Meeting global climate targets requires cost-effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions, especially in the waste management sector. Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies are widely recognized for their greenhouse gas mitigation potential by diverting waste from disposal sites and displacing fossil fuels with energy recovered from waste. However, their cost-effectiveness for carbon abatement remains underexplored. This study introduces the Levelized Cost of Carbon Mitigation (LCOCM) as a novel metric to assess the economic feasibility of WtE technologies in Iran. The LCOCM is particularly valuable in countries where carbon pricing mechanisms such as emission trading schemes (ETS) are not yet in place, thereby serving as an alternative decision-support tool for policymakers. The results show LCOCM values of $32/ton CO₂-eq for incineration, $14/ton CO₂-eq for anaerobic digestion (AD), and $7/ton CO₂-eq for landfill gas (LFG) recovery. Financial indicators confirm that LFG and AD are economically viable options for carbon-emission reduction, with NPVs of $1.9 billion and $1.1 billion, IRRs of 28 % and 13 %, and payback periods of 3 and 7 years, respectively, whereas incineration is not viable under current conditions. Sensitivity analyses further underscore the critical role of operational optimization—such as extended lifespans, improved energy yields, and minimized downtimes—in reducing the LCOCM. This study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of WtE technologies for carbon mitigation and provides a replicable framework for sustainable energy and climate policy in emerging economies. • Introduces LCOCM as a novel metric for assessing WtE carbon mitigation costs. • AD and LFG show strong economic feasibility with positive NPV and high IRR. • Incineration offers highest mitigation but remains financially unviable. • WtE systems could achieve up to 54 % of Iran’s 2030 emission reduction target. • Sensitivity analysis identifies CAPEX, OPEX, and efficiency as key cost drivers.

Atmospheric profiles and human exposure of industrial sector-specific emissions of antimony bound in fine particulate matter.

The key to green shipping lies in the transition of oil-fueled vessels, which account for 98.4% of the total fleet, to renewable and clean fuel types. This shift is crucial for achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU), namely reaching climate neutrality by 2050. In the medium to long term, ammonia holds promise as a renewable and low-carbon fuel. However, during the ammonia combustion cycle, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increase concurrently, which are strictly regulated by the MARPOL 73/78 Convention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement solutions that optimize the combustion cycle to reduce NOx emissions. This paper conducts a numerical study on the adjustment of diesel and ammonia injection timings for a marine medium-speed engine MAN L23/30H with intake-port premixed ammonia and in-cylinder direct-injected diesel pilot ignition under high ammonia substitution rates. In preliminary experiments, it was observed that at a 90% substitution rate, the combustion efficiency and thermal efficiency were only around 71% and 24% respectively under 100% load conditions, and approximately 35% and 13% respectively under 50% load conditions, indicating a state of near misfire. Consequently, this study focuses on adjusting combustion control parameters to analyze their influence on combustion characteristics under high substitution rates. In summary, both combustion efficiency and indicated thermal efficiency exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease under both 100% and 50% load conditions. This suggests that appropriate heating of the intake air is beneficial for efficient combustion of ammonia/diesel dual fuel, but excessively high intake temperatures have a detrimental effect, particularly under heavy load conditions, where excessively high intake temperatures lead to a significant reduction in combustion efficiency and indicated thermal efficiency. The optimal initial temperatures for 100% and 50% load conditions were determined to be 375K and 425K, respectively. Furthermore, it was inferred that for high ammonia substitution rates, a more efficient fuel injection strategy involves controlling the pilot diesel injection timing within the range of - 10 to - 20°CA.

Inequalities in health-care carbon footprints and implications for demand-side interventions: a global assessment across population groups.

A new solution for sustainable manufacturing: The dynamics of digital twins and carbon futures under emission reduction targets

Healthcare contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions, with operating theatres amongst the most energy-intensive hospital environments. While carbon footprints have been quantified for several surgical procedures, the environmental impact of hand surgery, characterised by high case volumes and short procedures, remains poorly studied. This study aims to quantify carbon emissions of hand surgery procedures. This single-centre observational pilot study quantified the carbon emissions associated with hand surgery procedures performed during two half-day theatre lists at a UK NHS hospital. Data was collected under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes and emissions calculated using UK Government greenhouse gas conversion factors. Data collected included theatre electricity and heating, anaesthetic use, staff and patient transport, waste incineration, supply-chain emissions, and instrument sterilisation. Five trauma hand surgery cases were analysed. Case-level emissions ranged from 8.32 to 22.56kg CO2. When combined at a list level, total emissions were substantial, reaching 311.36kg CO2 and 285.30kg CO2 per half-day list. Purchased electricity (Scope 2) was the largest contributor, followed by heating and anaesthetic gases (Scope 1). Scope 3 emissions were largely attributed to staff travel and single-use consumable supply-chain emissions, while waste disposal and reusable instrument sterilisation contributed comparatively little. Individual hand surgery procedures have a relatively low carbon footprint, but the cumulative emissions at list-level are large. Theatre energy use, heating and staff transport represent key targets for emission reduction. Interventions focusing on energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy, greener staff travel, and reduced reliance on single-use consumables may result in meaningful environmental benefits. Larger multicentre studies with improved energy metering are needed to refine estimates and guide sustainable surgical practice. Quantifying the carbon emissions associated with common hand surgery procedures may help hand surgery teams and healthcare organisations identify opportunities to reduce emissions.

A health-oriented strategy for identifying and controlling high-risk PM2.5 sources: Case study of Heze.

This study examines the governance structure of the Volkswagen Group’s global value chain in Europe from 2019 to 2025. This period is marked by intensified environmental regulation in the European automotive sector, with stricter emission-reduction targets and accelerated decarbonization strategies. Existing research on Volkswagen’s supply chain focuses on operational efficiency, production systems, and technological innovation, but pays limited attention to how environmental regulatory pressure shapes value chain governance in advanced manufacturing, even though global value chain theory suggests that regulatory pressure typically encourages firms to reorganize production networks through relocation strategies. However, Volkswagen Group presents an anomaly, as its production network remains highly centralized in Europe despite increasing regulatory pressure in the region. To address this gap, the study analyzes how governance structures within Volkswagen’s value chain under regulatory requirements. The research uses a qualitative design based on content analysis of secondary data, which includes company reports, sustainability reports, press releases, and academic publications. The Global Value Chain governance framework guides the assessment of transaction complexity, codification capability, and supplier capability. Findings indicate that Volkswagen’s value chain governance is best characterized as modular. This is reflected in high transaction complexity through JIT systems and product differentiation, strong codification capability via standardized supplier requirements and digital communication systems, and high supplier capability among technologically advanced suppliers

This study aims to analyze the role of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) in disclosing environmental risks under the metrics and targets pillar of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), as well as its contribution to the achievement of SDG 13 (Climate Action) in coal companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2022–2024. This research employs a descriptive quantitative approach using secondary data obtained from sustainability reports. The sample consists of 17 coal companies selected through purposive sampling, resulting in 51 observations. Data analysis is conducted using content analysis with a dummy scoring method based on 17 indicators of the TCFD metrics and targets pillar. The results indicate that the level of environmental risk disclosure shows an increasing trend, from 37.71% in 2022 to 48.44% in 2024. However, the overall level remains moderate, indicating that companies are still in a transition phase toward more mature climate reporting practices. Basic indicators such as total emissions and Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are widely disclosed, while advanced indicators such as Scope 3 emissions and emission reduction targets remain limited. The findings also reveal that the contribution to SDG 13 is uneven: strong in providing baseline emission data, moderate in emission intensity efficiency, and weak in comprehensive inventory and long-term mitigation strategies. Furthermore, companies are categorized into three groups—best practice, intermediate, and resistant—based on their level of disclosure and EMA readiness. Companies with more developed EMA systems demonstrate stronger contributions to climate action. Overall, the study concludes that the coal sector shows positive but not yet optimal alignment with SDG 13, requiring improvements in methodological transparency, Scope 3 measurement, and science-based emission targets.

Abstract In the face of an escalating climate crisis, climate litigation is increasingly being utilized as a means to set boundaries to States’ lack of climate action. In what stands as one of the most consequential climate cases to date, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) determined in Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland that individuals have a human right to protection against the adverse effects of climate change. Through an in-depth analysis of the judgment, this Article explains the Court’s ruling that effective protection of human rights requires States to base their emissions reduction targets on a quantification of their fair share national carbon budgets in relation to the remaining global carbon budget for 1.5 o C. This has far-reaching implications for the scrutiny of States’ emissions reduction targets. The Article shows that, as a consequence of the rapidly depleting remaining carbon budget for 1.5 o C, States may no longer be able to remain within their fair share through domestic reductions alone. In such circumstances, States need to contribute to emissions reductions outside of their territory and reduce their domestic emissions at their highest level of ambition.

ABSTRACT Firms increasingly commit to climate targets yet doubts remain about whether such pledges translate into substantive corporate governance or remain symbolic. The study examines how emission reduction targets (ERTs) in sustainability strategies are reflected in compensation among German listed firms. Drawing on agency, legitimacy, and institutional theory, we examine how ERT characteristics distinguish between symbolic and substantive adoption. Findings show both progress and gaps. The share of firms disclosing ERTs in strategies rose from 68% to 89%, while integration into pay increased from 16% to 51%. Strategies often feature quantitative and absolute targets, whereas compensation schemes rely on qualitative, relative, and activity‐based targets with limited emission scope coverage. Since 2023, long‐term incentives (LTIs) increasingly include quantitative targets, signaling substantive integration, whereas short‐term incentives (STIs) remain rather symbolic. The study demonstrates that substantive and symbolic adoption co‐occur, underscoring the need to close disclosure–implementation gaps to prevent greenwashing.

The European Green Deal aims to guide the European Union towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by implementing a comprehensive set of policy initiatives and legislation. While emission reduction targets and policies up to 2030 are mostly implemented, it is of high priority for EU legislation to spell out the further transformation to climate neutrality by defining interim policy targets for 2040. To provide information for this target-setting process, we use an integrated energy-economy-climate model with high sector detail to explore pathways to achieve climate neutrality in the EU under uncertainty about key energy system developments. Results suggest that emission reductions of 86% (sensitivity range: 80% to 93%) by 2040 relative to 1990 are consistent with a cost-efficient distribution of mitigation efforts over time, substantially exceeding the 78%-level implied by a linear interpolation between the 2030 and 2050 targets. Additionally, we identify a 7-fold (sensitivity range: 4-8-fold) upscaling of electricity generation from wind and solar, a 49% (sensitivity range: 45-59%) share of electricity in final energy supply and an upscaling of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to 188 Mt CO2/yr (sensitivity range: 56-257) as crucial transformation milestones for 2040.

Purpose The manufacturing sector has been a major contributor to annual greenhouse gas emissions in India. Yet, firm-level data on carbon emissions and environmental footprints remain limited, largely because of insufficient corporate reporting. The purpose of this study is to analyze the recently introduced, comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reports of India’s 100 largest publicly listed manufacturing firms for 2022–2023 to assess their evolving green transition and sustainability efforts, environmental performance and reporting quality. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the mandatory ESG disclosures under India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, this study evaluates key parameters reflecting firms’ environmental responsibility, awareness, performance and initiatives. Raw data were collected from the BRSR sections of annual reports of 100 large manufacturing companies, and both quantitative and qualitative data were standardized for analysis. Findings The commitment of companies to the green transition is reflected in reductions in greenhouse gas emission intensity, increased use of renewable energy, lower energy consumption and water-use intensity and the widespread adoption of water and waste treatment initiatives. Several firms have set targets for emissions reduction and renewable energy use, while also increasing R&D and capital expenditures related to ESG priorities. Many companies have strengthened their ESG performance and reporting practices, implemented ESG impact assessment initiatives and improved regulatory compliance. Although the uptake of environmental sustainability reporting among large manufacturing firms appears encouraging, significant reporting gaps and risks of greenwashing persist, warranting careful policy attention. Research limitations/implications This study indicates that the adoption of the BRSR framework in India has encouraged large manufacturing firms to align with stricter sustainability standards, with important policy implications. The findings of this study provide evidence that disclosure-based regulation can meaningfully accelerate green transition at the firm level. This study is limited to a sample of 100 large manufacturing companies. Accordingly, the findings, conclusions and research implications are primarily applicable to large manufacturing firms and may not be generalizable across other firm sizes or sectors. In addition, the set of environmental indicators analyzed is restricted to those mandated under the BRSR disclosure framework, which is not exhaustive. Finally, this study relies on self-reported information disclosed in annual reports and, therefore, cannot independently verify the accuracy or completeness of reported environmental performance. Practical implications The findings of this study provide a set of benchmarks that companies can use to strengthen their decarbonization and sustainability targets, enhance transparency and improve operational practices and initiatives. The results of this study also support disclosure-based policy approaches as an effective driver of corporate green transition and sustainability efforts. Social implications This study may help raise public awareness of sustainability through ESG-reporting-driven transparency. BRSR disclosures provide information on corporate practices related to emissions reduction, energy and water conservation, along with a range of key environmental indicators. The findings may contribute to improved environmental health and human well-being. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to analyze a range of key firm-level environmental performance indicators for large manufacturing companies, based on their ESG reporting under the latest regulatory norms. This study provides valuable insights into the uptake of corporate environmental reporting practices, as well as persistent reporting gaps.

Abstract Background: Vehicle electrification is a key component of many climate action plans, however, its benefits and impacts vary by implementation location and strategy. Given limited governmental resources, understanding how targeting emission reductions in specific sources and regions affects overall outcomes is important for effective planning.
Objective: This study examines how place-specific emission reductions in different vehicle classes across regions of the Boston metropolitan area influence pollutant exposures, health benefits, and related inequities. 
Methods: Using the Community Multiscale Air Quality model, we analyzed PM2.5, NO2, and O3 concentration sensitivities to on-road vehicle emissions at 1.33 km x 1.33 km resolution. We integrated the air pollutant estimates with area-level health data to assess the benefits and impacts of changing on-road vehicle emissions from five vehicle classes (light-duty autos; light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty trucks; and buses) across six inner core and suburban source regions within the metropolitan area. We modeled emission reduction scenarios to evaluate effects on all-cause mortality, adult asthma emergency department visits, and health inequities among racial and ethnic groups.
Results: Our analysis revealed tradeoffs between total health benefits and reductions in health inequities. Emission reductions from larger suburban fleets led to greater overall health benefits but primarily benefited non-Hispanic White communities, which, on average, had lower exposure and health burdens at baseline. Targeting heavy-duty trucks in inner core regions maximized health benefits and reduced inequities when considered per vehicle. NO2 was identified as the primary driver of health impacts and inequities.
Discussion: This study provides policymakers with insights for assessing climate action plans and vehicle electrification policies. We highlight the importance of considering multiple pollutants and using high-resolution health data. This framework helps evaluate strategies balancing overall health benefits with reductions in health inequities, offering valuable guidance for resource-constrained environments.

This study analyzes the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in promoting the development of carbon markets, while clarifying the relationship between ESG and technological innovation in the context of Vietnam. Amid increasing global emphasis on sustainable development and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, ESG is considered a crucial tool for enhancing corporate transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. The study employs a qualitative approach, including literature review, analysis of previous studies, and comparison of international experiences in several developing countries such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia. Based on this, the research evaluates the current implementation of ESG and the development of carbon markets in Vietnam, particularly in high-emission industries. The findings indicate that ESG plays a foundational role in improving information transparency, reducing information asymmetry, and supporting the development of carbon markets. At the same time, technological innovation is identified as a key factor in translating ESG commitments into actual emission reduction outcomes. The study proposes several policy implications to improve the legal framework, promote innovation, and foster the development of carbon markets in Vietnam.

Microplastics have emerged as a relatively new type of pollutant and have attracted significant global attention. This study focuses on toxicology of microplastics in ambient PM2.5 and road dustfall in Beijing. It utilizes the Plasmid Scission Assay to toxicologically evaluate the oxidative damage capacity of microplastics as a component of PM2.5. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) method, based on the mass concentration of microplastics in ambient air, was employed to assess the ecological risk of atmospheric dustfall microplastics in Beijing. The results showed that both standard microplastic samples and mixed samples of microplastics with ambient PM2.5 exhibited a dose-response relationship in DNA damage rates. At the same dose, microplastic samples with smaller particle sizes have a higher DNA damage rate. Based on the PLI results, most road dustfall microplastics in Beijing exhibit significant spatial variation. Analysis of road dustfall along the east-west main road across Beijing's urban area revealed that microplastic pollution levels are higher in the eastern zone than in the western zone. Comparisons of pollution levels across functional areas in Beijing showed that university areas > residential areas > industrial areas > commercial areas > agricultural areas. In vertically collected samples, higher elevations (PLI13.6m = 3.54) exhibit greater pollution levels than lower (PLI1.5m = 1), which warrants special attention. These findings highlight the complex relationship between atmospheric microplastic accumulation and their oxidative capacity, providing essential insights for the design of targeted emission reduction strategies.

Does FinTech contribute to green total factor productivity? Evidence from 270 cities in China.

Balancing multiple sustainability objectives in feedstock cultivation: a case of Pongamia pinnata in Australia.

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in rapidly urbanizing cities of the western Balkans, where meteorological variability strongly modulates pollutant dispersion.This study investigates the relationship between particulate matter (PM. and PM) and key meteorological parameters in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, during 2023 providing the first comprehensive year-long analysis that integrates multivariate and principal component approaches for this region.Using daily data on temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure, correlation analyses and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to identify dominant atmospheric controls on particulate concentrations.The findings revealed that higher temperatures and stronger winds reduce PM. and PM levels, while cold and stagnant winter conditions coincide with substantial increases in pollution, largely driven by lignite-based power generation, domestic heating and vehicle emissions.The results validate the critical influence of meteorological dynamics on air quality in Prishtina and underscore the need for targeted emission reduction strategies and adaptive environmental policies aimed at mitigating seasonal air pollution episodes.

In recent years, driven by emission reduction targets, an increasing number of manufacturers producing similar products have been compelled to seek emission reduction cooperation even while competing in the market, a phenomenon that has attracted growing attention in recent studies. Based on the carbon cap-and-trade mechanism, this study develops a noncooperative-cooperative biform game model to examine the optimal decisions of technologically complementary manufacturers engaging in emission reduction cooperation under price competition. The model describes alliance profits using a characteristic function and applies the Shapley value for profit allocation, while equilibrium outcomes are derived through noncooperative game analysis. The research results show that the high carbon emission reduction investment coefficient will inhibit the carbon abatement development level of manufacturers and reduce their profits. Without a carbon cap-and-trade mechanism, competitive manufacturers lack incentives for technological collaboration. An increase in carbon trading prices significantly promotes emission reductions and profit growth, whereas the effect of government-allocated initial carbon allowances remains limited. Moreover, the improvement of manufacturers' technological conversion capability can improve the level of carbon abatement development and enhance their profitability under price competition. In general, this study provides theoretical and practical guidance for the cooperative emission reduction of competitive enterprises under the carbon emission rights trading mechanism.