Energy is a vital tool in economic growth and development. However, the world continues to experience the effects of climate change due to high greenhouse gas emission levels mainly derived from fossil fuel consumption and human activities. The need for energy and effective transportation increases with economic expansion. Clean energy has the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This study examined the mediating effect of transport energy consumption on the relationship between nonrenewable energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in 22 African countries from 2001 to 2020. The findings suggest that a 1% increase in nonrenewable energy increases CO₂ emissions by 0.34%. The mediating effect regression shows a direct effect of 0.184, an indirect effect of 0.168, and a total effect of 0.352. The findings reveal that nonrenewable energy increases transport energy consumption by 0.93%. Transport energy is a significant mediator, which is stronger in resource-intensive countries. Clean energy reduces the adverse effects of nonrenewable energy usage. When clean energy increases, there is a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Therefore, stakeholders should implement stringent environmental measures, develop efficient transportation and energy systems, and increase investment in clean energy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The consumption and usage of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles have significantly increased in recent years, necessitating action to mitigate their environmental impact. Recycling programs offer a viable solution to address this impact within the PET industry. Therefore, adopting a circular economy approach is appropriate for incorporating recycling initiatives. Nevertheless, it is crucial not to overlook the financial aspects of the supply chain. This paper proposed a bi-level model to address both the financial and environmental concerns of a circular economy supply chain. At the upper level, a recycling company (the leader) aimd to establish PET bottle collection facilities, set prices for each kilogram of PET received, and manage the transportation of collected PET to the treatment plant. At the lower level of the bi-level problem, persons (the followers) decided whether to recycle or not. They received economic incentives based on the amount deposited at the collection facilities, but this came with associated travel costs. The leader’s objective was to maximize the profit of the recycling program, assuming the sale of recycled PET. Meanwhile, followers aimed to recycle if it was economically viable for them. To solve this problem, a matheuristic algorithm was proposed, which hybridized a greedy random adaptive search procedure with an exact routing process. The matheuris-tic managed solutions at the leader level, while followers’ responses were derived by exploiting the problem’s structure. A case study derived from Mexico City was solved, and practical managerial insights were provided. Sensitivity analysis revealed crucial aspects that should not be overlooked when implementing such a recycling program.

This editorial letter contributes to the ongoing discussions on drawing potential paths for the sixth industrial revolution, which is being proposed. Contributing to the dialogue, this letter suggests laying the groundwork for eco-regenerative industries and supply chains, moving beyond the existing sustainability movement to ecosystem regeneration, as the next big thing in the industry.

High concentrations of detergent waste disrupt aquatic biota. Detergent content can increase nutrient levels, causing environmental problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of public health risk in Lamangga Village, Baubau City, where well water containing phosphate and surfactants is consumed. This was an observational study with environmental health risk analysis. The study was composed of representative samples from 14 wells used as a source of drinking water and 70 respondents. The results showed that the average concentration of phosphate in drinking water sources across the 14 sampling points was 0.020 mg/L and that of surfactants was 0.39 mg/L. The rate of exposure to detergent concentration in raw water (intake rate) is directly proportional to the risk level value (RQ). The RQ of all respondents was ≤ 1. All 70 respondents had a target hazard quotient (THQ) ≤ 1, and no respondents had a THQ value higher than 1. The standardization values issued by the US-EPA Agency and the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 32/2017 set the reference dose (RfD) value of surfactants and phosphate at 0.05 mL/L/d. Surfactant exposure can cause irritation to the skin and eyes and damage the skin’s natural protective layer, while phosphate exposure is not directly toxic to humans in small concentrations. Risk management strategies are necessary to control phosphate and surfactant concentrations in drinking water so that they do not result in future non-carcinogenic risk effects.

Process-based Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) play a crucial role in climate agenda- setting and progress monitoring. They advise climate negotiations, inform nationally determined con- tributions (NDCs), and help create scenarios for central banks. Recent developments have enhanced IAMs’ policy scope and accuracy, including the incorporation of industrial policies, improved sectoral details, and modeling of consumer behavior. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, partic- ularly in improving spatio-temporal and sectoral resolution, adapting to fast-changing sector-specific policies, and addressing complex dynamics beyond the traditional techno-economic cost-minimization framework. This literature review explores Directed Technical Change (DTC) growth models, Agent- Based Modeling (ABM), and game theory to complement mainstream IAM approaches, especially in integrating political economy considerations. DTC emphasizes the role of public research and de- velopment (R&D) investment in supporting early-stage mitigation technologies. ABM highlights the decision-making processes and behaviors of heterogeneous agents, while game theory examines mar- ket dynamics, such as newcomer vs. incumbent competition, strategic pricing, and resource extraction. While these models cannot replace IAMs, they can broaden the scenario design space and improve the complexity and policy relevance of IAM-based mitigation modeling.

Emerging per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are very resistant to degradation and have negative impacts on human and environmental health at very low concentrations. The initial stage in removing PFASs from contaminated locations is their detection and quantification. Particularly utilized in this context are Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In this review, we seek to contribute to our understanding of the state-of-the-art in emerging PFAS by offering a complete analysis of PFAS in environments, taking into consideration their sources, classes, and properties. Polyfluoroalkyl ether substances (PFAES), short-chain PFA, replacement PFA, and fluorotelomer-based substances can bioaccumulate in living species, making their detection even more necessary. We intend to provide researchers with an overview of the current state of research on PFASs in environments, encompassing the toxicological effects and their detection and quantification methods, serving as a guide for current and future studies.

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in childcare settings is essential for infants and young children, as it directly impacts their early learning, development, and overall well-being. Given their vulnerability, continuous IAQ monitoring in these environments is crucial to ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere. This study aimed to assess IAQ factors that may affect occupant health by measuring indoor concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀), selected gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and formaldehyde (CH₂O), and thermal conditions including temperature and relative humidity. Additionally, airborne microorganism levels were analyzed, and potential environmental factors influencing microbial abundance were investigated in three childcare centers in Megrine, Tunisia, across three seasonal periods. Results revealed frequent occurrences of hygrothermal discomfort and elevated levels of CO₂, CH₂O, and PM₁₀, particularly in overcrowded classrooms with poor ventilation and heating. Pathogenic bacterial species, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus licheniformis, were repeatedly detected. Significant correlations were found between bacterial abundance and environmental factors such as PM₁₀, CO₂ levels, temperature, and humidity. These findings provide valuable insights into IAQ dynamics in childcare environments, highlighting the need for improved ventilation and air quality management strategies to safeguard children's health and well-being.