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Combined heat and power (CHP) plants fueled by biomass can collect and utilize waste straw resources in a productive way. This paper considers the impact of regional factors on biomass energy potential and the energy needs of the population, so as to study the differences in construction of biomass CHP plants and the collection scope of raw materials, and proposes evaluating suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. Taking five counties in China as its study areas, this paper assesses biomass energy potential. A topology system of biomass CHP plants has been reasonably established in different counties through ArcGIS, the required installed capacity has been calculated according to the number of persons served by such plants. Finally, the collection length and corresponding value range of raw materials of CHP plants along roads has been obtained based on biomass energy potential and energy demand. The result shows that the differences in area, straw yield and biomass fuelization rate depending on regions have a great impact on biomass energy potential, while the residue-to-product ratio of straw and biomass calorific value have less of an impact. When the biomass energy per capita of a region reaches 9.75GJ/person, it is suitable for biomass energy development. The installed capacity in the biomass CHP plant system of each study area is mostly within the scope of 3–59 MW, and the collection length of corresponding biomass resources of such plants along roads is mostly within the scope of 5.09–25.23 km. • Assessment of biomass energy potential based on regional biomass differences. • Suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. • Strategies for biomass plant system construction in different regions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High carbon emissions and population aging are two obstacles to China's development as an emerging economy. It is urgent to scientifically examine the impacts of population aging on carbon emissions to discover new pathways for urban carbon emission reduction. However, existing studies face challenges in terms of focusing on and methodology for accurately capturing the role of industrial production and energy consumption in the environmental effects of population aging. This paper constructs a chain mediation analytical framework and systematically examines the intrinsic linkages between population aging and carbon emissions in Chinese cities from 2000 to 2020 using a two-way fixed effects model. This paper has three main findings. (1) The positive correlation between urban population aging and carbon emissions development is generally low, with coupling coordination degree values of 0.4233, 0.4458, 0.4220, 0.4715, and 0.4665 for each yearly cross-section. (2) For every 1% increase in the population aging rate, carbon emissions decrease by 0.3478% on average. The carbon reduction effect of population aging is significantly greater in low-emissions cities and high-income cities than in other cities. (3) The industrial upgrading (IU) path, energy conservation (EC) path and chain mediation (CM) path account for 72.43%, 7.23% and 20.34%, respectively, of the indirect effects. If the causal link between IU and EC is not considered, the EC effect will be overestimated by 281.16%. The results of the study suggest that properly coping with population aging and reducing carbon emissions are not completely opposed to each other, a conclusion that passes both endogeneity exclusion and robustness check. This paper advocates replacing the one-size-fits-all approach in carbon emissions management and investing more in policy preferences to support carbon emission reduction in both high-emissions and low-income cities. [Display omitted] •The synergistic trends of carbon emissions and population aging are not apparent. •Population aging significantly reduces carbon emissions at the city scale. •Linkage effect of industrial upgrading and energy conservation on carbon emission reduction. •Energy conservation effect of population aging amplified by industrial upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the global effort to reduce CO 2 emissions, the concurrent enhancement of pollutant degradation and reductions in fossil fuel consumption are pivotal aspects of microalgae-mediated wastewater treatment. Clarifying the degradation mechanisms of bacteria and microalgae during pollutant treatment, as well as regulatory biolipid production, could enhance process sustainability. The synergistic and inhibitory relationships between microalgae and bacteria are introduced in this paper. The different stimulators that can regulate microalgal biolipid accumulation are also reviewed. Wastewater treatment technologies that utilize microalgae and bacteria in laboratories and open ponds are described to outline their application in treating heavy metal-containing wastewater, animal husbandry wastewater, pharmaceutical wastewater, and textile dye wastewater. Finally, the major requirements to scale up the cascade utilization of biomass and energy recovery are summarized to improve the development of biological wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The synergistic and antagonistic interactions between bacteria and microalgae are summarized. • Different stimulators that could regulate microalgal biolipid accumulation are also reviewed. • Wastewater treatment technologies that utilize microalgae and bacteria in the laboratory and open ponds are described. • The trends in microalgae-bacterial consortium in multistage energy production are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capital and energy are essential input factors in the production and operation of firms, and they are closely interconnected. Nudging firms to improve energy performance during capital investment is crucial for attaining green competitiveness. Nonetheless, little is known about how capital-biased tax incentives affect firm energy performance in the process of encouraging firms to update or expand fixed assets. To fill this critical gap, this paper leverages the 2014 and 2015 accelerated depreciation policy for fixed assets as quasi-natural experiments to investigate the impact of capital-biased tax incentives on firm energy intensity. This study uses information from a unique dataset of Chinese firms, and the staggered difference-in-difference strategy is constructed to address identification challenges. The findings of this paper are as follows: (1) The accelerated depreciation policy for fixed assets significantly increases firm energy intensity by approximately 11.2%. A series of validations reinforce the robustness of this result. (2) Restructuring energy use and the factor substitution of energy for labour are the main channels through which the accelerated depreciation policy for fixed assets increases firm energy intensity. (3) The accelerated depreciation policy for fixed assets has a more remarkable effect on the energy intensity enhancement of small-scale firms, capital-intensive firms, and firms in energy-endowed regions. These conclusions support shaping policy options moderately by coordinating tax incentives and government regulation as key factors in promoting sustainable firm development. Overall, this research provides empirical evidence regarding the micro-environmental consequences of capital-biased tax incentives and offers valuable insights for enhancing corporate energy performance. • The staggered difference-in-difference method is employed in this paper. • This paper treats the 2014 and 2015 ADPFA as quasi-natural experiments. • ADPFA significantly increases firm energy intensity by about 11.2%. • Energy restructuring and factor substitution of energy for labor are main channels. • Firm and regional heterogeneity is further considered in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As digital economy develops, its impact on green innovation and energy efficiency has become the focus of current research. To explore the impact of the current development of the digital economy on the energy industry, this paper selects the parameter of green innovation resilience, analyzes the impact mechanism of green innovation resilience on energy efficiency under the shock of digital economic development, and uses relevant data from 284 cities in China from 2011 to 2019 for empirical testing. It is found that: green innovation resilience promotes energy efficiency; low level of green innovation resilience inhibits the improvement of energy efficiency, while high level of resilience promotes energy efficiency; the initial stage of digital economic development generates resource grabbing and the effect of technological constraints, which weakens the role of green innovation resilience in promoting energy efficiency. The results indicate that the resilience of the green innovation system should be strengthened in order to fully tap the potential for promoting energy efficiency; the policy orientation of "digital greening—energy efficient" should be pursued in the development of digital economy; the rational allocation of resources and the implementation of green standards should be strengthened in the process of digital economic development; and the constraints on energy efficiency improvement in the early stage of digital economic development should be broken through by accelerating the digitalization process. • Green innovation resilience can promote energy efficiency. • Early digital economy development can lead to resource grabbing and technology constraints effects. • Pursuing the policy orientation of "digital greening—energy efficient". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is currently facing urgent climate and environmental issues, such as global warming, ecosystem collapse, and energy shortages. In this context, this study selected data from 2000 to 2021 and employed the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) to thoroughly investigate the impact of renewable energy consumption, economic complexity, and geopolitical risks on the ecological footprint of the Group of Twenty (G20) countries. The results indicate that in countries with lower quantiles, renewable energy consumption significantly reduces the ecological footprint, whereas its effect is not prominent in countries with higher quantiles. Economic complexity has a negative impact on the ecological footprint, and this impact becomes stronger as the quantile of the ecological footprint rises. Additionally, economic complexity moderates the effect of renewable energy on the ecological footprint. Geopolitical risks facilitate the growth of the ecological footprint. Likewise, robustness tests such as DOLS, FMOLS, and quantile regression confirm these estimates in the same framework. This study has conducted a profound analysis of global environmental issues, offering innovative perspectives and recommendations for achieving goals related to sustainable energy utilization, mitigating climate change, and improving the ecological environment. The findings of this research will guide policymakers in G20 countries to adopt more effective environmental protection measures, thereby contributing to the construction of a sustainable future. • This paper investigates the factors influencing the ecological footprint of G20 countries. • The study utilized a novel Method of Moment Quantile Regression to explore nexus among the study variables. • Renewable energy consumption has no significant effect on the ecological footprint in higher quantiles. • Economic complexity moderates the effect of renewable energy on the ecological footprint. • Geopolitical risks exhibit a unidirectional causality with the ecological footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, where economic development and environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly important aspects of national strategy, attention to the impact of different economic sectors on climate change is becoming an integral part of scientific research. This article focuses on analyzing the impact of primary and secondary economic sectors development on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions at the sub-national level in Russia from 2005 to 2019. The aim of the study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationships between the dynamics of these sectors and CO 2 emission levels in different regions of the country. Weighted regression and panel data methods were applied to better identify the patterns of the impact. The results show that the size of population and electricity consumption have the highest impact on CO 2 emissions. So that, the expansion of nuclear and gas generation capacity, as well as significant improvement of energy efficiency, are of crucial importance to reduce the emissions. Other sectors have a heterogeneous impact and requires more differential approaches, considering the specifics of regions. Taking into account the significant differences between the Russian constituent entities, this paper emphasizes the low informativeness of assessments at the national level and their inadequacy in terms of improving the efficiency of domestic management, including decarbonization policies. • The impact of considered economic sectors on CO 2 emissions were analyzed in 80 Russian constituent entities in 2005–2019. • Weighted regression and panel data methods were used to catch the specifics of Federal districts and constituent entities. • Population size and electricity consumption have the highest impact on CO 2 emissions. • Increasing energy efficiency and modernization of energy facilities are the most promising solutions to reduce the emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constructs a carbon quota allocation index that takes into account equity, efficiency and ecological construction, and calculates carbon emissions and energy consumption data in important periods based on the expected carbon emission targets and economic and social development indicators of the Chinese government. Based on the calculated carbon emissions, the zero-sum game data Envelopment model (ZSG-DEA) is used to discuss the initial allocation of regional quotas and the optimal carbon quota scheme. The results show that:(1) there is a large gap between the optimal carbon quota and the initial carbon quota allocation in Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu and other provinces in 2025, and the implementation of emission reduction measures should be accelerated. (2) By 2030, the final allocation of Beijing, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Shanghai, Ningxia, Liaoning and Xinjiang will be positive. The provinces with negative final allocation should carry out the work of carbon peak as soon as possible to avoid increasing the pressure of emission reduction in the future. (3) The central region faces greater pressure of emission reduction, while the western region can accept the transfer of carbon emissions from other regions over time. The research conclusions have important policy implications for establishing a fair and effective carbon quota allocation mechanism, achieving the national total carbon emission control target, stimulating the vitality of the unified carbon market, and promoting regional coordinated emission reduction. • There exist differences in carbon quota allocation among provinces in the future. • There are changes in the initial and optimal carbon quotas obtained by each province. • The role of carbon emissions between regions is changing over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) plays a crucial role in global energy transformation, and a thorough study of the potential impact of RE on regional carbon emissions is of great significance. This is particularly relevant to China, which needs to clarify its path to carbon reduction. Using the sample data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, this paper uses the Granger causality test to verify the causal relationship between carbon emission intensity (CEI) and other factors. It builds a mediation effect model on this basis to explore the direct impact effect and indirect transmission path of renewable energy utilization (REU) on CEI. The results show that REU has a one-way causal relationship with CEI. REU can directly and indirectly reduce CEI by improving social wealth and changing the direction of energy investment. In addition, REU indirectly increases CEI through the transmission paths of investment in the energy industry - social affluence and industrial level-social affluence. The CEI is indirectly reduced through the conduction paths of (social affluence-Urbanization rate), (Investment in the energy industry-Urbanization rate), (Industrial level-Urbanization rate), and (Industrial level-Investment in the energy industry). These conclusions will assist policymakers in exploring targeted pathways for low-carbon power development, providing a reference for strategic and sustainable carbon reduction policies. [Display omitted] • Enrich the view of renewable energy's indirect impact on carbon emissions. • Renewable energy's carbon emission reductions go beyond replacing fossil fuels. • Constructed a mediating effect model between renewable energy and carbon emissions. • Renewable energy can promote or inhibit carbon emissions through various pathways. • Research helps develop more effective renewable energy sustainability strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high material density, high energy consumption density and CO 2 emission density, it is not only difficult but significant to clarify the relationship between energy consumption, the CO 2 emission and the production cost in different conditions. However, the previous researches rarely refer how to balance the energy consumption, the CO 2 emission and the production cost after the fluctuation of material, energy and carbon price as well as what will happen to them if production structure changes. Therefore, based on the conservation law of mass and energy, to study iron and steel manufacturing process (ISMP), this paper, taking carbon price into consideration, establishes a muti-optimization model of energy consumption, CO 2 emission and cost. After optimization with different objectives, the production cost per tonne of crude steel is reduced by 192.03 CNY (7.71%), the CO 2 emission per tonne of crude steel is reduced by 224.22 kg (13.37%), and the energy consumption per tonne of steel is reduced by 51.20 kgce (9.10%). Moreover, based on the optimization results under different objectives, it is ironmaking process (coal ratio and ore ratio) and steelmaking process (amount of scrap steel) that has more impact on three above as well as ore blending and coal blending have a great influence on production cost but little effect on energy consumption and CO 2 emission. • The muti-objective optimization model of iron and steel industry is established. • The carbon price is considered during model establishment and analyzing. • The objective with energy consumption, CO 2 emissions and cost are optimized. • The factors affecting cost, energy consumption and CO 2 emission are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, there has been an increase in energy demand and waste production, due to the rising population of the world. One good approach for satisfying the energy demand and overcoming the waste management issues is to convert waste to energy. Additionally, using waste biomass as the feedstock of waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion methods makes them renewable and green and also helps the environmental challenges and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Gasification is a thermochemical WtE route, which can produce hydrogen-rich gaseous biofuel called synthetic gas (syngas), from wastes. In this paper, different aspects of gasification process are reviewed with greater focus on catalyst usage. Syngas processing steps, which increase the quality and H 2 content of the syngas to form bio-hydrogen, are discussed. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is one of the most promising techniques of renewable energy production due to their environmental cleanness characteristics and high efficiencies. Thus, one of the best ways to exploit the energy content of the bio-hydrogen product of gasification is to employ it in a SOFC. Therefore, waste biomass gasification process can be integrated with SOFCs to build high efficiency systems for production of clean and renewable energy from waste, which are called integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) systems. These systems provide the opportunity of further upgrading of syngas inside the SOFC. In this paper, we are going to briefly discuss fuel cell technology (especially SOFCs) and review SOFC applications from the aspect of integration with gasification process (IGFC system). Finally, the impacts and issues of gasification process and SOFC technology are considered. • Different concepts related to waste and waste management are discussed. • Waste-to-Energy conversion methods, are presented. • Gasification process is discussed in detail with focus on its catalyst usage. • Syngas processing for bio-hydrogen production is considered. • Integrated gasification solid oxide fuel cells are considered as an efficient system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remanufactured mechanical products with high-added value are generally claimed to gain environmental benefits. These claims were made based on different products and assessment methodologies. The variability of life cycle assessment (LCA) results precludes a meaningful comparison across products and studies. This paper aims to critically and systematically evaluate the lifecycle environmental performance of remanufactured products compared with their new counterparts and to identify the key factors, strengths, and limitations in the assessment procedure. Faced with the noteworthy variations, we closely examined and harmonized the unit function, allocation approach, system boundary, impact assessment method, and the underlying assumptions in screened 20 papers regarding 11 types of products. The environmental indicators adopted in this study were global warming potential (GWP) and primary energy consumption (PEC). In terms of these two indicators, the environmental burdens of remanufactured products relative to newly manufactured alternatives were harmonized to the comparison ratios. With these harmonized samples, descriptive statistics were calculated using Monte Carlo Simulation to disclose the variations of comparison results and identify the general tendency. Results of this meta-study showed that remanufacturing could contribute to over 50% reduction for GWP when usage and end-of-life stages were excluded from the life cycle. The GWP and PEC of remanufactured mechanical products account for 28.5% and 25.9% of the new counterparts, respectively, on average. This meta-analysis of comparative LCAs on new and remanufactured products would advance the understanding of the environmental advantages of remanufacturing. • Meta analysis was performed on the comparison of new and remanufactured products. • Variation in the calculations of life cycle impact was harmonized. • Remanufactured products cause over 50% reduction in Global Warming Potential. • The key factors and limitations in the screened papers were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular Economy Model (CEM) holds the promise to provide an economic benefit while not compromising environmental balance, growth, and competitiveness. The paper presents the proposal of Circular Economy Competitiveness Index (CECI) which measure the development of CEM implementation on country level in areas of social behaviours, business operations, resource management, and innovativeness. CECI combines a catastrophe progression method based on catastrophe theory and principial component analysis into composite index. The paper presents analysis of CECI state and dynamics in EU countries. The model supported with Eurostat data allow to classify the EU countries into four groups based on CEMI dynamic as well as analyse EU traditional regions' competitiveness in context of CE implementation. Additionally, correlation to Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) has been analysed. The paper presents a quantitative reference for evaluating CE competitiveness and offers relevant implications for EU countries' policymakers in relation to the factors determining that competitiveness. • The paper explores impact of Circular Economy implementation on countries' competitiveness. • Circular Economy Competitiveness Index (CECI) based on catastrophe progression method is proposed. • UK, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands are leading EU countries according to CECI, because they balanced energy and material consumption. • CECI can be useful indicator for government to stimulate economy transformation while not losing competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting Chongqing's promotion to a province-level municipality, this paper investigates the causal effect of political hierarchy on corporate SO 2 emissions using a spatial regression discontinuity (RD) design. In 1997, the prefecture-level Chongqing was promoted to a province-level municipality, obtaining a substantial increase in decision-making power over fiscal, personnel and administrative affairs. Given the fact that the areas around the Chongqing-Sichuan border shared the same social, economic, and geographical conditions prior to the treatment, the novel findings show that political hierarchy negatively affects corporate SO 2 emissions and Chongqing's enterprises adjacent to the border have a 26% (1-e−0.301) reduction of SO 2 emissions comparatively. The effects are robust enough using alternative model specifications and bandwidths. Besides, this paper provides empirical evidence that enterprises of Chongqing have resource-receiving and external-financing advantages owing to its higher political status. These interwoven advantages help enterprises in Chongqing exhibit better financial performance and enable them to conduct energy substitution, improve energy efficiency and adopt more end-of-pipe treatment, thereby mitigating SO 2 emissions. Based on these findings, this study provides policy implications by shedding light on the effects of political hierarchy on corporate pollution emissions. • Political hierarchy can shape pollution geography. • Different positions in the political hierarchy lead to disparities in resource-receiving and external financing for firms. • Political hierarchy has negative impacts on corporate SO 2 emissions. • The influencing channels include clean energy substitution, improved energy efficiency and end-of-pipe treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocoagulation (ECoag) technique has shown considerable potential as an effective method in separating different types of pollutants (including inorganic pollutants) from various sources of water at a lower cost, and that is environmentally friendly. The EC method's performance depends on several significant parameters, including current density, reactor geometry, pH, operation time, the gap between electrodes, and agitation speed. There are some challenges related to the ECoag technique, for example, energy consumption, and electrode passivation as well as its implementation at a larger scale. This review highlights the recent studies published about ECoag capacity to remove inorganic pollutants (including salts), the emerging reactors, and the effect of reactor geometry designs. In addition, this paper highlights the integration of the ECoag technique with other advanced technologies such as microwave and ultrasonic to achieve higher removal efficiencies. This paper also presents a critical discussion of the major and minor reactions of the electrocoagulation technique with several significant operational parameters, emerging designs of the ECoag cell, operating conditions, and techno-economic analysis. Our review concluded that optimizing the operating parameters significantly enhanced the efficiency of the ECoag technique and reduced overall operating costs. Electrodes geometry has been recommended to minimize the passivation phenomenon, promote the conductivity of the cell, and reduce energy consumption. In this review, several challenges and gaps were identified, and insights for future development were discussed. We recommend that future studies investigate the effect of other emerging parameters like perforated and ball electrodes on the ECoag technique. [Display omitted] • Several applications of ECoag technique for inorganic removal were reviewed. • ECoag mechanisms, emerging application, and sludge production were discussed. • Emerging designs for ECoag technique were compared. • The effects of reactor design on efficiency and cost were assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying key drivers of manufacturing CO 2 emissions is critical to carbon reduction practices. For manufacturing, CO 2 emissions are mainly determined by production capacity and production scale. However, traditional production-theoretical decomposition analysis (PDA) fails to consider production-scale-related drivers. To better support policy development and implementation, this paper improves PDA based on industrial linkage theory. The improved model can identify seven production-capacity-related drivers and five production-scale-related drivers, allowing a comprehensive understanding of CO 2 emission drivers. Then this model is implemented to investigate CO 2 emission changes in 18 manufacturing sectors in Hubei Province, China, from 2012 to 2017. Results show that manufacturing CO 2 reduction efforts in Hubei Province have yielded some achievements, with reduced potential energy intensity and improved CO 2 emission technical efficiency in most sectors. Changes in external market demand and final demand structure have contributed to CO 2 reduction in most sectors. Results also reveal some problems in manufacturing in Hubei Province, such as the inability to improve CO 2 emission technical efficiency and CO 2 emission technology strength, the slow improvement of energy utilization technical efficiency and energy utilization technology strength, and the reduction of value-added rate. • A new decomposition analysis model is built to decompose CO 2 emission changes. • The new model integrates industrial linkage theory into PDA. • Seven of twelve drivers relate to production capacity and five to production scale. • CO 2 emission changes in 18 manufacturing sectors in Hubei Province are decomposed. • Several important implications for manufacturing CO 2 reduction are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable development, local governments are under enormous pressure to simultaneously achieve the three assessment tasks (TATs) of energy saving, CO₂ reduction, and pollution reduction. However, the TATs are often managed by different authorities and have three types of measures (TTMs) that correspond to them. The lack of adequate cooperation between these authorities has led to the inefficient investment of policy resources and even to policy conflicts, and the interactions among the TTMs are not yet known. To this end, this paper uses the MCEE model to assess the interactions among the TTMs quantitatively using Guangzhou, China, as a case study. The results showed the following. (1) According to the current development trend, if the authorities managing the TATs continue to work alone, they will not be able to fulfill the corresponding assessment tasks in the future. (2) The TTMs have interactions with each other, and their synergies are far greater than their trade-offs. From 2015 to 2035, it is expected that energy-saving measures can accomplish 54.39% of the CO₂ reduction tasks and 32.74% of the pollution reduction tasks indirectly, and low-carbon measures can accomplish 55.53% of the energy saving tasks and 27.20% of the pollution reduction tasks indirectly, However, environmental-protection measures will cause fewer trade-offs (energy demand and CO 2 emissions increase by 3.76% and 2.88%, respectively). (3) In some years, the contribution of interactions among the TTMs are even higher than their direct contribution to the TATs. Our findings suggest that intensive cooperation between authorities is necessary, and that the benefits of such cooperation will outweigh the disadvantages. • An integrated energy-economic-environmental assessment model for multiple indicators is established. • An index evaluation method for multiple synergies and trade-offs is established. • It reveals three types of measures do have interactions and their synergies are far greater than the trade-offs. • Intensive cooperation among authorities is necessary and the benefits of such cooperation will outweigh the disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, aviation was responsible for 2.6% of world CO 2 emissions as well as additional climate impacts such as contrails. Like all industrial sectors, the aviation sector must implement measures to reduce its climate impact. This paper focuses on the simulation and evaluation of climate scenarios for air transport. For this purpose, a specific tool (CAST for "Climate and Aviation - Sustainable Trajectories") has been developed at ISAE-SUPAERO. This tool follows a methodology for the assessment of climate impacts adapted to aviation. Firstly, models for the main levers of action, such as air traffic, aircraft energy consumption and energy decarbonization, are provided using trend projections from historical data or assumptions from the literature. Second, the evaluation of scenarios is based on aviation carbon budgets, which are also extended to non- CO 2 effects using the concept of GWP*. Several scenario analyses are performed in this paper using CAST allowing different conclusions to be drawn. For instance, the modelling of the scenarios based on the more recent ATAG (Air Transport Action Group) commitments shows that aviation would consume 6.5% of the world carbon budget for +1.5 °C. Some illustrative scenarios are also proposed. By allocating 2.6% of the world carbon budget to aviation, it is shown that air transport is compatible with a +2 °C trajectory when the annual growth rate of air traffic varies between −1.8% and +2.9%, depending on the technological improvements considered. However, using the same methodology for a +1.5 °C trajectory shows that a drastic decrease in air traffic is necessary. Lastly, analyses including non- CO 2 effects emphasize the importance of implementing specific strategies for mitigating contrails. • Development of the open-access tool CAST to simulate aviation climate trajectories. • Modelling of different levers of action to decarbonise aviation. • Use of carbon budgets to assess the sustainability of scenarios. • Analysis of industrial scenarios with regard to the Paris Agreement. • Investigation of sustainable scenarios for different technological forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutrality is an important environmental management tool to deal with the global greenhouse effect. Addressing climate change is an important starting point for promoting the high-quality development of China's economy and the construction of ecological civilization, as well as an important area for participating in global governance and adhering to multilateralism. In this paper, from the perspective of carbon neutrality, taking China's Jiangsu Province as an example, the super-efficiency DEA model is selected to measure the level of ecological efficiency in Jiangsu, and on this basis, the Tobit model is used to verify the main factors affecting regional ecological efficiency. The results are as follows: (1) The regional eco-efficiency in Jiangsu shows a trend of decreasing from south to north, with obvious phenomenon of "club convergence", with significant spatial correlation and agglomeration. (2) The industrial structure is negatively related to the regional eco-efficiency of Jiangsu regions; Energy consumption structure has a positively impact in southern Jiangsu,but negatively in central and northern Jiangsu; FDI has a positively impact in central and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in southern Jiangsu; Regional economic development has a positively impact in southern and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in central Jiangsu; The progress in the technological level has positive effects on the eco-efficiency of all regions of Jiangsu. The final paper puts forward some suggestions based on the carbon neutral target Provide theoretical reference for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. • Construct an regional ecological efficiency evaluation index system. • Use super-DEAmethod to measure ecological efficiency level. • Study from the perspective of carbon neutrality. • Propose a reference for achieving carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Paris Climate Conference (COP21), many countries start progressing towards carbon neutrality targets. In doing so, green technology innovations (GTIs) and clean energy are the essential factors that can help to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. Therefore, this paper examines the linkages between green technology innovation and renewable energy and carbon dioxide emissions based on the STIRPAT model in Turkey during the time of 1990–2018. The study used testing like "unit-root" to verify the variables' integrative properties containing the information for structural breaks. Also, the bootstrapping ARDL-bound testing technique is used to analyze the relationship between the variables. The causal relationship between green technology innovation, energy consumption, renewable energy, population, income per capita, and carbon dioxide emissions is tested through a Granger causality test. The empirical findings show that green technology innovation, renewable energy, energy consumption, population, income per capita, and carbon dioxide emissions are co-integrated for the long-term association. Additionally, green technology innovation and renewable energy decline carbon dioxide emissions, whereas energy consumption, population, and per capita enhance carbon emissions. This paper helps the policymakers design a comprehensive policy for strengthening environmental sustainability through green technology innovation and renewable energy, specifically in the region of Turkey. • Examine the impact of GTIs and renewable energy on CO 2 emissions in Turkey. • We employed bootstrapping ARDL-bound testing technique. • GTIs and renewable energy are lowering CO 2 emissions. • Non-renewable energy consumption boosts CO2 emissions. • Population and personal income are also determinantal to carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to sustainable energy requires an assessment of drivers of the use of clean and dirty fuels for cooking. Literature highlights the importance of access to clean fuel for switching from dirty fuels to clean fuels. Though access to cleaner fuels, such as electricity promotes clean fuel use, it does not necessarily lead to a complete transition to the use of clean fuels. Households continue using traditional fuels in addition to the clean fuels. The main objective of this paper is to explain the choice of dirty cooking fuels even when access to electricity is provided. We use nationally representative household survey data to study the household energy use decisions in three middle-income countries, namely, India, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The study discusses the role of access to natural gas, free fuel, convenience or multi-use of fuels featured by the heating system installed, built-in environment, and other socio-economic factors in household fuel choice for cooking. The results show that access to natural gas increases the likelihood of opting for clean fuel, while the availability of free fuel in rural areas and the coal-based heating system promote the use of solid fuels. • Households continue using traditional fuels in addition to modern fuels;. • This paper explains the choice of solid cooking fuels;. • Access to natural gas increases the likelihood of opting for natural gas;. • The availability of free fuel in rural areas and the coal-based heating system promotes solid fuels.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the ability of environmental regulations to achieve an innovation-offset effect by increasing clean energy use is required. This study aims to verify this by analysing the impact of market-incentive environmental regulation on enterprises' clean energy consumption. Using China's sulfur dioxide (SO 2) emission trading system (ETS) for 2007 as a quasi-natural experiment, the difference-in-differences model and data obtained from the Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database and Chinese Industrial Enterprises Pollution Database were used to determine whether an ETS affects enterprises' clean energy consumption. The results show that an ETS encourages enterprises to utilise clean energy and has a significantly positive impact on enterprises' clean energy consumption. Moreover, this study finds that an ETS promotes clean energy consumption by improving the production of enterprises. This study verifies the rationality of China's SO 2 ETS design. • This paper is the first to examine the impact of emission trading system (ETS) on enterprises' clean energy consumption. • We adopt the difference-in-differences model in the empirical section. • The ETS increases enterprise's clean energy consumption. • The improvement of enterprises' production structure is an important mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the panel data of 20 countries in EU during the period of 2007–2019, this paper study the effect of energy market integration (EMI) on renewable energy development (RED). We develop a general equilibrium model to explain how EMI affect the RED and the role of different mechanisms. The empirical results reports that the European EMI increased both the consumption and power generation of renewable energy, which proves a significant positive effect of EMI on the RED. In line with our expectations of theoretical model, our estimates show that the increase of renewable energy consumption is mainly due to the fossil energy cost increased, technology advancement and regional environmental regulation strengthening. And the fossil energy cost is the main driven force which plays a completely mediating role between EMI and RED. Furthermore, we also observe a negative effect of FDI and industry structure on RED. • We establish a general equilibrium model to explain how EMI affect the RED and the role of different mechanisms. • The European EMI increased both the consumption and power generation of renewable energy. • The increase of renewable energy consumption is mainly due to the fossil energy price increased and technology advancement. • A negative effect of FDI and industry structure on RED is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protecting our environment while maintaining economic growth, requires a delicate balance among interlinked sustainable development policies. In this paper, we examine China's economic industries, including a high-resolution of the country's electricity sector during 2020–2030, using a multi-objective optimization model based on Input-Output analysis. This model, investigates the synergy and trade-offs of sustainable development goals in maximizing employment and GDP while minimizing energy and water consumption, CO 2 emissions, and five major pollutants to advance a sustainable industrial structure adjustment pathway for China. Our results reveal that there exists both synergies and trade-offs among multiple objectives, e.g., synergy among goals of minimizing air pollutant emissions and trade-offs between minimizing energy consumption and maximizing employment. Through the planned industrial restructuring period (2020–2030), the GDP, employment, carbon emission, and energy consumption will increase respectively by, 96.1%, 7.2%, 16.8%, 16.8%, and 6.3%, while pollutant emissions would decrease. Moreover, our research indicates that energy and water conservation should be prioritized in industrial structure adjustment strategies and policies. Our model demonstrates how the synergies and trade-offs among multiple policy targets can empower policy-makers, especially in developing nations, to make more informed and optimized industrial structure adjustment policies for sustainable development. • A multi-objective optimization model based on the Input-Output model is proposed. • Synergies and trade-offs among policy targets are examined. • The structural adjustment of economic sectors with fine-resolution power sectors is investigated. • The compromise solution and the most recommended policy priority are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of per capita income, trade openness, energy consumption, and financial development on the ASEAN region's environmental degradation. We obtained data from the World Development Indicators (WDI) during the years 2001–2020 to test our research model. For analysis, we applied panel data techniques such as pooled least squares, fixed effects, generalized least squares (GLS), and two stages least squares (2SLS). We also conducted the causality analysis to determine the direction of the relationship among the models' variables. Our models' results show the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in the ASEAN region as per capita income and its square term possess positive and negative coefficients. The results also show the presence of an N-shaped EKC in ASEAN region a deviation from the conventional literature. Moreover, the results illustrate that increasing energy consumption, trade openness, and financial development positively contribute to environmental degradation in ASEAN economies. The causality analysis shows a two-way causality between trade openness and financial development, and environmental degradation and trade openness. We observed oneway causality, running a) from energy consumption and per capita income towards financial development, b) from per capita income towards trade openness, and c) from financial development towards environmental degradation. The study's results contribute to the environmental degradation literature and provide a better understanding of environmental degradation for policymakers in ASEAN economies. • Energy consumption and financial development are the main driving forces behind environmental degradation in ASEAN Region. • Trade openness has improved the environmental quality in ASEAN Region. • The EKC hypothesis is valid in ASEAN Region. • The shape of the EKC hypothesis is N-Shaped in ASEAN Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism between financial agglomeration and environmental pollution is an important concern for both academia and policymaking. The main objective of this paper is to study the nonlinear impacts of financial agglomeration on environmental pollution. A theoretical framework was first constructed based on the scale effect, structure effect, and technology innovation effect of financial agglomeration and a Copeland-Taylor endogenous growth model. Using the panel data of 281 Chinese prefectural-level cities from 2003 to 2019, a panel threshold regression model was introduced to estimate the nonlinear association between financial agglomeration and environmental pollution. Industrial smoke (dust) emissions and industrial wastewater discharge were adopted to quantify current environmental pollution in China. The results show that financial agglomeration had a significant effect on improving the environment characterized by gradient thresholds; also notable is that 68.64% of the cities crossed the threshold value, entering the decelerating phase of financial agglomeration inhibiting environmental pollution. Both upgrading industrial structure and enhancing marketization could reduce environmental pollution, whereas increasing human capital, environmental regulation, and energy consumption had a deteriorating effect. The three channels for financial agglomeration to reduce environmental pollution were revealed to be financial scale, financial structure, and financial technology innovation. Our findings provide strong evidence for policymaking in sustainable development. [Display omitted] • Financial agglomeration (FA) is a crucial way to improve environment pollution (EP). • We built the theoretical framework of FA and EP based on the Copeland-Taylor model. • We tested the nonlinear impacts of FA on EP using the panel threshold model. • We revealed the transmission mechanism between FA and EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has called for clean and effective energy substitution for cooking in rural areas. This paper assesses the environmental and economic impacts of various types of cooking fuels and stoves. According to the assessment results, the environmental impacts are highly influenced by the types of fuels and the efficiency of stoves used for cooking. Using biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas for cooking instead of solid fuels can significantly reduce environmental emissions. To provide 1 megajoule (MJ) of useful cooking heat, the environmental costs of lump coal, honeycomb briquettes, and straw are the largest, estimated to be 80.4 yuan/MJ, 73.1 yuan/MJ, and 71.4 yuan/MJ, respectively. In addition, the economic assessment results show that the most expensive source of cooking fuel is LPG, with an average annual cost of 1700 yuan, while the cost of straw and firewood is the cheapest, at less than 100 yuan. The average annual cost of electricity is higher than that of natural gas. Regarding the substitution effects, using natural gas for cooking is better than using electricity. The environmental benefit of electricity substitution is only 10%–20% of natural gas substitution, and the corresponding increasing cost for residents is 1.5 times that of natural gas substitution. • The comprehensive impact of various types fuels of and stoves are assessed. • The environmental assessment of cooking energy varies significantly. • The annual cost of the gas cooker using LPG is the highest. • The substitution effect of natural gas for cooking is better than using electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever-growing demands for energy, the unsustainability of fossil fuel due to its scarcity and massive impact on global economies and the environment, have encouraged the research on alternative power sources to work upon for the governments, companies, and scientists across the world. Enzymatic biofuel cells (eBFCs) is one category of fuel cell that can harvest energy from biological moieties and has the future to be used as an alternative source of energy. The aim of this review is to summarize the background and state-of-the-art in the field of eBFCs. This review article will be very beneficial for a wide audience including students and new researchers in the field. A part of the paper summarized the challenges in the preparation of anode and cathode and the involvement of nanomaterials and conducting polymers to construct the effective bioelectrodes. It will provide an insight for the researchers working in this challenging field. Furthermore, various applications of eBFCs in implantable power devices, tiny electronic gadgets, and self powered biosensors are reported. This review article explains the development in the area of eBFCs for several years from its origin to growth systematically. It reveals the strategies that have been taken for the improvements required for the better electrochemical performance and operational stability of eBFCs. It also mentions the challenges in this field that will require proper attention so that the eBFCs can be utilized commercially in the future. The review article is written and structurized in a way so that it can provide a decent background of eBFCs to its reader. It will definitely help in enhancing the interest of reader in eBFCs. [Display omitted] • A general introduction along with the background and advances in the field of eBFCs are explained. • The challenges in the preparation of anode and cathode for the employment in eBFCs are mentioned. • Enzyme immobilization and stabilization at surface of electrode via Physical adsorption, Covalent binding, Entrapment, and Cross-linking are reported with example with their advantages and disadvantages. • Bioelectrode preparation from nanomaterials and conducting polymers are explained. • Summarized the current improvement in eBFCs along with their potential applications in implantable biomedical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, all countries have producing different levels of carbon emissions and also facing both the problems of climate change and global warming due high carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to cutting carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This is only possible by switching to cleaner fuels, use of innovation technologies and development of carbon capture storages. These can substantially help the nations to reaching carbon neutrality. Given this background, t his paper examines the effect of disaggregated energy consumption, technological innovations, capital on economic output and CO 2 emissions in India for the period of 1990–2018. Based on empirical analysis, our long-run elasticities indicate that disaggregated energy consumption and technological innovations have a positive impact on economic growth, while renewable energy consumption and technological innovations have a positive impact on CO 2 emissions. It implies that more use of energy consumption producing significant amount of CO 2 emissions and by using renewable energy consumption and technological innovations (i.e. carbon capture storages) can significantly lowering CO 2 emissions, which is clearly indicating that India has moving towards carbon neutrality. The causality analysis further indicates a unidirectional causal relationship running from disaggregated energy usage to economic growth and carbon emissions. These empirical findings suggest that the increased consumption of renewable power does not lead to rise carbon emissions, which, in turn, ensures sustainable economic growth. • Examines the disaggregated energy consumption, technological innovations, capital on economic output and CO 2 emissions. • Time series data from 1990 to 2018 was used to analyze the empirical results. • Disaggregated energy consumption and technological innovations have a positive impact on economic growth. • Renewable energy consumption and technological innovations have a positive impact on CO 2 emissions. • Suggest that increased in consumption of renewable power does not lead to rise carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the multifarious benefits of improved cooking stoves (ICSs) over traditional biomass stoves, the ICSs adoption rate in rural Bangladesh remains nominal. This paper provides evidence that there is a growing demand for this environmentally friendly and less-hazardous stove. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) technique, we surveyed 259 sample households in the south-western region of Bangladesh. The results from the mixed logit model suggest that households are willing to pay (WTP) about $7 on average for a 'realistic' (i.e., one unit or 25 %) reduction in fuel consumption and smoke emission. Moreover, we found that a one-unit (33 %) reduction of cooking time and maintenance frequency increases households' WTP by about $3 and $5 respectively. Finally, this study underscores that extensive promotion, lower installation costs and higher social awareness about health risks and environmental degradation are likely to promote ICSs adoption. • A discrete choice experiment (CE) uses to elicit households' preference for ICSs. • This study conducted in the south-west region of Bangladesh. • Households value for fuel consumption, smoke emissions and maintenance frequency. • Extensive promotion and lowering installation cost increase demand for ICSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper proposes a novel measure of global energy market uncertainty and studies its impact on oil prices. The current literature primarily relies on a single or small number of observable variables, or general macroeconomic uncertainty (JLN) and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) indices to reflect energy market uncertainty. Using a Factor Augmented Vector Autoregression model (FAVAR), we construct time-varying global energy market uncertainty in a data-rich environment. Our estimates show variations from JLN and EPU proxies. The results reveal that real oil prices respond strongly to our proposed aggregate energy market uncertainty shocks. We also find heterogeneous responses to different types and magnitudes of uncertainty shocks. The real price of oil is affected the most under unexpected strong demand for alternative energy sources scenario. • This study proposes new measures of global energy market uncertainty. • Our uncertainty estimates display important differences from other proxies. • The real price of oil responds negatively to energy market uncertainty shocks. • We find heterogenous responses to different types of energy market uncertainties. • Oil prices drop considerably under strong alternative demand uncertainty scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the association between the probability and the number of green jobs at the firm level and the circular economy (CE) strategies related to the 4Rs approach (reduce, reuse, recycle and redesign) implemented by companies located in the European Union. Factors related to resources and technological and organizational capabilities are also considered. Using a zero-inflated negative binomial model (ZINB), results confirm that firms involved in CE have a higher probability to generate green jobs. Reusing, redesign and reducing practices are positively related to the number of green jobs. When we consider separately different CE actions, energy efficiency and minimising waste have a positive relationship with the number of green jobs, while recycling practices are not relevant. Reusing materials and redesign are both positively associated with the probability to have green employment and with the number of green jobs. Concerning firm resources and capabilities, larger firms have a higher probability to be in the group of firms with green jobs. As well, firms' technological capabilities, openness to external sources of knowledge and green products and services specialization are crucial not only for the probability but also for having a greater number of green jobs. • CE strategies influence on probability and number of green jobs at firm-level. • Reusing material and redesign linked to probability and number of green jobs. • Reducing water/material and recycling linked to probability of having green jobs. • Reducing energy and waste minimization linked to higher number of green jobs. • Effects of CE strategies on green jobs must be assessed at macro and meso-level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]