Carbon Stocks Research Articles

Role of the Green Economy as a Strategy for Improvement Economic Recovery and Multilateral

Role of the Green Economy as a Strategy for Improvement Economic Recovery and Multilateral

Contrasting luxury effect on urban plant phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity in West African cities

ABSTRACT Urbanization is a driving factor for biodiversity loss and potential climate change by reducing carbon stocks. Understanding how urban development, as mitigated by socio-economic factors alters urban biodiversity is crucial for effective urban planning that maintains or improves environmental resilience. The luxury effect hypothesis predicts that wealthier parts of a city will have higher levels of biodiversity. This effect has been tested widely but we still have limited understanding of how wealth influences urban biodiversity in tropical regions of developing countries where plant species play profound sociocultural roles beyond aesthetics. This study investigates links between household income and the diversity of cultivated plants distribution within neighborhoods of two growing cities in Benin. We conducted a survey of 936 randomly selected households to record their socioeconomic characteristics and survey the cultivated plant species found in household gardens’. This enabled us to estimate household-level diversity metrics including taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic diversity. We found no global support for the luxury effect on phylogenetic diversity but rented properties had lower plant taxonomic diversity along with less phylogenetic diversity than privately owned houses. Taxonomic diversity is higher in the less urbanized areas while phylogenetic diversity is weakened. Household’s cultural connection to plants has a negative effect on both diversity indices. Our results highlight the complex relationships between socioeconomic traits and urban plant diversity distribution in two tropical African cities, which only partly confirmed the luxury effect hypothesis. Disentangling these complex relationships can help city planners and policymakers to take informed decisions to promote sustainable cities.

Association of Carbon Pool with Vegetation Composition along the Elevation Gradients in Subtropical Forests in Pakistan

As the most important way to mitigate climate change, forest carbon storage has been the subject of extensive research. A comprehensive study was carried out to investigate the influence of elevation gradients and diameter classes on the forest growth, composition, diversity, and carbon pools of the Bagh Drush Khel Forest area. Research revealed that elevation gradients significantly influenced the composition, diversity, and carbon pools in forests. At lower elevations, Eucalyptus camaldulensis was the dominant species, with Olea ferruginea as a co-dominant species, whereas at higher elevations, Pinus roxburghii was the dominant species with Quercus incana as a co-dominant species. Regeneration was higher at higher elevations with the maximum number of saplings and seedlings of P. roxburghii. Species diversity association with elevation was negative (R2 = −0.44; p < 0.05—Shannon Index). Soil organic carbon (SOC association with elevation was non-significant while positive with DBH classes (R2 = 0.37; p < 0.05). Overall, carbon pool association with elevation and diameter at breast height (DBH) were negative (R2 = −0.73; p < 0.05) and (R2 = −0.45; p < 0.05). Litter biomass correlated positively with elevation (R2 = 0.25; p < 0.05) and DBH (R2 = 0.11; p < 0.05), while deadwood biomass correlated negatively with elevation gradients (R2 = −0.25; p < 0.05), and no effect was observed for DBH classes. The highest carbon stock (845.89 t C/ha) was calculated at low elevations, which decreased to (516.27 t C/ha) at high elevations. The overall carbon stock calculated was (2016.41 t C/ha) respectively. A total of six tree species were found at the study site. Future research is essential for forest health monitoring and understanding fine-scale impacts. This study offers a methodological framework for similar investigations in unexplored yet potentially significant forest regions worldwide.

Degradation-driven vegetation-soil-microbe interactions alter microbial carbon use efficiency in Moso bamboo forests

Microbial carbon utilization efficiency (CUE) is a crucial indicator for evaluating the efficiency of soil carbon sequestration and transformation, which is applied to quantify the proportion of soil carbon extracted by microbes for anabolism (growth) and catabolism (respiration). Previous studies have shown that the degradation of Moso bamboo forests (Phyllostachys edulis) destroyed the aboveground bamboo structure, reduced vegetation carbon storage, and weakened ecosystem carbon sequestration capacity. Interestingly, soil organic carbon stocks are gradually increasing. However, the mechanism by which degradation-induced changes in soil and vegetation characteristics affect microbial CUE and drive soil carbon sequestration remains unclear. Here we selected four stands with the same origin but different degradation years (intensive management, CK; 2 years' degradation, DM1; 6 years' degradation, DM2; and 10 years' degradation, DM3) based on the local management profiles. The principle of space-for-time substitution was used to investigate the changes in microbial CUE along a degradation time and to further identify the controlling biotic and abiotic factors. Our finding showed that microbial CUE increased by 12.27 %, 31.01 %, and 55.95 %, respectively, compared with CK; whereas microbial biomass turnover time decreased from 23.99 ± 1.11 to 17.16 ± 1.20 days. Promoting microbial growth was the main pathway to enhance microbial CUE. Massive inputs of vegetative carbon replenished soil carbon substrate content, and altered microbial communities and life history strategy, which in turn promoted microbial growth and increased microbial CUE. These findings provide theoretical support for the interactions between carbon dynamics and microbial physiology in degraded bamboo forests, and reinforce the importance of vegetation and microbial properties and soil carbon substrates in predicting microbial CUE.

Empirical evidence on digitization enabling the transition to a green economy in China.

In the context of the new normal, enhancing digitalization to empower the transition to a green economy is a critical instrument to promote China's economic transition from virtual to real sectors. It is also a necessary approach to realize the high-quality economic development in China. Based on panel data of 282 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2011 to 2020, the study employs panel regression, spatial metrics, and other methods to explore the impact of urban digitization on the transition to a green economy from the dimensions of direct and indirect transmission mechanism, as well as heterogeneous effects. The findings reveal that digitalization not only exerts a positive effect on the green transition but also generates significant spatial spillover effects. The influence of digitization level on green economic transition exhibits notable regional heterogeneity. Advancement in digitization can foster green economic transition by catalyzing green technological innovation. While digitalization contributes to the green transition by optimizing the structure of energy consumption, its mediating effect is relatively modest. Therefore, it is essential to fortify the supply of digital innovative technology and strengthen digitalization and green technology innovation to jointly facilitate the transition to a green economy. This necessitates the implementation of differentiated development paths for digitization-enabled green economic transition in various regions.

Traces of Ions Sensing and Tracking in Support of Green H2 Economy and Sustainability

Given the focus on a green H2 economy for a sustainable future, it is crucial to understand the degradation features of H2-focus electrochemical devices and systems, i.e., proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolysis (PEM-based FC & WE). The current accelerated stress test and resulting degradation features are systematically investigated through comprehensive analysis, including a series of electrochemical, spectroscopic, tomographic, and microscopic characterization, assisted with a detailed structure examination of the electrode, membrane, and interface. However, numerous characteristic studies that aim to uncover these features under various dynamic operations are commonly employed to depend on the sophisticated laboratory stationary bulky facilities and instruments in the theater. Moving forward to real-world practical applications, i.e., H2 electrical vehicles, a miniaturized, mobile, low-cost, and user-friendly measurement and diagnostic tool is highly in demand. Considering the dependence of the performance and durability on the ion exchange/transport, and involvement of small particles, and the high possibility of dissolution, the time-dependent sensing and tracking of such traces of ions can provide fundamental insight into the activities and events within the PEM-based FC & WE devices and systems. Our recent efforts are dedicated to bridging the notable gap to develop electrochemical and transistor-based ion sensors integrated on a circuit chip towards real-time in-situ monitoring of the health and degradation status. This complementary work may also provide valuable guidelines for establishing a suitable accelerated stress test protocol to diagnose system durability, and for designing durable materials for long-term operation.

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Carbon Stock in Conserved and Degraded Mangroves

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Carbon Stock in Conserved and Degraded Mangroves

Tracking the Dynamics and Uncertainties of Soil Organic Carbon in Agricultural Soils Based on a Novel Robust Meta-Model Framework Using Multisource Data

Monitoring and estimating spatially resolved changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are necessary for supporting national and international policies aimed at assisting land degradation neutrality and climate change mitigation, improving soil fertility and food production, maintaining water quality, and enhancing renewable energy and ecosystem services. In this work, we report on the development and application of a data-driven, quantile regression machine learning model to estimate and predict annual SOC stocks at plow depth under the variability of climate. The model enables the analysis of SOC content levels and respective probabilities of their occurrence as a function of exogenous parameters such as monthly temperature and precipitation and endogenous, decision-dependent parameters, which can be altered by land use practices. The estimated quantiles and their trends indicate the uncertainty ranges and the respective likelihoods of plausible SOC content. The model can be used as a reduced-form scenario generator of stochastic SOC scenarios. It can be integrated as a submodel in Integrated Assessment models with detailed land use sectors such as GLOBIOM to analyze costs and find optimal land management practices to sequester SOC and fulfill food–water–energy–-environmental NEXUS security goals.

The Resurgence of Hydrogen Depolarized Anodes: A Catalyst for Change in Industrial Electrochemistry

This presentation delves into the remarkable history of Hydrogen Depolarized Anodes (HDAs) and their relevance to modern industrial electrochemistry. HDAs were originally developed in the early 1970s, but their use has been confined to fuel cell technology and power generation. In the wake of a growing green hydrogen economy and the escalating price of precious metal catalysts, this technology is now emerging as a useful tool to boost the energy efficiency and lower both capital and operational costs of electrified chemical manufacturing processes. Our discussion recounts the evolution of HDA technology, from its conceptual beginnings to its current role as an innovative solution in electrochemical processes.The recent renaissance of HDAs is driven largely by economic and environmental factors. As chemical industries strive to electrify their processes, they also grapple with the rising cost of conventional anode materials. The increasing affordability and availability of hydrogen presents HDAs as a viable and efficient alternative. This shift is not just about cost-saving; it's about embracing a technology that aligns with the principles of sustainability and circular economy.We will explore various applications where HDAs are making a significant impact, such as in the manufacturing of acids and bases, the production of metals such as iron, copper, and zinc, and more experimental processes such as cement production. These examples not only demonstrate the versatility of HDAs, but also underscore their potential in achieving higher energy efficiency than conventional technologies and reducing environmental footprint of a range of industrial operations.Furthermore, our talk will illuminate how HDAs are a stepping stone towards a broader adoption of hydrogen as a cornerstone of industrial electrochemistry. The implementation of HDA technology is more than an innovation; it's a transformative step forward, signaling a new era in chemical manufacturing where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.

Green Hydrogen Production Using Manganese – Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

The redox flow batteries (RFBs) can be tuned to allow mining of surplus energy capacity and supplement green hydrogen economy as a one-stop station [1, 2].With this concept, an RFB can undergo two sequential discharging modes: i) electrochemical discharge of redox active species, and ii) chemical discharge to produce hydrogen gas, when surplus electricity is available, on the surface of electrocatalysts contained in additional external tanks (i.e., dual circuit RFB) [3, 4]. Herein, electrolytes with Mn3+/Mn2+ (RFB catholyte ~ 1.5 V vs. SHE) and V3+/V2+ (RFB anolyte ~ −0.26 V vs. SHE) redox species are flown to spatially separated external catalytic reactors to drive redox mediated water electrolysis. The fully charged V2+ redox mediator in the anolyte provides electrons to achieve hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and thereby itself gets discharged to V3+ redox state before circulating back to flow battery tanks.Considering the additional layer of redox-mediated water electrolysis, it is imperative to identify benchmark cycling performance for a robust dual circuit RFB operation. In the first phase of our study, electrochemical behavior of Mn3+/Mn2+ redox couple in the favorable presence of V5+ as an additive was elucidated using ultramicroelectrode voltammograms. Despite significant performance enhancement, capacity fade during galvanostatic cycling could not be fully eliminated owing to Mn3+ disproportionation reaction and manganese crossover. Also, charge/discharge cycling profiles suggest that the inevitable Mn3+ disproportionation affects the true state-of-charge in electrolytes which in turn hinders their potential to generate hydrogen gas. Working towards hydrogen generation, our recent efforts have been to evaluate kinetics for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on different carbon substrate – electrocatalyst combinations in acidic V3+/V2+ environment. Overall, this study aims to provide a profound understanding of reliable operating conditions to establish a synergy between Mn3+ disproportionation during the conventional energy storage mode and the total volume of hydrogen gas produced during the secondary mode. References Reynard, D. and H. Girault, Combined hydrogen production and electricity storage using a vanadium-manganese redox dual-flow battery. Cell Reports Physical Science, 2021. 2(9): p. 100556. Amstutz, V., et al., Renewable hydrogen generation from a dual-circuit redox flow battery. Energy & Environmental Science, 2014. 7(7): p. 2350-2358. Peljo, P., et al., All-vanadium dual circuit redox flow battery for renewable hydrogen generation and desulfurisation. Green Chemistry, 2016. 18(6): p. 1785-1797. Piwek, J., et al., Vanadium-oxygen cell for positive electrolyte discharge in dual-circuit vanadium redox flow battery. Journal of Power Sources, 2019. 439: p. 227075.

Soil carbon stocks in sugarcane cultivation: An evidence synthesis associated with land use and management practices

Soil carbon stocks in sugarcane cultivation: An evidence synthesis associated with land use and management practices

(Invited) Novel Design of Low-Loaded Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Advanced Low-Temperature Water Electrolyzers

Development of advanced low-temperature (LT) water electrolyzers (WEs) is of crucial importance for implementation of the Hydrogen Economy. This future green economy will eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions and stop the imminent global warming and climate change. “Green” hydrogen can be produced at large scale by integration of WEs with renewable energy sources. Currently, the low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) WEs are considered to be the most advanced WEs that can be integrated with solar panels and wind turbines to produce large quantities of green H2. The main challenges that the state-of-the-art membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for LTWEs are currently facing are: (i) high cost because of the high platinum group metals (PGM) loadings in their catalysts layers; (ii) limited durability caused by the instability of the catalysts and the other cell components, and (iii) safety concerns associated with the hydrogen gas crossover and the absence of technologies that can effectively keep it below the safety level of the lower flammability limit (LFL) [1, 2, 3].This work is aimed on designing of novel MEAs for LTWEs with dramatically reduced catalysts loadings, enhanced durability, and improved H2 crossover capabilities. Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT) is used as an innovative methodology for designing of advanced catalysts, catalyst and recombination layers, and MEAs for LTWEs. The RSDT is a flame assisted method [4, 5] that combines the catalysts synthesis and deposition directly on the membrane in one-step, which results in fast and facile fabrication of large scale (up to 1000 cm2) MEAs for application in LT fuel cells and water electrolyzers [5, 6]. As fabricated MEAs with ultra-low PGM catalysts loadings are tested at operating conditions typical for industrial PEM hydrogen production systems, and performance of 1.8 V at 3 A/cm2 is achieved. The MEAs of interest are tested for over 1000 hrs at steady-state conditions at 3 A/cm2. Comprehensive post-test characterization is performed by using high-resolution TEM, STEM, EDS, SEM, ICP, XRF, XCT, and digital optical microscopy and the governing degradation mechanisms are identified and discussed in detail. The impact of the design of low-loaded MEAs for LTWEs on their performance and durability is discussed in detail and their potential to meet and surpass the DOE 2030 targets is demonstrated.References https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/05/f34/fcto_myrdd_fuel_cells.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/06/f23/fcto_myrdd_production.pdfKlose, P. Trinke, T. Böhm, B. Bensmann, S. Vierrath, R. Hanke-Rauschenbach, and S. Thiele, J. Electrochem. Soc., 165, F1271–F1277 (2018).Kim, S., Myles, Maric, R., et al. Electrochimica Acta, 177, 190-200 (2015).Yu, H., Baricci, A., Bisello, A., Bonville, L., Maric, R., et al. Electrochimica Acta, 247, 1155-1168 (2017).Mirshekari, G., Ouimet, R., Zeng, Z, Yu, H., Bliznakov, S., Bonville, L., Niedzwiecki, A., Errico, S., Capuano, C., Mani, P., Ayers, K., Maric, R. International Journal for Hydrogen Energy, 46(2), 2021, pp. 1526-1539 (2021).

Obituary: John Proops (1947–2024) – A Pioneer of ecological economics

Obituary: John Proops (1947–2024) – A Pioneer of ecological economics

Mechanisms for carbon stock driving and scenario modeling in typical mountainous watersheds of northeastern China.

Watershed ecosystems play a pivotal role in maintaining the global carbon cycle and reducing global warming by serving as vital carbon reservoirs for sustainable ecosystem management. In this study, we based on the "quantity-mechanism-scenario" frameworks, integrate the MCE-CA-Markov and InVEST models to evaluate the spatiotemporal variations of carbon stocks in mid- to high-latitude alpine watersheds in China under historical and future climate scenarios. Additionally, the study employs the Geographic Detector model to explore the driving mechanisms influencing the carbon storage capacity of watershed ecosystems. The results showed that the carbon stock of the watershed increased by about 15.9 Tg from 1980 to 2020. Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) had the strongest explanatory power for carbon stocks. Under different climate scenarios, it was found that the SSP2-4.5 scenario had a significant rise in carbon stock from 2020 to 2050, roughly 24.1 Tg. This increase was primarily observed in the southeastern region of the watersheds, with forest and grassland effectively protected. Conversely, according to the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the carbon stock would decrease by about 50.53 Tg with the expansion of cultivated and construction land in the watershed's southwest part. Therefore, given the vulnerability of mid- to high-latitude mountain watersheds, global warming trends continue to pose a greater threat to carbon sequestration in watersheds. Our findings carry important implications for tackling potential ecological threats in mid- to high-latitude watersheds in the Northern Hemisphere and assisting policymakers in creating carbon sequestration plans, as well as for reducing climate change.

Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Carbon Reserves in Shaanxi Province Under Different Scenarios in the Future

To understand the land use development trends in Shaanxi Province under different scenarios and effectively assess the spatiotemporal evolution of terrestrial ecological carbon stocks in Shaanxi Province under land use changes, the study used Markov-FLUS and InVEST models to analyze the impact of land use changes in Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2020. The impact of carbon storage changes and the spatiotemporal changes in land use structure, carbon storage, and carbon density under three different scenarios were simulated and assessed in Shaanxi Province in 2025 and 2030. The results showed： ① The ROC values of various categories in the coupled Markov-FLUS model were all above 0.7, showing high accuracy and excellent classification performance. The model had a good ability to explain the land use driving factors in the study area, with high accuracy and excellent classification performance. ② From 2000 to 2020, the cultivated land in Shaanxi Province increased significantly. Forest land increased significantly, and the increase in forest land area with high carbon sequestration efficiency caused the carbon storage in Shaanxi Province to increase from 1 546.95 Tg to 1 616.25 Tg. The changes in various regions in Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2020 were different, among which the carbon storage in Yan'an was significantly increased by 18.89 Tg, whereas the carbon storage in Yulin significantly decreased by 3.29 Tg in 20 years. ③ Altitude, precipitation, and temperature became the main factors affecting the spatiotemporal changes in carbon storage in Shaanxi Province from 2020 to 2030. In three of the years between 2025 and 2030, under different scenarios, the carbon stocks under the ecological priority scenario were 1 632.27 Tg and 1 647.43 Tg, respectively. The carbon storage and its growth rate were significantly higher than in the natural development scenario and the cultivated land protection scenario. ④ The proportion of carbon storage increase areas under the ecological priority scenario was high. In the cultivated land protection scenario, the proportion of reduction areas was lower than that of the natural development scenario, and the distribution of carbon storage was the most balanced. At the same time, the southern and northern areas of the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi need to focus on the protection of the ecological environment in future development. The research results can, to a certain extent, provide reference for promoting the construction of ecological Shaanxi and formulating carbon neutral strategic planning.

COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE, AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION OF DIFFERENT RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- High demand for environmental services makes the park vulnerable to human activities.- Both ecosystems are well regenerated; seedling > sapling > pole > tree (inverted J)- Both ecosystems show normal diversity conditions and stable species distribution.- Growth of Maesopsis eminii needs monitoring to preserve forest purity.- Montane forests have greater biomass, carbon stocks, less anthropogenic disturbanceABSTRACTThe Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (GGPNP) area is one of the vital ecosystems that support the environment in West Java Province, Indonesia. It is a unique area that has multiple forest ecosystems, including lowland rainforest and montane rainforest ecosystems. Despite the GGPNP’s status as a conservation area, the high demand for the GGPNP’s environmental services makes the region vulnerable to disturbances from human activities. Several studies have been conducted in the GGPNP area (lowland and montane forest ecosystems), however, the results of this study are still necessary to explain the forest dynamics and forest carbon sequestration in this location. The objective of this research was to analyze the structure, composition, and carbon sequestration of stands in the lowland and montane rainforest ecosystems in the GGPNP area. Data processing and analyses were conducted using diversity indices, biomass-carbon stock estimation, and carbon dioxide sequestration estimation. The results showed that the GGPNP lowland and montane rainforest ecosystems were well regenerated. The number of seedlings > saplings > poles > trees and the graph showed a reverse “J” pattern. The GGPNP lowland rainforest ecosystem was dominated by Neonauclea lanceolata and had relatively higher species diversity. The GGPNP montane rainforest ecosystem was dominated by Castanopsis acuminatissima with a higher individual density, denser canopy, and more complex canopy strata. The lack of regeneration in several species of trees heightens the threat to these species’ existence in the future. Biomass, carbon stocks, and carbon sequestration in the GGPNP montane rainforest were greater than those in the GGPNP lowland rainforest. The GGPNP montane rainforest ecosystem had older forest stands, a larger average tree diameter, and lower potential for anthropogenic disturbances.

Bamboo’s Role in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: An Analysis of Biomass, Carbon Stock, and Economic Potential in Tanzania

Bamboo, a rapidly growing member of the grass family, thrives across diverse climates worldwide and offers vital ecosystem services essential for human well-being and economic development. Notably, bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than other trees and sequesters an average of 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, highlighting its significant ecological benefits. This study analyses the contribution of bamboo to climate change adaptation and mitigation, focusing on Tanzania as a case study. Specifically, the study aims to determine the amount of biomass and carbon stock of bamboo in Tanzania, and estimate the financial benefits from including bamboo in carbon payment projects like REDD+. Utilizing adapted allometric models and data from the National Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment (NAFORMA) of 2015, the study reveals that Tanzania possesses 4.04 billion tons of stored bamboo biomass and 1.9 billion tons of stored bamboo carbon, translating to an estimated 7.6 billion US dollars in unutilized conservation profit from carbon trading. The findings indicate that 51.4% of the stored bamboo biomass, carbon, and potential conservation profit are concentrated in the genus Bambusa, with nearly half of these resources located in the southern regions of Lindi and Mtwara. These results underscore the substantial ecological and economic benefits of bamboo ecosystem services, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to formulate strategies for the sustainable production, conservation, and management of bamboo in Tanzania. The study provides a benchmark for developing policies and plans that leverage bamboo's potential in climate change adaptation and mitigation, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Does the size of the firm matter in determining the adoption of green economy practices in India?

PurposeThis article aims at analysing the factors influencing the adoption of green economy practices across different sizes of firms in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2022, covering 9,376 firms in India. The Poisson Count Regression Model has been used to analyse the factors affecting the adoption of green economy practices.FindingsAbout 83 % of firms reported adopting at least one green practice in their business related to energy conservation, water management, pollution control and waste management and recycling. Research results reveal a significant association between the size of the firm and adoption of green economy practices. The impact of enterprise characteristics varies by firm size. For instance, female ownership positively affects adoption in large firms but negatively in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, lean operations, research and development (R&D) spending and international quality certification positively influence green practices adoption for both SMEs and large firms. Perceived business obstacles show similar implications on green practices adoption by size of firms except access to finance, business licencing, tax rate and law and order affect SMEs while labour regulations, tax administration and political instability affect large firms.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests implications for strengthening the adoption of green economy practices across firm sizes and provides opportunities for future research.Originality/valueThis study is based on a unique dataset derived from the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2022, which has included green economy indicators for the first time.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0918.

Research on Innovative Development of Urban Low-carbon Technology and Green Economy

This paper focuses on analyzing the effects and mechanisms of green fiscal expenditure policies on low-carbon technology innovation. This section selects pilot cities with comprehensive demonstration of energy conservation and emission reduction fiscal policies as typical green fiscal expenditure policies from the city level, focusing on green fiscal expenditure.On this basis, this paper conducts econometric model analysis on the estimated coefficients of the benchmark regression, confirms the robustness of the benchmark regression results, and finds through heterogeneity analysis that the effect of the demonstration policy in promoting low-carbon technology innovation is more significant in non-resource-based cities and non-old industrial base cities.

Assessment of the economic viability, environmental, and social impacts of green hydrogen production: an Algerian case study

The impacts of climate change are real and in many parts of the world testify to its harsh reality, including rampant extreme weather events, droughts, heat, wildfires, and flooding which have recorded in places which have not experienced them in recent memory. In the quest to avert such events, there is a growing awareness and demand for sustainable processes and operations. Today, sustainability encompasses a balance between ecological footprint and human development index, taking into consideration economics, the green environment, safety, quality, ethics, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and communities. This article presents some steps that have been taken by Algeria to balance energetic autonomy and sustainable development, and a case study on green hydrogen production employing membrane processes. Algeria’s objective to join the global fight against climate change is to develop its green hydrogen base. Given its resources, including available solar and wind power, seawater desalination plants, building capacity, and its favorable location, it is developing its green hydrogen economy to supply hydrogen, especially to Europe. This presents an opportunity for other developing nations, especially in Africa, to gain from this experience.