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Environmental pollution caused by many factors including energy use has been a major problem around the world. A sustainable energy structure can help improve environmental sustainability. The roles of green innovation and environmental policies in determining an effective energy structure and achieving environmental sustainability have gained attention in recent research, but there are gaps to fill. Given the rapid development and unification of Africa to boost economies, this article aims to establish whether or not green innovation and environmental policies have influenced energy structure and environmental sustainability. Thirty-one (31) countries out of the 55 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) countries were used in the analysis. The study adopted the Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and the Dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) models in its analysis. Major empirical results revealed that a 1% increase in green innovations reduces ecological footprints by 0.7% and 1% (DOLS and FMOLS). Also, a percentage increase in environmental policies can reduce ecological footprints by 10.12% (DOLS) and 21.87% (FMOLS). A 1% rise in renewable energy improves their environmental sustainability by 3.26% (DOLS) and 1.82% (FMOLS). A 1% consumption of non-renewable energy reduces environmental sustainability by 4.59% (DOLS) and 1.55% (FMOLS). These results provide insights into the importance of green innovation, environmental policy, and renewable energy in improving environmental sustainability. Stringent measures and policies to boost green investment, sustainable energies, and environmental sustainability are necessary for the region. • Role of green innovation in energy structure and environmental sustainability is examined. • Thirty-one AfCFTA countries were examined. • Green innovation and environmental policy influence energy structure. • Policy implications to boost environmental sustainability are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, China enacted its "most stringent command-and-control" directive for regulating air pollution in major Chinese cities as part of the initiative to achieve the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan established by the government. This study explored the directive's effects on the public's risk perceptions of haze in the country. Specifically, we identified public views regarding haze-related risks, the factors that influence their perceptions, and the changes in such perceptions by administering questionnaires to residents of implementation and non-implementation areas in Tianjin City before and after six months–regulation application in the metropolis. The panel data obtained from the survey were then subjected to difference-in-differences analysis. Surprisingly, the analysis showed that the directive significantly reduced the public's perceptions of risk, even when we controlled for factors related to knowledge, attitudes, health conditions, and expectations from government governance of air pollution. This finding suggested that the evaluation of other control measures that prohibit all construction-related activities during winter and the subsequent formulation of optimal solution and clarification as to what constitutes sustainable energy usage. The external costs of such use should be considered in policy making. • Haze persists in the Beijing–Tianjing–Hebei region. • Urban and rural areas had nearly parallel risk perceptions before regulations. • The public prioritizes the short-term effects of regulation over its sustainability. • The regulation significantly reduced the public's risk perceptions of haze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the persistent constraints faced by Taiwan's government in its departure from a high carbon economic pathway, resulting in a climate governance lag, despite robust international climate regulations, decarbonization value drivers, a global market, and civil society influences. This research in the study investigates Taiwan's national carbon reduction targets across various stages of climate proposals (1998, 2005, 2010,2015, and 2022), focusing on symbolic formalism rather than genuine efforts to curb carbon emissions. Additionally, this research contends that green energy policies linked with carbon reduction targets have evolved into primary objectives competing for the forthcoming wave of technological industries. Consequently, national carbon reduction strategies have succumbed to the logic of economic competition rather than tangible carbon reduction initiatives; namely, they portray the typical approach of East Asian developmental environmentalism. Owing to geopolitical and economic competition, the Taiwanese government did not declare net zero carbon emissions until April 2021, later than South Korea, China, and Japan. Furthermore, the government presented only a vague 2050 net zero roadmap, limited carbon fee, and scaled back 2030 carbon reduction objectives. When combined with nontransparent energy reviews for new investment in Taiwan, a conservative Climate Change Act, and limited civil society participation, these factors demonstrate the continuing influence of the government's authoritarian, centralized, and bureaucratic policy-making model. This research coins the term "developmental netzeroism" to describe the transformational thresholds and structural impediments that a society characterized by a high carbon emissions regime encounters, resulting in transitional delays and governance deficiencies that necessitate bold breakthroughs. [Display omitted] • This research focuses on the net zero emissions transition from a high carbon economic pathway. • National carbon reduction targets have succumbed to the logic of economic competition logic. • The current centralized, bureaucratic policy-making model significantly impacts sustainable transition. • This research critically investigates transitional lag and governance deficiencies. • "Developmental netzeroism" emphasizes the transition predicament of a carbon-intensive manufacturing country in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has systematically developed and implemented a wide-ranging set of policies for sustainable development. The Fiscal Policy for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction (FPECER) is a pivotal component within this integrated policy framework. Nevertheless, there is currently an absence of literature assessing its' impact on the carbon emission performances of manufacturing enterprises and discussing the potential impact channels. To this end, by applying the difference-in-difference method to a unique micro-level panel dataset, this study empirically investigates the impact of FPECER on manufacturing enterprises' carbon emissions and proposes some explanations for the impact channels between the two. This research substantiates that the FPESER has played a pivotal role in diminishing both the levels and intensity of carbon emissions for manufacturing enterprises located in pilot cities. Moreover, this has been achieved through an augmentation of financial subsidies granted to enterprises, a vigorous promotion of research and development activities, and a significant reduction in both the level and intensity of energy consumption. Furthermore, this research also discerns that the negative impact of FPECER on carbon emission performance is more pronounced for manufacturing enterprises in regions experiencing heightened local fiscal pressure and higher economic policy uncertainty, those classified within high-emission and capital-intensive industries, as well as non-export-oriented and state-owned manufacturing entities. Finally, FPECER does not significantly impact the output and value-added of enterprises, yet it does reduce the emission levels of a range of pollutants. • Investigating the impact of green fiscal policy on CO 2 emission performance. • FPECER reduced the manufacturing firms' CO 2 emissions level and intensity. • Subsidies, R&D, and energy usage are identified as channels for FPECER's impact. • FPECER's effects display heterogeneity across regions, industries, and firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even before China's commitment to carbon neutrality and peak in September 2020, many programs had been implemented to save energy. One such program was the "Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Low-Carbon for Ten Thousand Enterprises" (hereafter Top-10,000 Enterprises Energy-Saving Program, or Top-10,000 Program, or Program) launched in 2011, which targets high energy users. The official assessment of this program, which began during China's 12th Five Year Plan period (2011–2015), claimed that it had achieved its goals. However, there has been no precise measurement of how much it has contributed to China's total energy conservation achievements and how enterprises responded to it. Employing the regression discontinuity design approach and Chinese taxation survey data, this study represents a pioneering attempt to assess the energy savings resulting from this program. Our study estimates that this program accounted for an average of 5.8% of nationwide energy savings. The primary methods employed by enterprises to save energy were enhancing energy efficiency and dynamically adjusting production scale. The results of our study suggest that regulatory environmental policies should not be hindered by short-term scale effects. Instead, further innovations are required to minimize the cost of energy savings. • The energy saving effect of China's Top-10,000 program is quantified • Utilization of a vast firm-level dataset employing regression discontinuity design • A pioneering assessment of the energy savings achieved through the Top-10,000 Program • Firms reduce production scale in the short-term responding to energy-saving policies • Firms expand production scale in the long-run reacting to energy-saving policies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The December 2013 Medium Combustion Plants Directive (MCP Directive) proposal was evaluated by the national governments. In the Czech Republic, there are 6710 plants affected by this Directive, which is about 4.6% of the total of 143,000 relevant European plants. The paper introduces our approach of policy impact assessment called SimTool. The costs estimated for the European Commission in the background study (AMEC, 2014) are assumed to reach EUR 5.9 million for the Czech Republic for the preferred scenario by the European Commission. Further presented national impact assessment estimates the induced annual costs of the proposal at EUR 61 million, which is about 10 times greater than the European impact assessment estimate. As part of the national impact assessment, the different fuel categories had to be analyzed separately due to their specific features and different options for achieving the emission limit target values. During the impact assessment, a survey was made in order to determine the source operators’ preferences and responses to the potential adoption of the MCP Directive. Based on the analysis of data from the operators and consultations with experts about the different technologies, technical options for achievement of the proposed emission limits, including an estimate of the operating and investment costs, were proposed. The paper concentrates on the Czech impact assessment approach and discusses the reasons of the discrepancy between the European impact assessment and the Czech version. We argue that the inaccuracies of the European impact assessments are given by usage of the general abatement cost curves in the models which do not reflect the reality sufficiently. This paper states an argument for the necessity to carry out analysis at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable urban development, especially in disadvantaged regions, has increasingly gained a major strategic priority. New settlements and urban regeneration programs have to achieve an improvement of social life quality, promote economic growth and increase environmental protection practices and proper use of local resources. In this framework, building environment development must exploit natural resources with responsible approach by using local materials and traditional techniques. In this end, indoor comfort and energy consumption have to match the territories needs. Low energy and passive heating/cooling techniques should be considered as a valid option in many building projects. The paper reviews some models evaluating thermohygrometric comfort in natural ventilated buildings, based on adaptive approaches. A focus is given on Mozambican building traditions, and, finally it proposes a case study where, by the recovery of Mozambican old traditions, a new healthcare facility is designed to be energy autonomous also including large use of natural ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various “smart grid” technologies can help achieve a region's environmental and climate mitigation goals by facilitating the deployment of renewable energy sources, transportation electrification, energy conservation and load-shifting of electricity use. This study reviews and explores the role of environmental framing in the socio-political acceptance of smart grid technologies by citizens, media, and key stakeholders, using the case study of British Columbia, Canada—a low carbon electricity-based region where smart grid deployment has been mandated as part of climate change legislation. We collected and analyzed data from British Columbia via a survey of Canadian citizens implemented in 2013 (n = 2930), a media analysis of newspaper articles from 2007 to 2012, and interviews with key stakeholders in 2013. We find that overall citizen acceptance of one smart grid technology (smart meters) is relatively low in British Columbia, but acceptance doubles when the survey explicitly describes smart meters according to positive frames, namely environmental benefits without installation costs or mandatory enrolment. In contrast, we find that media and key stakeholders in British Columbia focus more on economic frames of smart grid deployment (e.g. reducing electricity costs) than environmental frames (e.g. climate abatement). Further, we find that news media mention smart grid risks 50% more frequently than benefits. By comparing these different aspects of socio-political acceptance, we suggest that key stakeholders seeking to deploy smart grid technology could better stimulate citizen support in certain jurisdictions by more actively using positive, pro-environmental frames and by better engaging with citizens earlier in the technology and policy design and deployment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tackling fuel poverty has become an increasingly important issue on many European countries’ political agendas. Consequently, national governments, local authorities and NGOs have established policies and programmes to reduce the fuel poverty vulnerability of households. However, evaluations of such policies and programmes show that they barely reach those who are most in need. The reasons for this failure are diverse and include fuel poverty measurement metrics, local scale data availability and policy design. This raises the question of how fuel poor homes can be more effectively identified and targeted to ensure that limited local and national budgets are used to benefit those who most need help. Area-based approaches, which pinpoint spatial units highly affected by fuel poverty due to their specific characteristics, offer an opportunity for creating more tailored policies and programmes. In this study, the author developed a GIS-MCDA (Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis), using an AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and applied the approach to the German city of Oberhausen. The overall issue of fuel poverty was broken down into three vulnerability dimensions (heating burden, socio-economic and building vulnerability), the relative importance of fuel poverty criteria and the dimensions were evaluated by experts, and an overall Fuel Poverty Index was created to assess the relative fuel poverty vulnerability of 168 urban neighbourhoods. The analysis offers insights into the spatial pattern of fuel poverty within a city and thus provides an opportunity to channel efforts towards households in those neighbourhoods most in need. It also demonstrates that a trade-off between ecological and social targets should be considered in the development of future policies for tackling fuel poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several measures in the environment and energy realms are currently being implemented in the EU and its Member States. Three of these instruments, with an impact on the electricity market, are demand side management activities, promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources and measures aimed at the mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of these energy efficiency and environmental goals and instruments on electricity demand and costs to electricity consumers when electricity markets are either national or international and when those policies are implemented by a national or an international institution. The paper shows that the effectiveness and impact of those measures largely depends on the demand response in the electricity market. An additional conclusion is that, when either the electricity markets or the support policies are national, distortions may occur, i.e. the reductions in electricity demand in one country may be subsidised by consumers or taxpayers in another country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we explain the effectiveness of green policies on the basis of development stage of countries. The analysis conducted on developing and developed countries in the time span 2004–2011, following a two-step approach: in the first step, we consider the green policy sectors (regulatory policies, fiscal incentives, and public investments) while in the second step we analyze individually the policies adopted by countries. Results confirm that not all policies promote the investments in Renewable sources and their effectiveness depend by the stage of development of the countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy (RE) has been identified as a key tool to counter climate change and enhance energy security. Countries across the globe have been promoting this sector by several policy measures. However, limited research has been undertaken on the economic and environmental efficacy of RE policy instruments, especially in context of emerging economies like India, which have witnessed substantial capacity addition and have set ambitious targets to de-carbonize their economy. This paper identifies 25 innovative practices followed in India which have enabled accelerated RE capacity addition with minimal financial obligations. These include energy entrepreneurship, energy democratization, private sector participation, hedging and apportioning RE procurement, use of auctions with stringent participatory norms, creditworthy counter-party, leverage of risk capital by developmental institutions, regular revision of tariffs, environmental cess on polluting industries, long-term RE purchase trajectory and incentivizing green power output. Results indicate high financial impact of instruments (support of US$ 3–5/MW h over applicable tariff) which gets neutralized when tax inflow is considered. Lower carbon abatement cost (US$ 3–6/tCO2eq) depicts high environmental efficacy. The paper shares best practices from India in terms of efficient use of RE policy enablers, which may be contextualized in other emerging economies as per the local requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constrained by the dual mission of supporting industrial growth and reducing emissions, China׳s traditional, emission reduction-oriented environmental policies unavoidably face a dilemma. This study adopts the GML index to calculate China׳s industrial productivity by considering environmental factors. In addition, based on the assumption of industry heterogeneity, the author examines the non-linear relationship between China׳s environmental regulation and environmental productivity and calculated the optimal regulation environment for industries. According to this study, when impact of undesirable outputs (pollutant emissions) is considered, environmental regulation and environmental productivity are positively correlated, which to some degree validates the Porter Hypothesis. At present, environmental regulation has significant positive effects on clean production industries but shows a lag effect on pollution-intensive industries. The degree of environmental regulation and environmental productivity show an “inverted U”-shaped relation and display three thresholds. It should be noted, however, that the relationship between regulation and productivity may vary across industries. These findings have clear policy implications: rather than continually increasing the level of environmental regulation, the government should establish standards for individual industries that emphasize flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, China has witnessed substantial progress in urbanization and industrialization and has become the manufacturing center of the world, but has suffered from severe environmental deterioration, especially air pollution. National and provincial governments have adopted a series of policy tools aiming at energy conservation and emission reduction, varying from energy saving regulations to cleaner production policies. This paper investigates provincial energy saving and emission reduction policies by evaluating their effectiveness on local air pollution control. Relying on a panel data regression analysis on a sample of 26 provinces and four centrally-controlled municipalities over a ten-year period from 2002 to 2011, we find empirical support for the positive impacts of provincial energy saving regulations and two environmental standards on the improvement of local air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan is a nation densely concentrated with industrial properties, causing a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, poor air quality and environmental pollution in Taiwan are severe societal problems. Although Taiwan has formulated severe environmental protection-related penalties, the excessive use of energy and high level of pollution remain a persisting environmental problem in Taiwan. Because communities are collective groups beneficial for the promotion of local policies, several subsidy policies for environmental quality improvement are currently promoted through community development in Taiwan. These policies consider factors such as Taiwan’s long-day geographical environment and the increase in idle agricultural land after the process of economic transition. To explore the effectiveness of promoting these policies, this study applied the Delphi method and fuzzy logic theory to establish a quantified effectiveness assessment model. In addition, we determined that communities that encourage the participation of its residents and factors such as proenvironment, solar power, and plain afforestation enhanced the overall environmental protection of the community and reduced the emission of CO 2 . Furthermore, the core problems that hinder the improvement of current policies were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union launched a set of policies as part of its 2020 climate and energy package aimed at meeting its 20/20/20 headline targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This paper evaluates how successful new-to-the-market climate change mitigation technologies (CCMT) are in helping EU member states (MS) reach these goals and, furthermore, whether there are differences between sectors subject to EU-wide polices. To do so, we relate CCMT patent counts to two specific headline targets: (1) achieving 20% of gross final energy consumption from renewables, and (2) achieving a 20% increase in energy efficiency. Our results provide the first ex-post evaluation of the effectiveness of these technologies for combating climate change. Moreover, our sectoral impact assessment points to significant differences in the way in which these technologies contribute to policy goals across the sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asia has the world's largest population and the largest number of biogas digesters, with implementation across 25 countries. These countries can be categorised into four groups based on their biogas development status. Asia has approximately 45.03 million biogas digesters, of which about 99.72% are household units and 0.28% are industrial digesters. Predominantly located in less developed rural areas, a substantial number of household digesters have ceased operation or been abandoned. Some Asian countries and regions are witnessing a transition from household to industrial digesters, driven by economic growth and favourable environmental policies. However, many industrial digesters smaller than 500 m3 are underperforming, unprofitable, or inactive. Larger digesters are better managed and more sustainable. From 1958 through 2023, 163 biogas safety incidents were recorded in seven Asian countries, resulting in 321 fatalities, 220 injuries, and substantial property damage. This study identifies and discusses seven key factors influencing biogas development in Asia: climate conditions, energy demand, biowaste resources, economic development, government policy, technical service, and biogas programs. These factors range from objective and independent to external dependencies and direct, dynamic influences. Future biogas development in Asia will benefit from favourable technoeconomic growth and increased climate change awareness, supported by societal priorities and government policies. However, it must also confront and address several significant challenges. [Display omitted] • Biogas development activities have been in 25 Asian countries. • Asia has approximately 45.03 million biogas digesters and 99.72% are household units. • From 1958 through 2023, 163 biogas accidents resulted in 321 deaths and 220 injuries. • Seven key factors influence biogas development in Asia. • Future biogas development is optimistic, but challenges must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the development of policy instruments that support the low-carbon governance in China. The instruments are analysed in five aspects in relation to the key policies in low-carbon governance in China, including: energy conservation, developing new energy, reforestry, developing circular economy, and industry restructuring. Each aspect is discussed in three instrument groups which are (1) law and regulations, (2) industry standard and (3) finance and taxation. This research suggests that law enforcement for the new established laws should be further strengthened and stricter supervision systems should be in place to safeguard effective implementation of low carbon policies, measures and standards, especially for those energy condensed sectors. More rigorous industry standards regarding energy efficiency should be considered to help eliminate outdated equipments in industries and promote the introduction of more climate-friendly technologies. The industrial standards should be given strong legal support in accountability, in order to enforce their complete application once in operation. New policies and instruments need to be introduced in order to reduce carbon print by landfill. The backward law and industrial standards in China should be upgraded more regularly, therefore to support the low carbon development strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nowadays, one of the urgent issues regarding global climate change is to discuss the future of the second period of the Kyoto Protocol. However, the divergence of views and opinions among parties in the last Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Durban in December 2011, is still large. One of the bones of contention is whether the emerging developing countries, like China, should make commitments and legally bind themselves to a Green House Gas (GHG) reduction target in near future. As the largest GHG emitting country, China and its energy and climate policies will play an important role in global climate change and will also significantly influence the other countries’ policies and the global climate negotiation. In this paper, we review the current differences among parties in the Durban Conference, and we analyze the recent situation, barriers, and future policies in China. Finally we highlight the impact and potential effect of Clean Development Mechanisms in avoiding China''s barriers regarding climate change. Results show that China is making a great effort to mitigate climate change by establishing and reforming its energy and climate policies in order to achieve a low-carbon development. At the same time, more innovation and international collaboration is needed in China to achieve this goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Copenhagen Accord in 2009 initiated new opportunities for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purpose of this study was to review Taiwan''s current climate policy and, in response to the Copenhagen Accord, to deliberate this policy in the light of new strategic thinking. The study proposes a two-stage approach with a dividing line in 2020. In the first stage, from now until 2020, strategy should be based on cost constraints, with a suggested reduction cost below $60/t-CO2, and implementation of domestic GHG emissions trading scheme and reduction strategies. In the second stage, from 2020 and beyond, action by Taiwan should, accord with international cooperative actions to link its domestic emissions trading scheme with the international carbon market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a high energy-dependent nation with about 97% of our energy needs supplied by imported fuels in 2002. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant environmental issues in the country. In this regard, renewable energy is thus becoming attractive in recent years based on the energy policy for the sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. In response to the balance between economic development, energy supply stability and environment protection, the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued the Renewable Energy Development Plan in 2001. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of current utilization and future development on renewable energy, including biomass energy, solar energy (i.e., photovoltaic power and solar water heating), wind energy and geothermal energy. The description is first centered on energy production/consumption situation and greenhouse gas emissions status, and then concerned with renewable energy utilization in terms of environmental impacts, especially in air pollution. Finally, we present the promotion measures related to the renewable energy utilization under the government regulations, industrial policy, financial incentives and funding supports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The sustainability paradigm has gained global attention, and the same has been expected from the economies having increasing levels of environmental footprints over the past couple of decades. This research aims to investigate the nexus between clean energy technologies and climate change mitigation among the top ecologically pollutant (TEP) economies during 1996–2020. The research incorporated other drivers of climate change, including energy efficiency, industrialization, and sustainable policies through environmental regulations. The methodological context covers the necessary preliminary tests and the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR). The preliminary results indicate that TEP economies are interdependent with the heterogenous slope coefficients, stationarity data trends, and cointegrated relationships. The findings from the MMQR unveiled that clean energy technologies tend to mitigate climate change from 0.10th to 0.70th quantiles. Relatedly, energy efficiency reduces the environmental burden across all the quantiles except for the 0.10th one. Conversely, industrialization and economic growth cause an upward shift in climate change among TEP economies across all the quantiles, suggesting a need to shift production-based economies to more service-intensive ones. However, the study found no significant evidence for the nexus between sustainable environmental policies and climate change. The robustness checks also validate the MMQR estimations; however, their parameters' magnitude substantially varied. These outcomes encourage policymakers to implement holistic strategies supporting energy innovation, technologies, and efficiency improvements while controlling the adverse effects of industrialization and traditional growth models. [Display omitted] • Mitigating climate change needs a universal call. • A novel approach, MMQR, has been applied. • Both clean energy technologies and energy efficiency reduce ecological footprints. • Industrialization and economic growth disturb the sustainability paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of public policies have emerged worldwide as a response from governments facing climate change effects, drawing the attention of the scientific community to the outcomes and actual effects/benefits these policies have brought so far. One of the challenging aspects related to this context is the integration of the objectives set by climate change policies within the sectoral and regional planning. In this respect, the literature recognizes the relevance of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as an instrument to deal with climate change issues in the planning process and to support the development of alternatives to respond to climate change policies. The influence of climate change policies on the plans and programs supported by SEA in emerging economies is yet to be verified. The paper relies on the case of Brazil, recognized by its relevance in terms of biodiversity, water resources and climate regulation. In 2009, Brazil introduced the National Policy of Climate Change (NPCC), which established guidelines to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2020. The present paper is based on the analysis of the current SEA practice and the corresponding level of integration of climate change issues, considering the objectives of the NPCC. A set of 29 statements, delivered by the literature, was applied, combined to the content analysis techniques to review the quality of 35 SEA reports produced in Brazil between 1997 and 2014 (out of 40-odd cases). The outcomes indicate the performance is similar to what was found in other contexts, i.e., SEA areas barely address climate change issues. This thus reveals an important gap between the objectives of NPCC and sectoral/regional planning. SEA can contribute to reducing this gap, but it needs more strength to influence the development of sectoral and regional policies and plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation, and governments in many countries which are endeavouring to address the situation. Malaysia is no exception. This paper examines the path towards green construction project delivery in Malaysia, focusing on current green policies and initiatives by governments. The historical waves in Malaysian approaches to tackling environmental issues are described, starting from the early 20th century, through the 1990s to the present, and the influence of these approaches on construction practices is analysed. Based on the findings of policy review, essential green construction practices aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of construction activities on the environment in Malaysia were identified. This paper paves the way for future studies in construction and sustainability in Malaysia, especially for the Southeast Asian region where sustainability practices are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of renewable energy sources has been primarily justified on the ground of environmental policies and energy security, but new jobs opportunities and establishment of new economy sectors may be equally important co-benefits from investments in this sector. The main goal of this paper is to assess the employment benefits of investments in renewable energy in the Czech Republic. We examine the level and rate of the development of the renewable energy sector in the Czech Republic in terms of ('green‘) job creation for the period 2008–2013, in comparison to data from other EU countries, including Germany as a leading early investor in renewables. Whilst the deployment of renewable energy in the Czech Republic has succeeded to create a significant number of jobs (more than 20 000 employees in 2010), our analysis illustrates a strong dependency of job creation on the continuation of financial incentives. We also find that biomass and waste energy processing offer the highest employment per MWh, which benefits employment in (economically fragile) rural areas. We discuss the question of competitiveness of a country that was not amongst the early adopters of renewables, arguing that the technical skills of the labour force in the Czech Republic provide a potential for more sustained investments in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different carbon emitting nations and regions use different production technologies. To analyze potential sources of carbon intensity reduction, this study applied a metafrontier function and a non-radial data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to propose a new carbon emission performance index. An empirical study of carbon emissions from 58 countries between 2001 and 2007 led to three key findings. First, different reference technologies lead to significant differences in carbon emission performance. Assessing carbon emission performance using the group frontier as the evaluation criterion consistently yields equal or greater performance than when using the metafrontier as the benchmark. Second, the carbon emission performance of Asia is lower than that of Europe and the Americas, but Asia has the greatest potential to reduce carbon intensity. Production technology levels in Asia have lagged behind levels in Europe and the Americas; these gaps, however, have gradually narrowed. Finally, ineffective management and gaps in production technologies are the two main contributors to carbon dioxide intensity. Management factors are more significant overall for Asia, Europe and America; However, different individual countries have different perspective on the sources of potential carbon intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trigeneration system uses only one source of primary energy, while providing power, heating and cooling simultaneously. This primary source can be represented by either fossil fuels or some appropriate renewable energy sources (biomass, biogas, solar energy, etc.). In this paper a brief review of micro-trigeneration systems for residential applications was reported. An innovative building-integrated micro-trigeneration system was proposed. This proposed system was based on a natural gas-fueled internal combustion engine micro-cogeneration unit for heating purposes and domestic hot water production. The cogeneration device fed an electric air-cooled vapor compression water chiller for cooling purposes. The micro-trigeneration system was coupled with a multi-family house characterized by transmittance values of the building envelope compliant with those imposed by Italian Law. The considered building is representative of a typical Italian residential application. The feasibility of the proposed trigeneration system was investigated by using the dynamic simulation software TRNSYS in comparison to a traditional supply based on separate energy production. The analyses were performed by varying the climatic conditions and considering buildings located in three different Italian cities (Palermo, Naples and Milan), which are representative of the different climatic regions of Italy. The primary energy consumption, the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions as well as the operating costs of the proposed system were evaluated based on the simulation results according to the Italian scenario and compared with those associated to a conventional system composed of a natural gas-fired boiler coupled with the same air-cooled water electric chiller fed by the electric grid. The performed analyses allowed to assess the energy, environmental and economic suitability of the proposed scheme as well as its potential benefits in comparison to the reference plant based on separate energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Commission has set clear targets for 2020 regarding energy and environment policy; these targets include 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions against the 1990 levels. It is believed that adopted strategy has encouraged the renewable energy applications during the last two decades. Moreover, measurement deviations of carbon dioxide flux occurring in respiration chambers has been seen of a great importance to explain the biochemical parameters affecting the climate change issue. This is attributed on many occasions to chamber design constraints and the way they are coupled with the studied site location. This is illustrated by external disturbances whereby when they happen while gas measurements are taken measurement deviations become more evident. This paper surveys the different soil physical, biological and geotechnical parameters and links them to meteorological ones. Consequently it explores their direct and indirect effects to the produced soil efflux. Furthermore this paper proposes several soil temperature models according to the studied case constraints to see what affects soil efflux production. Moreover a clear understanding of what affects the measurement process was achieved through surveying all the internal and external pressure parameters and how they influence the chamber in relation to time. The conclusion is that respiration chamber designers need to preserve chamber internal temperature and pressure to be equal to the outer atmosphere for the case of stabile external conditions. For the case of unstable external conditions design counter measures are incorporated. Furthermore the appropriate gas sensor needs to be selected professionally with emphasis on the importance of installation location inside the chamber. Likewise soil bacterial type and soil temperature also has an influence on efflux production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts a "reality check" on the electricity production and electricity consumption trends in China, in the U.S. and in the Euro area and in the EU. Most of our analyses cover years 1961–2011. The data is based on the World Bank׳s database with supplementary IEA database (2013). In this article we perform various trend analyses, which are linked to electricity production and consumption developments. These regions are major players in global climate change and climate policy. Our trend analyses indicate in many ways that China is now a global trend-setter in climate change and climate policy. Upwards sloping trends were evident in the Chinese energy economy. However, U.S. and the EU are still very important players. Trend analyses of this article indicate that the structures of electricity production and energy mixes are changing. Our benchmarking studies indicate that the role of renewables is increasing in electricity production and the role of oil-based electricity production has drastically decreased. The "Golden age" of nuclear energy in electricity production seems to be over: at least, turning points can be found in trend developments. Empirical trade-off analyses of the study verified conventional research results about high linear correlation coefficients (regression models) between electricity production and GDP as well as between population and GPD in all regions. Correlation coefficients measure the strength of association between two variables. What was interesting is that our comparative analyses revealed some remarkable differences in linear regression equation coefficients. One of them was that the coefficient between population and electricity production is much lower in China than in the U.S. or in the EU. Second finding was that the coefficient of the regression model describing linear relationship between GDP and electricity production is highest in China in comparison to the other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of China׳s installed wind power capacity in recent years is closely related to the wind energy policies issued by the Chinese government. Using content analysis and quantitative analysis methods, this paper studies the historical evolution of Chinese wind energy policies. Based on 72 wind energy policies issued in the past two decades (1995–2014), this paper analyzes the issuing organization, form, number and stringency of wind energy policies and compares different policy instruments in two periods. The results show that the number and stringency of wind energy policies fluctuated greatly from 1995 to 2014 and that more than twenty organizations had independently or jointly issued the policies. The main organization issuing wind energy policies, however, is the department that controls key economic and administrative resources and not the one that is in charge of wind energy. Of the 72 policies issued, twenty-three took the form of notices, and eleven were measures. As to the policy instrument, environmental policies are most widely applied by the Chinese government, and “regulation control” and “goal-planning” instruments are the ones most frequently adopted. Furthermore, the application of supply- and demand-type policies is inadequate, and few effective instruments have been adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy communities have multiplied the last years in many countries, even in contexts that the structural conditions are not favorable. The paper analyses individual motivations for partaking in local renewable projects and generating energy jointly in an investment community, in order to inform policy debates on how to support such communities. To do so, we applied a socio-psychological approach for studying renewable energy communities in Germany and the Netherlands. Our results show that mainly gain (such as decreasing energy costs) and normative (such as addressing climate change) considerations played a role in the decision, but in the background hedonic motivations were also present, such as having fun and integrating in a community. Each of the groups examined emerged in already existing strong communities, where trust was relatively high, which seems to be an important condition for the realization of local energy projects. Consequently, we argue that tailor-made incentives addressing the different types of motivations can be more effective for the support and spread of renewable energy communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial shading is a condition where, the panels in a photovoltaic (PV) array do not receive uniform irradiation. Shading causes mismatch in the electrical characteristics of the panels composing the PV array and results in significant reduction in the energy yield. The reduction in output is not proportional to the shaded area but depends on the extent of mismatch that in turn depends on other factors like array size, type of configuration chosen, position of the panels in the array and shading pattern. To reduce the severity of this issue and to improve the energy yield under shaded conditions, it is therefore necessary to analyze the role played by each one of the contributing factors in greater detail. This paper presents a detailed analysis focusing mainly on the role played by the array size, array configuration (interconnections among the panels) and the shading pattern on the energy yield under partial shading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because China has emerged as the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in total annual emissions, to accelerate the pace of GHG emission reduction in China is important to the success of global efforts in addressing climate change. Carbon trading is a market mechanism and key instrument in the mitigation of climate change. This paper explores the policy process and development state to date of China׳s carbon-trade market to understand the emergence and development of that market and to understand what barriers are hampering China׳s carbon-trade market development. To achieve this goal, this paper introduces and analyzes China׳s status in the international market, examines the factors driving carbon-market launching by the Chinese government, and traces the development of mandatory carbon-emission trading and voluntary emission trading. It is argued that China׳s carbon-trading market is confronted with challenges such as the absence of a functional carbon-trading market, inaccuracy of the quota allocation, an imperfect trading mechanism, and lagging legislation. At the present stage, shortcomings such as having no real-time carbon price and dominated spot transactions differentiate China׳s trade market substantially from a functional system. A quick market integration of China׳s carbon market appears remote. It is suggested that specific measures be taken to promote the development of the Chinese carbon-trading market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International low-carbon technology (LCT) transfer has emerged as a key focus of research and policy for global climate change mitigation efforts. While the benefits of international LCT transfer are widely understood, the processes associated with international LCT transfer are more complicated than is portrayed in the often-polarized discussions around LCT transfer. In order to effectively incentivize innovation and diffusion of LCTs globally, it is important to synthesize the emerging integrated concept of LCT transfer with due consideration to the dynamics of the processes underpinning it. A robust view of international LCT transfer requires a holistic understanding of the various economic, political, institutional, and legal factors that impact widespread transfer of LCTs. Focusing on these factors, the primary objective of this paper is to place the recent empirical literature in LCT transfer within the framework of key theoretical and conceptual ideas in the broader innovation and technology transfer literature. We organize our synthesis of this literature under three overarching themes: intellectual property rights; recipient country characteristics; and the role of international partnerships. By focusing on the dynamics of LCT transfer, this paper provides structured insights from the existing body of work, while also outlining fruitful directions to take in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical econometric assessment of environmental policy effectiveness is capable of demonstrating which tools have been helping to achieve the desired effect of reducing harmful emissions or stimulating technological change. This paper employs an econometric approach to analyse the effectiveness of energy and carbon taxes in Sweden, the country, which was one of the first to introduce a CO 2 tax as well as an extensive environmental tax reform. The results showed that taken in isolation a CO 2 tax was not sufficient to result in a significant change in CO 2 emissions in Sweden, except in the case of petrol. On the other hand, energy taxes for coal and LPG have been statistically significantly effective. It was also clear that a technological innovation in the form of development of nuclear and hydro energy played a significant role in reducing CO 2 emissions and higher oil price was also important in reducing national CO 2 emissions in Sweden. At the same time, renewable energy (excluding hydro), a more recent innovation, has not been a statistically significant driver of CO 2 emissions reduction, perhaps due to the fact that wind and solar play a much lesser role in Sweden at the moment. The net electricity imports from other countries have contributed positively towards reducing CO 2 emissions in Sweden, while the use of coal and biomass tended to increase CO 2 emissions. Compared to the ex-ante modelling results from the literature review, the findings confirm the role of environmental taxation as a viable policy instrument effective in reducing CO 2 emissions in Sweden, although point towards a more nuanced picture. The paper raises important policy questions focused on the effectiveness of environmental policy tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commentators expect improved energy efficiency and reduced energy demand to provide the dominant contribution to tackling global climate change. But at the global level, the correlation between increased wealth and increased energy consumption is very strong and the impact of policies to reduce energy demand is both limited and contested. Different academic disciplines approach energy demand reduction in different ways: emphasising some mechanisms and neglecting others, being more or less optimistic about the potential for reducing energy demand and providing insights that are more or less useful for policymakers. This article provides an overview of the main issues and challenges associated with energy demand reduction, summarises how this challenge is ‘framed’ by key academic disciplines, indicates how these can provide complementary insights for policymakers and argues that a ‘sociotechnical’ perspective can provide a deeper understanding of the nature of this challenge and the processes through which it can be achieved. The article integrates ideas from the natural sciences, economics, psychology, innovation studies and sociology but does not give equal weight to each. It argues that reducing energy demand will prove more difficult than is commonly assumed and current approaches will be insufficient to deliver the transformation required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal point of this review is to provide a comparative display of qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed for the appraisal of interacting energy and climate policies, underlying their key features while presenting the most critical issues and limitations not addressed so far. Qualitative approaches provide a descriptive explanatory analysis of often non-quantifiable process in policy interactions, whereas modeling approaches provide numerical data estimating the extent of policy interaction impacts. Quantitative methods work best for narrowly specified policy combinations, while contextual implications and cause-impact effects are explained further via qualitative ones. In addition most evaluations so far adopt a rational view of policies and policy interactions leaving out a systemic evaluation of the institutionalism of interacting policies. Research analysis of energy and climate policy interactions is still young in comparison to the broad field of policy evaluation and impact assessment. However infants inherently tend to grow. Endeavors for a methodological framework that would allow for a systematic exchange of data between qualitative and quantitative approaches and would also include the relevance of the context as well as key casual relationships behind policy combinations, would provide the basis for further growth of knowledge in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven years on since the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its efforts in combating climate change, fossil fuels remain the most dominant global energy source. As the total replacement of fossil fuel energy is not expected to take place immediately in the near future, the International Energy Agency has repeatedly declared carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a key technology for mitigating climate change. However, CCS lacks the scale required for substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power generation. Even though CCS is one of the key technologies for mitigating climate change, why has this technology not had an international breakthrough? To shed light on this question, this paper employs a simple model of energy generation, scrutinizes the economic drivers of CCS based on the analytical results, and discusses the possible obstacles that can prevent a widespread rollout of the technology. This is followed by a state-of-the-art in literature pertaining to the economics of CCS, and a discussion that points to a dichotomy between the economic theory and reality. The study concludes with some policy suggestions and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been rising global concern regarding the importance of achieving environmental sustainability. Consequently, researchers and policymakers have focused on identifying and evaluating the various elements that contribute to an individual's ecological footprint and environmental consequences. Therefore, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the roles of green technology, research and development (R&D), and environmental policies that help attain environmental sustainability in Ghana. The present study utilized both the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) techniques to evaluate the long and short-run relationships between explanatory variables from 1990 to 2022. The study compares the results of NARDL and ARDL techniques. The findings reveal that the NARDL (0.999) analysis had a greater impact on the ecological footprint in Ghana than the ARDL (0.996) analysis. Under the ARDL technique, green technology has a negative impact on ECF in both the short and long run, and R&D also decreases ecological footprint (ECF) in the long run. Environmental policies had a negative impact on ECF in both the short and long run. Based on the NARDL approach, an adverse change in GT had a negative impact (0.004) on the ECF in both the short and long run. In contrast, a negative change in R&D has a negative impact (0.007) on the ECF in the short run, and a positive change in R&D negatively affects the ecological footprint in the long run. Notably, a positive change in environmental policies had a significant negative impact (0.040) on the ECF in the short and long run. This study suggests that policymakers should encourage and support the adoption and application of green technology and the development of robust environmental policies, as these measures can significantly contribute to decreasing the ecological footprint and fostering environmental sustainability. • This research assesses factors for attaining environmental sustainability in Ghana. • This study utilizes the ARDL and NARDL methodologies. • Research and development decrease ecological footprint. • Green technology can contribute to reducing ecological footprint in the long run. • Environmental policies decrease ecological footprint in the short run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sustainability of energy systems has a strategic role in the current energy-environmental policies as it involves key issues such as security of energy supply, mitigation of environmental impact (with special regard to air quality improvement) and energy affordability. In this framework modelling activities are more than ever a strategic issue in order to manage the large complexity of energy systems as well as to support the decision-making process at different stages and spatial scales (regional, national, Pan-European, etc.). The aim of this article is to present a new model for the Italian energy system implemented with a common effort in the framework of an integrated project under the Sixth Framework Programme. In particular, the main features of the common methodology are briefly recalled and the modelling structure, the main data and assumptions, sector by sector, are presented. Moreover the main results obtained for the baseline (BAU) scenario are fully described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During last century, worldwide environment degradation gets more and more serious, and achieving environmental sustainable development is desirable. As many environmental issues are directly or indirectly energy related, energy sustainable development is one of the most important prerequisites for environmental sustainable development. Renewable energy technologies and energy conservation are two solutions for energy sustainable development. At present, energy-saving technology is a feasible and an effective way to achieve energy and environmental sustainable development, although renewable energy may be final solution to environmental issues. Building cooling, heating, and power (BCHP) technology, which usually use natural gas as primary energy, has high efficiency of energy utilization due to the utilization of distributed power generation and heat recovery, and thus is a promising energy conservation technology. BCHP can reduce pollutants emission and thus protects the environment besides improving IAQ and increasing reliability of building energy supply. As the largest developing country, China is just in the process of adjusting energy structure and improving energy efficiency. Because of its significant role in energy and environmental sustainable development, developing BCHP in China will help the country in optimizing energy proportion, increasing energy efficiency, and protecting environment. Therefore, BCHP technology will have broad prospects in China and it will promote the country''s energy and environmental sustainable development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation of climate change are the main aims of the global climate policy. Increased use of renewable energy is a central measure in achieving these goals. However, mitigation of climate change through increased use of renewable energy also has negative environmental impacts. Focusing merely on greenhouse gas emissions may lead to overseeing these other negative environmental impacts and thereby in unwanted side-effects. The aim of this review was to assess the overall life cycle impacts related to the production and use of the different renewable energy sources. Impacts were assessed for unit processes and for the Finnish national renewable energy targets as a whole. The review points out that in order to comprehensively understand the overall environmental impacts of the different renewable energy sources, a thorough life cycle assessment with a unified framework would be needed. Presently there is only limited information available or the published results are not comparable with each another. However, assessment using the Finnish National Renewable Energy Targets for 2020 also indicates that under the present targets, the overall environmental impacts of the renewable energy use are likely to be low. Main impacts or risks of impacts relate to the use of forest energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmental pressure from residential energy use is projected to significantly increase by 2030. Different environmental policy measures provide different incentives for “environmentally responsive” consumer choices and behavioural responses. There is a great energy saving potential in residential buildings of Lithuania. Compared to the other EU countries with similar climate conditions, energy consumption for residential heating is approximately 1.8 times higher in Lithuania. About 60% of Lithuanian population resides in multi-apartment buildings constructed during 1961–1990. The aim of the paper is to define the main drivers of residential energy use in Lithuania and to compare energy saving technologies in terms of energy saving potential and costs in Lithuanian residential buildings. Seeking to achieve the aim the main tasks of the paper are to analyse theoretical issues of the main drivers of residential energy use; to analyse residential energy use trends in Lithuania and to compare these trends with other EU member states; to define the main drivers of residential energy use by applying correlation analysis; to analyse policies aiming to reduce energy consumption in residential buildings and their impacts on GHG emission reduction. The comparative study of residential energy use in Lithuania and several old EU member states showed that residential energy use per capita in Lithuania is significantly lower than in old EU member states because of the lower income per capita and lower living standards. The economic and technological factors are the main driving forces of final energy consumption in all compared EU member states; however the impact of different factors varies between countries. The comparative analysis of energy saving and GHG emission reduction potential and costs in residential buildings provided by different studies showed that the most cost-effective instruments were appliance standards, energy efficiency obligations, Demand Side Management programs, public benefit charges and labelling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper aims to investigate the achievements of the theoretical and practical basis of environmental policy analysis in order to study their works and point out the future possible research direction. It sorts out researches about environmental efficiency assessment and reviews the works about the theory and application of efficiency analysis around the world. It is suggested that environmental efficiency evaluation theory under small samples and DEA method with undesirable outputs will further extend the research on environmental efficiency evaluation. Also, this review confirms that more studies in methods and their applications in this area are in urgent need. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey''s demand for energy and electricity is increasing rapidly. Since 1990, energy consumption has increased at an annual average rate of 4.3%. As would be expected, the rapid expansion of energy production and consumption has brought with it a wide range of environmental issues at the local, regional and global levels. With respect to global environmental issues, Turkey''s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have grown along with its energy consumption. Emissions in 2004 reached 193 million tons. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). State emissions are significant on a global scale. CO2 and carbon monoxide (CO) are the main GHGs associated with global warming. At the present time, coal is responsible for 30–40% of the world CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and NO x contribute to acid rain. Carbon assessments can play an important role in a strategy to control CO2 emissions while raising revenue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract How can leaders successfully craft energy or climate policy to support an initiative that citizens oppose? This paper considers this challenge from a change management perspective applied to public governance. It first draws on change management theory to develop a framework for altering mass public perspectives. The framework consists of four phases: i) problematizing the issue, ii) laying a foundation for change, iii) reshaping perspectives, and iv) entrenching support. Drawing from the insights gleaned from the establishment of Japan's nuclear power program, the paper further argues that in order to succeed in mass perceptual change, policymakers must first clearly understand the contextual environment in which the policy is being formulated. In doing so, policymakers will be better able to customize policy design to appeal to stakeholder perceptions and sentiments. Although the context of this paper is the perceptual modification of public opinion to support nuclear power, the authors suggest that the same framework can be applied to perceptual modification of any policy that the general public might be opposed to. In the energy sector, this could apply to fostering a transition to renewable energy as easily as it applies to nurturing nuclear power development. However, the Japanese case puts forth a caveat in this regard, there is evidence that the mindsets of the Japanese policymakers were predisposed to advocacy of nuclear power and once policymakers commit to a technological trajectory, it is hard to engender a change of course. Therefore, the article concludes by speculating on how the perceptions of policymakers might be similarly altered through efforts from the alternative energy sector to foster policy change. Highlights • 4 elements frame pace, scale and scope of technological change. • The elements are change incentives, alternatives, stakeholder perceptions & contextual influence. • Altering public perception requires 4 strategic steps. • 4 Steps: i) problematize, ii) lay a foundation for change, iii) reshape perceptions, and iv) entrench. • The paper applies this to explain rise of Japan's nuclear power industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many urgent environmental problems can be mitigated with more sustainable use of resources. An acknowledgement of which is a growing interest among policy practitioners in encouraging pro-environmental behaviour change initiatives. In this contribution a review of the existing literature on behavioural change case studies is offered and a categorisation of treatments and guidelines for successful project implementation provided. While most studies relate to energy use and efficiency, the review is not restricted to energy applications to allow insights from other disciplines. The experimental designs considered are treatment–control and before–after studies. Five types of treatments have been considered: education and awareness, outreach and relationship building, social influence, nudges and behavioural insights and incentives, which have been used in experimental studies. In total, 85 primary case studies were collected, many of which tested several treatments, therefore the total number of treatments examined is 155. The analysis finds that the share of success of behaviour change projects related to energy or waste exceeds 70%, while success rate in water-related programmes is about 60%. On balance, the case studies suggest that all types of treatments are suitable but their selection should be based on specific objectives and target population. Interestingly, the choice of the behaviour to change is rarely discussed before project implementation. This analysis also highlights that little is known on whether behaviour change projects achieve sustained pro-environmental behavioural change over time. • We reviewed the literature on pro-environmental behaviours and behavioural changes. • We identified five approaches to encourage pro-environmental behaviours and their success. • All approaches may be successful if implemented correctly. • Behaviour change programs should test the most appropriate methods based on specific objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The top-down governance imperative in addressing climate change distinguishes climate policies from traditional environmental policies catering to bottom-up governance demand across most countries. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of China's climate policy mix, given its representation as a country with a top-down climate governance demand and influence on global climate governance outcomes due to its enormous economic aggregate and emission base. Utilizing a balanced panel dataset comprising 288 Chinese cities from 2001 to 2020, this study employs a two-way fixed effect model to examine the impact of the carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) and the carbon emission control policy (ECP) on carbon dioxide emissions, along with their heterogeneous effects and potential mechanisms. The findings indicate that both ETS and ECP have substantially reduced carbon dioxide emissions, although their synergistic effect has not yet manifested. Specifically, a 1 CNY increase in ETS prices or a 1 % growth in ECP targets leads to a decrease of 1.232 million tons or 0.814 million tons in carbon dioxide emissions, respectively. Moreover, the effects of the ECP are reinforced in resource-based cities or those receiving greater fiscal support, while diminishing with the rise in foreign direct investment. Conversely, the heterogeneous effect of the ETS is negligible. Further mechanism analysis reveals that technological innovation and energy structure transformation are the primary channels for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. These findings carry significant implications for climate policy formulation in China and other developing countries. Graphical abstract of this study. [Display omitted] • The top-down governance demand distinguishes climate policy from environmental policy. • The effects of the carbon emission trading scheme and control policy are assessed. • The emission trading scheme and emission control policy reduce carbon emissions. • The effects of climate policies display significant heterogeneities. • Technological innovation and energy structure transformation are likely mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to low-carbon technologies is essential to meet international climate change agreements. While market dynamics are contributing to make technologies increasingly affordable, experience has shown that other factors as well play a role in investment decisions. Uncertainty is one of them. Focusing on the power generation sector, this paper reviews the most recent literature on the subject, under the specific conditions that at least one adoption driver is uncertain and that a technology and/or environmental policy is in place. To understand how uncertainty affects adoption decisions, the survey considers economic parameters (e.g., investment costs or electricity prices) first and then focuses on the role of policy. While the deterring effect of uncertainty over investments is largely confirmed, several mitigating and underexplored issues are also identified, such as the role of heterogeneous investors’ characteristics or the welfare implications of different policy designs. Moreover, by explicitly considering policy uncertainty, this survey provides a clearer understanding of the effects of a lack of government commitment on the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in the energy sector. Related challenges for policymakers and investors are carefully delineated, together with directions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superstorm Sandy hit the northeastern United States in October 2012, knocking out power to 10 million people and highlighting energy and critical infrastructure system vulnerabilities in the face of a changing climate. The increased frequency and intensity of such disruptive events is shifting priorities in electricity system planning around the world, including how multiple stakeholders consider linkages between climate vulnerability and energy. This research links smart grid development with adaptation to changing climates and explores how different stakeholders grapple with system vulnerabilities and climate disruptions. To illustrate this, the in-depth case study assesses post-Sandy discourse to compare how electricity sector stakeholder groups in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont associate energy, smart grid, and climate change. To explore how different energy system stakeholders frame the impacts of Superstorm Sandy on energy system planning, we conducted 22 focus groups with a broad range of organizations representing diverse aspects of the electricity system including utilities, regulatory authorities, research and development agencies, regional transmission organizations, academic research institutions, consumer advocacy and environmental organizations across the three states. We used these data to examine post-Sandy discourse about climate mitigation and climate adaptation, routine system management, and the potential value of “smart grid” for future energy system planning. We found that both New York and Massachusetts stakeholders focused more on climate adaptation than climate mitigation, while stakeholders in Vermont focused more on mitigation. In all three states stakeholder discussions of adaptation focused most heavily on system resilience and reliability, whereas discussions of mitigation focused on demand-side management and demand response followed by alternative energy strategies. These results suggest that extreme weather and climate disruptions will differentially shape discourse around smart grid and energy system change and shift the focus among energy system stakeholders on climate adaptation compared to climate mitigation. This research demonstrates variation between political jurisdictions (states) and energy system stakeholders in energy system planning in the face of new challenges related to an uncertain and rapidly changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]