Although N is one of the two nutrients most required by oil palms and is determinant for crop growth and yield, more than half of the N applied can be lost to the environment, increasing production costs, decreasing its use efficiency, and causing air pollution through volatilization and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, fertilization can account for up to 46% of total costs in E. guineensis cultivars and 39% in O×G interspecific hybrid cultivars in Colombia; therefore, selecting the right source and rate is considered crucial for agribusiness. In this regard, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect rates and sources of nitrogen on the O×G interspecific hybrid of oil palm during the adult stage in terms of soil variables, nutrition, growth, FFB yield, N use efficiency, and N losses due to volatilization. Analysis of the results after five years of evaluation indicated that the use of PMCRU and PMCU did not promote significant effects on soil chemistry; however, it did have effects on nutrition, growth, FFBY, N use efficiency, and N losses due to volatilization in O×G hybrid oil palm in the productive stage according to the Tukey test at 5%. PMCRU allowed the biological optimum to be achieved with a rate of 134 kg ha-1 of N, while PMCU required the maximum rate of N evaluated (192 kg ha-1 of N). In addition, PMCRU was more efficient. In turn, the use of PMCRU can reduce N volatilization by between 92.3 and 88.9% for rates of 96 and 192 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. The use of PMCRU is a feasible alternative for the nutrition of the interspecific hybrid O×G during the adult stage in the Eastern Zone of Colombia, allowing higher yields to be achieved with lower rates of N and reducing N losses due to volatilization.

ABSTRACT Hydrogen energy has many potential applications in manufacturing, transportation, and other industries. However, demand forecasts for industrial hydrogen are limited and unreliable. Based on the source of production, hydrogen energy can be divided into three categories: “gray hydrogen,” “blue hydrogen,” and “green hydrogen.” Among these, “gray hydrogen” is produced using fossil fuels and has high carbon emissions; “blue hydrogen” combines carbon capture and storage technology and has relatively low carbon emissions; “green hydrogen” is produced using renewable energy electrolysis and has zero carbon emissions. The study in this paper focuses on green hydrogen, which is hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water. This paper investigates the demand for industrial hydrogen using ammonia production as a case study, and it creates an intelligent forecast model for hydrogen demand. This model is built on PSO, which enhances RF, and an Optimized Least Squares Support Vector Machine modified with the Sparrow Algorithm. Firstly, this paper uses text mining to create a library of influencing factor indicators. The essential components are filtered out using a Random Forest improved on the particle swarm technique to prioritize their importance. Secondly, the paper presents an intelligent projection of the demand for industrial hydrogen in ammonia synthesis, with forecast findings ranging from 2024 to 2035. This enables us to calculate the total hydrogen demand in the industrial sector. Finally, an empirical analysis is performed using industrial hydrogen ammonia synthesis data from the national database. The intelligent prediction model proposed in this paper achieves the lowest MAPE of 7.77% and RMSE of 401.06 tons, superior to other comparison models. By 2035, ammonia demand is projected to reach 56.5 million tons, requiring 1527.23 tons of industrial hydrogen. The results show that the method described in this paper is more accurate and appropriate for estimating industrial hydrogen demand.

ABSTRACT As a major source of national carbon emissions, the transportation sector plays a critical role in China’s decarbonization strategy. This study introduces a Koopman Grey Model (KGM) to analyze and forecast the development of China’s transportation industry. By embedding the Koopman operator into a state-space framework, the model captures multi-dimensional dynamics of complex systems. A flexible observation function integrates diverse accumulation methods and nonlinear fitting, while parameter estimation is optimized using the Coati Optimization Algorithm. These innovations enhance the adaptability of grey system modeling under small-sample and high-uncertainty conditions. Compared with traditional grey and statistical approaches, the KGM demonstrates superior predictive accuracy and robustness. Empirical results show that China’s transportation output will increase from 5.56 trillion RMB in 2024 to 8.39 trillion RMB by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. Energy consumption is projected to remain stable, while carbon emissions may rise moderately from 1.04 to 1.205 billion tons. This indicates a continuous decline in carbon intensity per unit of output, highlighting the sector’s transition toward greater sustainability and energy efficiency.

ABSTRACT Recovery and reuse of waste heat has become an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. In this paper, a set of dry anaerobic fermentation system with air-conditioner condensation heat recovery was designed to study the stability of constant temperature and temperature distribution by combining experimental and numerical simulation methods. The results show that: the system can maintain the reactor material temperature in the microbial activity zone of 30 ~ 35°C, but gravity causes the material stratification to form a vertical temperature gradient; the system operates for 29 days with a cumulative energy consumption of 25.19 kW·h, an average gas production of 116 L per day, a gas production rate of 0.97 L/(L·d) in the pool, and the methane content stabilized at 25%. The tube diameter of Helical coiled tubes affects the temperature field more strongly than the flow rate in the tubes, increasing the coil pitch reduces the inhomogeneity of the temperature field but weakens the rate of heat transfer; increasing the coil diameter increases the percentage of high-temperature region of the fermentation material, although the secondary flow effect is reduced. This study provides an innovative practical solution for waste heat utilization and energy saving.

Transport accounts for about one-quarter of global energy-related carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, decarbonization policies only show incremental progress as most jurisdictions lack an integrated approach. Siloed thinking between the energy and transport sectors holds back the development of more effective policies for transport decarbonization, although previous work has only reported this anecdotally. We systematically identify diverging perspectives between energy and transport experts globally at all levels of government. Using thematic and frequency analysis of expert elicitation survey responses combined with machine learning, we find that (1) both sectors tend to have a narrow focus that neglects broader issues and has led to policy failures; (2) views differ on which energy sources are sustainable with somewhat less variation on how to prioritize decarbonization measures; (3) both sectors support increased communication and coordination for better outcomes and efficiency; and (4) most experts anticipate that transport decarbonization will be insufficient to achieve net zero by 2050, with views varying more based on affiliation type and region. These results provide a starting point for governments to bridge the divide between the sectors and to formulate adequate policies enabling transport decarbonization in line with global climate and sustainability goals.

This article aims to investigate expert disagreement regarding sustainable consumption policies targeting household consumption in Finland, focusing on instruments designed to halve carbon footprints. Utilizing data from a Finnish policy Delphi study from 2022, the research gathered insights from 74 experts in sustainable consumption. We investigated 82 policy instruments aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of Finnish households that provoke disagreement among experts and explore the underlying reasons for such dissensus. Our findings indicate disagreement among experts concerning specific policy instruments. Despite deliberation, dissensus persists, influenced by various research paradigms and the implicit normativity of the topic of the Delphi. The analysis reveals that factors influencing expert opinion include varying interpretations of scientific evidence, different disciplinary perspectives, and the perceived importance of proposed policies. This research contributes to policy guidance of household consumption by addressing the difficulty of applying social science research in policymaking for sustainable consumption patterns. We advocate for co-produced evidence and collective reasoning in policymaking that emphasizes the need for context-sensitive approaches to societal change. By identifying areas of expert dissensus, the study proposes new pathways toward achieving consensus on effective policies to curb household consumption-based carbon emissions, thereby informing future efforts to create cohesive and ambitious strategies for reaching emissions reductions in consumption.

Accounting for wave-induced environmental uncertainty in CO₂ emission predictions for maritime operations.

Carbon and methane fluxes from typical pasture-based beef cattle production systems in the Southeastern USA.

Purpose This study aims to develop a sustainable renewable energy strategy for Nakhon Ratchasima (KORAT), Thailand, in response to growing energy demands driven by rapid population growth and industrialisation. The research explores the optimal mix of renewable energy sources to maximise energy efficiency and sustainability in the region. Design/methodology/approach The hybrid optimisation of multiple energy resources (HOMER) Software was employed to simulate a microgrid system tailored for KORAT. The model integrated local demand profiles and climatic data to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of various renewable energy technologies, including solar, hydropower, wind and energy storage systems. Findings Simulation results indicated that solar power systems are the most effective and cost-efficient renewable option for the region, closely followed by hydropower systems. Wind power demonstrated lower performance and economic viability due to local wind speeds falling below the cut-in speed of the selected turbines. Similarly, battery storage did not significantly enhance the renewable energy fraction due to limited surplus energy, indicating lower cost-effectiveness. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a single province – Nakhon Ratchasima – which may not fully represent the diverse geographic and climatic conditions across Thailand. Despite these limitations, the findings offer a replicable framework for regional energy planning and highlight the importance of site-specific data in designing cost-effective hybrid renewable systems for Thailand and similar developing regions. Practical implications This study provides a practical framework for designing region-specific hybrid renewable energy systems using real-world data and HOMER software. The findings support policymakers, utility providers and investors in making informed decisions about energy planning in Thailand. Social implications The transition to hybrid renewable energy systems in Thailand, as demonstrated in this study, can significantly improve energy access, affordability and reliability for local communities. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to better public health outcomes. Originality/value This study presents the first HOMER-based microgrid simulation specifically focused on KORAT, providing a replicable framework for integrating renewable energy in similar regions across Thailand. It contributes valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners aiming to advance renewable energy adoption through evidence-based system design.

Because of a societal push towards sustainability a problem emerges of adapting the concept to different sectors of the economy and society. The differing complexities of different fields and social structures make it difficult to create a universal sustainability strategy. Higher education institutions (HEIs) consist of a broad range of people, working in various fields of industry, making it an appropriate cross-section of the nation. Adapting sustainability practices in these institutions would allow to screen for successful policies before implementing them more widely, detecting most effective practices, allowing a faster transition towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is hard to decide where to start, as many sustainable practices exist. This article presents the case study of VILNIUS TECH and conducts a comparison with universities in the region, determining best sustainability practices. The Greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol standard was used to form the emission inventory. The university comparison will help identify effective HEIs carbon footprint minimization practices, as well as other implemented policies as an example of where HEIs should start on their road to a more sustainable institution.

Urea is an essential nitrogen fertilizer and chemical, yet its conventional synthesis relies on high temperature and pressure, with high energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions. Electrochemical routes that couple CO2 reduction with waste nitrogen (N)sources offer a more sustainable alternative, but performance hinges on catalyst design. Copper (Cu)-based catalysts are promising because they lower activation barriers for CO2 and nitrate (NO3 -) reduction and can be tuned by alloying, grain-boundary engineering, and coordination regulation. Modified Cu catalysts, including atoms, nanoparticles, bulk metal, and metal-organic frameworks, with tailored electronic structures and lower energy barriers for key intermediates, exhibit good catalytic performance in terms of selectivity, yield rate, and applied potential. Nonetheless, critical challenges remain in resolving reaction mechanisms, establishing structure-activity relationships, and achieving practical performance. This review provides the first comprehensive analysis of Cu-based catalysts for electrochemical urea synthesis from CO2 and waste N nitrogen sources, and evaluates how catalyst structure, electrolytes, and operating conditions govern activity and selectivity, offering guidance for future design and application of Cu-based catalysts in electrochemical urea synthesis.

This study presents a comparative assessment of four microgrid configurations for rural communities in Southern Italy, with Puglia as a representative case. Using a scenario-based techno-economic model combining MATLAB R2024a and Python 3.12.7 simulations, the analysis evaluates systems based on second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries, new lithium-ion batteries, and diesel-dominated setups, focusing on economic performance, environmental impact, and renewable integration potential. The results show that storage technology selection critically shapes both cost-effectiveness and sustainability outcomes. Second-life EV batteries emerge as the most balanced option, combining affordability and environmental benefits. These systems enable renewable penetration above 90% while maintaining a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) of EUR 0.12/kWh. Over a 20-year horizon, they achieve a positive net present value (NPV), with annual diesel consumption reduced to just 3200 l, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the potential of circular economy strategies, such as battery repurposing, to support low-carbon rural energy transitions. New lithium-ion batteries offer slightly higher technical performance, but their competitiveness is limited without policy support. The LCOS rises to EUR 0.18/kWh, reducing financial attractiveness despite marginal improvements in loss of load probability and lower diesel reliance. Premium storage technologies may therefore be most suitable where reliability is paramount and subsidies are available. By contrast, the diesel-dominated scenario illustrates the economic and environmental costs of fossil dependency. It consumes nearly 28,000 L of fuel annually, produces ~90 tons of carbon dioxide (tCO2) emissions, and achieves only 48% renewable penetration, resulting in a strongly negative NPV. Overall, the findings confirm that second-life EV batteries provide a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective pathway for rural electrification in Southern Italy and comparable Mediterranean regions. Realizing their potential will require supportive policies for battery reuse, safety, and recycling infrastructure.

Rapid urbanization has intensified global energy demands, leading to elevated carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, capturing and utilizing CO2 as a C1 feedstock is a viable way to synthesize value-added compounds while mitigating carbon emissions. Consequently, this study reveals the sensible design of an effective and highly reusable catalyst for efficiently exploiting CO2 for the production of useful chemicals. For this, we designed an imidazole-based ionic COF (IL-COF), which was utilized to anchor eco-friendly alkynophilic, non-noble, Cu(I) metal ions to get an NHC (N-heterocyclic-carbene)-based covalent organic framework (COF), Cu(I)-NHC-COF. The catalyst showed outstanding performance for the transformation of CO2 with propargylic alcohols to produce α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates (α-ACCs) and further promoted a one-pot, 3-component reaction of secondary amines and propargylic alcohols to obtain highly valuable β-oxopropylcarbamates. Additionally, the comprehensive theoretical investigations revealed the detailed reaction pathways for CO2 coupling leading to the synthesis of α-ACCs and β-oxopropylcarbamates catalyzed by Cu(I)-NHC-COF. Moreover, NHC-COF presented excellent recyclability for several catalytic cycles without potential leaching and retained its chemical stability and catalytic activity. Overall, this study showcases a sustainable and green methodology of utilizing a noble-metal-free COF for the exploitation of CO2 into high value carbamates and carbonates under ambient conditions.

Abstract Excessive carbon dioxide emissions have become one of the main factors contributing to global warming, and developing effective carbon dioxide sequestration technologies has become an urgent need to address climate change. Basalt mineralization sequestration technology has shown great potential for the long‐term stable sequestration of CO 2 . This article reviews the current research status of CO 2 mineral sequestration in basalt, with a focus on analyzing the main factors affecting sequestration rates, including mineral composition, temperature, pH, porosity, and permeability. Additionally, it summarizes the methods for evaluating the sequestration potential of basalt. Studies have shown that the mineral composition of basalt can form stable carbonate minerals when reacting with CO 2 , effectively sequestering CO 2 with a high sequestration rate. In addition, temperature and pH conditions have a significant impact on the mineralization sequestration rate, and optimal reaction conditions can significantly improve reaction efficiency. Compared to traditional CO 2 sequestration methods, basalt mineral sequestration offers more long‐term, safe, and stable sequestration effects. Finally, this article summarizes future research directions for CO 2 sequestration in basalt, providing a theoretical foundation and technical support to promote technological advancements and applications in this field.

Abstract. Monitoring soil gas fluxes is essential for understanding greenhouse gas dynamics within the critical zone. One commonly used method involves chamber-based methods which enables the quantification of soil gas fluxes on a specific point at the soil-atmosphere interface. However, point measurements often limit the representativeness of the field-scale processes due to the large spatio-temporal variability of climatic, hydrological, pedological, or ecological factors controlling its dynamics. Additionally, commercial chambers often prohibit deployment over sufficient representative area due to expensive operational and purchase costs. Although low-cost and open-source designs have recently emerged in the literature, solutions enabling adaptability to field-site characteristics and design validation are still lacking. To address these challenges, we propose here a low-cost, parametric soil gas flux system that can be adapted to logistical and field constraints while allowing high-frequency measurement resolution. Along with open-design hardware, we developed software to automate data collection and processing. Laboratory tests, including static and transient experiments, assessed both the sensor and chamber design integration. Our results show strong agreement between the low-cost and commercial gas analyzers in static conditions with CO2 levels up to 500 ppm above background. During transient tests, we successfully replicated CO2 concentration increases using both systems, with comparable response time between eeflux and measurement from the sensors. Thus, we were able to address the data reliability from the low-cost setup, despite different parameters. Ultimately, our approach demonstrates that low-cost solutions can democratize these systems through a flexible framework suitable for various study sites.

Recovering nutrients as valuable products from wastewater can alleviate environmental issues, including algal bloom formation and greenhouse gas emissions from chemical manufacturing, while creating a circular nutrient economy. However, integrating nutrient recovery into treatment trains requires long-term stability of recovery-focused technologies. Electrochemical stripping (ECS) shows potential for ammonia recovery across diverse wastewaters but is hindered by cation exchange membrane (CEM) fouling due to accumulation of wastewater constituents. This study examined the distribution and speciation of dominant foulants on CEMs during ECS in different wastewaters using advanced X-ray imaging and spectroscopy. Micro-X-ray fluorescence showed substantial deposition of Ca on CEMs, while Ca-K-edge spectroscopy indicated the presence of calcium carbonate polymorphs, calcium phosphates, and calcium organics. Building on these insights, we evaluated the efficacy of complexing agents (citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]) and antiscalants (acrylate- and phosphonate-based) in preventing fouling. Aqueous measurements showed that EDTA and an acrylate-based antiscalant inhibited Ca precipitation without compromising ammonia recovery. Ex situ μ-XRF and μ-XANES quantified the spatial distribution and chemical forms of residual foulants, demonstrating effective mitigation by selected additives. These results provide mechanistic insight into inorganic fouling on CEMs and demonstrate that targeted additives can mitigate scaling, enhancing ECS stability for sustainable nutrient recovery.

To assess changes in greenhouse gas emission rates associated with the use of anaesthetic gases (desflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane) in Australian health care during 2002-2022, overall and by state or territory and hospital type. Retrospective descriptive analysis of IQVIA anaesthetic gases purchasing data. All Australian public and private hospitals, 1 January 2002 - 31 December 2022. Absolute carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions and CO2e emissions rate per 100 000 population by gas and year, overall and by state/territory and hospital type (public or private). The overall emissions rate increased from 74 t CO2e per 100 000 population in 2002 to 328 t CO2e per 100 000 population in 2012, most rapidly during 2002-2004 (annual percentage change [APC], 51%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 38-62%). The rate then declined to 83 t CO2e per 100 000 population in 2022, most rapidly during 2017-2022 (APC, -21%; 95% CI, -23% to -20%). Patterns of emissions rate change were similar for all states and territories. More units of sevoflurane than of desflurane or isoflurane were purchased each year throughout 2002-2022, but desflurane provided the largest proportion of total emissions from anaesthetic gases during 2002-2022: 33% in 2002, 88% in 2013, and 68% in 2022. Mean emission rates per 100 000 population during 2002-2022 were highest for South Australia/Northern Territory (276 t CO2e per year) and lowest for Victoria/Tasmania (196 t CO2e per year). The desflurane emissions rate was consistently higher for private than public hospitals; it declined for public hospitals during 2009-2018 (APC, -8%; 95% CI, -10% to -5%) and 2018-2022 (APC, -43%; 95% CI, -48% to -37%), but for private hospitals only during 2017-2022 (APC, -20%; 95% CI, -24% to -17%). In Australia, the CO2e emissions rate for anaesthetic gases increased during 2002-2008 but declined during 2017-2022, at first primarily in public hospitals. Continuing to reduce the use of anaesthetic gases, particularly desflurane, will advance the decarbonisation of clinical practice in Australian health care.

Introduction The 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in September 2025, marked a significant shift in Africa’s climate leadership, positioning the continent not only as a victim of climate change but also as a key solutions provider. Africa faces severe climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, with consequences including health crises and economic losses. This paper explores the outcomes of ACS2 and the intersection of climate action and health resilience, outlining the continent’s commitments to renewable energy, climate finance, and nature-based solutions. Methods This study employs a policy review and analytical synthesis of official summit documents, including the Addis Ababa Declaration, technical reports, and expert session transcripts. Data was coded and analyzed across five key themes: climate finance, renewable energy, climate-health integration, nature-based solutions, and global climate diplomacy. The research also incorporates media briefings and partner reports to provide a comprehensive understanding of ACS2’s commitments and challenges. Results ACS2 produced groundbreaking commitments, such as the launch of the African Climate Facility (ACF) to mobilize $50 billion annually for climate solutions and the integration of health resilience in climate policy. The Addis Ababa Declaration emphasized climate justice, linking development and climate action. Key initiatives, such as the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, demonstrate Africa’s commitment to green industrialization and environmental restoration. The summit also prioritized renewable energy, setting ambitious targets for clean energy access and green growth. Discussion While ACS2 marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s climate diplomacy, several implementation challenges remain, including financing gaps and institutional capacity constraints. Despite substantial financial pledges, Africa’s climate finance needs far exceed current commitments, and there are concerns regarding the adequacy of climate finance mechanisms. The paper discusses how ACS2’s outcomes align with Africa’s broader climate goals and offers policy recommendations for overcoming barriers to implementation. Additionally, it underscores the inseparability of climate justice and health resilience, stressing the importance of integrated solutions to both climate and health crises.

Intensive care units (ICU) play a significant role in healthcare global greenhouse gas emissions. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common ICU-acquired infection, and while microbiological confirmation is essential, the optimal sampling method remains controversial. This study compares the carbon footprint of three diagnostic techniques for VAP-tracheal aspiration (TA), blind bronchial sampling (BBS) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) using single-use bronchoscopes-while also assessing their economic cost and professional impact to support more sustainable decision-making in the ICU. The carbon footprint of each technique was estimated using a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology via the "Carebone©" tool. Emission factors for drugs and devices were calculated. The economic costs of each procedure were also assessed. Finally, a survey of nursing staff was conducted to assess the professional impact of these techniques. Tracheal aspiration had the lowest emissions (0.57 kgCO2e) and cost (€4), followed by BBS (2.82 kgCO2e, €24) and BAL (6.60 kgCO2e, €209). Nursing staff perceived BBS the most practical technique overall, and BAL the most technically demanding. In 2023, 341 procedures were performed in our ICU (73% BBS, 21% BAL, 6% TA), generating 1,181 kgCO2e and costing €20,835. Adopting TA exclusively in our ICU would reduce emissions by 84% and costs by 93%, whereas using BAL exclusively would increase emissions by 91% and costs by 242%. Bronchoalveolar lavage was associated with the highest carbon footprint and cost. These findings can help clinicians choose more sustainable methods for microbiological confirmation of VAP.

This study evaluates the impact of replacing natural sand (NS) with quarry waste sand (QWS) or recycled concrete sand (RCS) at varying substitution rates (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The analyzed properties include Abrams cone slump, superplasticizer demand (SP), rheological and tribological parameters, mechanical strength, capillary water absorption, and shrinkage. The results show that QWS-based concrete exhibits better workability and requires less superplasticizer, whereas RCS-based concrete necessitates a higher admixture dosage. Both QWS sand and RCS sand significantly enhance the rheological and tribological properties of concrete Moreover, QWS sand provides higher mechanical strength than NS sand, with a strength gain of up to 16% at full replacement (100% QWS sand) at 90 days. Conversely, RCS sand reduces compressive strength by 28.6% at 28 days. and negatively affects porosity and capillary water absorption. However, these negative effects are mitigated when the RCS sand replacement is limited to 25%. QWS sand-based concrete exhibits slower shrinkage and reduced deformability compared to NS sand-based concrete. Predictive strength models were established based on experimental parameters, displaying a high correlation coefficient and a low root mean square error. Replacing NS sand with QWS sand or RCS sand reduced production costs, lowered carbon emissions, minimized waste, and preserved natural resources, offering a sustainable approach for concrete applications.