Land use changes, and especially urbanization, significantly impact water and energy systems and the associated GHG emissions. However, studying these dynamics and their effects on coupled water–energy–emissions systems remains underexplored in certain countries. Greece has been slow to integrate these systems into data-driven models assessing their feedback. To fill this gap, this research investigates these dynamics in Greece from 2022 to 2050, combining different modelling approaches for the first time. A Remote Sensing analysis utilizing publicly available data and open-source tools (QGIS) was applied to map and monitor land use changes, including urbanization. Greece is a particularly interesting case study, as simultaneous population decline and increasing urbanization are reshaping key sectors of the developing urban centers, i.e., the residential and services sectors. To capture the complex feedback between urban centers with changing population and their water–energy–emissions responses, we coupled the LEAP (Low Energy Analysis Platform) model with the WaterReqGCH model. Thus, the energy consumption and the associated GHG emissions of the residential and services sectors, along with their water consumption, were simulated. The results reveal critical trends: population decline drives a reduction in overall water and energy consumption, and yet, despite these reducing trends, urban areas claim increasing shares of these resources over time. Similarly, decreasing GHG emissions exhibit shifts in pollutant distribution, with certain emissions holding larger shares in urban contexts. This integrated land–water–energy–emissions analysis underscores the value of holistic assessments in managing these systems sustainably and highlights the need to develop plans considering them as a whole. The provision of detailed information on such evolution patterns and feedback is critical to shaping integrated policies aiming at multiple benefits. By linking urbanization patterns with resource dynamics and environmental impacts, we discuss how our findings can be translated into actionable insights for sustainable urban planning and resource management strategies.

Greece features a diverse landscape with significant land cover changes over recent decades, impacting sustainability components such as biodiversity, climate stability, and ecosystem services. Monitoring and mapping these changes are essential for informed land management. This research utilizes freely available satellite data (Remote Sensing) and open-source tools (QGIS and Excel sheets) to assess key metrics, including land cover change, productivity, and soil carbon storage. We also link these metrics to estimate the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, and the indicator SDG15.3.1, considering sustainable land use changes. The spatial synthesis of these metrics reveals areas of land improvement, stability, and degradation from 2010 to 2020, offering insights into Greece's historical land dynamics. Results highlight that most of the land remains in a stable state of “land sustainability,” but certain regions require targeted interventions to address degradation. Notably, urban expansion and intensive agriculture drive localized declines in ecosystem quality, while forest management and conservation policies contribute to stability and improvement. The methodology emphasizes transparency and replicability, with publicly available code and results tailored for Greece's unique environmental and socio-economic context. By aligning national efforts with SDG targets, this work supports policies for balancing economic growth with ecological resilience, ensuring the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, and enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations in Greece.

Agrivoltaics (the purposeful co-location of solar panels on agricultural lands) technology shows promise for potential gains in profits and land use productivity. While regarded highly for their technical and economic benefits and potentially positive environmental impacts, a critical knowledge gap about how these systems operate within a social context creates the critical need for investigating the social dimensions of agrivoltaics. In this research, we study the unforeseen and unintended consequences of agrivoltaics implementation in terms of social, cultural, ethical, and environmental impacts. First, we examine the inconsistencies that might pose barriers to the proper assessment of energy transition planning using agricultural lands. Second, we critically evaluate the existing literature for guidance on how to approach the social and socioeconomic challenges in food–energy–water nexus systems with potential land development conflicts. Finally, we summarize the insights derived from this intense research and propose future work for developing effective strategies to holistically address critical challenges in agrivoltaics implementation in farmlands.

As in many cities worldwide, urbanization in Meknès, Morocco, is rapidly expanding, leading to challenges in land systems, food security, and environmental sustainability. This study explores the role of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in addressing these challenges by analyzing agricultural systems on the city's outskirts. Field surveys were conducted to assess crop cultivation (vegetables, fruits, field crops, and forage) and livestock farming (cattle, sheep, and poultry). Most farms (72%) are large (>5 ha) and managed by experienced farmers (80% aged over 41), with farming motivated by poverty and unemployment. UPA contributes significantly to the local food supply and economic development by creating jobs and providing fresh produce through short and direct marketing channels. Additionally, UPA promotes environmental sustainability by utilizing animal by-products as organic compost and fertilizers. However, UPA in Meknès faces several challenges, such as urban encroachment on fertile land, high agricultural input costs, and price volatility. The findings underscore the importance of integrating UPA into urban development plans to safeguard agricultural land and support sustainable farming practices. Recommendations are provided to ensure the resilience of peri-urban agricultural systems in the context of rapid urbanization.