Javascript is required
Search
/
/
Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability
NSIA
Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability (OCS)
OF
ISSN (print): 2957-7217
ISSN (online): 2957-9643
Submit to OCS
Review for OCS
Propose a Special Issue
Current State
Issue
Volume
2026: Vol. 5
Archive
Home

Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability (OCS) is a distinctive journal dedicated to exploring sustainable development's benefits and challenges. It stands out for its comprehensive focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability, covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions. OCS provides a unique platform for discussing practical solutions and the impact of sustainability practices, contributing significantly to the field. What sets OCS apart from other journals is its balanced exploration of both opportunities and challenges in sustainable development. Published quarterly by Acadlore, the journal typically releases its four issues in March, June, September, and December each year.

  • Professional Service - Every article submitted undergoes an intensive yet swift peer review and editing process, adhering to the highest publication standards.

  • Prompt Publication - Thanks to our expertise in orchestrating the peer-review, editing, and production processes, all accepted articles are published rapidly.

  • Open Access - Every published article is instantly accessible to a global readership, allowing for uninhibited sharing across various platforms at any time.

Editor(s)-in-chief(1)
ercan özen
Department of Finance and Banking, University of Usak, Turkey
ercan.ozen@usak.edu.tr | website
Research interests: Financial Analysis; Corporate Finance; Finance; Financial Accounting; Financial Statement Analysis; Financial Management; Banking and Finance; Financial Risk Management; Investment; Risk Management

Aims & Scope

Aims

Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability (OCS) is an international open-access journal that not only highlights advancements but also addresses the multifaceted challenges in sustainable development. The mission of OCS is to publish the latest findings and critical analyses on the benefits, complexities, and practical solutions in sustainable development. This includes shedding light on the challenges that impede progress towards sustainability goals, such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities. OCS welcomes original submissions in various forms, including comprehensive reviews, in-depth research papers, and succinct communications, as well as Special Issues focusing on specific sustainability topics. The journal is committed to inspiring policy-makers, scientists, and practitioners by providing a global forum for studies related to sustainability, especially emphasizing contributions from and implications for emerging countries.

In line with its mission, OCS encourages authors to delve into both the theoretical and experimental aspects of sustainability, presenting detailed research without restrictions on paper length. Distinguishing features of the journal include:

  • Every publication benefits from prominent indexing, ensuring widespread recognition.

  • A distinguished editorial team upholds unparalleled quality and broad appeal.

  • Seamless online discoverability of each article maximizes its global reach.

  • An author-centric and transparent publication process enhances submission experience.

Scope

The scope of OCS covers an extensive array of topics, offering a rich and detailed exploration of sustainability issues:

  • Air Pollution and Climate Change: Comprehensive studies on air quality degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and the global implications of climate change.

  • Biodiversity Preservation: In-depth analysis of strategies for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

  • Disaster Management: Explorations of sustainable approaches to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

  • Distributed Energy Systems: Examination of localized, sustainable energy solutions and their role in reducing carbon footprints.

  • Drought and Desertification: Investigations into the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies for drought and desertification.

  • Urban and Rural Sustainability Dynamics: Comparative research on sustainability challenges and solutions in both urban and rural contexts.

  • Ecological Disasters and Environmental Degradation: Studies on human-induced ecological crises and their long-term environmental impacts.

  • Integrated Economic, Social, and Environmental Challenges: Multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the interconnectedness of economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

  • Sustainability Education and Awareness: Analysis of educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable practices.

  • Energy Efficiency: Innovative research on improving energy efficiency in various sectors to achieve sustainability.

  • Environmental Regulation: Critical evaluation of policy frameworks and their effectiveness in promoting environmental sustainability.

  • Green Energy Development: Research on the advancement and integration of renewable energy sources in sustainable development.

  • Life Cycle Assessment: Detailed assessments of the environmental impact of products and services from production to disposal.

  • Sustainability in Peripheral Regions: Focused studies on unique sustainability challenges faced by peripheral and ultra-peripheral regions.

  • Sustainable Development Policies: Examination of global, national, and local policies designed to promote sustainable development.

  • Urban Sustainability: Strategies and challenges in creating sustainable urban environments.

  • Border Region Sustainable Planning: Special focus on sustainability issues and strategic planning in border regions.

  • Sustainable Production and Consumption Patterns: Exploration of sustainable practices in production and consumer behavior.

  • Natural Resource Management: Strategies for the sustainable utilization and conservation of natural resources.

  • Sustainable Tourism Practices: Studies on the implementation of sustainable practices in the tourism sector.

  • Impact of Urbanization on Sustainability: Analysis of how urban sprawl and population growth affect sustainable development.

  • Innovative Waste Management and Recycling: Exploration of effective waste management strategies and recycling technologies.

  • Water Management: Research on sustainable water use, pollution control, and treatment methods.

  • Specialized Areas of Sustainability: Including education, business, marketing, economic growth, and their relationship with sustainable development.

Articles
Recent Articles
Most Downloaded
Most Cited

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The global transition toward electric vehicles has been recognized as a critical pathway for achieving sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Indonesia, a series of policy interventions has been introduced to accelerate market adoption. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been constrained by public acceptance, which remains a decisive factor in the diffusion of electric vehicle technologies. Although public perceptions have traditionally been examined through surveys, the dynamic and large-scale opinions expressed on social media remain underexplored in the Indonesian context. To address this gap, public discourse surrounding electric vehicle adoption in Indonesia was investigated through a social media mining framework. A total of 6,844 publicly available posts published on X (formerly Twitter) over a one-year period were collected using five electric vehicle-related keywords, namely electric vehicles, electric cars, electric motorcycles, electric buses, and electric vehicle batteries. Public sentiment was classified using the IndoRoBERTa sentiment analysis model, while latent discussion themes were identified through topic modeling to characterize the principal drivers and barriers influencing electric vehicle adoption. The results indicate that positive public perceptions were primarily associated with environmental sustainability, lower operating costs, continued expansion of charging infrastructure, and government incentives. In contrast, negative perceptions were predominantly linked to inadequate charging infrastructure, inconsistencies in policy implementation, concerns regarding technological reliability, uncertainties associated with the transition from conventional vehicles, and unfavorable user experiences. Building upon these findings, a policy-oriented analytical framework was established to systematically translate large-scale social media discourse into evidence-based policy priorities for accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Indonesia. The findings demonstrate that social media analytics can provide timely and complementary insights into evolving public perceptions that are difficult to capture through conventional survey-based approaches. An interpretable decision-support framework is provided for policymakers to identify emerging public concerns, evaluate policy effectiveness, and design adaptive strategies that promote sustainable transportation and facilitate the long-term transition toward electric mobility in Indonesia.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The determinants of carbon emissions have attracted increasing scholarly attention because of their critical implications for climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development. In this study, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the scientific literature addressing the relationships among financial development, green finance, renewable energy, ecological footprint, and carbon emissions. A total of 295 publications indexed in the Web of Science database between 2011 and 2025 were analyzed using bibliometric techniques to evaluate country and author contributions, collaboration networks, influential publication sources, thematic evolution, and conceptual structures. The results indicate that research activity has expanded substantially over the study period, reflecting increasing academic attention to the interactions among economic development, financial systems, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability. China, India, and Pakistan were identified as the leading contributors in terms of scientific output, while well-defined collaboration clusters were observed among influential researchers in the fields of energy economics. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that CO₂ emissions, economic growth, renewable energy, and financial development constitute the principal knowledge domains within the literature. Furthermore, thematic evolution analysis demonstrated that renewable energy and green finance have emerged as dominant research themes since 2020. A comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape of research on the determinants of CO₂ emissions is thereby provided, major knowledge clusters and emerging research directions are identified, and a systematic foundation is established for future investigations into sustainable financial policies, clean energy transitions, and evidence-based strategies for carbon mitigation.
Open Access
Research article
Assessment of Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Mangrove Crab on Bangka Island
kastana sapanli ,
muhammad rizki abdurrahman ,
tridoyo kusumastanto ,
novindra
|
Available online: 04-10-2026

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML

Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) represents one of the most economically valuable fisheries commodities in Indonesia. However, the long-term sustainability of mangrove crab production on Bangka Island, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, has been threatened by the declining availability of wild seed resources, primarily as a consequence of mangrove ecosystem degradation, land-use conversion for industrial development, and expanding residential areas. Therefore, the sustainability performance of the mangrove crab supply chain was evaluated through a sustainable supply chain management framework. A mixed-methods approach was employed, in which qualitative analyses were conducted to characterize the supply chain structure, while quantitative assessments were performed using multi-aspect sustainability analysis supported by Exsimpro. The results demonstrated the existence of four distinct channels, each exhibiting different levels of operational efficiency. Sustainability performance across the supply chain was found to be relatively low. Nevertheless, substantial opportunities for improvement were identified. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated sustainable supply chain management implementation to balance economic benefits with ecosystem conservation and resource sustainability. These results provide a scientific basis for policymakers, fisheries managers, and supply chain actors to develop targeted interventions that support the sustainable utilization of mangrove crab resources while enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of the fisheries sector on Bangka Island.

Open Access
Research article
Grey Relational Analysis of Carbon Emission Drivers in the Yellow River Basin
hao huang ,
Yujun Hu ,
bowen zhang ,
wenxuan duan ,
yiwei huang ,
anxue li ,
bojing zhang ,
yang li
|
Available online: 03-31-2026

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality has been identified as a central strategic priority for sustainable development in China. As a key national energy base and ecological barrier, the Yellow River basin has been subjected to substantial pressure for carbon emission mitigation. To elucidate the underlying driving mechanisms of carbon emissions, a panel data-based grey relational analysis framework was constructed using data from nine provinces (autonomous regions) within the basin over the period 2010–2021. The correlation intensity between carbon emissions and five principal influencing factors—regional gross domestic product, energy mix, added value of the secondary industry, year-end permanent resident population, and urban population—was quantified from temporal, cross-sectional, and integrated perspectives. The results indicate that the comprehensive grey relational degree follows the order: energy mix (0.90) > year-end permanent resident population (0.86) > urban population (0.85) > added value of the secondary industry (0.82) > regional gross domestic product (0.77), with energy mix identified as the dominant driver of carbon emissions. From a temporal perspective, the correlation between regional gross domestic product and carbon emissions was observed to decline steadily from 0.87 in 2010 to 0.68 in 2021, suggesting a progressive decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions. In contrast, the correlation associated with energy mix remained consistently above 0.88, indicating limited advancement in energy structure transformation. Cross-sectional analysis reveals pronounced regional heterogeneity, with emission-driving patterns categorized into three types: energy–industry dominated, population–urbanization driven, and multi-factor integrated. These findings provide robust empirical evidence for the formulation of differentiated carbon mitigation strategies and offer critical insights for advancing ecological protection and high-quality development within the Yellow River basin.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The poverty-reducing potential of agricultural employment, in conjunction with export-oriented technological innovation, was critically examined within the context of Bangladesh’s agrarian economy. Particular emphasis was placed on the extent to which agricultural research and development outputs—including technology transfer, patent generation, and research dissemination—contribute to gross domestic product per capita growth, a key proxy for economic development. It was demonstrated that export-oriented agricultural technologies were significantly associated with economic growth. In contrast, general government expenditure on agricultural research and development, when implemented without clear innovation-oriented objectives, was shown to exert a limited effect on economic growth. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of research and development investment is contingent not on scale alone, but on the capacity to generate scalable, market-oriented technological outputs. Moreover, structural dimensions of poverty were addressed by illustrating how a technology-driven and employment-intensive agricultural system functioned as a critical mechanism for inclusive development. It was further observed that poverty reduction was deeply embedded within broader institutional, economic, and policy frameworks, necessitating coordinated interventions that integrate technological advancement with equitable resource distribution. The analysis underscores the importance of targeted policy design aimed at fostering innovation ecosystems that prioritize export competitiveness, rural employment generation, and sustainable income growth. Such an approach is argued to facilitate a transition toward a more resilient, inclusive, and self-sustaining development trajectory in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML

The long-term viability of fossil-based energy systems is closely linked to the net energy they deliver to society. However, many widely cited estimates of oil energy return on investment (EROI) rely on data that no longer reflect current production structures. In particular, the rapid expansion of shale oil in the US has fundamentally altered the relationship between production costs, market prices, and net energy yields. This study revisits recent EROI values for oil in the US and Russia by examining their relationship with production costs and observed price dynamics, together with projected trends in EROI decline. A complementary assessment based on monetary return on investment (MROI) is also conducted to capture the economic dimension of energy extraction. To place these findings in a broader context, the analysis considers long-term changes in the gold-to-oil price ratio and compares the energy content of crude oil with the mechanical output of human labor. The results indicate that effective net energy returns from oil continue to decline, with implications that extend beyond production economics. In the case of the US, the analysis points to an emerging net energy deficit when recent production structures are taken into account. These developments suggest increasing constraints on the capacity of oil to support sustained economic activity. The findings underline the need to reassess the role of oil within future energy systems, particularly in light of growing concerns regarding resource limits and long-term sustainability.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The impact of environmental, social, and governance practices on firm performance and firm value remains contested, particularly in emerging markets where sustainability adoption is still evolving. In this study, the relationship between environmental, social, and governance practices, firm performance, and firm value was empirically examined, with a comparative focus on consumer non-cyclical and consumer cyclical sectors in Indonesia. A total of 298 firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2023 were analyzed, comprising 132 consumer non-cyclical and 166 consumer cyclical firms. Environmental, social, and governance performance was operationalized using disclosure-based indicators derived from the Global Reporting Initiative standards. A structural equation modeling approach based on the generalized structured component analysis was employed. Measurement model evaluation was conducted and overall model fit and structural relationships were assessed. Following the removal of invalid indicators, all constructs satisfied validity and reliability requirements, and acceptable model fit was achieved across both sectors. However, the results indicate that environmental, social, and governance practices do not have a statistically significant effect on either firm performance or firm value in both sectors. These findings suggest that environmental, social, and governance implementation in Indonesian consumer sectors remains at an early stage, where disclosure practices have not yet translated into measurable economic outcomes. Furthermore, caution should be exercised by investors when interpreting environmental, social, and governance disclosures as indicators of short-term financial performance. This study contributes to the environmental, social, and governance literature by providing evidence from an emerging market context and highlights the need for more substantive and performance-oriented sustainability integration.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
Eutrophication, defined as excessive nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems, has been increasingly recognized as one of the most critical drivers of freshwater and coastal ecosystem degradation worldwide. A qualitative research framework based on systematic literature synthesis, statistical data interpretation, and comparative regional case analysis was employed to examine the systemic drivers and socio-ecological consequences of nutrient pollution. Case studies from India and the United States were comparatively analyzed in order to identify recurring patterns of nutrient loading and ecological outcomes. It is demonstrated that excessive nutrient inputs substantially increase the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, which subsequently contribute to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, biodiversity loss, and the structural destabilization of aquatic food webs. These ecological transformations are shown to generate cascading socio-economic impacts, particularly for fishing-dependent and agrarian communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to aquatic ecosystem services. The analysis further indicates that climate change amplifies nutrient cycling dynamics and accelerates eutrophication processes. To address these challenges, integrated mitigation strategies emphasizing watershed-scale nutrient management, improved wastewater treatment infrastructure, and strengthened environmental governance were critically evaluated. Community-based resource management and participatory water governance mechanisms were identified as essential components for enhancing ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. The findings highlight the necessity of systemic policy reforms that prioritize nutrient pollution control, sustainable agricultural practices, and coordinated water governance frameworks in order to mitigate the escalating environmental and socio-economic consequences of eutrophication.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML
The integration of digital technologies into circular economy systems has been increasingly promoted within the European Union as a pathway for accelerating climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. However, the environmental implications of large-scale digitalization remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the mitigation potential and systemic risks associated with digital technologies in circular economy transitions were systematically evaluated. A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework was conducted, through which 113 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents published between 2018 and 2025 were synthesized. The results indicate that certain digital technologies—particularly predictive maintenance systems, digital twins, and product life-cycle monitoring platforms—consistently generate net-positive mitigation outcomes by reducing material throughput. In contrast, the mitigation potential of highly data-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence models and blockchain infrastructures, is frequently constrained by rebound dynamics and the substantial energy requirements of computational infrastructures. Evidence further suggests that efficiency gains achieved through digitally optimized industrial processes are often partially offset by the carbon footprint associated with large-scale model training and the growing electricity demand of digital infrastructures. By integrating technological, environmental, and governance perspectives, a governance-centered analytical framework was proposed to differentiate between net-positive digital circular economy interventions and those whose environmental performance remains conditional on regulatory oversight. The synthesis further reveals significant policy fragmentation between the European Union’s green transition agenda and its digital transformation strategies. These findings highlight the necessity of coordinated regulatory frameworks to ensure that digitalization contributes substantively to circular economy-driven decarbonization.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML

This literature review examines the multifaceted role of digital tools, such as mobile money and online banking, in expanding access to financial services for underserved populations globally. It synthesizes current research on the benefits, challenges, and policy implications of digital financial inclusion. The review highlights how digital financial services (DFS) contribute to poverty reduction, enhanced financial resilience, and economic empowerment, particularly for women, by overcoming traditional barriers like geographic distance and high transaction costs. However, it also critically assesses persistent challenges, including digital and financial literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations, trust deficits, and emerging risks such as fraud and over-indebtedness. The paper concludes by discussing the crucial role of responsive regulatory frameworks and targeted interventions in fostering a truly inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystem. It offers directions for future research and policy recommendations.

Open Access
Research article
Food Safety and Food Choice Motives among Workers in the Ubud Tourism Area, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province
desak dwi asthri cahyani ,
dwi putra darmawan ,
gede mekse korri arisena
|
Available online: 12-12-2025

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML

Food security is a critical issue that not only pertains to public health but also affects productivity and well-being, particularly among tourism sector workers who face demanding work patterns and limited access to nutritious food. This study aims to examine the demographic characteristics of tourism workers in Ubud, analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and their food safety awareness, risk perception, and trust, and assess the association between socioeconomic factors and their food purchasing and food handling behaviors. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the main Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) indicators that influence workers’ food choice motives. The research employed a quantitative survey method using a modified 29-item FCQ, administered to workers in the accommodation and culinary sectors through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings indicate that the tourism workforce in Ubud is predominantly composed of young workers with secondary-level education and low to middle-income levels. Socioeconomic factors, particularly education and the number of household dependents, are significantly associated with food safety awareness and risk perception, but show weak relationships with trust in the food safety system. Practical considerations, especially price and convenience, primarily drive food purchasing behavior, while the number of dependents and monthly expenditure are associated with food handling and processing practices. PCA identifies five principal dimensions of food choice motives: food awareness, practicality and price, nutritional components, trust in food sources, and consumption culture.

Abstract

Full Text|PDF|XML

In emerging markets, logistics systems play a critical role in shaping economic integration, the attractiveness of investment, and the potential of development. Differences in logistics performance across countries often reflect in-depth structural conditions related to institutional quality, business environment, and infrastructural capacity, which in turn create distinct development-related opportunities and challenges. This study aims to comparatively assess the logistics performance of emerging markets, in order to identify such structural conditions and their implications for development pathways. To achieve this objective, an integrated “CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation Opportunity Losses‐Based Polar Coordinate Distance” (CRITIC–OPLO-POCOD) Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework was applied to evaluate the logistics performance of 49 emerging markets with four indicators derived from the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (AEMLI). The empirical results indicated that business fundamentals were the most influential determinant of logistics performance. The importance of regulatory stability, governance effectiveness, and investment climate has been highlighted. Contrasting structural opportunities and constraints were reflected by the fact that China emerged as the highest-performing country whereas Venezuela consistently ranked lowest. Robustness analysis confirmed a high degree of consistency between the proposed approach and several established decision-making methods, thus supporting the reliability of the findings. Overall, the study provided evidence-based insights into how logistics performance affected the opportunities and challenges in the development of the emerging markets, in order to offer practical implications for policy prioritization and strategic planning.

load more...
- no more data -
Most cited articles, updated regularly using citation data from CrossRef.
- no more data -