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Ethylene is one of the most important products in the emissions-intensive petrochemical industry. Decarbonizing the ethylene industry is thus important for achieving global carbon neutrality. This study is the first to explore future long-term zero-emissions production pathways for the ethylene industry in China, the world's biggest ethylene producer. An optimization model was built in the context of China's carbon neutrality target of 2060. Four scenarios were developed where the policy ambitions for climate mitigation and for plastic management including waste were varied. Based on this, authors assessed the cumulative total emissions, technology options, future geographical location of ethylene production, and policy challenges associated with each scenario. This is also the first time that scope 3 emissions from waste incineration are included, motivated by the short lifetime of most ethylene products. Results show the cumulative CO 2 emissions for the scenarios differ considerably, ranging from 4.3 to 7.8 Gt, even if carbon neutrality by 2060 is achieved in all scenarios. The results suggest that ambitious plastic focused policies can result in lower costs and less cumulative emissions compared to ambitious climate focused policies. The results demonstrate the importance of adopting CCS for waste incineration. This reduces cumulative CO 2 emissions by up to 2 Gt. However, reduced overall demand and increased recycling rates should be priority options due to CCS challenges. Results suggest Chinese ethylene industry should adopt a mixed portfolio of production technologies, where the share of emission-intensive coal-based methanol-to-olefins is limited. These findings on decarbonization pathways can contribute to achieving the Paris agreement. [Display omitted] • Ambitious plastic policies lead to 1.3 Gt less cumulative CO 2 than climate policies. • Cumulative CO 2 until 2060 can be reduced by 3.5 Gt compared to reference scenario. • Adopting CCS in incineration can reduce cumulative CO 2 emissions by 2 Gt. • Ethylene industry should adopt a mixed production portfolio due to uncertainties. • Coal-based MTO with CCS does not appear to be a cost-competitive option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of utilizing carbon credits to finance innovative local energy communities in Europe, addressing a significant gap in academic literature. Despite the growing interest in voluntary carbon credits as a mechanism for offsetting carbon emissions, there is limited evidence connecting local energy systems to voluntary carbon markets. The study explores whether carbon credits could serve as a practical tool for funding the development of energy communities, contributing to sustainable energy transitions and climate mitigation strategies. The research employs a comprehensive methodology to assess the quality of carbon credit projects and examines ten innovative energy community projects in Europe. Key findings reveal there is potential for using carbon credits to finance energy community initiatives. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding financing barriers and the volatile nature of carbon markets. The study underscores the importance of policy support in establishing clear standards for voluntary markets and promoting the accessibility of carbon offsets. Furthermore, it suggests potential solutions such as pre-financing agreements and the utilization of carbon market derivatives to enhance project viability. Overall, the study offers insights into the intersection between voluntary carbon markets and local energy initiatives, providing a foundation for further research and policy development in the field of local sustainable development and climate change mitigation. [Display omitted] • Innovative local energy communities in Europe have significant carbon emissions reduction potential. • Carbon credit issuance could financially support the development of local energy initiatives. • Challenges persist in accessing financing and navigating volatile carbon markets. • Policy support is crucial in establishing clear standards for voluntary carbon markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere has crossed an unprecedented level of 420 ppm, causing catastrophic events like climate change. Climate change mitigation via carbon capture is crucial for reducing CO 2 emissions. Among various CO 2 capture technologies, adsorption is considered one of the most efficient and promising techniques. In recent times, substantial research has been conducted on producing cost-effective and efficient adsorbents for CO 2 capture via the thermal and chemical treatments of biomass. In this review, we discuss key scientific results to give broad insight into the recent progress in biomass conversion to activated porous carbon (APC). The effects of various chemical and thermal treatments on the textural properties and CO 2 adsorption capacity of APC are comprehensively discussed. CO 2 adsorption mechanism based on interaction with the surface functionality is thoroughly explained. The economic aspects of APC synthesis and post-combustion CO 2 capture using APC are systematically reviewed. [Display omitted] • Use of biomass based activate porous carbon (APC) for CO 2 capture is reviewed. • CO 2 adsorption mechanism on APC surface is thoroughly explained. • APC surface functionalization via metal doping and heteroatom doping is discussed. • Economics of APC synthesis & large-scale CO 2 capture on APC is critically reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the current evidence on the sustainability of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage under a life cycle approach and to understand how research on this topic has evolved in the last decade. A systematic literature review was performed, and the main focus was identifying methodological shortcomings and analysing Global Warming Potential results. Forty-seven studies were selected for in-depth revision. Results show that the number of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on BECCS has increased in the last couple of years and that most of these studies report near-carbon neutral or carbon-negative results for electricity, biofuel energy, and other products. However, in many cases, some aspects have been omitted from the discussion, such as proper accounting of land use impacts, impact allocation procedure, accounting of leakage from storage sites, and impacts related to carbon utilisation. Despite this methodological variability, Global Warming Potential results are mostly carbon-negative and carbon-neutral for both power BECCS and industrial BECCS systems. Consequently, current scientific evidence suggests climate change mitigation benefits from BECCS despite methodological variability. However, it is still insufficient to reach a consensus on the sustainability of this technology as a solution for a global energy transition. It is recommended that further LCA research deals carefully with methodological and product systems variability, which may affect environmental impact results. Moreover, carbon capture approaches with high potential benefits should be further analysed, and the most optimal BECCS typologies should be identified. Finally, additional life cycle impact categories should be reported, along with the assessment of the economic and social dimensions of BECCS. [Display omitted] • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) was reviewed. • LCA methodology choices were discussed. • Global Warming Potential ranges between −3.873 and 0.366 kg CO 2 eq per MJ. • Current evidence is insufficient to confirm that BECCS is a sustainable solution for climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities represent unique spaces for climate mitigation where wide-ranging action to reduce emissions meets ambition and collaboration. This research work distils climate neutrality narratives for 362 cities that expressed interest in the European Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and focuses on the 112 cities selected to spearhead the process of reaching climate neutrality by 2030 (representing a mitigation potential of 318.3 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions). The method involves steps that profile the characteristics of these cities, enunciate cross-cutting patterns in cities' visions by thematic groupings, and compare 14 contextual factors with 77 possible main barriers. There are both similarities and differences among the results as a basis for learning together and certain barriers can be relatively more dominant in some thematic groupings, such as fragmentation of responsibilities. As a synthesis of the main findings, the original analyses are used to derive and prioritise nine high-level recommendations based on the cities' visions, contextual factors, and expected main barriers. Opportunities for mobilising transformative change relate to transforming siloed into integrated approaches, inclusive climate governance and collaborations, innovative financing, welfare and just transition as well as planning, implementation, and policy coherence. The advances provide pioneering steps for stimulating co-learning processes among Mission Cities and beyond to support the transition to climate neutrality and open up opportunities to progress together in climate action while producing impact with global reach. [Display omitted] • Visions and narratives for achieving climate neutrality by 2030 are enunciated across cities. • The 112 Mission Cities represent an emissions reduction potential of 318.3 MtCO 2 eq. • Thematic groupings are formed by cross-comparing degree of ambition and collaboration. • Recommendations are prioritised based on enablers and barriers in the thematic groupings. • Cross-cutting patterns in cities' visions provide opportunities to stimulate co-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of empirical analysis of macro-level energy policy through a gender lens, and there exists a research gap in tools for such analysis. This paper proposes a novel empirical approach to explore the gender dimension of the language used in energy policy documents such as the National Energy and Climate Action Plans (NECPs) of European Union (EU) member states. We first review the literature to identify existing approaches that analyse the energy/gender nexus. We then describe how we adapt Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to quantify the degree to which the language used in the NECPs is male or female associated. Our work shows the gap in suitable tools. We demonstrate using NLP that all EU NECPs tend to use more male associated language than female. In a ranking of EU member states, the Portuguese NECP demonstrated the most bias, while the Slovenian demonstrated the least. Our work provides novel insights using NLP to understand the genderised use of language, and contributes a methodology to conduct empirical analysis of energy policy documents. [Display omitted] • Review of methods used in energy/gender nexus analysis. • Empirical approach to analyse energy/gender concepts in the Global North. • Measurement of a gender dimension (bias) of the language used in European Union National Energy and Climate Plans. • Identification of Energy Domain NLP training corpora and vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-carbon future based on renewable energy systems is required to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. However, economy-wide decarbonisation is projected to be highly material and energy intensive. Understanding the material-energy nexus through existing research would offer valuable insights for comprehensive resource management to achieve sustainable climate mitigation. This study provides the first systematic review of material-energy nexus literature published between 2002 and 2022, emphasising the interconnections and feedback loops between material and energy systems. The global knowledge-stock is comprehensively assessed regarding research focus, sustainability challenges, and corresponding circular economy strategies. Additionally, significant gaps in the research agenda and key policy implications for both material consuming-developed countries and producing-developing countries are proposed. Findings of this study underscore the vital role of international cooperation in managing primary and secondary material supply chains, grounded in the "common but differentiated responsibilities" principle under the Paris Agreement. Consuming-developed countries should support producing-developing countries in building renewable energy capacity, optimising energy saving technologies and measures, and adhering to high environmental standards for resources extraction and production. Meanwhile, both consuming-developed countries and producing-developing countries should take domestic mitigation measures. The former should focus on changing consumption behaviour, and the latter on increasing resource efficiency. [Display omitted] • M -E Nexus material focus moving from bulk materials to minor metals. • Demand-side energy efficiency equally important to renewable supply. • Metals co-production induce oversupply and undersupply of associated metals. • Reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture and repurpose are underrepresented. • Circular economy requires behavioural transition and economic incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated energy systems for multi-purpose applications are garnering increased interest in the international nuclear energy community, energy system designers and planners and decision makers in the context of deep decarbonization and net zero targets. They are expected to reduce costs and increase flexibility in operation of nuclear reactors when coupled with intermittent renewable energy sources, while also producing various commodities such as hydrogen or potable water. Adaptive solutions must be considered for each geographical area and based on the involved components of the energy system, available infrastructure, and policy in place. This paper provides an in-depth look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of such systems, while addressing different aspects related to the creation of the business case for such systems including decentralization and digitalization of future energy systems. The regulatory aspects are the ones that impose challenges on the emerging hybrid energy systems and this paper highlights some of the considerations that are needed for the couplings involved, in terms of licensing procedures and safety analysis. The potential contribution of such integrated energy systems towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are also discussed. Concerning the stakeholders, special attention should be paid to building social acceptance and trust as this lays the foundation for successful implementation of such projects. By focusing on areas such as research and development, integration of technologies, policy support, market development, grid integration, energy storage, efficiency improvement, system modelling and simulations, significant advances in integrated/hybrid energy systems deployment can be achieved. • Role of integrated energy systems in deep decarbonization for climate change mitigation. • Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of multigeneration energy systems. • Decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization based business models. • Integrated systems can help achieving sustainable development goals (SDG7,11,13). • Hybrid energy systems can address the challenges of intermittency and grid stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the adoption and maintenance of low-carbon consumption behaviors (LCBs) is a global climate action. Most prior studies have considered only the adoption of LCBs and not explored how behavioral characteristics and emotions influence individual behaviors. To address these limitations, this study builds a dual-level integrated model to detect the maintenance rate of various LCBs and identify what factors affect behavioral maintenance. Using data collected from 2052 residents in China, generalized linear mixed models are employed to examine the effects of behavioral and individual-level factors and of social interaction on the maintenance of LCBs. Robustness is checked using the instrumental variable method, least-squares dummy variable method, and Probit approach. The estimated maintenance rate for different LCBs ranges between 29.02 % and 83.49 %, while the estimated cessation rate ranges between 2.31 % and 6.58 %. Maintenance of LCBs is positively affected by context stability but negatively influenced by effort expectancy. Anticipated guilt is identified as the strongest driver (positive) of maintenance of LCBs for all tested variables, followed by symbol expectancy. However, neither behavior routinization nor anticipated pride is found to be significantly associated with behavioral maintenance. The effects of anticipated guilt, effort expectancy, and symbol expectancy on behavioral maintenance are moderated by social interaction. Regarding demographics, family size is positively associated with behavioral maintenance, while females are more likely than males to maintain LCBs. These findings address the under-studied effects of behavioral characteristics and emotions on behavioral maintenance, and provide new insights for redefining target interventions to engage the public in maintaining LCBs. [Display omitted] • Maintenance of low-carbon consumption behaviors (LCBs) is studied. • A dual-level integrated model incorporating social interaction is built. • Maintenance rate of LCBs is estimated between 29.02 % and 83.49 %. • Anticipated guilt is the strongest driver (positive) of maintenance of LCBs. • Symbol expectancy and context stability contribute to maintaining of LCBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal production faces challenges related to thermal comfort, air quality, and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions, thereby the need for more efficient and sustainable systems due to climate change. This study examines green roofs and their potential to absorb atmospheric CO 2 and reduce heat load through photosynthesis and evapotranspiration, resulting in decreased energy consumption and increased CO 2 emissions. The maximum CO 2 concentration limit in animal production facilities is 3000 ppm. Depending on the ventilation system used in broiler production facilities, the CO 2 concentration can exceed 2000 ppm. Dark House poultry facilities tend to have higher concentrations reaching up to 777 ppm. In pig farming, the nursery sector has higher concentrations of CO 2 , exceeding 1200 ppm. In dairy farming, the number of milkings, the type of ventilation system and local climatic conditions can affect the CO 2 concentration, reaching values of up to 1401 ppm. C3 plants have a CO 2 saturation point at 800 ppm and C4 plants at 200 ppm. The CO 2 balance in animal production facilities that use a green roof can be done considering the CO 2 produced and the CO 2 absorbed. Green roofs are therefore considered a sustainable solution for animal production. Its implementation enhances air quality in the facilities, supporting the reduction of environmental impacts and mitigation of climate change effects caused by the agroindustry. This investigation underscores the significance of green roofs, emphasizing their environmental, social, and economic benefits, as well as their applicability in animal production. • It is possible to estimate the CO 2 balance in animal production facilities with a green roof. • Green roof can improve air quality in animal production. • Green roof can reduce the thermal stress of the animals in the premises. • Green roof can contribute to the sustainability of animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is actively addressing environmental responsibilities by pledging a 45 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aided by a large-scale solar photovoltaic initiative. Nonetheless, the unprecedented meteorological events due to climate change such as extreme temperatures and precipitation may reduce the large-scale solar performance and lead to infrastructure damage. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a screening-level analysis from both technical and economic perspectives, in order to assess the effects of extreme temperature and precipitation on large scale solar in Malaysia. This study hypothesized that extreme temperature and precipitation reduce large scale solar performance and increase infrastructure damage. The results demonstrate that both extreme temperature and precipitation increase the power and efficiency loss over time. In general, infrastructure damages caused by extreme temperature and precipitation can result in degradation, a shortened lifespan, and ultimately a collapse. In this study, the costs of physical damage were estimated using the modified levelized cost of energy, and it was found that the cost of physical damage in extreme temperature conditions was approximately 30 % greater than the cost in extreme precipitation conditions, which was nine times greater than in normal condition. Compared to a no-adaptation scenario, it is possible to reduce the additional costs due to extreme temperature and precipitation by up to 53 % and 49 %, respectively. Enhancements, additional analysis, and validation of these findings could aid in the readiness for climate change mitigation efforts, not only for solar power systems but also for other types of energy systems. [Display omitted] • Generic screening-level analysis for assessing techno-economic impact of solar. • Extreme temperature and precipitation reduce solar performance and increase damage. • Study employs modified levelized cost of energy to estimate physical damage costs. • A proactive adaptation strategy reduced the additional cost for both scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local governments are expected now more than ever to lead climate action planning as climate change intensifies and urbanization increases rapidly. However, studies indicate limitations in the comprehensiveness and level of integration of adaptation and mitigation in existing climate action plans. To develop suitable climate action plans that are comprehensive and consistent with globally accepted standards and benchmarks, this study proposed an Urban Climate Action Planning framework and pilot-tested it with 257 urban climate action plans. Overall, 43 criteria are included in the framework across three stages of climate planning. The pilot test revealed that more than half of the sampled plans have a medium level of suitability, with 39% having a weak level of suitability. About 51% of plans from Europe have a weak level of suitability. Surprisingly, none of the plans sampled from Africa and Latin America achieved a weak level of suitability despite lacking a significant share of global climate research and development funding. A Kruskal-Wallis test shows a statistically significant association between stages of climate planning and (a) city types (p-value of 0.004326) and (b) year of adoption or publication of climate plans and suitability scores (p-value of 0.0001027). Urban climate action plans adopted or published more recently (2018–2022) are likely more suitable than those adopted or published earlier. The sampled urban climate action plans from the Global South had higher average suitability scores than those from the Global North. The study presents key findings and considerations for urban climate action planning and future research. [Display omitted] • A framework for assessing the suitability of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) is proposed. • The framework is used to pilot-test the suitability of 257 urban CAPs. • Suitability analysis is done across city types, regions, and the global divide. • Most sampled plans achieved a medium level of suitability. • The CAPs lack criteria related to implementation and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]