Average Carbon Footprint Research Articles

P0906 A comparison of the transport-related carbon footprint of intravenous versus subcutaneous infliximab

Abstract Background Climate change poses a major threat to health and the planet. The United Kingdom’s (UK) National Health Service is thought to account for 5.9% of total UK carbon emissions (1,2). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects an estimated 500,000 people in the UK (3). Infliximab, a commonly prescribed biological medication for the management of IBD, is available as intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) preparations. There are numerous benefits to switching patients to SC infliximab (4), but the impact on carbon footprint has not been fully assessed. We aimed to compare the transport-related carbon footprint of IV versus SC infliximab. Methods We analysed data from all adult patients with IBD at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust who were eligible to switch from IV to SC infliximab. This included all patients on standard dosing (5mg/kg 8 weekly). Carbon footprint of transport for infliximab was calculated from UK port to the infusion unit for IV or patient’s home for SC. Carbon footprint of patient travel was calculated using distance from patient’s home to the infusion unit and mode of transport from local survey data. Carbon emissions were calculated based on distance travelled, type of vehicle, number of units transported, and weight of units transported. Greenhouse gas conversion factors were used to calculate all carbon emission factors. We then compared the calculated 48-week carbon footprint by intention-to-treat (ITT) (i.e. if all patients had switched from IV to SC) and as-treated (AT) (comparing all on IV pre-switch to some on IV and some SC post switch). Results 169 patients were eligible to switch to SC infliximab and 98 (58%) switched within 3 months. One patient was excluded from analysis as they subsequently moved out of area. Average transport-related carbon footprint was 6.10kgCO2e for IV infliximab and 0.018kgCO2e for SC infliximab per dose, per patient. In the Leeds cohort, over 48 weeks, the transport-related carbon footprint before the switch (168 patients IV) was 6150kgCO2e. Following the switch, the transport-related carbon footprint by ITT analysis (168 patients SC) would have been 71.3kgCO2e and was 2457kgCO2e in the AT analysis (70 patients IV = 2416kgCO2e, 98 patients SC = 41.6kgCO2e SC). Conclusion The use of SC infliximab reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport when compared to IV infliximab delivered at an infusion unit. It is important to note that whilst the transport-related carbon footprint is reduced by switching from IV to SC, a full life cycle assessment including analysis of preparing and administering each form of infliximab is still required to fully understand the impact of switching from IV to SC infliximab on carbon footprint.

Assessment of the Nutritional Composition and Environmental Impact of Menus Served in a University Cafeteria During an Academic Year

Diets will likely play a crucial role in the Anthropocene to support the population’s health and safeguard environmental sustainability for future generations. Based on a cross-sectional–observational–descriptive design for evaluating an entire menu proposal, data on the type and composition of the menus offered by a university catering service during an academic year were collected. Each day during the meal service, 10 plates of the same option offered were weighed, and 10 photographs were taken. With these data, the nutritional value and carbon footprint were evaluated for all possible combinations of first and second courses, while including the average values of other components of the menu (garnishes, bread, desserts, and beverages). The annual menu proposal resulted in 6478 combinations of first and second courses plus the other components. The average caloric intake was 1194 kcal/menu with high consumption of proteins and lipids, and the average carbon footprint was 1.86 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq)/menu, with the second course being the major contributor. Creating menus that consider these two essential parameters is the task of specialists. Achieving food consumption that balances nutrition and environmental sustainability is another issue of education and communication.

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Produced in the Russian Federation

Energy generation makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emission. The carbon footprint of electricity significantly affects the total carbon footprint of a wide variety of products, which is especially relevant for energy-intensive industries (aluminum, platinum, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, etc.) and hydrogen energy. The carbon footprint of aluminum, produced in Russia is 8.0–15.0 kg CO2-eq./kg. It is lower than the actual carbon footprint of aluminum produced in other countries due to the lower carbon intensity of Russian grid electricity in comparison with the world average. The carbon footprint of hydrogen, produced by photovoltaic modules with electricity consumption from the Russian national electricity grid is 16.6 kg CO2-eq./kg, while the world average carbon footprint of photovoltaic hydrogen is 18.1 kg CO2-eq./kg. The average carbon footprint of electricity generated and consumed in Russia ranges from 310 to 634 g CO2-eq./kWh. This paper analyzes methodological approaches to determining grid emission factors for Russian electricity. It has been established that different principles of spatial division of the Russian energy system can be used to determine grid emission factors (national average grid emission factor, grid emission factors for the integrated energy system, grid emission factors for price and non-price zones of the wholesale electricity market).

Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of a Mill According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol

This article discusses the challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change through sustainable resource management in the agri-food sector. These aspects are mandatory obligations for businesses under new EU directives and regulations. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be controlled at every stage of the value chain, from the acquisition of raw materials to transportation and cooperation with suppliers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the areas generating GHG emissions in the agri-food enterprise toward the development of guidelines for the sustainable development of domestic food production. This paper presents a GHG study in three scopes at one of the mills in Poland based on the GHG protocol methodology. The analysis of consumption of energy carriers was used to determine GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2), and the total amounted to about 2.1 million kg CO2eq (the share of Scope 1 was about 16% and Scope 2 as high as 83%), and the average carbon footprint of flour production in terms of unit weight was 0.040 kg CO2eq/kg. Extending the analysis to Scope 3, the emissions associated with this scope accounted for the largest share (92%), while Scopes 1 and 2 accounted for only 8%. The determined carbon footprint (considering the three GHG emission scopes) was 0.52 kg CO2eq/kg. In Scope 3, the largest contribution was from category 1 emissions (92%) related to grain cultivation, and category 5 (6%) were emissions related to the transportation of sold products. The smallest impact is from category 3 emissions related to the management of generated waste. Regular calculation and reporting of emissions in each area enables the company to more fully understand its environmental impact, identify risks and implement changes that bring financial and environmental benefits.

Decarbonization potential of fuel cell technologies in micro-cogeneration applications: spotlight on SOFCs in a Belgian case study

Abstract There is a plethora of fuel cell technologies, many of which hold great promise in terms of their decarbonization potential, which this paper aims to explore. In fact, this paper discusses the only two existing technologies on the market, Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). Unfortunately, these commercial systems mainly use natural gas as primary fuel due to its cost and practicality (easy transport and storage, existing infrastructures, etc.). Using Belgium as a case study, this paper shows that their GHG mitigation potential remains rather insignificant compared to the average individual carbon footprint if their fuel is not decarbonised. Even so, their mitigation potential would still be far from sufficient, and other measures, including behavioural changes, would still need to be implemented. Nevertheless, some emerging fuel cell technologies, such as Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DC-SOFCs) or Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells (DFAFCs), offer the possibility of facilitating pure CO2 capture at their anode outlet, thus allowing for potential negative emissions. Using a case study of the electricity demand of an average Belgian home (with two adults) supplied by an efficient biomass-fuelled DC-SOFC, this paper shows that these negative emissions could be up to about 4 tCO2eq/year. By comparison, the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report estimated the emissions footprint that could never be mitigated, even with future net-zero CO2 emissions, to be 1 tCO2eq/year per capita, implying that climate neutrality will require similar levels of carbon sequestration. In populous Western countries, natural carbon sinks are unlikely to be sufficient, and the potential negative emissions of emerging fuel cell technologies will be welcome.

The environmental impact of diet in Latin American populations: a systematic review

Food production accounts for one third of global greenhouse gas emissions(1). Similarly, the demand on the food system depends in part on people’s food choices. Thus, several studies have estimated the environmental impact of dietary patterns based on food consumption data from developed countries(2,3). This has led to literature reviews comparing the evidence for the impact of different diets on the environment and health status(4,5). However, similar analyses from developing countries are scarce. In this context, this systematic review sought to analyse and compare the available literature on the environmental impact of the diet of Latin American populations.A systematic review was conducted using the ©2024 Covidence online software. Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were studies measuring different markers of environmental impact such as carbon, water or ecological footprint related to food consumption in Latin American countries. We narratively synthesized the evidence by country, environmental markers, socio-demographic factors and dietary intake reported by each country.Out of 3007 papers, 30 were included in this review. Eight Latin American countries have reported the environmental impact of diet, with the majority coming from Brazil (n = 8), followed by Mexico (n = 6), Argentina (n = 3), Chile (n = 3), and Peru (n = 2) while only study was available for Colombia, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Water and carbon footprint were the most commonly used measures of the environmental impact of people’s diets. The average (IC 95%) carbon footprint reported were 2.3 (2,1; 2,3); 2.6 (2.6; 4.4); 3.4 (2.4; 4.7); 4.5 (4.4; 4.6) and 8.3 (4.5; 12.4) KgCO2eq/person/day in Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina, respectively. In general, men, middle-aged adults and people with higher educational and socio-economic levels were positively associated with a higher diet-related environmental footprint. In addition, beef and vegetables were the foods with the highest and lowest environmental impact attribution, respectively.Our review reveals a significant lack of research on the environmental impact of diet in Latin American populations. This underlines the need to establish a regional database documenting the environmental footprint of commonly consumed foods in Latin America. This would allow for the development of studies to provide evidence to promote public policies to achieve more sustainable diets in the region.

The carbon footprints of consumption of goods and services in Sweden at municipal and postcode level and policy interventions

Carbon footprints show the greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumption of goods and services. Many countries now calculate carbon footprints at the national level, published as part of national environmental accounts. However, carbon footprint estimates at the local or regional levels are less common. Municipalities call for consistent and comparable carbon footprint data to support their low carbon transitions.This study presents estimates of households' carbon footprints for all Swedish municipalities, down to the postcode level. It uses a downscaling approach to disaggregate the Swedish national carbon footprint from the national level to Swedish postcode level, using the best available local data on expenditure, greenhouse gas emissions or other data such as energy use, at the smallest geographical scale. The variation in carbon footprints at municipal and postcode levels is analysed and key contributing consumption categories identified. The study then discusses how these data can and have been used to support policymaking.The results show considerable variations in average carbon footprints at the postcode level in Sweden, between about 3.7 and 17.8 t CO2eq per capita. Footprints of items such as flights and personal vehicles have high variation, whereas the consumption categories of food, electricity, and clothing are more similar. A strong positive correlation exists between incomes and the total carbon footprint. Carbon footprints from personal vehicles have a negative correlation to population density, while the footprint of clothing, restaurants and flights have a positive correlation to population density.In terms of policy, several municipalities in Sweden were found to have carbon footprint reduction goals and related policies. A number of municipalities also demonstrated the application of preliminary data from the study for raising public awareness, policymaking, and monitoring progress towards reduction targets. The recommendations for future development and use of these data for policy and decision-making include: (1) ensuring data access, learning and stakeholder engagement with the data; (2) using the data to develop policy visions and goals and associated reduction targets and; (3) designing policy interventions that will reduce carbon footprints, taking into account factors such as variation at the local scale and between consumption categories, geography, socio-economic circumstances, inequalities, and systemic change.

But can it drive to Lapland? A comparison of electric vehicle owners with the general population for identification of attitudes, concerns and barriers related to electric vehicle adoption in Finland

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions with private car use accounting for a large proportion of those emissions. Battery powered electric vehicles (EV) are a currently available technology that has the potential to significantly reduce emissions from car use. Therefore, promoting a shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs should be supported by policy makers aiming to curtail emissions from car use. To design policies and interventions to promote EV adoption, information is needed on how people perceive electric vehicles and what are the real and perceived barriers preventing their adoption. With this objective in mind, it was investigated what the current EV owners in Finland are like and how they compare with the general population. We also endeavored to identify real as well as potentially misperceived barriers to EV adoption and factors affecting EV purchasing intentions. The study utilizes a sample of 3857 participants, including 141 electric car owners, who answered a questionnaire investigating lifestyle, car use, environmental and political attitudes as well as household carbon footprint and attitudes towards EVs. EV owners in Finland have more financial security, own more cars, drive more, and have a larger average household carbon footprint than the general population. There are two distinct subgroups among electric car owners, one group being interested in environmental impact of their car use and the other focused on the performance of their cars. People without experience of EVs generally have negative attitudes towards electric cars and also maintain some misconceptions about EVs. Personal experience with electric vehicles is associated with a positive outlook on these types of vehicles and is the strongest predictor of EV purchasing intentions.

Carbon Footprint and GHG Reduction Potential of Bioethanol Production in the Philippines

Abstract As the Philippine bioethanol industry concluded its first decade, it is in due time to assess whether the objectives of the Biofuels Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9367) are being met. Specifically, the law aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil importation, mitigate toxic and greenhouse gases (GHGs), and promote the use of biofuels from indigenous resources to boost the country’s rural economy, by mandating biofuels blending to fossil-based fuels for transport use. This study examined the contribution of seven bioethanol production systems to the country’s climate change mitigation efforts by assessing the environmental impacts, particularly the carbon footprint and GHG emission reduction potential of each bioethanol distillery through life cycle assessment (LCA). Results of the environmental impact assessment revealed that the weighted average carbon footprint of the seven bioethanol production systems is at 1,415.66 gCO2e L−1, which ranges from 287 to 1,726 gCO2e L−1, translating to an average GHG reduction potential of 47.54% or an average avoided GHG of 268,091.15 tons CO2e yr−1 for CY 2019-2020. With the environmental hotspots identified, recommendations were made to improve the distilleries’ carbon footprints, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to quantify the benefits from the recommended strategies. By applying all strategies, the average GHG reduction potential of the seven bioethanol production systems can get as high as 85.63%, which can be translated to an average avoided GHG of 482,933.91 tons CO2e yr−1.

Estimated Carbon Savings from Changing Surgical Trends in Primary Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty in England: A Retrospective Observational Study.

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a target to be net zero for carbon emissions by 2045. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in key aspects of clinical practice over the last 8 years have contributed towards reducing the per-patient carbon footprint of elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). This was a retrospective analysis of administrative data. Data were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database for all adult (≥ 17 years), primary, elective THA procedures conducted in England from 1 April, 2014 to 31 March, 2022. The estimated carbon footprint for key elements of the surgical pathway were calculated based on data from Greener NHS and the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition. Data were available for 537,441 THA procedures conducted during the study period. The per-patient carbon footprint associated with the primary THA (index) procedure fell by around 25% from 2014/15 to 2021/22. Length of stay was by far the largest contributor to this decline, falling from 169.1 kgCO2e to 117.6 kgCO2e per patient from 2014/15 to 2021/22. Absolute declines in the carbon footprint associated with emergency readmissions, revisions and outpatient attendances were more modest. If all patients in all years had the 2021/22 average carbon footprint, then carbon equivalent to powering 19,976 UK homes for 1year would have been saved. Improving per-patient efficiency of surgery is likely to contribute towards meeting the NHS's net-zero target whilst also helping to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and cut waiting lists.

The carbon footprint of cataract surgery pathways in England: an observational study using administrative data.

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a target to be net zero for carbon emissions by 2045. The aim of this study was to investigate the estimated difference between the carbon footprint of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) High Volume Low Complexity (HVLC) pathway for cataract surgery and current practice. Retrospective analysis of administrative data. Data were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database for all elective cataract surgery procedures conducted in England from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. The England average carbon footprint was 100.0 kgCO2e (ranging from 74.8 kgCO2e - 128.0 kgCO2e depending on Integrated Care Board). Had all Integrated Care Boards adhered to the GIRFT HVLC pathway, then 17.5 kilotonsCO2e would have been saved in 2021-22. The main limitation of our study is that only key elements of the cataract surgery pathway were included in the analysis. Even in a standardised healthcare pathway such as cataract surgery and within a publicly funded national healthcare system, significant differences in practice exist. With this paper we have demonstrated that tackling this unwarranted variation and adhering to the GIRFT HVLC pathway where possible has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cataract surgery.

FP8.10 - Sustainability in Hand Surgery

Abstract Aims Carpal tunnel release surgery (CTR) is a widely performed procedure in the NHS with significant contributions to waste and carbon emissions within surgery. 36,704 CTRs were preformed from 2022-2023 with an average carbon footprint of 12.0 kg CO2e. The aim of this quality improvement project is to reduce the carbon footprint of CTR through a lean and green model, and examine the rates of infection with this model compared to standard practice. Methods Retrospective data was collected for CTRs performed at the Royal Cornwall Hospital between 31/05/2022 and 01/02/2023 for the first audit cycle using standard set up and equipment. The primary outcome was rates of infection post-CTR. The lean and green model included reducing the number of instruments in the handset (36 items to 14 items), use of a smaller drape, and no gown for the procedure. The second cycle will be examining rates of infection following this intervention. Results Out of 100 patients in the first cycle, 1 patient was treated with antibiotics via a General Practitioner telephone consultation. These eco-changes were well received by staff members, with significant waste reduction this far (over 50 gowns and 25 aperture drapes). Data collection for the second cycle is currently underway. Conclusions CTR surgery is a commonly performed procedure with significant contributions to waste and carbon footprint within surgery. Through simple and low-cost changes to current practice we can promote sustainability in surgery and have a lasting positive impact on the environment.

Carbon footprints and health security: A comparative assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 13 in East Asian countries.

In East Asia, where several countries are among the top emitters of carbon dioxide globally, the need to address the dual challenges of reducing carbon footprints and ensuring health security is paramount. Against this backdrop, this study used a descriptive analysis to provide a comparative assessment of the carbon footprints and the level of health security in East Asia using secondary data, sourced from the World Development Indicators. The findings from the study show that it is only North Korea that its average carbon footprint of every person is less than 2.3 tons. However, China, Japan, Mongolia and South Korea are currently lagging behind in meeting the SDG 13 target. Meanwhile, North Korea recorded the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the region. Despite the fact that South Korea and Japan were the highest emitter of CO2, the duo had the lowest under five mortality, infant mortality, incidence of TB alongside the highest life expectancies which surpassed the regional performance. In view of the above, the policymakers in Asia and the rest of the countries with health insecurity should emulate the policymakers in Japan and South Korea by making adequate investment in health, education, and standard of living of their citizens.

Optimization strategies for carbon neutrality in a maize-soybean rotation production system from farm to gate

Agricultural food production stands as a primary source of global greenhouse gas emissions, with residue management widely acknowledged as an effective avenue to achieve carbon neutrality. However, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint of agricultural residue production, processing, and recycling from farm to gate. Here we conducted a hybrid approach that integrated the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model and life cycle carbon footprint to co-optimize water and residue management, targeting carbon neutrality and yield increase. The results revealed that controlled drainage with sub-irrigation (CDSI) served as a potent water management strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (15.65 %) while increasing yield (24.34 %) compared to free drainage. Regardless of the type of bioproduct, incorporating CDSI with downstream residue utilization exhibited substantial potential for carbon-negative emissions, reducing the average farm carbon footprint to −1538.15 kg CO2 eq yr−1. Among those scenarios, the CDSI with bioethanol scenario particularly stands out with its robust carbon mitigation capability (−1994.94 kg CO2 eq yr−1), driven by the enormous energy demand throughout the agricultural production process and the environmental friendliness of bioethanol, which substantially exceeds that of gasoline. However, challenges such as high plant construction costs and extended investment payback periods associated with residue conversion underscore the need for the urgent establishment of national subsidies and market mechanisms to foster carbon neutrality in agricultural production.

Carbon Footprint of an Extensively Raised, Low-Productivity Sheep Population

Extensive traditional livestock systems currently face various threats, leading to their disappearance. An example of these extensive livestock farming systems is the production of the Lojeña sheep breed in the Sierra de Loja (Granada, Spain), with a census of 24,511 ewes in 2021. The aim of this work is to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of this local breed in this region. This study is based on data collected from 27 Lojeña sheep farms producing weaned lambs (≤14 kg, 25 farms), fattened lambs (≈25 kg, 7 farms), culled animals (24 farms) and greasy wool (27 farms). Most of these farms (78%) were organically (ORG) certified and seven were conventionally (CONV) managed. The analysed farms represent 93% of the total number of farms producing Lojeña sheep in the Sierra de Loja. The CF was calculated with a “cradle to farm gate” approach. The average C footprints were 27.5 ± 6.8 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for weaned lambs, 21.8 ± 8.5 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for fattened lambs, 4.1 ± 2.6 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for culled animals and 2.2 ± 0.6 kg CO2eq kg−1 for greasy wool, with a not statistically different average CF in ORG than in CONV farms. Enteric fermentation represents the main source of emissions (>60%) in all the products, and external feeding (including transport, and emissions from producing the feed) represents the second one (>10%). There was an inverse relationship between CF and productivity (lambs sold ewe−1 year−1), leading to lower footprints on those farms with the higher productivity. A direct relationship between CF and stocking rate (livestock units ha−1) has been identified.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF COMPOST BARN SYSTEM IN MILK PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL

Intensifying animal productivity in specific areas is recommended to reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with these production systems. This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of six dairy farm using an intensive Compost Bedding Pack Barns system in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A Life Cycle Assessment grounded in the IPCC 2006 guidelines, was conducted as a valuable tool in environmental management, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental costs from feed cultivation to milk distribution. The Life Cycle Assessment results showed an average carbon footprint of 1.48 kg of CO2 eq. per liter of fat- and protein-corrected milk. Alongside this, an economic and financial viability assessment using investment analysis tools indicated that, despite initial investments and high fixed and variable costs, the system presents strong economic results. These findings support the premise that intensifying productive systems can mitigate environmental impacts while ensuring financial profitability, enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Brazil's dairy industry.

Identifying a sustainable rice-based cropping system via on-farm evaluation of grain yield, carbon sequestration capacity and carbon footprints in Central China

ContextRice-based cropping system is a major anthropogenic source of direct greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, agricultural inputs also produces numerous indirect GHG emissions and environmental problems. Identification of rice cropping systems with lower GHG emissions and higher grain yields is of great significance to ensure food security while minimizing agricultural carbon footprint (CF). ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the optimal rice-based cropping system with lower greenhouse effects and comparable annual yield in central China. MethodsUsed life cycle assessment, a two-year field experiment was performed to evaluate the direct and indirect GHG emissions, CF, and carbon sequestration capacity in the six rice-based cropping systems widely used in central China, which consisted of fallow-early rice-late rice, rapeseed-early rice-late rice, fallow-ratoon rice, rapeseed-ratoon rice (RRaR), fallow-middle rice, and rapeseed-middle rice. ResultsThe results showed that compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had lower annual CH4 emissions. The two systems with ratoon rice had lower annual indirect and direct GHG emissions than the two systems with double rice. The three systems with rapeseed had higher annual biomass, grain yields, and fixed carbon in biomass and significantly lower CF than the three systems with fallow season, and RRaR had the highest value of fixed carbon in biomass. The systems with ratoon rice had lower average CF than those systems with double rice. CH4 emissions from paddy fields were the primary source of total annual GHG and the main component of CF. Compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had significantly higher annual carbon sequestration capacity based on net ecosystem production (NEP). Ratoon rice systems had higher average NEP than double- and middle-rice systems. RRaR had the lowest CF per unit yield and highest NEP among all the six systems. ConclusionsThe results indicated that appropriate rice-based cropping systems may alleviate the greenhouse effect via reducing GHG emissions and enhancing paddy NEP, RRaR could achieve relatively higher annual grain yield and carbon sequestration capacity as well as lower CF. SignificanceThis study highlight conversion of double rice and middle rice systems to RRaR may help improve grain yield and mitigate greenhouse effect. The findings may provide a theoretical basis for selection of sustainable development of rice based cropping systems in central China.

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

Background/Objectives: While the economic cost of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery has been studied extensively, its environmental impact is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the carbon footprint (CF) associated with ASD surgery. Methods: ASD patients who underwent > four levels of corrective surgery between 2017 and 2021 were included. The open group included a posterior-only, single-stage technique, while the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group was defined as the use of lateral interbody fusion and percutaneous posterior screw fixation. The two groups were propensity-score matched to adjust for baseline demographic, surgical, and radiographic characteristics. Data on all disposables and reusable instruments, anesthetic gas, and non-gas medications used during surgery were collected from medical records. The CF of transporting, using, and disposing of each product and the footprint of energy use in operating rooms were calculated. The CF produced was evaluated using the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which is relative to the amount of CO2 with an equivalent global warming potential. Results: Of the 175 eligible patients, 15 pairs (65 ± 9 years, 47% female) were properly matched and analyzed for all variables. The average CF generated per case was 147.7 ± 37.3 kg-CO2e, of which 54% was attributable to energy used to sterilize reusable instruments, followed by anesthetic gas released into the environment (17%) and operating room air conditioning (15%). Conclusions: The CF generated during ASD surgery should be reduced using a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account that different surgical procedures have different impacts on carbon emission sources.

Environmental implications and hidden costs of artisanal spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) production and consumption

This study aims to assess for the first time the environmental interactions of artisanal spirulina production and consumption, addressing a holistic approach by including the nutritional properties within the assessment and an economic analysis. To do so, life cycle assessment is conducted defining the system boundaries from cradle to consumer and two functional units: mass-based (1 kg of product) and nutrient-based (Spanish Nutrient Rich (super)Food 9.2 score). Afterwards, the monetization of the environmental impacts using the ‘eco-cost’ method and the internalization of externalities to estimate the real cost of spirulina is performed. The purely environmental analysis identifies cultivation as the main hotspot of the product system, reporting a total average carbon footprint of 3.5 kg CO2 eq./kg, while together with the nutritional model, it reveals the potential of spirulina supplements by reducing the impacts as consequence of its rich nutritional profile. In monetary terms, the internalization of external costs linked to the impacts are trivial compared to the selling price of spirulina; only 3.6€ per kg of spirulina should be invested to avoid the negative effects of its production, while its market price sums up to 217€/kg. This value falls drastically by including the nutritional index in the evaluation, as well as varies significantly when modifying the monetization method, which constitutes a constraint at the same time that a challenge for future studies.

Carbon footprint of tobacco production in China through Life-cycle-assessment: Regional compositions, spatiotemporal changes and driving factors

The global contribution of cigarette production to greenhouse gas emissions is substantial, with tobacco agricultural production being a major source. Based on statistical data, this research employs a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to comprehensively evaluate China’s flue-cured tobacco production carbon footprint (CF) from 2004 to 2020, detailing its components, spatiotemporal dynamics, and driving factors. The study reveals that the average CF per hectare for China’s tobacco production (CFr) amounted to 12576.46 kg CO2eq·ha−1. Regionally, the CFr was 10799.55 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Northern China, 14517.00 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Southeastern China, 11788.82 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in the lower Yellow/Huai River region, 13138.70 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in the mid-Yangtze River and 12415.56 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Southwestern China. Over the study period, Southwest China’s CFr exhibited an upward trend with an annual growth rate of 121.81 kg CO2eq·ha−1. At the micro-level, coal use contributes more than 60 % of carbon emissions, followed by curing power consumption. On a macro scale, economic activities significantly elevated the CF, whereas factors like carbon emission intensity, production efficiencies, and structural shifts contributed to its reduction. This research indicates that employing clean energy in curing barns, reducing agricultural film usage, and enhancing fertilizer utilization rates represent effective strategies for achieving low-carbon tobacco production. The results of this study have certain reference value for the policy formulation of low-carbon tobacco production and sustainable agriculture in China.