2

The study presents the CHANS-SD-YRB model, developed using a System Dynamics approach to simulate coupled human-natural systems in the Yellow River basin, effectively integrating ten critical sectors for human-water interactions. The model demonstrates strong historical accuracy and projects that while economic growth and food security may improve by 2100, significant challenges such as ecological trade-offs and resource limitations will complicate sustainable development in the region, highlighting the necessity for integrated policy solutions.

This review highlights the significant anthropogenic impacts on the hydrological cycle and sediment dynamics of the Yellow River Basin since the 1950s, noting a 90% reduction in sediment transport due to conservation efforts, which has led to increased evapotranspiration and reduced runoff. The findings emphasize the need for dynamic monitoring and a better understanding of human-hydrological interactions to address potential resource crises and ecosystem degradation in the region.

This study classifies 166 countries based on their performance in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into five groups, revealing that no country excels in all SDGs and highlighting the need for targeted actions and better-aligned development aid to facilitate sustainable transformations. The findings emphasize that prioritizing certain SDGs, like industry and innovation, can help lower-performing countries achieve more sustainable development.

This study quantifies the spatiotemporal variations in irrigation water requirements (IWR) for major crops in the Yellow River Basin, revealing significant mismatches between IWR and actual water supply, particularly in the middle and lower reaches, with future projections indicating that these discrepancies may worsen. The findings underscore the need for institutional adaptations to improve water resilience and sustainability in the region.

This study evaluates the impact of ecological restoration (ER) on the hydropower potential of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir on China’s Yellow River, finding that while ER can enhance energy generation capacity by 57.3% due to extended sediment storage lifespan, it may also lead to a 6.9% reduction in average annual energy output. The findings highlight the complex interplay between ecosystem management and hydropower efficiency, providing insights for integrated watershed management.