Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption Among Smallholder Crop Producers in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a transformative approach to farming that aims to meet the demands of increasing food production under the growing pressures of climate change. CSA’s goals are to boost agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the study explored farmers’ socio-demographic factors influencing the adoption of CSA in sustainable crop production. The study was carried out in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province of South Africa, with a focus on smallholder crop producers in the area. The study surveyed 300 smallholder farmers and employed simple random sampling, structured questionnaires, and a binary logistic regression model for data analysis. The significant and positive socio-demographic variables relevant to the adoption of climate-smart practices were level of education (p < 0.014), household size (p < 0.007), farm experience (p < 0.053), and farmland fertility (p < 0.047). Therefore, for CSA practices to be adopted by smallholder crop producers, a targeted approach is needed to address this issue. Therefore, support and training are needed to bridge the literacy gap among smallholder crop producers with the overall aim of improving their understanding of climate change and CSA practices that can mitigate the effects of climate change.

A Study on Evaluating Impact of Environmental Concern on Intention to Use Eco Friendly Public Transport

In India, eco-friendly public transportation such as electric buses, metro systems, and ride-sharing schemes is progressively growing to lower emissions and ease traffic in cities. Reduced air pollution, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, better public health, and more sustainable urban mobility are all advantages of eco-friendly public transportation that help create a cleaner and healthier environment. Concern for the environment is a reflection of people's knowledge and concern for environmental issues, which shapes their decisions towards sustainable practices. This study is motivated with the focus to promote sustainable urban mobility in India by determining how environmental concerns affect the intention to use eco-friendly public transport. The technique used in the current study is Structural Equation Model. The findings of the study indicated that there is a significant impact of environmental concern on intention to use eco-friendly public transport.

Перспективи впровадження технології прямого відновлення заліза для декарбонізації металургійних підприємств

The metallurgical manufacturing is one of the most carbon-intensive sectors globally, accounting for over 7% of greenhouse gas emissions. The Ukrainian metallurgical industry, a strategic source of foreign revenue and an essential element of the country's economic stability, currently faces significant challenges due to the need to adapt to climate obligations outlined in the Paris Agreement, as well as the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the European Union. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for implementing direct reduced iron (DRI) technology in Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises as an effective pathway for steel decarbonization. A comparison is made between traditional methods grounded in blast furnaces and oxygen converters and the DRI technology with natural gas, coal, syngas, and hydrogen. The main advantages of implementing DRI are identified, along with the infrastructural, technological, and financial barriers that is necessary to be overcome for effective decarbonization of Ukraine’s metallurgical sector. Keywords: decarbonization, metallurgy, steel, direct recovery of iron, hydrogen, greenhouse gases, CBAM, Ukraine.

Terrestrial dissolved organic matter inputs affect the nitrous oxide emission revealed by FT-ICR MS

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from lake systems could be affected via intrusion of terrestrial organic matter, causing impairment in biogeochemical cycling. The sources and mechanisms by which DOM (Dissolved organic matter) alters emissions of N2O are poorly understood. Here, we simulate different terrestrial DOM (anthropogenic sources, natural sources, and surface runoff) to assess the mechanisms affecting N2O emissions with variations of DOM. We used a combination of absorption spectroscopy, excitation-emission matrix fluorescence, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to characterize DOM comprehensively. For the characterization of DOM, a combination of absorption spectroscopy, excitation-emission matrix fluorescence, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was used. Microbial analysis was conducted to identify the potential microbial mechanisms. Different terrestrial DOM inputs primarily impact N2O emissions through the denitrification process (14.52 %, p < 0.05), with significant effects on the abundance of narG (12.97 %, p < 0.05) and nirK+S (10.13 %, p < 0.05). The biodegradable components in sediments directly promote N2O emissions, while in aquatic systems, the labile components (proteins, sugars, and lipids-like) were preferentially metabolized, producing reluctant derivatives. The biodegradable components (i.e., protein-like) from anthropogenic sources rapidly facilitate N2O production. Natural and surface runoff sources were the significant drivers for the continuous release and metabolism of DOM. N2O Loss emissions are negatively influenced by the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism by nitrifiers and denitrifies in the sediment (p < 0.001). Metabolism of carbon and nitrogen regulated by nitrifier and denitrifies in the sediments negatively influences N2O flux (p < 0.001). N2O emissions were mainly influenced by bioavailability of inputs: DOM and varying terrestrial conditions. The results provide a theoretical base for the management of greenhouse gas emissions from lakes.

Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Spring Maize Yields in the Loess Plateau

Using daily climate projection data from Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) and the Sixth International Coupled Model Comparison Program (cmip6) Scenario Model Comparison Program (ScenarioMIP), the impacts of climate change on maize yields in Yuzhong were assessed under two future social development pathways, namely, SSP126 (low greenhouse gas-emitting sustainable development) and SSP585 (high GHG-emitting conventional development) two future social development pathways, the impacts of climate change on maize yields in Gansu were assessed. It was found that under the baseline and SSP126、SSP585 climatic conditions, spring maize yield was 206 kg ha-1 higher in the N200 treatment than in the N150 treatment, and 736 kg ha-1 and 373 kg ha-1 in the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively, and that increasing N application could effectively increase yield. There were significant spatial and temporal differences in the effect of climate change on spring maize yield under the same N application level treatment, when the N application level was 150 kg ha-1, compared with the baseline (1980~2014) regional spring maize annual average yield increased by 1335 kg ha-1 (SSP126) and 516 kg ha-1 (SSP585); when the N application level was 200 kg ha-1 (SSP126) and 683 kg ha-1 (SSP585); when the N application level was 200 kg ha-1, the average annual spring maize yield increased by 1865 kg ha-1 (SSP126) and 683 kg ha-1 (SSP585) compared to the baseline region, and the regional climatic changes favored the production of spring maize, and the effect of the yield increase was higher in SSP126 than in the SSP585 climatic scenario.

APPROXIMATE CALCULATION OF N2O FORMATION IN HETEROTROPHIC DENITRIFICATION PROCESSES OF WASTEWATER DURING BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT

This article addresses the important ecological issue of quantitatively determining greenhouse gas emissions – nitrous oxide – from municipal wastewater treatment facilities, which is a factor in global climate change. Data from scientific research indicate that deep biological treatment of nitrogen compounds at wastewater treatment facilities significantly contributes to the gross emissions of nitrous oxide from industrial facilities. Direct measurements of nitrous oxide emissions from biological treatment facilities in Ukraine have not been conducted. The aim of this study is to assess the potential emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O during the biological treatment of municipal wastewater in aeration tanks operating under the traditional, non-zoned scheme in Ukraine, which ensures deep nitrification. The study was conducted at municipal wastewater treatment facilities equipped with 3-channel aeration tanks. The process of wastewater treatment in aeration tanks operating under the traditional non-zoned scheme is fully aerobic and characterized by deep nitrification. Measurements of hydrochemical indicators of wastewater composition (BOD5, N–NH4, N–NO2, and N–NO3, Kjeldahl nitrogen) were carried out using certified methods in an accredited laboratory. It was found that biological treatment of municipal wastewater exclusively under aerobic conditions does not effectively remove nitrates from the wastewater. The nitrogen balance in incoming and treated wastewater was calculated, and the formation of N2O in the processes of suppressed denitrification was quantitatively determined. The consumption of nitrogen for the formation of excess activated sludge biomass, the efficiency of nitrification to nitrates, and the probable formation of N2O as a result of inhibition of the final heterotrophic denitrification reaction (reduction of N2O to N2) were calculated. The results showed that the maximum value of the N2O emission coefficient (the ratio of formed N2O to the concentration of total nitrogen entering the treatment process) at the studied facility could range from 3.24 % to 6.47 %, which is consistent with direct measurement data conducted at operating treatment facilities by foreign scientists. The study results confirm that modern technologies for deep biological wastewater treatment should consider not only effective removal of biogenic elements but also the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Assessment of the Ecological State of Leachate from the Largest landfill of Georgia and Its Impact on Climate Change

Over the past decade the municipal solid waste management status in Georgia remained at the stage of mixed waste collection and disposal in landfills having negative impacts on entire ecosystem. It results the formation of large amounts of leachate, methane gas, potential resource depletion and is potential to health hazards. Landfill leads to groundwater contamination, soil &amp; land pollution, harm to animals exposing to harmful materials &amp; foods. Landfills are vulnerable to accidental fires due to the methane produced by decomposing organic waste, financial costs that can be expensive for municipalities or city councils and taxpayers. The aim of this study is to assess the adversee impact of leachate management technology on water resources, as well as on climate change. For utilisation of leachate in this research, the technology of distributing the collected leachate over the surface of the landfill is used. The main objectives include, the study of physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of leachate and the calculation of GHG (methane) emissions from sedimentation systems/tanks/reservoirs of leachate. Physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of leachate water indicates that the concentrations of organic, biogenic and microbiological parameters in research samples exceed limits of discharge by ten times. In this study, for the first time an index of water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions was calculated for leachate of the biggest landfill in Georgia. Leachates belong to class VII according to water pollution index. Emission of methane from leachate for 2024-year estimated as 5% additionally to total methane emissions from the studied landfill.

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Hospital Staff and Patients on Environmental Sustainability in the Operating Room: Quality Improvement Survey Study.

In Canada, the health care system has been estimated to generate 33 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Health care systems, specifically operating rooms (ORs), are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, using 3 to 6 times more energy than the hospital's average unit. This quality improvement study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of staff members and patients on sustainability in the OR, as well as identify opportunities for initiatives and barriers to implementation. A total of 2 surveys were developed, consisting of 27 questions for staff members and 22 questions for patients and caregivers. Topics included demographics, knowledge and attitudes regarding environmental sustainability, opportunities for initiatives, and perceived barriers. Multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions were used. A total of 174 staff members and 37 patients participated. The majority (152/174, 88%) of staff members had received no and minimal training on sustainability, while 93% (162/174) cited practicing sustainability at work as moderately to extremely important. Among patients and caregivers, 54% (20/37) often or always noticed when a hospital is being eco-friendly. Both staff members and patients agreed that improving sustainability would boost satisfaction (125/174, 71.8% and 22/37, 59.4%, respectively) and hospital reputation (22/37, 59.4% and 25/37, 69.5%, respectively). The staff members' highest-rated environmental initiatives included transitioning to reusables, education, and improved energy consumption, while patients prioritized increased nature, improved food sourcing, and education. Perceived barriers to these initiatives included cost, lack of education, and lack of incentives. Staff members and patients and caregivers in a large academic health care center acknowledge the significance of environmental sustainability in the OR. While they do not perceive a direct impact on patient care, they anticipate positive effects on satisfaction and hospital reputation. Aligning initiatives with staff members and patient and caregiver preferences can help drive meaningful change within the OR and beyond.

Waste Management and Recycle Practices in the Hotel Industry

Background: In the current era of eco-friendly and environmental strategies, waste practices like recycling offer potential benefits for the hotel industry. However, research supporting the financial advantages of these practices is still lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the waste management which is being produced by the hotel sector and recycle practices which are adopted by the hotel. The study also evaluates the potential environmental benefits of recycling, particularly in relation to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Methodology: Primary data was collected via a questionnaire distributed to 37 hotels, of which 22 expressed interests in completing the questionnaire and participating in face-to-face interviews. SPSS was used for the data analysis and thematic analysis used for analyzing the interview data. Locale of the study was Delhi NCR, Region. Results: The paper’s findings reveal a total waste volume of 584.33 units, with 212.16 units distributed across the different categories such as plastic bottles, other plastic, aluminum etc. The results suggest that hotels need to implement more stringent recycling practices, which would not only benefit the environment but also unlock potential financial advantages. Additionally, promoting guest involvement in recycling initiatives is advised to improve cost-effectiveness and profitability within the industry. Conclusion: Effective waste management and recycling practices are essential for enhancing sustainability in the hotel industry.

Wave climate projections off coastal French Guiana based on high-resolution modelling over the Atlantic Ocean

Global warming is altering the atmosphere and ocean dynamics worldwide, including patterns in the generation and propagation of ocean waves, which are important drivers of coastal evolution, flood risk, and renewable energy. In French Guiana (northern South America), where most of the population is concentrated in coastal areas, understanding future wave climate change is critical for regional development, planning and adaptation purposes. The most energetic waves typically occur in boreal winter, in the form of long-distance swell originating from the mid-latitude North Atlantic Ocean. However, existing high-resolution wave climate projections that cover the French Guiana region focus on the hurricane season only (summer-fall). In this study, we used a state-of-the-art basin-scale spectral wave model and wind fields from a high-resolution atmospheric global climate model to simulate present and future winter (November to April) wave climate offshore of French Guiana. The model performance was evaluated against wave data from ERA5 reanalysis, satellite altimetry and coastal buoys between 1984 and 2013. For the future greenhouse gas emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway) RCP-8.5, we found a statistically significant overall projected decrease (∼5 %) in wintertime average significant wave height and mean wave period, with a ∼1° clockwise rotation of mean wave direction. The results suggest that these decreasing trends are primarily driven by changes in large-scale patterns across the Atlantic that counteract an expected increase in local wind speed. We discuss the implications of such projections for mud-bank dynamics along coastal French Guiana, although further local studies are required to address future coastal evolution and hazards. Finally, we identify a need for more in situ wave data near French Guiana to improve quantitative assessments of model performance and allow a correction of possible model biases.

Systematic review of modelling techniques in carbon trading research in construction

Purpose Carbon emissions trading is an effective instrument in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is a notable scarcity of comprehensive reviews on the modelling techniques within carbon trading research in construction. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews 68 relevant articles published in 19 peer-reviewed journals using systematic search. Scientometric analysis and content analysis are undertaken. Findings Generally, China was the largest contributor to carbon trading research using quantitative models (representing 36% of the total articles). From the results, the modelling techniques identified were multi-objective grasshopper optimisation algorithm; system dynamics; interpretive structural modelling; multi-agent-based model; decision-support model; multi-objective chaotic sine cosine algorithm; optimised backpropagation neural network; sequential panel selection method; Granger causality test; and impulse response analysis. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques were identified. System dynamics was recommended as the most suitable modelling technique for carbon trading in construction. Originality/value This study is significant, and through this review paper, practitioners can easily be more familiar with the significant modelling techniques, and this will motivate them to better understand their uses.

Optimizing the utilization of harvested wood products for maximum greenhouse gas emission reduction in a bioeconomy: A multi-objective optimization approach

Climate change mitigation in a bioeconomy can be attained by increased use of harvested wood products. Thereby, substitution effects can contribute to reducing the Global Warming Potential, and storage effects can prevent direct carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Substitution and storage effects are often only considered as marginal changes. However, an absolute upper limit exists for these effects due to limited harvesting of forests. The maximum emission reduction potential of these two effects depends on the distribution of wood across wood value chains. This study investigates how wood can be distributed optimally across value chains to achieve the maximum climate change mitigation potential by substitution and storage effects, taking a multi-objective optimization approach. Results indicate that sawable wood should be utilized in sawnwood applications to achieve the highest GHG emission reduction, while non-sawable wood contributes to maximal storage effects when used in material applications. The highest substitution effects occur when non-sawable wood is used for energy production. Both substitution and storage effects lead to a substantial mitigation effect, whereby storage effects yield a higher total reduction. The presented optimization method overcomes the limitations of marginal considerations and highlights opportunities for climate change mitigation within these limits. This study emphasizes the importance of taking a systems perspective on climate change mitigation in a bioeconomy and of understanding the limits of these effects regarding environmental policies and management.

Investigating The Environmental Impacts Of Different Approaches Of Agricultural Waste Management Using Ahp Technique

Abstract Environmental problems and the ever-increasing growth of population dictate the need for new methods to turn the problem into an opportunity. The recycling of agricultural waste is very important to achieve sustainable development of agriculture. Present paper focuses on how the proper disposal and recycling of agricultural waste can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and improve soil fertility. Hereupon, the specified criteria were determined by relevant organisations. Five final products including composting, biochar, biogas, reuse/recycling, and incineration resulting from the technologies used were investigated using the AHP technique. In addition to the effective management of agricultural waste, these technologies help in the production of electricity, fertiliser, and carbon absorption, which results in the reduction of climate change and the reduction of economy. Among the proposed products, biochar was preferred, and the incineration method was ranked the last. Biochar offers potential environmental benefits in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the quality and quantity of agricultural products, and preventing soil erosion and degradation as well as water pollution. High rank was assigned to environmental criteria, and the actual waste production sub-criterion was preferred over other criteria with a weight of 0.170. The lowest weight was obtained for the shipping distance (weigh = 0.013).

Synergistic impact of co-substrate of biodiesel crude glycerol and durian peel hydrolysate for biohydrogen and 1,3-propanediol synthesis by Clostridium butyricum

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 12, this project explores the utilization of durian peel and waste glycerol as sustainable carbon sources to produce green biohydrogen and 1,3-propanediol. The study elucidates the synergistic impact of the glucose-glycerol co-substrate ratio for the co-production of 1,3-propanediol and biohydrogen. Then, the ratio is applied to durian peel hydrolysate and biodiesel glycerol. A glycerol-to-glucose ratio of 10:1 by mass produces a maximum hydrogen productivity and yield of 67.46 mL/L∙h and 0.11 mol H2/mol substrate consumed and a fairly high 1,3-propanediol titer, yield and productivity. Moreover, the application of waste-derived carbon sources, i.e., durian peel hydrolysate and treated glycerol, enhances H2 yield and productivity by 18.9% and 7.5%, respectively. These findings promote biofuel and bioplastic application, establishing a flagship circular bioeconomy technology in the ASEAN region to cater to regional polyester, resin and energy demand while promoting waste reduction and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Effects of the long-term rice expansion on ecosystem carbon budget in the typical agricultural area of Northeast China

Extensive rice expansion in northeast China has significantly altered land use and land cover (LULC) changes. However, the impact of long-term rice expansion on regional carbon budget dynamics remains unclear. A major obstacle in addressing this gap is the absence of agricultural LULC information with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we selected the Sanjiang Plain experienced dramatic rice expansion as the study area, presenting a framework that integrates high-resolution crop distribution data with a process-based model to quantify the impact of rice expansion on regional carbon budgets. Specifically, we employed a robust deep-learning network for crop mapping based on Landsat data, to reconstruct the spatiotemporal dynamics of rice expansion from 1985 to 2020. We then incorporated these long-term crop maps into the Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) model, to explore the effects of rice expansion on the regional carbon budget over this period. Analysis results showed that the rice planting area expanded by 708.64 km2/yr, resulting in more than a tenfold increase over the past 36 years. Spatially, rice planting expanded from the southwest to the northeast and from the interior to the exterior. This expansion has resulted in approximately 275 Mt. of CO2 and 6.92 Mt. of CH4 greenhouse gas emissions, altering the dynamics of the regional carbon budget and shifting the ecosystem from a carbon sink to a carbon source since 2016. Although the long-term expansion of rice increased soil respiration and CH4 emissions, it also enhanced soil carbon sequestration through agricultural management practices. These findings greatly enhance our understanding of the ecosystem carbon cycle's response to long-term agricultural LULC changes, providing more accurate data support and scientific evidence for developing low-carbon agricultural policies.

Natural selection could determine whether Acropora corals persist under expected climate change.

Marine heatwaves are intensifying under climate change, exposing populations of reef-building corals to mass mortality and intense selective pressure. It remains unknown whether adaptation can keep pace with warming and maintain reef functioning. We have developed an eco-evolutionary metapopulation model for Acropora, an ecologically important yet highly threatened coral taxon. We find that although corals have some adaptation capacity, they will suffer severe heatwave-induced declines over the coming decades. For a future where emissions lead to ~3°C of global warming, natural selection could allow populations to persist, albeit in severely depleted states with elevated extinction risk and potential loss of ecosystem functioning. Yet, for thermally sensitive coral populations to thrive post-2050 demands rapid reductions of greenhouse gas emissions that limit global warming to 2°C.

Targeting incentives to adopt wind-assisted technologies in shipping by agent-based simulations

Although the maritime industry has introduced technological improvements, shipping activity is still a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Using more intelligent incentive policies, such as subsidies, seems a way to increase green technology adoption. Our proposal is to engineer micro-level incentives to target a reduced set of adopters to optimize subsidies while encouraging adoption by shipowners. We focus on wind-assisted propulsion technology in shipping and test the effectiveness of targeting using agent-based simulations. The agent-based model employs a three-phase process, influenced by awareness of technology, economic factors, and networking. Experiments under different scenarios robustly analyze targeting policies and their impact on adoption rates. Our findings reveal that targeted incentives significantly improve adoption compared to a uniform distribution. The most effective targeting policies are those that select receptors based on their social activity and energy consumption, although the available budget affects the selection of criteria.

Carbon emission controls and optimal carbon related regulation in oligopoly: Examination of policy effects on competitiveness and entry deterrence

Carbon related taxation is viewed as a cost-effective price instrument to charge for greenhouse gas emissions, creating certainty costs for economic agents. The costs will naturally influence the market competitiveness. In this paper, we propose the concept of an equivalent emission standard (EES) tax as a complement to traditional standards, linking the tax rate to the abatement cost for firms under the optimal carbon emission standard and providing tax revenue for the government. To study the optimal carbon related regulation mode and the relevant impacts in oligopoly, we compare four potential carbon related regulations: an emission tax (an emission approach tax), a carbon tax (a fuel approach tax), an emission standard and an EES tax. Incorporating a sequential game analysis, we show that policy effects are relevant to the magnitude of carbon pollution and the abatement cost in the short term. In general, the optimal levels of social welfare under emission tax and carbon tax modes are the same. Notably, the EES tax system can not only generate tax revenue but also has a relatively moderate impact on social welfare. If the social damage resulting from carbon emissions is large, the EES tax system will be comparatively more beneficial to society, but the advantage is limited in terms of the relevant abatement cost. In the long term, under certain conditions, excessive firm entry may occur. As a result, carbon related regulation can be an indirect instrument of entry deterrence in the market.

Effects of PBAT/PLA biodegradable film mulching on greenhouse gas emissions in rain-fed maize farmland of Northeast China

Plastic film mulching can effectively increase soil temperature, retain moisture, and enhance crop yield and quality. However, long-term application might pose risks of increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and residual film pollution. Biodegradable film provides a crucial solution to alleviate farmland plastic pollution, but it remains unclear whether biodegradable film can simultaneously enhance crop yields and reduce GHG emissions. Thus, a two-year field experiment was conducted in rain-fed maize farmland of Northeast China. This field experiment included four treatments: BM1 (0.006 mm-thick biodegradable film), BM2 (0.010 mm-thick biodegradable film), PM (0.010 mm-thick traditional plastic film), and CK (non-mulching control). Results indicated that film mulching increased cumulative CO2 emissions by improving soil temperature and moisture. BM1 and BM2 achieved lower cumulative CO2 emissions than PM. N2O emissions were mainly concentrated in the emergence and jointing stages, whose peaks and cumulative values were reduced by film mulching. BM1 and BM2, however, had higher cumulative N2O emissions than PM. All treatments were CH4 sinks, and mulching treatments showed low soil CH4 absorption compared to CK. Additionally, mulching treatments increased maize yield, GWP and GHGI by 4.19 % to 15.89 %, 8.52 % to 52.20 % and − 0.06 % to 45.93 %, respectively, compared to CK. PM showed the highest GWP and GHGI. All mulching treatments improved the net ecosystem economic budget, with increases of 3.03–3.08 thousand CNY ha−1 and 0.35–1.39 thousand CNY ha−1 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, compared to CK. Biodegradable film treatments had higher net ecosystem economic budgets than traditional plastic film treatment. Overall, the biodegradable film can be used to replace traditional plastic film to enhance maize yield while minimizing residual film pollution and GHG emissions in the experimental region.

Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Sources for Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles in Europe

The progress of the European Union in achieving its environmental and climate goals is being hampered by rising oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The EU transport sector remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which account for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, and this figure is constantly rising. There are several alternatives that can replace traditional vehicles, but only two of them have no direct CO2 emissions and are among the best in terms of environmental friendliness: the battery electric vehicle and the fuel cell electric vehicle. This article analyses greenhouse gas emissions from existing electricity and hydrogen generation in the European Union by source. The authors compare emissions from different types of vehicles and show how changes in the country's energy mix affect these emissions. In the practical part, AFLEET is used to better compare the information obtained with each other.