Environmental concerns and pollution control in the context of developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Pollution Research
• Green Buildings
• Climate Change
• Water Reuse
• Pollution Control
• Carbon Emission Reduction

Background:

• The special issue compiles 17 peer-reviewed articles from the 2020 5th International Conference on Advances in Energy and Environment Research (ICAEER 2020).
• The conference, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on critical environmental issues exacerbated by rapid technological and societal changes.
• The research addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in developing countries facing complex environmental and economic pressures.

Discussion:

• The papers cover diverse topics including green building technologies, climate change effects on extreme weather, and advanced forward osmosis membranes for water reuse.
• Significant attention is given to the impacts of human activities on water environments and economies, alongside strategies for air pollution control and carbon emission reduction.
• Research also explores risk assessment for pollution hazards, subsurface antibiotic pollution, and the development of novel materials for adsorbing nitrogen, phosphorus, dyes, and toluene.

Key Insights:

• Innovative approaches to green building design and climate change adaptation are presented.
• Novel materials and processes for water purification and pollutant removal demonstrate significant potential.
• Effective strategies for air pollution control and carbon emission reduction are crucial for sustainable development.

Outlook:

• The findings provide a foundation for future research and policy development in environmental science and pollution management.
• Continued collaboration and knowledge sharing, such as through the upcoming ICAEER 2021 conference, are vital for addressing global environmental challenges.
• The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to tackle the complex interplay between human activities, environmental degradation, and economic development.