Search

Methane, both enteric and from manure management, is the most important greenhouse gas from ruminant livestock, and its mitigation can deliver substantial decreases in the carbon footprint of animal products and potentially contribute to climate change mitigation. Although choices may be limited, certain feeding-related practices can substantially decrease livestock enteric CH 4 emission. These practices can be generally classified into 2 categories: diet manipulation and feed additives. Within the first category, selection of forages and increasing forage digestibility are likely to decrease enteric CH 4 emission, but the size of the effect, relative to current forage practices in the United States dairy industry, is likely to be minimal to moderate. An opportunity also exists to decrease enteric CH 4 emissions by increasing dietary starch concentration, but interventions have to be weighed against potential decreases in milk fat yield and farm profitability. A similar conclusion can be made about dietary lipids and oilseeds, which are proven to decrease CH 4 emission but can also have a negative effect on rumen fermentation, feed intake, and milk production and composition. Sufficient and robust scientific evidence indicates that some feed additives, specifically the CH 4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol, can substantially reduce CH 4 emissions from dairy and beef cattle. However, the long-term effects and external factors affecting the efficacy of the inhibitor need to be further studied. The practicality of mass-application of other mitigation practices with proven short-term efficacy (i.e., macroalgae) is currently unknown. One area that needs more research is how nutritional mitigation practices (both diet manipulation and feed additives) interact with each other and whether there is synergism among feed additives with different mode of action. Further, effects of diet on manure composition and greenhouse gas emissions during storage (e.g., emission trade-offs) have not been adequately studied. Overall, if currently available mitigation practices prove to deliver consistent results and novel, potent, and safe strategies are discovered and are practical, nutrition alone can deliver up to 60% reduction in enteric CH 4 emissions from dairy farms in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exploratory missions to Moon or Mars are considered the next steps in human space exploration. Such activities result in the exposure of humans to the space environment for long time, especially under the constraints of orbital dynamics as with increasing distances from earth quick return possibilities are ruled out. Crews on these kinds of missions must be self-sustaining in medical treatments, as environmental conditions in space, such as the influence of altered gravity, radiation or isolation, raise health issues. Therefore, astronauts may use the here presented Handheld Bioprinter as part of the first-aid strategy for in situ wound treatment. The device consists of a handle capable of holding an exchangeable "Ink Printing Unit" containing two separate gel-like components (Bioink and Crosslinker), which are extruded during a printing process through a nozzle and form a skin-cell containing bioink band-aid. For ISS experiments cell simulants were used, as in-space experiments first demonstrated the general feasibility of handheld bioprinting under space conditions. On-ground human skin cells were mixed with the biogel, printed via the handheld bioprinter and cultivated, to demonstrate the overall feasibility of the "Bioprint FirstAid" technology. Concluding results were that a mobile, handheld tool like the bioprinter shows good applicability and offers a possibility of in situ wound treatment for in-space applications. The "Bioprint FirstAid" project was coordinated by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bonn and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). • Handheld Bioprinter offers possibility for in-situ wound treatment in future in-space applications • Human skin cells proliferate in biogels after printing with handheld bioprinter • The customizable Ink-printing unit and nozzle can be tailored to specific printing demands • Bioprinter device has low susceptibility to failure, has a robust design, no electronics, and maintenance-free mechanics • German Astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted the Bioprinting experiment successfully on board the ISS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the environmental impacts associated with the conversion of garden organic waste into value-added products, namely compost or biochar, employing various processes. Three distinct scenarios are considered: composting garden organic waste followed by screening of oversized materials (CBP), pyrolysis of oversized screenings of compost into biochar AP(I), and in-situ conversion of garden organics into biochar AP(II). A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using OpenLCA software and life cycle impact assessment was conducted using Recipe 2016 midpoint methodology. The environmental ramifications of each scenario were assessed, optimising transport distances in AP(II) to achieve a functional unit of one tonne of biochar produced within a cradle-to-gate system boundary. For the first time, this study offers a holistic exploration of the benefits of soil biochar application, extending its scope to climate change mitigation, incorporating the optimisation of transport distance and its influence when scaling up the technology. The results revealed that global warming was increased from 125 kgCO 2 eq during composting of garden waste to 232 kgCO 2 eq where oversized screenings of compost is converted to biochar at an off-site facility. However, direct conversion of the oversized organic waste to biochar, without composting, showed reduced global warming impact of 56 kgCO 2 eq, and is thus the most favourable scenario to limit climate impacts of this fraction of organic garden waste. However, among 18 environmental impact indicators studied, eight indicators were either not influenced or did not significantly increase by transport distance to an off-site pyrolysis facility, while the magnitude of 10 impact indicators increased with transport distance. The insights and methodologies presented in this study hold global relevance, based on an actual case study in regional Australia, offering valuable recommendations for sustainable waste management practices and establishing biochar as a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative solution. The findings contribute to existing waste management knowledge and provide guidance for accessible carbon dioxide removal and soil carbon sequestration technologies. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive LCA for valorisation of garden organics was conducted. • Direct conversion of garden organics to biochar showed least potential environmental impacts. • Biochar provides opportunities for avoided, reduced, and removed carbon from atmosphere. • Maximum transport distance has been identified for individual impact categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulation materials in the construction industry play a crucial role in improving the thermal performance of buildings, reducing energy demands, and reducing carbon emissions. With the growing emphasis on decarbonization, the construction sector is increasingly adopting bio-based insulation materials from renewable and eco-friendly sources as a more sustainable circular economy (CE) strategy to replace mineral and plastic insulation materials. However, due to limited environmental data availability, their efficacy and environmental sustainability in climate mitigation relative to their conventional counterparts remain unclear. This study fills this critical knowledge gap by conducting a literature review and mapping the key physical and environmental properties of bio-based insulation materials, thereby assessing their potential for climate mitigation. Specific definitions and criteria established in this study for biobased insulation materials facilitated the mapping of 174 emerging materials and products at the lab-scale. These include 39 distinct bio-based materials, either in their raw form or combined with 40 binders from various material groups such as minerals, polymers, biopolymers, and other innovative solutions. Most mapped products show favorable performance in cradle-to-gate embodied carbon (EC), benefiting from biomaterials' carbon storage. However, significant variations in physical and environmental properties among these products highlight areas for improvement, particularly in embodied energy (EE) and thermal conductivity compared to glass wool. This paper attempts, for the first time, a comprehensive categorization of these products based on three criteria: thermal performance, climate mitigation, and environmental sustainability, grounded in critical physical and environmental properties. Cellulose and straw bale emerge as competitive options for thermal performance and environmental sustainability in climate mitigation, with potential for scalable adoption. However, further research on the physical and environmental properties of bio-based insulation materials is crucial to improve their assessment and categorization, and consequent recommendation for broader adoption in sustainable construction practices. [Display omitted] • Developed standardized definitions for biobased insulation materials by composition. • Categorized and mapped 174 bio-based insulation materials for climate mitigation. • Varied physical and environmental properties on the material level are observed. • EC values of most bio-based insulation materials are comparable to glass wool. • Cellulose and straw bales are promising alternatives for climate mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly being utilized worldwide as a means of providing climate mitigation and adaptation interventions, including low-carbon, climate-resilient (LCCR) infrastructure. To explore LCCR PPPs in more depth, we conduct a systematic literature review of articles published in peer-reviewed, academic journals between 1990 and 2023, matched with a snowballing search approach. Our analysis is specifically focused on the reasons for public and private involvement in PPPs that solve climate-related problems and the main features influencing the outcomes of these projects. Our findings indicate that public authorities opt for PPPs in LCCR infrastructure projects due to budgetary constraints and the imperative for innovation. Private sector participation is driven by considerations such as profitability, risk mitigation, and favourable policy frameworks. Relative to more traditional PPP models, LCCR partnerships adopt more creative schemes, involve a larger number of stakeholders, display different risk allocations, and pay more attention to social acceptance. Moreover, their outcome and eventual success are more keenly measured in terms of social acceptance, transparency, and their relevance to citizens and social organizations. Future work should assess the overall efficacy of PPPs in delivering climate mitigation and adaptation interventions, especially emission reductions. Additionally, greater attention should be directed towards examining the replicability of case studies. Rather than relying on criteria established in the extant literature, emphasis should also be placed on climate objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing non-grain forestry woody fuel industries such as Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) aligns with the national conditions of countries with food shortages and large populations, such as some countries in Africa and Asia, and is an ideal alternative to replace fossil fuels. Determining appropriate planting densities suitable for different regions is one of the most critical practices for agriculture and forestry to achieve high yields and sustainability. This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the JCL biodiesel's environmental impact, energy balance, and economic analysis (3E) of two densities and three of the most suitable planting regions in China. Findings reveal that the density of 2500 plants/ha had a better 3E performance than 1600 plants/ha, and Yunnan province outperformed Guizhou province and Sichuan province. JCL biodiesel effectively mitigates the greenhouse effect (1141.14–1936.59 kg CO 2 eq/t) compared to conventional fossil diesel in different cases. Key factors influencing environmental performance include seed yield, urea applied during cultivation, methanol for biodiesel conversion, and electricity for irrigation. The Net Energy Balance (NEB) and Net Energy Ratio (NER) demonstrate the superior energy efficiency of JCL biodiesel over fossil diesel. The cost of producing JCL biodiesel decreased with the maturation of the trees, with water use and labor salary accounting for over 80% due to the necessity of the cultivation stage. Although the Financial Net Present Value (FNPV) was negative when considering only JCL biodiesel, it became positive (12111.64–27342.44 CNY) with the inclusion of by-products (glycerine, press-cake, and shells) in high-density cases. Our findings suggest that JCL biodiesel with appropriate density can serve as a sustainable biofuel alternative, replacing a portion of the fossil diesel currently on the market and significantly contributing to climate change mitigation and nonrenewable energy conservation. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive cradle-to-gate LCA of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel of two densities × three regions was assessed. • Planting density was an important factor influencing the environmental, energy, and economic performance of Jatropha curcas L. • Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel reduced GHG emissions and saved energy compared to fossil diesel. • Emissions from fertilizers, energy consumption from electricity, and the cost of labor contributed the most to 3E of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the urgent need for global climate change mitigation, the use of renewable carbon sources and the application of circular economy principles represent promising ways to implement the necessary fundamental transformation toward a sustainable (i.e., carbon-neutral) carbon-based chemical industry. As this required transformation involves a multitude of stakeholders and requires broad societal support, social sciences have to be involved to inform possible transformation pathways. Although there is a growing body of social sciences research in the field of a circular plastics economy, some processes in the social sciences that have the potential to support the transformation process are still understudied. Based on a reflection of the current circular economy approach, we point out research needs in the following fields: (1) behavioral plasticity of consumer behaviors and potential side effects of mitigation strategies, (2) the dynamics of political framework conditions, and (3) the citizens' literacy as relevant supporters of the transformation. We conclude that social sciences-related circular economy research is just beginning to understand the needs and willingness of actors involved in the transformation toward a sustainable carbon-based chemical industry, clearly implying the need for further contributions from the social sciences. • circular economy (CE) principles are needed for the transformation toward a sustainable chemical industry. • The transformation embraces a multitude of stakeholders which implies the need for broad societal support. • The potential of the social sciences in the field of transformation of the chemical system has yet not be fully utilized. • Research needs refer to (1) behavioral plasticity of consumer behaviors & potential side effects of mitigation strategies. • Research needs further refer to (2) the dynamics of political framework conditions & (3) to citizens' carbon literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Environmental variables surrounding sample locations play an important role in DSM. • Landscape metrics can comprehensively characterize the surrounding environment. • The intricate relationship between landscape metrics and SOC was fully explored. • Landscape metrics can promote our understanding on the spatial variation of SOC. Soil organic carbon (SOC) mapping delivers invaluable information to the global carbon budget and climate change mitigation endeavour. Environmental variables at sample locations are frequently used as explanatory variables for simulating the spatial distribution of soil properties. However, these may not fully capture the spatial information generated by soil-forming processes. We applied multi-scale landscape metrics that can comprehensively characterize the surrounding landscape information of sample points. The metrics were extracted at two levels (landscape level and class level) and include the diversity, shape and area, fragmentation and connectivity with a buffer distance from 500 m to 5,000 m. We then investigated its effectiveness as environmental variables via recursive feature elimination, random forests, and quantile regression forests. The Jianghan Plain, China, was selected as the study area, where over 19,000 topsoil samples were collected. Results indicated that multi-scale landscape metrics enhanced the predictability of SOC mapping, with R2 increased by 43 %. Specifically, Shannon's diversity index, the percentage of landscape index, interspersion and juxtaposition index, and patch cohesion index outperformed environmental variables that were extracted at the sample location. In addition, the relationships between SOC and landscape metrics were found to be scale-dependent. Landscape metrics demonstrated significant explanatory capacity for SOC across various spatial scales. Notably, as the scale surpassed 3,000 m, there was a discernible improvement in the explanatory effectiveness of the landscape metrics for SOC. Our findings highlight that landscape metrics are effective in characterising the soil-landscape relationship that is generated by multi-scale natural and anthropogenic soil-forming processes. Meanwhile, knowledge of the intricate relationship between landscape characteristics and SOC is crucial for informing land management decisions aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change, and maintaining soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of soil health and the determination of carbon stability in soils are current challenges that have gained momentum through initiatives at national as well as international scales. However, inferring universally valid soil health parameters that are directly linked to carbon permanence remains challenging. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) for an improved monitoring of soil health advances in the context of carbon farming strategies. For this purpose, an on-farm comparison of soil health in ten conservation agricultural systems with adjacent conventional farms was performed based on STA and thermal measures were related to key biological and physical indicators for monitoring soil functions. Using an autocorrelation-based approach, we identified independent thermal indicators, revealing that carbon farming efforts predominantly increased labile soil organic matter fractions in the range of 300–400 ° C , while thermally more recalcitrant fractions did not respond to farming system transformation. Similarly, most soil health indicators revealed highest correlation with temperature ranges of mass loss of labile organic matter fractions. The relation of STA with commonly used soil health indicators was highest for soil organic carbon (SOC, r = 0. 971) and total nitrogen (TN, r = 0. 981). However, also inference on microbial activity parameters such as dimethylsulfoxid reduction, microbial biomass carbon and substrate-induced respiration could be demonstrated with r > 0. 663. The results thus highlight key temperature ranges of organic matter stability for future soil monitoring tasks of climate change mitigation potentials of carbon farming and related advances in soil health. • We tested simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) as a tool for soil health assessment. • We did so by an on-farm comparison of conventional and conservation farming systems. • Improvements by conservation farming were mainly detected for labile C fractions. • Specific STA mass loss ranges correlated well with several soil health indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher model performance for granulometry than SOC% using seedbed spectra. • PLSR outperformed other algorithms for SOC% estimation, CR for granulometry. • Low contribution of seedbed spectra to the DSM of SOC% using environmental covariates. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is central to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, has climate mitigation potential and provides several benefits for soil health. Understanding the spatial distribution of SOC can help formulate sustainable soil management practices. Digital soil mapping (DSM) uses advanced statistical and geostatistical methods to estimate soil properties across large areas. DSM integrates climate data, topographic features, geology, legacy soil maps, land management and remote sensing data. Bare soil spectra may reflect the presence of particular soil components, making satellite derived spectra suitable predictors of SOC. Bare soil spectra derived from Sentinel-2 were used to estimate SOC concentration (SOC%) and granulometric fractions in the plough layer (0–30 cm) of agricultural parcels in northern Belgium. Thereafter, the estimation performance of SOC% was compared for three DSM models: one with bare soil spectra, one with environmental covariates (topography, granulometry and vegetation), and a combined model with bare soil spectra and environmental covariates. The estimation performance of sand, silt and clay fractions using bare soil spectra from the spring seedbed (R2: 0.53–0.74; RPD: 1.49–2.05; RPIQ: 1.52–2.39) was higher than that of SOC% (R2: 0.16; RPD: 1.08; RPIQ: 1.32). The highest estimation performance of SOC% was obtained for a DSM model including all covariates (R2: 0.28; RPD: 1.18; RPIQ: 1.44), but the contribution of spring seedbed spectra to a model containing environmental covariates was small. The results provide valuable insights for refining soil property estimation using DSM with spectral and environmental covariates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Seven synoptic indicators were evaluated at the national level in Uruguay. • The environmental performance varied among regions and production systems. • Livestock farms exhibited better performance and less variability than cropland farms. • Cropland farms have the potential for comparable performance to less intensified areas. • Regional patterns varied among indicators, showing low redundancy. Ensuring food production while enhancing environmental sustainability is a critical challenge in the 21st century. Quantitative descriptions of environmental performance at the farm level are essential for evaluating agricultural production, aligning with climate and biodiversity goals, and facilitating sustainable transitions. However, many existing indicators and proxies rely on costly field-collected data with limited spatial generalization. In this study, we assessed the environmental performance of Uruguayan farms larger than 5 ha using seven synoptic indicators derived from remote sensing. These indicators included the proportion of natural habitats (NatHab), diversity of Ecosystem Functional Types (dEFT), supply of regulating and supporting Ecosystem Services (ESSI), their temporal trends (tESSI), Energy Available for Trophic Network (EATN; 1- Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production), Hydrological Yield (HY), and Soil Conservation (SC). We categorized rural cadastral units from different geomorphological regions into Cropland, Mixed, and Livestock production types. Results showed variations in environmental performance among production systems and regions, with livestock farms generally outperforming and exhibiting less variability. However, cropland farms displayed potential for comparable environmental performance to less intensified areas. Regional disparities were evident, with the Basaltic region demonstrating higher overall performance. Indicators such as NatHabs, dEFT, and EATN exhibited significant variation, reflecting land-use and management practices. HY also showcased notable regional and land-use differences, influenced by soil characteristics and landscape features. SC varied mainly between geomorphological regions. Interestingly, regional patterns differed among indicators, suggesting low redundancy. This study provides valuable insights into environmental performance and its spatial dynamics in the Uruguayan agricultural sector, informing land management and policy decisions. Future studies should engage diverse social actors to develop an environmental performance index for agricultural production, enhancing the sustainability of food production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous empirical research suggests that the characteristics of individuals in the board of directors or peak management teams should be examined. There is a significant gap related to the role of women in the upper level of management and disclosure of carbon emissions. Therefore, this study aims to review the impact of women in top management positions on carbon emission disclosure in the ASEAN banking sector. We analyzed data from 146 banks throughout ASEAN from 2018 to 2022, comprising 719 data of observation. Sample selection employed purposive sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata MP 17 software, with the fixed effect model identified as the appropriate regression model through Chow, LM, and Hausman tests. Our empirical findings reveal a significant influence of women in upper management, specifically on carbon emission disclosure, as assessed through both Board of Directors (BOD) and audit committee perspectives. These findings have implications for investors and policymakers which support ASEAN countries in achieving net zero pledge, so that sustainability goals related to climate change can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China actively fulfills its emissions reduction obligations to meet the Paris climate goals, it is crucial to explore carbon reduction policies at the city level, given the important role and potential of cities in China's emissions reduction efforts. In this study, a comprehensive assessment and prediction of carbon emission patterns in the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration was conducted by developing an integrated model that incorporates graph representation learning, factorial analysis, and random forest methods. The main findings are (1) there is significant heterogeneity in carbon emissions across industries and across time and space; (2) carbon clusters can more accurately characterize the flow of carbon emissions than carbon supply chains; (3) the nonmetallic manufacture, electricity supply and transportation industries play a decisive role in carbon emission reduction; and (4) the prediction results show that the carbon emissions of the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration will reach 349.2 million tons in 2021, and will then show a declining trend year by year, dropping to a projected 179.8 million tons in 2035. Based on the above findings, it is recommended that the monitoring of key carbon emission clusters should be strengthened, and the monitoring data should be utilized to establish a cross-city and cross-industry cooperation mechanism for emission reduction. In addition, a clear set of action plans and strategies should be formulated and implemented to ensure that the carbon emission targets for 2035 are realized. [Display omitted] • ►A graph-factor-based random forest model (GRFM) is developed. • ►Carbon emissions have significant sectoral and spatial-temporal heterogeneity. • ►Electricity supply is the largest carbon emitter. • ►Developed economies such as Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan dominate carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution control measures play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and climate change, but researches on co-benefits of Total Control of Major Air Pollutants (TCMAP) in China is limited. This study quantifies synergistic benefits of TCMAP in reducing pollutant and carbon emissions by constructing a project-level emission reduction database, and further modelling safeguard strategy of emission reduction to achieve dual carbon target. Results revealed that TCMAP has facilitated a shift in the focus of air pollutant management from energy restructuring to deeper industrial and transportation restructuring. Synergistic benefits of TCMAP surpassed Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from end-of-pipe treatment measures. As a result of rigorous implementation of TCMAP, approximately 0.12 GtCO 2 emissions were projected to be avoided in 2022. Synergistic reductions of 5,161 kt pollutants need to be achieved by 2030, and this commitment should be further strengthened to achieve 11,352 kt pollutants by 2060 to achieve dual-carbon target. [Display omitted] • Atmospheric control turned to transportation and industrial structure adjustment. • TCMAP pathway achieved synergistic carbon reduction 0.12 GtCO 2 in 2022. • Synergistic benefits of TCMAP far outweigh the end-treat measures that produce CO 2. • More ambitious TCMAP target safeguards needed for climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is urgent need for the transformation of built environments to tackle climate change. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to well below 2 °C is of paramount importance, as is planning for future climate change risks. Architects, as designers of the built environment hold an important role in advocating and enabling the necessary mitigation and adaptation actions required in the design and construction of new buildings, and the reuse of existing built fabric – to reduced embodied carbon and achieve operational energy efficiency. Despite the importance, most built environments do not yet adequately address climate change. Limited research has examined the barriers that architectural professionals encounter when integrating climate change action in their projects during their role designing built environments. This is the gap that this research addresses. Interviews with twenty-two Australian architectural practitioners were undertaken, to investigate their experience of barriers to and facilitators of climate change action in their professional practice. Four key themes were found: 1) actors, 2) processes and structures, 3) information and knowledge, and 4) the role of government. Barriers and facilitators were found to be embedded in architects' perception of their role, the processes and practices they undertake, and their relationship with other stakeholders. The facilitators identified can assist drive better outcomes for future design and construction of buildings. Recommendations identified include: 1) build architects' confidence and capability to be advocates; 2) develop of architects' climate change knowledge and competence; 3) transform design processes to be more circular, interdisciplinary and long term focused, and 4) reform current built environment policy to adequately consider climate change. [Display omitted] • Architects are crucial to achieving climate change action, but there is limited information on how to achieve this. • This study interviewed Australian architects about the barriers and facilitators they face to climate change action. • Key barriers for architects to enable change include limited influence, reach and decision-making capabilities. • Barriers and facilitators to climate action are influenced by both internal and external factors. • Identifies initiatives to facilitate climate change action: building knowledge and capacity, and transforming design processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting net zero neighborhoods (NZN) combined with circular economy are increasingly recognized as an essential strategy for construction companies, allowing their transition towards sustainability and contributing to climate change mitigation. Transforming existing neighborhoods into NZN is necessary to achieve energy self-sufficiency and net zero by 2050. The success of NZN hinges on government initiatives. However, existing studies appear to lack a comprehensive exploration of the transformation initiatives within NZN, spanning aspects like raw materials, construction practices, transportation, and waste management, particularly in terms of technological advancements. To address the gap, this research introduces a conceptual framework that integrates the multiple case studies design method with an urban transformative capacity model. This innovative framework is the first application of a multi-level urban transformative capacity model in transforming existing neighborhoods into NZN within a specific region. This research specifically utilizes South Wales in the UK as a case study. It identified four key initiatives in technology, construction, transportation, and waste management. These initiatives offer significant benefits, including fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction industry through enhanced traceability and efficiency, and simultaneously promoting social sustainability by improving community engagement, providing social benefits through sharing economy initiatives, and creating new green job opportunities. [Display omitted] • This study aims to apply CE principles to create net zero neighborhoods. • A conceptual framework is proposed for transforming existing neighborhoods into NZN. • The method integrates multiple case studies and urban transformative capacity model. • This research uses South Wales in the United Kingdom as a case study. • The innovative initiatives can drive successful transformations in the target city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively mitigate climate change, policymakers worldwide established various GHG tracking and trading systems. In the light of ambitious climate goals, stricter regulations, and increasing demand for climate action, various groups such as researchers and governmental institutions suggested additional approaches. This paper addresses the complexity that arises from the breadth of suggested approaches and implemented systems for GHG tracking and trading. By doing so, it synthesizes relevant dimensions in a way that is understandable to enterprises and policymakers, enabling them to design meaningful systems incorporating the reduction of GHG emissions and advance cleaner production. Therefore, this paper presents a first-of-its-kind taxonomy of GHG tracking and trading approaches through a systematic literature review. It illustrates ten main design and implementation dimensions with 30 corresponding characteristics. To accelerate decarbonization, this paper sets impulses for future GHG tracking in the electricity sector based on semi-structured expert interviews. Consecutively, it provides policy directions for CO 2 -adaptive decision-making for enterprises, formulated as a Call for Action with seven prospective questions. These include, for example, questions concerning technical aspects like data management, legal issues like the sufficiency of existing data security and privacy regulations, as well as economic topics like the calculation of an appropriate local and temporal granularity. • Presenting a first-of-its-kind taxonomy of GHG tracking and trading approaches through a systematic literature review. • Creating targeted knowledge for enterprises and policymakers for designing meaningful systems to reduce GHG emissions. • Setting impulses for future GHG tracking in the electricity sector based on semi-structured expert interviews. • Providing policy directions for CO 2 -adaptive decision-making for enterprises, formulated as a Call for Action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a stepwise clustered ensemble temperature downscaling (SCETD) model has been proposed based on a stepwise cluster analysis method (SCA) and used for the first time to study the extreme temperature variations at 12 stations in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). The results show that the proposed model can be used to generate reliable forecasts of daily maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures based on CMIP6 data (R 2 > 0.96). Temperatures in the Yangtze River Basin are likely to maintain a significant upward trend (Tmean is 0.082–0.23 °C/decade under SSP245 and 0.094–0.46 °C/decade under SSP585) in the future. In terms of extreme temperature events, extreme warm events may happen more frequently and extreme cold events to decrease in the future under SSP245 and SSP585. A more significant increase of FD and TNn can be observed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, while the TXx and SU will grow more considerably in the central Yangtze River region under both scenarios. Semi-arid regions (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) are more sensitive to climate change. The changes of SU and TXx are significantly smaller than FD and TNn under both SSPs scenarios. The obtained results will be of great significance for responding to international climate goals, formulating emission reduction policies, adopting adaptation measures and international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The harvesting efficiency achieved 99.2 % with the application of 60 g/L of FMT@DTAB. • PVDF integrated with extractants demonstrated enhanced butyric acid mass transfer. • Butyric acid showed improved mass transfer coefficient in PVDF with extractants. • PVDF-TDA achieved a 60 % recovery efficiency for butyric acid with 60 g/L of FMT@DTAB. Syngas fermentation utilizing acetogenic bacteria like Clostridium sp. provides a promising method for transforming CO and CO 2 -rich waste gases into valuable products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bio-alcohols, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supporting carbon neutrality objectives. Magnetic nanoparticle-based coagulants, particularly Fe 3 O 4 @MIL-100(Fe)@TEOS@DTAB (FMT@DTAB), have recently attracted attention due to their efficient recovery and enhanced cell disruption capabilities enabled by cationic surfactant surface modifications. At a dosage of 60 g/L, FMT@DTAB has proven highly effective in achieving significant concentrations of acetic acid (7.06 g/L), butyric acid (6.27 g/L), ethanol (6.43 g/L), and butanol (5.24 g/L), along with notable harvesting efficiency (99.2 %) and intracellular ATP concentration (2.1 mM). Recent research on supported liquid membrane contactors highlights their cost-effective and environment-friendly properties, with an emphasis on minimal extractant usage. This study investigated the behavior of SCFAs using both virgin and supported liquid membrane contactors, focusing on factors such as organic extractant and membrane pore size. PVDF filled with tridodecylamine notably improved butyric acid recovery to around 60 %, with a mass flux of 14.95 ± 0.28 g/m2/h, outperforming virgin and other extractant-filled PVDF membranes. This study enhances resource efficiency and reduces industrial environmental impacts by optimizing the recovery and production of valuable chemicals from waste gases. It supports sustainable and economically viable biotechnology applications, aligning with global climate change mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To motivate public participation in climate change mitigation, both "carrot" policies that create positive incentives for mitigated carbon and "stick" policies that create negative incentives for emitted carbon have been widely applied. Given the joint deployment of these measures, a key question is whether they are compatible with each other. Focusing on the Low-Carbon Reward Scheme (LCRS) and carbon taxes, two prominent proposals on China's climate policy agenda, this study evaluates how one incentive policy affects public support for the other. The results of a large survey experiment with Hangzhou residents indicate a two-way crowding-out effect, wherein introducing the LCRS diminished support for the tax, albeit primarily among LCRS proponents, and introducing the tax reduced support for the LCRS. Aligning with the proposed account, crowding out was driven by a decrease in policy effectiveness and fairness perceptions. These findings reveal a contradictory relationship between carrot and stick policies at the citizen level and illuminate the underlying mechanism. • Both carrot and stick policies are applied to motivate climate mitigation behaviors. • We identify a two-way crowding-out effect between these policies in public opinion. • Introducing a stick (carbon tax) reduces support for a carrot (low-carbon reward). • Introducing a carrot reduces support for a stick among people favoring the carrot. • Crowding out is driven by weakened policy effectiveness and fairness perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane seeps are highly productive ecosystems that provide carbon sequestration services, host diverse communities including endemic species, and serve as habitats for commercial fisheries. Little is known about the economic value the public places on them. Discrete Choice Experiments (DCEs) are administered to a sample of Costa Rican taxpayers to evaluate their willingness to pay (WTP) in monetary terms using tradeoffs made in a survey context involving three of the main attributes of methane seep ecosystems to provide insights for future conservation and management efforts. Extensive effort is devoted to understanding how Costa Ricans view different aspects of the deep sea. We find that they associate it with strange animals, natural resources, the unknown, and being far from reach. Perhaps surprisingly, they underestimate how much they know about the deep sea. We find that WTP for methane seep protection is the highest for programs that protect seeps with endemic species, followed by seeps with high climate change mitigation potential and commercial fishing habitat. Higher-income groups and women are more likely to prefer options that increase the current level of protection. We discuss how science communication and community engagement contribute to care expressed toward the deep sea. • Methane seeps provide important ecosystem services and economic values. • Costa Ricans are willing to pay for methane seep conservation. • Human connection and highest WTP were associated with existence values. • WTP increased with knowledge, suggesting a key role for science communication. • Management efforts should consider deep-sea literacy and non-use values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the importance of non-state mitigation actions in the transition to a low-carbon economy becomes firmly established, a rapidly growing number of companies are setting corporate climate mitigation targets. Shareholders increasingly value these commitments, conveying the impression of good future carbon performance. However, a critical question emerges: why do some companies progress better than others toward their climate mitigation targets? There is currently a lack of empirical literature assessing companies' progress against their mitigation targets. Using a new indicator to evaluate the progress against individual corporate climate mitigation targets in a comparable manner, this study presents an explanatory analysis of 120 determinants applied to 4341 climate mitigation targets (scope 1 and 2 emissions) of 2975 companies reporting to the 2020 CDP questionnaire. The target progress assessment shows that 30% of targets have increased emissions since their base year, 15% have reduced their emissions but not at a sufficient pace, while 55% were on track to achieving or had already achieved their targets. In addition, 18% of targets were already achieved the year the target was set, which may be due to choosing a base year with unusually high emissions. The findings reveal 19 key determinants significantly associated with the progress against corporate targets and highlight future research orientation. Our results indicate better progression by companies having absolute targets with longer timeframes and disclosing additional, as well as remuneration links to climate-related issues. Companies with more ambitious targets progress less than others, except when the ambitious targets are approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative. The latter implies ambitious targets from some firms may only be symbolic, and that investors should consider both target ambition and progress. Clear guidance and regulations should be implemented by policymakers to prevent misleading target information. Future research should address limitations related to reliance on self-reported data and exclusion of scope 3 emissions targets, along with the research directions suggested by the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions elimination in the rapid urbanization areas contributes to regional sustainable development and global climate change mitigation. With the target of carbon neutrality, the global top-class Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration which confronts with the dual pressure of excess carbon emissions and shrink ecological space has increased its carbon reduction coordination cooperation, among which energy consumption carbon emission control and natural resource sink maintenance have been recognized as the key strategy. However, the study on carbon balance prediction is lack and the amount of energy consumption carbon emissions in the future can be offset by the ecological carbon sink is still unknown. To estimate the gap to carbon neutrality, this study proposes a framework for carbon offset analysis and prediction which takes various carbon emission scenarios and the potential of natural resource on carbon reduction into consideration. After the framework conduction in the agglomeration, it is revealed that the regional least carbon emissions of 29.51 Mt mainly derive from the population and economic growth brought by urbanization process, while the carbon sink predicted to be 2552.31 Kt is still far to cover the emissions. With the regional carbon offset rate decline from 0.68% to 0.63%, the ecological carbon sink in Beijing will offset 1.21% of its carbon emission, while the least ecological space keep city Tianjin is predicted to suffer the lowest offset rate of 0.09%. The research results contribute to recognize the key factors on carbon emission control and key areas for carbon maintenance in following years, as well as narrowing the gap to neutrality with both consideration of carbon emission reduction and sink maintenance. [Display omitted] • Framework on energy consumption carbon offset analysis was established. • Regional carbon emissions, sinks and offset rate were predicted. • Drop from 0.68% in 2020 to 0.63% in 2030, the declining offset rate indicates the gap to neutrality is still large. • Implications for each area's carbon emission offset rate improvement were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities face twin challenges of changing climate and urban heat island (UHI) effect, with the environmental implications of urbanization still unclear. This study employs the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to examine the impacts of urbanization in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) during warm and cold seasons in past (2000) and near-future (2030) scenarios [i.e., under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP): SSP1-26, SSP2-45, and SSP5-85]. Datasets from the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) were incorporated into the WRF model to improve the representation of urbanization effects on weather patterns. Our findings indicate that urban expansion significantly increases urban temperatures and decreases wind speed across selected climate change scenarios. The spatially averaged urban temperatures in the fine resolution domain for 2030 could rise by 0.9 °C (warm season) and 2.4 °C (cold season), respectively, and urban wind speed decreases by ∼ 3 m/s under the SSP5-85 scenario. In cold season, the UHI effect could last over 20 h, while urban area may experience cooler nighttime temperatures than rural areas in warm season. Moreover, the future scenario predicts higher daytime O 3 levels due to the warming effects of climate change and urbanization, but lower nighttime levels in warm season, attributed to intensified south-easterly sea breeze and background winds, when compared to the past scenario. This study highlights the importance of incorporating urbanization and climate change in future urban atmospheric environment studies, and underscores that urban climate change adaptation and mitigation should consider extra impacts on built-environment caused by urbanization. • Climate change and urbanization impacts on meteorological and O 3 fields were explored in GBA. • Urbanization and climate change are expected to raised temperatures by 0.9 °C in warm season over the study area. • Urbanization and climate change are expected to raised temperatures by 2.4 °C in cold season over the study area. • Urbanization is expected to reduce wind speed by 3 m/s and intensify sea breeze penetration over the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) has consistently held a prominent global position in climate governance. This paper compiles 152 climate neutrality policies issued by the European Commission (EU Commission) and employs a systematic analytical framework including "Vertical Policy Hierarchy - Horizontal Policy Path – Systematic Policy instruments" to conduct an in-depth analysis of the EU's climate neutrality policy system. This study produces several findings as follows: First, the EU's climate neutrality policy hierarchy is characterized by a structure comprising "Long-Term Planning – Specific Measures - Financial Support". Second, the EU's policy formulation process for climate neutrality emphasizes the integration of a multi-party engagement mechanism involving "Nongovernmental Level - Regional Level - National Level - Transnational Level - Supranational Level", while extensively employing a "framework-content" policy-making methodology. Third, the EU's climate neutrality governance is guided by the dual objectives of achieving a "Cleaner Energy Structure" and "Recover Ecological Environment" pursuing a broad-ranging and multi-tiered policy pathway towards climate neutrality. Fourth, the EU leverages a combined approach of mandatory measures and guiding policies to propel the climate neutrality governance process, aspiring to achieve breakthroughs in new energy technology innovation through climate neutrality governance, thereby solidifying its international standing. Moreover, this study provides an outlook on the future of the EU's climate neutrality policy governance, positing that the EU's emphasis on climate neutrality governance will remain undiminished, with a heightened focus on guiding policies and an emphasis on the roles of enterprises and the public in advancing the realization of climate neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity demand is a crucial factor in energy system planning. Understanding future electricity demand is vital for developing effective energy and climate policies, as well as establishing a resilient and sustainable energy system. In light of these considerations, the escalating challenges posed by climate change are anticipated to have a substantial impact on electricity demand. This study, therefore, provides a comprehensive analysis delving into the dynamic nature of Temperature Response Functions (TRFs) of electricity demand across Europe. By examining various factors influencing electricity demand in residential buildings, such as thermal insulation, heating electrification, space cooling, and passive cooling, we aim to understand their collective impact on shaping future Temperature Response Functions. To project electricity demand, our study incorporates these factors into our scenario assumptions. Through a comprehensive investigation of these scenarios, our findings reveal distinctive regional influences of these factors. In regions where heating demand prevails, an initial increase in electricity demand is anticipated due to increased electrification rates. However, improved building thermal insulation is expected to substantially reduce winter electricity demand in the long run. Conversely, in regions with pronounced cooling demand, a notable escalation in electricity demand is foreseen due to increased space cooling penetration rate. Nevertheless, the application of effective passive cooling measurements is expected to mitigate and markedly diminish this increase. By highlighting the differential influences of these factors on electricity demand across Europe, our findings can offer valuable insights and guidelines first for energy system modelers for considering the change in Temperature Response Functions and second for policymakers to develop effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. • Examination of the dynamic characteristics of Temperature Response Functions (TRFs). • Space and passive cooling, electric heating, insulation effects on electricity demand. • Projection of TRFs and electricity demand for 36 European countries until 2100. • Thermal insulation and passive cooling are essential for reducing electricity demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon tax is a policy instrument that facilitate the phase-out of coal as a chemical feedstock and help China achieve an early carbon peak. However, the policy design is challenged by the complex dynamics of global warming potentials (GWP) from upstream methane emissions, which have a short atmospheric lifetime but a high climate impact. In this study, we compared the life-cycle GWP of two propylene production routes in China: Coal-to-Olefin (CTO) and Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH). We also conducted a cost-profit analysis that incorporates the carbon tax, considering uncertainties in the dynamic radiative forcing of methane. We derived a range of optimal carbon tax rates that can enhance the economic competitiveness of low-carbon propylene routes PDH and discourage the expansion of coal-fed CTO propylene routes. Results show that, for the propylene sector in China, the carbon tax rate should be between 86 and 600 Chinese Yuan (CNY) or 12–84 US dollars (USD) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which corresponds to 1–10% of the typical propylene price in the Chinese market. Our study provides spatiotemporal insights into the carbon tax for China's propylene sector to decarbonize and control upstream methane emissions. Since propylene is one of the key raw materials for chemical (e.g., plastic) productions, our analysis contributes to the climate benefits of global chemical trade. • Carbon tax contributes to controlling upstream methane emissions from coal-based chemical production. • Time-horizon is crucial for taxing carbon, especially as short-lived greenhouse gas emissions affect propylene producers' profits. • Carbon tax is necessary at provincial scale since the intensity of methane emissions from coal and propane feedstock supply chains vary regionally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate and compare two integrated processes (Plant A and B) for hydrocarbon production from CO 2. They involve proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for H 2 production, reverse water-gas shift reaction for syngas production, pressure swing adsorption for syngas purification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for diesel-range hydrocarbons from CO 2 , and atmospheric distillation for product separation. Plant B additionally integrates a hydrocracking-based upgrading section. The simulations were performed using Aspen Plus® v10, Aspen Adsorption® v10, and Aspen Custom Modeler® v10. The evaluation covers technical, economic, environmental, and multi-criteria assessment (GREENSCOPE). The proposed processes demonstrate the potential to convert CO 2 to hydrocarbons, with carbon conversion rates of 75% and 71% for Plants A and B, respectively. Process energy intensity is 155 and 170 MJ/kg LP for Plants A and B, respectively. Environmental assessment reveals CO 2 reduction, resulting in negative global warming potentials of −2.20 and −0.84 kgCO 2-eq /kg LP for Plants A and B, respectively. The sustainability degree indices for Plants A and B are 1.00 and 0.06, respectively, indicating Plant A as the more sustainable process alternative based on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Economic analysis shows project unviability in the Brazilian context due to reliance on H 2 production and prevailing pricing conditions. Economic viability requires a price increase of liquid products by 266% and 302% or CO 2-eq abatement costs ranging from 2.05 to 3.43 US$/kgCO 2-eq for Plants A and B, respectively. GREENSCOPE methodology indicates better performance for Plant A across all scores, highlighting a clear connection between the hydrocracking unit and performance indicators. The findings show that these processes align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets for climate action (SDG 13), clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Overall, the research moves forward SDGs by offering solutions to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable industrial practices. [Display omitted] • The overall carbon conversion achieved 71–75%. • The global warming potential is about −2.20 to −0.84 kg CO2-eq /kg LP. • The net present value is about −1066 to −1147 MMUS$. • An increase of 266–302% in liquid product prices is required for economic viability. • A CO 2-eq abatement cost of 2.05–3.43 US$/kg is required for economic viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Climate change triggers shrub encroachment into alpine grasslands and snowbeds. • Back from the future aims restore the encroached vegetation through shrub removal. • A multicriteria research protocol is proposed to assess the experiment feasibility. • The data obtained assessed the full comparability of control and manipulation zones. • The protocol allows assess the experiment feasibility and its long-term monitoring. Climate change triggers changes of vegetation floristic composition, physiognomy and even the onset of new successional pathways, requiring adequate, robust and replicable methodological approaches to properly track these changes. In tundra ecosystems woody plants are encroaching into grasslands and snowbeds, inducing their gradual regression. "Back from the Future" is a pilot project performing selective shrub removal from grasslands and snowbeds in the Italian Central Alps to contrast climate-driven shrub encroachment and promote the recovery and active conservation of vegetation communities. Here we propose a multi-criteria research protocol providing a quantitative tool for: a) the set-up of the manipulation experiment; b) the assessment of the full comparability of manipulation and control areas; c) the long-term monitoring of the efficiency of the manipulation experiment. The experiment was carried out in three study sites (Braulio, Cedec, Sforzellina) across an elevation gradient from the subalpine to the nival belts in the Italian Central Alps. At each study site we identified a control and a manipulation zone to assess the efficiency of the manipulation experiment compared to the natural ecosystem dynamics. The multi-criteria research protocol integrates different sampling approaches: mapping and morphological characterization of trees and shrubs; phytosociological survey of permanent plots; grid-point intercept survey of permanent plots; line-intercept survey along transects; allometric shrub measurements along transects. Our data show that this protocol is applicable to different vegetation types, across different elevation belts, and is suitable to match different targets and/or bioindicators of change. Indeed, the limitations of each selected method when individually applied can be overcome by their combination. Our data demonstrate the full comparability of the control and manipulation zone at each of the three study sites in terms of species richness, floristic composition, species coverage, shrub characteristics and volume. Our results supported the feasibility of this protocol as tool for the set-up of the experiment, to assess the full comparability of control and manipulation zones, and perform a detailed monitoring of the effects and the feasibility of the restoration action and the success and efficiency of this pilot project. The protocol elaborated in the frame of this pilot project could be exported beyond the local context and applied to similar mountain regions, especially in the European Alps, for the planning, set up and monitoring of good land management practices aiming to climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Alpine study sites with a long close-to-nature forestry (CNF) history were studied. • Alternative climate change and CNF management scenarios were simulated. • CNF performs well in ensuring multiple forest ecosystem services and biodiversity. • Climate change requires adaptation of CNF by fostering climate-adapted tree species. • High multifunctionality, including biodiversity, needs diversified management. Close-to-nature forestry (CNF) has a long tradition in European Alpine forest management, playing a crucial role in ensuring the continuous provision of biodiversity and forest ecosystem services, including protection against natural hazards. However, climate change is causing huge uncertainties about the future applicability of CNF in the Alpine region. The question arises as to whether current CNF practices are still suitable for adapting forests to climate change impacts while also meeting the increasing societal demands regarding Alpine forests, including their potential contribution to climate change mitigation. To answer this question, we simulated forest development using the ForClim forest model at two Alpine study sites, together representing a large biogeographic gradient from high-elevation inner Alpine forests (Switzerland) to lower-elevation south-eastern Alpine forests (Slovenia). The simulations considered three climate scenarios (historical climate, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) and six alternative management strategies, including both current CNF management practices and climate-adapted versions. Using an indicator based multi-criteria decision analysis framework, we assessed the joint impacts of climate and management on biodiversity and key ecosystem services of the investigated regions, including carbon sequestration (CS) inside and outside the forest ecosystem boundary. The joint effects of climate change and CNF varied, both among and within the study sites along the biogeographical gradient. While CS was more resistant to climate change under current CNF at the south-eastern Alpine site, it was more sensitive at the inner Alpine site, where CS potentials decreased at lower elevations. This adverse effect could be partly mitigated by fostering the use of climate-adapted tree species. However, current CNF and adaptations of it did not meet multiple management objectives equally well: while protection from gravitation hazards and timber production also benefited from this silvicultural practice, biodiversity benefited from CNF variants with low-intensity or no management. In conclusion, CNF has a high potential to continue fulfilling its crucial role in European Alpine forests. A differentiated approach will be needed in the future, however, to identify forest stands where adaptive measures are required, especially at sites particularly vulnerable to climate change. In combination with less intensively managed or unmanaged areas, CNF provides a management portfolio that will help European Alpine forests to meet the demands of future society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated multi-objective optimization with wood price uncertainty. • Identified trade-offs and synergies, considering wood price uncertainty. • Optimal management allocations shift with spatial and harvest size constraints. • Spatial restrictions and wood price uncertainty impact NPV and carbon sequestration. • Results inform strategic decisions in forest management. Forest ecosystems deliver multiple services crucial for human wellbeing and welfare, with complex relationships among forest ecosystem services (FESs). Implementing sustainable forest management (SFM) policy requires insights into trade-offs, conflicts and synergies among key FESs, necessitating decision-support tools for multiple objectives. However, uncertainty in key parameters adds complexity. We formulated a tri-objective optimization problem concentrating on three vital ecosystem services in Nordic boreal forests: timber supply, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, future timber price uncertainty was integrated into the optimization model. Utilizing the TreeSim individual-tree growth and yield simulator, we simulated forest growth and yields, carbon stocks, and biodiversity values. Pareto-optimal solutions were found for four distinct management strategies using the epsilon-constrain method to solve the optimization problem. These management strategies differed in spatial restrictions on harvest location and timing, including considerations like harvest adjacency, green-up and maximum harvest opening area (MOA). The analysis revealed trade-offs among all three objectives, with variations influenced by management intensity. Furthermore, within the Pareto solutions for each strategy, a compromise solution was identified based on the knee-point method. The study demonstrated nuanced impacts of green-up constraints related to harvest practices, showing minor effects on harvesting, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation when MOA was restricted to 35 hectares or less. However, more substantial impacts were observed with a MOA limited to 60 hectares or in a strategy without spatial restrictions. Our results underscore the importance of considering multiple objectives in forest management and policy under uncertain wood prices, preventing undesired effects from a singular or deterministic approach. This work provides insights into trade-offs and synergies, contributing to strategic planning and policy design. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of sustainable development, accurate renewable energy demand forecasting holds great significance for climate change mitigation and promoting sustainability. However, renewable energy forecasting has been consistently challenged by seasonality and nonlinearity. Identifying the periodic and nonlinear characteristics concealed within renewable energy sources accurately is still an unexplored problem. Consequently, an innovative nonlinear discrete seasonal grey model is proposed for renewable energy forecasting, which incorporates seasonal dummy variables and a power exponent term for handling the seasonality and nonlinear patterns in time series. Furthermore, an intelligent algorithm matching framework is proposed to augment the flexibility of the newly developed model. For practical purposes, the new methodology is contrasted against a range of benchmarks encompassing statistical, machine-learning, and traditional grey models in forecasting the quarterly total renewable energy consumption in the United States. The proposed model exhibits over 27% improvement rates over its counterparts, achieving the most superior predictive accuracies of 1.45%, 39.27, and 0.79 in MAPEP , RMSEP , and MASEP metrics, respectively. Furthermore, the probability density and sample size analyses are conducted to validate the robustness of the new model, confirming its adaptability and stability towards algorithm randomness and historical information volume. Consequently, the novel model is employed to forecast the short-to-long-terms renewable energy consumption in the U.S., showcasing an upward trend and seasonal fluctuations of the consumption for the forthcoming 24 quarters from 2023Q4 to 2029Q3. These insights can offer valuable implications to the stakeholders such as energy suppliers, utility managers, and policy advocates, highlighting actionable strategies for optimizing renewable energy consumption forecasting and aiding sustainable development initiatives. • An innovative nonlinear discrete seasonal grey model is proposed for renewable energy forecasting. • The optimum algorithm matching the novel model is determined from five alternatives. • The Monte Carlo Simulation and parameter sensitivity analysis advance the robustness. • PSO with the optimal parameter group has been selected for searching coefficients. • The new model possesses higher accuracy and robustness than various competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform an ex-ante life cycle assessment, integrating cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas emissions into an off-grid energy system model. By applying a multi-objective optimization, minimizing both costs and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions, we find the Pareto boundary between these two goals. As a case study, we chose the power supply to an astronomical observatory in Chile, using mostly solar power and energy storage in batteries and hydrogen. We compare the ex-ante study to a prior ex-post life cycle assessment, and furthermore dive into sensitivities of our model regarding component lifetimes and costs. We find (i) low-hanging fruit in lowering emissions with small cost increases, (ii) ex-ante life cycle assessments' possibility to find less CO 2 e intensive power systems compared to ex-post conducted studies, (iii) a pronounced sensitivity of the optimization model on assumed lifetimes of energy storage components. This study shows the importance of including life cycle CO 2 e emissions into the optimization objective of energy system models. This method uncovers the environmental and economic trade-offs associated with high shares of renewable energies in off-grid energy systems. • We integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) into an off-grid energy system optimization. • The applied case study powers a remote astronomical telescope in Chile. • A multi-objective optimization finds Pareto curves at varying costs and lifetimes. • Low-hanging fruit shows low additional system costs to reduce CO 2 e impacts. • In contrast, a separate LCA did not find such trade-offs in costs and CO 2 e emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transitions in Indigenous, Northern and remote communities in Canada promise benefits that go beyond reliable, clean and affordable energy services. The Federal and Provincial governments have committed funding to get remote communities off diesel, acknowledging energy transitions' global and local benefits. Besides climate change mitigation, other benefits, including job creation, income generation, community ownership and local economic growth, are fundamental components of the value proposition of renewable energy projects. However, despite the promises, little evidence of the impacts of renewable energy on communities' local conditions exists. This article looks at the relationship between renewable energy projects and community well-being in Canada. We construct a panel of Indigenous communities and well-being levels using Census data and information about renewable energy projects for the period 1981–2016. The findings suggest that renewable energy is associated with higher levels of well-being. Concretely, having access to renewable energy increases overall well-being by 1 to 5 points on the 0–100 well-being scale, depending on the component of the well-being index considered in the analysis. • Renewable energy and community wellbeing is an essential relationship for successful energy transitions. • The size of the renewable energy projects is strongly associated with higher community wellbeing. • Communities that hold majority ownership of renewable energy projects exhibit higher wellbeing levels. • Solar and wind energy projects are associated with higher wellbeing levels, whereas hydropower is associated with lower ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual water trade (VWT) is the trade of water 'embodied' in a product. This paper explores the extent to which bilateral tariffs, World Trade Organization (WTO), and Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) reshape the trade of water across nations and alleviate water scarcity issues. To achieve this goal, we built a panel database on blue (irrigation water) and green (rainwater) VWT among paired trading countries from 1998 to 2002. Using a standard gravity model, we study how the bilateral tariff and WTO/ RTA affect the intensity of blue and green VWT. The results indicate that, on average, a 1% tariff reduction increases the green virtual water trade by 0.219%. In most waterstressed countries, a 1% reduction in tariffs increased blue VWT by 0.416% and green VWT by 0.424%. By crops, we find that tariffs had a negative effect on VWT for the less water-intensive crops, but a positive effect or no effect on the more water-intensive crops. We further find in the most water-stressed countries, RTA facilitated VWT. As a climate mitigation strategy, water-scarce countries can increase VWT, thus reducing the production of water-intensive crops, by lowering tariff rates independently or through trade agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a crucial component for sustainable cities, as inefficient waste disposal contributes to the release of about a billion tons of CO 2 -eq in greenhouse gases (GHG) annually. With escalating global waste generation, there is an untapped opportunity to integrate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies into existing MSW management processes. This review explores current research on utilizing MSW for CDR, emphasizing its potential for both energy generation and carbon sequestration. The investigation covers three waste management practices: landfilling, waste-to-energy (WtE), and biochar production, revealing two paths for carbon sequestration. First, MSW serves as a feedstock in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), acting as a carbon-neutral resource that avoids fossil fuel and energy crop use, reducing GHG emissions and generating value through energy production. Second, direct storage of organic MSW and its derivatives, like biochar, in various carbon sinks allows for extended sequestration, offering a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of waste management and climate change mitigation. Moreover, this review advocates for an extended exploration into several subjects including in-depth analysis of waste, research on MSW-derived biochar recalcitrance across different carbon sinks, and understanding the symbiotic connections with GHG-emitting sectors like agriculture and energy. Finally, this review emphasizes the necessity of conducting life-cycle assessment studies to fully discern the benefits and assess the impacts of any future endeavors exploring the role of MSW in carbon sequestration. [Display omitted] • Municipal solid waste (MSW) is an untapped resource for carbon dioxide removal. • Three strategies to utilize MSW for CO 2 removal include landfilling, waste-to-energy, and biochar production. • Carbon sequestration is achieved through MSW-burial and energy recovery with CCS. • Auditing carbon emissions and LCA are necessary to illuminate the impacts of MSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With less than 6 years left to achieve the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030, there is a growing urgency to increase the effectiveness of policy actions by targeting multiple SDGs. Mathematical modeling tools facilitate sustainability assessment in support of integrated policymaking. This study examines the interlinkages between the SDGs with commonly used and broadly applicable energy system models (ESMs) using the 248 indicators defined by the United Nations. The SDGs are classified under the environment (SDGs 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15), economy (SDGs 8, 9, 10, 11, 17), and society (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16) domains governing the sustainability framework. The results ascertain that current ESMs are conceived to prioritize energy-related environmental indicators related to SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG13 (Climate Action) with limited focus on non-energy indicators of the environmental domain, along with little to no coverage of SDGs-indicators allocated within the economic and social domains, respectively. The findings call for expanding the frontiers of ESMs to incorporate emerging systemic interdependencies that extend beyond the traditional "energy-environmental" nexus considering the multi-dimensional facets of sustainable development. For this purpose, a conceptual integrated framework was developed underscoring procedural protocols and technical directives to advance the ESMs-SDGs modeling paradigm through the application of methodological improvement opportunities. Theoretical and practical implications driven by policy and managerial perspectives were also discussed. In closure, this study can inform stakeholders about the gaps (sustainability issues and corresponding targets-indicators) that are imperative to address in modeling the SDGs and how to leverage existing ESMs into integrating a broader range of SDGs beyond traditional considerations. The improved outcomes are expected to facilitate integrated sustainable policy planning and formulation in pursuit of operationalizing the SDGs for the timely attainment of the 2030 agenda. [Display omitted] • Shortlisted ten commonly used and broadly applicable energy system models (ESMs). • Systematic interlinkages mapping among ESMs and SDGs using 248 indicators. • Ranked SDGs-indicators coverage within ESMs using a customized scoring system. • ESMs focus on energy-environmental indicators followed by economic and then social. • Proposed conceptual integrated framework for advancing ESMs-SDGs modeling paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare organisations have a significant carbon footprint due to their substantial energy consumption and waste generation. The existing literature has mostly focused on examining the isolated impact of specific green organisational practices on individual dimensions of environmental performance. Hence, policy makers and practitioners still lack a holistic view of how combinations of green organisational practices can mitigate the impact on climate change of healthcare organisations. Drawing on the practice-based view (PBV) of strategy, the study first examines the extent to which the adoption of imitable, individual green organisational practices impacts on the whole climate change mitigation performance of publicly owned hospitals. Second, it explores possible combinations of green organisational practices that can lead to high levels of climate change mitigation performance. Focusing on the illustrative case of publicly owned acute care hospitals in the English National Health Service and employing a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis and a fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the analysis shows that the adoption of the practice of green energy procurement can, in isolation, positively lead to high climate change mitigation outcomes. Moreover, high performance levels can be achieved through multiple configurations of green organisational practices. Therefore, the findings suggest that the effectiveness of green organisational practices on climate change mitigation performance of hospitals depends on how practices are combined, rather than on their single effects, and indicate the presence of a complementary as well as a substitution effect between practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutrality strategies have a significant role in climate mitigation efforts. As global concerns regarding climate change continue to increase, achieving carbon neutrality has emerged as a paramount objective for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. This research investigates a wide range of scholarly works to conduct an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the relevant information about carbon neutrality strategies. The review introduces carbon neutrality principles and terminologies, highlighting their importance in climate mitigation. It then proceeds to explore the wide range of strategies employed across different sectors and industries, investigating their effectiveness, scalability, and potential challenges. A multidimensional analysis contrasts the United States Nationally Determined Contributions pathway 2023, China's Nationally Determined contributions 2023, and the EU Directive 2023/2413, assessing their economic, environmental, political, and social impacts. The study evaluates strategies' effectiveness, scalability, and innovation for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future. It fills a gap by analyzing global approaches across the US, China, and the EU, which account for about 50% of the world's total GHG emissions. It evaluates the novel application of diverse strategies, from renewable energy transitions to innovative policy measures, highlighting their potential to mitigate climate change effectively. By providing a multidimensional analysis of these strategies' impacts, the research not only enhances understanding of effective carbon neutrality tactics but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in realizing a sustainable, low-carbon future. • Identifies and analyzes carbon neutrality strategies, emphasizing the need for diverse US, Chinese, and EU approaches. • Evaluate renewable energy, carbon capture, and policy tools for carbon reduction effectiveness, scalability, and innovation. • Highlights the study's novelty in synthesizing current knowledge on carbon neutrality, addressing a significant research gap. • Concludes with strategic ideas for international collaboration and policy development for low-carbon futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of patent ap plications for climate change mitigation technologies (CCMT) in China has shown a rapid development trend over the past decade. This study applies social network analysis (SNA) method and directed time-exponential random graph model(TERGM), while considering endogenous network structure variables, node variables and external network covariates, to analyze the Climate Change Mitigation Technology Innovation Cooperation Network (CCMTICN) formed in Chinese provinces, and analyzes the influencing factors and evolution of the CCMTICN from 2011 to 2021 using CCMT patent data from the Himmpat database. The results show that CCMTICN shows obvious core-edge structural characteristics; endogenous network structural variables have a non-negligible influence on the formation of the network, and other factors such as the information exchange network, industrialization level, knowledge level, and the degree of governmental intervention can promote the formation of CCMTICN; whereas, foreign direct investment, urbanization level, and carbon dioxide(CO 2) emissions can inhibit the formation of CCMTICN. When considering the 11-year time effect of CCMTICN, it is found that the CCMT cooperative relationship between provinces remains relatively stable. • Edge weights set by cooperative patents between provinces. • Examined CCMTICN factors over three periods using TERGM. • Added Baidu index to network variables; assessed CO2 impact. • Time effects in TERGM analyzed for network stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the use of biochar as a soil amendment has been widely studied as a promising strategy for climate change mitigation, to date, due to the extremely heterogeneous nature of this material, there is not a general agreement of the scientific community about its soil amendment potential. In the present paper, a comprehensive approach has been adopted to test the short-term effects of biochar alone or in combination with compost on soil biochemical properties related to C and N cycling functions, microbial community, and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) yield in a Mediterranean environment. With this purpose, a randomized block field trial was set up within an experimental area of about 500 m2. The four treatments tested were: 1) Control (C), no treatment; 2) Compost (CMP); 3) Biochar (BIO); 4) Compost-Biochar mixture (CMP + BIO in the ratio 9:1 w /w). After 45 days of cultivation, the biomass of well-developed lettuce plants was increased from 2- to 2.5-fold in all amended soils with respect to the control one. The CMP amended soils showed a higher effect with respect to the BIO amended soils on enzymatic activities (increase in β-glucosidase, SEI, synthetic enzymatic index, and butyrate esterase) and microbial community structure evaluated by the Ester-linked Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (El-FAME) profiling (increase in G- bacteria, total fungi, and AMF). The increase in the activity and abundance of the microbial community in CMP amended soils could indicate that the organic matter provided by the compost is more readily mineralized than that added with the biochar. Moreover, the BIO amended soils showed the lowest qCO 2 and ecoenzymatic C:N ratio and the highest q MIC (1.4 %), indicating a C immobilization process into the microbial biomass and a greater limitation for N with respect to C, offset by an increase in N-cycling enzyme activity. In the short term, even if the number of well-developed plants increased in all treated soils, a boost of soil C and N cycling was evident with CMP and BIO amendments respectively. Conversely, the combination of CMP with BIO (CMP + BIO) did not provide any synergic effect, probably because requiring longer periods. For these reasons repeated combined treatments can be suggested to reach a cumulative effect on soil quality over time using a balanced C:N ratio in the mixture amendment. • The number of well-developed plants (Lettuce sativa L.) increased in all treated soils. • Microbial viable biomass and its enzymatic activity were increased by compost treatment. • Biochar treatment induced C immobilization into microbial biomass and promoted N cycling. • The combining of compost and biochar seems to have had no synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The arable-to-grassland conversion caused an annual SOC accrual of 0.30 Mg C/ha. • The accrual was unaffected by pre-conversion soil C level. • A steady state in SOC accrual was not observed during the 26 years of grassland. Converting arable land to permanent grassland may favor SOC sequestration and thus climate change mitigation. We studied a field experiment on coarse sand soil that during 1894–1997 was under arable rotation with various nutrient treatments (unfertilized, mineral fertilizer, animal manure), leading to topsoils with different SOC contents. In 1998, the treatments stopped, and a semi-natural grassland has been established with topsoil sampled seven times during the following 26 years. Introduction of grassland increased topsoil SOC content linearly at a rate of 0.30 ± 0.01 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, unaffected by pre-conversion SOC level and with no sign of steady state. By mitigating the loss of SOC associated with continued arable cropping, the overall benefit of this land conversion becomes 0.39 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 during the period 1998 to 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated assessment model AIM (Asia-Pacific Integrated Model) has been used climate change mitigation studies and the core of AIM is a computable general equilibrium model, AIM/Hub. However, the energy representation in the AIM/Hub is abstract and to overcome that shortcoming, this study integrated AIM/Hub with the energy system model AIM/Technology. First, we assessed how the new integrated model differ from the original standalone AIM/Hub. Second, we conducted the exchange of model outputs iteratively and evaluated how the model results converged. Comparing previous and corresponding iteration, the data points with discrepancies greater than 5% at the third iteration were only 5 variables which were minor variables from the full energy system point of view. The macroeconomic implications of climate change mitigation differ between the standalone AIM/Hub and the new integrated model, and however, there was no systematic discrepancies. Overall, the new model is valid for exploring energy-economic scenarios. • The new global AIM (Asia-Pacific Integrated Model) is developed. • AIM/Hub is integrated with the energy system model. • The key indicators show similar trends in original and new models. • Most major variables converge well at the third iteration. • The new model is valid for exploring future global energy-economic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to reduce US emissions from transportation rely greatly on the Environmental Protection Agency's MOVES software to estimate pollutant emissions, a high-precision, computationally intensive tool with many required inputs. To compare numerous scenarios at scale, decision-makers need a faster, user-friendly, and credible emissions estimator. This study introduces MOVESLite, a framework for making fast, highly accurate predictions (with respect to MOVES) of emissions tailored to a user's county, with a limited, more user-friendly number of inputs. MOVESLite uses county- and pollutant-specific models trained on previous MOVES estimates to estimate transportation emissions immediately. While MOVES may take minutes-to-hours to estimate one county-year's emissions, MOVESLite takes approximately 1 ms, with acceptable accuracy. We test MOVESLite performance, comparing thousands of possible models' accuracy for random samples of US counties, and we implement a case study of public transportation planning in Tompkins County, NY. MOVESLite aims to help decision-makers compare and select effective climate action policies. [Display omitted] • We present a new method for swift emissions estimates for transportation policies. • MOVESLite makes predictions in milliseconds, compared to minutes or hours. • MOVESLite uses county-specific models trained on MOVES-estimated big datasets. • MOVESLite models show high accuracy among thousands of sampled use cases. • We demo MOVESLite's value-added in a case study of bus policies in Tompkins County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the main driver of the energy balance partitioning and influences hydrological and carbon cycles at global, regional and local scales. Furthermore, it is the main requirement for developing strategies to improve water use in agriculture. It is known that there is a close relationship between ET and rainfall, especially in tropical environments. Thus, the main goal of this article was to evaluate how ET and its controls (surface conductance - Gs; decoupling coefficient - Ω; Priestley-Taylor parameter - α) respond to the seasonal variability of meteorological forcing in tropical grazed pastures under the climatic conditions of Northeast Brazil. ET was measured using an Eddy covariance (EC) system and analyzed based on data from two agricultural years (2015–2016 and 2016–2017) with negative (-59 mm) and positive (356 mm) rainfall anomaly, respectively. ET exhibited pronounced seasonality, closely aligned with the seasonality of rainfall. Lower daily averages were observed during the dry season in both agricultural years (1.01 ± 0.60 and 0.89 ± 0.44 mm, respectively). On the other hand, higher daily averages were observed during the rainy season (2.44 ± 0.75 and 4.83 ± 0.96 mm, respectively). The Gs patterns and the significant correlation between Gs, Ω, and α (p < 0.01) indicate that surface control prevails over atmospheric control on an annual scale. This finding is confirmed by the annual mean values of Ω (0.27, 2015–2016) and α (0.38, 2016–2017). This relationship is likely induced by a vegetative stomatal control mechanism, which protects the vegetation against excessive water loss during periods of high temperatures and low humidity levels. These findings are crucial for understanding how droughts modulate components of the energy balance and water fluxes in pastures, especially given the intensification of these events. This has implications for the implementation of climate change mitigation policies and soil management. • The seasonality of grazing pasture ET was in line with the seasonality of rain. • On an annual scale, surface control over ET is more relevant than atmospheric control. • VPD is the main controlling factor of surface conductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power pooling has emerged as a regional strategy for accelerating generation capacity expansion in West Africa with the aim of leveraging vast domestic energy resources and promoting investment in regional power infrastructure. As part of their climate action pledges, most West African countries have committed to increasing the shares of variable renewable energy (VRE), particularly solar photovoltaic and wind power, in their generation mix. It, however, appears that approaches to utility-scale capacity expansion planning tend to overlook the inherent temporal intermittency and spatial variability of VRE-based generation. Moreover, despite influencing the techno-economic rationale for grid expansion and off-grid electrification, as well as the trade-offs between high renewable supply areas and grid expansion, the spatial distribution of demand has been overlooked in planning approaches, leading to conservative and weak prospects for the contribution of utility-scale VRE. Such inconsistencies with the region-wide potentials and policy ambitions highlight that it is paramount for West Africa to design its power pooling such that spatial and temporal fluctuations of VRE supply are duly considered in capacity expansion planning while taking advantage of complementarities between VRE supply and national electricity demand profiles. To address this, the present paper applies a long-term generation capacity expansion model, OptGen, soft-linked to a least-cost operation module, the SDDP tool, which is enhanced by geospatial electrification analysis using the OpeN Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET), to a subset of four member countries of the West African Power Pool – Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali – for the 2023–2040 time horizon. The results highlight that current frameworks lead to missed opportunities for bridging the supply-demand gap in all countries, not only in terms of VRE generation capacity, but also of cross-border power trade. • Long-term capacity expansion planning and dispatch models are soft-linked. • The spatial and hourly distributions of demand and renewables supply are considered. • The 10% limit on renewables share used in the regional master plan is not optimal. • The current system operation is not conducive to optimal cross-border trade. • The relaxed transmission scenario yields higher dispatch factors for renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of amine-impregnated polymer aerogels for CO 2 capture represents a groundbreaking advancement in combating the urgent challenges of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions and climate change mitigation. The traditional way of synthesizing aerogels for CO 2 capture is to use a one-step gelation process without functionalizing the aerogel, which, to some extent, has low CO 2 capture capacity and kinetics. This study finds a method of synthesizing the functionalized aerogel, which has high CO 2 adsorption capacity, faster kinetic, and is more stable. The polymer aerogel was developed using an oil-water emulsion polymerization method, followed by freeze-drying. It was impregnated with a mono-ethanolamine (MEA) solution to enhance CO 2 adsorption. The performance of the amine-impregnated poly (AAm-co-AAc) aerogels was tested in a continuous adsorption column filled with aerogel. The adsorption results showed the amine-impregnated aerogels having an amine equilibrium uptake value of 40% had significantly improved CO 2 capture capacity up to 2.34 mmole g−1 at 1 bar pressure, 25 °C reaction temperature, and 10 ml/min flow rate. The polymeric aerogel has a very fast adsorption rate, as it can capture 90% of its maximum capacity within just 10 minutes. Then the kinetic data of the CO 2 adsorption was modelled and found to best fit on both pseudo-1st and 2nd-order kinetic models, proposing that the adsorption mechanism on aerogel was controlled by surface diffusion and chemisorption. Furthermore, the isotherm data were evaluated and observed to be best represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting monolayer formation on the aerogel. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, the amine impregnated poly (AAm-co-AAc) aerogel was able to preserve the initial capacity without a significant decrease. These findings underscore the immense ability of amine-impregnated poly (AAm-co-AAc) aerogels as highly efficient adsorbents for CO 2 capture, thus offering a speedy adsorption process and showing stable regeneration capacity, thereby exhibiting greater industrial application potential. [Display omitted] • An emulsion polymerization method was used to synthesize aerogels for CO 2 capture capacity. • The morphology of the aerogel is fibrous, contributing to its high amine uptake. • Its CO 2 adsorption capacity is up to 2.34 mmole g−1 at 25°C, and regeneration stability is five cycles. • The aerogel exhibits a rapid adsorption rate, capturing 90% of its capacity within 10 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Contribution variations of various policies to PM 2.5 deaths are quantified by period and region. • Carbon and pollution controls can enable 79% to reside in low PM 2.5 areas by 2060. • Population aging could double PM 2.5 deaths by 2060 if other factors remain constant. • A joint effort for carbon and pollution could prevent 2.15 million PM 2.5 deaths by 2060. • Pollution controls can greatly reduce PM 2.5 before 2030, but climate policy becomes crucial after. To confront the challenges posed by air pollution and climate change, China has undertaken significant initiatives to develop strategies that address both issues concurrently. However, the health benefits of these initiatives have not been clearly articulated. In this study, the dynamic changes in health impacts under air pollution and carbon reduction actions in China are evaluated by employing the latest concentration–response models and projected PM 2.5 concentrations under future scenarios. From 2020 to 2060, the enforcement of clean air and climate mitigation policies is expected to increase the percentage of the population living with PM 2.5 concentrations meeting the 10 μg/m3 standard by 79 %. Without the implementation of relevant mitigation measures, PM 2.5 -associated deaths are projected to double due to an aging population. In comparison to the 2060 reference scenario, the joint implementation of clean air and carbon neutrality measures is expected to reduce nationwide PM 2.5 -associated mortality by 62 %, equivalent to 2.15 (95 % CI: 1.80–2.48) million deaths. Stringent pollution controls are crucial for reducing PM 2.5 -associated deaths before 2030, after which carbon neutrality actions become increasingly significant from 2030 to 2060. The challenges of mitigating future PM 2.5 -associated deaths vary greatly across regions, showing a critical response to pollution control and carbon reduction. The research proves the effectiveness of China's future air pollution control and carbon reduction policies in mitigating PM 2.5 -associated deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to enhance greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction in East Asia play a pivotal role on both global and regional scales in advancing climate mitigation strategies. This study aimed to better constrain anthropogenic CO 2 emission estimates by expanding the network of near-surface in-situ stations for CO 2 observations across South Korea. To achieve an optimal CO 2 network design, we conducted an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) coupled with the Stochastic Lagrangian Transport model (STILT), utilizing meteorological data from the Korean Integrated Model (KIM). Our inversion setup incorporated two CO 2 emission datasets with a 0.1o resolution: EDGAR v6 for prior emissions and GRACED for truth emissions. A uniform model-mismatch error of 3 ppm was introduced across sites. The effectiveness of the existing five in-situ stations, termed the base network, in South Korea was evaluated to gauge their ability to constrain CO 2 surface flux estimates. However, the findings revealed a reduction in flux uncertainty of only 29.2%, which fell short of the desired uncertainty reduction goal. In this base network, the Lotte World Tower (LWT: 37.5126°E, 127.1025°E) in Seoul and the Anmyeondo (AMY: 36.538576° N, 126.330071° E) site in Taean county stood as major contributors, with estimated reductions of 17.48% and 6.35%, respectively. Consequently, we proposed and developed an extended network, identifying seven candidate sites based on consideration of logistical factors, existing infrastructures, and proximity to the emission source regions. An incremental optimization scheme ranked their contributions, resulting in an additional 25% reduction, bringing the total to 54.13%. However, it is noteworthy that diminishing returns (ranging from 13% to less than 0.1%) were observed with an increase in station count mainly due to the possibility that adding a station earlier in the sequence might render subsequent stations redundant. Despite this, the proposed CO 2 network successfully reduced uncertainty in emissions, narrowing the gap with the objectives of the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W). • Designing CO 2 near-surface observation network over South Korea. • New stations selected considering logistic factors, existing infrastructures, and proximity to emission sources. • The base network was able to reduce 29.18% of the uncertainty in CO 2 emissions. • Extending network, by adding new seven candidate sites, led to a total uncertainty reduction of 54.13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hong Kong has used a risk-based Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) system for nearly a decade, which aggregates hospitalization risks associated with short-term exposure to pollutants. Serving as an air pollution risk communication tool, it keeps the public informed about the current air quality, anchoring around the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2005 Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). Given the WHO's recent update to the AQGs in 2021, it is pertinent to examine how Hong Kong's air quality risk communication might be enhanced using these updated guidelines. The AQHI currently focuses only on short-term health risks, potentially leading to an underestimation of cumulative impacts. To address this, we propose enhancing the AQHI to include both long-term and short-term health risks. Short-term risks are estimated based on excess hospitalization risks from various pollutants using local data, while long-term risks are estimated using beta coefficients from the WHO due to limited local data. We further suggest using the WHO's Interim Targets (ITs) as thresholds for health risk categories, eliminating arbitrary cut-points. Promoting both public health protection and climate mitigation is important but challenging, particularly with the surge in ozone levels due to enhanced NOx controls in VOC-limited regions like Hong Kong and Guangdong. Nevertheless, despite the rise in ozone, combined health risks in these areas have decreased due to reductions in NO 2 and PM concentrations. Shifting to an AQHI-like total health risk assessment emphasizes the harmonization of health protection and climate mitigation goals. This health-focused framework posits that rigorous NOx controls can effectively serve both policy objectives in tandem. • After a decade's review, HK's AQHI advised to report on long-term health risks. • Original short-term AQHI helps daily plans but may overlook crucial long-term risks. • Long-term health risk-based AQHI clarifies air quality trends for easier public grasp. • Aligning AQHI bands with WHO AQGs & ITs ensures clear, transparent risk communication. • Drastic fossil fuel cuts boost health, aid climate, despite temporary ozone rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]