ACROSS Journal of Interdisciplinary Cross-border Studies

The Anthropological Nature of the Environmental Crisis:

2026-07-08T20:32:43+03:00

The environmental crisis is anthropological in nature – that is, its causes lie in civilizational transformations, and thus its solutions must be sought in cultural change. Without a shift in cultural and mental paradigms, environmental, technological, or legal solutions alone will prove insufficient. The author argues that only a complementary and interdisciplinary diagnosis of the crisis can lead to the development of an effective framework for response. Such a model must integrate legal, administrative, environmental, technological, and cultural instruments. The article first presents the humanities perspective, moving from a critique of faulted human–nature paradigms toward the concept of integral ecology. It then explores the natural science perspective (Anthropocene, planetary boundaries), followed by the technical dimension (energy transition, circular economy), and the legal dimension (from the principle of sustainable development, through the precautionary principle, to the “polluter pays” principle). The article concludes with the Integral Model for Addressing the Environmental Crisis (IMAEC), which integrates the following components: (1) Diagnosis of the crisis’ roots; (2) Ethical and spiritual dimensions of attitudes toward nature; (3) Scientific data; (4) Sustainable technologies; (5) Legal frameworks; (6) Cultural transformation. The author demonstrates that without an ethic of responsibility and a reconfiguration of civilizational narratives – such as consumerism and the instrumentalization of nature – only the symptoms of the crisis can be mitigated, not its causes. An interdisciplinary synthesis offers a feasible roadmap for public policy, education, and institutional practice. A proper response to the crisis requires the convergence of the above components. Together, these form a complementary and iterative model of addressing the crisis.

Monitoring soil physicochemical properties under different land use conditions

2026-07-08T20:32:42+03:00

Soil is a major environmental factor that plays a crucial role in environmental productivity and sustainability. The effect on soil quality was measured by monitoring key physicochemical parameters from 2017 to 2019. Case studies have been conducted on various soil types, including garden, uncultivated, and greenhouse soils. Parameters chosen for analysis include pH, moisture content, porosity, electrical conductivity with soluble salt content, alkalinity, acidity, and Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. The results highlighted the significant influence of land use, climatic conditions, and anthropogenic activities on soil quality. Changes in soil pH revealed a general trend toward alkalization, while parameters such as soil moisture, porosity, and soluble salt levels were largely influenced by rainfall and agrotechnical practices. Alkalinity, hydrolytic acidity, and Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ values reflected the impact of agrotechnical practices on the environment. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of soil physico-chemical parameters as an essential tool for assessing soil quality, preventing degradation processes, and supporting sustainable soil management.

TRENDS IN VINEYARD AREA AND GRAPE PRODUCTION IN ROMANIA DURING THE PAST DECADE

2026-07-08T20:32:42+03:00

This paper evaluates the evolution of vineyard area and grape production in Romania during 2015-2024, based on data from the National Institute of Statistics. The analysis uses statistical indicators such as the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and annual rate of change. The results highlight a moderate reduction in the cultivated area, from 178.12 thousand ha in 2015 to 163.43 thousand ha in 2024, accompanied by more pronounced fluctuations in total production. The average production was 5254 kg/ha, with variations mainly attributable to climatic conditions, the state of the plantations, and technological level. Overall, the wine sector is characterised by relative stability in the areas and greater production variability, which requires the modernisation of plantations and the adaptation of technologies to climate change.

Sustainable Management of Saline Ecosystems:

2026-07-08T20:32:41+03:00

Land use monitoring is an essential tool for understanding landscape dynamics and assessing the ecological status of natural habitats, particularly in areas included in the European Natura 2000 network. In these territories, sustainable resource management depends on the ability to identify the spatial structure of habitats, the degree of fragmentation and the anthropogenic pressures that can influence fundamental ecological processes. In this respect, geospatial products from the Copernicus programme, such as CLCplus Backbone 2023, provide a solid analytical basis through their high resolution and standardised land-cover classification. Lacu Sărat – Brăila is a halophilic ecosystem of community importance, included in the Natura 2000 network, characterised by unique habitats, specialised biodiversity and natural resources with ecological and therapeutic value. In the context of climate change, anthropogenic pressures and regional hydrological changes, the site faces increased vulnerabilities. This article analyses the current state of biodiversity, emerging risks and the necessary directions for the sustainable management of the lake.