International Journal of Global Environmental Issues (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Fostering sustainable solid waste management in Tamil Nadu, India: a contingent valuation approach  
  by A. Premkumar 
  Abstract: Population growth and industrial development are major contributors to environmental degradation, while migration, urbanisation, and economic expansion accelerate municipal solid waste generation in developing countries. Against this backdrop, the present study examines households willingness to pay (WTP) for improved solid waste management (SWM) services in Tirupathur, Tamil Nadu, India. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 534 households were surveyed through a structured interview schedule. The contingent valuation method (CVM) and logistic regression were employed for analysis. Results reveal that 55.81% of households are willing to pay for improved SWM services. Socio-economic characteristics, awareness, and waste segregation practices significantly influence WTP. The study highlights the need to integrate these factors in developing sustainable and inclusive waste management financing models. The findings can support policymakers in enhancing resource allocation, community participation, and financial sustainability of urban waste management systems.
  Keywords: economic growth; degradation; solid waste; contingent valuation method; CVM; willingness to pay; WTP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2025.10074579
   
  
• Exploring the role of Odontotermes obesus in solid waste termigradation  
  by Amit Kumar, Monika Jangra, C.M. Kalleshwaraswamy, Ravikant Verma, Seema Rani, Asha Poonia 
  Abstract: Traditional waste management practices, such as burning and landfilling, cause pollution and deplete resources. Termites are one of the few insects that can consume lignin and mineralise cellulosic waste. In this study, termite-mediated degradation is tested in-situ to establish Odontotermes obesus termites efficacy in processing various solid waste substrates. Statistical analysis demonstrated that wood, tissue paper, disposable coffee cups, and thermocol sheets exhibited considerable deterioration due to termite activity, signifying their high appropriateness as biodegradable substrates. Conversely, no termite-induced degradation was detected in coconut husk, disposable plastic bowls, or polythene, indicating their significant resistance to termite mediated decomposition. pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, metal ions (iron, zinc, copper, and manganese), and nutrient concentrations (sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen) were also measured pre- and post-experiment to analyse termitation-induced soil composition changes. These findings demonstrate the promise of termite-driven biodegradation as a sustainable waste management technique, emphasising the need to adapt to unique environmental and material circumstances and aims to provide insight into the possible uses of termites in addressing the world's trash problem.
  Keywords: termites; solid waste management; in-situ termigradation; sustainable; pollution; environment; soil parameters.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2025.10075237
   
  
• Kinetics of gaseous indoor air pollutants: integrated analysis of air exchange, decay, and emission rates  
  by Sorakrich Techapaphawit, Prapat Pongkiatkul 
  Abstract: To estimate indoor pollutant concentrations, this study investigated factors influencing indoor air quality using established tools and models. Key parameters, including infiltration rates in various buildings, were analysed. Findings showed an average infiltration rate of 0.302 +- 0.171 h-1 in tropical buildings, with central air conditioning systems yielding lower rates compared to split-type units due to differences in surface-to-volume ratios. Formaldehyde from paint was the focus, with a decay rate constant of 0.254 +- 0.057 h-1 at 25 C from laboratory experiments. Emission rates of formaldehyde from commercial paints were analysed using mass conservation, with profiles explained by the log-normal distribution equation. Cumulative formaldehyde mass discharged during laboratory tests ranged from 2 mg/m2 to 13 mg/m2. Full-scale experiments validated air exchange, decay, and emission rates using chemical mass balance equations and CFD software, showing a strong correlation and confirming the models accuracy in evaluating indoor pollutants.
  Keywords: air exchange rate; AER; decay rate; emission rate; formaldehyde; indoor air quality; indoor air pollutants; infiltration rate; mass conservation; pollutant kinetics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2025.10075356
   
  
• Study on riverine microplastic pollution based on bibliometrics and visualisation analysis  
  by Xia Zou 
  Abstract: This study addresses the understudied domain of riverine microplastic pollution through a bibliometric and visual analysis using VOSviewer. Main findings reveal exponential growth in research output, which can be chronologically divided into three distinct stages. Key research hotspots include urban river sediment analysis, abundance quantification, transport of nanoplastics, microfibre pollution, Raman spectroscopy detection, ecological risk assessment, and interactions with persistent organic pollutants. Furthermore, the study identifies leading journals, institutions, countries, and authors in the field. The significance of this article lies in its systematic mapping of the intellectual structure and evolution of the field, offering essential insights to guide future research, enhance collaboration, and mitigate riverine plastic pollution and its ecological impacts.
  Keywords: Microplastics; VOSviewer; river; bibliometrics; research trends.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2026.10075481
   
  

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.