Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Farm Waste Management and Recycling for Negative Carbon Sink in Agriculture: A Review

The increase in global agricultural production generates a considerable amount of agriculture wastes which constitutes nuisance of environment’s population health and contributing in the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. However, well-managed waste mitigates these countries GHGs emissions. This chapter provides an overview of the different types of waste from agricultural activities; their composition and their sustainable management for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This review highlights the importance of sustainable management of agricultural waste for limiting greenhouse gas emissions by analyzing their contribution to improve the physicochemical properties; soil fertility and their role in order to enhance the capacity of soils to sequester organic carbon.

EU Railways: Contribution to Decarbonisation Solution

The EU transport system is entering the next phase of fundamental transformation. The railways are becoming one of the key tools for implementing the Green Deal and solving ecological problems for the period up to 2050. A range of documents aimed at advancing the realisation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) was adopted at the Union level in recent years. Transfer a large proportion of transport from road and aviation to rail, multimodal transportation, advanced construction and modernisation of high-speed railway lines (HSR) are the priorities of the policy. This article has a twofold objective. First, it analyses the condition and market environment of the railways. Second, it investigates the possibilities of implementing the TEN-T program to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase multimodal transportation and the construction/upgrading new HSR. The results suggest that a set of obstacles impede GHG emissions reduction in the shifting of transport from road and aviation to rail, multimodal transportation and the construction of HSR. The main trend is that rail transport activity in the EU remained almost constant from 2010 to 2022 with a slight increase in passenger transport and some structural changes. Within the next 25 years, the most tangible impact for the EU economy, ecology and society of all modes of transport can be provided by HSR expansion. The author concludes that in order to form the Union Transport and Economic Space, deep institutional reforms on the railways are needed with special focus on the introduction of uniform standards, norms and regulations for all participating countries.

Features of Indonesia’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy

The purpose of the article is to identify trends and features of the development of a low-carbon economy and climate control tools in Indonesia using methods of content analysis, quantitative and comparative assessment. Climate goals declared for the period up to 2030 and 2050 are analyzed and there has been a rise in climate ambitions, based largely on measures to decarbonise the land and forestry sector. The peculiarity of Indonesia's climate goals is that they are defined relative to a business-as-usual scenario, which assumes the current rate of growth in greenhouse gas emissions and are calculated subject to the provision of international financial assistance. The long-term strategy for low-carbon development until 2050 is considered and government priorities in the field of climate regulation are identified. While forced to maintain coal generation as its long-term energy backbone, Indonesia is seeking to pursue other avenues: introducing carbon pricing, incentivizing renewable energy, increasing production of electric vehicles, and developing and deploying carbon capture technology. By providing state support to priority areas, Indonesia actively takes advantage of the opportunities provided by international financial organizations to finance climate projects. It is concluded that the long-term low-carbon development strategy and associated climate goals in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the time frame for achieving carbon neutrality are quite moderate, since they are based on a comparison with the business-as-usual scenario. With this approach to strategic planning, it will be possible to achieve the set goals by implementing measures only in the land and forestry sector, while the volume of greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors may not decrease, but increase in absolute terms. This approach is explained by national interests and the desire to preserve coal generation in the energy sector.

Developing a Green Nursing Practice in a Profession That Contributes to Climate Change: One Nurse's Journey.

The health care industry accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with hospitals being the largest contributor. Critical care units create 3 times the greenhouse emissions of other hospital patient care units. Health care contributions to environmental harm include medical waste disposal, toxicant exposure, and pollutants. Integrating green practices into hospitals, especially in intensive care units, can seem overwhelming, with barriers including time constraints, lack of leadership and organizational support, and ignorance of green practices. Nursing is a socially responsible discipline committed to improving the health of individuals and communities; values of environmental stewardship and the desire to minimize poor health outcomes caused by climate change do not always align with hospital policies or clinician practices. This article addresses how nurses can confront the complex environmental problems in the workplace, apply sustainability principles to develop a green nursing practice, and collectively influence the future of national and global health.

Network governance of collaborative innovation: a bipartite network perspective

ABSTRACT Collaborative innovation is a growing field in public management studies. Considering the significant impact of buildings on society’s greenhouse gas emissions, how to promote the greening of buildings has become an important arena for public-private collaborative innovation. Using China’s Green Building Innovation Awards as the dataset, this study adopts a bipartite network perspective to distinguish between non-market organization (NMO)-firm and firm-firm collaborations. The findings extend collaborative innovation literature by revealing the nuanced effects of network embeddedness and provide implications for improving the effectiveness of ‘hands-on’ metagovernance by leveraging the facilitator role of NMOs and avoiding the over-embeddedness of firms.

IMPACTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH FOREST PRESERVATION IN THE AMAZON AND CERRADO BIOMES IN BRAZIL

Brazil is a major agricultural producer and exporter, with agribusiness accounting for 26.6% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The growth of agriculture is the result of increased agricultural productivity and expansion over native vegetation. Deforestation causes direct and indirect changes in land use and increases in gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Brazil has ambitious GHG mitigation and deforestation reduction goals, facing a possible tradeoff between environmental conservation and economic growth. The main objective of this research was to analyze the economic and environmental impacts of “Green Growth” scenarios in the main Brazilian biomes. The model built and used for this analysis, the Brazilian Biomes, Land Use and Emissions Economic Model (BLUME), brings important methodological advances for integrated economic modeling with environmental aspects in Brazil. The results indicate that simulated policies would be able to avoid part of national emissions at a relatively small cost compared to national GDP.

Robustness-Based Evaluation of GHG Emissions and Energy Use at Neighborhood Level

Evaluating neighborhood performance is crucial for achieving long-term zero-carbon goals, enabling efficient energy, cost, and resource sharing among buildings. This task requires balancing multiple criteria and managing uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of performance robustness alongside high performance. This article introduces a flexible multi-criteria approach for evaluating neighborhood performance, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use across different life cycle stages. Flytårnet, a Norwegian neighborhood with zero-emission ambitions, serves as a case study. The methodology incorporates the T-robust method, an established robustness-based approach, to select high-performance, resilient neighborhood designs under various uncertainties. Results indicate that when assessing buildings as key components and considering energy delivered during the operational phase, including photovoltaic generation, the supplied energy ranges from 25 to 80 kWh/m2/year. Over a 60-year period, life cycle GHG emissions span from 4 to 12 kg CO2-eq./m2/year, accounting for uncertainties and encompassing material production and replacement, as well as energy consumption and generation. However, the optimal design choice varies based on whether life cycle stages beyond the use stage are considered. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers and designers seeking effective neighborhood designs in early-stage planning, considering diverse and conflicting performance criteria to achieve zero-emission goals.

Contribution of goats to climate change: how and where?

This review examines the contribution of domestic goats (Capra hircus) to climate change, particularly through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The review seeks to outline the global numerical importance and physical characteristics of domestic goats; Compare goats with other main livestock species in terms of their climate impacts; Assess the types of environments and farmers most likely to raise goats; Investigate the climate change impacts of raising goats, focusing on variables such as feed sources, management systems (intensive vs. extensive), and methodologies used to measure these impacts. The conclusion is that the negative reputation of goats needs to be re-evaluated, given their importance to poorer farm families and the potential overstatement or misunderstanding of their climate impact. Goats are the third most common ungulate livestock globally, with an estimated population of 1.1 billion. They are particularly suited to harsh environments due to their physiological advantages, such as efficient utilization of fibrous woody material and resilience to extreme climates. Goats are crucial for poorer farmers, especially in lower and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. They provide milk, meat, and other products, are readily sold and have low labour requirements, making them ideal for families with limited resources. Goats emit less methane per unit body weight compared to other ruminants like cattle and sheep. However, the extent of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions varies significantly based on their diet, management system (extensive vs. intensive), and environmental conditions. Extensive systems, where goats forage on natural pastures, may result in low GHG emissions per unit of land area due to carbon sequestration and minimal reliance on high-energy feed. Intensive systems, which use more cultivated energy feed, produce lower methane emissions per unit of product but incur carbon costs arising from feed production. In sum, this review suggests that the negative reputation of goats regarding climate change may be overstated or misunderstood. More research is needed to accurately measure the GHG impacts of goats, considering factors like feed quality, management practices, and carbon sequestration.

Greenhouse Gas Footprints of Nations Significantly Reshaped by Sink Changes.

In addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sources, GHG removal by sinks is essential in achieving the net zero target by 2050. Both the GHG sources and sinks are influenced by local and remote socioeconomic activities through international trade. However, the impacts of international trade on global net GHG emissions remain unknown. This study estimates net GHG emissions of nations from the consumption perspective, considering both GHG sources and sinks influenced by human activities. Results show that 26% of global net GHG emissions were embodied in international trade. GHG footprints in tropical nations would be significantly underestimated if only sources are considered and sink changes are neglected, especially in Indonesia (counting 65% of its GHG footprints) and Africa (44%). After considering sink changes, the consumption of processed foods and animal products exerted larger impacts on GHG footprints of tropical nations, which is mainly attributed to emissions from forest conversion; and the GHG leakage through international trade from tropical nations (e.g., Indonesia) to other nations (e.g., India and the United States) was more prominent. These results highlight the importance of sink changes in assessing GHG footprints. They can offer new insights into expediting the achievement of the net zero target.

Energy use, emission rate and economic growth linkages among Asian superpowers

The paper explores the relationship between energy use, economic growth and emission rates for Asian giants such as China, India and Japan. As these countries are the regional economic powers and also the major global carbon emitters, it is inevitable to conduct a research study to find the possible relationship between energy use, emission and growth among these countries by the panel data analysis over the period from 1991 to 2020. Higher energy usage increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in countries, with agricultural sectors, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and urban populations contributing significantly. Energy use influences economic growth and emission levels, positively affecting GHG emissions. Furthermore, current initiatives taken by these three Asian superpowers for net zero carbon emission and relevant suggestions are also highlighted for emission reduction without compromising the economic growth and sustainable use of energy resources.

Methane emission reduction through hydrogen blending in a large bore 2-stroke lean-burn natural gas compressor engine

Impending and increasingly stringent emissions regulations regarding natural gas compressor engines drive the research behind blending hydrogen with natural gas to make these internal combustion engines and their combustion process more efficient. This investigation seeks to answer two fundamental questions: will blending hydrogen with natural gas reduce overall engine fuel consumption, and can greenhouse gas emissions be reduced by blending hydrogen with natural gas? A 4-cylinder Cooper–Bessemer GMV engine, housed at Colorado State University’s Powerhouse facility, was investigated for hydrogen–natural gas blending using multiple engine configurations. A lean-burn engine uses an active pre-combustion chamber as its ignition source, along with electronically activated high pressure fuel injection in the main combustion chamber. One configuration tested utilized high-pressure fuel injection and blending in hydrogen, up to 40% by volume, in both the main chamber and pre-combustion chamber fuel supplies. A second configuration, where the main combustion chamber fuel was solely natural gas and only the pre-combustion chamber received hydrogen-blended natural gas, was also tested. The final configuration to be tested used low pressure fuel injection with mechanically actuated valves in the main chamber with a traditional spark plug ignition source. All engine configurations saw reductions in methane emissions of up to 30% using blended natural gas and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emissions were also shown to be reduced for the two configurations. A reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption of up to 2% was also seen for two configurations. These results support the hypothesis that blending hydrogen into natural gas can reduce engine total fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

High Efficiency in Clean Hydrogen Production Using Water and AlLi Phases Prepared by Mechanical Alloying

In this work, the results of clean hydrogen production from the direct chemical reaction between aluminum–lithium compounds and distilled water under normal conditions, without additives or catalysts, are presented. The material was prepared by mechanical alloying using a high-energy Spex-type mill in an Al20Li ratio. Relatively short milling times were programmed for the preparation of AlLi phases. Through this process, two phases (AlLi and Al8.9Li1.1) were identified, which react efficiently to produce clean hydrogen. The experiments demonstrate fast and self-sustained reactions between AlLi phases and distilled water. In both the phase preparation and hydrogen generation, 100% efficiency was achieved. The hydrolysis reaction occurred quickly, and the hydrogen volume generated was 1700 mL/g of material. Under these conditions, aluminum generates 1390 mL of hydrogen, and lithium generates 310 mL/g from both AlLi phases. A single by-product (LiAl2(OH)7·2H2O) was identified. According to the results and the conditions applied in this research, the hydrogen produced does not require prior purification and can therefore be used directly in fuel cells. The AlLi–water reaction is a promising process for generating hydrogen in a simple and relatively short time compared to other hydrogen production methods. In this process, no greenhouse gas emissions were produced.

Greenhouse gas and volatile organic compound emissions of additive-treated whole-plant maize silage: part B—aerobic storage period and carbon footprint of silage additive use

BackgroundSilage emits climate- and environment-relevant gases during anaerobic fermentation and aerobic feed-out periods. This trial should determine the unknown CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, ethanol and ethyl acetate emissions of constant maize silage over both periods. The results will be published in two consecutive articles (Part A: anaerobic fermentation period; Part B: aerobic storage period).MethodsThree silage treatments were observed (n = 4): The untreated control (CON) was compared to the chemical additive treatment (CHE; 0.5 g sodium benzoate and 0.3 g potassium sorbate per kg fresh matter) and the biological additive treatment (BIO; 1 × 108 colony-forming units Lentilactobacillus buchneri and 1 × 107 colony-forming units Lactiplantibacillus plantarum per kg fresh matter). During the two aerobic emission measurement periods (AEMP), the silos were ventilated mechanically to supply 2–6 (L air) min–1 to the two faces of the material (150.6 kg dry matter m–3). AEMP1 (duration 14 days) began on ensiling day 30, AEMP2 (19 days) on day 135.ResultsIn AEMP1, aerobic stability differed among the treatments (p < 0.05): 5.17 ± 0.75 days for CON, 6.33 ± 0.15 days for BIO, and 7.33 ± 0.57 days for CHE. In AEMP2, only CON showed a temperature increase of 2 K above ambient temperature after 7.75 ± 0.31 days. BIO and CHE indicated higher ethanol and ethyl acetate emission rates during the first period of the heating process. Furthermore, 20.0%–70.4% of ethanol and 169.0%–953.6% of ethyl acetate quantities present in the material at the silo opening emitted as gases.ConclusionMethane and nitrous oxide emissions during anaerobic fermentation exceeded the quantities during aerobic storage in all treatments. However, compared with those of crop production, the total climate-relevant CO2eq emissions are small. Microbial respiration during heating leads to climate-neutral CO2 emissions and dry matter losses. Minimising these losses is promising for mitigating climate-relevant emissions directly during silage storage and indirectly during crop production since less forage input is needed. Thus, silage additives can help improve the silage carbon footprint by improving aerobic stability and silage deterioration.Graphical

Is it green? Designing a blockchain-based certification system for the EU hydrogen market

Energy production and consumption are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, exacerbating one of the greatest challenges faced by modern societies: climate change. Thus, societies must switch to more sustainable energy sources. Green hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative energy carrier, facilitating storage and utilization across various industries. However, amidst different production processes, solely sustainable electrolysis stands out as an environmentally benign production method. Hydrogen producers must prove provenance and sustainable production to regulatory bodies and hydrogen buyers to comply with the regulations for sustainable development. Blockchain provides a viable solution encompassing trustworthy and secure information sharing between untrusted partners. In this article, we employ a design science research approach to develop a blockchain-based certification system (BLC-CS) for green hydrogen. Through collaboration with experts to gather requirements and conduct evaluations, we design an artifact that streamlines the certification process for producers, regulators, and consumers. Our proposed solution facilitates information gathering, verification, and reporting, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy practices. We provide a comprehensive discussion of the BLC-CS’s feasibility for green hydrogen certification, including technical extensions, recommendations for practitioners, and directions for future research.

Impact of Biochar on Nitrogen-Cycling Functional Genes: A Comparative Study in Mollisol and Alkaline Soils

Biochar has gained considerable attention as a sustainable soil amendment due to its potential to enhance soil fertility and mitigate nitrogen (N) losses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar application on the abundance of key N-cycling genes in Mollisol and alkaline soils, focusing on nitrification (AOA, AOB, and nxrB) and denitrification (narG, norB, and nosZ) processes. The experiment was conducted using soybean rhizosphere soil. The results demonstrated that biochar significantly altered the microbial community structure by modulating the abundance of these functional genes. Specifically, biochar reduced narG and nosZ abundance in both soil types, indicating a potential reduction in N2O emissions. In contrast, it promoted the abundance of nxrB, particularly in alkaline soils, suggesting enhanced nitrite oxidation. The study also revealed strong correlations between N-cycling gene abundances and soil properties such as pH, EC (electrical conductivity. Biochar improved soil pH and nutrient availability, creating favorable conditions for AOB and Nitrospira populations, which play key roles in ammonia and nitrite oxidation. Additionally, the reduction in norB/nosZ ratios in biochar-treated soils suggests a shift towards more efficient N2O reduction. These findings highlight biochar’s dual role in enhancing soil fertility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Mollisol and alkaline soils. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of agricultural soils through biochar application, emphasizing its potential to optimize nitrogen-cycling processes and improve soil health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of biochar on microbial communities and nitrogen-cycling under field conditions.

The Role of Small Modular Reactors in the Energy Transition to Decarbonization

The global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while meeting the rising demand for electricity, has led to a growing interest in less polluting energy sources. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) emerge as a key innovation in nuclear power, offering enhanced safety, transportability, and cost-effectiveness. This paper explores the role of SMRs in advancing decarbonization and strengthening energy security, with a focus on their potential deployment in the EU, including with the aim to achieve climate targets and ensure a stable electricity supply. The study evaluates various SMR designs using the International Atomic Energy Agency’s reactor technology assessment toolkit, considering factors such as safety, economic viability, and regulatory challenges. The findings highlight the critical role of informed decision-making in the successful integration of SMRs into national energy grids, addressing both technical and public perception issues. This paper also underscores the importance of SMRs in creating a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Life Cycle Assessment of Microalgae-Based Products for Carbon Dioxide Utilization in Thailand: Biofertilizer, Fish Feed, and Biodiesel

Background Microalgae-based products offer a sustainable solution for food, fuel, and agricultural inputs, presenting environmental benefits and economic opportunities. A comprehensive assessment is needed to understand their potential in supporting sustainability goals, considering the complex interplay between production methods, energy sources, and environmental impacts. Methods This study evaluated the environmental impacts of three microalgae-derived products – biodiesel, fish feed, and biofertilizer – through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. Nine scenarios were explored comparing three electricity profiles (current Thai mix, 50% renewable/50% current mix hybrid, 100% renewable) across the three products. The assessment evaluated environmental impacts and potential economic benefits of transitioning to these microalgae-based alternatives. Results and discussion All products demonstrated potential for significant environmental benefits under increased renewable energy scenarios. Fish feed consistently exhibited the lowest environmental impacts across all categories examined, showing substantial improvements with increased renewable energy use. With an annual demand of 0.4 million tonnes, fish feed could generate USD 560 million in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tonnes. Fulfilling the projected biodiesel demand of 4,015 million liters per year through microalgae production could yield approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes compared to conventional fossil-based diesel. Additionally, algal biofertilizer production could meet a 5 million tonnes annual demand, offering USD 2 billion in revenue while reducing CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes yearly. Collectively, these products could offset 37 million tonnes of CO2, representing about 14% of Thailand’s total CO2 emissions, contributing significantly to the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 20-30% greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Conclusion Transitioning to microalgae-based products could transform the aquaculture, energy, and agricultural sectors, potentially supporting the national climate change mitigation goals, if implemented.

Highly Efficient Process for Producing a Jet-A1 Biofuel Component Through Hydroprocessing Soybean Oil over Ni and Pt Catalysts

This study presents an efficient process for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from soybean oil through hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and hydroisomerization (HI). The research utilized a commercial nickel catalyst for the HDO step, and a newly developed platinum catalyst supported on SAPO-11 zeolite for the hydroisomerization (HI) stage. The process parameters, including temperature and pressure, were optimized to maximize conversion efficiency and meet ASTM D7566 standards. The results indicate that the HDO process using the nickel catalyst achieved a high yield of n-alkanes (97.8% ± 0.4%) with complete conversion of triglycerides. In the subsequent hydroisomerization step, the platinum catalyst demonstrated excellent selectivity for Jet-A1 fuel, yielding a bio-jet fraction of 87.5% ± 1.6% in a 200 h continuous test. This study also highlights the minimal coking phenomena and high catalyst stability throughout the process. This work suggests that soybean oil, as a readily available feedstock, could significantly contribute to the production of SAF and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector. Additionally, the optimization of temperature and pressure conditions is crucial for enhancing the yield and quality of the final bio-jet product.

Agroforestry Systems: A Pathway to Resilient and Productive Landscapes

Agroforestry, the integration of trees, crops, and livestock on the same land, offers a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental challenges. This review highlights the important role agroforestry systems play in promoting resilient and productive landscapes, particularly in the face of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Agroforestry systems, including alley cropping, silvopasture, and home gardens, provide significant ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, water conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. These systems not only stabilize microclimates and reduce soil erosion but also improve soil fertility and water infiltration, making them vital for climate adaptation. Socio-economically, agroforestry diversifies income sources for smallholder farmers by generating products like timber, fruits, and fodder, while contributing to food security through year-round crop availability and improved nutrition. Despite these benefits, the adoption of agroforestry faces substantial barriers, including socio-cultural resistance, knowledge gaps, inadequate policy support, and limited access to markets and credit. High initial costs, perceived risks, and competition for resources between trees and crops further impede its widespread implementation. Addressing these challenges requires enhancing extension services, policy reforms, financial incentives, and market access to support smallholder farmers. Future directions emphasize integrating agroforestry into national agricultural policies and climate action plans, supported by research on optimizing species selection, pest management, and sustainable resource use. By the synergies between agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals, agroforestry presents a viable pathway for transforming agricultural systems into more resilient, productive, and sustainable models. Scaling up agroforestry can help restore degraded lands, sequester carbon, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Electric vehicle adoption in Generation Z: Drivers of Hungarian higher education students' attitude

AbstractThe transition to electric vehicles has become an urgent priority due to their lower environmental impact. The automotive industry has already developed solutions for zero-emission vehicles to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this transition heavily depends on the evolution of consumer demand. This paper focuses on Generation Z, as they will soon become a determining consumer segment in the automotive market. Our research aims to analyze Generation Z's attitude toward electric vehicles. Their attitude provides valuable insights for industry leaders regarding future consumer behavior. We analyzed the relationship between selected adoption factors (environmental concern, perceived risk, ease of use, and enjoyment) and Generation Z's attitude toward electric vehicles (measured by perceived relative advantage). Our research is based on data from Hungarian Generation Z respondents, and our findings conclude that environmental concern is less relevant than enjoyment and ease of use, which are the most impactful factors.