International Journal of Global Environmental Issues (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• European design of dialogic environmental policies for Moldova  
  by Gilbert Ahamer 
  Abstract: The European green deal exerts a new impact of how to organise international environmental policies, especially in the so-called European neighbourhood. After the Ukraine conflict, a new momentum has reached the countries of the eastern neighbourhood, including Moldova, to tighten their relationships with the discourse-based administrative procedures of the European Union. For that target, however, a voluminous amount of policy-relevant tasks has to be managed successfully, for which the EU Twinning projects provide a helpful organisational framework, which in addition is carried by the EU. The present article describes which concrete tasks allow to bridge existing gaps in the fields of air pollution, air quality, waste, circular economy, and environmental data.
  Keywords: environmental transition; Moldova; EU; Twinning; air quality; chemicals; circular economy; environmental data; EU Accession; European Green; deal.
  
  
• The overview of the sustainable solutions for treating the construction and demolition waste a way ahead of China  
  by Han Liu, Muhammad Noor Hisyam Jusoh 
  Abstract: Construction activities are an important pillar of human economic and social development, their generation of a large amount of waste and subsequent impacts contradict the current promotion of sustainable development globally. The purpose of this study is to provide researchers and stakeholders with more systematic knowledge of construction and demolition waste (CDW) management by reviewing several key aspects involved in the management process, including policies, market, practitioners, environment, waste generation and application, and to help them better cope with various challenges brought by CDW. On this basis, the obstacles currently encountered at China were summarised and six countermeasures were proposed, namely: reasonably control the urbanisation; improve green awareness; enhance economic compensation and punishment; strength supervision; establish specific standard on recycling and promote application of technology. These countermeasures can also provide a certain theoretical reference for the management of CDW in other developing countries and regions.
  Keywords: construction and demolition waste management; sustainability; barriers and challenges; circular economy; China.
  
  
• Smart cities and environmental sustainability: Industry 5.0 applications  
  by Manju Lata, Anu Gupta, Vikas Kumar 
  Abstract: Evolution of Industry 5.0 has opened-up new frontiers for smart city applications, particularly from the perspective of environmental sustainability. Real-time monitoring through the internet of things (IoT) allows cities to collect and analyse data on energy consumption, air quality and waste management. On the other hand, intelligent energy grids revolutionise the energy distribution by incorporating renewable sources and optimising consumption. Predictive analytics and maintenance, facilitated by machine learning, empower the cities to anticipate and mitigate environmental challenges proactively. Intelligent transportation optimises the traffic flow and promotes sustainable modes for shared mobility, thereby curbing emissions. Hence, the smart approach aids in sustainable urban planning and resource allocation. Present work identifies the transformative potential of Industry 5.0 applications in fostering environmental sustainability within the smart cities. Deployment of Industry 5.0 technologies along with their applications, have been explored from the perspective of more adaptive, resource-efficient, and resilient environment.
  Keywords: smart city; Industry 5.0; internet of things; IoT; energy management; pollution management; Industry 5.0 application; environmental sustainability.
  
  

Special Issue on: The Impact and Implications of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Global Trade

• Why the CPTPP could be an impetus for the new globalisation  
  by Dimos Chatzinikolaou, Charis Vlados 
  Abstract: This paper investigates the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership (CPTPP) as a potential driving force for the emerging phase of globalisation, termed the new globalisation. It introduces the new globalisation scenario matrix (NGSM) to assess the CPTPPs role within this framework. Our study finds that the CPTPP aligns with a medium-high performance scenario, notably emphasising environmental regulations that both counter climate change and anticipate challenges arising from increased cross-border trade and enhanced regional integration. As the world navigates pressing challenges today, the CPTPP emerges as a potentially important player, promoting trade liberalisation while upholding environmental protection, and pointing the way for future international accords.
  Keywords: CPTPP; new globalisation; environmental regulations; trade liberalisation; evolutionary structural triptych; EST; new globalisation scenario matrix; NGSM; International Political Economy; IPE.
  
  
• Unpacking Japans informal leadership in the trans-pacific partnership/comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership  
  by Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero, Muhammad Ali Ridha Norman, O.K. Mohammad Fajar Ikhsan, Shazwanis Shukri, Zain Maulana 
  Abstract: The comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership (CPTPP), which came into effect on December 30, 2018, is described as a cutting-edge trade agreement. Despite the USA’ withdrawal and subsequent minor modifications made to the previous iteration of the agreement, known as the trans-pacific partnership (TPP), the CPTPP continues to be a catalyst for transformation. This paper aims to assess Japan’s informal leadership roles, particularly after the USA chose to exit the agreement. Through document analysis, this study presents its findings on Japan’s informal leadership roles in maintaining and advancing the CPTPP’s agenda. The findings reveal that, thus far, Japan has effectively exercised its informal leadership in two instances: first, in leading the CPTPP when the USA abandoned the agreement, and second, in facilitating the accession of potential new member states to this mega free trade agreement.
  Keywords: Japan leadership; informal leadership; regionalism; multilateral trade agreement; TPP/CPTP.