In such drought-prone regions as Kazakhstan, research on regional drought characteristics and their formation conditions is of paramount importance for actions to mitigate drought risks caused by climate change. This paper presents the results of research on the spatio-temporal patterns of atmospheric droughts as one of the most important factors hindering the formation of crop yields. The influence of several potential predictors characterizing teleconnection in the coupled “atmosphere–ocean” system and cosmic-geophysical factors affecting their formation is analyzed. The spatial relationships between atmospheric aridity at the individual stations of the investigated area and the wheat yield in Kazakhstan as well as its relationships with potential predictors were determined using econometric methods. High correlation was shown between wheat yield fluctuations and Multivariate El-Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), galactic cosmic radiation, solar activity, and atmospheric drought expressed through the soil moisture index, which in turn depends on precipitation levels and temperatures. The model could be modified further so that the individual components could be forecasted into the future using various time series in an ARIMA model. The resulting integration of these forecasts would allow the prediction of wheat yields in the future. The obtained results can be used in the process of creating effective mechanisms for adaptation to climate change and droughts based on their early diagnosis.

This paper explores the problem of integrated interdisciplinary research in the field of sustainable cities. The problematique of urban sustainability is studied in the historical and international context. Current research in the field is reviewed, and major gaps in interdisciplinary analysis are identified. The paper makes first steps towards the development of an innovative methodology for the analysis of interdisciplinary linkages among various sustainability dimensions in the urban context. The dimensions taken into consideration are: sustainable energy, sustainable transport, material flows and waste management, quality of life, health, psychology of interaction with the environment, green space, biodiversity, preservation of the natural and cultural heritage, landscape architecture, ecodesign and democratic participation. Two large European cities, London and St Petersburg, are analysed from the point of view of integrative policies and instruments applied in the field of sustainable urban development. The two cities are compared using a panel of sustainability indicators.

Many dimensions of urban sustainability are intricately intertwined; however, systematic assessment of those linkages is often missing. To explore the details of these interdisciplinary linkages, we employ an in-depth literature review technique coupled with a multidimensional assessment of sustainability for 1300+ cities and regions in Europe. The wealth of indicators affecting economic, smart, social and environmental dimensions are linked within a coherent framework illustrating systemic links in urban sustainability. The performance of cities is illustrated using the multidimensional framework highlighting the contributions of various factors. The spectacular performance of Stockholm, Paris, London, Gothenburg, Malmö, Munich and Hamburg are illustrated with examples. Policy recommendations are offered to make cities and regions around the world more sustainable.