Largest Emitter Of Greenhouse Gases Research Articles

Decreasing environmental footprints of dairy production systems through optimization of feed rations and origins

Environmental impacts of livestock production systems are a global concern, because of the large greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses associated with feed production and livestock rearing. These losses are in part related to the system of livestock production and their feed rations and feed origin. This study aims to investigate the economic and environmental impacts of optimizing feed configurations of dairy farms in Inner Mongolia (China), using data from farm surveys, life cycle assessments and linear optimization programming. The findings of our study reveal that feed optimization may lower carbon footprints by 36-44%, nitrogen footprints by 35-42%, and phosphorus footprints by 42-71%, compared to the baseline. The need for cropland decreased by 11-38% per kilogram of milk, feed costs decreased by 15-48%, and net profit increased by 39-129%. Further, we found a statistically significant negative correlation between environmental footprints and feed self-sufficiency of dairy farms. Notably, energy-rich feeds, silage maize, and grass should be grown on-farm. These findings underscore the potential of adjusting feed rations and origin to decrease environmental footprints and enhance net profits of dairy farms. However, we observed several barriers to widespread adoption of optimal feed rations and origin, which relate to land scarcity, high land rental costs, and lack of trust and cooperation with nearby arable farms. Our research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing feed rations and origin for diverse dairy systems to achieve improved environmental and economic performance.

Environmental, social and governance and financial performance nexus in South African listed firms

Background: Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become topical in recent years because of climate change existential threat to humanity. There is, however, a limited understanding of how the firm’s ESG efforts affect firm outcomes.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between firm’s ESG indicators and the financial performance.Setting: The sample is drawn from Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies based on data availability. South Africa is not only plagued by social ills and governance failures, but it is also one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, making it an ideal laboratory for studying the ESG and firm performance nexus.Method: We utilized a dataset spanning the years 2012–2022, covering 67 JSE-listed firms. These panel data were analyzed using the two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM).Results: We found that the disaggregated ESG indexes have a positive, albeit insignificant impact on the financial performance. These findings hold even when financial and non-financial firms are examined separately.Conclusion: Policymakers, including standard setters and regulators, should encourage firms to be sincere on ESG efforts and avoid greenwashing.Contribution: The study employs a relatively robust estimation technique (two-step system GMM) over a relatively long period (2012–2012). Furthermore, the sectoral analysis of financial and non-financial firms adds to the body of literature and policy development.

Re‐Unveiling the energy efficiency impact: Paving the way for sustainable growth in ASEAN countries

AbstractThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) heavily relies on fossil fuels to drive economic growth, making it one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. Promoting energy efficiency has been proposed as a solution to mitigate this issue. However, the potential negative impact of energy efficiency on economic growth remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to re‐evaluate the dynamic impact of overall energy efficiency on economic growth in ASEAN countries, considering climate change factors. Unlike prior studies, this research measures overall efficiency based on both persistent and transient components of energy efficiency. This study employs two key techniques: stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the overall energy efficiency and panel vector autoregression (PVAR) to analyze the dynamic causal effects of determinants' shocks. The findings suggest that enhancing ASEAN's overall energy efficiency could result in an 85.9% reduction in total energy consumption, indicating high levels of inefficiency in the region. While extensive energy efficiency measures might induce a temporary economic contraction in ASEAN countries, the rate of decline seems to abate over the long term. This implies that the impact of the energy efficiency shock will be most prominent during initial growth stages, progressively waning over time. Additionally, this study confirms the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for climate change and economic growth.

Development of South Africa Macadamia Nuts and its Utilization for Biodiesel Production

Demands for energy are rising as the world's population expands. To meet these demands, fossil fuels have been overused, yet this over reliance on them has led to their depletion. The usage of fossil fuels has also significantly contributed to the release of greenhouse gases, which is a serious environmental concern. Sustainable energy is therefore environmentally friendly and financially sound. Petro-diesel can be replaced by biodiesel because it is biodegradable and less hazardous. Biofuel is any fuel produced from biomass, which can be either animal fats or waste, plant or algae material as a feedstock. Biomass benefits in producing fuels which helps to lessen the demand for petroleum fuel and products. Petroleum fuel and gas increase the greenhouse gas emissions profile of the transportation sector. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is the 14th world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. This is due to the emissions resulting from burning and heavy reliance on coal. Since biofuel can be produced domestically from natural sources like soybeans, rapeseed, macadamia nuts, coconuts, and even leftover cooking, it has the potential to serve as a remarkable substitute for the commonly used petroleum-derived diesel fuel. This study addresses the historical development of macadamia nuts with a focus on the South African Macadamia Nuts (SAMN) industry, its origin, and as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The generation and classification of biodiesel, physicochemical properties, biodiesel standards, and both American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), European Committee for Standardization (EN 14214), and South African biodiesel framework standards are discussed. Furthermore, the biodiesel blending requirements, techniques, and benefits were outlined. Finally, the biodiesel regulatory framework of SA and biodiesel framework as per the Biodiesel Task team (BTT) was examined.

Large contribution of soil N2O emission to the global warming potential of a large-scale oil palm plantation despite changing from conventional to reduced management practices

Abstract. Conventional management of oil palm plantations, involving high fertilization rate and herbicide application, results in high yield but with large soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to assess a practical alternative to conventional management, namely reduced fertilization with mechanical weeding, to decrease soil GHG emissions without sacrificing production. We established a full factorial experiment with two fertilization rates (conventional and reduced fertilization, equal to nutrients exported via fruit harvest) and two weeding methods (herbicide and mechanical), each with four replicate plots, since 2016 in a ≥ 15-year-old, large-scale oil palm plantation in Indonesia. Soil CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes were measured during 2019–2020, and yield was measured during 2017–2020. Fresh fruit yield (30 ± 1 Mgha-1yr-1) and soil GHG fluxes did not differ among treatments (P≥ 0.11), implying legacy effects of over a decade of conventional management prior to the start of the experiment. Annual soil GHG fluxes were 5.5 ± 0.2 Mg CO2-C ha−1 yr−1, 3.6 ± 0.7 kg N2O-N ha−1 yr−1, and −1.5 ± 0.1 kg CH4-C ha−1 yr−1 across treatments. The palm circle, where fertilizers are commonly applied, covered 18 % of the plantation area but accounted for 79 % of soil N2O emission. The net primary production of this oil palm plantation was 17 150 ± 260 kgCha-1yr-1, but 62 % of this was removed by fruit harvest. The global warming potential of this planation was 3010 ± 750 kgCO2eqha-1yr-1, of which 55 % was contributed by soil N2O emission and only < 2 % offset by the soil CH4 sink.

Taking Stock of the Scholarship on the Relationship between International Investment Law and the Need for Raised Climate Ambition

Abstract Increasingly dire warnings about the climate crisis mean that it is more urgent than ever that different legal regimes, including international investment law, are aligned with climate objectives and not implemented in discord with climate solutions. Many works have been produced over the last twenty years which examine whether the norms underlying climate law and international investment law necessarily conflict or can be reconciled. These works reflect deeply contested views amongst scholars as to whether regulation aimed at ensuring climate ambition can, or is likely to, be adequately safeguarded by the international investment law regime that is designed to provide conditions of stability for investors – including those that are large greenhouse gas emitters. This article provides an overview of the different perspectives that have been offered on the relationship between climate change law and international investment law in respect of three role-players – namely, arbitrators, civil society, and states. It concludes by offering tentative thoughts on the course that the interaction between the two regimes may take in the future.

Consumerist Environmentalism in “The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle”

In 2021, the United States was the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally (after China, whose population was then over four times larger). The scale and urgency of the problem has been broadcasted for years, but the necessity and methods of dealing with it on a national and individual level seem to be quite obscure. Recycling is not the norm, oil and meat consumption is high, and excess spending is common. Consumption is still seen and presented as the means of satisfying most of one’s needs as well as a necessary condition for achieving a high social status. Dealing with climate change, as much as materially possible, involves dealing with the specificity of American geopolitics and culture: among other factors, its post-Protestant views on money and poverty, imperial position, and extreme individualism.
 The expansion pack The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle, produced by California-based Electronic Arts, fits into the consumerist approach to climate change popular in the United States. Eco Lifestyle introduces air pollution, recycling, living off -grid, and local politics, as well as the styles and activities related to pro-environmental attitudes. However, these activities are stripped of their material sense, as the actions depicted in the game are not what limits emissions and carbon footprint in the real world. This seems to be more a strategy than an error; and yet, it is hard not to regret a missed opportunity of creating a playable and ecologically sound Sims expansion for the lovers of the gameworld—and the world.

India's Climate Mitigation Policy: Challenges and Prospects

India is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, largely due to its high dependence on coal. However, since the early 2000s, New Delhi has been introducing various tools to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, a new climate plan was adopted, which for the first time set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070. To achieve the goal of reducing greenhouse gases in the energy sector, India is using several market-based schemes, which will become the basis of the Indian emissions trading system in the nearest future. Environmentally friendly transport is actively developing. It is being research in the field of industrial decarbonization, carbon capture and storage systems, and forest protection and afforestation programs are being implemented. However, the implementation of the identified areas is being fraught with difficulties, which lead to the implementation of controversial measures on the part of the state, economically justified, but contrary to the climate strategy. This study examines the main directions of Indian climate policy, prospects and difficulties in their implementation to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

Spatial-temporal characteristics of methane emission in shandong, China, based on an updated comprehensive methane emission inventory in 2020

As methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas (GHG) responsible for global warming, a refined CH4 emission inventory is crucial for formulating targeted mitigation policies and achieving carbon neutrality. However, provincial comprehensive CH4 emission inventories are rare due to data deficiency and fail to reflect the spatial and temporal characteristics of CH4 emission. Owing to its large population and rapid economic growth, Shandong Province has become the largest GHG emitter in China. Combining bottom-up and top-down methods, a high-spatial-resolution (0.03° × 0.03°) natural and anthropogenic CH4 emission inventory across Shandong Province in 2020 was established based on detailed activity data and updated source-specific emission factors. The total CH4 emission of Shandong was 1711.31 Gg in 2020, of which anthropogenic sources were responsible for 89.96% emission. The top three contributors, namely energy activities, agricultural activities, and waste treatment accounted for 52.86%, 21.25% and 12.70% emission, respectively, followed by vegetation (5.40%), wetland (4.64%), biomass burning (3.14%). Owing to the emission structure, spatial distribution of CH4 emission varied significantly. Jining was the largest contributor (488.92 Gg; 28.57% provincial CH4 emission) owing to the high coal production, followed by Heze (149.17 Gg; 8.72% provincial CH4 emission) and Dongying (138.28 Gg; 8.08% provincial CH4 emission) owing to coal and oil production. The monthly variation of CH4 emission from different sources are different, and the maximum emissions occurred in August. This study reports a set of methods for creating a CH4 emission inventory in China and provides detailed data for air quality simulations and various emission control policies.

Temporary stratification promotes large greenhouse gas emissions in a shallow eutrophic lake

Abstract. Shallow lakes and ponds undergo frequent temporary thermal stratification. How this affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is moot, with both increased and reduced GHG emissions hypothesised. Here, weekly estimations of GHG emissions, over the growing season from May to September, were combined with temperature and oxygen profiles of an 11 ha temperate shallow lake to investigate how thermal stratification shapes GHG emissions. There were three main stratification periods with profound anoxia occurring in the bottom waters upon isolation from the atmosphere. Average diffusive emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were larger and more variable in the stratified phase, whereas carbon dioxide (CO2) was on average lower, though these differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, there was a significant order of magnitude increase in CH4 ebullition in the stratified phase. Furthermore, at the end of the period of stratification, there was a large efflux of CH4 and CO2 as the lake mixed. Two relatively isolated turnover events were estimated to have released the majority of the CH4 emitted between May and September. These results demonstrate how stratification patterns can shape GHG emissions and highlight the role of turnover emissions and the need for high-frequency measurements of GHG emissions, which are required to accurately characterise emissions, particularly from temporarily stratifying lakes.

The impact of fintech-based eco-friendly incentives in improving sustainable environmental performance: A mediating-moderating model

China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, responsible for a substantial portion of the world's total carbon dioxide emissions. Many researchers investigated this issue; however, the literature is silent on how FinTech-based incentives can improve environmental performance. The research aims to shed light on the complex relationships among FinTech incentives, green consumer behavior, environmental consciousness, and environmental performance. Data was collected from 380 respondents representing diverse roles in the manufacturing industry. We used Smart-PLS and SPSS to test our hypothesis. The results confirm a positive relationship between FinTech incentives and green consumer behavior. However, consumer demographics and environmental awareness do not significantly moderate this relationship. The mediation analysis reveals that green consumer behavior mediates the relationship between FinTech incentives and environmental performance, while environmental consciousness mediates the relationship between FinTech incentives and green consumer behavior. Additionally, green consumer behavior mediates the relationship between environmental consciousness and environmental performance. The study's findings suggest that FinTech incentives effectively encourage eco-friendly choices, positively influencing environmental performance. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and businesses seeking to design effective environmental strategies and promote sustainability in the manufacturing industry. By leveraging FinTech incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices and foster environmental consciousness, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with global efforts to address environmental challenges and foster responsible consumption patterns in China and beyond.

CARBON CREDIT MARKET IN THE MOBILITY SECTOR: OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT

The transportation sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Numerous initiatives have been adopted worldwide to reduce the emission of these gases, including the carbon credit market. The objective of this study was to review and contextualize mobility and pathways for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The research was conducted using national and international databases and organizations related to the carbon credit market. Studies, reports, and documents were selected based on the following criteria: Materials related to mobility, sustainability, and carbon credit themes; in English, Portuguese, or French up until November 2022. The analysis of the information identified that life cycle analysis calculation methodologies are predominantly focused on nature, with little published about the transportation sector. Companies still need to incorporate environmental performance management through greenhouse gas emission inventories and evolve towards life cycle analysis of their products and services. In the global scenario, road vehicles account for 77% of the global carbon emissions from transportation (34% being heavy vehicles). Heavy vehicles disproportionately contribute more to the warming potential due to particle emissions. In conclusion, there is no single solution for the decarbonization of the transportation sector in Brazil; a combination of fleet renewal, biofuels, and improvements in the efficiency of the existing fleet, such as the electrification of the second axle of heavy vehicles, are essential to achieve Brazilian goals.

Chinas Carbon Neutrality Policies: Economic Impact on Corporations, Challenges, and Recommendations

The This paper delves into Chinas ambitious pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2060, aligning with the Paris Agreements global climate objectives, while acknowledging its status as the largest greenhouse gas emitter. The comprehensive analysis explores Chinas evolving policies aimed at achieving carbon peaking and emission reduction within its industrial and manufacturing sectors, crucial contributors to its emissions profile. These policies emphasize a shift towards green and low-carbon practices, necessitating multifaceted transformations in industrial structure, energy consumption, and technological adoption. The paper underscores the intricate challenges posed by global economic dynamics, technological uncertainties, and potential social impacts in Chinas carbon neutrality journey, particularly in establishing effective carbon penalties that strike the right balance between emissions reduction and economic stability. To address these challenges, the paper offers strategic policy recommendations, including talent attraction, research promotion, ESG investing, clean technology investment, and international collaboration, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge-sharing. In conclusion, Chinas commitment to carbon neutrality signifies a significant stride towards global climate action, and while challenges persist, the nation's resolute policies and collaborative endeavors hold the promise of a transformative and sustainable future for both its economy and the global environment.

Driving factors to agriculture total factor productivity and its contribution to just energy transition

This study explores the intricate relationship between agricultural productivity and the pursuit of a just energy transition in China. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a nation grappling with environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, China faces the imperative to transition toward a more sustainable and equitable energy system. This paper investigates the role of agriculture in this transition, recognizing its pivotal position as a significant emitter of greenhouse gases while also being vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. By examining the potential synergies and conflicts between agricultural productivity enhancement and the goals of reducing emissions and promoting social justice, this study aims to shed light on strategies that can effectively align agricultural development with the objectives of a just energy transition. The result indicates substantial internal disparities and strong agglomeration effects (referring to areas with similar agricultural total factor productivity) within China's agricultural total factor productivity distribution. Over the past 17 years (2005–2021), the average agricultural productivity has shown a commendable upward trend, marking a 2.8% growth rate. This increase signifies ongoing efforts and advancements in the agricultural sector, leading to improved productivity levels. Our results also show a significant positive spatial correlation in agricultural total factor productivity, suggesting a tendency for spatial agglomeration. The years 2005 and 2021 stand out as periods marked by significant adverse effects resulting from the interplay of diverse factors on agricultural productivity. By integrating findings from various sectors, this study provides insights into the complex interplay between agriculture and energy transition, emphasizing the need for integrated, holistic approaches that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and resilience in China's pursuit of a just energy future.

Spatio-temporal Change in City-level Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste Sector in China During the Last Decade and Its Potential Mitigation

The waste sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions and clarifying its emission trends and characteristics is the premise for formulating GHG emission reduction strategies. Using the IPCC inventory model, the GHG emissions from the municipal solid waste(MSW) sector in China during 2010 to 2020 were estimated. The results showed that GHG emissions increased from 42.5 Mt in 2010 to 75.3 Mt in 2019, then decreased to 72.1 Mt in 2020. MSW landfills were the main source of GHG emissions. Further, with the increase in the proportion of waste incineration, the proportion of GHG incineration increased rapidly from 16.5% in 2010 to 60.1% in 2020. In terms of regional distribution, East and South China were the regions with the highest emissions, and Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang were the provinces with the largest GHG emissions. Implementing MSW classification, changing the MSW disposal modes from landfilling to incineration, improving the LFG collection efficiency of landfills, and using biological functional materials as the cover soil to strengthen the methane oxidation efficiency are the main measures to achieve GHG emission reduction in waste sectors.

The carbon budget of China: 1980–2021

As one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, China has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Therefore, it is crucial to quantify the magnitude and trend of sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and to monitor China’s progress toward these goals. Using state-of-the-art datasets and models, this study comprehensively estimated the anthropogenic CO2 emissions from energy, industrial processes and product use, and waste along with natural sources and sinks of CO2 for all of China during 1980–2021. To recognize the differences among various methods of estimating greenhouse emissions, the estimates are compared with China’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (NGHGIs) for 1994, 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2014. Anthropogenic CO2 emissions in China have increased by 7.39 times from 1980 to 12.77 Gt CO2 a−1 in 2021. While benefiting from ecological projects (e.g., Three Norths Shelter Forest System Project), the land carbon sink in China has reached 1.65 Gt CO2 a−1 averaged through 2010–2021, which is almost 15.81 times that of the carbon sink in the 1980s. On average, China’s terrestrial ecosystems offset 14.69% ± 2.49% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions through 2010–2021. Two provincial-level administrative regions of China, Xizang and Qinghai, have achieved carbon neutrality according to our estimates, but nearly half of the administrative regions of China have terrestrial carbon sink offsets of less than 10% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This study indicated a high level of consistency between NGHGIs and various datasets used for estimating fossil CO2 emissions, but found notable differences for land carbon sinks. Future estimates of the terrestrial carbon sinks of NGHGIs urgently need to be verified with process-based models which integrate the comprehensive carbon cycle processes.

“rubber band” - a practical support tool for integrated and resource-efficient early design in construction

The planning and construction sector is one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters and has shown the lowest increase in productivity among economic sectors over the last century. Increasing complexity and performance requirements in building projects require the collaboration of ever more interdisciplinary project teams, but conventional planning tools often do not facilitate a tangible knowledge exchange between project stakeholders from different fields of expertise. This is most notable in early project phases when fundamental design decisions are made. To address this challenge, we introduce a flexible and expandable digital workflow using a single 3D-model to integrate and moderate expertise from multiple project stakeholders such as architects, structural engineers, energy planners, contractors, and future users. This workflow creates a “rubber band” between different interdependent design goals and constraints, offering an opportunity to negotiate and optimize design parameters early-on. The framework is an addition to conventional planning tools whose complexity and costs often prevent stakeholders in the building industry from embracing the potentials of the digital transformation.

Implementation of Measures to Decarbonize the Indonesian Economy for Sustainable Development

Introduction. Interest in the countries of Southeast Asia has increased many times in recent years due to sanctions. A number of experts expressed concern that the ESG agenda in Russia would become less relevant, and sustainable development practices would be less in demand. However, these fears were not confirmed, since the green agenda is at a high level in Asian countries. It is important for Russian business to understand the processes taking place in the countries of this region. Indonesia was chosen as the object of study as the largest economy and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the region. The country has adopted the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Indonesia is decarbonizing due to the negative effects of global warming on the climate and nature of this state, as well as due to pressure from the international community.Materials and methods. The paper analyzes statistical information, assessments of scientific groups and organizations, reports of ministries. Methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and comparison, induction, etc. were used.Results. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that in the country, in the interests of implementing the sustainable development agenda and ESG, a “Long-term strategy for low-carbon development and climate resilience until 2050”, an energy policy, a Forestry Law aimed at preserving forests, etc. .normative acts. Technological and organizational and managerial methods of decarbonization are actively used in state and corporate management. The main emphasis was placed on the restructuring of the energy sector (reducing the share of energy produced at thermal power plants in the energy balance and increasing the share of renewable energy sources); fight against deforestation; development of a subsidizing system for the purchase of electric vehicles; adoption of a "green taxonomy"; involvement of SMEs in green activities within the supply chains of large companies, etc.Discussion and conclusion. The paper substantiates that the government of Indonesia assigns the main role in reducing emissions to the fight against deforestation. The goals and actions for the transition of the energy sector to RES conflict with the tasks of the coal industry. It is necessary to coordinate goalsetting at different levels of government, between different ministries, as well as with business. A conclusion is made about promising tools for reducing CO2 emissions from the point of view of application in Russia.

The improved bioavailability of zein/soybean protein isolate by puerarin in vitro

As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the livestock and poultry industry is facing the challenge of increasing production to meet global demand while reducing environmental impacts. Improving feed digestibility by optimizing feed structure (e.g., exogenous additive) is one of the green breeding measures to alleviate carbon pressure. In this study, the interaction mechanism and in vitro digestibility properties of puerarin (PUE) with feed proteins (zein and soy protein isolate (SPI)) to form Zein-PUE and SPI-PUE complexes were investigated mainly by multispectral and molecular docking techniques. Results indicated that the addition of PUE improved the physicochemical properties of proteins (e.g., solubility and disulfide bond contents). Then, the spectral results showed that the binding processes were spontaneous, and the protein structure tended to loose and disordered after binding, and more hydrophobic residues were exposed to the hydrophilic microenvironment. Moreover, on the basis of molecular docking revealed that PUE bound to zein by hydrogen bond, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, while with SPI by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. Finally, in vitro digestion experiments demonstrated that the bioavailability of Zein-PUE and SPI-PUE complexes increased by 1.15 % and 2.11 %, respectively. Overall, PUE is a promising feed additive beneficial for enhancing protein digestibility and bioavailability.

Accelerating China’s power sector decarbonization can save lives: integrating public health goals into power sector planning decisions

China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter in 2022, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The power sector will play a major role in this decarbonization process due to its current reliance on coal. Prior studies have quantified air quality co-benefits from decarbonization or investigated pathways to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. However, few have jointly assessed the potential impacts of accelerating decarbonization on electric power systems and public health. Additionally, most analyses have treated air quality improvements as co-benefits of decarbonization, rather than a target during decarbonization. Here, we explore future energy technology pathways in China under accelerated decarbonization scenarios with a power system planning model that integrates carbon, pollutant, and health impacts. We integrate the health effects of power plant emissions into the power system decision-making process, quantifying the public health impacts of decarbonization under each scenario. We find that compared with a reference decarbonization pathway, a stricter cap (20% lower emissions than the reference pathway in each period) on carbon emissions would yield significant co-benefits to public health, leading to a 22% reduction in power sector health impacts. Although extra capital investment is required to achieve this low emission target, the value of climate and health benefits would exceed the additional costs, leading to $824 billion net benefits from 2021 to 2050. Another accelerated decarbonization pathway that achieves zero emissions five years earlier than the reference case would result in lower net benefits due to higher capital costs during earlier decarbonization periods. Treating air pollution impacts as a target in decarbonization can further mitigate both CO2 emissions and negative health effects. Alternative low-cost solutions also show that small variations in system costs can result in significantly different future energy portfolios, suggesting that diverse decarbonization pathways are viable.