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Countries worldwide consider solid waste collection and recycling necessary due to the recent emphasis on conservation of resources and environmental protection. Due to the constraints from resource depletion and the need for sustainable economic growth, solid waste recycling has become a critical issue in China. Several indigenous researchers in China have studied the potential benefits of solid waste recycling. However, most studies limited the environmental assessment of solid waste recycling to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and considered only one type of solid waste (paper or plastic). Therefore, the present study analyzed the energy (electricity) and environmental (GHG and air pollutant emissions) benefits of recycling steel, nonferrous metal, plastic, and paper wastes from 2005 to 2017 in China. The study used the formulation of model equations method to estimate the electrical energy and environmental benefits. Prominent findings show that the total amount of electricity saved by recycling solid waste from 2005 to 2017 was 3743.3 Mtce. On average, solid waste recycling during the period led to a 43.2% saving on electricity. Solid waste recycling avoided 4765.9 billion kg of carbon dioxide emission and 22.502 billion kg of methane emission. It was also found that the recycling of solid waste saved a total amount of 10,669.8 M kg of NO X emission but had a burden of −6263.2 M kg of VOCs emission on the environment. Solid waste recycling avoided the emission of CO 2 , CH 4 , NO X , and SO X, but the recycling of steel, plastics, and paper waste had negative impacts on the environment in terms of VOCs and PM emissions. Proper measures such as installing air pollution control devices should be put in place to minimize the emission of pollutants during the recycling of these solid wastes. • The energy and environmental benefits of solid waste recycling is assessed. • The formulation of model equations method was used for the assessment. • On average, the recycling of solid waste saved 43.2% of electricity. • Recycling of waste avoided a significant amount of GHG and air pollutant emissions. • Solid waste recycling had no essential benefit on the emission of VOCs and PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions constitute the primary contribution to global climate change. Synthetic CO 2 fixation represents an exceptionally appealing and sustainable method for carbon neutralization. Unlike the limitations of chemical catalysis, biological CO 2 fixation displays high selectivity and the ability to operate under mild conditions. The superfamily of amidohydrolases has demonstrated the ability to synthesize a range of aromatic monocarboxylic acids. However, there is a scarcity of reported carboxylases capable of synthesizing aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Among these, 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid holds significant potential for applications across various fields, yet no enzyme has been reported for its synthesis. In this study, we developed for the first time that exhibits starting activity in fixing CO 2 to synthesize 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid. Furthermore, we have devised a computational strategy that effectively enhances the catalytic activity of this enzyme. A focused library comprising only 13 variants was generated. Experimental validation confirmed a threefold improvement in the carboxylation activity of the optimal variant (L47M). The computational enzyme design strategy proposed in this paper demonstrates broad applicability in developing carboxylases for synthesizing other aromatic dicarboxylic acids. This lays the groundwork for leveraging biocatalysis in industrial synthesis for CO 2 fixation. • Demonstration that carboxylase can synthesize aromatic dicarboxylic acid by fixing CO 2. • 5-Carboxyvanillate carboxylase was found to catalyze the synthesis of 4-HIPA. • Develop an enzyme design strategy combing energy optimization and MD simulation. • The designed variant exhibited a 3-fold increase in carboxylation activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a multi-RREH (Remote Renewable Energy Hub) based optimization framework. This framework allows a valorization of CO 2 using carbon capture technologies. This valorization is grounded on the idea that CO 2 gathered from the atmosphere or post combustion can be combined with hydrogen to produce synthetic methane. The hydrogen is obtained from water electrolysis using renewable energy. Such renewable energy is generated in RREH, which are locations where RE is cheap and abundant (e.g., solar PV in the Sahara Desert, or wind in Greenland). We instantiate our framework on a case study focusing on Belgium and 2 RREH, and we conduct a techno-economic analysis under uncertainty. This analysis highlights, among others, the interest in capturing CO 2 via Post Combustion Carbon Capture (PCCC) rather than only through Direct Air Capture (DAC) for methane synthesis in RREH. By doing so, a notable reduction of 10% is observed in the total cost of the system under our reference scenario. In addition, we use our framework to derive a carbon price threshold above which carbon capture technologies may start playing a pivotal role in the decarbonation process of our industries. • We demonstrate PCCC technology potential for reducing RREH's CH4 production cost. • We derive a carbon price threshold for crucial industrial decarbonization. • An uncertainty analysis has been carried out on the reference scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper compared, through life cycle assessment (LCA), the production of aviation biofuel from two hydrothermal routes of microalgae cultivated in wastewater. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and gasification followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (G + FT) were compared. Both routes included biomass production, hydrotreatment for biofuel upgrading, and product fractionation. Secondary data obtained from the literature were used for the cradle-to-gate LCA. G + FT had a higher impact than HTL in the 18 impact categories assessed, with human carcinogenic toxicity exerting the most harmful pressure on the environment. The catalysts were the inputs that caused the most adverse emissions. The solvent used for bio-oil separation also stood out in terms of impacts. In HTL, emissions for global warming were −51.6 g CO 2 eq/MJ, while in G + FT, they were 250 g CO 2 eq/MJ. At the Endpoint level, HTL resulted in benefits to human health and ecosystems, while G + FT caused environmental damage in these two categories, as well as in the resources category. In the improvement scenarios, besides considering solid, aqueous, and gaseous products as co-products rather than just as waste/emissions, a 20% reduction in catalyst consumption and 90% recovery were applied. Thus, in HTL, 39.47 kg CO 2 eq was avoided, compared to 35.44 kg CO 2 eq in the base scenario. In G + FT, emissions decreased from 147.55 kg CO 2 eq to the capture of 8.60 kg CO 2 eq. [Display omitted] • Gasification + Fischer-Tropsch caused more impacts than liquefaction. • The environment has suffered more harmful pressure on human carcinogenic toxicity. • The catalysts used were the inputs that most caused adverse emissions. • Liquefaction route captured 39.47 kg CO 2 eq with improvement scenario. • Gasification + Fischer-Tropsch captured 8.6 kg CO 2 eq with the improvement scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid economic growth and human activities have seriously damaged the environment and hindered the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, this study aims to explore the impact of economic complexity, uncertainty, and remittance on environmental degradation in 134 countries from 2000 to 2022. In addition, it examines whether uncertainty moderates the relationship between remittance and environmental degradation. Two proxies (ecological footprint and CO 2) were used to measure environmental degradation. The analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional dependency test, second-generation unit root test, and panel quantile regression. The results revealed that economic complexity significantly and positively impacted environmental degradation, while uncertainty and remittance significantly and negatively impacted environmental degradation. Furthermore, uncertainty weakened the negative relationship between remittance and environmental degradation. Accordingly, this paper discusses various recommendations and policy implications regarding economic complexity, uncertainty, remittance, and environmental degradation. • We examined the impact of economic complexity, uncertainty, and remittance on environmental degradation in 134 countries. • Ecological footprint and CO 2 were used to measure environmental degradation. • Economic complexity significantly and positively impacted environmental degradation. • Uncertainty and remittance significantly and negatively impacted environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock is one of major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China. Clarifying spatiotemporal characteristics of GHG emissions from livestock and exploring influencing factors can provide reference for grasping regional changes of GHG emission and formulate strategies of carbon reduction for livestock industry. However, existing literatures considered both spatial and temporal impacts and dynamic evolution trend of these factors seldomly. This paper used the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to estimate GHG emissions of livestock in 114 cities of the YRB from 2000 to 2021. On this basis, spatiotemporal heterogeneity of influencing factors was analyzed by using geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model. Finally, future evolution trend of GHG emissions from livestock was predicted by combining traditional and spatial Markov chain. Four main results were listed as follows. Firstly, GHG emission in the life cycle of livestock industry increased from 57.202 million tons (Mt) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) in 2000 to 77.568 Mt CO 2 e in 2021. Secondly, structure of livestock industry, labor flow and mechanization were vital factors that led to increase of GHG emissions from livestock. Positive effects of labor flow and mechanization were increasing year by year, while negative effect of urbanization and positive effect of economic development were decreasing year by year. Markov chain analysis shown that probability of keeping high level of GHG emissions of livestock in the YRB unchanged were 96% (T = 1) and 90% (T = 5), and there also existed a Matthew effect. In addition, probability of level transfer of GHG emission in urban livestock was spatially dependent. Government should formulate strategies for livestock development and optimize low-carbon transformation of energy structure for livestock and poultry husbandry based on local conditions and key driving factors in the future. Meanwhile, boundaries of administrative divisions should be broken to promote reduction of GHG emissions in livestock comprehensively. • GHG emissions from livestock in cities of the YRB continued to rise from 2000 to 2021. • GHG emissions per unit of GDP of livestock shown a downward trend. • Analyzing parameter of factors from spatiotemporal aspect by using GTWR model. • Probability of GHG emission transfer in urban livestock was spatially dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onsite sanitation systems (OSS) are significant sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) including carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O). While a handful of studies have been conducted on GHG emissions from OSS, systematic evaluation of literature on this subject is limited. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provides state-of-the- art information on GHG emissions from OSS and identifies novel areas for investigation. The paper analyzes GHG emission rates from different OSS, the influence of various design, operational, and environmental factors on emission rates and proffers mitigation measures. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we identified 16 articles which quantified GHG emissions from OSS. Septic tanks emit substantial amounts of CO 2 and CH 4 ranging from 1.74 to 398.30 g CO 2 /cap/day and 0.06–110.13 g CH 4 /cap/day, respectively, but have low N 2 O emissions (0.01–0.06 g N₂O/cap/day). CH 4 emissions from pit latrines range from 0.77 to 20.30 g CH 4 /cap/day N 2 O emissions range from 0.76 to 1.20 gN 2 O/cap/day. We observed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, storage period, and GHG emissions from OSS. However, no significant correlation (p > 0.05) was observed between soil volumetric water content and CO 2 emissions. CH 4 emissions (expressed as CO 2 equivalents) from OSS estimated following Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines were found to be seven times lower (90.99 g CO 2 e/cap/day) than in-situ field emission measurements (704.7 g CO 2 e/cap/day), implying that relying solely on IPCC guidelines may lead to underestimation of GHG emission from OSS. Our findings underscore the importance of considering local contexts and environmental factors when estimating GHG emissions from OSS. Plausible mitigation measures for GHG emissions from OSS include converting waste to biogas in anaerobic systems (e.g. biogas), applying biochar, and implementing mitigation policies that equally address inequalities in sanitation service access. Future research on GHG from OSS should focus on in-situ measurements of GHGs from pit latrines and other common OSS in developing countries, understanding the fate and transport of dissolved organics like CH 4 in OSS effluents and impacts of microbial communities in OSS on GHG emissions. Addressing these gaps will enable more holistic and effective management of GHG emissions from OSS. [Display omitted] • Onsite sanitation systems (OSS) are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in the environment • Emissions from septic systems vary between 1.74 and 398.30 g/cap/day for CO 2 , and 0.06 and 110.13 g/cap/day for CH 4. • CH 4 emissions from OSS estimated following IPCC guidelines are seven times lower than field-measured emissions. • Local contexts and environmental factors should be considered when assessing GHG emissions from OSS. • Future GHG research on OSS should prioritize in-situ measurements of pit latrines and other OSS in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistent combustion of fossil fuels has resulted in a widespread greenhouse effect attributable to the continual elevation of carbon dioxide (CO 2) levels in the atmosphere. Recent research indicates that utilizing CO 2 as a pyrolysis gasification medium diminishes CO 2 emissions and concurrently augments the value of the resultant pyrolysis gasification products. This paper reviews recent advancements in the pyrolysis gasification of organic solid wastes under a CO 2 atmosphere. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of CO 2 influence in the pyrolysis and gasification processes were also discussed. In comparison to noble gases, CO 2 exhibits reactivity with char at≥710 °C, resulting in additional mass loss of the sample. In addition, CO 2 was able to increase the specific surface area and stability of biochar and reduce biooil toxicity by lowering the content of cyclic compounds in the biooil, while CO 2 was able to react with GPRs with some volatile products (e.g., light hydrocarbons) to increase biogas yield. Finally, CO 2 also prevents catalyst deactivation by reducing secondary coke formation. We also recommend directing future attention toward utilizing unpurified CO 2 in pyrolysis and gasification. This review aims to expand the utilization of CO 2 and advocate for applying pyrolysis gasification products. [Display omitted] • An overview of recent studies on pyrolysis gasification in CO 2 atmosphere. • The effect of CO 2 on the pyrolysis behavior as well as on the catalyst is illustrated. • The mechanism of the effect of CO 2 on pyrolysis products is described in detail. • In the future, CO 2 and waste heat from industrial flue gases should be utilized directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the impact of geopolitical risk on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions inequality in the panel dataset of 38 developed and developing economies from 1990 to 2019. At this juncture, the empirical models control for the effects of globalisation, capital-labour ratio, and per capita income on CO 2 emissions inequality. The panel cointegration tests show a significant long-run relationship among the related variables in the empirical models. The panel data regression estimations indicate that geopolitical risk, capital-labour ratio, and per capita income increase CO 2 emissions inequality. However, globalisation negatively affects CO 2 emissions inequality in the panel dataset of 38 developed and developing countries. The pairwise panel heterogeneous causality test results align with these benchmark results and indicate no reverse causality issue. Potential policy implications are also discussed. • Geopolitical risk, capital-labour ratio, and income increase CO 2 emissions inequality. • Globalisation negatively affects CO 2 emissions inequality. • Long-run relationship exists among Geopolitical risk, capital-labour ratio, income, and CO 2 emissions inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive study on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from sewage sludge. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were monitored for the first time to assess the impact of climate change and environmental sustainability. The pilot plant was composed of a fermenter with a membrane and two biological reactors (namely, selection and accumulation). Results showed that despite a low organic loading rate (namely, 0.06 kg BOD kg SS−1 day−1), a good PHA yield was obtained (namely, 0.37 g PHA/g volatile fatty acids), confirming that sewage sludge can be a suitable feedstock. GHG emissions were 3.85E-04 g CO 2 eq/g and 32.40 g CO 2 eq/g, direct and indirect, respectively. Results provided valuable insights in view of finding a trade-off between PHA production and GHG emissions to prove the PHA production process as an effective solution for biosolids disposal at a low carbon footprint. [Display omitted] • Sewage sludge acidogenic fermentation at low carbon footprint was performed. • High COD, ammonia and phosphate removal was achieved. • Final PHA concentration of 0.37 g PHA/g VSS was obtained. • N 2 O emission factor accounted for less than 1 % of total nitrogen. • N 2 O direct and indirect emissions were 3.85E-04 and 32.40 g CO2eq/g treated sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing and adopting a county-level panel dataset containing carbon emission (CO 2) and economic information between 2009 and 2017, this paper employs the continuous difference-in-differences (DID) model and is among the first to conduct an evaluation of the CO 2 reduction effect of China's emission trading scheme (ETS) pilot markets from the dual perspectives of price and scale. The empirical results emerge that the increase of transaction price and the expansion of transaction volume in ETS pilots have a persistent and significant influence on CO 2 reduction. Parallel to this, it is found the rising of transaction price in ETS can be effective on CO 2 reduction by improving the energy structure transition, however, optimization of industrial structure and the development of ICT might be the essential channels driven by the expansion of transaction volume. Last, this paper identifies the synergistic effect on different sorts of contaminants and find it is more substantial to those with the gas state. This paper implies that the policymakers should fully excavate the market-oriented environmental regulation tools from transaction price and volume perspective of views for the well achieving the climate ambitions of carbon peak and neutrality. • This article estimates the carbon emission reduction effect in of China's ETS pilots from the dual perspective of price and scale point of view. • The switch of China's carbon ETS regional pilots to national unified one can make the carbon emissions experience a wave of decline about 6.162%. • By estimating the possible synergistic effect on pollution of ETS market pilots, which find it is more significant to pollutants with gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is concern that the carbon prices generated through climate policies are too low to create the incentives necessary to stimulate technological development. This paper empirically analyzes how the Swedish carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) tax and the European Union emission trading system (EU ETS) have affected productivity development in the Swedish pulp and paper industry 1998−2008. A Luenberger total factor productivity (TFP) indicator is computed using data envelopment analysis. The results show that climate policy had a modest impact on technological development in the pulp and paper industry, and if significant it was negative. The price of fossil fuels, on the contrary, seems to have created important incentives for technological development. Hence, the results suggest that the carbon prices faced by the industry through EU ETS and the CO 2 tax have been too low. Even though the data for this study is specific for Sweden, the models and results are applicable internationally. When designing policy to mitigate CO 2 emissions, it is vital that the policy creates a carbon price that is high enough – otherwise the pressure on technological development will not be sufficiently strong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to lower-cost energy supplies elsewhere, Europe needs resource efficient technologies to safeguard the competitiveness of its energy-intensive industries. The technical feasibility of the CCU value chain components (carbon capture, transportation and utilization) has been widely studied in literature. However infrastructural, regulatory and business strategic issues have received less attention. A review of the relevant policies (e.g. European Emissions Trading Scheme, Renewable Fuels and Waste Directives) has been performed. Stakeholder engagement and the stakeholder influence mapping was used to examine potential climate change, circular economy, renewable energy and regional industrial development policies that can support CO 2 utilization value chains. The main contribution of the paper is to outline potential benefits of policies to foster the production and uptake of CO 2 -derived products such as methanol, polyurethane and mineral construction aggregates. Another outcome is to illustrate the role of key policy-making stakeholders in assessing the suitability of current statutes and the impact of potential changes. An important finding was that the development of connectivity infrastructure is a key missing enabler and more attention to policy on infrastructure is required. Finally, the work examines the justification for a CO 2 Utilization Directive, comparable to the Carbon Capture and Storage Directive, but considering the current complexity of the European Union (EU) policy landscape. • Analysis of all European policies relevant to the development of CO2 utilization. • Stakeholder influence analysis for the future development of CCU policy. • Recommendation to consider CO2 as a material for the circular economy. • Stakeholder engagement with industry participants and European institutions. • Rationale for regional burden sharing of risk in developing CCU infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of "common but differentiated responsibility", as a key concept of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), acknowledges the conditions for a generally acceptable and differentiated pricing mechanism on carbon emissions. With reference to this principle, carbon price determination has become a necessary instrument for sustainable policies. Considering the development gaps and the historical responsibility of the OECD's countries, a single carbon price would raise a major issue of equity between "developed" and "developing" countries. Although from a climate perspective each molecule of CO 2 produces the same level of damage despite the nature or the location of the activity generating the emissions, all CO 2 emissions are not on an equal footing. Indeed, some are necessary to improve the lives of people in "developing" countries when others can be considered not indispensable, especially beyond a certain level of development. In this policy paper, we explain how the price of carbon should be fixed according to a reference price depending on the Human Development Index (HDI) and CO 2 emissions per capita. The HDI criterion enables to integrate progressivity into taxation while distinguishing what is essential from what is not. By taking a reference price based on the HDI, countries with low HDIs should pay a lower carbon price. However, with same HDI levels, countries with higher CO 2 emissions should pay a penalty on the reference price. Our policy paper analyses the benefits of a differentiated and progressive carbon pricing mechanism to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation for a more sustainable economy. • This policy paper analyses the benefits of a differentiated and progressive carbon pricing. • The article proposes carbon prices based on the Human Development Index (HDI) and C 0 2 emissions per capita. • The proposed mechanism is an efficient mean to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation and modify the global energy mix for a sustainable growth. [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]

The UK's 2050 net-zero emission target is one of the most ambitious goals in the world. Organisations should play a vital role by communicating a sufficient level of carbon emission information with the stakeholders. Motivated by the necessity of measuring the level of carbon disclosure, this paper provides a unique carbon emission disclosure measurement based on a sample of UK firms from 2013 to 2019. We apply different methods to assess the validity and reliability of our developed measurement. The results suggest that our measurement captures the actual CO2 emission, including scope 1, scope 2, and also captures the environmental, social and governance (ESG) score. Additionally, we explore the association between capital expenditure, corporate governance and the level of carbon emission disclosure. Further, the results show a positive relationship between capital expenditure and carbon emission disclosure. Also, there is a significant positive relationship between internal governance and carbon emission disclosure. Moreover, the analysis suggests that internal governance strengthen the relationship between capital expenditure and carbon emission disclosure. We also use quantile regression, and the findings show that capital expenditure and internal governance have a positive impact on carbon emission disclosure under all quantiles. Our data suggest that capital expenditure declines within the UK by around 53% over the last six years. Following the reduction in capital expenditure, the results demonstrate 39% decline in the CO2 emission level. The results also indicate that for every $1 million capital expenditure, approximately 2.75 Metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) emissions increase. Business investment is around 70% of the UK's total investment. Therefore, the reduction in capital expenditure is one of the primary reasons that might explain the decrease in the UK's overall CO2 emission level. The unique findings of this paper are relevant to the government, management and standard-setters. • Novel measurement of corporate carbon emission disclosure. • Our novel carbon disclosure measurement encapsulates actual CO2 emission. • This measure also captures Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) score. • Capital expenditure is positively related with carbon emission disclosure. • Internal governance moderates this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the isolated impacts of hydroelectricity consumption on the environment in Malaysia as an emerging economy. We use four different measures of environmental degradation including ecological footprint, carbon footprint, water footprint and CO 2 emission as target variables, while controlling for GDP, GDP square and urbanization for the period 1971 to 2016. A recently introduced unit root test with breaks is utilized to examine the stationarity of the series and the bounds testing approach to cointegration is used to probe the long run relationships between the variables. VECM Granger causality technique is employed to examine the long-run causal dynamics between the variables. Sensitivity analysis is conducted by further including fossil fuels in the equations. The results show evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental degradation and real GDP. Hydroelectricity is found to significantly reduce environmental degradation while urbanization is also not particularly harmful on the environment apart from its effect on air pollution. The VECM Granger causality results show evidence of unidirectional causality running from hydroelectricity and fossil fuels consumption to all measures of environmental degradation and real GDP per capita. There is evidence of feedback hypothesis between real GDP to all environmental degradation indices. The inclusion of fossil fuel did not change the behavior of hydroelectricity on the environment but fossil fuels significantly increase water footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the efficiency of the power generation sector in the USA by using Window Data Envelopment Analysis (W-DEA). We integrate radial and non-radial efficiency measurements in DEA using the hybrid measure while we extend the proposed model by considering good and undesirable outputs as separable and non separable. Then in the second stage, we perform parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques in order to model the relationship between the calculated environmental efficiencies and economic growth in attaining sustainability. Our empirical findings indicate a stable N-shape relationship between environmental efficiency and regional economic growth in the case of global and total pollutants but an inverted N-shape in the case of local pollutants. This implies that attention is required when considering local and global pollutants and the extracted environmental efficiency scores. A clear message to policy makers and government officials is that climate change which calls for economic, environmental and social concern should be analyzed according to its dispersion and regional dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper developed internationally compatible methods for delineating boundaries of urban areas in China. By integrating emission source data with existing official statistics as well as using rescaling methodology of data mapping for 1 km grid, the authors constructed high resolution emission gridded data in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region in China for 2012. Comparisons between urban and non-urban areas of carbon emissions from industry, agriculture, household and transport exhibited regional disparities as well as sectoral differences. Except for the Hebei province, per capita total direct carbon emissions from urban extents in Beijing and Tianjin were both lower than provincial averages, indicating the climate benefit of urbanization, comparable to results from developed countries. Urban extents in the Hebei province were mainly industrial centers while those in Beijing and Tianjin were more service oriented. Further decomposition analysis revealed population to be a common major driver for increased carbon emissions but climate implications of urban design, economic productivity of land use, and carbon intensity of GDP were both cluster- and sector-specific. This study disapproves the one-size-fits-all solution for carbon mitigation but calls for down-scaled analysis of carbon emissions and formulation of localized carbon reduction strategies in the Jing-Jin-Ji as well as other regions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was first put forward by China in late 2013, has made a significant contribution to international economic activities and inevitably reshaped the pattern of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. Considering the spatial spillover effects of CO 2 emissions among countries, this paper employs spatial difference-in-differences models in order to investigate the BRI's effects on total CO 2 emissions (TCE), per capita CO 2 emissions (PCE), and CO 2 emissions intensity (CEI), respectively. The results of global Moran's I index prove the existence of spatial correlations of CO 2 emissions. The BRI's effect on TCE is significantly positive, while the effects on PCE and CEI are significantly negative, suggesting the BRI has aggravated the amount of CO 2 emissions in the partner countries, but has promoted green development by decreasing PCE and CEI. Besides, the spatial effects of control variables on CO 2 emissions are also evaluated. Some tests, including placebo test and employing alternative weight matrices, are further conducted to verify the robustness of the model. The findings indicate the BRI has facilitated green economic growth, by eventually achieving emission reduction targets in the partner countries. [Display omitted] • The spatial interactions between the BRI and CO 2 emissions are investigated. • There are strong spatial autocorrelations of CO 2 emissions from 2008 to 2018. • The BRI's effect on TCE is positive, while the effects on PCE and CEI are negative. • The direct effects of determinants are far larger than their indirect effects. [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]

Quantifying fossil fuel CO 2 (CO 2 ff) in the atmosphere provides a benchmark method to monitor anthropogenic carbon emissions. Radiocarbon (14C) in atmospheric CO 2 ff has been widely studied using the 14C in plants to document regional CO 2 ff patterns. However, annual CO 2 ff variations, reflecting spatial distributions based on plant samples, are still scarce. In this paper, the spatial distribution and temporal CO 2 ff changes in the Guanzhong Basin is established using Δ14C measurements from maize leaves collected in 2011 and 2012. With regard to spatial distribution, samples collected around Xi'an City showed lower Δ14C values (more CO 2 ff), while sites located near the perimeter of the basin showed higher Δ14C values (less CO 2 ff). This is likely due to the concentration of anthropogenic activities in the center of the Guanzhong Basin. The observed CO 2 ff mole fractions generally matched with PKU CO 2 inventory and the ODIAC CO 2 inventory data in the spatial distribution trend. However, it seems that thermal power plants were not well captured by the PKU CO 2 inventory. Our results provide useful information for the improvement of the inventory and verification of regional carbon cycle models. • The Δ14C in maize leaves for 2011 and 2012 were analyzed in Guanzhong Basin. • Spatial distribution of CO 2 ff mole fractions in Guanzhong Basin were studied. • The spatial pattern of observed CO 2 ff matches with the CO 2 inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper based on quantile stochastic frontier framework constructs quantile eco-efficiency measures. Using the estimates from the quantile stochastic frontier, the eco-performance of the U.S. states for nitrogen oxides (NO X), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2) emissions is evaluated. A decoupling analysis involving the evaluation of the nonsynchronous change among states' economic output and environmental degradation levels is also performed. The findings suggest that U.S. states have followed a decoupling process among their GDP and emission levels over the period 1990–2017. In addition, a quantile eco-productivity change estimator is presented alongside with its main components (i.e. quantile eco-technical change and quantile eco-efficiency change). Our findings suggest that over the examined period states' eco-productivity levels have been improved driven both from their eco-technical and eco-efficiency change levels. • We examine regional eco-efficiency across the US states. • We examine regional eco-productivity across the US states. • We employ a quantile stochastic frontier analysis. • We employ a decoupling analysis among U.S. states' GDP and emissions levels. • We find that eco-productivity levels was driven by eco-technical change levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion have been linked to increased average global temperatures, a global challenge for many decades. Mitigating CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere is a priority for the protection of the environment. This is a comparison of the three main technological categories available for CO 2 capture and storage. They include: oxy-fuel combustion, pre-combustion, and post-combustion. Each capture technology has inherent benefits and disadvantages in cost, implementation, and flexibility, but post-combustion CO 2 capture has demonstrated the most promising results in typical power plant configurations. This paper presents a review of different post-combustion CO 2 capture materials; solvents, membranes, and adsorbents, focusing on economical and environmentally safe low to high temperature solid adsorbents. Furthermore, the authors summarize the advantages and limitations of the materials investigated to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities currently facing the development of post-combustion CO 2 capture technologies. The solid sorbents currently available for CO 2 capture are also reviewed in detail, including physical and chemical properties, reactions, and current research efforts on improvement. [Display omitted] • Emerging trends in post-combustion CO 2 capture are introduced and compared. • Recent advances in solid sorbents for post-combustion CO 2 capture is investigated and summarized. • New development in solid adsorbents and factors that affect treatment performance. • Review of economics, environmental analysis and policy in post-combustion CO 2 capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the environmental problems caused by greenhouse gas emissions, cellulosenanofiber (CNF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO) aerogel was obtained by step-by-step heating, tert-butanol replacement, freeze-drying, and high-temperature activation in this paper. The micromorphology, specific surface area, pore size distribution, and thermal stability of the prepared aerogels were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, automatic surface area and porosity analysis, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The interaction state and adsorption mechanism of CO 2 and aerogel physical adsorption were described by Materials Studio simulation. The results showed that the adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. After carbonization, the thermal stability of the aerogel was good (mass loss rate <1%). With the increase of GO content, its specific surface area increased (392.41 m2/g) and CO 2 adsorption capacity increased (432.76 cm3/g at 273 K). The simulation results show that hydrogen bond energy and van der Waals adsorption are the main factors that help in adsorption of CO 2 on the surface aerogel, and electrostatic adsorption is the secondary adsorption factor. The application of green material carbon-based aerogels is also in line with the concept of sustainable development. • New graphene oxide-based composite aerogels were synthesized. • CO 2 uptake capacity was evaluated. • The aerogel has good thermal stability. • The interaction energy between aerogel and CO 2 was simulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper measures environmental efficiency (EE) in 63 countries over the period 1981–2005 and analyzes whether the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol is accompanied by an increase in environmental efficiency during the same period. Differences in EE across countries under distinct country-specific production frontiers are measured using a directional distance function model, which incorporates a desirable output (GDP) and an undesirable output (CO2 emissions). It is further assumed that a stochastic meta-technology-frontier exists and represents potential outputs available to all countries given inputs. The metafrontier for four country groups, high income countries, upper-middle income countries, low-middle income countries, and low income countries, are estimated using balanced panel data for the sample countries over the study period. The overall results indicate that the four country groups operated under distinct stochastic production frontiers and therefore used different production technologies. It is found that high income countries achieved the highest progress in their average environmental efficiency relative to the metafrontier, while lower-middle income countries and low income countries recorded negative growth in their average EE relative to the metafrontier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cork oak grows endemically in a narrow region bordering the western Mediterranean, and especially in the Iberian Peninsula. The importance of cork agro-forestry systems lies in the fact that a natural and renewable raw material – cork – can be extracted sustainably without endangering the tree or affecting biodiversity. This paper describes an environmental analysis of the extraction of raw cork in cork oak forests in Catalonia, using data from five representative local forest exploitations. The evaluation was carried out using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, and all the forestry management required to obtain a tonne of raw cork was included. The aim of the study was to evaluate the environmental impacts – in terms of global warming, acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, and so on – caused by cork extraction and determine the carbon dioxide balance of these forestry systems, with a tree lifespan of about 200 years. During the life cycle extraction of cork in Catalonia, 0.2 kg of CO2 eq. was emitted per kg of raw cork extracted. Moreover, cork cannot be extracted without the tree, which will be fixing carbon dioxide throughout its technological useful life (200 years), despite the fact that the bark is removed periodically: every 13–14 years. If the emission from extraction and the carbon contained in the material is discounted, the carbon dioxide balance indicates that 18 kg of CO2 are fixed per kg of raw cork extracted. Therefore, cork is a natural, renewable and local material that can replace other non-renewable materials, at local level, to reduce the environmental impacts of products, and particularly to reduce their carbon footprint. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a study of cement replacement by sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) in industrial scale aiming to reduce the CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. SCBA is a by-product of the sugar/ethanol agro-industry abundantly available in some regions of the world and has cementitious properties indicating that it can be used together with cement. Recent comprehensive research developed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil has demonstrated that SCBA maintains, or even improves, the mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials such as mortars and concretes. Brazil is the world’s largest sugar cane producer and being a developing country can claim carbon credits. A simulation was carried out to estimate the potential of CO2 emission reductions and the viability to issue certified emission reduction (CER) credits. The simulation was developed within the framework of the methodology established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The State of São Paulo (Brazil) was chosen for this case study because it concentrates about 60% of the national sugar cane and ash production together with an important concentration of cement factories. Since one of the key variables to estimate the CO2 emissions is the average distance between sugar cane/ethanol factories and the cement plants, a genetic algorithm was developed to solve this optimization problem. The results indicated that SCBA blended cement reduces CO2 emissions, which qualifies this product for CDM projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper summarises the methodology and results of work involved in the investigation of energy demand in six Chinese villages included in the SUCCESS Project. The procedures used to collect data associated with local energy demand are explained and the approach to data analysis is explained. Results are provided in terms for delivered energy consumption, as an indicator of energy demand; primary energy consumption, as an indicator of energy resource depletion; and carbon dioxide emissions, as an indicator of global climate change. Similarities and differences between results for this sample of villages are considered. The important causes of differences in results are investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As the world's largest inland shipping channel, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is strategic to China's sustainable development where policymakers are increasingly emphasizing not only this region's economic development but also its CO 2 emission reduction targets. To achieve emission targets in the YREB region, it is essential to identify the driving forces of its CO 2 emissions. However, existing studies are not very refined and only examine the overall effects of drivers on CO 2 emission changes, while neglecting the sub-regional and sectoral level effects across China. More refined research, therefore, will provide better-targeted policies for emission reduction relevant to regional levels such as the YREB region. Towards this end, this paper integrates the methods of structural decomposition analysis and attribution analysis to demonstrate the driving forces, at both sub-regional and sectoral levels, for YREB's emission changes from 2002 to 2012. Our results reveal the following: (1) Jiangsu Province has always been the main regional source of increasing CO 2 emissions in the YREB, accounting for more than 20% of total CO 2 emission growth. (2) The Electricity and Heat Production and Supply sector is responsible for most of the increases in CO 2 emissions, both in 2002–2007 (609.8 Mt, 54.8%) and 2007–2012 (287.6 Mt, 34%). (3) During the period of 2007–2012, changes in per capita final demand were the primary driving force for the increases in CO 2 emissions, while changes in CO 2 emission intensity were the largest driving force for decreasing CO 2 emissions, respectively accounting for 179.9% and −119.4% of total emission changes in the YREB region. (4) Moreover, the effect of emission intensity mainly exists in the Electricity and Heat Production and Supply sector in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, accounting for respectively, 10% and 10.4% of the total effects across all economic sectors. Considering the diverse impacts of driving forces in different sub-regions and economic sectors, policymakers should apply more refined measures to utilize varying driving forces in different sub-regions and economic sectors towards sustainable development. • We analyze drivers of CO 2 emissions in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). • Drivers of CO 2 emissions are decomposed into both sub-regions and sectors. • Jiangsu province and three main sectors dominated CO 2 emissions in the YREB. • Intensity changes in Jiangsu's three sectors largely reduced YREB's emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capturing technologies are recognized as a cornerstone solution in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 2050 emissions targets set during the past Paris agreement. Recently, ammonia has become a major carbon-free chemical to absorb CO 2 emissions from flue gases. In this regard, this paper concerns the recently developed novel ammonia-based carbon capturing systems in the open literature and comparatively evaluates them from various perspectives in addition to discussing their advantages and disadvantages. The systems considered are basically classified into three categories, namely renewable energy-based systems, energy savings-focused systems, and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)-based systems. Then, comparative assessments of the novel systems are conducted to see their advantages and weaknesses as compared to the typical chilled ammonia process. Generally, the novel systems have significantly lower energy requirements. The highest reduction is 37.3%. Another result of the comparative study is that renewable energy-based systems of carbon capturing have higher operational costs that can reach up to C$136 ton−1 of CO 2 captured. Future efforts are expected to focus on reducing these costs since renewable energy-based systems are also used to co-produce chemical commodities, such as urea and ammonium bicarbonate. These high-value commodities have the potential to generate enough economic value to compensate for the operational costs of carbon capturing using ammonia as a chemical solvent. • Review of recent ammonia-based carbon capture systems. • Renewable energy-based carbon capture systems are reviewed and compared. • Energy requirements and operational costs are compared. • Co-production of useful chemicals will make carbon capture systems self-sustaining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of income inequality and innovation on environmental quality, conditional on the level of each factor. We apply system generalized method of moments to a panel dataset of 91 countries from 1971 to 2015. The estimation results consistently reveal that although income inequality and innovation significantly contribute to better environmental quality, the effect of one factor largely depends on the evolution of the other. Specifically, the beneficial impact of income equality on environmental quality can only be achieved at a high level of innovation. In the same way, innovation is only an effective tool for a nation to reduce environmental degradation when income is fairly distributed among its citizens. This means that more equitable income distribution and higher innovative capacities are two interrelated prerequisites that must both be in place for a country to actualize their beneficial environmental impacts. Overall, our findings shed new light on the relationship between income inequality, innovation, and environmental quality, and they provide relevant implications for policymakers with regard to tackling the dual tasks of reducing inequality and pollution. • This paper examines the effect of income inequality and innovation on CO 2 emissions conditional on the level of each factor. • A panel dataset of 91 countries is analyzed by system GMM estimation. • Income equality only reduces CO 2 emissions at high level of innovation. • Innovation reduces CO 2 emissions when income distribution is relatively fair. • These moderation effects are the stronger in the case of middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European policies regarding global warming have been outspread the last few decades with many initiatives focusing on industrial production process. In this paper we model eco-efficiency (ECOE) performance under a metafrontier (MF) framework for 14 industries of the manufacturing sector from 27 European countries over the 1995-2011 period. The utilization of NO x , SO x , CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, CO, NMVOC and NH 3 as undesirable outputs represent the impact of industrial activities on the environment. In a first stage, we estimate eco-efficiency using a conventional Directional Distance Function (DDF) as well as a non-radial slack-based DDF (DDFS) approach. In the second stage of our analysis, we investigate the existence of conditional and unconditional convergence by employing several methodologies. Our results point out that heavy industries perform eco-inefficiently. In addition, our results support the non-convergence hypothesis and the creation of discrete clubs with uneven characteristics when the distributional dynamics approach and the recent approach of Phillips and Sul (PS) come into play. Finally, the establishment of a catch-up index indicate that technological spillovers do exist but with a small effect. • Examination of European industrial eco-efficiency during 1995–2011. • A directional distance function and a non-radial slack-based approach were employed. • Technological heterogeneity establishes great differences in the estimated results. • The majority of industries demonstrate a downward trend over time. • Convergence analysis under various methods presents strong evidence of divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides insights into the potential of cold-ironing for the reduction of externalities. External cost derived from the emissions of CO 2 , NO x , SO x , and PM from berthed ships in the Spanish port system during 2016 are estimated providing a Spain-wide empirical evidence into where the highest externalities exist and where, on a port by port level, the introduction of cold ironing could yield the highest potential on reducing said externalities. The combined overall external costs from both local and global effects of shipping emissions from berthed vessels were between 326 and 440 million Euro. Eco-efficiency parameters are also obtained. It is found that the population in the port city as well as the composition of traffic are key factors when the external costs are determined, and they should be considered when the investment decision about where cold ironing should be placed is taken. • Local and global external costs of 46 Spanish ports are estimated to be 439.700.000€. • Population and traffic mix are key factors for external costs of berthed vessels. • Eco-efficiency indicators can support new policy measures in ports. • The potential of cold-ironing for the reduction of externalities are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Asian economies have registered strong economic growth over the last few decades, their growing pollution emissions raise concerns among the policymakers about the sustainability of this output growth. This paper tests the causal relationship between economic development, energy consumption, trade openness, financial development, FDI, government expenditures, institutional quality. and pollution emissions for 41 Asian economies from 1996 to 2015. Further, we separately test the impact of political and economic institutions on pollution emissions of the sample economies. Our estimated outcomes, based on the panel cointegration method and panel vector error correction models (VECM), substantiate the presence of a cointegration relationship among all the selected variables. While economic development, energy use, trade openness, and FDI augment environmental degradation, financial development and better economic institutions help the selected countries in reducing their pollution emissions. Moreover, better economic and political institutions also mediate the adverse impact of income, trade openness, and FDI on pollution emissions. The VECM model shows that per capita GDP is the only variable having a causal effect on pollution emissions in all the models. For all the other variables, the causal effect is significant only in a few cases. These outcomes have some important policy recommendations for the sample economies. • We test the direct and indirect effect of institutional quality on CO 2 emissions. • Institutional quality contributes to the reduction of CO 2 emissions in Asia. • Institutional quality also moderates the adverse effects of income on CO 2 emissions. • Policy makers should incorporate the role and efficiency of institutional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive emissions of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) pollutants are leading to increased eutrophication of water bodies. Biological N and P removal processes have become a research priority in the field of sewage treatment with the aim of improving sewage discharge standards in countries worldwide. Denitrifying P removal processes are more efficient for solving problems related to carbon source competition, sludge age conflict, and high aeration energy consumption compared to traditional biological N and P removal processes, but they are easy to produce nitrous oxide (N 2 O) in the process of sewage treatment. N 2 O is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 190–270 times that of CO 2 and 4–21 times that of CH 4 , which was produced and released into the environmental in denitrifying P removal systems under conditions of a low C/N ratio, high dissolved oxygen, and low activity of denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (DPAOs). This paper reviews the emission characteristics and influencing factors of N 2 O during denitrifying P removal processes and proposes appropriate strategies for controlling the emission of N 2 O. This work serves as a basis for the development of new sewage treatment processes and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in future wastewater treatment plants. Image 1 • Differences between denitrifying P removal and biological N and P removal are compared. • Mechanisms of simultaneous N and P removal in denitrifying P removal systems are presented. • Factors influencing N 2 O release in denitrifying P removal processes are summarized. • Control and reduction strategies of N 2 O release in denitrifying P removal are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power sector is the main contributor to climate change and atmospheric pollution, and reducing the emissions from the power sector is essential for achieving sustainable development. However, few studies have accounted for the emissions from various power-generation technologies. In this paper, a high-resolution inventory of power plants with more than 6 MW accounting for 93% of the national power generation in China is established for the first time. Based on this inventory, the CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions of China's hard coal power, natural gas power, hydropower, wind power, photovoltaic power, biomass power and nuclear power are calculated by using the life cycle assessment method, and their spatial distributions in 2014 are further analyzed. The results show that China's power plants emitted 3.44 E+09 t CO2, 8.56 E+06 t NOx, and 1.19 E+07 t SO2, and the uncertainties were (−18.66%, +19.14%), (−67.10%, +66.41%) and (−88.69%, +87.61%) in 2014, respectively. Renewable-energy power plants accounted for approximately 15% of the national power generation but only contributed less than 1% of the total emissions. Meanwhile, in China's eastern cities, renewable-energy power accounts for the lowest proportion of the total installed capacity. In addition, both the emission amount and intensity were significantly higher in eastern cities than central and western cities. This study will help improve research on the emissions of all power-generation technologies in China and help achieve a comprehensive and systematic emissions reduction strategy. • A high-resolution inventory of China's power plants is established. • The emissions of CO 2 , NO x and SO 2 are considered. • The emissions from renewable power generation in China are calculated. • The spatial distribution of China's power plants' emissions is analyzed. • Comprehensive strategies for regional electricity development are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good-quality CO 2 emission data are fundamental for effective climate policy and governance. Data manipulation should be deterred, while developing countries are generally weaker than developed countries in compiling bottom-up CO 2 emission inventories due to less adequate data collection capacity. This paper assesses the capabilities of CO 2 satellites as objective, independent, potentially low-cost and external data sources for monitoring energy-related anthropogenic CO 2 emissions at regional/national, megacity and point-source geographical scales. After overviewing all major CO 2 satellites, SCIAMACHY, GOSAT and OCO-2 are focused on due to their wider research applications and higher CO 2 sensitivity in total column measurements that include near surface emissions. Nighttime light satellite data for proxy CO 2 monitoring are also brought into comparison to distinguish the importance of direct CO 2 satellite monitoring. Studies are reviewed from the perspectives of spatial and temporal capability and accuracy to comprehend the current statuses of applications, assess the strengths and weaknesses of research methods, investigate major challenges and propose suggestions for future progress. We conclude that CO 2 satellite monitoring can strengthen the data foundation for implementing international climate treaties and domestic climate policies. • We review CO 2 satellites for climate governance as independent data sources. • CO 2 satellites are compared with nighttime light satellites as proxy monitoring. • We examine applications at national/regional, megacity and point-source levels. • The assessment specifically focuses on SCIAMACHY, GOSAT and OCO-2 satellites. • CO 2 satellite monitoring strengthens the data foundation for climate governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the dynamics of carbon emissions for N-11 countries from 1990 to 2017. We introduce some innovative factors such as financial development, human capital, renewable energy consumption, and gross domestic product as determinants of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. The empirical estimations are based on Pesaran (2007) unit root test, common correlated effect mean group, and augmented mean group. The findings reveal a positive relationship between carbon emissions and financial development as well as a gross domestic product. In contrast, technological innovation and renewable energy consumption are adversely related to carbon emissions. These findings have important implications, and we recommend the promotion of technological innovation and the use of renewable energy consumption. This will help in achieving the goals set by COP21. • This paper provides broader policy to achieve the goals laid down in COP21. • We investigate the role of determinants of CO2 emissions in N-11 countries. • Financial development and GDP seem to make climatic situations adverse. • Renewable energy consumption and innovation help reduce CO2 emissions. • Human capital development may also help to reduce CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution and income inequality have become two salient issues in China. To achieve a green economic transformation, China urgently needs to develop renewable energy technologies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. However, the relationship among income inequality, renewable energy technological innovation (RETI) and CO 2 emissions has not received sufficient attention in the current literature. Based on Chinese provincial panel data from 2000 to 2015, this paper adopts a panel fixed effect regression model and a panel threshold model to perform an analysis on the nonlinear relationship among these factors. The results show that (1) RETI is conducive to reducing per capita CO 2 emissions (PCE). However, with an increase in income inequality, the abatement effect of RETI on per capita CO 2 emissions will be hindered, and RETI will even positively contribute to PCE. (2) The panel threshold model shows that the impact of RETI on PCE has a significant single-threshold effect with regard to income inequality. When income inequality is lower than the threshold value, the impact of RETI on PCE is not significant. However, above the threshold value, that is, within the interval of higher income inequality, an increase in RETI will positively contribute to PCE. Finally, from the perspectives of income inequality and RETI , relevant policy implications are put forward for achieving the transformation of a low-carbon economy. • The carbon abatement effect of renewable energy technological innovation (RETI) in China is investigated. • A significant single threshold effect regarding income inequality is found. • The RETI will increase carbon emissions in high income inequality interval. • Measures to alleviate income inequality can help to further reduce CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power industry of China plays an important role in reducing the carbon dioxide (CO 2) and air pollutant emissions. This paper focuses on synergistic CO 2 and air pollution emission reduction by implementing technical and structural measures, and explores the processes aimed at achieving the co-benefits of carbon reduction and air pollution control effectively in the power industry at a local level. The results of the analysis show that the structural measures achieve overall co-benefits, and the technical measures have a good effect in reducing the air pollution, but simultaneously increase CO 2 emissions because of the additional electricity used for running air pollution control devices (APCDs). Based on the analysis of the power generation incremental cost and pollutant emission reduction cost, cost-effective approaches to attain different emission reduction targets are proposed to the power industry in four case regions. These approaches can provide policy makers and stakeholders useful and relevant policy and operation recommendations to reduce CO 2 and air pollution emissions cost-effectively and promote low carbon sustainability in the power industry of China. • China's power industry plays an important role in reducing CO 2 and air pollutants. • Technical and structural measures of reducing CO 2 and air pollutants are analyzed. • Structural measures achieve overall co-benefits. • Technical measures have a good effect in reducing pollutants, but increase CO 2. • Cost-effective approaches are formed to cut CO2 and air pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the growing literature regarding the role of Information and Communication Technologies as well as Innovation on driving the level of carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth in context of the 21st conference of the Parties to the Climate convention (COP21). Drawing the data from 13 selected G-20 countries (including Argentina, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States) during the period of 15 years, our study achieves significant results. First, only five factors impede the carbon emissions namely energy price, foreign direct investment, technology, spending on innovation and trade openness while the remainder of determinants contribute to contamination of environment, including financial development. Second, when it comes to economic growth, information and communication technological and financial development are positive driving factors. Our results do reject the absence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) from our sample. Finally, our study empirically suggests that the work of controlling consumption of oil and environmentally friendly process including manufacture-trading in these economies will limit the amount of pollution. • GDP per capita, energy consumption and financial development lead to an increase in CO2 emissions. • The effects of FDI, trade openness, and oil prices on CO2 emissions are negative following the pollution-halo hypothesis. • There is a negative relationship between ICT, innovation and CO 2 emissions in these selected G20 countries. • To some extent, measures of ICTs and financial development tend to boost the economic growth in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the short-run and long-run effects of economic, sociological and energy factors on environmental degradation in 28 European countries. In so doing, we employ Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) and Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) approaches on data from 1990 to 2014 in a STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) framework. Key empirical results indicate that these factors may contribute to environmental improvement in the short run; however, there are adverse implications in the long-run. Specifically, economic factors including economic growth, trade openness and foreign direct investment cause environmental degradation in the under-analysis economies. The sociological factors as measured by the population growth and the level of urbanization also show a negative impact on the environmental degradation in the short-run but in the long run, both population size and urbanization increase environmental degradation. These findings are in line with the concerns raised by Thomas Robert Malthus in his Essay on the Principle of Population. With regards to the energy factors, it indicates that the renewable energies help the European environment by reducing the level of carbon dioxide emissions whereas the higher energy intensity is an ecological threat. Our results remain robust in the EKC framework. • STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) framework. • Economic growth, trade openness and foreign direct investment cause environmental degradation. • Sociological factors (population growth and the level of urbanization) show a negative impact. • Our results are in line with the concerns raised by Thomas Robert Malthus in his Essay on the Principle of Population. • Our results remain robust in the EKC framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cities are the center of human activity and the basic unit of policy design, they have become the focus of carbon dioxide reduction, especially metropolitan areas that are high energy consumers and carbon dioxide emitters in countries such as China. The fact cities differ in their levels of development and stages of industrialization points to the need for tailor-made low-carbon policies. This study is the first to consider cities' different phases of industrialization when analyzing city-level emission patterns and drivers, as well as the decoupling statuses between economic growth and their emission levels in China. The results of 15 representative cities at different phases of industrialization show that various decoupling statuses, driving factors and decoupling efforts exist among cities, and that heterogeneity among these factors also exists among cities at the same industrialization phase. For further decomposition, energy intensity contributed the most to emissions reduction during the period 2005 to 2010, especially for cities with more heavy manufacturing industries, whereas industrial structure was a stronger negative emission driver during the period 2010 to 2015. Based on those findings, we suggest putting into practice a diversified carbon-mitigation policy portfolio according to each city's industrialization phase rather than a single policy that focuses on one specific driving factor. This paper sets an example on emissions-reduction experience for other cities undergoing different industrialization phases in China; it also sheds light on policy initiatives that could be applied to other cities around the world. • LMDI is applied to identify emission drivers of different industrializing cities. • Energy intensity is the dominant driver of emission reduction in cities. • Industrial structure became more crucial in emission reduction after 2010. • Emission drivers vary among cities in different industrialization phases. • City-diversified emission reduction policy portfolios should be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]