The shift to a green economy presents substantial barriers to sustainable economic growth. A key component of promoting a sustainable and green growth trajectory is educating the public about environmental sustainability, climate change, and the green economy. The main aim of this study is to evaluate students' understanding of green economy, and environmental concerns while highlighting the contribution of education to the green transition. The study was carried out in Kosovo using a quantitative method approach in a sample from 425 students including undergraduate, master and PhD. The analysis examined in this study are Multiple Regression Analysis, Pearson Correlations, Cronbach's Alpha, Inter item correlations, and descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS program Multiple Regression results showed that students' intention to continue their education in the green economy was significantly predicted by factors like comprehension of environmental policies, confidence in comprehending global economic challenges, and belief in the significance of government policies for the green transition. Significantly, students' willingness to participate in green economy studies was inversely connected with their comprehension of the role of law in environmental issues, indicating a possible discrepancy between perceived readiness and actual participation. The findings indicate that students possess a limited understanding of the green economy and environmental concerns in Kosovo; however, they are quite enthusiastic about expanding their knowledge, particularly via bachelor’s and master’s programs focused on these topics. Considering these results, the research proposes that to enhance awareness and preparedness for the green transition, new educational programs and vocational training efforts should be established alongside targeted conferences. These initiatives are crucial for providing professionals and students with the resources necessary for a sustainable future. Proper education can have a fundamental impact on environmental protection and sustainable economic development thus policymakers and universities must collaborate to create applicable study programs and curricula that promote a stronger focus on green and sustainable education.

Microplastics are widely present in aquatic environments and, due to their high hydrophobicity, can carry organic pollutants while affecting their accumulation and toxicity in organisms at different trophic levels. The ingestion of microplastics by organisms can be divided into direct and indirect ingestion. Direct ingestion refers to organisms directly consuming microplastics present in the environmental medium, while indirect ingestion can be understood as microplastics being ingested by organisms along the transfer of trophic levels. This study aimed to determine the distribution of microplastics in the surface water of the Yangtze River Estuary and the accumulation characteristics of microplastics in organisms at different trophic levels. In 2021, the study selected typical sampling stations in the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent waters for observation, analyzing the concentration and characteristics of microplastics in surface water and samples from nine different trophic level organisms (two types of gastropods and seven types of fish). The abundance of microplastics in the surface water samples collected from the Yangtze River Estuary was 661.2 ± 220.5 items/m$^3$. The average abundance of microplastics in the gills of organisms was 1.1 ± 0.4 items/g w.w., and in the gastrointestinal tract, it was 0.3 ± 0.1 items/g w.w. Based on the calculation of the bioconcentration factor of microplastics, we found that the bioconcentration factor of higher trophic level organisms (fish) (2.6 ± 0.5 m$^3$/kg w.w.) was significantly greater than that of gastropod organisms (0.87 ± 0.4 m$^3$/kg w.w.). In terms of feeding types, the bioconcentration factor of carnivorous fish organisms was significantly greater than that of omnivorous fish. This paper determined the trophic level of organisms through stable nitrogen isotopes ($\delta^{15}$N), and the biomagnification factor of microplastics was calculated to be 4.2 based on the linear regression equation of microplastic concentration and organism trophic level. Therefore, microplastic concentrations can be transferred along different trophic levels in the food chain, and the accumulation level of microplastics in organisms significantly increases with the rise of trophic levels, indicating the potential for biomagnification of microplastics in gastropods and fish organisms.

Heavy metal contamination is a serious issue that poses a significant threat to soil environments and human health worldwide. The rapid population growth in developing countries, together with challenging economic conditions, has led to uncontrolled urbanization. These activities have become major sources of environmental pollution, affecting soil, water, and air quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the concentration of heavy metals in the soil of Setif City. To achieve this objective, 16 soil samples were collected using a regular 3 $\times$ 3 km grid across the region. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze these samples, and their pH , organic matter (OM), and limestone (CaCO$_3$) levels were also determined to assess their physical and chemical properties. Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd) were selected as representative heavy metals for the study. The sixteen diffractograms obtained from powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of calcite and quartz, along with elements such as Cd, Zn, Cu, and Ni . The results indicate that the soils in Setif City are alkaline, with pH values ranging from 8.00 to 8.47. The average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd were 407.06, 55.85, 32.21, and 0.16 mg kg$^{-1}$, respectively, in the sixteen soil samples collected from Setif City. When compared with international standards (e.g., AFNOR NF X31-101 and CEPA), Zn concentrations in several samples exceeded acceptable thresholds, indicating moderate to high levels of contamination in specific zones. This finding is supported by the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (Cf), both of which identified Zn as the main pollutant of concern. Contrary to the initial assumption of no contamination, the study reveals that localized Zn accumulation may pose potential environmental risks, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and site-specific remediation strategies

Grobogan Regency, Central Java, is characterized by karst landscapes, particularly in the Sukolilo Karst Landscape Area (Kawasan Bentang Alam Karst—KBAK Sukolilo), which plays a crucial role in regional water availability. Although the northern and western parts of the regency have the potential to store groundwater due to karstification, the southern regions often face water scarcity and prolonged droughts. This study aims to (1) identify the spatial distribution of springs in KBAK Sukolilo, and (2) analyze water availability across the karst area. A quantitative research approach was employed, focusing on 43 springs distributed across six subdistricts: Klambu, Brati, Grobogan, Tawangharjo, Wirosari, and Ngaringan. Data collection involved field observations, interviews, and documentation, while spatial and environmental analyses were conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The findings reveal an uneven and dynamic distribution of springs, with some springs recorded in 2018 no longer active or traceable in 2024 due to land cover changes and diminished discharge. Based on study, it was seen that the water demand in three sub-districts exceeded the water availability. Water balance analysis indicates that Brati, Grobogan, and Ngaringan are categorized as water-deficit areas, whereas Klambu, Tawangharjo, and Wirosari experience a water surplus. These results highlight the urgent need for integrated water resource management in karst environments, particularly in addressing regional disparities in water availability.

The carbon tax, one of Indonesia’s climate change mitigation instruments for achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target, has been continuously delayed since 2022. A carbon tax is applied to carbon-based products, particularly those derived from the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas sector aims to achieve a targeted production increase of 1 million barrels of oil and 12 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas by 2030, as mandated by the Indonesian government. However, the rise of the production target may lead to a rise in carbon emissions, contradicting the country's emission reduction commitments. This study aims to explore the perspectives of the government and the oil and gas industry regarding the urgency and readiness of carbon tax implementation in Indonesia’s oil and gas sector, as well as assessing alternative policies for emission reduction. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain primary data. The result indicates the urgency of implementing a carbon tax in Indonesia’s oil and gas sector to reduce carbon emissions, support energy transition, and achieve Net Zero Emission (NZE), but it is outweighed by both government and industry unreadiness. The Regulatory Framework aspect primarily influences the government's unreadiness, as the absence of a carbon tax roadmap as a technical implementation guideline, combined with ongoing fuel subsidies, contributes to policy incoherence. On the other hand, the Production Sharing Contract (PSC), as the Regulatory Framework of the oil and gas sector, has the potential to be amended once the carbon tax is implemented. The findings provide an overview of the government’s considerations contributing to the years-long delay in implementation and enrich the government's viewpoint on developing a carbon tax policy, considering the industry's perspective and readiness factors.

Mediterranean cities are increasingly affected by climate change, energy inequality and environmental pollution. Rising temperatures, the effects of the urban heat island (UHI) and growing energy demand exacerbate socio-economic inequalities and energy poverty. To address these challenges, integrated strategies are needed, that combine effective energy system management with robust urban planning adapted to local climatic conditions. This manuscript aims to present the pilot actions implemented in the EnerCmed Project, an EU-funded project that aims to promote the sustainability in port cities by taking action in urban areas near the port, with the aim of enhancing and supporting their development. The project adopt a combined approach in which a renewable energy community (REC) or a self-consumption scheme (SCS) will be implemented through the installation of renewable energy production using Photovoltaic plant (PV) systems, to collectively generate, manage and share the energy produced from renewable sources. The key paradigm of the project consists in the development of the REC/SCS coupled with a nature-based solution (NBS) tailored to the area concerned, that increase the social acceptability and reduce UHI. This approach is oriented towards the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels, acting as a catalyst for a society in which energy autonomy and socio-economic well-being become central, thanks to actions that mitigate energy poverty and support social inclusion. This manuscript highlights the preliminary results of the EnerCmed project, demonstrating how the simultaneous implementation of REC/SCS and NBS contributes to improving energy efficiency, climate adaptation, economic and social inclusion in line with the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in maintaining the balance of the coastal environment and provide economic and ecological benefits to communities. This study aims to calculate the total economic value of the mangrove ecosystem at Permata Pilang Beach, Probolinggo City, and to estimate the entrance fee based on the Willingness to Pay (WTP) tourists. Data was collected through incidental sampling for tourists, with a total of 60 respondents over the 7 days of research. The analysis used total economic value (TEV) and WTP. The results showed that the total economic value of the mangrove ecosystem reached IDR 20.851.241.160 per year, with the main contribution coming from direct (43.47%) and indirect (44.13%) benefits. The majority of tourists are willing to pay an entrance fee of IDR 5,000, with a potential income of IDR 240,000,000 per year that can be used for mangrove management and conservation. Management of this ecosystem needs to be carried out in a planned manner with the development of supporting infrastructure and strengthened coordination between the government, the community, and related parties.

El Oconal Lagoon suffers from anthropic pressure and environmental deterioration. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the water quality and pollution indicators of El Oconal Lagoon for conservation purposes. The study was conducted during the winter and spring of 2023, as well as the summer and fall of 2024. The main tributary, the drainage, two coastal station near a tourist center, and one stations at the pelagic zone were selected as study stations. The most important physical (temperature, electrical conductivity, transparency, turbidity, and total dissolved solids), chemical (pH and dissolved oxygen), and microbiological parameters (thermotolerant coliforms and phytoplankton) were evaluated. Water quality was assessed according to Peruvian water quality standards, Palmer pollution and trophic status indexes. El Oconal Lagoon showed anthropic impact, mainly at sites near touristic areas, where thermotolerant coliforms ranged between 252 and 1550 MPN·100 mL$^{-1}$ and Escherichia coli between 4 and 102 MPN·100 mL$^{-1}$, in both cases with levels higher than the values established in the water quality standards. Likewise, the Palmer pollution index showed lower contamination in the pelagic zone, moderate contamination in the tourist area, and probable high contamination in the drainage. The lagoon was found to be in a mesotrophic condition. These results provide evidence that the competent authorities must manage wastewater in the lagoon to preserve the health of its ecosystem.

This research investigates the long-term relationship between agricultural inputs, climate change, and agricultural output in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on the effects of irrigation and agricultural supplies (IAS), investment in fixed capital, and climate conditions on agricultural output. Using annual data from 2002 to 2021, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to examine cointegration among the variables. The results confirm a statistically significant long-run equilibrium relationship between the Crop Production Index (CPI) and its key determinants, including irrigation and agricultural supplies, investment in agricultural fixed capital (INAG), and average annual rainfall (AAR). The ARDL F-statistic exceeds the upper critical bounds at both the 5% and 1% significance levels, providing strong evidence of cointegration. Robustness checks based on long-run coefficient estimates show that a 1% increase in IAS leads to a 1.319% increase in CPI, while a 1% increase in INAG results in a 0.038% rise in CPI. Conversely, AAR has a statistically significant negative impact, with a 1% increase in rainfall corresponding to a 0.115% decline in crop production, likely reflecting climatic irregularities. These findings underscore the critical importance of sustained capital investment and efficient input supply in enhancing crop productivity, while highlighting the risks posed by environmental variability for sustainable agricultural development in Azerbaijan.

High-resolution spatial data obtained through remote sensing technology is necessary to address climate change, which is a serious issue due to the ongoing dynamic changes in urbanization in cities. Data from the Ministry of Communications’ Space Science Network of the Republic of Iraq was used to measure climate change in Al Hillah city between 1990 and 2022. This research was conducted to study the manifestations of climate change in Al-Hillah, the center of Babylon Governorate. Based on the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) indicator, the hottest period in Al-Hillah is between June and July and the beginning of August, when the average monthly temperature reaches 33.4–35.3°C. Meanwhile, the average relative humidity (RH) decreases inversely with the average temperature, reaching 30.8% during the three summer months. The mild months are October and April, while the cold months are March and November. The results showed that January, February, and December are months of discomfort tending toward coldness. The mild months became clear during March and November. THI values in Al-Hillah for that class ranged between 18.1 and 21, according to the THI guide. The months of discomfort that recorded in Al-Hillah related to THI equation and guide, was due to exceeds the values of temperature and RH the appropriate range for human body comfort and their activity, which ranges from (18–28°C) in relation to temperature, as well as from (40–60%) in relation to RH. It also affected the dryness of the land. The results indicated Iraq has been affected by global climate change.

The indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in public health, comfort, and productivity, particularly in enclosed public places such as shopping malls. Due to the extreme outdoor temperatures in the United Arab Emirates, prolonged indoor occupancy further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy IAQ. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of indoor air quality in Ajman City Mall and investigate its relationship to occupant health and comfort. A series of environmental monitoring and occupant perception surveys was conducted at five key indoor locations: the main entrance, the food court, the retail store, the cinema lobby, and the parking garage. Real-time data of $\mathrm{CO}_2$, $\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, and humidity were collected over three weeks. In parallel, 50 mall users were interviewed to obtain subjective opinions on IAQ and related symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and eye irritation. Measurement results show that $\mathrm{CO}_2$ and VOCs concentrations in the food court and parking garage frequently exceed the recommended UAE limits, which were associated with high incidences of discomfort and respiratory symptoms. $\mathrm{PM}_{2.5}$ levels in the parking area were identified as a significant health risk, primarily due to vehicle emissions and inadequate ventilation. A statistical analysis included descriptive analytics, time-series visualizations, and linear regression modelling, confirming a strong correlation between elevated $\mathrm{CO}_2$ levels and symptoms of occupants. These findings indicate that IAQ intervention strategies are urgently required in enclosed public spaces. Improvements proposed include improved Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) performance, upgraded filtration systems, and adoption of low-emission materials. As a result of this study, a replicable methodology for the assessment of IAQ was developed. Results emphasize the importance of aligning indoor environmental quality with national standards in order to maintain public health

Rapid industrial growth faces a number of challenges in dealing with environmental issues. Pesarean Village has heavy metal industrial activities that are growing rapidly enough to cause water pollution, especially for residents who still use dug well water to meet their daily needs. This study relates to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6, namely ensuring good health and clean water availability. The objectives of the study include analyze the characteristics of dug wells, iron (Fe) contamination in dug well water, and the relationship between the characteristics of dug wells and the value of Fe for consumption. This study used a quantitative approach with a sample size of 34 dug wells using stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis techniques used were descriptive and comparative. The results showed that 39% of dug wells had characteristics that were not in accordance with well construction requirements.Fe contamination showed 29.41% did not meet the established quality standards. Comparison between dug well characteristics and heavy metal contamination showed 26.47% of wells were categorized as unfit for consumption. The conclusion of this study is that the characteristics of dug wells that meet the standards have a lower level of contamination and there is a relationship between the characteristics of the depth of the dug well and the level of Fe contamination. Suggestions that can be given are to provide simple water filtration tools that are easy to use by the community to minimize contamination caused by Fe.

This study aims to examine students’ pro-environmental behavior and analyze the influence of outdoor learning experiences on pro-environmental behavior , as well as to identify differences in pro-environmental behavior across gender and home location. This study employed a mixed methods approach involving 206 undergraduate students from several universities in Indonesia. Data were collected through a questionnaire and an interview. The questionnaire assessed students’ perceived pro-environmental behavior, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and thematic analysis. The results indicated that students’ perceived pro-environmental behavior was at a moderate level. Outdoor learning has a significant influence on improving students’ pro-environmental behavior through mobility actions. Pro-environmental behavior does not show differences when viewed from gender differences. On the contrary, there is a difference in pro-environmental behavior when viewed from different home locations. Despite the benefit of outdoor learning, challenges remain, including teacher preparedness, time constraints, and inadequate facilities. Detailed findings are discussed in the main section of the article.

This research examines the influence of religious participation (RP) on pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in Tidore Kepulauan City by investigating the mediating role of religious values related to the environment (RVRE) and environmental awareness (EA). It involved 200 respondents aged 18−65 years with diverse gender and educational backgrounds, ranging from elementary to tertiary education. Participants were employed in agriculture, fisheries, informal occupations, and formal sectors, and had resided in Tidore Kepulauan for at least one year, ensuring familiarity with local conditions. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) approach. The findings revealed that RP significantly influenced RVRE and EA, which ultimately affect PEB. These results indicate the critical role of religious dimension in fostering EA and nature conservation behavior within communities. Therefore, the involvement of institutions and religious leaders in environmental education activities can serve as an effective strategy to promote sustainable development, especially in small-island regions.