Earth and Environmental Science

This third volume in the set of books is dedicated to various sustainable approaches in textiles and fashion sector with a focus on fibres and raw materials employed. Sustainability is one of the important aspects in today’s industrial context, which is followed by every industrial sector with no exception to textiles and fashion. Sustainability and strict adherence to the principles of sustainability has become as one of the essential needs again for any industrial sector including textiles and fashion. There are countless measures in terms of various approaches to make the textiles and fashion sector sustainable. These measures, but not limited to, ranging from innovating and implementing new fibres and raw materials, introducing innovative manufacturing methods, chemicals, processes to focus on all the possible stages of a textile product’s life cycle from cradle to grave. These approaches include making the textiles and fashion sector circular and also development of new products from sustainable raw materials/processes or combination of both.

This book highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic and social impacts have been felt around the world. In large cities and other urban areas, the pandemic has highlighted a number of issues from pressures on urban labour and housing markets, shifts in demographic processes including migration and mobility, changes in urban travel patterns and pressures on contemporary planning and governance processes.

Despite Australia’s relatively mild COVID exposure, Australian cities and large urban areas have not been immune to these issues. The economic shutdown of the country in the early stages of the pandemic, the sporadic border closures between states, the effective closure of international borders and the imposition of widespread public health orders that have required significant behavioural change across the population have all changed our cities in some and the way we live and work in them in some way. Some ofthe challenges have reflected long-standing problems including intrenched inequality in labour markets and housing markets, others such as the impact on commuting patterns and patterns of migration have emerged largely during the pandemic.

This book, co-authored by experts in their field, outlines some of the major issues facing Australian cities and urban areas as a result of the pandemic and sets a course for future of the cities we live in.

This book uncovers the multiple layers of challenges posed to achieve sustainable human health and improves the understanding of interactive areas set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (1) no poverty, (2) zero hunger, (3) good health and wellbeing, (6) clean water and sanitation, and (11) sustainable cities and communities. The book focuses on conceptual understanding, food, nutrition, lifestyle, and their integration to reinforce the ideas of holistic health principles.'

The most important drivers of sustainable health are food, nutrition, and lifestyle. Healthy food is a basic need of human beings. In under-developed regions, people are underweight and facing malnutrition, with a prevalence of deficiency diseases due to low intake of micro-nutrients such as vitamin A, iodine, and protein among others. A good diet as well as lifestyle has a tremendous bearing on a person’s health, emotional stability, and enthusiasm for life.

This book highlights the relevant and timely global change movement: green entrepreneurship. Presented in this book is relevant literature and academic knowledge. The book is expected to  support in creating more green entrepreneurship initiatives in collaboration with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability is part of every aspect of our life, with climate concerns shaping the future. Thus, it is important to understand how metaverse will affect sustainability, as it is opening both challenges and opportunities for environmental sustainability. On the one side, replacing real-world interactions with 3D virtual and exchanging physical goods with digital ones are significantly less resource-intensive and more carbon-efficient. Therefore, this holds the promise of reducing the environmental pollution. On the other side, metaverse increases e-waste and energy consumption. Given this controversial impact, it is crucial for businesses and researchers to understand how to ensure that the metaverse develops sustainably. 

The book emphasizes the open innovation which mainly consists of innovation inside-out and outside-in needed by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). This open innovation relates to the performance and survival of SMEs in a global competition. The SMEs must learn, have, and do innovative initiatives and actions. This book elaborates all related concepts and innovative practices toward better performances, which includes the impacts of globalization and dynamic markets with a special focus on sustainability. Every country has different perspectives considering open innovation as a solution to the businesses. Thus, readers can see the best practices to be adopted or adapted in their business environment.

The book includes the solution for the SMEs in terms of creating values. Open innovation is known as a window for creating values. Open innovation can be seen by SMEs as a possible way to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive and volatile environment, including to overcome their limitations. By implementing open innovation, SMEs will compensate for their lack of internal resources and competencies through external resources to develop new technologies and take advantage of market opportunities.

This book is dedicated to the entrepreneurs, businessmen, practitioners, policymakers, academician, and students in developing strategies and having future plan related to innovation which is crucial for creating values in business operations. A benchmarking through innovation is important to improve among businesses to achieve effectiveness and efficiency.

This book explores how digital technologies can be used to drive sustainable business practices and achieve long-term business success. It offers insights and practical strategies and guidance that can help businesses adapt to the digital age, optimize their operations, and create new opportunities for growth. The book further provides real-world examples that illustrate how businesses can leverage digital technologies to achieve long-term sustainability and success. The book is an essential read for business leaders, managers, academician, practitioners and entrepreneurs who are looking to drive sustainable digital transformation within their organizations.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

1)Understanding the digital landscape: The book provides an overview of the digital technologies that are transforming business operations, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. It explores how these technologies can be leveraged to create sustainable business practices that benefit both the organization and society.

2)Building a digital strategy for sustainability: The book offers guidance on how businesses can develop a digital strategy that aligns with their sustainability goals. It covers topics such as identifying digital opportunities, setting targets, and measuring performance.

3)Embedding sustainability into digital operations: The book explores how businesses can integrate sustainability into their digital operations, such as data management, supply chain management, and product design. It provides examples of companies that have successfully implemented sustainable digital practices.

4)Digital innovation for sustainability: The book discusses how businesses can use digital innovation to create new opportunities for sustainability. It covers topics such as circular economy business models, sustainable product design, and social innovation.

5)Leading for sustainable digital transformation: The book offers insights on how business leaders can drive sustainable digital transformation within their organizations. It covers topics such as leadership skills, organizational culture, and stakeholder engagement.

In today's world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and technology as essential components of their operations. This book offers a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of the interconnected areas of business, sustainability and technology. The book further shows how sustainability and technology are transforming the business landscape and how they can harness their power to drive innovation, create value and achieve long-term success. Drawing on the latest research and real-world case studies, the book provides practical insights and strategies that readers can use to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. The book further offers a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the intersection of business, sustainability and technology, including developing sustainable business models and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. This book is an essential resource for business leaders, entrepreneurs,investors and students.

This informative book discusses the issue of microplastic pollution in marine environments. It explains the intricate ways in which these minuscule particles have crept into the world's oceans, impacting marine life, ecosystems, and, ultimately, human health.

The book provides a detailed depiction of pristine marine environments, which are increasingly being compromised by microplastic pollution. The effects of these microplastics are the main focus of the book. It provides alarming evidence that marine life – from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales – mistakenly identifies microplastics as food. Plastics are introduced into the food chain, accumulating in the trophic levels of humans, in addition to causing internal obstructions and health problems for the animals. The book also shows how microplastics can carry infections and toxins, amplifying their negative consequences. It discusses cutting-edge technical solutions for ocean cleanup, as well as international agreements and laws aimed at trash management and plastic production. The book emphasizes the value of scientific investigation in determining the full scope of the issue and in creating biodegradable substitutes for conventional plastics.

This book will be of significant interest to environmental enthusiasts and activists; academics, scientists, and researchers studying marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science; policymakers and government agencies; as well as industry professionals working in plastics manufacturing, waste management, and environmental consulting.