Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Harnessing Machine Learning to Optimize Renewable Energy Utilization in Waste Recycling

This research explores the application of Machine Learning techniques in utilizing renewable energy for the recycling process. As the world strives for sustainable solutions to meet energy needs and waste management challenges, this study investigates the integration of Machine Learning algorithms to optimize the production of renewable energy from waste recycling. By employing these algorithms, the research aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy generation while promoting environmentally responsible waste management practices. The study encompasses comprehensive data analysis from various recycling facilities, identifying energy consumption patterns and evaluating energy-saving opportunities. The findings reveal that applying Machine Learning can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, increase recycling output, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. These results highlight the potential benefits and challenges of implementing smart technology in the recycling process for renewable energy production. Furthermore, the research offers insights into how integrating Machine Learning can support long-term sustainability and significantly contribute to improved environmental management. Consequently, this study paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future, inspiring the broader adoption of innovative techniques within the waste management and renewable energy industries.

#2481 Reduction in ultra-processed food by providing medically tailored healthy food baskets to patients with CKD: the HELPFUL trial

Abstract Background and Aims Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in classifying foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing according to the NOVA system, which outlines four main food categories: unprocessed and minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The latter is characterized by industrial formulations with an elevated content of additives, sugar, unhealthy fat, and sodium. Increased consumption of UPFs can worsen metabolic derangements that develop as kidney function decreases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated food intake according to the NOVA food classification system before and after a medically tailored meal intervention with plant-based food baskets for patients with CKD who had hyperkalemia at inclusion and received sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) to normalize plasma potassium. Additionally, we aimed to assess the diets’ environmental impact by evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) associated with these dietary changes. Method Data were based on a six-week feasibility one-arm clinical study, the HELPFUL trial (identifier: NCT04207203), that enrolled 26 adult patients with CKD stages 4 and 5, not on dialysis and with plasma potassium 5.1-6.5 mmol/L at inclusion. In the first 3 weeks, patients were guided to adhere to a low-protein and low-potassium diet with concomitant use of SZC. The following 3 weeks, patients received food baskets containing fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and either white meat, fish or egg to provide a healthy low-protein high-potassium diet. To assess dietary changes, 24-hour food recalls were collected at weeks 0, 3 and 6 and subsequently classified according to the NOVA classification. The mean adequacy ratio to the dietary recommended intake (DRI) of 11 nutrients (MAR-11 score) was calculated to assess dietary quality. Furthermore, the 24-hour food recalls were linked to GHGE estimations for analysis of environmental impact using the RISE food climate database which is representative of Swedish food consumption. Statistical analyses using Friedman's test or ANOVA for repeated measures were employed to identify significant differences before and after the plant-based food basket intervention. This study was funded by Astra Zeneca. Results The plasma potassium (mmol/L) normalized after the use of SZC (week 0: 5.52 ± 0.3; week 3: 4.72 ± 0.4; week 6: 4.8 ± 0.4; P < 0.01). Figure 1 shows changes in energy intake according to the NOVA classification. A significant reduction in UPF consumption (P = 0.024) was observed. In the post-hoc analysis, the change between week 3 and 6 was borderline significant (P = 0.052) while that between week 0 and 6 was statistically significant (P = 0.008). The healthy food basket diet led to a significant increase in dietary fibers (P = 0.002) and servings of fruits (P < 0.01), vegetables (P = 0.04), nuts (P < 0.01), poultry (P = 0.02), and fish (P < 0.001) and reduced servings of red meat (P = 0.03). As a result, the MAR-11 score increased significantly (P = 0.021). The GHGE analysis of carbon dioxide equivalents revealed no differences between emissions (median and interquartile range) in week 0 [1.79 (1.24; 3.13)], week 3 [1.79 (1.47; 2.74)] and week 6 [1.87 (1.51; 2.61)]. Conclusion Delivering medically tailored healthy food baskets to patients with CKD with concomitant use of SZC led to increased dietary quality and decreased UPF intake. However, these beneficial changes were not aligned with a decrease in GHGE, highlighting the complex relationship between dietary choices and environmental impact.

Mobility Infrastructures and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe.

Movement-friendly environments with infrastructure favouring active mobility are important for promoting physical activity. This scoping literature review aims at identifying the current evidence for links between mobility infrastructures and (a) behaviour regarding active mobility, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines using PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies included in this review were conducted in Europe, and published between 2000 and March 2023. 146 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Connectivity of sidewalks, walkability, and accessibility of shops, services and work are associated with walking. Cycling is positively associated with cycle-paths, separation of cycling from traffic and proximity to greenspaces, and negatively associated with traffic danger. Increased active transportation has a protective effect on cardiovascular and respiratory health, obesity, fitness, and quality of life. Co-benefits result from the reduction of individual motorized transportation including reduced environmental pollution and projected healthcare expenditure. Mobility infrastructure combined with social and educational incentives are effective in promoting active travel and reducing future healthcare expenses. A shift to active transportation would increase both individual and community health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Healthcare Sustainability to Address Climate Change: Call for Action to the Infectious Diseases Community.

The U.S. healthcare system's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change is disproportionately high and harms the public. Several medical specialties are now reassessing how they can mitigate healthcare's harmful environmental impact. Healthcare sustainability is broadly defined as measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and other pollutants generated during the healthcare delivery process. Prior efforts and programs by infectious diseases (ID) professionals, such as antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control can form a framework for ID professionals to help apply this expertise to healthcare environmental sustainability more broadly. This call to action proposes strategies for ID societies and professionals to incorporate climate change education for trainees, increase research and funding opportunities in healthcare sustainability, and calls for action by ID societies to champion system changes to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The greenhouse gas reduction effect of critical peak pricing for industrial electricity: Evidence from 285 Chinese cities, 2003–2019

This paper assesses the impact of the Pilot of Critical Peak Pricing for Industrial Electricity (PCPPIE) on industrial Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology. It is found that the cities participating in PCPPIE underwent a significant 11.3% reduction in the GHGs emitted per industrial enterprise. These findings remain robust across various methodologies, including staggered DID estimators, propensity score matching, instrumental variable methods, and spatial econometric regression. The generalized DID analysis shows that a higher critical peak price corresponds to a more substantial decrease in GHG emissions. PCPPIE achieves weaker GHG reduction in higher-administrative level cities but stronger in those with higher industrial share, and the effectiveness of PCPPIE is compromised by cross-regional electricity imports. PCPPIE reduces GHG emission intensity of the power industry and contributes to additional reductions in GHG emissions from other sources by fostering green technological innovation and facilitating energy substitution. The practical significance of this paper is to reveal a richer dynamic mechanism for China's green and sustainable development, indicating that critical peak pricing is a power pricing strategy worthy of strengthening and optimization in the process of China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

Comprehensive assessment of green hydrogen potential in Jordan: economic, environmental and social perspectives

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the economic, environmental, policy-related and social implications of establishing green hydrogen production in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThe comprehensive analysis has been investigated, including economic assessments, environmental impact evaluations, policy examinations and social considerations. Furthermore, the research methodology encompasses energy demand, sector, security and supply analysis, as well as an assessment of the availability of renewable energy resources.FindingsThe results indicate substantial economic benefits associated with green hydrogen production, including job creation, increased tax revenue and a reduction in energy imports. Additionally, the study identifies positive environmental impacts, such as decreased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Noteworthy, two methods could be used to produce hydrogen, namely: electrolysis and thermochemical water splitting. As a recommendation, the study proposes that Jordan, particularly Aqaba, take proactive measures to foster the development of a green hydrogen industry and collaborate with international partners to exchange best practices and establish the necessary infrastructure.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential of green hydrogen production as a driving force for Jordan’s economy, while also benefiting the environment and society. However, the research recognizes several challenges that must be addressed to materialize green hydrogen production in Jordan, encompassing high renewable energy costs, infrastructure development requirements and community concerns. Despite these obstacles, the study asserts that the potential advantages of green hydrogen production outweigh the associated risks.

Effect of post-weld heat treatment on mechanical and microstructural properties of high strength steel weld metal

The usage of high strength steel (HSS) is steadily increasing, primarily driven by the pursuit of weight reduction, leading to a subsequent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This paper investigates the impact of various post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) temperatures of 525 °C, 550 °C and 575 °C with a holding time of 2 h on both the microstructure and mechanical properties of weld metal produced using a HSS metal cored wire. The investigation reveals that PWHT does not significantly alter strength but has a more pronounced influence on toughness. The as-welded condition exhibited the highest toughness. Among the samples subjected to the PWHT, the one treated at 575 °C showed the highest impact energy, reaching 69 J at −60 °C. This outcome is attributed to the increased presence of acicular ferrite in the microstructure, surpassing that of samples subjected to PWHT at different temperatures.

Regulation of photoassimilate transportation and nitrogen uptake to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in ratooning rice with higher economic return by optimized nitrogen supplies

Mechanized harvesting of the main crop rice, with low stubble height in rice ratooning is scaling up, especially in Southeast China with a higher population density and less cultivated land. Currently, the common nitrogen fertilization for ratoon rice is concentrated within 20 days before and after the harvest of the main crop. However, this fertilization pattern may not be suitable for low stubble regenerative rice due to its extended growth period, leading to diminished nitrogen utilization efficiency and heightened greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. It is imperative to explore a nitrogen fertilizer management model for clean production of low stubble ratoon rice (RR). In this study, we examined the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application rates and methods (single or split application) on yield and greenhouse gas emissions during the regrowth season. We employed a multi-criteria assessment approach combined with field measurements, energy analysis, environmental assessment, and economic evaluation on ratoon rice under various nitrogen fertilizer treatments. The results showed that the ratoon rice produced the highest total energy output under 67.5 N+22.5 N (Fertilize with 67.5 kg nitrogen ha−1 and 22.5 kg nitrogen ha−1 3 days after main season rice harvesting and during the heading stage of ratoon rice) treatment compared to the 90 N+0 N (conventional fertilization, apply 90 kg nitrogen ha−1 fertilizer 3 days after harvesting at once) treatment. It was also found that reducing nitrogen application during the tillering stage reduced CH4 emissions, fertilization during the heading stage of the ratoon rice did not increase CH4 emissions, Since fertilization during the heading stage of ratoon rice did not lead to an increase in the partitioning of photoassimilates (photosynthetic product assimilates) to the rhizosphere soil, significant differences in sugar and acetic acid levels were not observed in the rhizosphere soil. As a result, no change was found in the expression of the methanogenic mcrA gene in the microbial community. The study also demonstrated that the 67.5 N+22.5 N treatment was able to promote the absorption of nitrogen nutrients, reduction in N2O emissions by 16.61%, subsequently increasing resource use efficiency, final yield and net ecosystem economic benefit by 5.96%, 7.19% and 5.57%, respectively, thereby decreasing carbon and nitrogen footprints by 6.64% and 3.50% compared with the 90 N+0 N treatment in the ratoon rice. These results suggest that a reasonable ratoon rice cultivation scheme is a promising farming system that can simultaneously improve resource use efficiency and economic profits, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint, while still maintaining the high productivity in ratoon rice.

Integration of anaerobic co-digestion of grass silage and cattle slurry within a livestock farming system in Ireland: Quantification of greenhouse gas emission reduction and nutrient flow

Pasture-based beef systems can provide cattle slurry and grass silage for anaerobic digestion (AD). However, sustainable production of these feedstocks within a livestock farm presents challenges. This study examined the farmland area required to provide slurry and grass silage for a 40 GWh biomethane plant, quantified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and analyzed digestate management. Results indicated that 130 farms of 50 ha and a livestock unit (LU) of 2.1 LU/ha were required to meet the feedstock requirements of the AD plant. Assigning 15 % of the farmland to produce grass silage for AD decreased GHG emissions by 24 % compared to conventional beef farming. Depending on soil nutrient status, returning digestate to the farmland reduced the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers by up to 65 %, 33 % and 56 %, respectively. Future research should analyze the economic implication of biomethane production from these feedstocks at farm and supply chain scales.

Impact of environmental policy stringency on sectoral GHG emissions: evidence from Finland and Sweden by nonlinear quantile-based methods

ABSTRACT The growing societal concern regarding environmental matters has led to the implementation of many environmental measures intended to protect the environment and address global warming by lessening emissions and mitigating climate change. In line with this movement, this study scrutinizes the impact of these environmental measures on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to analyze the cases of Finland and Sweden. More specifically, the study employs the Environmental Policy Stringency (EPS) index as a proxy for environmental measures, explores sector-specific GHG emissions by employing nonlinear quantile-based methodologies (including quantile-on-quantile regression and Granger causality-in-quantiles methods as the primary model and quantile regression for robustness checking) spanning the period from 1991/Q1 to 2020/Q4. The findings show that: (i) EPS lessens GHG emissions from fuel exploitation, industrial combustion, and the power industry sector at lower and middle quantiles in Finland and Sweden; (ii) EPS decreases GHG emissions from processes, transportation, and waste sectors in Finland but increases them in Sweden at higher quantiles; (iii) EPS leads to an increase in GHG emissions from the agriculture and construction sectors at higher quantiles; (iv) EPS has a causal effect on sector-specific GHG emissions across different quantiles; (v) the robustness of the findings is largely confirmed. Hence, the study underscores the varying impacts of EPS on sectoral GHG emissions based on quantiles, sectors, and countries, emphasizing the need for policymakers to adopt environmental policies to comprise these differences and adjust the policy framework accordingly.

Case Studies on Sustainability-Oriented Innovations and Smart Farming Technologies in the Wine Industry: A Comparative Analysis of Pilots in Cyprus and Italy

Addressing the urgent sustainability challenges in the wine industry, this study explores the efficacy of sustainability-oriented innovations (SOIs) and smart farming technologies (SFTs) across wine value chains in Cyprus and Italy. Utilising a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative analysis through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and qualitative assessments to understand stakeholders’ perspectives, this research delves into the environmental, economic, and social impacts of these technologies. In Cyprus, the integration of digital labelling and smart farming solutions led to a substantial reduction in pesticide usage by up to 75% and enhanced the perceived quality of wine by an average of 8%. A pilot study in Italy witnessed a 33.4% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, with the additional benefit of a 5.3% improvement in intrinsic product quality. The pilot introduced a carbon credit system, potentially generating an average annual revenue of EUR 4140 per farm. These findings highlight the transformative potential of SOIs and SFTs in promoting sustainable practices within the wine industry, demonstrating significant advancements in reducing environmental impact, improving product quality, and enhancing economic viability. This study underscores the critical role of innovative technologies in achieving sustainability goals and provides a compelling case for their wider adoption within the agricultural sector.

Enhancing Indoor Well-being: A Multifunctional Approach to Indoor Living with Plants and Pegboards

In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend towards increased indoor living, driven by the allure of convenience. However, this trend has raised concerns about heightened exposure to indoor pollutants, which significantly impact air quality and contribute to stress. Indoor plants are renowned for their air-purifying and stress-reducing qualities, serving as natural solutions to enhance indoor air quality. Nevertheless, many people struggle to care for them due to time constraints or a lack of expertise. This research endeavors to bridge the gap between the benefits of indoor plants and the hurdles of their maintenance. Furthermore, it acknowledges the significance of decluttering indoor spaces to alleviate stress, with pegboards emerging as a popular organizational choice. The primary objective of this study is to introduce an innovative solution: a modular, magnetic pegboard system featuring purpose-built modules. This multifunctional pegboard system serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it streamlines organization, effectively reducing the stress induced by desk clutter. Secondly, it fosters an environment conducive to indoor plant care, making it accessible to all, including those with limited horticultural knowledge.Additionally, strategically placed indoor plants can offer natural shade and insulation, potentially reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling in indoor spaces. This, in turn, can lead to lower energy consumption and decreased greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainable material use. Pegboards constructed from sustainable materials, such as wood, can indeed be eco-friendly choices that contribute to the overall reduction of the environmental footprint in living spaces.The primary focus of this study centers on the design, development, and implementation of this user-friendly pegboard system, underscored by its adaptability and positive impact on indoor well-being, air quality, and sustainability. By means of this innovation, the research aspires to elevate indoor spaces, fostering healthier and more harmonious living and working environments, well-being, and air quality.

Seasonality, rather than estuarine gradient or particle suspension/sinking dynamics, determines estuarine carbon distributions

Estuaries are important components of the global carbon cycle; exchanging carbon between aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial environments, representing important loci for blue carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, how estuarine gradients affect sinking/suspended particles, and dissolved organic matter dynamic interactions remains unexplored. We fractionated suspended/sinking particles to assess and characterise carbon fate differences. We investigated bacterial colonisation (SYBR Green I) and exopolymer concentrations (TEP/CSP) with microscopy staining techniques. C/H/N and dry weight analysis identified particle composition differences. Meanwhile, nutrient and carbon analysis, and excitation and emission matrix evaluations with a subsequent parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis characterised dissolved organic matter.The lack of clear salinity driven patterns in our study are presumably due to strong mixing forces and high particle heterogeneity along the estuary, with only density differences between suspended and sinking particles. Elbe estuary particles' organic portion is made up of marine-like (sinking) and terrestrial-like (suspended) signatures. Salinity did not have a significant role in microbial degradation and carbon composition, although brackish estuary portions were more biologically active. Indicative of increased degradation rates, leading to decreased greenhouse gas emissions, which are especially relevant for estuaries, with their disproportionate greenhouse gas emissions. Bacterial colonisation decreased seawards, indicative of decreased degradation, and shifts in microbial community composition and functions.Our findings span diverse strands of research, concerning steady carbon contributions from both marine and terrestrial sources, carbon aromaticity, humification index, and bioavailability. Their integration highlights the importance of the Elbe estuary as a model system, providing robust information for future policy decisions affecting dissolved and particulate matter dynamics within the Elbe Estuary.

Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Electrification in Mediterranean Public Transportation

The Mediterranean region is a hot spot for climate change, with transportation accounting for a quarter of global CO2 emissions. To meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a sustainable urban transport network is needed to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality. This study aims to investigate the electrification of public transport in both developed and underdeveloped countries by examining the existing public transport network of two modes of transportation (buses and trams) across the Mediterranean region. This study suggests that the electrification of public transportation could result in a significant additional demand for more than 200 GWh of electricity, depending on the size and congestion of the city. It also studies the potential reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the electrification of buses. Results show that electrification significantly impacts decreasing GHG emissions, helping achieve SDG 13. Furthermore, a financial analysis was conducted to determine the feasibility of using different bus fuel technologies. Regarding economic benefits, electric buses are not consistently optimal solutions, and diesel buses can be advantageous. Our finding shows that, at a 5% discount rate, the diesel bus is most favorable for Marseille, and, as discount rates increase, the advantage of electric buses diminishes. However, the high purchase price of electric buses compared to diesel buses is currently a major obstacle in achieving SDG 11, particularly for developing countries.

Synergistic integration of MSF and RO technologies in PTC using hybrid technique

ABSTRACT This paper proposes the Hybrid desalination and power generation through parabolic trough collectors. This study aims to examine the feasibility, performance optimization, and economic viability of power-generation plant and hybrid-desalination using multi-stage flash (MSF) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies assessed by using the parabolic trough collectors (PTC). The objective is to discover the posibilities of this innovative approach in addressing water scarcity and clean energy demands. The studies usually focus on several key aspects. Firstly, it resolves the technical feasibility of integrating MSF and RO technologies with parabolic-trough-collectors to optimize energy efficiency and freshwater production. This involves evaluating the system design, heat transfer mechanisms, and operational parameters.Secondly, performance optimization is a key area of investigation. By optimizing these parameters the aim is to maximize freshwater production while minimizing energy consumption. Thirdly, the economic viability of the hybrid plant will be assessed. This involves considering capital investment, conducting a comprehensive cost analysis, maintenance costs, and operational expenses. The study also evaluates the potential for revenue generation through the sale of excess electricity produced by the system. The potential outcomes of this research include demonstrating the technical-feasibility as well as economic-viability of the hybrid desalination and power generation plant. The findings may indicate that this approach can effectively address water scarcity challenges while contributing to clean energy production. The study may also highlight the environmental benefits of integrating renewable energy sources (RESs) and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional desalination methods.The proposed method is executed in MATLAB platform and compared to various existing approaches.

A potential of iron slag-based soil amendment as a suppressor of greenhouse gas (CH4 and N2O) emissions in rice paddy

Iron slag-based silicate fertilizer (SF) has been utilized as a soil amendment in rice paddy fields for over 50 years. SF, which contains electron acceptors such as oxidized iron (Fe3+) compounds, is known to reduce methane (CH4) emissions, which have a global warming potential (GWP) of 23, higher than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, the dynamics of nitrous oxide (N2O), which has a GWP of 265, were questionable. Since the reduced Fe (Fe2+) can react as an electron donor, SF application might suppress N2O emissions by progressing N2O into nitrogen gas (N2) during the denitrification process. To verify the influence of SF application on two major greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics during rice cultivation, three different kinds of SF were prepared by mixing iron rust (>99%, Fe2O3) as an electron acceptor with different ratios (0, 2.5, and 5%) and applied at the recommended level (1.5 Mg ha−1) for rice cultivation. SF application was effective in decreasing CH4 emissions in the earlier rice cropping season, and seasonal CH4 flux was more highly decreased with increasing the mixing ratio of iron rust from an average of 19% to 38%. Different from CH4 emissions, approximately 70% of seasonal N2O flux was released after drainage for rice harvesting. However, SF incorporation was very effective in decreasing N2O emissions by approximately 40% over the control. Reduced Fe2+ can be simultaneously oxidized into Fe3+ by releasing free electrons. The increased electron availability might develop more denitrification processes into N2 gas rather than NO and N2O and then decrease N2O emissions in the late rice cultivation season. We could find evidence of a more suppressed N2O flux by applying the electron acceptor-added SFs (SF2.5 and SF5.0) to a 49%–56% decrease over the control. The SF application was effective in increasing rice productivity, which showed a negative-quadratic response to the available silicate (SiO2) concentration in the soil at the harvesting stage. Grain yield was maximized at approximately 183 mg kg−1 of the available SiO2 concentration in the Korean rice paddy, with a 16% increase over no-SF application. Consequently, SF has an attractive potential as a soil amendment in rice paddy to decrease GHG emission impacts and increase rice productivity.

Emotions, worry, efficacy, and climate change–related sustainability behaviors among a representative sample of Texas and Florida residents

Uptake and support of sustainable technologies that decrease greenhouse gas emissions are critical to mitigating climate change. Engagement in individual (e.g., eating less meat, electric car use) and collective (e.g., petition signing, donating money to environmental causes) sustainability behaviors may correlate with psychological factors including emotions, worry about climate change and natural hazards, and response efficacy. However, little research has explored these relationships in representative samples at high risk for climate-related hazard exposures (e.g., hurricanes, heatwaves, flooding). We assessed climate change-related sustainability behaviors in an ongoing, probability-based representative survey of 1479 Texas and Florida residents repeatedly exposed to climate-related hazards including hurricanes, heatwaves, flooding, and tornadoes. Controlling for demographics, behavior-related positive and negative emotions correlated with engagement in performing a greater number of collective-level sustainability behaviors (positive emotions: IRR = 2.06, p < .001; negative emotions: IRR = 1.46, p = .030). However, negative emotions were mediated by natural hazard worry, which in turn was mediated by climate change worry. Positive emotions were mediated by response efficacy. Individual-level sustainability behaviors were associated with positive emotions (IRR = 1.18, p < .001), which were again mediated by response efficacy. In adjusted analyses unpacking the relationship between discrete emotions and sustainability behaviors, hope was associated with individual- and collective-level sustainability behaviors (all ps < .05). Results suggest general climate change worry may be adaptive and that feelings of hope, relative to other emotions (both positive and negative), may help encourage sustainability behaviors that address climate change. Scalable interventions should explore leveraging these psychological experiences to promote uptake of sustainable technology-related behaviors more broadly.

Greenhouse Gass Emission form Agriculture and their Effective Mitigation Techniques: A Review

Agriculture plays a dual role in the context of climate change, as it both contributes to and is impacted by climate change. Efforts have been made to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices, but it is crucial to ensure that these measures do not negatively affect farm production and profitability. The primary greenhouse gases (GHG), namely carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4), have had a harmful impact on climate change, resulting in various catastrophic consequences. This analysis focuses on the factors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, including both inorganic factors such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, as well as organic factors like animal manure, composted manure, bio-solids, and crop species. Developing additional successful methods involves integrating various mitigation techniques such as conservation tillage, water management, cropping systems, and nutrient management. The successful implementation of these techniques will pave the way for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields.

Optimized Fertilizer–Water Management Improves Carrot Quality and Soil Nutrition and Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the North China Plain

In order to improve carrot quality and soil nutrition and reduce the environmental pollution caused by intensive carrot production, more comprehensive combined water–fertilizer management strategies are necessary. This study hypothesizes that optimal management of water and fertilizer can improve carrot yield and quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient residues. Thus, coordinated water–fertilizer management strategies were tested for carrot production on the North China Plain over two consecutive growing seasons. Four treatments were tested: local standard fertilization and irrigation practices (FNP); optimized irrigation and chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (OPT); OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with peanut shell (PS); and OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with mushroom residue (M). Compared to the FNP treatment, there were statistically significant increases in soluble sugars (12–27%) and free amino acids (14–26%), and decreases in the nitrate content (7–17%) of fleshy root in the OPT, PS, and M treatments. In autumn carrots, the OPT and M treatments decreased yield, whereas PS increased yield; spring carrot yield was significantly decreased in the OPT, PS, and M groups compared to the FNP group. There were no significant effects of the treatment group on carrot growth rates, nutrient accumulation, or nutrient distribution. However, the OPT, PS, and M treatments were associated with significantly increased partial productivity of phosphate fertilizer (233–363%), reduced residual levels of nitrate and available phosphorus in the top 80 cm of soil, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 8–18% compared to the FNP treatment. These results highlight the effectiveness of partial organic fertilizer substitution and integrated water–fertilizer management to produce high-quality carrots with minimal environmental damage.

Renewable Energy in the European Union: The State of the Art and Directions of Development

The transition of the energy system in the European Union (EU) from non-renewable to renewable energy aims to guarantee the energy supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs, and lead to industrial development, growth, and occupation. The revised renewable energy directive EU/2023/2413 raises the binding renewable target for the EU in 2030 to a minimum of 42.5%. This means almost doubling the existing share of energy from renewable sources in the EU. This study is concerned with presenting state-of-the-art regarding renewable energy sources in EU countries, predicting the share of renewable energy in 2030, and investigating the relationships between this share and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the research indicate a significant relationship between increasing renewable energy sources and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.