Green Development Research Articles

Do green finance and energy counteract a sustainable environment in Vietnam? Quantile and frequency analysis

PurposeGreen finance aims to promote sustainable financial activities, environmental conservation and ecological balance. This study examines how renewable energy consumption (REN), technological innovation (TEC) and green finance (GRF) influence CO2 emissions in Vietnam from 2000 to 2022.Design/methodology/approachWe utilize a novel three-stage methodology including quantile-on-quantile regression, wavelet coherence and wavelet-quantile regression to explore the relationship in the structure of intercorrelation in terms of quantile, time and frequency.FindingsThe findings show that Vietnam will increase environmental quality for higher green development. Specifically, there is a negative influence of TEC, REN and GRF on CO2 emissions across different quantiles and timescales.Practical implicationsThe study recommends policies that support green development and reduce carbon emissions, such as increasing the use of renewable energy and conducting well-planned research to achieve a carbon-free, sustainable environment.Originality/valueThis article looks into the effects of GRF, TEC and REN on CO2 emissions in Vietnam. Some studies argue that green development in underdeveloped nations is insufficient to reduce CO2 emissions, thereby limiting the sample to a few advanced economies. Adopting diverse methodologies demonstrates the varied and intricate nature of understanding CO2 drivers. Additionally, our work makes detailed policy implications for Vietnam to meet its net-zero emission target and achieve sustainable development by 2050.

Exploration of Green Development and Sustainable Economic Paths from the Perspective of Environmental Economics

The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth the theoretical foundations, economic impacts and practical strategies of green development and sustainable economic paths from the perspective of environmental economics. The study elucidates the central role of environmental economics in promoting green transition, analyses the multi-dimensional impacts of green development on economic growth, employment, technological innovation and social welfare, and explores the effectiveness of environmental economic policies such as green taxes and carbon trading. Further, the article explores specific strategies for implementing sustainable economic pathways in different economic sectors, and assesses their contribution to enterprise competitiveness and industrial upgrading. Through case studies of green development at home and abroad, the article verifies the effectiveness and sustainability of the application of environmental economics theories in practice. Finally, the article discusses the challenges and future opportunities, and proposes policy recommendations and research directions based on the perspective of environmental economics, with a view to providing references for promoting green development and building a sustainable economic system.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Digital Village Construction and Agroecological Efficiency in China

Whether digital village construction can effectively promote agriculture’s green development is essential for modernizing agriculture and rural areas. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2022, this study empirically examines the relationship between digital village construction and agroecological efficiency and explores its mechanism of action and threshold effect, contributing to the exploration of agricultural digitization and sustainable development. This study shows that (1) AEE is positively associated with digital village construction; (2) the positive association size varies in regions and construction levels; (3) agricultural land transfer and technological innovation play a mediating role in the positive effect; and (4) there is a single threshold value for the positive effect of digital village construction, and after crossing the threshold value, its marginal effect shows a positive and increasing nonlinear characteristic. This study enhances our comprehension of digital village development to advance agroecological efficiency and offers theoretical insights and policy recommendations for optimizing the rural digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable agricultural growth.

Collaborative Optimization Scheduling of Source-Network-Load-Storage System Based on Ladder-Type Green Certificate–Carbon Joint Trading Mechanism and Integrated Demand Response

To fully leverage the potential flexibility resources of a source-network-load-storage (SNLS) system and achieve the green transformation of multi-source systems, this paper proposes an economic and low-carbon operation strategy for an SNLS system, considering the joint operation of ladder-type green certificate trading (GCT)–carbon emission trading (CET), and integrated demand response (IDR). Firstly, focusing on the load side of electricity–heat–cooling–gas multi-source coupling, this paper comprehensively considers three types of flexible loads: transferable, replaceable, and reducible. An IDR model is established to tap into the load-side scheduling potential. Secondly, improvements are made to the market mechanisms: as a result of the division into tiered intervals and introduction of reward–penalty coefficients, the traditional GCT mechanism was improved to a more constraining and flexible ladder-type GCT mechanism. Moreover, the carbon offset mechanism behind green certificates serves as a bridge, leading to a GCT-CET joint operation mechanism. Finally, an economic low-carbon operation model is formulated with the objective of minimizing the comprehensive cost consisting of GCT cost, CET cost, energy procurement cost, IDR cost, and system operation cost. Simulation results indicate that by effectively integrating market mechanisms and IDR, the system can enhance its capacity for renewable energy penetration, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve green and sustainable development.

Impact of ESG ratings on carbon emission reduction performance in context of green development—evidence from Chinese manufacturing listed enterprises

PurposeIn the context of green development in China, the circumstance in which Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings function has changed. As an important external governance mechanism of sustainable development, ESG ratings can also be a two-edged sword for the implementation of carbon emission reduction. This research examines the connection of ESG ratings and corporate carbon emission reduction in the context of green development. This present study postulates that the impact of ESG ratings on carbon emission reduction performance in the context of green development is inverted U-shaped.Design/methodology/approachTo obtain empirical evidence for the hypotheses proposed, this study makes an empirical test based on the two-way fixed effects model. The data is taken from listed Chinese manufacturing firms between 2012 and 2021.FindingsThe study reveals that there is a significant inverted U-shape relationship between ESG ratings and carbon emission reduction performance in the context of green development. Managerial myopic behaviour plays a positive moderating role in the above relationship. In addition, it makes the inflection point of inverted U-shaped curve move to left. Heterogeneity analyses show that the above inverted U-shaped relationship is more significant for firms that don’t hire CEO with environmental protection background or big four accounting firms.Originality/valueIn the background of green development, this study helps to understand dual influence of ESG ratings on corporate carbon emission reduction deeply. It is beneficial to guide enterprises to utilize ESG ratings mechanism reasonably, thus enhancing the effectiveness of carbon emission reduction. This study provides decision-making reference for government to accelerate low-carbon transformation in microcosmic field.

Green infrastructural development of tourism to mitigate the ecological footprint of economic growth: A comparative study across Asian nations

This research examines the intricate connection between tourism and environmental destruction in 28 Asian countries, concentrating on the non-linear impacts of tourism. Moreover, this study contemplates how tourism can mitigate the effects of economic growth on environmental decline. Westerlund, Johansen-Fisher, and Pedronico-integration tests are necessary to detect the co-integration connection between the proposed factors. The research also uses the Augmented Mean Group; the dynamic system generalized method of moments, and fully changed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). These tools help address econometric and economic problems such as co-integration, dynamism, variation, inter-sectional dependence, and endogeneity. The results demonstrate a U-shaped non-linear connection between ecological footprint and Tourism in Asian nations. Primarily, the tourism industry can initially decrease environmental damage. However, as it increases in size, it can worsen the harm. Additionally, the study suggests that tourism negatively influences how economic growth affects ecological footprint. This research contributes to the existing literature on tourism’s effects on the environment. The research suggests that tourism significantly impacts the environment; therefore, initiatives to reduce damage should be aimed at tourism.

Discussion on the Legal Path of “Railway + Industry” Construction Mode Based on Green and Low Carbon Xiaoyi Geng

The transformation of established railways is encountering several practical dilemmas. Given the influence of aging rail infrastructure on urban development and the rule of law within society, it is evident that the low-carbon transformation of old railways represents an inevitable trend in social development. Consequently, this study proposes an integrated development model of ‘railway + industry,’ which emphasizes the green transformation of outdated railways while addressing the requirements of financial balance and reduced emissions. Furthermore, an in-depth examination of the policy and legal challenges associated with the regeneration of railways following the introduction of new industries is conducted. The findings suggest that, in the absence of effective nationwide legal support for carbon emission reduction at this time, establishing a carbon emission reduction fund may be a viable solution. This fund would provide financial assistance for carbon budgeting and establish a corresponding guarantee mechanism, alongside a clearly defined legislative pathway, thereby facilitating the green and low-carbon development of the engineering and construction sectors

Discussion on the Legal Path of “Railway + Industry” Construction Mode Based on Green and Low Carbon

The transformation of established railways is encountering several practical dilemmas. Given the influence of aging rail infrastructure on urban development and the rule of law within society, it is evident that the low-carbon transformation of old railways represents an inevitable trend in social development. Consequently, this study proposes an integrated development model of ‘railway + industry,’ which emphasizes the green transformation of outdated railways while addressing the requirements of financial balance and reduced emissions. Furthermore, an in-depth examination of the policy and legal challenges associated with the regeneration of railways following the introduction of new industries is conducted. The findings suggest that, in the absence of effective nationwide legal support for carbon emission reduction at this time, establishing a carbon emission reduction fund may be a viable solution. This fund would provide financial assistance for carbon budgeting and establish a corresponding guarantee mechanism, alongside a clearly defined legislative pathway, thereby facilitating the green and low-carbon development of the engineering and construction sectors

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on ESG Performance of Manufacturing Firms: The Mediating Role of Ambidextrous Green Innovation

In the context of the worldwide quest for green and sustainable development, there is a growing importance in enhancing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of manufacturing companies. With the rise of digital transformation and pressing environmental challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool for manufacturing organizations to gain a competitive edge in sustainability. While the role of digital technologies in driving ESG improvements has been widely discussed, there is limited scholarly exploration of the specific impact of AI on the ESG performance of manufacturing firms, as well as the underlying mechanisms at play from an AI perspective. Addressing this research gap, this study constructs a theoretical model of AI affecting manufacturing firms’ ESG performance using a sample of Chinese-listed manufacturing firms from 2012–2022. Additionally, this study examines the role of mediating mechanisms of ambidextrous green innovation as well as differences in the intrinsic mechanisms triggered by the equilibrium of ambidextrous green innovation and firm size. The findings indicate that the application of AI technology effectively promotes improvements in the ESG performance of manufacturing firms, with ambidextrous green innovation playing a positive mediating role. Furthermore, manufacturing companies with a strong balance of ambidextrous green innovation and larger scale exhibit enhanced effects of AI on ESG performance. This study serves to supplement existing literature on ESG performance enhancement, elucidate the theoretical rationale behind the non-economic performance of AI-enabled firms, and extend the application of organizational dualism theory to new contexts.

Bayesian Network Analysis: Assessing and Restoring Ecological Vulnerability in the Shaanxi Section of the Qinling-Daba Mountains Under Global Warming Influences

Human activities, especially industrial production and urbanization, have significantly affected vegetation cover, water resource cycles, climate change, and biodiversity in the Qinling-Daba Mountain region and its surrounding areas. These activities contribute to complex and lasting impacts on ecological vulnerability. The Qinling Mountain region exhibits a complex interaction with human activities. The current research on the ecological vulnerability of the Qinling Mountain region primarily focuses on spatial distribution and the driving factors. This study innovatively applies the VSD assessment and Bayesian networks to systematically evaluate and simulate the ecological vulnerability of the study area over the past 20 years, which indicates that the integration of the VSD model with the Bayesian network model enables the simulation of dynamic relationships and interactions among various factors within the study areas, providing a more accurate assessment and prediction of ecosystem responses to diverse changes from a dynamic perspective. The key findings are as follows. (1) Areas of potential and slight vulnerability are concentrated in the Qinling-Daba mountainous regions. Over the past 20 years, areas of extreme and high vulnerability have significantly decreased, while areas of potential vulnerability and slight vulnerability have increased. (2) The key factors impacting ecological vulnerability during this period included industrial water use, SO2 emissions, industrial wastewater, and ecological water use. (3) Areas primarily hindering the transition to potential vulnerability are concentrated in well-developed small urban regions within basins. Furthermore, natural factors like altitude and temperature, which cannot be artificially regulated, are the major impediments to future ecological restoration. Therefore, this paper recommends natural restoration strategies based on environmental protection and governance strategies that prioritize green development as complementary measures. The discoveries of the paper provide a novel analytical method for the study of ecological vulnerability in mountainous areas, offering valuable insights for enhancing the accuracy of ecological risk prediction, fostering the integration of interdisciplinary research, and optimizing environmental governance and protection strategies.

Helping hand or grabbing hand: The impact of land finance on the green economic development in China

Using the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2003 to 2019, this paper investigates the impact of land finance (LF) on green economic development (GED) and its spatial effects. It is found that LF significantly reduces GED in China, especially in the midwestern and before 2012. Moreover, the spatial effect analysis shows that LF not only inhibits GED in the local area, but also has a significant negative effect on GED in neighboring areas. In short, reducing land financial dependence is conducive to green development.

Does the green finance policy affect the efficiency of corporate investment? Evidence from China's green finance reform and innovation pilot zones.

In the context of promoting the orderly expansion of capital investment and rational allocation of resources to achieve green and circular economic development. Green finance, as a new engine to promote the sustainability of enterprises, holds significant importance in exploring the positive effect of green finance policies on optimizing the investment decisions of enterprises and guiding them to efficiently utilize their resources to maximize value creation. Using A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2012 to 2022 as the research sample, we apply the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method to test the impact of the green finance reform and innovation pilot zones (2017) on the investment efficiency of enterprises in the pilot regions. We also adopt a two-step method to test the mechanisms of financial resource misallocation and agency costs. The study reveals that the green finance policy significantly enhances the investment efficiency of enterprises in the pilot areas. Financial resource misallocation and agency costs are important influence mechanisms. Drawing on resource allocation theory and agency theory, the study concludes that the green finance policy alleviates financial resource misallocation by directing financial resources toward high-efficiency enterprises. Moreover, the policy effectively reduces agency conflicts caused by power separation and information asymmetry, ensuring that enterprises can maximize the benefits of their investments. Heterogeneity analysis shows that non-state-owned enterprises and low-tech innovative enterprises in the pilot areas have disadvantages in terms of capital stock and loan credit, so the policy can improve their investment efficiency effectively. Based on these findings, we recommend that to leverage the positive effects of the green finance policy, it is essential to enhance the guiding role of the government, strengthen market mechanisms, and bolster corporate initiatives. This study complements the research on the economic effects of location-orientated comprehensive green finance policies on enterprises, considering the dual aspects of resource allocation efficiency and corporate governance, and makes up for the shortcomings of the existing literature. The study's conclusions offer valuable insights for enhancing green finance to support enterprises in achieving efficient production.

Seasonal and Diurnal Characteristics and Drivers of Urban Heat Island Based on Optimal Parameters-Based Geo-Detector Model in Xinjiang, China

In the context of sustainable urban development, elucidating urban heat island (UHI) dynamics in arid regions is crucial. By thoroughly examining the characteristics of UHI variations and potential driving factors, cities can implement effective strategies to reduce their impacts on the environment and public health. However, the driving factors of a UHI in arid regions remain unclear. This study analyzed seasonal and diurnal variations in a surface UHI (SUHI) and the potential driving factors using Pearson’s correlation analysis and an Optimal Parameters-Based Geographic Detector (OPGD) model in 22 cities in Xinjiang, northwest China. The findings reveal that the average annual surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) values in Xinjiang’s cities were 1.37 ± 0.86 °C, with the SUHII being most pronounced in summer (2.44 °C), followed by winter (2.15 °C), spring (0.47 °C), and autumn (0.40 °C). Moreover, the annual mean SUHII was stronger at nighttime (1.90 °C) compared to during the daytime (0.84 °C), with variations observed across seasons. The seasonal disparity of SUHII in Xinjiang was more significant during the daytime (3.91 °C) compared to nighttime (0.39 °C), with daytime and nighttime SUHIIs decreasing from summer to winter. The study also highlights that the city size, elevation, vegetation cover, urban form, and socio-economic factors (GDP and population density) emerged as key drivers, with the GDP exerting the strongest influence on SUHIIs in cities across Xinjiang. To mitigate the UHI effects, measures like urban environment enhancement by improving surface conditions, blue–green space development, landscape optimization, and economic strategy adjustments are recommended.

From hard coal mining to a learning space for digitally supported participatory management of biodiversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of the former coal mining site in Kamp-Lintfort into a public park and learning space for biodiversity. In 2020, an urban green space was established, featuring various aquatic and terrestrial habitats and a high level of biological diversity in the city centre with broad community support. Design/methodology/approach This study presents secondary data of a literature review on participatory management of biodiversity in urban green spaces, with a focus on the sustainability context, participation approaches, theoretical frameworks and the role of education. The example of Zechenpark Kamp-Lintfort (Germany) shows how urban green space development can meet the challenging demands of inner city development while fostering knowledge generation via citizen science and participatory biodiversity management. The study collected primary data on plant biodiversity using a citizen science approach to raise awareness and create opportunities for human–nature interaction. Findings Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 is the most important development goal in the context of participatory biodiversity management of urban green spaces. Most of the studies have a place-based focus and integration of local knowledge is the main reason for a participatory approach. The findings show how a green learning space can offer opportunities for digital learning as well as participatory biodiversity management in urban areas. The project lead to an increase in local citizens’ awareness of biodiversity. Based on a literature review, this report identifies challenges and opportunities for establishing a green learning space for biodiversity education. The example illustrates that an urban green space can provide numerous possibilities for citizens and students to get involved and that it can foster the sustainable development of a new urban neighbourhood. Research limitations/implications A place-based approach limits generalisability. To overcome this limitation, a literature review was conducted, and the location was compared to two parks with similar site conversion history. Practical implications The example of developing an urban green space can inspire universities to take an active role in biodiversity management in urban green spaces, integrating biodiversity into university activities and creating a positive impact in the urban environment. Social implications Analysis of studies in the field shows that education deserves a more prominent role in theoretical frameworks. Originality/value The study represents an example of transition and citizen-led participatory management of biodiversity from a medium-sized city, transformation processes covering these aspects are underrepresented in literature.

Analysis of prospects for green energy development – Changing trends in Russia and China

Subject. The article discusses contradictions arising in the process of alternative energy development. Objectives. The study aims at the analysis of various approaches to the development of green energy. Methods. The study draws on statistical analysis. Results. The paper considers theoretical discussion on green energy among Russian and Chinese scientists, analyzes forecasts for the development of energy in Russia and China, and defines the role of green energy in the energy balance of the two countries. Conclusions. China and Russia support the development of green energy, but the priorities for the two countries are energy security, meeting the needs of the economy and the population for energy resources.

How Digital Innovation Ecosystems Facilitate Low-Carbon Transformation of the Economy Based on a Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis

The digital innovation ecosystem is an important driving force for building a modern economic development system. It is of great significance to explore the multiple configuration paths of digital innovation ecosystems affecting the development of the low-carbon transformation of the economy to facilitate the green and sustainable development of the economy. We have found through our research that the types of configuration that lead to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy are ‘subjects-resource-environment linkage’ and ‘subjects-environment driven’. The former is the key configuration path that leads to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy. In both models, a high-level digital environment is the core condition that facilitates the development of a high-level low-carbon economic transformation. Moreover, in the spatial dimension, there is a significant difference in the types of configuration that achieve low-carbon economic transformation in the eastern, central, and western regions of China. The findings of this study reveal how the three major subsystems of the digital innovation ecosystem synergistically affect the low-carbon transformation of the economy. It not only helps to improve the relevant theories, but also brings certain references for improving the ‘synergy’ between low-carbon development and economic growth.

Orchestrating Resources in Green Startups: Learning from Case Studies

This study examines the characteristics of green startups and the progression of their resource utilization patterns during the pandemic emergency, focusing on case studies from the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of the Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology (IITK). This study explores how these startups overcame lockdown challenges and identified the resources they utilized throughout various development stages. The findings reveal that the green startups in the sample share characteristics of visionary and inventive startups, often lacking formal business education but possessing strong technical skills and social engagement. They rely heavily on human and social resources in the early stages, leveraging their networks and stakeholder support to define and develop their green innovations. The research also highlights the importance of open innovation strategies, particularly in the product development stage, where startups leverage research labs and expertise within the IITK ecosystem. This study increases the literature on green startups and offers practical recommendations for young green entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of operating in familiar industries, building stakeholder networks, and utilizing open innovation strategies for successful green innovation development.

Study on the Development of Cross-border E-commerce by the Policy Trials of the Free Trade Zones (FTZ)

The Pilot Free Trade Zone is a milestone policy for opening up the foreign economy, and plays an important role under the policy orientation of ‘early and pilot implementation’ in China. 2023 will mark the 10th anniversary of the construction of the Pilot Free Trade Zone in Shanghai, and the new development pattern is based on the domestic macro-cycle as the main body, and the domestic and international double-cycle is mutually promoted, and cross-border e-commerce is just an important connection link relying on Internet technology and the emerging trade mode. Cross-border e-commerce, as an emerging trade mode relying on Internet technology, is an important link between the domestic and international double cycle. Exploring the path of enhancement of cross-border e-commerce development by the policy experiment of the Pilot Free Trade Zone can help to build a new development pattern in which the domestic and international double cycles promote each other, and provide a basis for deepening the policy in the future. Under the guidance of trade cost theory, government reengineering theory and cooperation theory, this paper draws the following conclusions, and the FTZ has reduced the trade cost of enterprises and further stimulated the vitality of cross-border e-commerce by continuously optimising the tax policy and simplifying the customs clearance procedures. In the future, it is necessary to aim for high-quality green development, identify strategic positioning, and give full play to regional characteristics, and at the same time, refine and improve the rules and standards for the development of digital trade and implement them fairly and equitably, so as to better promote cross-border e-commerce as well as the sustainable development of the economy as a whole.

Research on the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of agricultural green development in central cities of the Yangtze River Delta

IntroductionAgricultural green development (AGD) prioritizes sustainable growth by integrating economic, ecological, and social dimensions, aiming to harmonize agricultural economic development with environmental protection and social progress.MethodsThis study integrates the three-stage super-efficiency DEA-SBM model with the BP algorithm, creating an advanced DEA-SBM-BP model to overcome the shortcomings of traditional DEA in evaluation and management processes. The study further applies the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s index to assess and forecast the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution patterns of green agricultural development in key cities within the Yangtze River Delta.ResultsThe analysis shows that AGD in the central city of the Yangtze River Delta is overall balanced; however, substantial variations exist among cities within individual provinces. Factors like macroeconomic conditions, workforce quality, and policy support play a crucial role in promoting the efficiency of AGD. Among these, macroeconomic development level has a negative impact, while labor quality and policy support exhibit bidirectional effects. Infrastructure construction, digitalization of agricultural economy, and rural security have become key factors in the green development of modern agriculture. The green advancement of agriculture in the central Yangtze River Delta region typically exhibits a marked clustering effect; however, the local clustering reveals a trend toward dispersed development.DiscussionDespite the emergence of new characteristics in agricultural production in China within the context of high-quality development, differences in resource endowments and economic structures among cities continue to be significant factors contributing to regional imbalances and changes in the agglomeration patterns of agricultural development.

Low-carbon city pilot policies and urban carbon productivity improvement: An empirical analysis from the perspective of green competitiveness

In 2010, the Chinese government officially launched the Low-carbon city pilot policy (LCPP) to promote the construction of ecological civilization and drive green and low-carbon development. In this context, this paper examined the impact of the LCPP on the urban carbon productivity and its heterogeneity, using the difference-in-difference (DID) model with the panel data from 260 Chinese cities during the period from 2006 to 2019. The findings indicate that LCPP has exerted a long-term and significantly positive impact on the improvement of urban carbon productivity. Furthermore, this paper innovatively introduces the urban green competitiveness for mechanism analysis. The findings of mechanism test indicate that LCPP improves urban carbon productivity by enhancing the green competitiveness of pilot cities. Based on the above research results, this paper suggests that the government should further expand the scope of the pilot and strengthen the policy guidance. In particular, it is imperative for governments pay attention to the regional heterogeneity, formulate appropriate complementary measures and focus on providing long-term support for the low-carbon transition of cities.