The demography of Saudi Arabia has been discussed many times but its conflict with the theories of transition and associated structural changes is unexplained. This research explains the demographic differentials stated as lag - real from theoretical – separately for the native and total population. This research developed demographic indicators revealing trends and patterns by adopting a secondary data analysis method, utilizing the General Authority for Statistics census data and other online data. The demographic transition of Saudi Arabia is in line with the theoretical contentions of pretransition and transition (early, mid, and late) stages but at definite time intervals. The absolute size, percentage change, and annual growth rate are explanatory for natives and are considered separately. Moreover, the structural population changes reveal transition stages from expansive to near expansive and constricting and stabilizing. Furthermore, broad age groups indicate rapid declines in the percentage of children, rapid increases in young adults, slow increases in older adults, and no changes in older persons. Even the sex ratio of natives is at par with other populations in transition (slightly above 100). Thus, it could be concluded that a demographic transition with structural changes as per theories: flawless growth rates with an expanding demographic dividend. At this juncture, the integration of migrants into society by endorsing family life and enabling social and demographic balance appears as imperative to improving the labor sector, productivity, and the image of the country in the international spheres for comparisons and benchmarking.

To achieve the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced as soon as, and by as much, as possible. By mid-century, CO₂ emissions would need to be cut to zero, and total greenhouse gases would need to be net zero just after mid-century. Achieving carbon neutrality is impossible without carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through afforestation/reforestation. It is necessary to ensure carbon storage for a period of 100 years or more. The study focuses on the theoretical feasibility of an integrated climate project involving carbon storage, emissions reduction and sequestration through the systemic implementation of plantation forestry of fast-growing eucalyptus species in Brazil, the production of long-life wood building materials and their deposition. The project defines two performance indicators: a) emission reduction units; and b) financial costs. We identified the baseline scenarios for each stage of the potential climate project and developed different trajectory options for the project scenario. Possible negative environmental and reputational effects as well as leakages outside of the project design were considered. Over 7 years of the plantation life cycle, the total CO₂ sequestration is expected to reach 403 tCO₂∙ha⁻¹. As a part of the project, we proposed to recycle or deposit for a long term the most part of the unused wood residues that account for 30% of total phytomass. The full project cycle can ensure that up to 95% of the carbon emissions from the grown wood will be sustainably avoided.

The study intends to identify the existing implementation bottlenecks that hamper the effectiveness of the Ethiopian forest policy and laws in regional states by focusing on the Oromia Regional State. It attempts to address the question, “What are the challenges for the effective implementation of the federal forest policy and law in Ethiopia in general and Oromia Regional State in particular?”. The study followed a qualitative research approach, and the relevant data was collected through in-depth interviews from 11 leaders and experts of the policy, who were purposively selected. Furthermore, relevant documents such as the constitutions, forest policies and laws, and government documents were carefully reviewed. Based on this, the study found that there is the dichotomy between the provision of the constitution regarding the forest policy and lawmaking and the constitutional amendment on one hand and the push for genuine decentralization in the Ethiopian federal state on the other. To elaborate, the constitution is rigid for amendment, and it has given the power of forest policy and lawmaking to the federal government. On the other hand, the quest for genuine decentralization requires these powers to be devolved to the regional states. As the constitution is rigid, this may continue to be the major future challenge of the forest policy and lawmaking of the state. This demonstrates a conflict of interests between the two layers of governments, i.e., the federal and regional (Oromia Regional State) governments. Respecting and practicing the constitution may be the immediate solution to this pressing problem.

This study explored the relationship between Chinese graduate students’ English language proficiency (ELP) and intercultural communicative competence (ICC). With the acceleration of globalization, an increasing number of Chinese students choose to study abroad, making it crucial to enhance their intercultural communication ability and language skills. However, China’s exam-oriented education system to some extent limits students’ holistic development and poses challenges for them in intercultural exchange. A quantitative survey method was employed, collecting questionnaire data from 249 Chinese English-major graduate students to analyze the relationship between their English ability and intercultural competence. The results indicated a certain positive correlation between English proficiency and intercultural competence but also pointed to the need for further unpacking of complexity and influencing factors. Future research with more robust methodology is still warranted to provide deeper insights into the linkage between the two constructs in the Chinese graduate context.

Maps of forest stand condition—the current phase of the forest-forming process—will be useful for foresters in their forest management in addition to the forest planning and cartographic materials. The mapping methodology was applied in the test area of the Bolshemurtinsky forest district of the Krasnoyarsk region, which is typical for the southern taiga forests of East Siberia. Source data for mapping was obtained on the basis of descriptions of the forest subcompartments on the GIS attribute table of the forest district. Forest stand confinement to the terrain relief indicators was identified on the basis of the SRTM 55-01 digital terrain model data. Spatial analysis has been performed using the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst module. Mapping capability has been shown not only for the year of forest inventory but also for the earlier period of time. To determine the predominant species and the age of the 100-year-old forest stand, a scheme was proposed in which the conceivable options are typified depending on the succession trend, the forest stand age prior to disturbance, and the period of reforestation. Map fragments of the test area as of 2006—the year of forest inventory—and as of 1906—the year of the intensive colonization beginning in southern Siberia—are demonstrated. Maps of forest condition in the test area represent successions that are typical in the southern taiga forests of Siberia: post-harvest, pyrogenic, and biogenic. The methodology of forest condition mapping is universal.

In the context of globalization and urbanization, rural development faces many challenges, such as population loss and uneven distribution of resources. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences in sustainable rural development strategies between China and Europe through a comparative perspective. China has optimized land use by relying on land policy innovations, such as the household contract responsibility system and the “separation of three rights”, as well as the construction of small towns; while Europe focuses on private ownership and market mechanisms, and supports agricultural and rural development through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Using literature review, comparative research and policy analysis, the study shows that the policy innovations in China and Europe, each with its own focus, have been effective in promoting agricultural output and rural social development. Particularly noteworthy is that the “three rights” policy has increased agricultural productivity through the liberalization of management rights, while the European CAP has contributed to the diversification of the rural economy and environmental protection through continuous reforms. This study emphasizes that through policy innovation and international cooperation, combining the strengths of China and Europe, it is possible to provide a new model of sustainable development for the global countryside. Specifically, through the establishment of Sino-European R&D centers for agricultural science and technology, exchange of talents, and cooperation in green infrastructure development, technology transfer and application can be accelerated, cultural exchange and understanding can be promoted, and the sustainable development agenda for global rural areas can be jointly advanced.