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Traditional theories and methods for comprehensive environmental performance evaluation are challenged by the appearance of big data because of its large quantity, high velocity, and high diversity, even though big data is defective in accuracy and stability. In this paper, we first review the literature on environmental performance evaluation, including evaluation theories, the methods of data envelopment analysis, and the technologies and applications of life cycle assessment and the ecological footprint. Then, we present the theories and technologies regarding big data and the opportunities and applications for these in related areas, followed by a discussion on problems and challenges. The latest advances in environmental management based on big data technologies are summarized. Finally, conclusions are put forward that the feasibility, reliability, and stability of existing theories and methodologies should be thoroughly validated before they can be successfully applied to evaluate environmental performance in practice and provide scientific basis and guidance to formulate environmental protection policies.

In the “Post-Kyoto” Era, climate change has become a serious worldwide concern, though the international community has not yet identified a cooperative solution that satisfies all parties. The carbon tariffs, which proposed by some developed countries to address competitiveness concerns and carbon leakage from unilateral reduction measures, may impose significant hardships on developing countries. This paper tries to design a global cooperation scheme against the carbon tariffs. A differentiated carbon taxation scheme is introduced based on the principle of ability to pay (CTAP). An advanced forecasting system named the energy version of the global trade analysis model (GTAP-E) was used to compare the different impacts of carbon tariffs and the CTAP scheme. The results show that CTAP is better than carbon tariffs in terms of global GDP, welfare, and emissions reduction. The CTAP scheme could yield less welfare deterioration for developing regions than the carbon tariffs, and also lessens the competitive concerns of developed countries. The proposed CTAP scheme provides new ideas for international cooperative strategies to address climate change.