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Mangrove wetlands contribute to climate change mitigation through efficient carbon burial, yet microbial methanogenesis offsets these climate benefits. We review the diversity of methanogenic microorganisms in mangrove sediments, present the unrecognized role of bacteria on methanogenesis, and highlight the significance of distinguishing various methanogenic pathways to assess mangrove climate benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) is an active spaceborne remote sensing system that utilizes photon-counting LiDAR to capture highly detailed information about under-vegetation terrain and forest structure over vast spatial regions. It facilitates the accurate retrieval of terrain elevation and canopy height information, critical for assessing the global carbon budget and understanding the role of forests in climate change mitigation. However, challenges arise from the characteristics of the ICESat-2 photon-counting LiDAR data, such as their linear distribution, extensive spatial coverage, and substantial residual noise. These challenges hinder the performances of the state-of-the-art methods when applied on ICESat-2 data for extracting ground or top of canopy, while they perform well on airborne LiDAR that is featured with planar distribution, small coverage, and high signal-to-noise ratio. Consequently, this study proposes a novel algorithm termed Adaptive Linear Cloth Simulation Filtering (ALCSF), for the automated extraction of ground and top-of-canopy photons from ICESat-2 signal photons. The ALCSF algorithm innovatively introduces a cloth strip model as a reference to accommodate the distribution characteristics of ICESat-2 photons. Additionally, it employs a terrain-adaptive strategy to adjust the rigidity of the cloth strip by utilizing terrain slope information, thus making ALCSF applicable to large-scale areas with significant topographical changes. Furthermore, the proposed ALCSF addresses noise interference by simultaneously considering the movability of particles of the cloth strip model and the photon distribution during iterative adjustments of the cloth strip. The performance of the ALCSF is evaluated by comparing it with the ICESat-2 Land–Vegetation Along-Track Products (ATL08) across twelve datasets that encompass various times of day and scenes. In the results, the ALCSF exhibits notable improvements over ATL08 products, effectively reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) of ground elevation by 21.8% and canopy height by 25.8%, with superior performance in preserving terrain details. This highlights the significance of ALCSF as a valuable tool for enhancing the accuracy of ICESat-2 land and vegetation products, ultimately contributing to the estimation of the global carbon budget in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential for mitigating the non-CO 2 climate impact induced by air traffic operations at the network scale. Due to the spatiotemporal dependency of non-CO 2 climate impact, aircraft trajectory planning emerges as an operational strategy to mitigate their corresponding effects. However, trajectory planning without considering the interactions between flights is inadequate when studying the actual climate impact mitigation potential. Indeed, meeting climatically oriented aerial traffic requires a holistic view of different aspects of adopting climate-optimal trajectories. In this study, we aim to assess the network-scale effects of full 4D climate-friendly aircraft trajectories. Different indicators are employed to assess air traffic safety, manageability, cost-efficiency, and the environmental impact of optimized routes. Our findings suggest that while optimized trajectories can potentially reduce climate impact, they introduce significant challenges related to air traffic safety, complexity, and demand, especially in sectors in proximity to climate hotspots. These insights highlight the need to develop an advanced mechanism enabling a safe and efficient air traffic management system with minimal climate impact. • Climate-aware flight planning can reduce the climate impact of non-CO 2 emissions. • 4D trajectory optimization is performed for individual flights. • The effects of climate-optimal trajectories on air traffic performance are assessed. • Climate-optimal routes might increase congestion and complexity, jeopardizing safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessment of the integrated drought risk, hazard, vulnerability, and response capacity associated with regional water resources. • Securement of objectivity and validity in selecting and weighting indicators by means of probability and statistical methods. • Provision of the drought risk outlook in different climate change scenarios and investigation of the influence of risk in sensitivity analyses. Due to climate change, the frequency and duration of meteorological drought have increased. In addition, local water supply capacity has not met water demand in many regions, which will eventually lead to serious water shortages. To mitigate the effects of drought on sustainable water use, it is necessary to understand how climate change affects regional water supply capacity and drought risk. To this end, this study evaluated the drought response capacity of regional water supply systems and assessed the comprehensive drought risk in terms of drought hazard, vulnerability, and response capacity. To avoid subjectivity in risk analysis, structural equation modeling was used to select primary indicators and probability and statistical methods were used to assign weights to the indicators. The changes in drought risk in different climate change scenarios were assessed using sensitivity analyses. The overall results indicate that the future drought risks in Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gangwon are 18, 12, 13, 9, and 10% higher, respectively, than the current risk level. The sensitivity analyses showed that Jinju in Gyeongsang province, which has a high drought response capacity, had the largest decreasing rate in drought risk. The quantified changes in drought risk under future climate change scenarios will be useful for identifying areas with a high drought risk and making decisions about drought mitigation under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate issue is becoming increasingly serious, and studying the energy transition (ET) has proven to be an effective solution to this problem. The essence of climate mitigation is to address the issue of ensuring the public health (pH) of human beings. Still, the definitions of ET in existing literature are inconsistent, and Many researches overlook the definitions of ET in official documents and discuss the relationship between ET and pH. Therefore, this research utilizes panel data from 107 countries over the period 2000–2020 to construct an energy transition indicator based on the definition from the World Economic Forum (WEF). It also examines the link between ET and pH using a two-way fixed effects regression. In the current turbulent international environment, this paper also investigates this link in the context of composite risk control (CRC), financial risk control (FRC), economic risk control (ERC), and political risk control (PRC). The results show that ET can significantly improve pH, a conclusion that remains significant after being subjected to a range of robustness tests. The study exploring the mechanism impact on the relationship between ET and pH shows that CRC, FRC, ERC, and PRC all strengthen the effect of ET on pH, and the mechanism effect varies considerably between high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); ET is more significantly affected by the mechanism in LMICs than in high-income countries. Furthermore, this paper illustrates that ET does not differ by gender in improving pH among infants, while there are gender differences in adults by using the instrumental variable regression and GMM regression to mitigate the endogenous and heteroscedasticity issue for heterogeneity test. The study in this paper can not only inspire policy researchers on which aspects to promote ET, but also provide a direction for improving pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel game where a decaying atmospheric quality, modeled as a stock variable determining the payoff externality, can be counteracted through individual mitigation efforts. It encompasses three characteristics of climate change as a social dilemma: (a) the continuous nature of climate degradation, (b) the constant influx of emissions resulting from human economic activities, and (c) the greater efficacy of early mitigation actions. We report findings from an experiment where, across four treatments, we manipulate the starting atmospheric quality and introduce inequality in the endowments employed to mitigate. Results indicate that subjects fail to mitigate in early periods, an individually rational strategy. We do not find differences between treatments at the aggregate level. However, participants treat their groupmates' past mitigation as a strategic substitute for their own mitigation (i.e., if others' mitigation increase, participants reduce their mitigation). This substitution is less intense if the initial atmospheric quality is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing recognition in recent years that Electrofuels (e-fuels), also known as renewable and sustainable fuels, which are produced from hydrogen and carbon dioxide as the primary feedstocks, have great potential to reduce carbon footprint and address climate change. In the present study, contrary to most previous studies in which the sources of feedstock's preparation were considered as block boxes, two stand-alone processes are taken into account and incorporated into the e-fuels production system. H 2 is obtained by a high-temperature electrolysis system having an overall efficiency nearly twice that of a low-temperature electrolysis system. CO 2 is captured from a power plant flue gas stream with a purity of 99.81%. Investigating heat integration potential in such an integrated plant is an up-to-date and interesting topic and has not yet been well explored. Therefore, a heat integration within the three individual processes is implemented to reduce energy consumption. The design of the process-to-process heat transfer section is carried out using pinch design rules. By integrating individual units, approximately 42% of the required cold utility, traditionally supplied by chilled water and refrigerants, is allocated to generate high and medium-pressure steams. Having used the high-temperature steam electrolysis for H 2 production, a process that requires less external electricity compared to low-temperature water electrolysis, a power-to-liquid efficiency of 70% is achieved. Furthermore, the results reveal a carbon conversion ratio of 98.6%, indicating the effective converting the carbon from the feedstock into liquid hydrocarbons. [Display omitted] • Heat integration between e-fuels unit and its feedstocks supplier units is done. • Shell-and-tube and plate-fin exchangers are used to design heat exchanger network. • Required cold utilities in the processes decreases by 42% by steam generation. • Power-to-liquid efficiency is improved by 70% through the integration. • Effective converting carbon from the feedstock into liquid hydrocarbons by 98.62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

High-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) is one of the few options that can make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation on a large scale, particularly when combined with a nuclear power plant (NPP). However, the relatively high cost of the produced hydrogen from HTSE technology decreases the applicability of that. Implementing a proper integration of HTSE into the nuclear power plant (NPP) with the minimum possible power loss factor (PLF) can reduce the cost of energy consumption. The major aim of this study is to develop some effective schemes for the integration of HTSE into NPP based on the minimization of PLF, which consequently can minimize the energy cost of HTSE. It is found that the minimum power loss factors for small, medium, and large-scale nuclear-HTSE plants are 38, 36 and 35%, respectively. Accordingly, the cost of the produced hydrogen varies from 4.10 to 4.168 $/kg for large to small-scale plants. In addition, it is found that the total efficiency of the cogeneration plant increases by 5% for large-scale HTSE plants. [Display omitted] • Nuclear hydrogen production can be made economic by power loss factor minimization. • Three different scenarios for nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration were defined. • A detailed simulation of nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration plant was carried out. • The best steam extraction points with minimum power loss factors were found. • Heat consumption cost in high temperature steam electrolysis was minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Accounting methods of agricultural methane are summarized. • Influencing factors of emission sources from agricultural sources were analyzed. • Mitigation strategies based on accounting and actual situation are proposed. Methane is one of the major greenhouse gases (GHGs) and agriculture is recognized as its primary emitter. Methane accounting is a prerequisite for developing effective agriculture mitigation strategies. In this review, methane accounting methods and research status for various agricultural emission source including rice fields, animal enteric fermentation and livestock and poultry manure management were overview, and the influencing factors of each emission source were analyzed and discussed. At the same time, it analyzes the different research efforts involving agricultural methane accounting and makes recommendations based on the actual situation. Finally, mitigation strategies based on accounting results and actual situation are proposed. This review aims to provide basic data and reference for agriculture-oriented countries and regions to actively participate in climate action and carry out effective methane emission mitigation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We develop a quantitative spatial equilibrium model with emissions regulation. • Counterfactual analyses of regional structural changes due to emissions regulation. • Emissions regulations impact regional GDP via regional-sectoral linkages. • Cross-regional impacts of emissions regulations have typical geographical characteristics. • Sectoral linkages widen variation in emissions regulations' impact on regional GDP. We develop and quantitatively evaluate a spatial general equilibrium model that incorporates carbon emission regulations. We study the impact of emission regulation on the economies of regions within a country under climate change mitigation goals, and how the impact of emission regulation in one region influences other regions through regional‒sectoral linkages. The model is calibrated using Chinese regional and sectoral data, and several counterfactual exercises are performed. The results indicate that undifferentiated increases in emission regulation across regions have resulted in inter-regional differences in real GDP changes; however, "equity-oriented" regionally differentiated emissions regulations reduce this imbalance. Regarding interactions between regions, negative impacts on the economy are characterized by geographical proximity, whereas positive impacts are not geographically constrained. Sectoral linkages exacerbate the negative economic impacts of emission regulations and widen regional disparities. Additionally, we demonstrate the extended application of our model through two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting green hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal discourse in the contemporary energy landscape, driven by pressing environmental concerns and the quest for sustainable energy solutions. This paper delves into the multifaceted domain of C -Suite issues about green hydrogen, encompassing both technological advancements and policy considerations. The question of whether green hydrogen is poised to become the focal point of the upcoming energy race is explored through an extensive analysis of its potential as a clean and versatile energy carrier. The transition from conventional fossil fuels to green hydrogen is considered a fundamental shift in energy paradigms, with far-reaching implications for global energy markets. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art green hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells, photocatalysts, photo electrocatalysts, and hydrogen panels. In tandem with technological advancements, the role of policy and strategy in fostering the development of green hydrogen energy assumes paramount significance. The paper elucidates the critical interplay between government policies, market dynamics, and corporate strategies in shaping the green hydrogen landscape. It delves into policy mechanisms such as subsidies, carbon pricing, and renewable energy mandates, shedding light on their potential to incentivize the production and adoption of green hydrogen. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of C -Suite issues surrounding green hydrogen, painting a comprehensive picture of the technological and policy considerations that underpin its emergence as a transformative energy source. As the global community grapples with the imperatives of climate change mitigation and the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, understanding these issues becomes imperative for executives, policymakers, and stakeholders alike. [Display omitted] • The latest advancements in photo electrocatalysts and fuel cell technologies are reviewed. • The storage and transportation within the realm of green hydrogen energy were discussed. • Policy and strategy for fostering the development of green energy are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A troubling feedback loop, where drier soil contributes to hotter climates, has been widely recognized. This study, drawing on climate model simulations, reveals that maintaining current global soil moisture levels could significantly alleviate 32.9% of land warming under low-emission scenarios. This action could also postpone reaching critical warming thresholds of 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C by at least a decade. Crucially, preserving soil moisture at current levels could prevent noticeable climate change impacts across 42% of the Earth's land, a stark deviation from projections suggesting widespread impacts before the 2060s. To combat soil drying, afforestation in mid-to-low latitude regions within the next three decades is proposed as an effective strategy to increase surface water availability. This underscores the substantial potential of nature-based solutions for managing soil moisture, benefiting both climate change mitigation and ecological enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objective is to create a mechanism that generates a valid 'sustainability' metric to enable prospective buyers to confidently identify low carbon footprint computers. The necessity is based upon the hypothesis that current product carbon footprint reports for computers are incomparable between brands. While the inconsistency of use-phase emissions has been addressed in prior associated research, supply chain emissions remain an issue. This is due to multiple scope 3 life cycle assessment methodologies being used by manufacturers that produce differing results even when applied to the same device. To test the theory and generate an alternative approach, the research analyses 244 notebook carbon footprint reports to show inconsistencies caused by five different methodologies. Based on the findings, an alternative approach to comparing supply chain impact is proposed that enables comparison between results. The new metric first generates an average scope 3 carbon footprint baseline value by device type (e.g. notebook). This is then reduced by specific values depending upon actions undertaken by manufacturers when calculating their original carbon footprint report. This includes deductions to the baseline value achieved by including high percentages of production and transport primary data, plus the availability and affordability of offerings that will extend device useful life spans to drive demand displacement. This includes warranty duration and cost plus ease of repair. The research finds that current methodologies create a range of inconsistency of +106% when used to calculate the carbon footprint of the same device and +142% when calculating similar device types. Therefore, the hypothesis of scope 3 emissions being incomparable is validated. Comparatively, the newly proposed mechanism shows a reduced range of inconsistency of 18% when demonstrated. As such, it is recommended that the new approach be applied to the latest version of the world's leading computer eco-label certification, TCO Certified version 10, in 2024. Doing so will enable organisations to confidently select low carbon footprint devices on a global scale and therefore meaningfully support the United Nations sustainable development goals of responsible consumption and production and ultimately climate action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caribbean small island developing states are becoming increasingly vulnerable to compounding disasters, prominently featuring climate-related hazards and pandemic diseases, which exacerbate existing barriers to cancer control in the region. We describe the complexities of cancer prevention and control efforts throughout the Caribbean small island developing states, including the unique challenges of people diagnosed with cancer in the region. We highlight potential solutions and strategies that concurrently address disaster adaptation and cancer control. Because Caribbean small island developing states are affected first and worst by the hazards of compounding disasters, the innovative solutions developed in the region are relevant for climate mitigation, disaster adaptation, and cancer control efforts globally. In the age of complex and cascading disaster scenarios, developing strategies to mitigate their effect on the cancer control continuum, and protecting the health and safety of people diagnosed with cancer from extreme events become increasingly urgent. The equitable development of such strategies relies on collaborative efforts among professionals whose diverse expertise from complementary fields infuses the local community perspective while focusing on implementing solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation has emerged as a major tool in climate mitigation, but plantations of non-native species can negatively affect biodiversity and ecosystem services. Planting indigenous trees in areas that were formerly forested requires an understanding of landscape history over centennial–millennial timescales derived from palaeoecology. Ancient open and mosaic ecosystems are particularly threatened by the global drive for tree planting, which is based on an assumption of degradation. Assumptions that open or mosaic landscapes are remnants of degraded forests is a type of attribution error that can be corrected through an understanding of landscape history. Cultural landscape mosaics can also have benefits in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem services when compared with closed-canopy forests. We propose that testing a null hypothesis regarding former forest cover will assist in correct landscape attribution, guiding reforestation and restoration that reflects landscape history and local context. Mitigating climate change while safeguarding biodiversity and livelihoods is a major challenge. However, rampant afforestation threatens biodiversity and livelihoods, with questionable benefits to carbon storage. The narrative of landscape degradation is often applied without considering the history of the landscape. While some landscapes are undoubtedly deforested, others existed in open or mosaic states before human intervention, or have been deliberately maintained as such. In psychology, a 'fundamental attribution error' is made when characteristics are attributed without consideration of context or circumstances. We apply this concept to landscapes, and then propose a process that avoids attribution errors by testing a null hypothesis regarding past forest extent, using palaeoecology and other long-term data, alongside ecological and stakeholder knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the influential role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in shaping climate policy in Tunisia. Tunisia is a critical front in the global green transition. Our findings highlight how improved working conditions significantly increase NGO participation in climate initiatives, underscoring the value of a supportive operating environment. Growing professionalism within NGOs is particularly influencing strategic development in areas such as the Resilience 2050 and Low Carbon Economy 2050 programs. The interplay between NGOs and government agencies emerges as a transformative factor; exclusion from policymaking processes can lead some NGOs to intensify their climate action, while collaboration with governments and access to international funding generally strengthen NGOs' commitment to broader climate agendas. We also explore the influence of resource constraints on NGOs' ability to multitask, and the link between financial stability and political engagement. Our study highlights the importance of fostering robust NGO-government partnerships that balance local insights with global perspectives for effective climate action, and points to the need for such collaborations to support Tunisia's green transition within the broader context of global climate governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the lack of research, development, and innovation funds, especially in South Atlantic countries, the Atlantic is suited to supporting a sustainable marine bioeconomy. Novel low-carbon mariculture systems can provide food security, new drugs, and climate mitigation. We suggest how to develop this sustainable marine bioeconomy across the entire Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is facing challenges to tackle the threat of climate change while reducing social inequality. Poverty eradication requires improvement in the living conditions of low-income households, which leads in turn to higher carbon footprints and may undermine the efforts of climate change mitigation. Previous studies have assessed the climate impacts of poverty eradication, but few have quantified how the additional carbon emissions of poverty eradication are shared at the subnational level in China and the impact on China's climate targets. We investigated the recent trend of carbon footprint inequality in China's provinces and estimated the climate burden of different poverty reduction schemes, measured by increased carbon emissions. The results indicate that poverty eradication will not impede the achievement of national climate targets, with an average annual household carbon footprint increase of 0.1%–1.2%. However, the carbon emissions growth in less developed provinces can be 4.0%, five times that in wealthy regions. Less developed regions suffer a greater climate burden because of poverty eradication, which may offset carbon reduction efforts. Therefore, interregional collaboration is needed to coordinate inequality reduction with investments in low-carbon trajectories in all provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel approach to track emissions using nonparametric analysis. • Population growth has a significant impact on GHG emissions. • The increase in population size significantly corresponds to higher GHG emissions. • A significant and negative impact of economic growth on GHG emissions is observed. • Forest density has a positive and significant effect on GHG emissions. The rising levels of global GHG emissions underpin climate change, hence, taking an appropriate inventory of the drivers and patterns of anthropogenic emissions remains crucial to mitigating global climate effects. However, there are conflicting views in the literature on the relationship between respective drivers and GHG emissions due to the lack of robust analysis that accommodates the interaction of all significant drivers. We use novel estimation techniques to decipher the 26-year inventory of GHG occurrences and simultaneous assessment of interactions in 50 countries stratified based on socioeconomic developments over the period 1990–2018. This study highlights different drivers of GHG emissions under broader categories such as population, economic development, forest density, and agricultural practices. Non-parametric estimations roughly confirm the magnitude of the influence of forests, agriculture, and land-use intensity on GHG emissions, ultimately tracking the most significant emission sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is devoted to the analysis of tourists' preferences for climate change (CC) mitigation policies in the Mallorca region. The stated choice experiment, used for evaluation, was designed combining a set of alternatives, characterised by carbon footprint reduction and offset policies, taking into account the existence of environmental direct benefits, but also indirect benefits that improve tourist experience or co-benefits derived from the location of policy projects. Economic welfare in form of willingness to pay (WTP) was estimated, and the alternatives were compared using compensating variation values. The study's findings validate the prevailing preference for carbon reduction policies over offsetting measures, except when the first don't have co-benefits and the latter are implemented locally. In the latter case, there is no significant difference in WTP between reducing the carbon footprint and locally offsetting it. Results not only contributes to the ongoing economic debate surrounding CC mitigation policies but also provides key information for designing mitigation schemes in diffuse emission sectors such as tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analyse FinTech (financial technology) tools and their role in achieving sustainable development. FinTech strives to improve and streamline the provision of financial services. As a modern technology, it can significantly contribute to the sustainable development and it has a capacity to foster a more inclusive and more equitable society. FinTech promotes sustainable development by ensuring green finance, reducing costs and informational inequities, promoting efficiency, appreciating the value of nature's assets, and promoting realistic sustainable lifestyles. Bibliometric analysis shows growing importance and extensive use of the financial technology in achieving SDGs, especially in SDG 13 Climate Action. Green FinTech is focused on emerging trends that are associated with protecting the environment and impacts of climate change. Green finance is supporting environmentally friendly investments and advancing low-carbon technologies, projects and businesses. In accelerating the sustainable development several FinTech tools have been recognized: robo-advisors for environmentally friendly expenditures, payment tokens to be used for peer-to-peer power associations, and blockchain technologies for environmentally conscious supply chains and financial inventiveness. FinTech advances financial inclusion, sustainable finance, and sustainable investment while harnessing innovations in technology and financial services. Governments, legislators, financial institutions, and tech firms must work together to establish a supportive climate that takes advantage of the FinTech while assuring that it is used responsibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, we are confronted with the presence of two significant transformations. The emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, social media, Industry 4.0, and Society 5.0 is significantly impacting the behavior of individuals, societies, and countries in the 21st century. The second transformation pertains to various critical issues such as climate change, desertification, food and water security, and the future of life on our planet. This paper aims to analyze the impact of emerging technologies on mitigating climate change. The central inquiry at hand is whether humanity possesses the ability to transform the ongoing digital revolution into effective climate action. Specifically, we will analyze the fundamental question. Do digital technologies and information management contribute to the problem or offer a solution? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supporters of hydrogen energy urge scaling up technology and reducing costs for competitiveness. This paper explores how hydrogen energy technologies (HET) are perceived by Australia's general population and considers the way members of the public imagine their role in the implementation of hydrogen energy now and into the future. The study combines a nationally representative survey (n = 403) and semi-structured interviews (n = 30). Results show age and gender relationships with self-reported hydrogen knowledge. Half of the participants obtained hydrogen information from televised media. Strong support was observed for renewable hydrogen, while coal (26%) and natural gas (41%) versions had less backing. Participants sought more safety-related information (41% expressed concern). Most felt uncertain about influencing hydrogen decisions and did not necessarily recognise they had agency beyond their front fence. Exploring the link between political identity and agency in energy decision-making is needed, with energy democracy a potentially productive direction. • Hydrogen's strongest appeal to Australians is its benefit for climate change mitigation. • Although widely accepted, there is limited knowledge about hydrogen in terms of how it is produced or used. • The more people know about hydrogen, the more willing they are to participate in the decision-making process. [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 paper studies the role of expectations and monetary policy in the economy's response to climate actions. We show that in a stochastic environment, without the standard assumption of the perfect rationality of agents, there is more uncertainty regarding the path and the economic impact of a climate policy, with a potential threat to the ability of central banks to maintain price stability. Market beliefs and behavioral agents increase the trade-offs inherent to the chosen mitigation tool, with a carbon tax entailing more emissions uncertainty than in a rational expectations model and a cap-and-trade scheme implying a more pronounced pressure on allowance prices and inflation. The impact on price stability is worsened by delays in the implementation of stringent climate policies, the lack of confidence in the ability of central banks to keep inflation under control, and the adoption of monetary rules tied to expectations rather than current macroeconomic conditions. Central banks can implement successful stabilization policies that reduce the uncertainty surrounding the impact of climate actions and support the greening process while remaining within their mandate. • This work investigates how expectations can shape a green transition. • Without fully rational agents impacts of climate policy are more uncertain. • Carbon taxes and cap-and-trade's drawbacks are enlarged by non-fully-rational agents. • Delayed action and low credibility in central banks cause major inflationary pressure. • A reactive monetary policy can reduce uncertainty on climate policies' impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure on reducing greenhouse gas emissions has increased since the focus on climate change mitigation has grown. As the human development index is directly related to per capita energy consumption, sustainable energy production with reduced carbon footprint is the essential pathway for cleaner environment. Over numerous existing biological processes, hydrogen production via photo fermentation and photolysis of water is considered a more sustainable and economical method of hydrogen production. While both biological modes suffer from certain limitations, such as low yields and low production rates, practical implementation is still a long way off due to these limitations. The unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs) can help increase the efficiency of the biomass to biohydrogen process in significant ways. Applications of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in photocatalytic and photo fermentative hydrogen production is discussed in this paper. This review reports a wide range of applications of nanomaterials including the details of photo fermentative microorganisms and their mechanism of action. The maximum photo fermentative bio-H 2 production was reported in the presence of SiC–Fe 3 O 4 (3.02 mol H 2 /mol acetate), Ni (41 mol H 2 /mol sugar), graphite-C 3 N 4 (64.2 mol H 2 /mol sugar) whereas photocatalytic bio-H 2 yield was highest when Pd–Ni/CdS (54 mmol/g.h), Ni-MO/g-C 3 N 4 (1785 mmol/g.h) and CuO/TiO 2 (20.3 mmol/g.h) nanoparticles were employed. To design photocatalytic systems for practical and scalable use, the future research should be focused on deeper theoretical knowledge of mechanisms of light harvesting, ± charge separation and transport, surface biochemical reactions, semiconductor–liquid interactions, and reactor dynamics. [Display omitted] • Recent developments for improving water photolysis and photo-fermentation are reviewed. • Applications of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in hydrogen production are discussed. • The working principle and mechanism of hydrogen production are discussed. • The influence of key operating factors are presented. • Scope for future research was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the microbial risks associated with Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS), a critical component in the transition towards renewable energy systems, by employing an innovative multi-reactor system (Bio-xplorer) to simulate UHS conditions in two Italian reservoirs. The microbiological risk assessment (MRA) of Reservoir A and B was evaluated by subjecting them to gas mixtures of 10 % H 2 and 90 % CH 4 , and 99 % H 2 and 1 % CO 2 , respectively. In Reservoir A, the stability of pressure and temperature, the negligible optical density, and lack of microbial metabolites suggested a low risk of microbial activation. Molecular analyses confirmed the absence of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and limited growth of hydrogenotrophic methanogens (HM). Similarly, in Reservoir B, the absence of SRB and limited occurrence of HM indicated a low microbiological risk. Overall, the present work supports the safe and efficient implementation of UHS , a promising mitigation technique for climate change, using an innovative tool for MRA. [Display omitted] • Microbial risk assessment for UHS in Italy. • Innovative HP & HT bioreactors system (Bio-xplorer) for UHS lab tests. • Novel approach for UHS Microbial risk assessment in two Italian NG reservoirs. • Reactor-based assessment of SRB, HM, AB activity by mimicking reservoirs environment. • No sensible hydrogen consumption registered for both the reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chilean Climate Change Law excludes tree monocultures as a solution to the climate crisis, offering an opportunity for resilience and climate mitigation in Latin America. The Chilean experience with mega-fires in extensive, homogeneous forest plantations provides important lessons that could inform climate policies in other countries. [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]

[Display omitted] • Comprehensive overview of the advantages for MOFs-derived catalysts is summarized, focusing on enhancive promoters of CO 2 hydrogenation. • The different reaction pathways of CO 2 hydrogenation are concluded, aiming to provide thoroughly understanding for catalysts synthesis. • Synergy effect of different metal-based MOFs catalysts is summarized, supplying outlooks of MOFs-based catalysts for catalytic applications. Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into high-value chemical products is one promising way to generate clean energy and climate change mitigation. However, reducing CO 2 is generally challenging due to its stable chemical properties and strong C=O bonds. The application of metal-based catalysts could significantly decrease the energy barrier for CO 2 hydrogenation. Recently, the catalysts derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential in catalytic applications for CO 2 hydrogenation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advantages of MOFs-derived catalysts in catalytic applications, focusing on commonly used bimetallic catalysts and their mechanistic understanding in enhancing catalytic performances. Additionally, we provide an overview of some bimetallic-based MOFs catalysts, offering convenience and insights for researchers to directly understand the potential applications of MOFs-derived catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building energy policies play a key role in reducing energy consumption in the EU building sector towards climate neutrality goals. This study conducts a comparative analysis of building regulations across EU Member States, with a focus on the building envelope efficiency. It examines thermal transmittance limits for windows, walls, floor, and roof to highlight regulatory differences and propose ways to improve harmonization. Challenges arise from the lack of a centralised data source, needing reliance on national regulations and similar studies to fill gaps and increase compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Integrating data from various sources, including national reports and scientific literature, the study clarifies the current regulatory landscape for new and existing buildings, stressing the importance of improving the efficiency of the building envelope to minimise energy losses, and includes national climate zones for comprehensive coverage of regional climates. Variability in regulations underlines the need for a higher uniformity. Suggested steps include the development of a unified climate zone system, the establishment of guidelines for each zone, and the definition of harmonized thermal transmittance limits to facilitate a consistent regulatory framework. While this study focuses primarily on thermal transmittance, it provides a basis for future research efforts to address differences in European building codes and progress towards climate neutrality. Future developments could include the analysis of additional parameters to provide a holistic view of building energy performance and regulations supporting sustainability goals in the EU. [Display omitted] • Envelope requirements are determinant to achieve climate neutrality in Europe. • High variability characterizes building energy requirements across Member States. • Climate-consistent thermal transmittance limits can increase energy savings in buildings. • Targeted guidance is required for establishing interventions on the envelope. • Harmonization of envelope requirements aid compliance with European regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the complex origins of energy poverty, focusing on economic, technological, and infrastructural aspects through the analysis of peer-reviewed articles using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). By identifying key themes such as "energy scarcity," "energy accessibility," and "sustainable energy," the study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable and accessible energy solutions. It highlights the shift towards community-led renewable energy initiatives as a critical strategy to achieve climate goals and support a low-carbon future. The research addresses the socio-economic impacts of energy poverty on household income and development, particularly in developing countries. It explores the challenges associated with solar energy in rural electrification and the dynamics of rural energy use and policy. The findings emphasize the importance of region-specific strategies and policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. By advocating for equitable energy distribution and the adoption of renewable resources, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues at play. This investigation offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to combat energy poverty and promote environmental sustainability. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how targeted strategies can alleviate energy poverty and foster sustainable development, supporting efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The study highlights the potential for community-driven initiatives to significantly impact the global energy landscape by presenting perspectives on energy policy and technology rollouts. [Display omitted] • Uses KMeans clustering and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic analysis. • Identifies key themes: scarcity, access, and sustainability. • Highlights community-led renewable energy's role. • Shows energy poverty's socio-economic impacts. • Advocates for equitable energy policies and renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) practices pave the way for the construction sector to become less material- and carbon-intensive. However, for CE quantification by climate mitigation models, one must first identify the CE practices along a product (or material) value chain. In this review, CE practices are mapped for the value chain of 6 construction materials to understand how these practices influence and can be considered in climate mitigation modelling. The main sub-categories of steel, cement, glass, clay-brick, insulation materials, and wood were used to identify which Rs are currently addressed at the lab and industrial scales: refuse, reduce, rethink, repair, reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, repurpose, recycle, and recover. The CE practices were reviewed using scientific repositories and grey literature, validated by European-wide stakeholders, and mapped across the life-cycle stages of the six materials – extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life (EoL). The mapping was limited to the manufacturing and EoL stages because materials could be identified at these stages (the extraction phase pertains to resources, and the use phase to a product, for example, buildings). All reviewed CE practices identified at the industrial scale were quantified at the European level. For example, EoL reinforcement steel is 1–11 % reused and 70–95 % recycled; manufacturing CEM I is up to 60 % reduced; remanufacturing flat glass is 26 % remanufactured while less than 5 % EoL flat glass is recycled. A major barrier to closed-loop recycling is the need for sorting and separation technologies. Open-loop recycling synergies are found at the industrial scale between, for example, flat glass and glass wool value chains. Climate mitigation models are proposed to be augmented to include these practices requiring an explicit link between building use and the other construction materials' value chain stages. • Climate mitigation needs circular economy accounting to estimate carbon emissions. • Circular economy practices mapped across construction materials' life-cycle stages. • Current CE practices include high levels of remanufacture, repurpose, and recycling. • Categorizing construction materials CE practices facilitates climate mitigation linkage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean Altiplano holds the largest lithium brine reserves in the world, which are being extracted in service of the global low-carbon economy and the desire to meet the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as clean energy and climate action. To date, little is known about the effects that lithium brine mining has on the environment or which trade-offs to SDGs are associated with the extraction. This systematic literature review brings together the effects of lithium brine mining on geodiversity and their influence on SDGs. The effects on geodiversity are found to be spread across all essential geodiversity variables and influence all SDGs, except SDG 14. The changes in geodiversity have consequences for the unique biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Andean Altiplano and consequently affect the lives of indigenous communities. Independent and quantitative research is lacking and therefore monitoring and measuring are key to understanding how the natural environment in the Andean Altiplano has been changing due to lithium brine mining practices. Unsustainable management by the mining industry can potentially cause ecosystem collapse, irreversible environmental degradation, increased inequality, conflict, and the displacement of populations when resources are misused or managed poorly. However, sustainable management has the potential to mobilise human, physical, financial, and technological resources to advance the SDGs. The results emphasise how intricately connected the extraction of lithium brine, geodiversity and the SDGs are, and can be used as a guideline for global agenda making on sustainable lithium brine extraction in the Andean Altiplano. [Display omitted] • The demand for lithium is on the rise. • Lithium brine extraction affects all variables of geodiversity. • Hydrology is affected most through depletion, pollution and changing hydrodynamics. • The effects on geodiversity affect all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) except 14. • Lithium brine mining holds the potential to both impede and advance the SDGs. [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]

Heat-related mortality has become a growing public health concern in light of climate change. However, few studies have quantified the climate-attributable health burden in Cyprus, a recognized climate change hotspot. This study aims to estimate the heat-related mortality in Cyprus for all future decades in the 21st century under moderate (SSP2-4.5) and extreme (SSP5-8.5) climate scenarios. We applied distributed lag non-linear models to estimate the baseline associations between temperature and mortality from 2004 to 2019 (data obtained from Department of Meteorology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Health Monitoring Unit of the Cyprus Ministry of Health). The relationships were then extrapolated to future daily mean temperatures derived from downscaled global climate projections from General Circulation Models. Attributable number of deaths were calculated to determine the excess heat-related health burden compared to the baseline decade of 2000–2009 in the additive scale. The analysis process was repeated for all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality and mortality among males, females, and adults younger or older than 65. We assumed a static population and demographic structure, no adaptation to hot temperatures over time, and did not evaluate potential interaction between temperature and humidity. Compared to 2000–2009, heat-related total mortality is projected to increase by 2.7% (95% empirical confidence interval: 0.6, 4.0) and 4.75% (2.2, 7.1) by the end of the century in the moderate and extreme climate scenarios, respectively. Cardiovascular disease is expected to be an important cause of heat-related death with projected increases of 3.4% (0.7, 5.1) and 6% (2.6, 9.0) by the end of the century. Reducing carbon emission to the moderate scenario can help avoid 75% of the predicted increase in all-cause heat-related mortality by the end of the century relative to the extreme scenario. Our findings suggest that climate change mitigation and sustainable adaptation strategies are crucial to reduce the anticipated heat-attributable health burden, particularly in Cyprus, where adaptation strategies such as air conditioning is nearing capacity. • Heat-related mortality could grow substantially in Cyprus by the end of the century. • Cardiovascular mortality would drive the growth in all-cause heat-related mortality. • Emission reduction is crucial in Cyprus where adaptation is near capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Simulation model for techno-economic evaluation of biological methanation is built up. • Biomethane as fuel in mobility sector is currently the best marketing option. • Provision of balancing energy offers high full load hours and reduces investment risks. • Biological methanation can already be operated economically efficient. • For economic competitiveness, environmental benefits must be better rewarded. Power-to-Methane is a key element for achieving the European climate goals (Paris Agreement) and replacing natural gas. Biological methanation offers the possibility to produce methane from CO 2 and hydrogen by methanogenic archaea. As a green carbon source, the CO 2 from biogas can be used. Green hydrogen can be produced via electrolysis with electricity from renewable sources or balancing energy, making this technology a valuable storage and balance solution for the energy grid. However, questions relating to the economic operation of methanation are increasingly coming into focus. As part of this study, a simulation model is set up through which various operating modes of biological methanation are investigated and evaluated in terms of their economic efficiency. The decisive factors are the marketing opportunities for the biomethane itself on the one hand, and the mode of operation and the associated costs/revenues on the other. The results show that currently the most viable marketing method for biomethane is to market it as a fuel in the mobility sector (51 % more revenue compared to the conventional feeding into the gas grid for electricity and heat generation). When analyzing the provision of electricity, the provision of balancing energy appears particularly promising, as high full load hours can be achieved in combination with revenues for the provision of capacity (mixed biomethane production cost of 11.93 ct/kWh). Although economically viable operation can already be reached in most of the scenarios analyzed, the investment risk still remains high. At present, the ecological benefits of methanation are not sufficiently rewarded to offset those risks. Profits from the avoided release of CO 2 can currently increase the overall revenue by around 4 % in the case of balancing energy if a participation on the European trading system would be possible. Beside a remuneration of the ecological advantages, the costs for hydrogen production must be significantly reduced for good market integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel CO 2 capture technology using three-phase gas-solid-liquid fluidization. • Process intensification of CO 2 capture through mass transfer enhancement. • Reduced capital cost for absorption unit by 40 % compared to packed bed systems. • Lower capital cost of CO 2 capture unit by 15 % compared to traditional technologies. • Reduced power production cost in a 1000 MW plant with integrated CO 2 capture. This study addresses the pressing need to mitigate anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions from energy-intensive industrial sectors to achieve climate neutrality goals. The focus of this paper is on evaluating the industrial feasibility of a novel three-phase gas-solid-liquid fluidized bed absorption column using mono-ethanol-amine for carbon capture and comparing it with conventional packed-bed technology. The findings show that the fluidized bed configuration reduces capital costs of the absorber by 40 % and of the carbon capture unit by 15 % compared to the packed-bed technology, leading to decreased electricity costs when used as additional unit for a 1000 MW power plant. The proposed mathematical model incorporates key factors such as hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and chemical reactions, accurately describing the intensified carbon dioxide absorption process. This intensified system enhances the transferred carbon dioxide flowrate between phases, increasing overall decarbonization capacity while reducing capital and operational costs, offering a promising solution for industrial carbon capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests play a crucial role in the coastal environment. A plethora of research is focusing on mangroves' role in climate mitigation through sequestering and storing CO 2. This study aims to assess the organic carbon (OC) stocks and carbon sequestration rate (CSR) of the largest stands of mangroves in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt, to evaluate their significance in climate mitigation strategies. Intensive sampling was conducted in mangrove stands of Safaga, Qulaan, and Hamata to investigate OC and sediment properties along depth intervals to 1 m deep. Additionally, OC stored in the above- and below-ground biomass was estimated using Landsat 9 OLI/TIRS satellite images. TOC content (∼0.50%) and stocks in the sediments (54.49 ± 31.71–86.00 ± 29.00 MgC/ha) were very low compared to the global average for mangrove stands, and comparable to the mangrove forest in the Middle East region. This can be attributed to the desert and semi-desert conditions, limited riverine input, and low precipitation rates. Moreover, the above-ground biomass, estimated from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, exhibited extremely low OC storage. Therefore, the sediment acted as the main pool of organic carbon in these mangrove ecosystems. The research findings revealed that mangrove stands in Egypt exhibit low CSR, ranging from 11.94 to 18.02 g C m−2 year−1. Additionally, the study determined that the stable nature of mangrove stands in Egypt makes their annual CO 2 emissions negligible. Despite local studies suggesting otherwise, it is highly unlikely that mangroves in Egypt contribute to the climate mitigation related to CO 2 sequestration. Therefore, it is important to implement restoration plans to ensure the preservation of other ecological services provided by mangroves along the Red Sea Coast. • Sediments OC stock ranged from 54.49 ± 31.71 to 86 ± 29 Mg C/ha, in 1m-cores in mangroves of Egypt. • Above- and below-ground carbon stock ranged from 0.08 to 0.45 Mg C/ha as estimated by Landsat 9 OLI/TIRS satellite. • CSR ranged from 11.97 to 18.02 g OC/m2/year. • Mangroves of Egypt showed insignificant contribution to climate mitigation related to CO 2 sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change concern can contribute to reduced car use and sustainable mobility. • Those worried about climate change were more willing to live without a car. • Relationship between climate change concern and car use differs based on type of car. • Worry about climate change was strongly related to lower use of a conventional car. • Worry about climate change was unrelated to the use of an electric car. Climate change concern has been linked to climate-friendly behavior, but little is known on whether and how it may promote sustainable mobility. This paper investigates how worry about climate change relates to attitudes and intentions towards the car as well as the actual use of conventional and electric cars in Oslo and Viken in Norway. Findings indicate a relationship between worry about climate change and reduced car use, mediated by mode preferences and willingness to live car-free. Those concerned about climate change were less likely to commute by a conventional car and used conventional cars less both on weekdays and weekends. Worry about climate change was also related to living in a denser neighborhood, preference for travel modes other than the car, and willingness to live car-free. Raising greater awareness of climate change could contribute to climate change mitigation by promoting car-reduced or car-free lifestyles and sustainable mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]