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Paper has shaped society for centuries and is considered one of humanity's most important inventions. However, pulp and paper products can be damaging to social and natural systems along their lifecycle of material extraction, processing, transportation, and waste handling. The pulp and paper industry is among the top five most energy-intensive industries globally and is the fourth largest industrial energy user. This industry accounts for approximately 6% of global industrial energy use and 2% of direct industrial CO 2 emissions. The pulp and paper industry is also the largest user of original or virgin wood, with deleterious impacts on both human health and local flora and fauna, including aquatic ecosystems. This critical and systematic review seeks to identify alternatives for mitigating the climate impacts of pulp and paper processes and products, thus making the pulp and paper industry more environmentally sustainable. This study reviews 466 studies to answer the following questions: what are the main determinants of energy and carbon emissions emerging from the pulp and paper industry? What are the benefits of this industry adopting low-carbon manufacturing processes, and what barriers will need to be tackled to enable such adoption? Using a sociotechnical lens, we answer these questions, identify barriers for the pulp and paper industry's decarbonization, and present promising avenues for future research. •This review identifies carbon-intensive processes in the pulp and paper industry. •Presents decarbonizing practices, potential transformations and innovations. •Presents promising avenues for future research. •No agreed consensus on the most promising technologies to achieve net-zero in the pulp and paper industry. •Pulp and paper products are associated with other sociotechnical systems that create compelling interdependencies among industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry is a high energy consuming and polluting sector, and carbon emissions emitted from this sector are worthy of attention. This article, based upon an analysis of China’s Pulp and Paper Industry (CPPI), provides estimates of each of the following: carbon emissions from energy consumption, pre-treatment sector, combustion of condensed black liquor, and methane emitted from incomplete aerobic digestion during sewage treatment of CPPI. During the study period (2005–2012), total CO 2 emissions ranged from 126.0 Mt to 155.4 Mt. Energy consumption was estimated to be the largest source of carbon emissions, however, due to the application of the local emission inventory rather than the IPCC inventory, energy consumption decreased by 4.7%, a lower percentage than was calculated in a previous study. According to this study’s estimation, the emissions caused by the recovery of biomass energy contributed 26–29% of the total CO 2 emissions. CH 4 generated from sewage treatment accounted for 9–11% of the total carbon emissions. The CO 2 intensity dropped during the study period, which reflected the improvement of energy efficiency in the pulp and paper industry. The outcome of this study provides not only detailed information about CPPI’s carbon emissions, but also a calculation framework for studying carbon emissions from pulp and paper sector in the other regions. It suggests that the local carbon emissions inventory should be used for estimating carbon emissions and to reduce the fossil fuel energy, increase energy recovery from biomass, and that promoting cleaner production is essential to achieve a low carbon development of the pulp and paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using past episodes of climate change as a source of evidence to inform our projections about contemporary climate change requires establishing the extent to which episodes in the deep past are analogous to the current crisis. However, many scientists claim that contemporary rates of climate change (e.g., rates of carbon emissions or temperature change) are unprecedented, including compared to episodes in the deep past. If so, this would limit the utility of paleoclimate analogues. In this paper, I show how a data adjustment procedure called "temporal scaling," which must be applied to both contemporary and past rate data, complicates the claim that contemporary rates are truly unprecedented. On top of giving actionable recommendations to scientists, this paper advances the philosophical literature concerning the use of models that are known to be somewhat disanalogous to their target systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel aviation CO 2 emissions reduction method by introducing a market-based incentive mechanism. An aviation carbon emissions prediction model is proposed to characterize both the microscopic flight dynamics and the macroscopic air traffic demand trend. Based on emissions prediction, a linear climate response model is applied to evaluate the environmental impact of the aviation carbon emissions. Finally, a market-based framework for aviation CO 2 emissions reduction is established based on a two-phase carbon trading model, which provides a piecewise charge method through emission taxation and cap-and-trade. A case study is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework using a real-world dataset from the Hefei Air Traffic Control Zone in China. Three scenarios are defined to describe the possible development speed of sustainable aviation fuel application in the future: not applied, medium-speed development, and high-speed development. The results show that the carbon peak will be reached in 2025 in the high-speed development scenario, when the emission amount and associated environmental impact will be reduced by 23.7% and 22.3%, respectively. Thus, the market-based framework proposed in this paper can effectively reduce aviation CO 2 emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. • An aviation CO 2 emissions prediction model is proposed considering both microscopic flight dynamics and macroscopic traffic demand. • A more efficient market-based CO 2 emission reduction framework is developed based on a two-phase carbon trading model by means of taxation and cap-and-trade. • Case study shows that the proposed method has a more optimal incentive for CO 2 emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and the resulting extreme weather events bring significant economic losses and many unstable factors. It is an important means to actively seek environmental protection and climate governance countermeasures to meet severe challenges. As an environmental protection tool widely used by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), environmental taxes are expected to play an important role in combating climate change and reducing extreme weather events. Based on public goods theory, collective cooperation theory, externality theory and double dividend theory of environmental taxes, this paper takes 36 OECD countries as research samples and empirically tests the role of environmental taxes in mitigating climate change process and reducing extreme weather events through the establishment of panel Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The empirical results show that the environmental taxes on the whole is conducive to reducing the frequency of abnormal temperature weather and plays a positive role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in OECD countries. Further research shows that environmental budget and environmental technologies play a positive role in the process of environmental taxes to delay climate change and reduce extreme weather events. In other words, we should attach importance to the investment of environmental protection funds and the research and development of environmental protection technology while carrying out environmental taxes. The robustness test shows that the main regression results of this paper have strong robustness. The research in this paper enriches theories and existing literature related to environmental taxes and climate change, and provides new research ideas and policy guidance for delaying the process of climate change and responding to extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions and climate change risk have become constraints on global economic sustainable development. Environmental regulation (ER) is a key method for achieving synergy in CO 2 and pollution reduction in China. This paper is the first study to explore the effects of ER on CO 2 emissions by exploiting the National Environmental Protection 11th Five-Year Plan (NEP11-FYP). The implementation of the NEP11-FYP significantly decreases CO 2 emissions by 19.73% in key environmental cities relative to other cities. Heterogeneity analyses suggest that this negative impact is larger in western cities and cities with more pressure to reduce CO 2 emissions. Scale effects, structural effects, and technical effects might be three potential influencing channels through which ER contributes to the CO 2 reduction effect. In addition, the results of the spatial externality of the NEP11-FYP demonstrate a positive spillover effect in neighboring cities within a distance of 300 km and a negative spillover effect in cities more than 500 km away. Our empirical findings provide policy implications for implementing low-carbon transition strategies and reducing CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change induced by carbon emissions has received extensive global attention. However, with the ever-increasing environmental attention from governments, whether firms, as main contributors to carbon emissions, have responded to the government's call to achieve carbon abatement target is uncertain. To answer this question, we manually collected urban government work reports from 2007-2016 and extracted environment-related textual content to quantify government environmental attention (GEA). Employing firms' carbon emission data from National Tax Survey Database (NTSD), this paper explores the impact of GEA on firms' carbon emissions governance. We observe that the increase in GEA cuts firms' carbon emissions. The results remain solid after using the instrumental variable method to alleviate endogeneity problems. The mechanism analysis reveals that GEA reduces firms' carbon emissions via three environmental-related decision-making behaviors of government: environmental regulations, fiscal expenditure and subsidy policies, and energy structure transformation strategies. Heterogeneity analysis shows that GEA notably reduces firms' carbon emissions from burning coal and oil energy. Moreover, firms in eastern-north, central, and western regions are more susceptible to GEA, while the impact is insignificant for firms in eastern regions. Furthermore, the carbon reduction performance is more pronounced for enterprises in capital-intensive, technology-intensive, and high polluting industries. This study provides a reference for policymakers to ensure the enforcement of carbon emissions governance of firms and to reach carbon abatement targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Carbon reduction measures were summarized and evaluated. • The carbon removal capacity and cost of some carbon reduction methods were predicted. • The main CCUS projects in the world were collated and analyzed. • The principles of CCUS technology were reviewed in terms of progress, problems and prospects. Since the industrial revolution, the greenhouse effect has become more and more serious, causing great impacts on human beings and society. Many countries have formulated carbon neutrality and introduced a series of emission reduction measures. This paper summarizes and evaluates for the first time three universally appropriate carbon reduction measures: energy upgrading, biotechnology, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology in conjunction with the policies of each country. The choice of carbon reduction methods depends on the economic situation and natural resources of each country. For example, the Middle East is more in need of energy upgrades, South America is focused on biotechnology, and Western Europe is currently more suited to CCUS technology. This paper also predicts the carbon reduction capacity and capital consumption of 10 carbon reduction methods based on International Energy Agency (IEA) data and the current development of emission reduction technologies. This can provide a reference for countries to choose appropriate carbon reduction methods. Meanwhile, this paper comprehensively reviews the principles of CCUS technology, including the current progress, problems, and prospects for application. The CCUS technology plays a significant role in promoting the transformation of the energy structure and responding to global climate change. Promoting the rapid development and wide application of CCUS technology requires the joint efforts of governments, enterprises and the public: government policy, enterprise investment and public support. This paper can provide references for countries to select appropriate carbon reduction methods and guidance for researchers to further improve the effect of CCUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influences of the geometric parameters of the reactor on the SCPP-HPCR are investigated. • A formula is proposed to calculate the CO 2 emissions reduction of the system. • The optimal operating conditions of the SCPP-HPCR is analyzed. • 2.38 kg of CH 4 is degraded and 375.52 kg of CO 2 is reduced through the system one day. The increase of 1.09 °C in global temperature resulted in significant catastrophes because of the extreme climate. The climate change rate can be slowed down by reducing the levels of CH 4 and CO 2 in the atmosphere. The solar chimney power plant integrated with a honeycomb photocatalytic reactor (SCPP-HPCR) uses the photocatalytic technology to remove atmospheric CH 4. In addition, CO 2 emissions can be reduced from coal fired power plant due to the generating capacity of the system. In this paper, the influence of the geometric parameters of the reactor and turbine on the overall performance of the SCPP-HPCR is studied by numerical simulation. The obtained results showed that the flow resistance inside the system was mostly caused by the HPCR at low turbine speed, and primarily by the turbine at high turbine speed. Reducing the pore diameter of the reactor could improve the photocatalytic performance of the SCPP-HPCR more than increasing the turbine speed. The SCPP-HPCR having a pore diameter of 3 mm, porosity of 0.85, and constant turbine speed of 180 rpm, built in Qianyanzhou, China, could remove 2.38 kg of CH 4 and reduce 375.52 kg of CO 2 in one day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the global north, climate-smart fisheries (CSF) policies prioritise steps to combat CO 2 emissions from SSF, in a response to the fact that globally, CO 2 emissions from small-scale fisheries (SSFs) increased by over 5.8 times between 1950 and 2016. However, in the global south, CSF policies on SSF prioritise food and income security over CO 2 emission reduction. In this paper, we examine this apparently contrasting interpretation of CSF as a conceptual framework to interpret the case study of Sierra Leone, one of Africa's poorest countries where we found that small-scale coastal fishers are preoccupied with mitigating the impact of climate change on their food and income security rather than with lowering their CO 2 emissions. The self-image of SSF in Sierra Leone is that of being victims of climate change rather than perpetrators of it, and they justify this stance by claiming their livelihoods are being threatened by climate change. However, it could be argued that the best way to keep Sierra Leonean SSF CO 2 emissions low is to prioritise their food and income security: in other words, that food security and CO 2 reductions are complementary not contradictory. This, at any rate, is the argument of the current paper. The fieldwork for this study entailed co-created research in Sierra Leone and it involved 103 stakeholders who met face-to-face and online between January and March 2022 and through village meetings. The results of this fieldwork showed that food and income security and not CO 2 emissions are the priorities in the stakeholders' interpretation of CSF. However, if food and income security are not prioritised, communities are likely to adopt maladaptive strategies which undermine marine protected areas (MPAs) and exacerbate overfishing, thereby increasing CO 2 emissions. Moreover, investment in aquaculture as a supplementary or alternative livelihood can directly increase food security and incomes and at the same time indirectly serve as a CO 2 mitigation measure. In addition, weather information communication is an important CSF measure which both protects fishers from the impact of climate change and reduces their CO 2 emissions. Accordingly, we argue that the contrast between reducing CO 2 emissions and protecting food security from climate change may be more apparent than real in Sierra Leone coastal fisheries, since both policies may work in tandem together. This study therefore contributes a new interpretation of CSF in the global south: instead of seeing it as posing a conflict between CO 2 emissions reductions and food security, we have shown the two objectives can be complementary. The wider implication of this paper is that CSF strategies for SSFs do not have to be polarised between the global north's focus on the reduction of CO 2 emissions from fishing vessels and the global south's focus on the mitigation of the impact of global warming on SSFs. There are circumstances when the two objectives may be in harmony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis is recognized as one of the world's most serious concerns, posing a threat to environmental, social, and economic growth. However, previous work has failed to address the dynamic effects through which economic growth may affect green growth and climate crisis. In this research, we take a closer look at the impact of carbon emissions, eco-innovation adoption, and international collaboration on economic growth and the influence of economic growth on green growth. This paper used the generalized method of moments (GMM) for 54 African countries from 2010 to 2019, allied with an imbalanced panel of 540 observations. This paper finds a positive relationship between carbon emissions, eco-innovation international cooperation, and economic growth with p-values lower than 0.047. Our study discovers economic growth's robust and positive impact on green growth with a p-value of 0.009. This research finds a three-pronged mediating effect of economic growth between its driving factors and green growth. Lastly, this paper furnishes new visions into the argument over economic growth versus green growth. It informs policymakers of the need to pay attention to the growing effect of eco-innovation driving factors on attaining sustainable and greener growth and climate crisis mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of climate change and technological innovation on economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by using annual observations of a wide range of variables of Asian and European countries from 1996 to 2021. The study uses a dynamic GMM model and reveals significant regional heterogeneity and time-varying effects of technological innovation on economic growth. Technological innovation plays a more substantial role in promoting sustainable economic growth in European countries compared to Asian countries. The study also uncovers a spatial linkage and dependence between climate change and technological innovation. The technological transfer from European countries has increased energy consumption and carbon emissions in Asian countries, leading to abnormal climate change. The paper underscores the importance of targeted technological innovation strategies in Asian countries to improve energy efficiency and mitigate climate change. The study also confirms the EKC hypothesis with an observed inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions. • There is a strong linkage among energy consumption, carbon emissions, climate change, and technological innovation. • Technological innovation plays a more significantly positive role for economic growth in European countries. • Technological innovation has a significant positive correlation on fossil energy consumption in Asia, while is negative in Europe. • The extreme climate changes lead to higher energy consumption in both Asian and European countries, while the technological innovation is the opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need to address climate change has led to global efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality. However, it is crucial to recognize the existence of carbon inequity, where certain regions or communities bear a disproportionate burden of carbon emissions compared to others. This paper explores the concept of carbon inequity and highlights the importance of considering driving factors in the pursuit of just energy transition. By examining the socioeconomic, environmental, and policy-related factors that contribute to carbon emissions, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of carbon inequity is gained. The study emphasizes the need to address systemic issues such as economic development patterns, industrial structures, energy consumption habits, and social inequalities that perpetuate carbon inequity. It further discusses the significance of collaborative and inclusive approaches to carbon reduction, focusing on bridging the gap between regions with high and low carbon emissions. Policy implications are derived to guide decision-makers in formulating effective strategies for achieving carbon neutrality while ensuring equity and fairness. By considering both the overarching goal of carbon neutrality and the distributional aspects of carbon emissions, a more holistic and equitable approach can be adopted to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future. • It is crucial to recognize the existence of carbon inequity to address climate change. • This paper explores the concept and importance of carbon inequity of just energy transition. • Policy implications are derived to guide decision-makers while ensuring equity and fairness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various climate change causing agents, transportation alone is responsible for 19.2% of the carbon emissions. By proper implementation of various preventive measures, the impact of transportation on climate change can be drastically reduced. It is also necessary to determine the relationship between the transportation factors responsible for creating environmental degradation and causing climate change and to rank them based on the preventive measures impact to deal with them. In this paper, we have identified the transportation factors that affect climate change and the factors related to its preventive measures based on the 'environment', 'sociology' and 'modernity' elements of Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT). Given the context, this study focusses on development of an assessment framework that combines three techniques: Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP). • We integrate SAW-ISM-IRP approach to understand the impact of transportation on climate change. • We have identified the factors based on Ecological Modernization Theory. • First, SAW has been used to reduce the number of factors in order to apply ISM and IRP easily. • We have collected data from 10 experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interactions among climate change, carbon emission allowance trading, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets, especially the role of climate change in this system is of great significance for policy makers, energy producers/consumers and relevant investors. The present paper aims to quantify the time-varying connectedness effects among the four factors by using the TVP-VAR based extensions of both time- and frequency-domain connectedness index measurements proposed by Antonakakis et al. (2020) and Ellington and Barunik (2021) [8,48]. The empirical results suggest that, firstly, the average total connectedness among climate change, carbon emission allowance trading, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets is not so strong for the heterogenous fundamentals underlying them. Nevertheless, the time-varying total connectedness fluctuates fiercely through May 2005 to September 2021, varying from about 8% to 30% and rocket to very high levels during the global subprime mortgage crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the total connectedness mainly centers on the short-term frequency, i.e., 1–3 months. Secondly, climate change is generally the leading information contributor among the four factors, although not particularly strong, and its leading role also performs mainly on the short-term frequency (1–3 months). Thirdly, renewable energy stock market and crude oil market show tight interactions between them and they are the two major bridges of information exchanges across various time frequencies (horizons) in this system. Finally, we confirm the evidence that the primary net connectedness contributor and receiver switch frequently across different time frequencies, implying that it is extremely essential for policy makers, energy producers/consumers and investors to make time-horizon-specific regulatory, production/purchasing or investment decisions when facing the uncertain effects of climate change on the interactions among carbon emission allowance, crude oil and renewable energy stock markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis and related events are often in the headline in recent years. The climate agreements reflected these concerns and called the researchers' attention to the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation policies. Many countries made new commitments during the latest United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) in November 2021 in Glasgow. In turn, scientists and experts worry that new pledges are not ambitious enough. The first environmental regulation was ratified in Great Britain in 1863. Later, the industrial and agricultural revolution stimulated pollution and brought about the emergence of environmental issues. The first agreement aiming to mitigate environmental pollution and stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Behind the European Union, the contribution of the biggest polluter countries to climate change is also significant. The objective of the paper is to investigate the explanatory factors of CO 2 emission, focusing on the contribution of economic growth, agriculture, and trade along with free trade and climate agreements on climate change in Non-European Union member states, including the biggest emitters in the past two decades. In addition, it investigates the role of specific free trade agreements in emission cuts. The results showed an increase in CO 2 emissions in third countries, the reduction in the impact of agricultural export on greenhouse gas emissions, underlining the potential hidden effect of trade-related emissions between 2000 and 2018. NAFTA was encouraged while EFTA, ASEAN and MERCOSUR reduced emission growth. The USA, China, and Russia have the highest responsibility in controlling climate change. The findings reflect the limited progress and implementation of climate and trade policies and agricultural-related emissions in Non-EU countries. • Confirmed the validity of the U-shaped EKC curve in Non-EU countries. • Economic development stimulates while agricultural development reduces CO 2 emission. • Agricultural export has a sinking impact on GHGs in the rest of the world. • NAFTA encouraged while EFTA, MERCOSUR and ASEAN hindered CO 2 emission. • The USA, China, Russia have the highest responsibility in controlling emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air traffic has increased by about 60% between 2011 and 2019 and climate forcers from aviation have also increased, resulting in a strong impact on climate change. It is well established that CO 2 is the largest climate forcing component connected with aviation and its impact is now well calculated and documented. However, other climate forcers such as nitrogen oxides (NO and NO 2), although not considered as greenhouse gases by the Kyoto Protocol, have a significant indirect impact on climate change. Post-combustion of the most common fossil fuel, Jet A-1, results in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2), water vapor (H 2 O), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfate ions (SO 4 2−), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO x) and soot. Soot and water vapor emissions can trigger the formation of contrails-cirrus. Due to differences in lifetimes, temperature, pressure, humidity, and reactivity, all these climate forcers have not the same impact on climate change. Since 80% aviation fuel is burned during the cruise phase, this paper aims to improve the environmental assessment of the altitude emissions of the Jet A-1 fossil fuel, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. This method is a reference for calculating the environmental impact of air transport emissions. However, when it comes to assessing the impact of emissions at altitude, LCA models only take into account the impact of CO 2 on climate change. New global warming potentials (GWP) and emission indices (EI) of climate forcing components related to air traffic were therefore included in our calculations to estimate the climate impact I CC at two different time horizons. In this paper, we show that the inclusion of non-CO 2 effects results in an increase in the I CC at the 100- and 20-year THs of 115% and 517%, respectively. This considerable increase illustrates the crucial role of short-lived climate forcers that may have a greater impact when a shorter time horizon of 20 years is chosen. • Life cycle assessment study taking into account the climate forcers related, with direct and indirect impacts. • The inclusion of non-CO 2 climate forcers from jet fuel combustion results in an increase in climate impact. • For a 100-year time horizon, the environmental impact of fossil jet combustion is primarily due to CO 2 (47.0%). • For a 20-year time horizon, NOx and contrails-cirrus account for the largest share of the climate impact (86.5%). • It is important to use both the 100- and 20-year THs to evaluate their impact on climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasingly severe challenges of global climate change and sustainable development, accurate prediction of daily carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions has become crucial. However, current research on real-time daily forecasts remains relatively scarce, often limited to annual predictions and point estimates. This paper proposes an innovative integrated model, based on quantile regression and Attention-Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BILSTM), specifically designed for probabilistic prediction of daily carbon emissions. Testing the model on daily carbon emission data from major carbon-emitting countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, and Italy has demonstrated its superior performance across various metrics, including mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and normalized average width of prediction intervals (PINAW), compared to other benchmark models. This achievement not only highlights the model's effectiveness in predicting daily carbon emissions but also provides policymakers with a powerful tool for real-time monitoring and assessment of carbon emissions. Furthermore , the application of probabilistic forecasting methods enables decision-makers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential range of future carbon emissions, providing strong support for the formulation of targeted policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of global climate change has led to a widespread consensus on carbon reduction, with the power industry being the principal contributor to carbon emissions necessitating an inevitable transition of its energy structure. Concomitantly, the escalating frequency of natural disasters caused by extreme weather presents formidable challenges to both secure power supply and the low-carbon transition of the power system. To fulfill the developmental requirements of a low-carbon power system and address the carbon emission risks imposed by natural disasters, this paper proposes a bi-level model for generation expansion planning (GEP) that incorporates constraints on the carbon emission trajectory and the influence of natural disasters. The planning-level model optimizes investment costs of various generation technologies and energy storage (ES), as well as the overall operational expenses over the planning period, with an objective to minimize them. It incorporates carbon emission trajectory constraints and policy constraints, such as carbon peaking, carbon neutrality and renewable energy (RE) penetration rates, in order to optimize the planning installed capacity of power sources. The operational-level model aims to minimize typical daily operating costs while also simulating power unit outputs in routine and disaster scenarios. A case study is conducted in a disaster-prone province in southern China to analyze the power generation expansion planning and the trajectory of carbon emissions from 2020 to 2060 under different scenarios. The simulation results show that compared to thermal power, the planning scheme mainly focused on RE with ES is better suited to achieve the goal of a low-carbon transition of the power grid. Moreover, after considering natural disasters, the cost and carbon emissions of power system planning are higher, and the risk of carbon emissions increases with the severity of disasters. • A multi-time scale bi-level low-carbon GEP model is proposed. • Natural disaster scenarios and low-carbon policy constraints are considered in the GEP model. • Carbon emission trajectory of the planned power system is estimated and introduced as a constraint into the GEP model. • Evaluation indicators that comprehensively consider low-carbon performance and economic feasibility are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computationally inexpensive carbon cycle models serve as critical and efficient tools for illuminating the complex dynamics of the carbon cycle and its interplay with the climate system, offering insights into how our planet has responded to climate perturbations throughout its history. During geologic hyperthermal events, carbon cycle models are employed to trace the trajectory of carbon emissions and establish a connection between the emission trajectory and changes in the Earth's surface environment. To date, the prevalent method to estimate the carbon emission rate relies on coupling the carbon cycle modeling and proxy reconstructions. Most previous studies employ a forward methodology, i.e., they force the model with an array of predefined carbon injection scenarios and select the one that produces the best fit to one or more specific proxy-derived records (e.g., atmospheric pCO 2 , sea surface pH, and calcite compensation depth) as the optimal solution. However, this forward method has two potential disadvantages. First, it can be computationally expensive, particularly when tens of thousands of scenarios need to be conducted to find the best solution. Second, it might not yield the best injection trajectory if none of the predefined carbon emission curves represents the realistic emission curve. Hence, an inverse model that can reconstruct the carbon emission trajectory directly from the record/records is urgently needed. In this study, building upon the Long-term Ocean-atmosphere-Sediment CArbon cycle Reservoir (LOSCAR) Model (Zeebe, 2012), we develop an interactive carbon cycle model (named iLOSCAR) using the open-source Python language and include two options, a forward model and an inverse model. The forward model replicates the original LOSCAR model, while the inverse model calculates the emission trajectory constrained by the proxy records in a single run. Both models are accessible via a web-based interface, which allows users to interactively tune model parameters and conduct experiments. In this paper, we present the details of iLOSCAR, including model structure and derivation of key equations. We then validate iLOSCAR's performance through an identical twin test and model intercomparison. We also apply it to a climatic perturbation event to diagnose features of the emission pattern that were overlooked in previous studies. Finally, we discuss the possible directions for model's future development. • The iLOSCAR model, an extension of the classical LOSCAR model, is introduced. • The model is capable of replicating the forward mode from the original LOSCAR model. • The model can derive reliable reconstructions of carbon emission trajectories inversely from proxy records for the geologic hyperthermal events. • The model features an interactive web interface, enabling users to dynamically adjust parameters and conduct scenario-based experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of the right suppliers with a view of overall reduction in the procurement cost as well as carbon emissions is an important task for the buyers to sustain in the fierce competitive environment. The rising concerns about carbon emissions due to severe climatic changes globally have forced supply chain managers to restrategize about controlling their carbon emissions. This paper proposes a dynamic supplier selection model incorporating the carbon emissions under the carbon cap-and-trade scenario. Carbon emissions caused due to ordering, holding the inventory, production and handling and transportation have been considered in the paper. The proposed mathematical model is a mixed-integer-non-linear-program (MINLP). Validation of the proposed MINLP has been done using two randomly generated datasets having the essential parameters of Big Data, i.e. volume, velocity, and variety. • Paper proposes a mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP) using Big Data. • MINLP is mapped with the 3Vs of Big Data. • MINLP model optimizes overall costs in Big Data environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A number of empirical methods have been developed to study China's sectoral carbon emissions (CSCE). Measuring these emissions is important for climate change mitigation. While several articles have reviewed specific methods, few attempts conduct a systematic analysis of all the major research methods. In total 807 papers were published on CSCE research between 1997 and 2017. The primary source of literature for this analysis was taken from the Web of Science database. Based on a bibliometric analysis using knowledge mapping with the software CiteSpace, the review identified five common families of methods: 1) environmentally-extended input-output analysis (EE-IOA), 2) index decomposition analysis (IDA), 3) econometrics, 4) carbon emission control efficiency evaluation and 5) simulation. The research revealed the main trends in each family of methods and has visualized this research into ten research clusters. In addition, the paper provides a direct comparison of all methods. The research results can help scholars quickly identify and compare different methods for addressing specific research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Physical, Regulatory and Brand value risks due to climate change challenges are foreseen by businesses globally. This paper is oriented towards these challenges and prepared a comprehensive Greenhouse gases (GHG) footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for ONGC, a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. Internationally recognized standards and guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-14064, and American Petroleum Institute compendium have been referred for quantifying carbon emissions in nearly real 400 + operation control facilities. The GHG inventory is based on Operational Control approach to identify the boundary for which emissions are to be quantified and two significant scopes of emissions viz Direct Emissions and Indirect Emissions are identified and quantified. The quantification concluded that GHG emission footprint for the year 2016–17 is in the range of 9 million tons of CO 2 equivalent. GHG emissions mainly account due to stationary combustion, fugitive emissions and wastewater treatment, which share the around 56% of total emissions. Another 24–26% of emissions are contributed due to flaring, processes by glycol dehydrator, acid gas removal units, and by electricity purchased from the grid. As a result, it has been found that ONGC emits 187 kg CO 2 e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its global peer organizations. At the organization level, "Key Industrial Sites" have been identified as contributing higher GHG emissions and accordingly key "hot-spots," a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities have been proposed in the paper. Two GHG mitigation initiatives based on solar energy and bioenergy application undertaken at ONGC has also been briefed on case studies. Highlights • Comprehensive carbon footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. • Guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-4064 and American Petroleum Institute compendium are referred for quantifying carbon emissions from direct and indirect sources. • Green policy, incentives and mandatory compliance. • CO2e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its peer global organisations. • Key hot-spots, with a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has steadily gained attention as the global economy has grown more quickly, preventing continued high-quality economic growth. In this context, the eco-innovation concept has recently risen to the top of the list of academic research topics since it is a crucial tool that combines reduced environmental effects with a favourable socioeconomic impact. Nevertheless, the environmental situation is not improving despite the increasing eco-innovation level. From one perspective, instead of concentrating on how eco-innovation lessens carbon emissions, this research explores the indirect effect of carbon emissions on the GDP-eco-innovation nexus. From another perspective, since FDI might lessen harmful pollution, this research analyses the indirect effect of FDI on the economic growth-eco-innovation nexus. Therefore, this paper highlights the relationship between eco-innovation and economic growth (GDP), considering the dual mediating roles of carbon emissions and FDI. First, we examine the effects of GDP on eco-innovation activities in nine MENA countries from 2000 to 2019 using the geographic Durbin model based on spatial panel data. Second, this paper analysed the dual mediating effect of carbon emissions and FDI using the spatial stepwise regression model. The findings of this paper are as follows: (i) GDP positively impacts eco-innovation activities, and (ii) carbon emissions and FDI mediate the GDP-eco-innovation nexus. Therefore, GDP, FDI, and carbon emissions are significant drivers of eco-innovation. This research represents an essential step towards a better understanding of the need to support the transition to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aviation is among one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Thus, transitioning into a more low-carbon approach for future sustainable growth in the airline industry is necessary. Inspired by European Union's GHG emissions trading system that allows automobile makers to "pool" their carbon emissions, we study three emission pooling scenarios for the airline industry. Under the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS), passenger and cargo airlines such as Lufthansa and FedEx can either (1) pay a premium for each ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq) they fall short of free allowances (Pay Premium Strategy) or (2) buy allowances from other industries in the EU ETS market (Market-Based Strategy) (3) partnership with other airlines to "pool" their carbon emissions (Cooperative Strategy). These three approaches correspond to different market structures. The latest strategy has a co-opetition relationship between airlines: traditional airlines operating older aircraft purchase emission allowances from airlines operating newer aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions for airlines' paying penalties, purchasing allowances from the ETS market, or cooperation. We demonstrate that the EU ETS will always be detrimental to airlines using older aircraft. A hefty premium may effectively induce airlines to pursue a low-carbon transition plan. Our study shows that the ETS is not a silver bullet; it only works when the premium mechanism is designed properly and a fair market for emission allowances is available. • This study investigates four emission pooling models for the airline industry. • The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions for airline cooperation. • This study's findings can be insightful for both traditional airlines and sustainable airlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon industrial upgrading is a central means to achieve long-term climate change mitigation and sustainable industrial development. Yet the empirical evidence on the effects of environmental policies on low-carbon industrial upgrading remains relatively rare, and the analysis of channels is unexamined. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2016, this paper has contributed to the literature by testing the impacts of four distinct environmental policies on low-carbon upgrading and their possible channels. We found that energy-saving goals (ESGs) and new energy subsidies (NESs) promoted low-carbon upgrading, while pollution discharge fees (PDFs) restrained low-carbon upgrading and emission trading schemes (ETSs) had no impact. These conclusions were still tenable after a series of robustness tests. Channel analysis reveals that ESGs realized both low-carbon innovation and high-carbon industry restructuring (especially reflected in manufacturing), NESs were effective, but only in directing innovation. PDFs did not improve low-carbon upgrading, possibly due to their negative effects in low-carbon fields (including two sub-fields: energy efficiency and renewable energy). The restructuring and innovative effects of ETSs were insignificant. Finally, this paper put forward several policy implementations, including the promotion of market mechanisms, more strict law enforcement, and low-carbon industry development. • The impact of four distinct environmental policies on low-carbon industrial upgrading is examined. • The unique data of low-carbon patents and newly formed enterprises enable channel analysis. • Energy-saving goals (ESGs) promote industrial upgrading through restructuring and innovation effects. • New energy subsidies (NESs) advance industrial upgrading through the channel of inducing innovation only. • Emission trading schemes (ETSs) have no impact while pollution discharge fees (PDFs) restrain industrial upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Global climate and energy and economic scenarios are fast evolving. • This change in weather and energy scenarios must be captured in dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA). • Current research lacks methods and data to embed future weather and energy shifts into DLCA. • A significant decrease in fossil fuel use in the future may impact a building's embodied and operational impacts. • Future changes in global weather pattern may influence building operational energy use and resulting carbon emissions. The changing global climate is impacting life cycle effects of all sectors, including the building sector. To effectively decrease the construction sector's 40 % share of global annual energy use and carbon emissions, it's crucial to integrate these changes into life cycle assessments (LCA) to inform current and future energy policies, since buildings have lifespans exceeding 100 years. Current research lacks methods and data to embed future weather and energy shifts into LCA. This paper quantifies these future changes and discusses their integration into building LCA. Using industry reports and scholarly articles, we calculated global energy trends and weather patterns for 2030, 2050, and 2080. The projected energy use changes across United States economic sectors were also analyzed. Projections indicate a 41–59 % decline in fossil fuel use by 2050, with renewable energy increasing from 11 % to 41 %. Concurrently, global temperatures may rise by 2–5 °C, signaling major weather shifts. These shifts will translate into an economy-wide energy intensity decrease, showing an expected drop of 8 %. A Dynamic LCA (DLCA) framework is also discussed to include these shifts into LCA, to help not only researchers and practitioners involved in the LCA of buildings but also energy policy makers in effectively mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, Saudi Arabia's anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 810 million tons of CO 2 e. The country has pledged to cut its emissions by 278 million tons of CO 2 e per year by 2030. This paper contributes a modeling view on the climate-related effects of various energy policies on the Saudi energy system. We use an energy system model designed to represent seven sectors in the Saudi economy. In addition to a baseline, which entails the continuation of current domestic policies, we look at a scenario that incorporates some of the plans announced by the Saudi government. We also examine the baseline scenario with a cap on total CO 2 emissions equal to those exhibited with the announced plans. The model then makes the necessary decisions to abate CO 2. We find that the energy system contributes 130 million tons of CO 2 e to the nationally determined contribution amount in 2030. Also, a non-prescriptive scenario that caps energy-system CO 2 emissions produces the same emissions reductions as the announced plans while lowering the present cost by 2030 by $70 billion. The corresponding implicit marginal abatement cost of CO 2 approaches 35 $/tonCO 2 by 2045. This cost would displace around half of crude and fuel oil use in the Saudi energy system. • Saudi Arabia plans to cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by 278 million tonsCO 2 e. • We use a multi-sector model built from the ground up for Saudi Arabia. • The energy system can contribute 130 million tons of CO 2 e in reductions in 2030. • We find a scenario that achieves GHG abatement at a lower cost than official plans. • The marginal value attributed to CO 2 approaches 35 $ per tonCO 2 by 2045. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel probabilistic method for evaluating the sustainability performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures made with conventional and green concretes and subjected to carbonation is presented. • The method is based on the combination of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methodologies. • The method takes into account the impact of climate change, which is illustrated for three locations with different types of climate. • It is shown that green concretes demonstrate superior sustainability performance compared to conventional concrete, both in terms of CO 2 emissions and costs, and that climate change does not affect that. The paper presents a probabilistic method based on two methodologies – Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), for evaluating the sustainability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in terms of their costs and CO 2 emissions. The method considers the whole life of a RC structure by taking into account CO 2 initially embodied in its construction materials, the absorption of CO 2 by concrete due to carbonation during the service life of the structure, potential damage to the structure due to carbonation-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel that may require repairs, and relevant costs. Since there are numerous uncertainties associated with the calculation of CO 2 emissions and costs, a probabilistic approach is beneficial. The emphasis is made on RC structures made of the so-called "green concretes", in which Portland cement is partially replaced with supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. The issue of a changing climate is also addressed. The method is illustrated by assessing the sustainability of a multi-story RC carpark made of different concrete types at three different locations (London, Paris and Marseille) for present and future climate conditions. This assessment's results show that using green concretes leads to a major reduction in CO 2 emissions and a small decrease in the life-cycle cost of the carpark RC elements. The relative sustainability performance of green concretes slightly improves compared to Portland cement concrete for future climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the association between relative mobile broadband penetration (i.e. mobile broadband connections in total mobile connections) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions globally. The study is based on 181 countries for the period 2002–2020. The results indicate an initial increase in CO 2 emissions for a country at an average emission level once mobile broadband is introduced. Possible explanations might be initial investment in network infrastructure and increased consumption of electricity. However, on average for the period 2002–2020 the continuous relationship between mobile broadband (defined as speeds of at least 256 kb/s) and CO 2 is significantly negative in a statistical sense, i.e. emissions at a country level significantly reduce as mobile broadband penetration increase. Based on a two-stage model and controlling for additional independent variables (i.e. GDP per capita, population density, the share of electricity consumption that comes from fossil fuel, industry as a share of GDP, a regulation index, fixed broadband penetration, working age population as a share of total population and a human capital index), we conclude that on average a 10 percentage points increase in relative mobile broadband penetration causes a 7 percent reduction of CO 2 emissions per capita (given that the instrumental variable strategy, as assumed, identifies causal effects). Thus, the results shows that investments in mobile infrastructure over longer periods of time can contribute to mitigating climate change. However, the relationship is only significant for high-income countries (i.e. countries with a GNI of $4096 or above). The results remain significant when mobile broadband is defined as mobile broadband connections per 100 inhabitants. • Initially, the introduction of MBB leads to increasing CO 2 -emissions. • Over time, increased MBB penetration leads to significantly reduced CO 2 -emissions. • A 10% increase in MBB penetration causes a 7% reduction in CO 2 -emissions per capita. • Investment in MBB over time help mitigating climate change in high-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating carbon emission rights as tradable commodities is a major institutional innovation in the carbon market's response to climate change. The level of carbon emissions from production activities is inextricably linked to climate policy adjustments. Thus, this article applies wavelet-based quantile-on-quantile regression to study the impact of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on the carbon trading price (CTP) in the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Short-term results show a mixed effect of CPU on CTP. In the medium to long term, there is a positive correlation between the two at the high quantiles of CPU. The results are supported by the theoretical mechanisms of CPU on CTP. The CTP represents the economic cost of carbon emissions, which can significantly influence the level of carbon emissions and is critical to achieving carbon neutrality. Governments should strive to reduce CPU and manage market expectations to minimise the impact of CPU on CTP. In addition, this paper can also inspire carbon market participants to help them make sound and scientific investment decisions. • Apply wavelet-based quantile-on-quantile regression to study the effect of CPU on the CTP. • The CPU is at different quantiles and time frequencies, the link between CPU and CTP is dynamic • The results are supported by the theoretical mechanisms of CPU on CTP. • The CTP can significantly influence the level of carbon emissions and is critical to achieving carbon neutrality. • Governments should strive to reduce CPU and manage market expectations to minimise the impact of CPU on CTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign aid is an essential tool in economic diplomacy tool, yet its significance in global environment governance often goes underestimated. Taking 118 countries that received Chinese foreign aid from 2000 to 2018 as the research objects, this study investigated the impact of foreign aid on the carbon emissions of recipient countries and the mechanism. Firstly, the present study found that Chinese foreign aid increased the overall carbon emission levels of recipient countries during the sample period, with each 1 % increase in Chinese foreign aid being followed by a 0.0148 % increase in the carbon emissions of recipient countries. Secondly, the improvement of the economic growth and technological innovation of recipient countries served a mediating role in the process of Chinese aid affecting the carbon emissions of recipient countries. Thirdly, the threshold test results indicate that Chinese foreign aid helps to reduce the carbon emission levels of recipient countries when their economic growth rates and technology innovation levels are low, noting that this emission reduction effect may weaken as the recipient countries' economic growth rates and technological innovation increase. The findings of this paper expand the literature on the functional theory and non-economic consequences of foreign aid. Moreover, they told significant theoretical and policy implications for promoting cleaner aid practices and fostering low-carbon, green growth in recipient countries. • Chinese foreign aid (CFA) increased the overall CO 2 emission of recipient countries. • The improvement of the economic growth and technological innovation of recipient countries served a mediating role. • CFA helps to reduce the CO 2 emission of recipient countries with low economic growth rates and limited technical innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the significant energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with buildings, there is increasing interest in improving sustainability of building operations to reduce impact on climate change. A common goal is to operate buildings as "net-zero" energy users in which all energy consumed by the building is balanced against renewable energy purchased from the grid or produced on site. To achieve net-zero status, many buildings will require significant retrofit so as to both reduce energy consumption in the absolute sense and provide the remainder without consuming fossil fuels. Thus, multi-year planning is required to ensure that goals can be met on time. In addition, due to the inherent uncertainty associated with energy consumption and generation, actually achieving net-zero energy use may require discretionary curtailment actions to be taken, and deciding whether such actions are necessary can be challenging. To address these challenges, we propose in this paper a design optimization and operational planning strategy to make the decisions needed to achieve sustainability goals in buildings. The strategy can be applied to schedule design changes over a long horizon to meet annual targets, and it can also be applied in closed loop on a shorter horizon to determine whether curtailment is needed to stay on track. We discuss the formulation of the optimization problem, solution methods, and modeling approaches for key parameters. Application of the strategy is illustrated via examples. Overall, this approach will help automate planning that is often done manually, allowing buildings to take a significant leap forward toward achieving their sustainability goals. • Achieving sustainability goals in buildings requires multi-year planning. • The required design and operational decisions can be made via optimization. • Key problem parameters can be obtained from data-driven modeling. • The strategy allows sustainability goals to be met at minimum cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Forecasting-test framework for long-term power system planning. • Coal-fired generators can be completely withdrawn from the power system by 2060. • China's power capacity mix will transition to wind and solar generators dominated. • Biomass and gas-fired generators will take on the role of reserved generators. • The timing of achieving China's zero-coal power system may be advanced or delayed. Facing the challenges of climate deterioration, environmental pollution, and energy shortages, China has put forward the goals of "carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality", and the electricity sector will be the key area and the main direction of carbon emissions reduction. To prospect China's power system and explore the potential for establishing China's zero-coal power system in the future, this paper proposes a forecasting-test framework for long-term power system planning. We predict, evaluate, and analyze China's power system from 2025 to 2060 using the proposed forecasting-test framework. During this process, the power capacity mix and the electricity generation mix of China's power system will gradually transition from coal-fired generators dominated to wind and solar generators dominated. Moreover, the roles of different generators and energy storages are illustrated through the seasonal comparison and sensitivity analysis of the installed capacity of generators. The results indicate that coal-fired generators can be completely withdrawn from the power system, confirming the feasibility and possibility of achieving China's zero-coal power system by 2060. Although the timing may be advanced or delayed in different scenarios, achieving China's zero-coal power system will require exercising nationwide planning and making joint efforts of various sectors from now on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of political uncertainty on sustainable urban development by examining carbon emission trading systems (ETS) in four major markets in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hubei) from 2014 to 2022. As an alternative to carbon taxes, carbon ETS markets have become increasingly popular due to their success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by political instability and uncertainty. Utilising logistic regression and AR(1)-GARCH estimations, we identify a negative relationship between political uncertainty and carbon trading volume. Our study also reveals significant variations in the responses of these markets to political uncertainty. The paper contributes to the understanding of how ETS markets operate in a complex and constantly changing political environment. We suggest that policymakers need to consider the impact of political uncertainty on carbon trading when designing and implementing urban policies that promote sustainable development. Additionally, our research contributes to the development of urban policies that can be effectively implemented in both developed and developing regions. • Local government official turnovers are used as the measurement of political uncertainty. • Daily transaction data from four carbon ETS markets (Beijing, Shanghai, Hubei and Guangdong) in China • Considered the probability and proportion of zero transaction day • Logistic regression and AR(1)-GARCH estimations • A negative relationship between political uncertainty and carbon transaction volume [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has caused great pressure on the air transport sector. European airlines are subject to a pioneering CO 2 emissions regime. This paper sets out, first, to ascertain whether the European aviation sector has adapted since the launch of the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Second, based on the answer to the above, we predict the situation of the sector in the medium and long term. The study sample was formed by the top 10 European airlines. The years covered are those since the inclusion of the airline sector in the emissions regime (2012–2019). Clusters were defined by eco-efficiency level using K -means cluster analysis and the Markov model was applied to predict future behaviour. The results have shown, on the one hand, that the larger airlines were the most eco-efficient throughout the study period. On the other hand, companies focused on a low-cost strategy have behaved worse since, although they have also experienced significant improvements in their use of air traffic capacity, even above the large airlines, they have not evolved to a higher level of CO 2 emission efficiency and even getting worse in some cases. However, in the medium and long term, our estimate for the sector is a trend towards minimal eco-efficiency in CO 2 emissions. As governments continue to increase emission limitation requirements, in order not to jeopardise the sustainability of the aviation sector, it is advisable to encourage investments in the development of biofuels and their supply chain, international agreements to optimise flight routes or projects to improve the energy efficiency of new engines. • Eco-efficiency for European airlines in the framework of the EU ETS was analysed. • Larger airlines were found to be more eco-efficient than low-cost airlines. • Medium and long term, a trend towards lower eco-efficiency has been estimated. • More government support is recommended to clearly drive the zero emission strategy. • Greater coherence and coordination between international legal regimes is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aimed to investigate the interactions between land use cover (LUC) and climate change (CC). • The results showed that the interactions between LUC and CC are both direct and indirect. • Arable and rangeland use changes affect CO2 emission in both direct and indirect ways. • Rising rangelands and reducing forest areas have indirectly increased surface temperature. • CC mitigation policies should be followed by considering both direct and indirect effects. Humanity deals with several challenges in this century such as climate change, land use, and land use/cover change (LUCC). Determining the patterns, developments, and consequences of LUCC issues for the livelihoods of people, especially poor people, is very important. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the interactions between LUCC and climate change over the period of 1966–2015 (50 years) as a complex system at the global level. CO 2 emissions and surface temperature are considered as the main indicators of climate change (CC). The data were analyzed in time-oriented (time-based) and local or place-oriented (country-based) manners. The results showed that arable and rangeland use changes (LUC) affect CO 2 emissions in both direct and indirect ways. However, the direct effect of rangeland use change is positive, and its indirect effect is negative. In addition, deforestation has increased CO 2 emissions indirectly. LUCC can also change the ability of the ecosystem to deliver services to people, including biodiversity and other resources such as food, fiber, water, etc. Therefore, it is critical to determine the patterns, trends, and impacts of LUCC on CC. Thus, CC mitigation policies should be followed by considering both direct and indirect effects. Without a doubt, this will be realized when the decision and policymakers have a better understanding of the structure and interaction between CC, LUCC, and their components as a whole system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reliable individual membrane pore wetting model is constructed and verified. • Overall membrane wetting conditions are investigated and analyzed by experiments. • Some suggestions are proposed to effectively avoid membrane wetting for practical application. In recent years, global climate change caused by excessive CO 2 emissions has attracted wide attention. Within this context, CO 2 capture by gas–liquid contactor based on membranes is one of the most promising technologies for post-combustion CO 2 capture. However, mass transfer deterioration due to membrane wetting becomes one of barriers for its development. In this paper, based on Laplace-Young equation, reliable individual membrane pore wetting model is constructed to demonstrate detailed wetting process inside membrane pores, which is verified by molecular dynamic (MD) numerical simulation. The wetting conditions of ceramic membrane with 1.26 µm average pore size and 51.4° contact angle are investigated in experiments. The results show that neither average nor maximum pore diameters can accurately predict liquid and bubble breakthrough pressures of ceramic membrane. The actual liquid and bubble breakthrough pressures of ceramic membrane are slightly lower than critical liquid and bubble breakthrough pressures corresponding to the maximum pore size. The wetting state of ceramic membrane can be determined by combining individual pore wetting model and actual membrane pore distribution. In addition, for practical application process of CO 2 capture by gas–liquid contactor with ceramic membrane, some suggestions to avoid membrane wetting are proposed for selection of ceramic membrane and system operation perspective. The membrane wetting analysis method proposed in this paper not only contributes to future applications of ceramic membrane in CO 2 capture, but is also widely applicable to other gas–liquid contactors in membrane separation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Collections of basic research for urban spatial planning. • Literatures of urban agglomerations, urban size, urban compactness, and urban form on carbon emission. • Urban spatial structure and carbon emissions research from a multi-ecosystem interaction framework. Carbon emission reduction is one of the key factors in global climate change and should be an important component in urban planning and management. A full understanding of the relationship between carbon emissions and urban spatial structure is necessary. This paper presents the research on this relationship from the perspectives of urban agglomeration, urban size, urban compactness, and urban form. The results revealed that: (1) there is still a lack of research on the spatial structures of urban agglomerations and their relationship with carbon emissions, so it is urgent to conduct indicators system design and empirical research; (2) two-dimensional indicators have frequently been used to describe urban form and urban compactness, but three-dimensional indicators, such as volume ratio and floor height, are also important indicators for policymaking; (3) higher urban complexity, irregularity, and fragmentation were believed to contribute to urban carbon emissions because of the lack of continuity and connectivity. This paper also proposes a comprehensive analytical framework for examining urban spatial structures and carbon emissions. We position the research on the relationship between urban spatial structure and carbon emissions as a bridge between human ecosystems and natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, as a result of the rapid increase in population and industrial development, the need for energy has increased. Many investments are made especially for electrical energy which is an inevitable requirement for the industry. Most of these investments are made by using fossil resources in countries' lands. Fossil sources are known to be consumable as well as too poisonous gases they give to the atmosphere during energy production. This situation causes global climate change. To prevent climate change, the carbon emitted to the atmosphere has to be brought under a certain control mechanism. In this context, the first Kyoto Protocol and then Paris Climate Agreement was signed. Under these agreements, countries will be responsible for the level of their greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This situation led to the carbon trade among countries. This situation accelerated the transition of countries from fossil sources to renewable energy sources. In this study, the effect of hydroelectric power plants, one of the renewable energy sources, on carbon emissions was investigated. According to the results, based on fossil sources of 408,533.57 tCO 2 per year from Turkey Gökçekaya dam has been shown to reduce the carbon footprint. • The paper provides a comparison of carbon emissions between hydroelectric and fossil fuel energy sources. • The article examines carbon emission reduction from a perspective of carbon markets and the legal framework. • The study also provides an analysis based on the example of Gökçekaya HEPP in Turkey. • The study provides an economic analysis of the Gökçekaya HEPP with the feasibility analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A review of country-level environmental policy indicators and proxies. • Analysis of the impediments to constructing and transforming indicators for researchers, policy-makers, and investors. • Novel bridging of machine-enhanced methods with environmental policy. • New research avenues are opened up to drive more effective policy feedback. Quantitative environmental policy indicators are useful for modeling the impact of environmental policy on the economy. They can be important tools for policy-makers, companies, investors, and researchers alike. Well-crafted environmental policies lead to cleaner environments whilst encouraging innovative behaviour to stimulate green growth and 'win-wins' for the economy and the environment. Such win-win policies are increasingly sought out by policymakers, evidenced in the growing number of green 'new deals' and 'net zero' carbon emissions pledges at a national level. But there is a gap between the needs for environmental policy data and the supply of reliable indicators and indexes. This disconnect has negative consequences for policy feedback as well as the inducement of potential innovators of environmental technologies. While there are now a wide range of indicators and indexes, these largely remain inadequate for various reasons. This is disappointing considering the immense progress that has been made in machine learning and pattern discovery methods—methods that are already fully deployed in other research disciplines. Such automated techniques can limit human biases which currently plague the environmental indicator's scholarship. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this paper is to highlight how researchers can carefully collect these data and augment the effectiveness of environmental policy indicators. This is an important research area that, apart from a handful of studies, is not sufficiently developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable development, Chinese governments have introduced "1+N" "dual-carbon" policy system aimed at reducing CO 2 emissions, transforming energy structures and controlling pollution. An effective policy mix and synergy is crucial for achieving the emission reduction targets and for ensuring the effectiveness of the policies, and it is therefore of great practical importance to provide a pathway for policy synergy based on assessing policy effectiveness. This paper selects three policies, namely the carbon Emission Trading System (ETS), Coal Control and Clean Utilization (CCCU), and Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone (GFPZ), sets up ten scenarios, adopts difference-in-differences (DID) models to evaluate the impact, and give a pathway for policy synergy. The results show that ETS, CCCU, and GFPZ policies have significant positive effects on carbon emission reduction, energy structure transformation, and industrial environmental pollution control, respectively; CCCU has synergistic effects with ETS and GFPZ policies in controlling coal consumption and increasing the completion of industrial pollution control investments, respectively; while GFPZ policies have conflicting effects with CCCU and ETS in reducing carbon emissions and coal consumption, the GFPZ policy has conflicting effects with CCCU and ETS in reducing carbon emissions and controlling coal consumption. Finally, the study proposes a phased policy support system around carbon emission reduction in the power generation industry, energy structure transformation, and industrial environmental pollution control before 2030 and from 2030 to 2060. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector has significantly contributed to global climate change and urban air pollution while driving economic development. This paper takes the synergistic CO2 and SO2 emission reduction in China's industrial sector as an entry point quantifies the synergistic CO2 and SO2 emission reduction effect using the Kaya extension model and analyzes the synergistic emission reduction expansion mechanism in depth. It is found that the synergistic effect of CO2 and SO2 in the industrial sector is prevalent in most provinces in China. Every 10,000 tons of CO2 emission reduction leads to 1600 tons of SO2 emission reduction. Regional heterogeneity also clarifies that there are differences in synergistic emission reduction among different provinces, with most regions having a significant positive effect of synergistic emission reduction, while a small number of regions have an inverse effect, and direct SO2 reduction measures should be considered separately. The interaction effect analysis found that energy efficiency improvement in the industrial sector is the critical path to synergistic effect enhancement. At the same time, R&D expenditure and fixed asset investment have a weak effect on synergistic emission reduction. The interaction of the three factors can synergize the emission reduction effect by more than twice. The study's findings can be used as a reference for China's industrial sector to achieve the goal of reducing pollution and carbon emissions and for the practice of regional synergistic emission reduction, as well as for the formulation of international synergistic emission reduction policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to achieve the "double carbon" goal in energy systems has been the concern of governments. Integrated energy system (IES) is affected by climate change during his operation, in order to study the impact of climate change on IES and achieve the "double carbon" goal in energy systems, this paper proposes an integrated machine learning(IML) to forecast the long-term load, then investigates IES costs and carbon emissions in relation to climate, followed by the establishment of carbon peak energy system(CPES) and carbon neutral energy system(CNES), finally the honey badger algorithm is used to optimize the configuration of CPES and CNES. The results show that: IML can accurately make load forecasts. Under climate change, changes in load reduce the cost and carbon emissions of IES, and changes in equipment efficiency increase the cost and carbon emissions of IES. When both are considered, the cost and carbon emissions of IES increase by 1.18% and 0.92% per decade respectively. The costs of CPES and CNES increase by 0.93% and 1% respectively for every 10 years earlier than the year of achievement. To meet China's "double carbon" goal, CPES and CNES need to increase their costs by 1.97% and 2% respectively. • Integrated machine learning proposed for long-term load forecasting. • Studied the impact of system equipment efficiency and load with climate change. • Proposing carbon peaking energy system to achieve the carbon peak goal. • Proposed carbon-neutral energy system to achieve carbon neutrality goal. • The increased costs of achieving carbon peak and carbon neutral were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the debate between proponents of green growth and degrowth, the core issue is whether decoupling carbon emissions and resource use from GDP growth is possible, and if so, possible at a rate fast enough to achieve policy goals such as global warming of maximum 1.5 °C or 2 °C. In this paper, the claims by degrowth scholars on the limits of decoupling growth and carbon emissions are critically examined by assessing the economic and climate consequences of their claims. It is claimed that their pessimistic view on decoupling is not based on robust arguments but rather mystifications of what decoupling is. Following the assumptions by leading degrowth scholars – that decoupling (decrease of the emission intensity of GDP) are unlikely to be larger than 4% and that levels of GDP need to converge in a degrowing world – indicates that the 1.5 °C target is ruled out altogether and that in order to reach the 2 °C target, the economies of the global north would have to be reduced with over 90% and for middle income countries with around 70%. This appears as very unlikely to happen. Yet, there might be alternatives, which are discussed by sketching a realist and dynamic theory of decoupling. • The pessimist assumptions on decoupling by some degrowth scholars presuppose an economic collapse of unseen magnitude • Alternatively, stringent climate goals such as 1.5 °C, are not attainable • These pessimist assumptions are, however, not based on robust arguments, and ways to demystify decoupling is discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developing countries face the dual challenges of industrialising and 'catching up' while mitigating CO 2 emissions. • Medium- and high-technology manufacturing is associated with lower emissions than low-technology manufacturing, with differences varying by the income levels of countries. • A shift to more technology-intensive manufacturing could be one aspect of environmentally sustainable industrialisation in developing countries. Industrialisation is an important engine of growth and 'catch up', but also associated with harmful carbon dioxide emissions and hence with climate change. This poses a challenge for sustainable industrial development, particularly for late industrialisers on how to industrialise while also mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. This paper investigates the effect of technology intensity across manufacturing industries on carbon dioxide emissions: are medium- and high-technology manufacturing industries less emissions-intensive than low-technology manufacturing industries in developing countries? The paper analyses this relationship for a panel of 68 developing and emerging economies over the period 1990–2016, by adapting the environmental Kuznets curve and the stochastic effect by regression on population, affluence and technology approaches. Using two alternative measures of emissions and estimating generalised method of moments model, the results show that medium- and high-technology manufacturing industries are associated with lower carbon dioxide emissions than low-technology manufacturing industries. The results also show that these differences vary by the income levels of countries. These findings have important policy implications, suggesting that a shift towards more technology-intensive manufacturing production processes may be a more environmentally sustainable industrialisation path for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-fired electricity generation accounts for more than 10 Gt, or roughly 30 %, of global CO 2 emissions, with the majority of coal-fired generation capacity located in developing countries. It is possible to significantly reduce emissions from older, expensive and inefficient coal plants at less than US$10/tCO 2 e. However, in the absence of suitable business models and financing options, accelerated coal decommissioning may not transpire. Several business models have been tested, such as policy-based closure, buyout, and repurposing, and swapping for renewables. Features of different models can be combined to develop hybrid models. This paper develops typologies for alternative business models so that the available options can be clearly understood and compared. The paper also discusses the potential merits and drawbacks of each model. Rather than offering definitive answers on a suitable approach for coal transition. the paper aims to collate the experience thus far and highlight questions that require further examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically investigates the impact of environmental innovation on energy sector-based CO 2 emissions using a large dataset for 32 OECD countries covering the period 1997–2018. To detect the nonlinear relationship between variables, this paper adopts a panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model, which can estimate both the threshold level endogenously and the smoothness of the transition from one regime to another. The findings indicate that environmental innovation has a reducing effect on CO 2 emissions from the energy sector up to a certain level of innovation is insignificant (1st regime), then it has a reducing effect (2nd regime), and above this level environmental innovation has an increasing effect on carbon emissions (3rd regime), suggesting the existence of a rebound effect. These findings point out that environmental innovations alone are not a solution to struggle environmental problems and should be supported by environmental policies to reveal their environmental reflections. This paper not only makes an important contribution to the empirical literature, but also reveals important policy implications, particularly to achieve climate change targets. • Environmental innovation – energy sector based CO 2 emissions nexus is investigated in 32 OECD countries. • The panel smooth transition regression model is adopted. • The threshold effects of environmental innovation on energy sector-based CO 2 emissions are found. • The results point out that the rebound effects of environmental innovation should be considered in the policy making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voluntary corporate environmental disclosure has increased significantly in the last decade. However, the increase in environmental disclosure has also been accompanied by the social questioning of its veracity. Previous studies have mainly focused on the determinant factors behind corporate decisions to disclose environmental data, with only limited consideration of both carbon performance and the veracity of the information disclosed. Based on an international sample of firms from 12 countries, this paper analyzes the impact of regulative pressures related to climate change on the likelihood of companies engaging in greenwashing. The results show that the number of regulations related to climate change negatively influences the propensity of firms to engage in greenwashing. Furthermore, firms in countries with stringent climate-related regulations are less likely to participate in greenwashing practices. This paper adds to the existing literature concerning greenwashing by demonstrating that institutional theory can deliver further insights into the explanation of corporate greenwashing behavior. This is the first study to incorporate international climate-related regulations into the analysis of corporate greenwashing. It also provides a new method for identifying greenwashing firms, based on their carbon performance and disclosure. • Countries' climate-related laws negatively influence corporate greenwashing. • Stricter climate-related regulations reduce greenwashing practices of firms. • The study provides a new method for the identification of greenwashing firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]