Stringent Environmental Regulations Research Articles

Environmental regulation and enterprise behavior in China: rent-seeking or innovation?

While the Porter hypothesis posits that well-functioning markets and government regulations can promote enterprise innovation, it remains less clear in developing and transition economies. To address this gap, we utilize enterprise data from China’s A-share market between 2005 and 2017 to empirically examine whether implementing more stringent environmental regulation will prompt regulated enterprises to engage in rent-seeking or innovative behavior. Our findings reveal that regulated enterprises increase both their rent-seeking and innovation efforts in response to environmental regulation. Importantly, enterprises exhibiting lower levels of rent-seeking demonstrate more substantial increases in rent-seeking expenditure when confronting environmental regulation. Furthermore, we discover that state-owned enterprises are more inclined to implement innovative behaviors, while foreign enterprises significantly reduce their innovative activities. This study highlights the complex relationship between environmental regulation and enterprise behavior in developing or transition economies.

New monomers or co-monomers based on the alkoxyfuranone Scaffold: Toward new alternatives to Petroleum-Based structures

Over the past decade, the circular economy has become a key component of sustainability due to environmental issues and more stringent environmental regulations. In this connection, the valuation of bio-based monomers possessing innovative structures remains an important challenge. Furthermore, several goals must be achieved: 1) the homopolymerization of such bio-based monomers by free radical photopolymerization which requires small energy inputs with limited emission of volatile organic compounds (COV) and 2) their copolymerization with Elium® thermoplastic resins to increase biogenic carbon in these novel low-viscosity methacrylic resins developed by Arkema. The challenge will be, in this context, to maximize the biomass carbon content while maintaining or even surpassing the properties exhibited by their petrochemical counterpart. In this work, a series of alkoxyfuranones derived from furfural have been synthesized. The four alkoxyfuranones (AF1, AF2, AF3 and AF4) varying by the functionality of the side chains (but-3-en-1-yl, acrylate, isopropyl and ethyl) attached via acetalization of the 5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone were studied as potential monomers or co-monomers for free radical polymerization. The synthesis of AF1 and AF2 has never been reported in the literature. The homopolymerization of two of them (AF1 and AF2) was successfully achieved, but only one led to a high-glass transition temperature (Tg) bio-based polymer. On the other hand, copolymerization with Elium® thermoplastic resins was obtained with different ratios of AF2 as a co-monomer. As a result, the expected gain value, such as faster photopolymerization was successfully obtained. Nevertheless, the copolymerization doesn’t lead to obtaining high-Tg polymers.

Long-term credit and green innovation : causal evidence from China

ABSTRACT Environmental issues are a global challenge. In bank-centric financial systems such as China’s, the impact of long-term credit on sustainable development is a crucial yet underexplored issue. We use a plausibly exogenous long-term credit policy (LCP) implemented in 2019 to identify the impact of long-term credit on green innovations. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, we find that long-term credit increases firms’ low-quality green innovations by optimizing credit term structures and generates spillover effects on environmental performance. Moreover, long-term credit significantly enhances high-quality green innovation in regions with more stringent environmental disclosure regulations. These findings reveal a quantity-over-quality effect of long-term credit on green innovation and highlight the critical role of integrating financial and environmental policies.

Eco-friendly corrosion inhibition of steel in acid pickling using Prunus domestica Seeds and Okra stems extracts

The corrosion inhibition process during acid pickling in petroleum industries often employs toxic chemicals, facing stringent environmental regulations. This study explores a sustainable alternative by investigating the inhibitory effects of eco-friendly food waste extracts, namely Prunus domestica seeds (P.S) and Okra stems (O.St), on B7 grade steel corrosion in 1.0 M HCl aqueous solution, simulating an acid pickling environment. The corrosion inhibition efficiency was estimated via both electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques, and chemical methods, such as weight loss measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) elucidated the extracts' main functional groups and potential chemical constituents. Remarkably, both extracts exhibited a maximum inhibitory efficiency of up to 80 %. Adsorption isotherms were employed to analyze the inhibition mechanisms, including Langmuir and Flory–Huggins models, alongside the Kinetic-thermodynamic model. Activation parameters have been obtained using Arrhenius and transition state equations. The synthesis of the activated complex is characterized as an endothermic process, as evidenced by the positive values of enthalpy of activation (ΔH*). Conversely, negative entropy of activation (ΔS*) values indicate that the activated complex signifies a process of association rather than separation. Quantum chemical calculations identified potential active inhibitor compounds within the extracts. The quantum parameters, including ionization potential, electronegativity, softness, and hardness of the chemical constituents of the extracts, were calculated using DFT with the B3LYP/6–31 G(+) method. This study underscores the innovative approach of utilizing waste food extracts as corrosion inhibitors, addressing environmental concerns while offering practical implications for industrial applications.

Numerical Simulation Research on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Diesel/Ammonia Dual-Fuel Low-Speed Marine Engine

Amid increasingly stringent global environmental regulations, marine engines are undergoing an essential transition from conventional fossil fuels to alternative fuels to meet escalating regulatory requirements. This study evaluates the effects of injection pressure, the timing of ammonia injection, and the pre-injection of ammonia on combustion and emissions, aiming to identify optimal operational parameters for low-speed marine engines. A three-dimensional model of a large-bore, low-speed marine engine in a high-pressure diffusion mode was developed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Simulations were conducted under 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% loads with a high ammonia energy substitution rate of 95%. The results indicate that, compared to traditional pure diesel operation, adjusting the injection pressure and the ammonia injection timing, along with employing appropriate pre-injection strategies, significantly enhances in-cylinder pressure and temperature, improves thermal efficiency, and reduces specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the dual-fuel strategy using diesel and ammonia effectively reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 37.5% and carbon dioxide emissions by 93.7%.

One region's gain is another's loss: The impact of market segmentation on renewable energy development in China

Current research has focused on the effects of policy and economic factors on renewable energy (RE) development but has ignored the effects of market segmentation. We developed a two-stage Cournot equilibrium model to explore the relationship between the market segmentation behaviors of local governments and their effects on RE development. We empirically tested the spatial effects of market segmentation by using a spatial Durbin model based on panel data of Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2020. The results are as follows. (1) There are positive spatial dependences among the RE development in the provinces. Most provinces show a “high-high” or “low-low” spatial agglomeration pattern. (2) Market segmentation caused by local protection can promote local RE development but significantly inhibits the development of RE in neighboring regions, i.e., one region's gain is another's loss. The inhibition is much greater than the local development, thus hindering overall RE development. (3) Regions with more stringent environmental regulations have greater incentives to adopt the market segmentation strategy in order to promote local RE development. (4) Market segmentation can increase the degree of local capital and labor mismatch, thereby promoting local RE development and hindering RE development in neighboring regions.

Synergistic doping and de-doping of Co3O4 catalyst for effortless formaldehyde oxidation

The pursuit of high-performance non-precious metal catalysts for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) abatement is paramount in meeting stringent environmental regulations. In this study, we present a groundbreaking approach by crafting a highly defective Co3O4 catalyst through a strategic process involving Mg doping and subsequent partial de-doping. The catalyst exhibited an exceptional activity in the oxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO), achieving a remarkable conversion rate of 2.92 μmol·m−2·h−1, which is 3.1 times that of the pristine Co3O4 at 100 °C and an HCHO space velocity of 75,000 mL·g−1·h−1. Our methodology involves a dual-action process of doping and de-doping, orchestrating the introduction of significant structural and surface defects. These include surface cracks, lattice distortions, cationic vacancies, oxygen vacancies, lower metal coordination, and more. This orchestrated creation of defects serves to amplify the generation of active oxygen sites, thereby enhancing the intrinsic oxidative ability of the catalyst. The net result is a lowered activation energy barrier for HCHO, further contributing to the catalyst performance enhancement. This study not only establishes a new benchmark for Co3O4 catalysis but also provides insightful paradigms for the role of defects engineering in promoting non-noble metal-catalyzed volatile organic compounds oxidation.

Digital finance and corporate environmental violations

Using a sample of 1048 A-share listed firms for the period 2011–2020, we analyze the direct and indirect pathways through which digital finance shapes environmental governance mechanisms within corporations. Our findings reveal that digital finance mitigates environmental violations through information (internal control) and financial (environmental investment) mechanisms. The primary findings remain consistent after using battery of robustness tests. Moreover, the negative influence of digital finance on environmental violations is more pronounced for state-owned firms, heavy polluters, and firms operating in regions with stringent environmental regulations. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the firm-level consequences of digital finance integration and emphasizes the importance of robust regulatory frameworks for environmental sustainability in the digital age.

Efficient and promising oxidative desulfurization of fuel using Fenton like deep eutectic solvent

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) has emerged as a prominent technique for the removal of sulfur compounds from fuels, aiming to comply with stringent environmental regulations and minimize sulfur dioxide emissions. Herein, Fenton-like deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized as a catalyst and reaction medium and their application for the ODS process was investigated. The study encompassed the optimization of DES composition, reaction conditions, and the influence of different parameters on the desulfurization efficiency. The experimental findings demonstrated that the Fenton-like DES exhibited outstanding catalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization of fuel. The optimized conditions involved conducting the reaction at room temperature for 2.5 h, using 200 mg of the prepared DES (HNFM-FeCl4) as both the extraction solvent and catalyst. An oxidant-to-sulfur (O/S) ratio of approximately 3:1 was maintained, with a 30 wt% H2O2 solution utilized as the oxidant. The analysis of the reaction products using GC–MS revealed a remarkable yield of 98% for dibenzothiophene sulfone. The DES provided a suitable medium for the reaction, enhancing the solubility and availability of sulfur compounds. The iron catalyst, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, facilitated the oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds to their corresponding sulfones, which can be easily separated from the fuel phase. The DES catalysts exhibited stability and recyclability, making them suitable for practical applications in fuel desulfurization processes.

Impact of Climate Change on the Environment: A Synthesis Study

Climate change has a significant impact on both physical and social components of the environment. Every component of the environment has been suffering the impacts of climate change. All components of the environment are interrelated through the exchanging of energy and matter; hence they actively interact. Major components of the environment like the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are open systems to impact climate change. This paper describes the major impacts of climate change on major components of the environment. This study investigated the current state, wide-range global research trends, and different concerns on the impacts of climate change on the sustainable tourism. Global climate change represents a grand challenge for society, one that is increasingly influencing tourism sector investment, planning, operations, and demand. This study synthesized a total of 36 studies on climate change by sourcing published material from the review that was performed in indexed databases namely Dimensions, Web Science, Elsevier Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, the study found that human beings are the major contributors to climate change through anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that worsened during the Green Revolution. Climate change outcomes through the loss of valuable ecosystem goods and services, degrading the most of keystone species sites. In other ways, loss of biodiversity, changes in atmospheric composition, changes in chemical reactions in soil, changes in water quality, availability, and hydrologic cycles, and frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions. Of course! The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and diverse, impacting many areas and facets of daily life. Therefore, this study recommends implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to internalize the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and enforcing stringent environmental regulations and standards to limit emissions and pollution. Support global efforts and agreements to combat climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.

Systematic analysis of dual-functional catalysts for simultaneous CO-NOx reduction: Toward an effective catalyst design strategy

The development of a multifunctional catalyst suitable for application in existing facilities with limited space, with specific emphasis on its capability to concurrently remove CO and NOx is vital for meeting stringent environmental regulations. This is particularly pertinent to industries such as liquefied natural gas-based power plants and multipollutant-emitting industrial facilities. Another important consideration is that the catalyst should operate over a wide temperature range to facilitate its application across various industrial sites. In this study, we synthesized vanadium-based catalysts with a series of noble metals (Pt, Pd, and Au). The V–W–Pd/TiO2 catalyst achieved a simultaneous CO–NOx reduction efficiency greater than 90% in the widest temperature range, 228–321 °C. The excellent catalytic activities resulted from the Pd active sites, which oxidated CO and adsorbed NOx. This enables the catalyst to easily participate in the NH3-SCR reaction and facilitates NOx reduction. Moreover, we systematically analyzed the reaction properties of each catalyst using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform and temperature programmed desorption methods. This enabled the elucidation of the reaction characteristics and competitive adsorption properties of the catalysts.

Nexus between Innovation–Openness–Natural Resources–Environmental Quality in N-11 Countries: What Is the Role of Environmental Tax?

This research investigates the intricate relationship between financial openness, natural resources, and carbon neutrality in the N-11 countries. It provides insights into how environmental tax and innovation can drive carbon neutrality in these nations, thus advancing our understanding of the nexus among financial openness, natural resources, and carbon neutrality. The study aims to offer policymakers perspectives on formulating policies to foster sustainable economic development and environmental conservation in the N-11 nations. The discourse highlights the environmental implications of foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness, revealing a complex interplay between economic development, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. While FDI can facilitate technological transfers and managerial advancements that enhance resource efficiency and promote environmentally friendly practices, its environmental impact varies based on regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. In countries with weak environmental regulations, FDI may lead to negative outcomes such as pollution hotspots, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation. Similarly, trade openness can exacerbate environmental degradation through increased production, energy consumption, and waste generation. However, both FDI and trade openness can contribute positively to environmental sustainability when coupled with effective environmental policies, investment in green technology, and the promotion of sustainable practices. Thus, policymakers must strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection by implementing stringent environmental regulations, promoting clean technology transfer, and fostering sustainable development practices domestically and internationally. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to navigate the complexities of achieving carbon neutrality while ensuring sustainable economic growth in the N-11 countries.

Circular economy and entrepreneurship in Europe: An analysis of the impact of cultural factors, regulatory framework and rate of entrepreneurship

The aim of this work is to delve into the phenomenon of the circular economy (CE) to enhance understanding of the contextual factors that foster its development. We study how countries’ cultural values, regulatory frameworks and rates of entrepreneurship, affect the transition to more circular economies. The model proposed and tested through a binomial logistic regression analysis of a sample of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), shows that such firms are more likely to adopt CE actions when located in more entrepreneurial societies, with more individualistic and feminine values, and with less stringent environmental regulations. Additionally, the study evidences a scale effect, but not an experience effect, in the transition to CE. Several practical and political implications are outlined.

Analysis of the relationship between carbon pricing and green innovation: A multidimensional study in 35 countries

Increased greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of global warming, leading to effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and unprecedented species extinction. The 2015 Paris Agreement, with the participation of 195 countries, aimed to reduce CO₂e emissions and limit the increase in global temperature to 2 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. Academia, the World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development emphasize CO₂e pricing as a crucial initiative to mitigate global warming and promote a low-carbon economy. This can be achieved through taxes on fossil fuel emissions or a carbon credit auction system such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS). However, complexity arises when considering cross-border pricing limitations and the concern that companies may relocate to countries with less stringent environmental regulations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the correlations between the 35 countries that have CO₂e pricing practices. Data and methods involved statistical analysis of three exogenous variables using SPSS software: a) countries' position in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranking; b) historical number of green patents registered in these countries; and c) the number of scientific articles published with decarbonization as a central topic. The results suggest a virtuous cycle in these countries, where CO₂e pricing leads to an increase in green articles and patents, contributing to their improved position in the global EPI ranking. The main implications of this study are that achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement will require a collective effort from all countries, and therefore, good practices must be encouraged and replicated. Meeting decarbonization targets necessitates structural changes, such as those in the current energy model. This virtuous cycle should be extended to other countries that do not yet practice CO₂e pricing to advance the goal of mitigating global warming and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Environmental regulation and productivity growth in the euro area: Testing the porter hypothesis

This paper examines the impact of changes in the stringency of environmental regulations on productivity growth. We exploit several data sources, including the OECD Environmental Policy Stringency Index and balance sheet information from ORBIS and iBACH, to test the Porter hypothesis, according to which firms’ productivity can benefit from more stringent environmental policies. We estimate the regulatory impact over a five-year horizon using panel local projections. To identify the direction of the effects, we estimate CO2 equivalent emissions for all firms in our sample using a machine learning algorithm. As suggested by the country-level analysis and confirmed by the firm-level analysis, policy tightening negatively affects productivity growth of high-polluting firms and to a larger extent than that of their low-polluting peers. Hence, we do not find support for the Porter hypothesis in general. However, not all policies have the same impact – non-market based policies are the most detrimental to productivity growth – and not all highly polluting firms are affected in the same way – the negative impact is mitigated for large firms, which may benefit from easier access to finance and greater innovativeness.

Treatment of oil sands process-affected water using a semi pilot-scale coalescing filter: Effect of fundamental conditions and water characteristics on filtration performance

The reuse of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) generated during oil extraction is becoming essential due to oil extraction efficiency and stringent environmental regulations. This study investigates the efficacy of a coalescing filter (CF) in removing oil components from OSPW by exploiting coalescence, which involves merging small oil droplets into larger ones using fibers. Real-time, precise oil measurement systems were employed to evaluate the oil removal efficiency of the CF across synthetic OSPW samples with varying properties. Fundamental conditions and water quality components were systematically adjusted to elucidate the influencing factors on oil removal by the CF. Results showed that despite the diesel having significantly lower viscosity than the oil contents in OSPW, CF achieved a removal efficiency of over 60% within the first 10 min of operation time, regardless of oil concentration. Total suspended solids/turbidity exhibited a decreasing trend as it passed through the filter, indicating fouling occurring within the filter. On the other hands, its increase improved CF performance by 6% compared to baseline conditions, while an increase of alkalinity decreased performance by 10%. When each water quality component exists independently, they do not significantly impact the oil removal efficiency. However, when present together, there is a more decrease in removal efficiency due to the reduced interaction between oil and filter. CF was resistant to changes in water quality. Rather, changes in fundamental factors are more sensitive to CF performance. Filter characteristics and mechanisms make residence time the primary factor affecting oil removal by the CF, with variations exceeding 30% depending on conditions. Therefore, optimizing filter number and flow rate is essential to maximize the filtration performance.

Comprehensive Review on Technical Developments of Methanol-Fuel-Based Spark Ignition Engines to Improve the Performance, Combustion, and Emissions

Abstract Methanol (CH3OH) is emerging as a viable alternative to fossil-based fuels, addressing the increasing global energy demand while promoting sustainability. The spark ignition (SI) engines are widely used to run the automobile sector. Methanol as a widely available and cheap source of energy can be strongly replaced with expensive and limited fossil-based fuels to power the SI engines. The prime objective of this study is to evaluate the advancements made in improving the fuel blends, performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of methanol-fueled SI engines. The investigation commences by examining the various technical improvements implemented in methanol-fueled SI engines to optimize their overall performance. These developments include advancements in fuel blends, engine design, combustion strategies, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, engine load, etc. The impacts of these developments on the performance parameters including brake thermal efficiency, power output, torque, fuel efficiency, thermal efficiency, etc., combustion parameters including ignition delay, combustion duration, heat release rate, in-cylinder pressure and temperature, etc., emission parameters including hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, unburned methanol, etc., is reviewed comprehensively. The effectiveness of emission control techniques and the potential for meeting stringent environmental regulations are explored. The review paper then considers the wider implications of methanol-fueled SI engines by examining their technical, environmental, economic, and renewable applications. The technical aspects cover the compatibility of methanol-fueled SI engines with existing infrastructure and the associated challenges and opportunities. The environmental considerations delve into the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the overall sustainability of methanol as a renewable fuel. Finally, the research direction of methanol SI engines is discussed, highlighting the emerging trends and prospects in this field. The review paper concludes with recommendations for further research and development, addressing the key areas that require attention to unlock the full potential of methanol as an efficient and sustainable fuel for SI engines.

How does the green credit policy affect corporate ESG performance?

This study employed the difference-in-difference (DID) method to examine the impact of the 2012 Green Credit Guidelines (GCG) policy on enterprises' ESG performance. The findings demonstrated that, compared to enterprises in non-heavily polluted industries, highly polluting enterprises were compelled by the GCG policy to strategically enhance their environmental performance due to financial constraints and the effects of environmental disclosure. This affected the ESG performance. However, the effects on social and governance performance were not significantly different. Additionally, the GCG policy had a notably positive impact on the ESG performance of state-owned, large, and mature companies, while it negatively affected the ESG performance of companies in the growth phase. The effective implementation of the policy was supported by stringent environmental regulations and a high degree of financial development. Finally, based on the empirical results, this study offers recommendations for policy adjustments, raising enterprise awareness, and improving the external environment.

The environmental consequences of national Audit governance: An analysis based on county-level data in China

Recent years have witnessed growing public concern over air pollution in China, posing a challenge to the government's environmental management efforts. Empirical evidence indicates that the digital economy contributes to mitigating environmental pollution. Given that national audits are a crucial part of the national oversight system and considering the significant role of digital technology in audit governance, it is relevant to explore how the digital economy can support national audits in enhancing China's environmental quality. This study investigates the environmental impact of national audit governance, utilizing a dataset from 1540 counties in China spanning from 2005 to 2018. The findings reveal that effective national audits contribute to reducing haze pollution (HP) levels, with the digital economy playing a moderating role. The results also demonstrate heterogeneity; national audits are particularly effective in regions characterized by high urbanization rates, severe HP, and stringent environmental regulations. The mechanism analysis suggests that industrial transformation and enhanced government governance are the key mechanisms through which national audits reduce regional HP. Additionally, reforming the audit management system can amplify the effects of national audits on reducing HP.

CEO gender and climate change commitment: The mediating effect of environmental regulation perception

AbstractThis study delves into the influence of CEO gender on climate change commitment within SMEs in the Mediterranean region. Utilizing data from the sixth wave of the BEEPS survey (2018–2020), we explore the mediating role of environmental regulation perception in this context. Our findings align with social role theory, indicating that women demonstrate heightened ecological and communal behavior, driven by their perception of environmental regulations. We reveal a full mediation link within the EU Mediterranean region, where environmental regulation perception explains women's commitment to environmental causes. However, in the EU neighborhood, we identify a direct significant effect of CEO gender on SMEs' engagement with climate change, particularly in terms of controlling CO2 emissions. Our study sheds light on the limited presence of women in top management positions in the Mediterranean region. Additionally, we highlight the scarcity of environmental regulations for SMEs in the EU neighborhood, with the perception of these regulations as barriers hindering proactive climate change strategies. Therefore, governmental authorities need to develop more stringent environmental regulations while taking into account the financial capacities of SMEs. Providing ecological business education before implementing new regulations could also be beneficial. The study carries significant managerial and social implications, emphasizing the necessity of diverse leadership to promote sustainability and underscoring the importance of tailored regulatory initiatives for effective climate action.