Combat Climate Change Research Articles

Evolutionary engineering of methylotrophic E. coli enables fast growth on methanol

As methanol can be derived from either CO2 or methane, methanol economy can play an important role in combating climate change. In this scenario, rapid utilization of methanol by an industrial microorganism is the first and crucial step for efficient utilization of the C1 feedstock chemical. Here, we report the development of a methylotrophic E. coli strain with a doubling time of 3.5 hours under optimal conditions, comparable or faster than native model methylotrophs Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 (Td~4hr) and Bacillus methanolicus at 37°C (Td~5hr). To accomplish this, we develop a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) with dynamic copy number variation (CNV) to facilitate overcoming the formaldehyde-induced DNA-protein cross-linking (DPC) problem in the evolution process. We track the genome variations of 75 cultures along the evolution process by next-generation sequencing, and identified the features of the fast-growing strain. After stabilization, the final strain (SM8) grows to 20 g/L of cell mass within 77 hrs in a bioreactor. This study illustrates the potential of dynamic CNV as an evolution tool and synthetic methylotrophs as a platform for sustainable biotechnological applications.

Environmental protection tax reform and corporate Climate Risk Disclosure

The reform of the environmental protection tax (EPT), a crucial policy instrument for combating climate change, significantly influences corporate climate risk. Hence, a thorough examination of the connection between EPT and corporate climate risk disclosure (CRD) is essential for companies to better evaluate the risks and challenges they encounter. The findings of the research indicate: (1) EPT reform substantially boosts corporate CRD. (2) Mechanism tests demonstrate that EPT enhances corporate CRD via three pathways: increasing public environmental awareness, fostering green innovation, and improving total factor productivity. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that various factors such as micro-level corporate characteristics (ownership and corporate life cycle), industry features (high-tech industries and factor intensity), and macro-level aspects (urban location, size, and resource attributes) differentially affect the impact of EPT. (4) Additional analysis from the perspective of institutional investors indicates that a higher proportion of institutional investor holdings amplifies the positive effect of EPT on corporate CRD. These research conclusions aid in accurately assessing the CRD impact of EPT and provide empirical support for policy development and modification.

Mapping the Path to Sustainability: A Study on Household Renewable Energy Adoption Trends

This study investigates household renewable energy adoption trends in Rohini, Delhi, with a focus on women and climate change mitigation. The transition to renewable energy is crucial for combating climate change and reducing environmental impact. This research surveys 50 households to assess awareness, attitudes, and adoption barriers and drivers for renewable energy technologies owing to climate change. Findings reveal that while many are aware of government incentives and express a willingness to adopt renewable energy, actual implementation is hindered by high costs, lack of information, and technical challenges. Key drivers include environmental concerns and financial savings. The study suggests enhancing adoption through improved financial incentives, community education, and women-focused initiatives. Addressing these factors can foster broader adoption of renewable energy, contributing to effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Features of Carbon Regulation in the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation: Comparative Analysis and Trends

The article reviews international acts in the field of combating climate change (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement), identifies the main trends in the field of carbon regulation: emissions quoting; implementation of climate projects; introduction of greenhouse gas reporting and expansion of the legislative framework. A comparative analysis of the national legislation in force in the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation is carried out, its conditional classification is considered with the allocation of carbon regulation instruments being applied, viz. the market ones, the restrictive ones, the supporting ones and the auxiliary ones. The regulation of greenhouse gas emissions should include a wide range of activities and cannot be reduced solely to restrictive instruments. Market instruments include the national emissions trading system, international voluntary markets and instruments of international cooperation, while restrictive instruments include the introduction of carbon taxes, quotas, and mandatory carbon reporting. Among the examples of supporting instruments subsidies, targeted financing and tax preferences, as well as information policy may be noted. Auxiliary instruments include methodologies for quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and uptake, carbon reporting standards and tools for verification of reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, legislated possibility of implementing climate projects. The normative national regulation regarding the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions is considered, the categories of emission sources and greenhouse gases whose emissions are subject to accounting are identified. It is important to note that the legislation on greenhouse gases in the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, as well as around the world, has not been finalized and is in the process of formation.

Unlocking Sustainable Growth in Urban Agglomerations: A Case Study of Carbon Emissions Trading in China

Amid global efforts to combat climate change, China’s targets for reaching carbon peak and achieving carbon neutrality are critical for enhancing environmental governance and promoting sustainable economic growth. This study investigates the impacts of experimental carbon emissions trading markets on industrial coordination within a typical inland urban cluster in China, employing innovative regression control methods (RCM) to analyze changes in regional industrial dynamics. The analysis reveals significant findings: firstly, the establishment of carbon emissions trading markets has tangibly influenced industrial coordination across the economic zone; and secondly, while industrial coordination within the manufacturing sectors has seen a substantial increase, coordination in the productive service sectors remains relatively unchanged. These outcomes highlight the differential effects of carbon market policies on various sectors and underscore the importance of targeted interventions in achieving broader environmental and economic objectives.

Co‐benefits of and trade‐offs between natural climate solutions and Sustainable Development Goals

Combating climate change and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are two important challenges facing humanity. Natural climate solutions (NCSs) can contribute to the achievement of these two commitments but can also generate conflicting trade‐offs. Here, we reviewed the literature and drew on expert knowledge to assess the co‐benefits of and trade‐offs between 150 SDG targets and NCSs within 12 selected ecosystems. We demonstrate that terrestrial, coastal, and marine NCSs enable the attainment of different sets of SDG targets, with low redundancy. Implementing NCSs in various ecosystems would therefore maximize achievement of SDG targets but would also induce trade‐offs, particularly if best practices are not followed. Reliance on NCSs at large scales will require that these trade‐offs be taken into consideration to ensure the simultaneous realization of positive climate outcomes and multiple SDG targets for diverse stakeholders.

Thriving in the Anthropocene: Building Community Resilience to Combat Climate Change

Thriving in the Anthropocene: Building Community Resilience to Combat Climate Change

Reverse logistics for electric vehicles under uncertainty: An intelligent emergency management approach

The frequency and intensity of global disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, are increasing, necessitating effective emergency logistics management. Climate change significantly contributes to these events, emphasizing the importance of limiting human and environmental impacts. The transportation sector, particularly the automobile industry, ranks second in global carbon emissions, highlighting the need to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions and minimize the impact of climate change. However, this has led to an increase in demand for lithium-ion batteries. During emergencies, end-of-life (EOL) battery management through reverse logistics is essential because recycling EOL batteries can recover valuable raw materials, decrease landfill waste and costs, and support environmental sustainability. This study proposed a two-phase method for intelligent emergency EV battery reverse logistics management. The first phase employed machine learning to address unpredictable battery demands, whereas the second phase proposed a multi-objective model to minimize carbon emissions through efficient order allocation during uncertain emergencies. The model considers carbon emissions and defect rates as sources of uncertainty, current regulations, and customer environmental awareness. The model is solved using the weighted sum and ε-constraint methods, resulting in non-dominant solutions. The findings indicate that combining the selection of third-party reverse logistics providers (3PRLPs) with optimal order allocation for recycling old batteries during emergencies effectively minimizes environmental impacts and combats climate change.

In-field carbon dioxide removal via weathering of crushed basalt applied to acidic tropical agricultural soil

Enhanced weathering (EW) of silicate rocks such as basalt provides a potential carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology for combatting climate change. Modelling and mesocosm studies suggest significant CDR via EW but there are few field studies. This study aimed to directly measure in-field CDR via EW of basalt applied to sugarcane on acidic (pH 5.8, 0–0.25 m) Ultisol in tropical northeastern Australia, where weathering potential is high. Coarsely crushed basalt produced as a byproduct of gravel manufacture (<5 mm) was applied annually from 2018 to 2022 at 0 or 50 t ha−1 a−1, incorporated into the soil in 2018 but not in subsequent years. Measurements in 2022 show increased soil pH and extractable Mg and Si at 0–0.25 m depth, indicating significant weathering of the basalt, but showed no increase in crop yield. Soil inorganic carbon content and bicarbonate (HCO3−) flux to deep drainage (1.25 m depth) were measured to quantify CDR in the 2022–2023 wet season (i.e. one year). Soil inorganic carbon was below detection limits. Mean HCO3− flux was 3.15 kmol ha−1 a−1 (±0.40) in the basalt-treated plots and 2.56 kmol ha−1 a−1 (±0.18) in the untreated plots but the difference (0.59 kmol ha−1 a−1 or 0.026 t CO2 ha−1 a−1) was not significant (p = 0.082). Most weathering of the basalt was attributed to acids stronger than carbonic acid. These were, in decreasing order of contribution, surface-bound protons (inherent soil acidity), nitric acid (from nitrification), organic acids, and acids associated with cation uptake by plants. These results indicate in-field CDR via EW of basalt is low where soil and regolith pH is well below the pKa1 of 6.4 for H2CO3. However, increased soil pH, and the consumption of strong acids by weathering will eventually lead to reduced CO2 emission from soil or evasion from rivers, with continued basalt addition.

Development and experimental validation of high-order sliding mode control for quadratic boost converters in fuel cell electric vehicles

The global energy evolution is at a critical juncture, necessitating an urgent transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources, notably green hydrogen, to combat climate change and the inevi-table depletion of fossil fuels. This transition is underscored by the emergence of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a promising solution for clean transportation, demanding advanced DC-DC power converter technologies to ensure their efficiency and reliability. This paper addresses the topic of control for the Quadratic Boost Converter, which presents a challenge due to its non-minimum phase characteristic and nonlinear nature. To tackle this, a nonlinear controller is developed using dual-loop control employing STA-SMC and Lyapunov theory as the control ap-proach. Simulation and experimental validation evaluate the controller's performance, testing ro-bustness against varying load currents and under time-varying reference voltages to assess its ef-fectiveness.

СВІТОВІ ТРЕНДИ У АВТОМОБІЛЕБУДІВНІЙ ГАЛУЗІ: УРОКИ ДЛЯ РОЗВИТКУ АВТОМОБІЛЕБУДУВАННЯ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ГЛОБАЛІЗАЦІЇ

The article demonstrates that the automotive industry is a significant component of the global economy due to its overall market volume, contribution to GDP, and the number of employed workers. The importance of the automotive industry has prompted an exploration of current global trends in the automotive industry. The trends identified include the development of 'green' technologies in the context of addressing climate change, the rise of 'green' protectionism, and the intensification of economic rivalry between China and Western countries. Other trends encompass the proliferation of autonomous vehicles based on the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, the integration of cars into the broader network of connected devices within the Internet of Things and cloud technologies, the increased concentration of global value chains, the growth of the sharing economy, urbanization, and the development of urban transport. Furthermore, there is a heightened emphasis on the safety of vehicles, along with regulatory frameworks addressing these requirements. The emergence and development of individual flying devices as alternative modes of transportation are also noteworthy trends. With the aim of assessing the relevance of these trends for Ukraine and their implementation, manifestations of these trends in Ukraine have been evaluated. It has been shown that the most pronounced manifestations include the increased concentration of global value chains and urbanization along with the development of urban transport. To assess the prospects for further development of the examined trends in Ukraine, an evaluation of the readiness of the Ukrainian economy to implement these trends in the automotive industry is presented. The analysis reveals that the Ukrainian economy is most prepared for trends such as the development of 'green' technologies in the context of combating climate change and the growth of the sharing economy. It is shown that the trends in automotive engineering both present opportunities and pose threats to domestic car manufacturers. The composition of these opportunities and threats is outlined. Explored opportunities are mainly associated with the emergence of additional market segments, a stable demand pattern, and the creation of additional economic advantages. The presented threats are mostly linked to changes in demand structure and the insufficient competitiveness of Ukrainian automobile manufacturers in the global market. Factors limiting the opportunities of Ukrainian automotive manufacturers are identified, and the consequences of these factors are demonstrated, ultimately leading to the insufficient competitiveness of Ukrainian producers, an inability to scale production, and difficulties in technical upgrading. The results of the article are of interest for shaping the development of the automotive industry in Ukraine.

Green horizons: Using fodder crops to harness carbon and combat climate change

Climate change, influenced by both natural processes and human activities, has notably transformed Earth's atmospheric composition, primarily due to heightened energy use in industrial and agricultural sectors. To combat this, a study was conducted focusing on soil management strategies, particularly using cumbu napier hybrid grass, to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration. The research evaluated the effects of different nutrient sources including inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and biofertilizers like Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and Azophos on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil carbon pools and soil organic carbon (SOC). The findings revealed that integrating organic manures with biofertilizers, particularly in the treatment involving PM at 75 % nitrogen equivalent combined with AM and Azophos (T10), significantly increased SOC levels (1.04 %) and lowered GHG emissions. This treatment also recorded the highest levels of soil inorganic carbon (0.131 %), passive carbon (7890 mg kg-1), permanent soil carbon stock (14.91 t ha-1 year-1), carbon pool index (1.37), carbon management index (201.1) and green fodder yield (370.2 t ha-1 year-1). On the other hand, the treatment with FYM alone at 100 % nitrogen equivalent (T7) resulted in the highest CO2 emissions (71.4 t ha-1 year-1), while the untreated control plot (T11) exhibited the highest global warming potential (GWP). This study underscores the effectiveness of strategic soil management in forage crop systems as a sustainable method to boost soil health, increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions, thus contributing to climate change mitigation.

Space–Time Analysis of Refueling Patterns of Alternative Fuel Vehicles Using GPS Trajectory Data and Machine Learning

ABSTRACTThe urgency to combat climate change has led countries worldwide to embrace clean energy solutions across various sectors, including transportation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This shift is evident in the growing popularity and adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), such as natural gas vehicles and electric vehicles. AFVs have significantly lower carbon footprints compared to conventional petrol‐powered vehicles with internal combustion engines. Consequently, there arises a need to gain a deeper understanding of AFV refueling demand to optimize the distribution of refueling stations. To address this, our research proposes an innovative space–time method that integrates GPS trajectory data with the support vector machine technique to accurately identify and analyze patterns in AFV refueling behavior. The results highlight distinct space–time patterns, notably the clustering of refueling activities in areas like Shuiguohu, Shouyilu, Houhu, Hanshuiqiao, Zhoutou, and Yongfeng around noon, influenced by taxi drivers' breaks. This underscores the importance of increasing staff levels at refueling stations in these areas during peak refueling periods, forming alliances with local eateries, and coordinating taxi shift hours to evenly distribute refueling demand throughout the day, ultimately reducing congestion during peak refueling periods in these areas. The proposed method by this research is applicable to urban contexts worldwide and equips policymakers and planners with a powerful tool for effective planning of future AFV refueling stations.

Harnessing the heat below: Efficacy of closed-loop systems in the cooper basin, Australia

Transitioning to renewable energy is vital for combating climate change and reducing CO2 emissions. Geothermal energy, sourced from the earth's crust, presents a promising alternative. While shallow geothermal energy extraction grows steadily, tapping into deep Hot Dry Rock reservoirs poses challenges. Sustainable utilization of deep geothermal energy is crucial for large-scale electricity generation. Australia's Habanero enhanced geothermal system (EGS) projects faced obstacles due to complex fracture networks. Borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) offer a solution, circulating a working fluid without direct contact with geofluids. This study assesses coaxial BHEs' feasibility in the Habanero reservoir using a 2D axisymmetric model (2D-AM), comparing it with a simpler 1D depth-integrated model (1D-DIAM). Both models yield similar outcomes. Additionally, results indicated that the production temperature of the coaxial BHE exponentially decreased from 250 °C to 100 °C within 10 h, rendering energy recovery for electricity generation unsuitable after 10 h of operation. The study proposes an energy recovery cycle of 10 h followed by a 110-h shutdown. Injection temperatures and flow rates significantly impact production efficiency, while steel casing's thermal conductivity has minimal influence on heat exchanger performance.

Assessing the net carbon removal potential by a combination of direct air capture and recycled concrete aggregates carbonation

Removing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere has an important role in combating climate change. This study assessed the CO2 removal potential of combining direct air capture with carbonation of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs). An industrial-scale RCA carbonation process model quantified key parameters' impacts on carbonation duration and energy consumption. Furthermore, a lifecycle analysis evaluated scenarios of two cases: (i) using pure CO2 with transportation between DAC and carbonation, and (ii) onsite production of low-purity CO2. For 90 % carbonation of 1 tonne of RCA, the performance of case-i scenarios ranged from ∼13 kg net CO2 removal to ∼14 kg net CO2 emission, influenced by DAC technology, transport option, and electricity carbon intensity. In case-ii scenarios, 1 % CO2 feed purity achieved 70 % greater CO2 removal than using pure CO2. This work provides an initial indication of the potential of this scheme while revealing key factors to investigate in future experimental exploration.

Environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies for production of biofuels from spent coffee grounds

AbstractIn the strategy to combat climate change that has been caused by the world's overdependence on fossil fuels, current research is focusing on the decarbonisation of the energy sector through the production of renewable cleaner energy, such as biofuels. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), the waste stream of the coffee brewing industry, are a potential feedstock for the production of valuable products, including biofuels. However, the environmental implications for the valorisation of this valuable waste need to be investigated. This study assesses the environmental impacts of six biomass‐to‐fuel processing technologies using SCGs as a feedstock, with the aim of identifying the most environmentally friendly technology. A cradle‐to‐gate life‐cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on fast pyrolysis, fermentation, anaerobic digestion (AD), hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), gasification, and biodiesel production. The mass and energy balances obtained from Aspen Plus simulations served as the life‐cycle inventory data. Using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H) and Eco‐Indicator 99 as the assessment methods, potential environmental impacts were calculated in OpenLCA software. Electricity generation and carbon dioxide emissions were the biggest contributors of environmental impacts. For each category, the maximum result was set to 100% and the results of the other variants were displayed in relation to this result. AD, with the smallest total weighted score (160), was the most environmentally friendly biomass‐to‐fuel processing route, while HTL, with the biggest total weighted score (893), was the worst. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the environmental performance of biofuel production from SCGs was highly influenced by energy input flows and the source of energy generation.

The Impacts of ICT Gadgets on Climate Change and Mitigative Solutions

The widespread use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets, such as smartphones, computers, and data centers, plays a crucial role in modern society but also significantly contributes to climate change. These devices are responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and the generation of electronic waste (e-waste). As the global demand for ICT gadgets continues to grow, it is imperative to address their environmental impacts. This paper explores the various ways in which ICT gadgets influence climate change, highlighting the emissions from production and energy use, as well as the challenges posed by e-waste. Potential solutions included sustainable design and manufacturing practices, improvements in energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of responsible e-waste management strategies. The paper has concluded that the importance of policy and regulatory measures to drive progress in mitigating the environmental footprint of ICT gadgets should be adhered to. Through a combination of technological innovation, policy intervention, and increased consumer awareness, it is possible to reduce the negative impacts of ICT gadgets on the environment and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Impact of green hydrogen on climate change in Peru: An analysis of perception, policies, and cooperation

This research analyzed the impact of green hydrogen (GH) on the dynamics of combating climate change (CC) in Peru for the year 2024, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7, focused on affordable and clean energy. The study, quantitative and non-experimental in nature, used a cross-sectional design and focused on a sample composed of public and private sector officials, energy experts, and academics, evaluating their perception and knowledge about GH and its application in climate policies. The data collection instrument showed good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.793.The results revealed that although the adoption of GH is in its early stages, it is already considered a vital component in national CC mitigation strategies. A medium positive correlation was identified using the Spearman coefficient (0.418) between GH usage and the effectiveness of mitigation policies, as well as its capacity to influence public awareness and promote interinstitutional cooperation. Furthermore, it was concluded that the success of GH largely depends on the strengthening of regulatory frameworks, investment in infrastructure, and the promotion of strategic alliances to facilitate its integration into the national energy matrix.These findings highlight the importance of continuing to develop public policies that promote the use of GH, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness in the fight against climate change in Peru.

Reviewing of the net-zero energy buildings and housings in Japan

Abstract The buildings and construction sectors play a pivotal role in combating climate change. Globally, they account for 30% of the final energy consumption and 27% of total energy sector CO2 emissions. Buildings currently consume up to 40% of the world’s total energy, and it is projected to increase to 50% by 2030. The world faces a significant challenge in addressing these issues related to global energy production. From the Paris Agreement in 2015 to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26),Japan has committed to developing and implementing robust greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction measures using its resources. They have declared their intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, improving the energy efficiency of structures. This involves measures such as regulating electricity usage, imposing restrictions on design specifications concerning the built environment and raw materials and promoting the use of sustainable energy sources to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. These efforts have given rise to the concept of net-zero energy buildings (ZEB) and net-zero energy housing (ZEH). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of ZEB/ZEH in a general context and to assess its feasibility and practicality within the specific context of Japan.

The role of forestry sciences in combating climate change and advancing sustainable development goals

IntroductionAs ecological disasters loom, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to systematically examine the contribution of forestry science research to the SDGs through a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting its role in advancing global sustainability efforts.MethodsUtilizing the PRISMA protocol, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 39,841 publications since 2015, focusing on the intersection of forestry sciences with the SDGs. Network and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed to identify thematic clusters and interdisciplinary linkages among SDGs.ResultsOur findings indicate a significant focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the forestry sector’s contributions to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services. The analyses revealed thematic clusters centered around ecological sustainability, sustainable energy, and social development, demonstrating the diverse ways in which forestry research supports the SDGs.DiscussionThis study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forestry sciences and identifies key areas of contribution while pointing to potential research gaps. Future research should explore advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics and remote sensing, socioeconomic impacts of forest-based livelihoods, and innovative reforestation techniques. Strengthening urban forestry, enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving governance are recommended to ensure continued contributions of forestry sciences to global sustainability and the SDGs.