ecological integrity and biological diversity functions. Forest degradation-the loss of forest-ecosystem integrity measured by changes to native-species composition, functional processes, and keystone structures-is a major source of emissions and significant cause of biodiversity decline. Addressing this loss is critically important for fulfilling the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Additionally, the United Nations (2021a) Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 calls for a halt to both deforestation and degradation by 2030. However, many countries, particularly in the Global North, fail to fully acknowledge forest degradation as a problem within their own borders, and countries are not presently on track to meet the 2030 deadline. Building from established literature, we propose a principle, criteria, indicator and verifier (PCIV) approach that would enable monitoring of degradation at various scales, ranging from the loss of large, old trees to intact landscapes relative to reference conditions derived from primary, mature, historic, and semi-natural conditions. Degradation drivers include multiple forms of commercial logging and road building that alters native species composition, structure, and functionality. Case studies from three major forested biomes (temperate, boreal, and tropical) illustrate the geographic extent and types of degradation. We highlight an urgent call for countries to better detect and assess the cumulative damages of forest-degradation and to end it as promised.

Forest conservation is essential for action on climate change and biodiversity loss. Forest loss and degradation are increasing around the world, including in the Amazon. It is widely reported that Indigenous communities can be effective in forest protection, but less attention has been paid to explaining how they are able to do this in the face of severe threats. This article investigates what can be learned from the success of the Kayapo Indigenous communities and their organizations in protecting more than nine million hectares of primary forest in one of the most highly degraded and deforested areas of the Brazilian Amazon. We use geographic information system analysis to demonstrate the extent of forest protection, along with field work to examine the crucial alliances with conservation NGOs from governance and planning perspectives. Our interdisciplinary analysis is guided by the three-pillar framework for integrated landscape management and is informed by interviews conducted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff working for the Kayapo NGOs. Based on this data and the experience of the Kayapo people, we identify the main factors that facilitated large-scale forest conservation. Our research also reveals that the work of the Kayapo NGOs aligns with the principles of strong governance and effective planning. Lastly, we discuss key lessons and critical considerations to ensure the continued viability and ongoing success of the Kayapo NGOs in achieving their objectives.

Context Species connectivity mapping is a technically challenging task for conservation practitioners and nongovernment organisations to undertake as it requires experience in geographic information systems and often some computer programming. Aims We developed a decision support tool to provide spatial information and data on potential habitat connectivity and optimum connectivity pathways for a selection of forest-dependent vertebrate fauna in eastern and south-western Australia. Methods We systematically searched spatial data repositories for Australian spatial datasets for modelling connectivity. A least cost paths and patch connectivity approach was used to map potential habitat connectivity for (1) a single species – the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) of South East Queensland, and (2) four species guilds – rainforest pigeons, gliding possums, the black cockatoos of south-western Western Australia and a landscape level forest connectivity. Optimum connectivity pathways were assessed for protection status. Key results In total 71 spatial datasets useful for habitat connectivity mapping were identified. Species and guild modelling found that the protection status for optimum connectivity pathways varied between 24.7% and 53.3%. A decision support mapping tool was then created to enable users to interactively explore the connectivity data and download the spatial datasets for further analysis. Conclusions The development of a decision support tool for mapping habitat connectivity in eastern and south-western Australia represents a useful platform for conservation practitioners as it provides valuable spatial information on potential connectivity pathways for forest-dependent vertebrate fauna. Implications The tool can aid in the prioritisation of conservation actions aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity and mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity in the two regions.

The Canadian boreal forest biome has been subjected to a long history of management for wood production. Here, we examined the cumulative impacts of logging on older forests in terms of area, distribution and patch configuration in the managed forest zones of the Eastern Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. We also examined the consequences of these cumulative impacts on a once widely distributed and now threatened species, the woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). The cumulative area of recently logged forest (since ~1976) was 14,024,619 ha, with 8,210,617 ha in Quebec and 5,814,002 ha in Ontario. The total area of older forests was 21,249,341 ha, with 11,840,474 ha in Quebec and 9,408,867 ha in Ontario. Patch statistics revealed that there were 1,085,822 older forests with core patches < 0.25 ha and an additional 603,052 < 1.0 ha. There were 52 > 10,00–50,000 ha and 8 < 50,000 ha. Older forest patches (critical caribou habitat) in the 21 local population ranges totalled 6,103,534 ha, distributed among ~387,102 patches with 362,933 < 10 ha and 14 > 50,000 ha. The median percentage of local population ranges that was disturbed was 53.5%, with Charlevoix having the maximum (90.3%) and Basse Côte-Nord the least (34.9%). Woodland caribou local population ranges with disturbed suitable habitats >35% are considered unable to support self-sustaining populations. We found that for the 21 caribou local population ranges examined, 3 were at very high risk (>75% area disturbed), 16 at high risk (>45 ≤ 75% area disturbed), and 2 at low risk (≤35% area disturbed). Major changes are needed in boreal forest management in Ontario and Quebec for it to be ecologically sustainable, including a greater emphasis on protection and restoration for older forests, and to lower the risks for caribou populations.

Context The southern and central greater glider (Petauroides volans) is a nationally listed endangered species in Australia. The species depends upon mature native forest providing critical habitat resources including tree hollows. Aims This study aimed to map and evaluate the tenure of patches of potential high-quality (core) habitat and corridors for the southern greater glider in Queensland. Methods Within greater glider habitat, we mapped 10 ranked classes of relative forest maturity using a model comprising remotely sensed metrics of canopy height, above-ground living biomass and canopy cover at a 30 m resolution. We also modelled the optimum movement corridors within and between habitat patches. Key results Results showed that 35% (4.943 million ha) of habitat was found in the more mature classes (Classes 7–9), which represent a proxy for associated limiting habitat resources, especially tree hollows. Mean patch size above a 1.6 ha threshold was found to be 122 ha and most patches (71%) were ≤10 ha, with 14 patches ≥100 000 ha. Freehold and leasehold lands hold 63.4% of the more mature habitat, multiple-use public forest 21.4% and nature conservation areas 12.8%. About half of the potential habitat is located on formally recognised Indigenous lands that represent different categories of Aboriginal ownership, management and other special rights. Conclusions The protection of mature forest patches and movement corridors is necessary for the conservation of the greater glider, a nationally listed threatened species. Implications Conservation interventions are needed, using a whole-of-landscape approach to protect core habitat and corridors from inappropriate land use.

Protecting forest ecosystems is a critical action for addressing both the climate and biodiversity crises. Effective long-term management of forests requires landscape approaches, but evaluating the management actions is a key challenge. Previous research has suggested evaluation should focus on three interrelated pillars: ecosystem integrity, effective planning, and strong governance. This paper presents a framework for evaluating ecosystem integrity based on the 'Principle, Criteria, Indicator and Verifier' (PCIV) method. The key principle used is ecosystem autopoiesis - the ability of a system for self-generation and maintenance by creating its own parts. Four key criteria are applied, accompanied by a set of nine indicators. Verifiers for each indicator are suggested for which feasible data sources are likely available. The use of the three-pillar framework, including ecosystem integrity, is illustrated using three hypothetical cases representing different forest landscape contexts. Such evaluation can provide practical, consistent, repeatable, and comparable information for stakeholders and decision makers.

Addressing food waste is a growing priority for hotel groups. However, aligning corporate sustainability goals with the practicalities of individual hotels is challenging. While hotels increasingly adopt certification programs to enable transparency on sustainability performance, there is a risk that compliance-based assessment systems may not fully capture the nuances of each hotel's local context. The notion of regeneration, emphasizing reinvestment in people, place and the natural world, offers the potential to bridge the gap between corporate waste targets, hotel operations and local outcomes. Food waste, recoverable through a biological cycle, aligns with the principles of regeneration. This study explores the perspectives of practitioners involved in certification and benchmarking and those advocating for regeneration in the tourism sector. This study explores whether compliance assessment systems are sufficient to account for the challenges associated with hotel food waste and whether regenerative enhancements could be conceptualised. Through in-depth interviews, the research reveals a divide between compliance assessment and regeneration across key areas. A conceptual framework is introduced, highlighting areas of convergence that could enhance existing certification programs - with the ultimate aim of helping hotels reconsider their relationship with food waste and their local ecological system.

The world’s forests are being increasingly disturbed from exposure to the compounding impacts of land use and climate change, in addition to natural disturbance regimes. Boreal forests have a lower level of deforestation compared to tropical forests, and while they have higher levels of natural disturbances, the accumulated impact of forest management for commodity production coupled with worsening fire weather conditions and other climate-related stressors is resulting in ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. We used satellite-based time-series analysis of two canopy indices—canopy photosynthesis and canopy water stress—to calculate an index that maps the relative stability of forest canopies in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. By drawing upon available spatial time-series data on logging, wildfire, and insect infestation impacts, we were able to attribute the causal determinants of areas identified as having unstable forest canopy. The slope of the two indices that comprise the stability index also provided information as to where the forest is recovering from prior disturbances. The stability analyses and associated spatial datasets are available in an interactive web-based mapping app. that can be used to map disturbed forest canopies and the attribution of disturbances to human or natural causes. This information can assist decision-makers in identifying areas that are potentially ecologically degraded and in need of restoration and those stable areas that are a priority for protection.

Forests around the world are under immense pressure from human land use and climate change. Old-growth and primary forests have been degraded in recent decades, yet are generally more resilient and resistant to climate change effects compared to human-modified forests. Nowhere is this more evident than in Russian Siberia, which contains almost one-fifth of the world’s forest area and has been subjected to a variety of land uses and disturbances since the mid-20th century. Although a number of related geospatial products exist, there are no large-scale maps of old-growth and primary forests across Siberia. However, remotely sensed metrics of forest stability have been shown to relate to old-growth and primary forests in tropical and boreal environments. Here we apply stability indices from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors across boreal Siberia from 2003 to 2020. Our results indicate that forests in the central and southern taiga contain most areas of high stability, but also distinct zones of disturbance and low stability. We identified three regions with particularly low forest stability: (i) the Zabaikal region in southern Siberia, (ii) a portion of the central taiga spanning the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), and (iii) the West Siberian lowlands. This approach can be used to monitor Siberian boreal forest condition, and could be applied to other boreal forested regions.

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae encounter a variety of environmental conditions during seasonal migration between feeding grounds and breeding grounds. Relationships between environmental conditions and migratory movements are largely unknown due to a lack of oceanographic data coincident with their presence/absence. We begin to address this knowledge gap by developing a new agent-based modelling (ABM) approach designed to predict southward migration of mother-calf (MC) pairs along a stretch of the east Australian coast between the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Gold Coast (GC) bay, which includes a known resting area, Hervey Bay (HB). To assess our ability to reproduce observed migration patterns, numerical experiments were undertaken in which static (bathymetry) and dynamic (currents, sea surface temperature) variables between August and October 2017 governed movements. These experiments revealed how bathymetry influences HB usage, and a necessity to apply different directionality preferences to whales before and after negotiating HB, which appear to closely align with coastline orientation. The ABM provides a novel, suitable framework for simulating MC humpback whale migration, and an important first step in the development of predictive models of humpback whale behavior. Developing such tools is increasingly necessary to predict how changing ocean conditions are likely to affect their distribution.