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Mega ports, defined in this study as those handling over 5 million TEUs annually, are major hubs within the dynamic framework of global trade, influencing both economic and environmental landscapes. This study identifies climate change as the foremost environmental concern for these ports, necessitating urgent and strategic responses. Through comprehensive research, this paper explores the main Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) strategies and evaluates their implementation across mega ports worldwide. Findings indicate widespread adoption of certain strategies, such as setting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and providing on-shore power supply (OPS), while also identifying challenges, particularly in implementing environmentally differentiated port fees. Additionally, this paper outlines key strategies for climate change adaptation (CCA) in ports. The results of this research offer insights into sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to confront climate change challenges effectively. These findings have the potential to significantly improve maritime policy and ship management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urban Heat Island phenomenon (UHI), characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings, is highly exacerbated by urbanization and climate change. Understanding the complex relationship between UHI effect and urban form is crucial for effective urban planning and climate mitigation strategies. This paper examines the multifaceted connection between UHIs and urban forms, exploring various methods used to study this relationship. Through a review of the existing literature, we analyze the influence of various urban characteristics on the intensity and spatial distribution of UHIs. Furthermore, we discuss the key methods and technologies, such as remote sensing and modeling, used in advancing our understanding of UHI–urban form interactions. This study then delves into the literature on UHIs within the specific context of Morocco, identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research to address them. By translating study findings into actionable urban solutions, this paper suggests contextual mitigation strategies based on the research outcomes. Finally, by synthesizing current research findings and methodologies, this paper seeks to provide insights into the complexities of UHI dynamics and their implications for climate resilience, highlighting the potential of research for forging sustainable and climate-conscious planning strategies in Morocco and across the broader MENA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between natural cycles and human actions in causing climate change and its impacts on society have been a subject of debate. This paper explores the responses of pre-modern Koreans to climate change and natural disasters. The focus of this paper is on the societal reactions to these natural calamities and disasters during the Koryŏ dynasty (936–1392 A.D.) and their influence on Korea afterwards. This paper investigates the reasons behind the retention of primal religious worldviews in the face of ecological crises while other major imported religions were abandoned. The research method involved in this paper is archival research, and the literature sources include ancient records and other ecotheological resources. Through an analysis of the archival research and ecotheological resources, this study sheds light on the interpretation of climatic events in pre-modern Korea. Furthermore, based on the research findings, it presents missional implications for the Korean church in the post-pandemic era. This study underscores the importance of the church's responses to environmental awareness, collective responsibility, and spiritual support in addressing the challenges of climate change and provides missional implications for the Korean Church in response to the post-COVID-19 era based on the results of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization exacerbates climate change impacts, making it crucial to develop innovative strategies for adaptation and mitigation. In this context, the "smartness" concept must be seen as the technical capability to forecast and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining livability and safety. This paper investigates the use of Vertical Green Structures (VGSs) as a mitigation strategy. Through a critical review of technology-driven applications, this research identifies key motivations and challenges in VGSs' technological integration and implementation, governance frameworks, and community engagement. Methodologically, it employs a critical case analysis and categorizes the technologies based on multicriteria; it also explores the potential to implement smart green infrastructure (GI) in cities and the GI urban governance that was developed in previous decades to adopt these systems at an urban scale and increase the community's awareness of them. The findings reveal diverse motivations driving technology and VGS integration, ranging from economic incentives to environmental sustainability. Additionally, this contribution explores possible future directions for VGSs and highlights three scenarios derived after the multidimensional impacts of climate change with their pros and cons in future cities. Multidisciplinary collaboration emerges as a crucial factor in optimizing technology implementations in VGSs and fostering a transition from nature-based solutions to technology-based solutions in urban sustainability initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) aim to improve safety and comfort of road users while contributing to the reduction of traffic congestion, air pollution, fuel consumption, and enabling mobility and accessibility of disabled and older people. As AV technology is rapidly advancing, there is an urgent need to explore how those new mobility services will impact urban transport systems, including the users, the infrastructure, and the design of future urban areas. This paper applies a systematic review to assess the role of AVs in urban areas. It reviews 41 articles published between 2003 and 2023, and uses inductive and deductive coding approaches to identify seven themes and thirty sub-themes within the literature. The seven include: benefits, attitudes, and behaviours and user perception, climate adaptation, climate mitigation, legislation and regulations, sustainability, and infrastructure. Studies related to benefits accounted for 25% of the sample, followed by behaviours and user perception (24%) and sustainability (22%). The least amount of research has been undertaken on the role of AVs to support climate adaptation. Geographically, almost half (#22) of the papers originate within Europe, followed by America (#10) and Asia (#7). There is only limited research originating from the Global South. This systematic review sets the scene for considering how AVs in public transport can be implemented in urban areas by establishing the current state of knowledge on user attitudes, perceptions, and behaviour, the benefits of AVs, the infrastructure and legislation and regulations required for AVs, and the role AVs have in climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In response to the challenges posed by a growing global population, the livestock industry must increase food production while ensuring environmental sustainability. This paper explores how feed producers can tackle these challenges using advanced formulation techniques. By leveraging AI decision support systems, producers can optimize feed composition to promote animal health and environmental stewardship. The study's findings offer valuable insights into improving animal feed production, supporting the livestock industry in achieving sustainability goals and contributing to global environmental conservation efforts. The unprecedented challenges presented by the increase in global population have placed substantial demands on the livestock industry for human nutrition, necessitating heightened animal productivity and leading to an increased demand for natural resources to produce animal feed. Feed producers are leading the charge, consistently refining formulations to adapt to the evolving needs of livestock, driven in part by the cost of over 50% associated with feed production. This paper critically analyses the pressing issues within feed formulation, addressing the requirement for environmentally sustainable practices amidst the challenges of climate change. The exploration extends to how advanced decision support tools can enhance formulation techniques and profitability and contribute to environmental sustainability. Through an in-depth review of current feed formulation technologies, encompassing their applications and limitations, this study aims to enhance the existing knowledge base. Additionally, we examined future trends, highlighting the essential role of connecting technologies to establish a resilient and sustainable system. The emphasis is on the potential of formulation techniques to positively impact the environment and enhance the overall quality and performance of the animals. This paper provides actionable insights to improve animal production by examining feed formulation models and decision support tools. The anticipated outcome is a more informed and sustainable decision-making process, addressing the multifaceted challenges confronted by the livestock industry and making contributions to global efforts in climate change mitigation and environmental stewardship in animal production agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of the value of ecological products has led to an economic means for reducing carbon emissions in China. Tea is one of the most important cash crops and one of the most popular beverages in the world. Due to the complex the tea industrial chain, it is considered to be an industry with high carbon emissions. Ecological tea products with low-carbon attributes can be considered a linkage of ecology, economy, and society. Based on this, this paper presents research on low-carbon ecological tea (LCT). Herein, we construct the formational logic of low-carbon ecological products, explore the connotations of LCT, and form a conceptual pathway for realizing LCT to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This paper starts from the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the industrial chain; it establishes three value realization pathways that keep, as a priority, the promotion of ecological industrialization, focus on restoration to improve the ecology of the industrial chain, and innovate technology to expand the industrial chain. The pathways are a set of low-emission production solutions that use techniques to enhance carbon sequestration in soil, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and help shift to clean energy from low-emission sources in the stages of plantation, processing, and distribution. In the process of realizing LCT, the government plays an important role, and its support and guidance are needed. Based on stakeholder theory, this paper builds an implementation mechanism that focuses on the micro perspective (users, organizations), integrates the mesoscopic perspective (industry), and relies on the macro perspective (government). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the journal "Plants" that focuses on the soil-plant-water system and its interactions. The articles in this issue cover a wide range of topics, including climate change and soil water deficits, forest and woody plant ecosystems, and alternative crop production methods. The studies explore the effects of drought on plant growth and development, the impact of different inter-row soil management techniques on soil water content, and the response of plants to phosphorus addition. The issue also includes research on zero discharge cultivation of cucumbers and indoor vegetable production methods. The authors highlight the importance of studying the soil-plant-water system as an interconnected system and identify areas for further research. [Extracted from the article]

The land-use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is receiving increasing attention in climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission offsetting. The sector itself and measures applied to mobilize this sector in order to tackle climate change are dominant in nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement as well as in national strategies, as in the case of Lithuania. Lithuania has set the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country in 2050, reducing GHGs by 80% compared to 1990 and offsetting the remaining 20% through the LULUCF sector. Therefore, this paper aims at analyzing historical land-use changes in 1990–2021, as reported for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, and LULUCF's potential to achieve climate change mitigation goals, taking into account different land-use change scenarios (business as usual, forest development, forest development + additional measures and forest land 40% + additional measures) for 2030 and 2050 in Lithuania. The scenarios are based on historical and potential future policy-based land-use changes. Projections of GHG emissions/removals for different scenarios are prepared according to the Good Practice Guidance and Uncertainty Management in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (2006) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results indicate that land-use changes over the period 1990–2021 remained rather stable, with some increases in forest area and grassland at the expense of cropland. The whole LULUCF sector acted as a carbon sink in most cases, forests being a key category for removal. However, reaching climate neutrality in 2050 might be challenging, as the goal to offset 20% of remaining GHG emission compared to 1990 through LULUCF would not be met in any of the scenarios analyzed, even the scenario of maximal forest-area development and additional measures. Considering the high historical GHG-removal fluctuations and the uncertainties of the sector itself, caution should be taken when relying on LULUCF's potential to reach the set goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text mining study delves into the multifaceted contributions of the energy sector to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By analyzing 363 papers, we uncover key themes, trends, and challenges shaping the intersection of energy and sustainability. The findings reveal that the energy sector plays a pivotal role in achieving SDGs such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13). Critical issues encompass governance, policy frameworks, and technological innovations. This research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic approaches in addressing complex energy-related sustainability challenges. The insights derived here provide guidance to policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders seeking to harness the energy sector's potential for a more sustainable and equitable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denmark has set a target of 4–6 GW electrolysis capacity by 2030, of which a part of the produced hydrogen is to be used for export, while the rest could be transformed further into electrofuels. The North Denmark Region has favourable conditions for the production of carbon-based fuels. The region has high availability of CO2 sources and a strategic position for establishing CO2 hubs in the local harbours that could support biogenic CO2 availability in the future. This paper investigates the potential of the region for exporting e-methanol through 22 energy system scenarios and the impacts on the energy system if this is to be realised by 2030 and 2045, when Denmark is expected to achieve its national climate goals. The analysis highlights the significant potential of this region to contribute to e-methanol production not only to meet the regional demand for methanol for marine transport and aviation but also for export to the rest of Denmark or beyond Danish borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's industry, H2 is mostly produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas (NG), oil, and coal through various processes. However, all these processes produce both carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as H2, making them questionable in terms of climate change mitigation efforts. In addition to efforts to increase the conversion efficiency of green H2 technologies, work is also underway to make H2 production from fossil fuels more environmentally friendly by reducing/avoiding CO2 emissions. In this framework, these technologies are combined with geologic carbon storage. In a further step, the use of depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for in situ H2 production is being investigated, with the co-generated CO2 remaining permanently in the reservoir. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the technologies that can be used to produce H2 from depleted and depleting hydrocarbon reservoirs (DHRs) in various ways. We evaluate the required processes from a reservoir engineering perspective, highlighting their potential for H2 generation and their technology readiness level (TRL) for applications. We also investigate the possibility of permanently storing the co-produced CO2 in the reservoir as a means of mitigating emissions. In addition, we provide a preliminary cost analysis to compare these methods with conventional hydrogen production techniques, as well as an assessment of operational risks and associated cost estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest soils are considered the largest carbon and nitrogen pools in soil organic matter among terrestrial ecosystems, and soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are normally affected by climate change and human activity. The collection of recent research on this scientific theme would provide a basis for understanding the responses of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in forest ecosystems to climate change and human activity. A Special Issue was, thus, organized to discuss recent research achievements, including a total of nine research articles and one review. This Special Issue includes the effects of climate changes such as changes in throughfall, snow cover, and permafrost degradation; human activities such as nitrogen and/or phosphorus addition and the use of biochar; and soil–plant interactions on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in forest ecosystems. Although this collection of papers reflects only a small part of this scientific theme, it can, to some extent, provide a basis for understanding some important research aspects related to the future of forest soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in a changing world, thereby enabling sustainable development and the mitigation of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chiusella Valley (NW Italian Alps) is a key area for both the history of the alpine orogeny and its environmental context. It presents major structural features (including the Traversella neoalpine intrusion and a section of the Insubric line) and evidence of past climate changes in the region. Even if the Chiusella Valley was previously renowned for mining activities and most recently considered an alpine rural area with minor tourist attractions, its important geoheritage could offer alternatives to traditional mountain activities, which are facing adversity from increasing temperatures. This paper emphasises the role of geotourism in both enhancing sustainable development and raising awareness of climate change. For this purpose, the geodiversity of the Chiusella Valley has been analysed and several geosites have been identified. The research methodology includes field surveys, analysis of an existing educational activities and scientific literature, and assessment of geosites by quantitative analysis of five groups of indicators, including scientific, cultural, and educational values. The geosite selection within the Chiusella Valley reveals memories of past and present climate changes but also supports the development of targeted geotourism activities in the area. Additionally, a specific location has been identified for hosting indoor activities showcasing climate change action. These valuable contributions to sustainable geotourism provide opportunities for exploring the Alps in the vicinity of the Po Plain urban areas, while minimizing the environmental impact and facilitating educational activities on geodiversity and geoheritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of global climate change on the built environment emphasizes the need for sustainable development goals (SDGs) using technological solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The significance of innovative building assessment (BA) tools plays a pivotal role in bridging the existing gap between the theoretical and actual operational performance of buildings. The main research question is how can a new generation of BA tools leverage the IoT to optimize occupant well-being and achieve SDGs' targets. This article delves into the pivotal role played by the IoT and occupant-centric concepts in advancing sustainability initiatives and facilitating the achievement of SDGs. The novelty of this paper lies in its exploration of the current state of IoT integration as a strategic imperative for SDGs' achievement and climate change mitigation. Consequently, a paradigm shift is evident in this work, showcasing a comprehensive comparison between conventional and IoT occupant-centric BA tools and introducing a correlation study between IoT occupant-centric systems and future SDGs' targets. Lastly, current gaps and valuable insights into future research possibilities are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific assessment of mariculture carbon sinks is crucial to recognize its potential as a significant component of marine blue carbon in global climate change mitigation. Therefore, the objective of the research was to estimate the seaweed and shellfish mariculture carbon sink of different varieties in various sea areas. The paper emphasized the distinction between short-term carbon sequestration in seaweed and shellfish that can be removed and long-term carbon sequestration that is deposited. Methodologically, the evaluation was based on the carbon sequestration mechanism and systematic pathways in shellfish and seaweeds. Additionally, the carbon sequestration of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture over the last decade was evaluated by the carbon sink assessment model, and the reasons for the differences in the carbon sink capacity of mariculture in China's coastal provinces were discussed by using the LMDI decomposition model. The results indicated the carbon sequestration of offshore seaweeds and shellfish mariculture in China was huge. From 2010 to 2020, offshore seaweed aquaculture in China amounted to 7.959 Mt C/a, while shellfish aquaculture contributed 33.542 Mt C/a to the carbon sinks. Sedimentary carbon sequestration by shellfish accounted for 51% of the total carbon sequestration in mariculture involving shellfish and seaweeds. Especially noteworthy is the sedimentary carbon sequestration by shellfish, which is an indispensable and crucial component of mariculture carbon sequestration estimation. It is concluded that improvements in farming efficiency exerted the greatest influence on the variations of the mariculture carbon sink, while adjustments in farming structure had a relatively minor impact in the case of little change in aquaculture yield. Enhancing farming efficiency emerges as a practical approach to bolstering the carbon sink potential of marine aquaculture fisheries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration rapidly rises, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an emerging field for climate change mitigation. Various carbon capture technologies are in development with the help of adsorbents, membranes, solvent-based systems, etc. One of the main challenges in this field is the removal of CO2 from nitrogen (N2) gas. This paper focuses on mixed matrix membrane technology, for which the CO2/N2 separation performance is based on differences in gas permeations. Membrane separation and purification technologies are widely studied for carbon capture. Microporous adsorbents such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture have been attracting researchers' attention due to their highly porous structures, high selectivity values, and tunable porosities. Utilizing microporous adsorbents dispersed within a novel, blended polymer matrix, fourteen membranes were prepared with the commercial MOF ZIF-8, zeolite 13X, and kaolin, with methyl cellulose (MC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which were tested using a single gas permeation setup in this study. The addition of polyallylamine (PAH) as a chemisorbent was also investigated. These membranes were synthesized both with and without a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) support to compare their performances. MC was found to be an ideal polymeric matrix component to develop free-standing MMMs. At 24 °C and a relatively low feed pressure of 2.36 atm, a free-standing zeolite-13X-based membrane (MC/PAH/13X/PVA) exhibited the highest N2/CO2 selectivity of 2.8, with a very high N2 permeability of 6.9 × 107 Barrer. Upon the optimization of active layer thickness and filler weight percentages, this easily fabricated free-standing MMM made of readily available materials is a promising candidate for CO2 purification through nitrogen removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants and injecting them deep underground for long-term storage. The success of CCS projects is influenced by various factors, including the regional pressure dissipation effects in subsurface geological formations. The safe and efficient operation of CCS projects depends on maintaining the pressure in the storage formation. Regional pressure dissipation, often resulting from the permeability and geomechanical properties of the storage site, can have significant effects on project integrity. This paper provides a state-of-art of the impact of regional pressure dissipation on CCS projects, highlights its effects, and discusses ongoing investigations in this area based on different case studies. The results corroborate the idea that the Sleipner project has considerable lateral hydraulic connectivity, which is evidenced by pressure increase ranging from <0.1 MPa in case of an uncompartmentalized reservoir to >1 MPa in case of substantial flow barriers. After five years of injection, pore pressures in the water leg of a gas reservoir have increased from 18 MPa to 30 MPa at Salah project, resulting in a 2 cm surface uplift. Furthermore, artificial CO2 injection was simulated numerically for 30 years timespan in the depleted oil reservoir of Jurong, located near the Huangqiao CO2-oil reservoir. The maximum amount of CO2 injected into a single well could reach 5.43 × 106 tons, potentially increasing the formation pressure by up to 9.5 MPa. In conclusion, regional pressure dissipation is a critical factor in the implementation of CCS projects. Its impact can affect project safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Ongoing research and investigations are essential to improve our understanding of this phenomenon and develop strategies to mitigate its effects, ultimately advancing the success of CCS as a climate change mitigation solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriately designed and implemented climate mitigation actions have multiple co-benefits (yet some trade-offs cannot be excluded) that result in substantial social and economic value beyond their direct impact on reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions. Despite their wider acknowledgement by the research community, decision makers and the public have incomplete information on these multiple effects. This paper has a twofold objective: First, through analytical bottom-up approaches, it assesses, in quantitative terms, the macroeconomic effects and the public health benefits attributed to a variety of mitigation actions under consideration in the context of the Greek Energy and Climate Plan. Second, it investigates, through a social survey, how citizens perceive climate change and value these multiple impacts of mitigation actions, and to what extent they are willing to pay for them and support the adoption of policy measures aiming at the green transition of the Greek economy. We show that mitigation actions bring about significant health benefits, particularly in cities, and generate significant positive macroeconomic effects, particularly if mitigation actions focus on the decarbonization of the building sector and on the exploitation of local renewable sources. We also argue that most people do not realize that climate mitigation actions can have wider benefits for society, such as tackling energy poverty, improving public health, and creating new jobs. Unwillingness to pay tends to be the prominent attitude. People who are more reluctant to cover a part of the cost of environmental protection are less likely to perceive that climate change is one of the main challenges at global and national level and support the adoption of climate mitigation policies. In this context, the national strategy for climate change should focus on effectively informing and engaging the public in climate mitigation strategies, strengthening the public trust in government institutions, promoting mutually acceptable solutions with the local communities, and providing incentives for changing citizens' behavior towards climate-related actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary cities are facing many challenges, from social and economic issues to the new risks related to the impacts of climate change. Focusing on energy consumptions, and the related GHG emissions, cities are considered not only the main global contributors but also the areas most exposed to risks, because of their density of population and economic activities. Implementing urban planning strategies with the purpose of increasing energy efficiency and resilience overall, is, for all these reasons, considered a top priority. This paper investigates the innovative content related to the energy-efficient and energy-resilient urban planning solutions that have started to be implemented in the cities of the Emilia-Romagna region. Two kinds of planning instruments are therefore analysed: the voluntary Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and the mandatory General Urban Plans (GUPs), recently approved in several cities of Emilia-Romagna. A comparative analysis of three cities in the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna, Modena, and Ravenna is proposed, looking at the strategies of their new local city plans and SECAPs with a focus on energy management and planning. The aim is to assess whether the new structure of local city plans and the influence of SECAPs could be useful in implementing such urban-energy resiliency solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis with renewable energy, plays a crucial role in the revolution towards energy sustainability, and it is considered a key source of clean energy and efficient storage. Its ability to address the intermittency of renewable sources and its potential to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify make it a strategic component in climate change mitigation. By using a method based on a bibliometric review of scientific publications, this paper represents a significant contribution to the emerging field of research on green hydrogen and provides a detailed review of electrolyzer technologies, identifying key areas for future research and technology development. The results reflect the immaturity of a technology which advances with different technical advancements, waiting to find the optimal technical solution that allows for its massive implementation as a source of green hydrogen generation. According to the results found in this article, alkaline (ALK) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers seem to be the ones that interest the scientific community the most. Similarly, in terms of regional analysis, Europe is clearly committed to green hydrogen, in view of the analysis of its scientific results on materials and electrolyzer capacity forecasts for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One significant obstacle to gaining a widespread awareness of the ongoing climate change is the nature of its manifestations in relation to our perception: climate change effects are gradual, distributed, and sometimes seemingly contradictory. These features result in a lag in collective climate action and sometimes foster climate skepticism and climate denial. While the literature on climate change perception and belief has thoroughly explored its sociocultural and sociopolitical aspects, research on the potential contribution of psychophysiological factors remains scarce. In this perspective paper, we outline evidence and arguments for the involvement of psychophysiological systems such as thermoception, hygroreception, and interoception in modulating climate change awareness. We discuss psychophysiological mechanisms of climate change awareness in animals and humans, as well as possible sources of individual variance in climate change perception. We conclude by suggesting novel research questions which would be worthwhile to pursue in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryland farming is at the center of increasing pressure to produce more food for the growing population in an environment that is highly variable and with high expectations for the standard of their production systems. While there is mounting pressure for increased productivity, the responsibility to protect the environment and diminish the agricultural sector's carbon footprint is receiving growing emphasis. Achieving these two goals calls for a consolidated effort to ensure that the scientific community and service providers partner with farmers to create a sustainable food production system that does not harm the environment. In this paper, we studied the nature of the services present in the market and identified ways that could be used to improve the climate services available to the agricultural sector. Important factors that could increase the usability of climate services include coproduction, context-specific information, innovation, demand-driven services, timeliness of services, highly applicable information, provision of services in the correct format, services that increase user experience, specificity of services to a locale, and services that are easily accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to investigate the thermal impact of urban green systems (UGS) (trees and living facades) and high albedo pavements on reducing the urban heat island (UHI) effect in London at the pedestrian street level. The research assesses the impact of UGS by suggesting practicable urban greenery-covering densities (25% and 50%) and using high albedo pavement in current and future climatic scenarios (2050 and 2080). This approach is intended to encourage pedestrians to walk longer distances for longer durations during the warmer months, following the Transport for London's (TfL) 2017 Healthy Streets initiative. The research seeks to measure the advantages and assess the possible impact on the comfort and activities within urban streets. The study adopts a quantitative research design using ENVI-met modelling and questionnaires. Simulation results, the subject of this paper, confirmed that, across three climatic scenarios, the optimal UGS for thermal comfort is 50% trees followed by 25% trees, dependent on street orientation and solar access. Living facades (LF) with 25% and 50% covering had no discernible effect on the comfort of pedestrians, whereas high albedo pavement increases heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector plays an important role in the global climate change mitigation objectives. The reduction of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in the building sector has been intensively investigated in the last decades, with solar thermal energy considered to be one of the most promising solutions due to its abundance and accessibility. However, the discontinuity of solar energy has led to the study of thermal energy storage to improve the thermal performance of solar thermal systems. In this review paper, the integration of various types of phase-change materials (PCMs) in transpired solar collectors (TSC) is reviewed and discussed, with an emphasis on heat transfer enhancements, including nanomaterials. Thermal energy storage applied to TSC is studied in terms of design criteria, materials technologies, and its impact on thermal conductivity. This review highlights the potential of nanomaterial technology integration in terms of thermal performance improvements. The utilization of nanomaterials in solar walls holds the potential to significantly enhance their performance. The integration of diverse materials such as graphene, graphite, metal oxides, and carbon nanoparticles can pave the way for improving thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue carbon has been proposed as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation; however, a limited number of published works and data and knowledge gaps hinder the development of small island developing states' (SIDS) national blue carbon resources globally. This paper reviews the blue carbon ecosystems of Seychelles as a case study in the context of SIDS, comparing estimations by the Blue Carbon Lab and recent blue carbon (mangrove and seagrass) evaluations submitted to the Seychelles national government. Mangroves (2195 ha, 80% in Aldabra Atoll) and seagrasses (142,065 ha) dominate in Seychelles, with coral reefs having the potential for carbon sequestration (169,000 ha). Seychelles is on track to protecting its blue carbon, but these systems are threatened by rising sea levels, coastal squeeze, erosion, severe storms, and human activities. The importance of carbon inventories, accounting institutions, and continuous monitoring of blue carbon systems is discussed. Blue accounting is necessary for accurate accounting of carbon sequestration and carbon storage, generating carbon credits, and representing impactful reductions in greenhouse gases for NDCs. Challenges and opportunities include policy legislation regarding ownership rights, accreditation and certification for carbon credits, sustainable financing mechanisms like natural asset companies and blue tokens, local engagement for long-term success, and carbon market dynamics following COP27. The restoration and regulation of blue carbon resources for optimal ecosystem services delivery, carbon inventories, and blue carbon policy are recommended development priorities. Blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to contribute to NDCs of SIDS while simultaneously offering sustainable development pathways for local communities through the multiple ecosystem services they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Development Goal 13 echoes the fact that all countries must make urgent and stringent efforts to mitigate against and adapt to climate change and its associated impacts. Climate financing is one of the key mechanisms used to enable countries to remain resilient to the hastening effects of climate change. In this paper, we empirically assess the effect of institutional governance indicators on the amount of climate finance received by 21 nations for which progress towards the internationally agreed-upon target of reducing global warming to 1.5 °C is tracked. We use the fixed-effects ordinary least squares (OLS) and the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimators, drawing on the Climate Action Tracker panel data from 2002 to 2020. Empirical results reveal that perceived political stability significantly enhanced climate finance inflows among countries that strongly increased their NDC targets, while perceived deterioration in corruption control negatively impacted the amount of climate finance received by the same group of countries. Therefore, governments should reduce corruption tendencies while striving to avoid practices and alliances that lead to any form of violence, including terrorism and civil war. Low developing countries (LDCs) in particular need to improve the standard of public services provided to the populace while maintaining a respectable level of autonomy from political influences. Above all, as countries work towards strengthening institutional governance, there is an urgent need for developed economies to assist developing economies in overcoming debt stress since the likelihood of future resilience and prosperity is being undermined by the debt crisis, with developing countries spending almost five times as much annually on repayment of debt as they allocate to climate adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires are becoming more frequent due to the global climate change. Large amounts of greenhouse gases emitted by wildfires can lead to increases in extreme climate events. Accurately estimating the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from wildfires is important for mitigation of climate change. In this paper, we develop a novel method to estimate wildfire CO2 emissions from the relationship between local CO2 emissions and XCO2 anomalies. Our method uses the WRF-Chem assimilation system from OCO-2 XCO2 retrievals which coupled with Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART). To validate our results, we conducted three experiments evaluating the wildfire CO2 emissions over the conterminous United States. The four-month average wildfire emissions from July to October in 2015∼2018 were estimated at 4.408 Tg C, 1.784 Tg C, 1.514 Tg C and 2.873 Tg C, respectively. Compared to the average of established inventories CT2019B, FINNv1.5 and GFASv1.2 fire emissions, our estimates fall within one standard deviation, except for 2017 due to lacking of OCO-2 XCO2 retrievals. These results suggest that the regional carbon assimilation system, such as WRF-Chem/DART, using OCO-2 XCO2 retrievals has a great potential for accurately tracking regional wildfire emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation elaborates on the level of game theory application for the applied and theoretical analyses of climate change and development studies. This editorial shows that the common good character of global climate alongside the increasing internalization of environmental externalities through national regulations and international environmental treaties jointly result in the increasing congruence between the context of climate change problems and the game theoretical method. Furthermore, the adoption of the Paris Accord by the overwhelming majority of developing countries as well as the disproportionate vulnerability of the Global South have led to an increasing shift in focus with regard to international development cooperation, from poverty alleviation and economic growth to green growth and circular economy solutions, within developing countries. The underutilization of game theory in the context of development studies is not satisfactory. This paper underlines the importance of implementing an impetus to researchers for scholarly discussions and applications of game theory in a discourse on the following topics: 1. economic growth; 2. climate change mitigation and adaptation; and 3. a broader socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper explores the methane emissions from the livestock industry and their large impact on climate change, with a particular focus on cattle. It emphasizes how important it is to monitor and control methane accurately because it is a powerful greenhouse gas that accounts for 14–16% of world emissions. The study evaluates both conventional and AI-powered techniques for methane emission detection, emphasizing the significance of cattle in particular. It has been determined that region-specific formulations are required. The review discusses a number of topics, such as the methane emissions from livestock, the promise of AI technology, difficulties in gathering data, the use of methane in carbon credit programs, and current research and innovation. The review aims to improve knowledge and practices for climate change mitigation by highlighting the crucial role that accurate measurement and estimation methodologies play. It draws attention to the role that methane produced by livestock, particularly cattle, plays in climate change and stresses the need for precise measuring methods to be integrated into mitigation efforts. This review examines the significant role of methane emissions in the livestock industry, with a focus on cattle and their substantial impact on climate change. It highlights the importance of accurate measurement and management techniques for methane, a potent greenhouse gas accounting for 14–16% of global emissions. The study evaluates both conventional and AI-driven methods for detecting methane emissions from livestock, particularly emphasizing cattle contributions, and the need for region-specific formulas. Sections cover livestock methane emissions, the potential of AI technology, data collection issues, methane's significance in carbon credit schemes, and current research and innovation. The review emphasizes the critical role of accurate measurement and estimation methods for effective climate change mitigation and reducing methane emissions from livestock operations. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of methane emissions in the livestock industry by synthesizing existing research and literature, aiming to improve knowledge and methods for mitigating climate change. Livestock-generated methane, especially from cattle, is highlighted as a crucial factor in climate change, and the review underscores the importance of integrating precise measurement and estimation techniques for effective mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to the Paris Agreement and climate change mitigation, Indonesia aims to reach net zero by 2060 or sooner. Due to Indonesia's dependence on coal and growing consumption, alternative sources of clean energy are imperative for meeting its rising energy needs and reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the energy transition. This project aims to examine Indonesia's opportunities and potential to achieve low carbon ambition in the energy sector and identify alternative pathways for the energy transition in Indonesia. In this study, the open-source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS), which is a long-term energy system modelling tool, is employed to compare electricity generation, investment, and carbon dioxide emissions between business-as-usual and five alternative scenarios. Six scenarios, including business as usual, least-cost, two coal-phrase out and two net zero aligned with national climate targets and optimal scenarios, were simulated across different target years. The results show that the net zero (NZ) scenario is more cost-effective and emits fewer greenhouse gases than the other scenarios in meeting Indonesia's future energy demand. However, achieving net zero by 2050 (NZ50) results in significantly lower CO2 emissions (10,134 MtCO2), which is less than half of the emissions in the net zero by 2060 (NZ60) scenario (16,849 MtCO2) at a similar cost (6229 and 6177 billion USD, respectively). This paper's insights emphasise that large-scale renewable energy deployment and coal retirement are critical pathways to reaching carbon neutrality and achieving the energy mix transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive study explores the influence of aerosols and clouds on solar radiation in the urban environments of nine of Greece's largest cities over the decade from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing a combination of Earth Observation data, radiative transfer models, and geographic information systems, the research undertook digital surface modeling and photovoltaic simulations. The study meticulously calculated the optimal rooftop areas for photovoltaic installation in these cities, contributing significantly to their energy adequacy and achieving a balance between daily electricity production and demand. Moreover, the research provides an in-depth analysis of energy and economic losses, while also highlighting the environmental benefits. These include a reduction in pollutant emissions and a decrease in the carbon footprint, aligning with the global shift towards local energy security and the transformation of urban areas into green, smart cities. The innovative methodology of this study, which leverages open access data, sets a strong foundation for future research in this field. It opens up possibilities for similar studies and has the potential to contribute to the creation of an updated, comprehensive solar potential map for continental Greece. This could be instrumental in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, thereby promoting sustainable urban development and environmental preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid AC/DC grid, based on a significant share of renewable energy sources, is gradually becoming an essential aspect of the modern energy system. The integration of intermittent renewable generators into contemporary energy systems is accompanied by the decommissioning of power plants containing synchronous generators. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in system inertia and an increase in the risk of stability disruption. The abrupt disconnection of the primary generator or power line can result in an unanticipated mismatch between power generation and consumption. This discrepancy can trigger substantial and swiftly evolving alterations in power distribution, angular speed, load flow, and the frequency of generators. The risks of an energy system collapse can be mitigated through automation, enabling rapid adjustments to generation and load capacities, as well as power flows, in the electrical network. This article justifies the utilisation of a power control method for high-voltage power line interconnections. The technology of hydro storage power plants and measurements of voltage phasors are employed. The potential for easing power flow restrictions and realising substantial economic benefits is supported by the results obtained using simplified dynamic model of the Baltic power system and Nord Pool electricity market model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective technology for the sustainable management of organic agricultural waste, producing both biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. This study aims to review and evaluate different methods for obtaining valuable products from digestate, with a focus on innovative and sustainable approaches. The main objectives are to identify effective technologies for the recovery of nutrients and organic matter, assess their environmental and economic impact and outline the challenges and prospects in this area. The review covers established techniques (with a technology readiness level (TRL) of six to nine, indicating their maturity from pilot to full scale) such as struvite precipitation and ammonia stripping, which are very effective in recovering nitrogen and phosphorus from digestate and converting it into valuable biofertilizers. Struvite, for example, offers an option for slow-release fertilizers that reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers. A comparative analysis shows that ammonia stripping can efficiently capture nitrogen and produce fertilizer without harming the environment. New methods, such as microalgae cultivation, use digestate as a nutrient source for the production of biofuels and bioplastics, contributing to renewable energy and sustainable material production. The study also examines composting and vermicomposting, where digestate is converted into nutrient-rich soil conditioners that significantly improve soil health and fertility. The production of biochar through pyrolysis is highlighted for its benefits in improving soil properties and sequestering carbon, providing a dual benefit for waste management and climate change mitigation. Membrane technologies, including ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO), are being investigated for their effectiveness in nutrient recovery, despite challenges such as membrane fouling and high operating costs. The study highlights the potential of these valorization processes to improve the sustainability and economic viability of AD systems and to align with circular economy principles. The results suggest that the continuous optimization of these technologies and the integration of recycling processes are crucial to overcome existing challenges and realize their full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a global shift towards renewable energies and climate change mitigation, the market for electric vehicles has experienced a remarkable upswing, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) leading this transformative wave. The appeal of BEVs lies in their ability to significantly curtail CO2 emissions by supplanting the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor. This pivotal change in vehicular technology extends its influence to various subsystems, including automotive lighting. Headlights are particularly sensitive to the thermal environment they operate in, which can profoundly affect their functionality and durability. The removal of an ICE in BEVs typically results in a reduction in heat exposure to headlight components, prompting a potential reevaluation of their design. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of temperature distributions within headlight units, comparing BEVs and ICE vehicles. The study encompasses a robust dataset of nearly 30,000 vehicles from around the globe, taking into account the impact of ambient temperature on headlight operation. The investigation delineates the distinct thermal behaviors of the two vehicle categories and offers strategic recommendations for conceptual modifications of headlights in BEVs. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing headlight efficacy, prolonging lifespan, and furthering the sustainability objectives of electric mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change impacts will continue to worsen with rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, underscoring the growing necessity to foresee and comprehend the impact of climate change risks on economic activity. Using quarterly firm-level data of 209 firms from the People's Republic of China (PRC) over the period Q1 2018–Q2 2022, this study estimates the impact of firms' exposure to climate-related risks on their financial performance. The results indicate a notable adverse effect of climate change exposure on firms' rate of return, with a lag of around two years. Firms located in more climate-vulnerable coastal areas and high-income provinces experience relatively greater negative impacts on their financial returns. Our findings have important policy implications for firms aiming to maximize their returns through enhanced climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has identified the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions as a crit ical component of its environmental protection and climate mitigation efforts. An assessment of this synergy can provide clarity on the strategic management of both air pollution and carbon emissions. Due to the extensive regional differences in China, the spatial effects of influencing factors on this synergy exhibit variation across different provinces. In this study, the reduction indexes of PM2.5 and CO2 were calculated based on their reduction bases, reduction efforts, and reduction stabilities across provinces. Then, the synergistic reduction effect was assessed using an exponential function with the PM2.5 reduction index as the base and the CO2 reduction index as the exponent. Next, the MGWR model was applied in order to analyze the influencing factors of the synergistic reduction effect, considering natural settings, socioeconomic conditions, and external emission impacts. Finally, the k-means clustering method was utilized to classify provinces into different categories based on the degree of impact of each influencing factor. The results indicated that air circulation, vegetation, tertiary industry ratio, and emission reduction efficiency are major impact indicators that have a positive effect. The topography and emissions from neighboring provinces have a statistically significant negative impact. The spatial influences of different factors exhibit a distribution trend characterized by a high-high cluster and a low-low cluster. A total of 31 provinces are divided into three categories, and suggestions on the corresponding category are proposed, to provide a scientific reference to the synergistic reduction of PM2.5 and CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased urbanization has reduced the amount of green space, resulting in a reduced carbon sink potential across urban landscapes. Through the use of biogeochemical modeling, different land use scenarios have been developed and run for the future (2020–2099) to compare and quantify the potential for change in carbon and water dynamics by having more tree cover and reducing impervious surfaces or turf lawns in Lehigh Valley, PA. These results show that the effect of deforestation is larger than the effect of reforestation. Due to young-stand age trees having a lower capacity for carbon storage than mature trees, the loss of the mature trees has a more immediate impact. The conversion of lawns or impervious surfaces to forests has somewhat similar effects, although the higher nutrients of lawns allow the forest to grow better. However, replacing impervious surfaces with trees reduces runoff more. This study shows that within the city of Bethlehem, the most socially vulnerable area benefits the most from increasing the number of trees. When converting 25% of the impervious area to forest, South Bethlehem significantly increased its vegetation carbon, productivity, and carbon storage, reduced its runoff, and generally created a safer and cleaner environment for residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate solutions related to mitigation and adaptation vary across the United States and India, given their unique current socio-political–technological abilities and their histories. Here, we discuss results from online face-to-face interviews undertaken with 33 U.S.-based climate experts and 30 India-based climate experts. Using qualitative grounded theory, we explore open-ended responses to questions related to mitigation and adaptation and find the following: (1) there is broad agreement among experts in both countries on the main mitigation solutions focused on the decarbonization of energy systems, but (2) there are a diversity of views between experts on what to prioritize and how to achieve it. Similarly, there is substantial agreement that adaptation solutions are needed to address agriculture, water management, and infrastructure, but there is a wide variety of perspectives on other priorities and how best to proceed. Experts across both countries generally perceived mitigation as needing national policies to succeed, while adaptation is perceived as more local and challenging given the larger number of stakeholders involved in planning and implementation. Our findings indicate that experts agree on the goals of decarbonization, but there was no consensus on how best to accomplish implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic horticulture is a holistic management system that follows good production practices and should be considered the cornerstone of mitigating climate change and producing healthier fruits and vegetables. This agroecosystem practice not only benefits the green economy but promotes and enhances soil biological activity, biodiversity, and other biological cycles in the sphere. The last decade has observed a rise in the production and consumption of organically certified agricultural products, and the biggest growth was registered in France (18%) due to its higher nutritional value of vitamin C (27%) and polyphenol content (72%), with a lowered risk of exposure to harmful chemicals of up to 70% and improved organoleptic properties. Between 2012 and 2020, the European Union's organic sector experienced significant growth, with a 56% expansion in organic land area, a 40% increase in organic producers, and a 114% increase in retail sales. The aim of this review was to evaluate the significant impact of organic horticulture on mitigating climate change and meeting consumer needs by examining key research areas, including Soil Health and Management, Pest and Disease Management, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation, Market and Consumer Preferences, and Policy and Institutional Support. The outcome of this review demonstrates that there are still numerous research studies required to evaluate how different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions can contribute to more efficient horticultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science is an effective tool that unites ordinary citizens and scientists for a common cause. In particular, this tool enables ordinary citizens to participate in research and increases the likelihood of generating new knowledge. It is seen as the democratization of science. It is mainly applied in developed countries, and citizens usually help obtain environmental data with emerging technologies. However, training citizens to obtain good-quality data is one of the most significant challenges. It is also important to involve citizens in other phases, such as data analysis, discussion, and knowledge generation. Citizen science can be a tool for integrating different groups in science to promote social inclusion, including environmental, agricultural, earth, and life sciences. Thus, citizen science can contribute to education, sustainability, and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems, but obtaining samples from deep layers remains a challenging process due to the methodological and financial efforts required. In our quest to understand the dynamics of Eucalyptus roots, we raise three fundamental questions. First, we inquire about the average extent of the roots of two contrasting Eucalyptus genotypes. Next, we explore the factors that directly influence the growth and depth of these roots, addressing elements such as soil type, climate, and water availability. Lastly, we investigate how the variation in Eucalyptus species may impact root growth patterns, biomass, and carbon stock. In this study, we observed that the maximum root depth increased by an average of 20% when genotypes were grown on sites with higher water availability (wet site). E. urophylla stands had a higher biomass and carbon stock (5.7 Mg C ha−1) of fine roots when cultivated on dry sites (annual rainfall~727 mm) than the wet sites (annual rainfall~1590 mm). In E. grandis × E. camaldulensis stands, no significant differences were observed in the stock of fine root biomass (3.2 Mg C ha−1) between the studied environments. Our results demonstrated that genotypes with greater drought tolerance (E. grandis × E. camaldulensis) tend to maintain higher stocks of fine root biomass (3.2–6.3 Mg ha−1) compared to those classified as plastic (E. urophylla), regardless of the edaphoclimatic conditions of the cultivation site. Finally, our research helps understand how Eucalyptus trees adapt to their environment, aiding sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation. We also provide a practical tool to estimate underground biomass, assisting forest managers and policymakers in ensuring long-term forest sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the imperative to address climate change intensifies, understanding the effectiveness of policy interventions becomes paramount. In the context of addressing these urgent challenges and given the inadequacy of current policies to address this issue, this study examines the extent to which Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Targets (LTTs) can contribute to achieving ambitious climate goals. Recognizing the critical need for effective climate action, we employ the advanced modelling tools PROMETHEUS and GCAM to assess the implications of different scenarios–Current Policies (CP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and combination of NDCs with Long-Term Targets (NDC_LTT)–on the future development of energy system and emission. This study, by employing these well-known models, seeks to provide an improved understanding of the impacts of NDCs on global emission trajectories and whether the integration of NDCs and LTTs can help close the gap towards Paris-compatible pathways. The study analyzes various sectors including buildings, transportation, electricity generation, and industry to provide insights into the limitations of existing policies and the potential of enhanced commitments to drive transformative changes in a global scale. The effectiveness of these policies varies across different sectors, highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed for achieving the required emission reduction targets in the medium- and long-term. Key findings indicate significant shifts in energy consumption, fuel mix, technology adoption, and emission trajectories, particularly under the synergistic action represented by the NDC_LTT scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue in the journal Biology that focuses on the conservation and evolution of wildlife in the context of climate change and human population growth. The issue includes five articles that cover a range of topics related to wildlife conservation. Three articles use species distribution models to predict suitable habitats for endangered species under future climate change. Another article explores variations in egg and clutch size in high-altitude birds, while the final article examines the cultural and medicinal significance of birds and mammals in a national park in Pakistan. The articles provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change and human activity on wildlife conservation and offer suggestions for conservation managers. It is worth noting that all the articles are based on studies conducted in Asian countries, which adds novelty to the research. [Extracted from the article]

Green hydrogen generated via water electrolysis has become an essential energy carrier for achieving carbon neutrality globally because of its versatility in renewable energy consumption and decarbonization applications in hard-to-abate sectors; however, there is a lack of systematic analyses of its abatement potential and economics as an alternative to traditional technological decarbonization pathways. Based on bibliometric analysis and systematic evaluation methods, this study characterizes and analyzes the literature on the Web of Science from 1996 to 2023, identifying research hotspots, methodological models, and research trends in green hydrogen for mitigating climate change across total value chain systems. Our review shows that this research theme has entered a rapid development phase since 2016, with developed countries possessing more scientific results and closer partnerships. Difficult-to-abate sectoral applications and cleaner production are the most famous value chain links, and research hotspots focus on three major influencing factors: the environment; techno-economics; and energy. Green hydrogen applications, which include carbon avoidance and embedding to realize carbon recycling, have considerable carbon reduction potential; however, uncertainty limits the influence of carbon reduction cost assessment indicators based on financial analysis methods for policy guidance. The abatement costs in the decarbonization sector vary widely across value chains, electricity sources, baseline scenarios, technology mixes, and time scenarios. This review shows that thematic research trends are focused on improving and optimizing solutions to uncertainties, as well as studying multisectoral synergies and the application of abatement assessment metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or utilization (BECCU) allows net zero or negative carbon emissions and can be a breakthrough technology for climate change mitigation. This work consists of an energetic, exergetic, and economic analysis of an integrated process based on chemical looping combustion of solar-torrefied agro-industrial residues, followed by methanation of the concentrated CO2 stream with green H2. Four agro-industrial residues and four Italian site locations are considered. Depending on the considered biomass, the integrated plant processes about 18–93 kg h−1 of raw biomass and produces 55–70 t y−1 of synthetic methane. Global exergetic efficiencies ranged within 45–60% and 67–77% when neglecting and considering, respectively, the valorization of torgas. Sugar beet pulp and grape marc required a non-negligible input exergy flow for the torrefaction, due to the high moisture content of the raw biomasses. However, for these biomasses, the water released during drying/torrefaction and CO2 methanation could be recycled to the electrolyzer to eliminate external water consumption, thus allowing for a more sustainable use of water resources. For olive stones and hemp hurd, this water recycling brings, instead, a reduction of approximately 65% in water needs. A round-trip electric efficiency of 28% was estimated assuming an electric conversion efficiency of 40%. According to the economic analysis, the total plant costs ranged within 3–5 M€ depending on the biomass and site location considered. The levelized cost of methane (LCOM) ranged within 4.3–8.9 € kgCH4−1 but, if implementing strategies to avoid the use of a large temporary H2 storage vessel, can be decreased to 2.6–5.3 € kgCH4−1. Lower values are obtained when considering hemp hurd and grape marc as raw biomasses, and when locating the PV field in the south of Italy. Even in the best scenario, values of LCOM are out of the market if compared to current natural gas prices, but they might become competitive with the introduction of a carbon tax or through government incentives for the purchase of the PV field and/or electrolyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on climate change mitigation has increasingly considered carbon pricing, with these efforts concentrating on reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Our comprehensive cross-country analysis extends this focus by quantitatively evaluating the effects of carbon pricing on four major pollutants: CO2, nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and particulate matter (PM). We use regressions and introduce entropy balancing to this research area. Analyzing data from 132 countries from 1992 to 2019, we find that carbon pricing is associated with an average annual reduction in CO2 emissions by 3 percentage points. A one-unit increase in a coverage-weighted carbon price is associated with reductions in N2O emissions by approximately 0.1 percentage points. A shorter panel for 2010–2017 shows a larger impact of 0.3 percentage points for PM. These findings underline the efficacy of carbon pricing not just in curtailing CO2 but in significantly mitigating other harmful pollutants on a global scale. Reductions in pollutants beyond CO2 provide further motivation for policymakers to pursue carbon pricing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrialization has increased global carbon emissions, necessitating effective climate change mitigation measures. China, the most populous developing nation, faces the challenge of strategizing emissions to meet national carbon neutrality objectives. However, research on specific regions' carbon emissions drivers and causal factors is limited, particularly across prefectural-level cities. This study estimates the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon emissions across China's prefectural cities and utilizes both OLS regression and stepwise regression models to analyze the impact of various factors influencing carbon emissions in these cities. Results reveal the following: (1) The country's overall 20-year carbon emissions continue to grow from 3020.29 Mt in 2001 to 9169.74 Mt in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 5.71%; the eastern region has seen a gradual deceleration in emissions, whereas the western region continues to experience an increase. Carbon emissions in cities within each subregion consistently rise. (2) Carbon emissions in Chinese prefectural-level cities exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation and clustering (Z > 1.96, p < 0.05), with hot spots primarily in the eastern coastal areas and cold spots in the northwest to southwest regions. (3) Economic and demographic factors significantly increase carbon emissions, while climate and urbanization effects are more complex and variable. Economic growth and population increase are the most significant influencing factors, but regional variances exist in carbon emissions determinants in subregional prefectural cities. These insights provide valuable insights into national emission dynamics at the prefectural level, providing a theoretical basis for enhancing carbon emission strategies across various jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and the resultant environmental deterioration signify one of the most challenging problems facing humankind in the 21st century. The origins of climate change are multifaceted and rooted in anthropogenic activities, resulting in increasing greenhouse gases in the environment and leading to global warming and weather drifts. Extremophilic fungi, characterized by their exceptional properties to survive extreme habitats, harbor great potential in mitigating climate change effects. This review provides insight into the potential applications of extremophilic fungi in climate change mitigation strategies. They are able to metabolize organic biomass and degrade carbon compounds, thereby safely sequestering carbon and extenuating its release into the environment as noxious greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they possess extremozymes, which break down recalcitrant organic species, including lignocellulosic biomass and hydrocarbons. Enzymatic machinery equips these extremophilic fungi to perform the bioremediation of polluted environments. Extremophilic fungi can also be exploited for various biological interventions, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioprocessing applications. However, these fungi characterize a valued but underexplored resource in the arsenal of climate change mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]