Interdisciplinary Environmental Review (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Fostering sustainable development: the interplay of natural resources, tourism, financial development, and institutional quality in China  
  by Humaira Yasmeen, Qingmei Tan 
  Abstract: Natural resources support ecosystems by providing important services such as clean air, water, food, and biodiversity. It is greatly important to understand how to safeguard and conserve these resources for present and future generations. In this regard, this paper aims to investigate the role of natural resources, tourism, financial development, and institutional quality towards sustainable development in China. The study used time-series data from 2000-2021 and employed the Bayesian linear regression model because it is suitable for small datasets. The robustness of findings was checked using quantile regression approach. The results reveal that financial development and institution quality have a positive effect on sustainable development. An increase in tourism expenditures stimulates the economy, creates jobs, encourages cultural exchange, and supports sustainability initiatives. However, reliance on natural resource can result in negative economic, social, and environmental outcomes, highlighting the need for resource diversification and management for reinforcing sustainable development.
  Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; tourism; natural resources; financial development; FDE; institutional quality; IQI.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2024.10063763
   
  
• The effect of climate policy uncertainty on stock markets in China  
  by Lin Tian, Weilun Tian, Jiarui Wang, Min Bai 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of climate policy uncertainty on the stock price crash risk from the perspective of investment behaviour. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms over the period 2009-2021, this study reveals that climate policy uncertainty decreases the risk of stock price crashes, which holds true even after various tests for robustness. The studys mechanism analysis indicates that this effect is due to the reduction of institutional investors shareholdings and the improvement of firm investment efficiency. Furthermore, climate policy uncertainty has a more pronounced inhibitory impact on stock price crash risk for non-state-owned, capital-intensive, and technology-intensive firms. Overall, we provide a timely assessment of the impact of climate policy uncertainty on capital markets in emerging countries, such as China, from a new perspective of stock price crash risk.
  Keywords: climate policy uncertainty; CPU; stock price crash risk; China; investment behaviour.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2024.10064446
   
  
• Integrated approach to assessing water quality parameters and contaminant levels in remote communities: implications for sustainable development  
  by Seon Hamer, Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun 
  Abstract: This study extensively assessed water quality in Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma, Guyana, focusing on heavy metal pollutants, non-heavy metal contaminants, and microbial populations in groundwater and surface water. Results showed varying levels of heavy metals like zinc, iron, nickel, and manganese, some exceeding WHO drinking water limits. Nitrogen indicated organic contamination, with Port Kaituma surface water and Matthews Ridge groundwater exceeding limits at 31.364 mg/L and 12.02 mg/L, respectively. High coliform bacteria counts in both areas posed waterborne illness risks. Remediation measures, including treatment plants for heavy metal removal and filtration/disinfection, are recommended. Community engagement and household water treatment methods are suggested to reduce health hazards. The study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to ensure water quality, public health, and compliance with international standards, facilitating access to clean drinking water, sustainable development, and ecosystem preservation in remote Guyanese regions.
  Keywords: coliform bacteria; environmental monitoring; health risk assessment; heavy metal pollutants; microbial contamination; nitrogen contamination; public health implications; water treatment strategies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2024.10064619
   
  
• From baby boomers to Gen Z: global warming and business  
  by Angelina Kiser, Tracie Edmond 
  Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine participants (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers) responses to three questions on the Climate Change in the American Mind: National Survey and to relate their responses to the impact on businesses. The present study offers insight into how the generations view climate change and the concept of climate change regulation. Furthermore, discussions include an analysis of how businesses are faced with challenges related to consumer behaviors with respect to respondents’ views on climate change and global warming. Results indicated that a majority respondents from all generations have some level of concern about global warming. Therefore, businesses must adapt their climate change initiatives to meet the changing demands of consumers. The challenges of meeting consumer demands involve a paradigm shift in business toward a more sustainable future.
  Keywords: global warming; climate change; business; environment; sustainability; U.S. consumers; carbon emissions; government regulation; climate risk management; climate leadership.
  DOI: 10.1504/IER.2024.10065176