Carbon Stocks Research Articles

Path to Green Economy: Analyzing Innovation, Investment and Taxation in Kazakhstan

The concept of a green economy has gained significant attention, aiming to achieve sustainable development without environmental harm. This study examines Kazakhstan's transition to a green economy, focusing on indicators such as green innovation, investment in environmental protection, and green taxes. Despite Kazakhstan's commitment to a carbon-neutral economy by 2060, significant challenges were identified. The methodology involved three steps: descriptive analysis of green economy indicators for 2016–2022, correlation analysis to identify significant relationships, and trend forecasting for 2023–2025 using a linear regression model. This approach provided a thorough examination of the green economy's current state and future projections. Over the study period, the number of organizations engaged in environmental innovation and their activity levels have decreased. Investments in environmental protection showed initial growth, but declined in recent years. Conversely, there has been an increase in environmental taxes, reflecting the government’s focus on tax instruments to promote sustainable development. Correlation analysis revealed complex interdependencies, indicating that higher investments and taxes are often associated with lower levels of green innovation activity. Projections for 2023-2025 suggest a further decline in green innovation indicators unless significant policy measures are taken. The study underscores the need for a balanced approach that encourages green innovation while maintaining robust investment and tax bases.

An Appraisal of the Potential of Sequestering Carbon through Pomegranate Orchards in India

Pomegranate is an important arid and semi-arid fruit crop of Indian origin. Land use change from agriculture to pomegranate orchards not only enhances farmers’ income but also helps in sequestering carbon and provides additional ecosystem services. Assessing carbon stocks and stock changes in fruit orchards is crucial under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. In this context, we conducted a study to estimate carbon stocks in pomegranate orchards in India. We developed an exclusive allometric equation to estimate pomegranate tree biomass and collected extensive samples of trees, litter, weeds, and soil. We grouped pomegranate-growing areas by similarity in variety, soil, and climate, and then calculated the carbon held in these pools. Finally, we computed the carbon sequestered by pomegranates per hectare, providing valuable insights for climate change mitigation efforts. The national-level carbon storage in pomegranate orchards was then computed by multiplying the area occupied by pomegranate in these regions by the amount of carbon sequestered in one ha of land. Nearly 42.49 mt of carbon is sequestered in the pomegranate orchards of the country with 18.42 mt (43.36% of the total CS) stored in tree biomass and 24.1 mt (56.71% of the total CS) stored in soil. This study underscores the important role of pomegranate orchards in India, not only as a lucrative agro-economic venture for farmers but also as a significant contributor to carbon sequestration and overall ecosystem services. Such insights are essential for guiding sustainable land use practices and aligning agricultural efforts with global climate change mitigation strategies.

Green growth a pathway to sustainable growth in developed countries

The quest by countries to drive to maturity stage of development especially by industrialize nations continued to impact on green economy despite policy framework and strategy implementation to curtail the activities. Emissions endanger the existence of secured environment. It is in the light of this literatures have concentrated on the area. This study seeks to investigate the determinants of green growth in 13 developed countries spanning 2010 to 2020. This study employed the ordinary least square regression with robust option, country specific effect and time fixed option, fixed effect and random effect estimation with time varying effect estimation options. This study also employed the generalized square regression technique with several robust option and post estimation test. The result of the study posit that CO2 emissions from gaseous fuel consumption which is (% of total) has a positive and significant relationship with green growth indicating that the consumption of this energy increases green growth. The coefficient Renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption) revealed a positive effect on green growth. The coefficient Fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total energy) revealed a negative effect on green growth. In addition, Combustible renewable and waste (% of total energy) posit a negative relationship on green growth. A caveat for policy shows that in spite strategies and deliberate policy reform put in place to mitigate the effect on green growth, much is needed in terms of investment in clean energy. No doubt deliberate policy reform need to strengthen and enforced in this respect cannot be underscored

Stimulating National Economic Growth Through Synergy of Digital Innovation and Green Economy

Stimulating National Economic Growth Through Synergy of Digital Innovation and Green Economy

Long‐Term Effects of Arable and Tree Cropping Systems on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in a Tropical Agroecological Transition Zone

ABSTRACTContinuous cropping can affect soil carbon and nitrogen stocks and litter decomposition, but research on smallholder farms in Africa is limited. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 in Ghana's forest‐savanna transition zone, examined four cropping systems: continuous maize monocrop (M), maize rotated with legumes (ML), young cashew intercropped with maize or legumes (YCM/L), and mature cashew (MC). The objective was to assess the long‐term impact of the cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) stocks, and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates using the tea bag protocol. Results showed significant variability in SOC and N stocks across the systems. At a 0–15 cm depth, SOC in the MC and M systems was 160% and 149% higher than in the YCM/L system. At 15–30 cm, SOC in the M and MC systems was 86% and 132% higher than in YCM/L. Soil nitrogen stocks followed a similar trend, with MC and M systems showing 94%–199% higher values than YCM/L at both depths. SOM decomposition rates for green and rooibos tea in the MC and ML systems were statistically similar after 90 days of incubation (p > 0.05). This study, the first to use the tea bag protocol in Ghanaian soils, revealed that mature cashew and sustainable practices, such as adding maize stover, can enhance SOC and N stocks in highly weathered tropical soils. These findings underscore the potential for specific cropping systems to improve soil health on smallholder farms.

Single Atom Catalyst for Nitrate-to-Ammonia Electrochemistry.

Various life forms suffer from the negative effects of nitrate when it accumulates in water bodies, which is a major concern in the present day. The removal of nitrate from water bodies is a critical challenge, and the most effective method to achieve that is to change it into ammonia. Ammonia is a clean energy source and a vital input for the fertilizer industry. The Haber-Bosch process, which dominates the industrial production of ammonia, requires a lot of energy. A more sustainable way to produce ammonia is to use nitrate-contaminated water and reduce it to ammonia through electrocatalysis. This review is constituted of amalgamated articles featuring unique conditions that affect the productivity and activity of the transition metal single atom catalyst (TNMSAC) for the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) reaction. It explores factors such as nitrate ion adsorption, the characteristics of the central electroactive transition metal, the type of coordinating atoms, the impact of potential on stability, and the interplay among single atoms on the selectivity and yield of ammonia gas. In addition, this review also covers advanced concepts such as dual-atom catalysts, dual single atom catalysts, and single atom alloys. The review will provide valuable guidance for enhanced comprehension and strategic designing of TNMSAC for the electrocatalytic conversion of NRA, which will contribute to achieving a green ammonia economy.

디지털 토양도 작성 기법을 적용한 산림 토양 탄소 저장량 평가

디지털 토양도 작성 기법을 적용한 산림 토양 탄소 저장량 평가

Modeling aboveground carbon stock under the forest canopy influence

The dominance, size, and sociological position of tree species are essential components of natural forest patterns, providing critical information for understandinh forest dynamics. These patterns can be influenced by a variety of factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using spectral, hydrological, and geographical variables to estimate aboveground carbon stock (AGC) across four canopy strata, defined by diametric percentiles, in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnant. Our methodology, which employed machine learning techniques (Random Forest - RF + Genetic Algorithm - GA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) to model AGC, proved to be highly efficient, as evidenced by our results. We observed a wide range of AGC values, from 0.37 to 467.71 MgC.ha-1, with an average of 77.4 MgC.ha-1. Trees in the 30th, 60th, and 90th percentiles contributed, respectively, 97.32%, 87.74%, and 52.02% of the total AGC. Spectral and hydrological variables combined with basal area explain AGC stock. Our findings demonstrate the robustness of machine learning techniques and MLR methods in obtaining accurate carbon estimates and generating an optimized dataset. Trees within the 30th percentile represent a smaller portion of the total AGC, and their removal does not interfere with the relationship between AGC and spectral variables.

Multifaceted effects of microplastics on soil-plant systems: Exploring the role of particle type and plant species

Microplastics have emerged as a global environmental concern, yet their impact on terrestrial environments, particularly agricultural soils, remains underexplored. Agricultural soils, due to intensive farming, may serve as significant sinks for microplastics. This study investigated the effects of different types of microplastics—polyester microfibers, polyethylene terephthalate microfragments, and polystyrene microspheres—on soil properties and radish growth, while a complementary experiment examined the impact of polyester microfibers on the growth of lettuce and Chinese cabbage. Through both horizontal and vertical comparisons, this research comprehensively evaluated the interactions between microplastic particles and plant species in soil-plant systems. The results showed that polyester microfibers significantly affected soil bulk density, with effects varying based on planting conditions (p < 0.01). Polyethylene terephthalate microfragments and polystyrene microspheres reduced the proportion of small soil macroaggregates under radish cultivation (p < 0.01). Additionally, polystyrene microspheres significantly altered the total organic carbon stock in radish-growing soil, potentially affecting the microclimate (p < 0.01). Interestingly, polyester microfibers promoted lettuce seed germination and significantly enhanced the root biomass of Chinese cabbage (p < 0.05). Overall, the environmental effects of microplastic exposure varied depending on the type of particle and plant species, suggesting that microplastics are not always harmful to soil-plant systems and may even offer benefits in certain scenarios. Given the crucial role of soil-plant systems in terrestrial ecosystems, and their direct connection to food safety, human health, and global change, further research should explore both the positive and negative impacts of microplastics on agricultural practices.

Impacts of fire and flooding on sediment carbon storage in a large, forested floodplain

Summary Natural disturbances influence wetland carbon cycling, and fire is a key driver of terrestrial carbon stocks. However, the influence of fire on wetland carbon cycling remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how prescribed fire and wildfire impact soil carbon storage in a forested floodplain of south-eastern Australia. We sampled four areas within Murray Valley National Park, the world’s largest river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) stand, and compared soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and C:N ratios between control (unburnt in the 50 years prior to sampling), prescribed burn and wildfire-impacted floodplain areas. Mean soil C and N concentrations were 4.7% ± 0.32% and 0.36% ± 0.02%, respectively, and mean C:N ratios were 14.23 ± 0.33. Carbon concentrations and C:N were highest in control areas of the floodplain, while N concentrations were highest at wildfire-impacted areas. However, flood frequency was a stronger driver of soil C than fire disturbance. Soils at more frequently flooded areas had higher C concentrations compared to less frequently flooded areas, suggesting that resilience to C loss through fire could be enhanced through hydrological restoration. We believe this warrants further research as a potential nature-based climate measure. Mean C density data indicate soil C stocks of 9.4 Tg across Barmah-Millewa Forest, highlighting the significant carbon storage value of this ecosystem.

Response of wheat to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and biochar application: Implications for soil carbon sequestration

The sequestration of atmospheric CO₂ in soil is suggested as an effective climate change mitigation strategy. Biochar application shows promise in this regard, while the role of fungi in soil carbon cycling and sequestration is also under investigation. Using a novel high-throughput plant phenomics approach, we explore the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and biochar application on wheat growth and soil carbon, guided by one of the leading global carbon credit schemes. Wheat was successfully colonised by AMF, achieving an average root length colonisation of 35.9%. We uncover an indirect fungal-mediated pathway to soil carbon sequestration, with mycorrhizal plants generating more biomass across all soil treatments without yield penalties, suggesting colonised plants deliver more plant derived carbon to the soil, potentially leading to long-term soil carbon gains. Conversely, fungal-driven carbon loss occurred, significantly reducing soil carbon accumulation in unamended soil, but not in biochar-amended soil, suggesting that biochar moderates fungal activity and positively impacts the soil carbon balance. While both biochar and AMF enhance plant growth, their direct effects on soil carbon are complex. Although biochar did not significantly increase soil carbon stocks beyond its own contribution, its ability to regulate fungal activity could play an important role in influencing soil carbon sequestration.

Financial incentive instruments of regional economy’ «green» transformation

Transformation and development of the economy towards greening is an important measure for different regions to address the global challenges of climate change and rising pollution levels, and a necessary pathway to achieve sustainable development. Whether it is modernization and transformation of green technologies in traditional industries or green management of the public environment, external financial support is needed to compensate for the insufficient investment of micro-economic actors. The purpose of the study is to analyze the key financial instruments that stimulate the green transformation of the regional economy, as well as an attempt to determine the directions of using these instruments to increase the effective supply of green funds and ensure their increasing role in promoting economic transformation on the path of building an ecological civilization. The methodological basis of the study was formed by analytical and comparative methods, as well as relevant works of scientists devoted to the study of the problems of stimulating environmentally-oriented transformation processes, primarily in the regional context. The results of the analysis show that, given the important supporting role of finance in the green transformation of the economy and the fact that the relevant research is still at the initial stage, the systemic mechanism of financial stimulation of the regional economy’ green transformation should be based on three elements: financial support, capital allocation and risk diversification. It is demonstrated that the development of green economy cannot be separated from the increasing innovation dynamics of "green" financial products, so it is necessary to increase efforts in the field of development and implementation of financial innovations, to provide priority financial support to key sectors of the green economy.

Exploring the Design of Financial Instruments and Tax Incentives to Upscale Renewable Energy Generation in South Africa

South Africa is at the precipice of an existential energy crisis. Notably, the country’s endowment comprises vast stores of biomass, wind and solar energy potential that provide the country with a comparative advantage. Transiting from coal to renewable energy sources can stimulate the green economy and mitigate the country’s power shortages. Moreover, by advocating for the decarbonization of the energy sector, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this research underscores the potential for advancing South Africa’s decarbonization objectives. This paper explores the design of financial instruments and tax incentives to promote the upscale of renewable energy development in South Africa. A qualitative appraisal is conducted on South Africa’s incentive regime. The study contributes to the scholarship on policy design to stimulate renewable energy generation.

Tree carbon stock and seasonal influence on soil properties in shivpuri-nagarjun national park, nepal

The carbon stock stored within the biomass of tree species is vital in the forest ecosystem as it contributes significantly to the carbon balance. In addition, the physicochemical properties of soil play a critical role, in influencing overall ecosystem health. This study has analyzed the carbon stock and influence of seasonal change on soil physicochemical properties along soil depths in the Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP), Nepal. The above-ground biomass carbon stock was found to be 227.09 t/ha and below-ground stock was 45.42 t/ha. Tree species Castanopsis tribuloides exhibited the highest values of above and below-ground tree carbon stock. The soil of the study site was sandy loam and slightly acidic. High temperature and moisture in the monsoon season were followed by an increased bulk density during the pre-monsoon with deeper soil layers. The sand, silt, and clay contents did not differ significantly across the seasons and depths. The key soil nutrients, like carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were high during the monsoon season at the topsoil layer, which gradually declined with increasing depth in all seasons. The study highlights that the total tree carbon stock in the study site is 272.51 t/ha, with significant seasonal and depth-related variations in soil attributes. The monsoon season, characterized by maximum soil moisture and higher concentrations of essential soil components, is crucial in influencing soil physicochemical properties and offers important insights for forest conservation and management. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 567-576, 2024 (September)

Nonlinearities in Economic Globalization Effects on the Environment: New Insights from a Panel Smooth Transition Regression Model

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the impact of economic globalization on environmental quality and examine the role of renewable energy production (REP) in this impact. For this purpose, the annual data of 1976–2021, which is the longest possible period, of the top 5 countries (Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, France, and Denmark) that show the best performance according to the Global Green Economy Index 2022 report, were used. These countries were chosen due to their high performance in green economy integration; and thus, it was considered that this research could provide reference results for other countries. In order to achieve this, the panel smooth transition regression model was applied to the dataset. This nonlinear approach divides the series into homogeneous regimes depending on the threshold variable and allows us to make regime-specific interpretations. As a result, this study, in which REP was defined as the threshold variable, has shown that there is a two-regime nonlinear relationship between environmental quality and economic globalization. According to the findings, economic globalization caused an increase in environmental degradation in the first regime, which had low REP. However, this impact was eliminated in the second regime, where REP was high.

Quantification and sensitivity assessment of Chinese provincial ecological compensation in the perspective of carbon deficit redistribution

The ecological compensation mechanism is a tool for managing regional development and promoting the green economy. This paper proposes a revised model for carbon emissions and absorption based on IPCC, then analyses the spatial and temporal variations of carbon emissions, absorption, and deficit in 31 provinces of China from 2001 to 2019. A model was developed to redistribute carbon deficits and compensate for ecological imbalances, with the aim of eliminating background differences between regions. The concept of ecological compensation sensitivity was proposed, and a redundancy analysis (RDA) was conducted to detect possible influencing factors. Results indicate that: (1) The carbon deficits were relatively substantial in the centre and developed coastal regions, which were the subject regions of China’s ecological compensation. Meanwhile, the northwest and southwest regions were the object regions of ecological compensation, and the compensated object regions tended to extend towards the southeast. The majority of compensated subject areas are generally less sensitive than compensated object regions. (2) The graph of carbon deficit volume over time shows that China’s two carbon targets are closely aligned. The distribution of China’s ecological compensation amounts follows the pattern of provincial economic development levels, with higher compensation amounts concentrated in the central and coastal regions. There is a positive correlation between GDP, year, and population size with carbon emission and carbon deficit. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between year, region, and carbon absorption. (3) This compensation model can strongly incentivise the compensation subject area to proactively adjust its economic development model to cope with the significant compensation pressure. Additionally, it can fully encourage the compensation recipient area to continue adhering to the green economic development model. The conclusions of the study hold significant reference value for promoting the development of a green, low-carbon economy.

Research Factors Affecting Green Economic Development and Some Policy Implications

Vietnam is one of the countries heavily affected by climate change and rising sea levels. According to the World Bank, it is estimated that climate change will reduce Vietnam's GDP by 3.5% by 2050. Therefore, developing a green economy is the most effective and fastest way to adapt. and minimize the impact of climate change. The goal of the research is to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on Vietnam's green economic development. Through a survey of 215 samples from different subjects such as managers, businesses, residential communities, etc., the study pointed out 5 main influencing factors, including: government’s regulatory policies, engineering technology, environmental resources, human resources, and residential community. The research results provide a premise for suggesting a number of policy implications for the goverment as well as relevant ministries and branches in the process of completing the policy framework to develop a green economy for Vietnam in the coming time.

Synergizing Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Analysis of Circular, Blue, and Green Economy Integration

This paper explores the integration of circular, blue, and green economies to enhance sustainable development. By synthesizing insights from recent literature, the study examines how these economic models, each with its unique principles and practices, can be combined to address environmental, economic, and social challenges more effectively. The review highlights the complementarities and synergies between these models, focusing on their potential to improve resource efficiency, promote marine and coastal conservation, and support low-carbon technologies. Key findings include the benefits of aligning trade dynamics with sustainability goals, the importance of integrated energy, water, and environmental management, and the role of adaptation and mitigation strategies in climate action. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these models, particularly in the context of regional and urban sustainability efforts. The integration of these approaches provides a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainability, demonstrating how coordinated strategies can lead to more resilient and effective solutions for global development.

The role of green ammonia in meeting challenges towards a sustainable development in China

The shift to a sustainable development has become an important issue in China. This paper discusses the role of green ammonia in promoting China's energy, environmental and economic sustainability which has not drawn enough attention. First, key challenges in China's energy transition, decarbonisation and regional sustainable development are explored. The coal-dominated energy consumption has placed great obstacles in achieving energy transition and led to massive CO2 emission since the large-scale industrialization. The high dependency on oil and gas import has threatened China's energy security. Imbalanced and unsustainable regional development is identified with data envelopment analysis. Second, the potential of green ammonia in meeting these challenges is analysed. Ammonia is examined to be a flexible and economic option for large-scale hydrogen transport and storage. Co-firing ammonia in coal power generation at 3 % rate is evaluated as an option for achieving low-carbon transition by 2030. Benefits of developing a green ammonia economy is discussed from energy, environmental and economic aspects. The practice can decline fossil energy consumption, enhance energy security, and facilitate renewable energy delivery and storage, industry decarbonisation, and regional development. We assume the findings and results contribute to addressing sustainability challenges and realizing a hydrogen economy in China.

The Weeping Earth: Entangled Humanism, Precarity, and Imaginaries in African Eco-Poetry

The ecological visions of two African poets and their portrayal of the precarious condition of the environment in Africa are discussed in this article. Their nostalgic reflections on the idyllic image of the continent before anthropogenic activities degraded its fertile greenery also received major attention. Zakari Musa’s Elegy for the Earth (2020) and John Ngong’s The Tears of the Earth (2019) are critically analysed to expound the poets’ temporal triangulation of ecological discourse in Africa. I adopt Nigeria and Cameroon as models of African ecological space to interrogate the poetic contemplation of eco-precarity, temporality, and a vision of a new Africa built on human-nature interdependency and the green economy imaginary. Drawing on insights from ecofeminism and other relevant conceptual perspectives in environmental humanities, I examine sundry ecological topoi, including the politics of gendering and anthropomorphising the environment, the effects of the politics on nature, and the possibility of educating the African mind through the focalisation of precarity in African ecological poetry. I argue that the poets’ romanticisation of nature offers them an opportunity to intensify their education project by emphasising nature's contributions to life sustenance, while warning that human beings are self-destructing because of their insensitivity to climate change.