Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from sheep production system in China: An integrated approach of data envelopment analysis and life cycle assessment

Over the past decades, the global population has significantly increased, resulting in high demand for food. China, the largest sheep-producing country, has experienced 20 rapid expansions in its sheep industry, which has caused environmental consequences. This study proposes an integrated approach that combines data envelopment analysis (DEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the ecological consequences of the sheep production system. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the energy consumption of the existing production system and identify optimization opportunities to reduce its environmental impacts. Our results demonstrate that sheep production can decrease total energy consumption by 9.82% using optimization. Food production was reported as a critical factor in environmental impact, responsible for 69%. However, the optimized approach led to a decrease of 4,677.64 MJ in energy consumption in sheep production compared to the initial state. The findings of this study showcase the possibility of decreasing energy usage and lessening greenhouse gas (GHG) discharges in sheep farming by implementing optimization strategies.

Beef’s intersection with ESG Metrics

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics are in­creasingly important to businesses for evaluating their perfor­mance in non-financial indicators to investors. Currently, the largest intersection of the beef industry with ESG metrics is re­lated to the area of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reporting and goals and targets. Many companies that sell beef products have made public commitments to reduce Scope 3 GHG emis­sions, which includes GHG emissions from all inputs, including emissions associated with the raising of cattle for beef. Cur­rently, there is a gap between company commitments and the U.S. beef supply’s ability to document and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from cattle production. Research filling these gaps, including improving models used for reporting and find­ing practical and scalable solutions to mitigate enteric methane emissions is a key focus of Colorado State University’ AgNext. Animal health and veterinary medicine is a key part of main­taining and achieving ESG metrics outcome goals, as lower rates of morbidity and mortality can lower resource inputs and GHG emissions per pound of beef produced. Additionally, animal health and well-being are fundamental components of the social license to operate for beef supply chains, thus bovine veterinari­ans can play a key role in ESG metrics related to beef production.

A Predictive Energy Management Strategy for Heavy Hybrid Electric Vehicles Based on Adaptive Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System-Optimized Time Horizon

Energy management strategies play a crucial role in enhancing the fuel efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. For the current commonly used time horizon optimization methods that only target the trend curve of the optimal battery state of charge (SOC) trajectory obtained offline, which are only suitable for buses with known future driving conditions, this paper proposed an energy management strategy based on an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) that optimizes the time horizon length and enhances adaptability to driving conditions by integrating historical vehicle velocity, accelerations, and battery SOC trajectory. First, the vehicle velocity prediction model based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network is used to predict the future velocity sequence. After that, ANFIS was used to optimize and update the length of the forecast time horizon based on the historical vehicle velocity sequence. Finally, compared with the fixed time horizon energy management strategy, which is based on model predictive control (MPC), the average calculation time of the energy management strategy is reduced by about 23.5%, and the fuel consumption per 100 km is reduced by about 6.12%.

Perspective: could Ethiopian potatoes contribute to environmental sustainability, the Ethiopian economy, and human health?

Environmental data are rapidly accruing on the unsustainability of diets based on animal products, such as dairy and meats. Shifting to alternative sources of protein is inevitable given an increase in the projected global population and protein demand. Left unchecked, a collision between food security and sustainability is imminent. Potatoes could be the strategic food and cash crop to harmonize food security and sustainability worldwide. Recently, there has been a growing interest in extracting proteins from the byproduct of the potato starch industry known as potato fruit juice. These proteins are garnering attention due to their nutritional value, characterized by a well-balanced amino acid profile, as well as their functional properties including emulsifying, foaming, and gelling capabilities. Moreover, these proteins are considered to be less allergenic than some other protein sources. Extracting potato protein, which is sourced as a byproduct, reduces food loss and waste, thereby eliminating pathogenic microorganisms from the environment and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Ethiopia is a major potato producer in East Africa. Potatoes help the country increase household income, ensure food security and revenue generation, and produce starch. However, Ethiopia’s potato starch industry has not yet begun protein extraction, despite the vital role of the proteins and the country’s huge cultivation potential. Furthermore, the global potato protein market is experiencing significant growth. This information urgently calls for innovative approaches to assess the impact of extracting protein from potatoes produced in Ethiopia. Therefore, this perspective article has two main objectives. First, to scan the extent of potato production in Ethiopia in relation to environmental sustainability and the economy. Second, to provide prospects on the impact of extracting protein isolate from potatoes produced in Ethiopia on environmental sustainability, Ethiopia’s economy, and human health.

Land-Water-GHG-Food Nexus performance and physical-socio-economic-policy factors influencing rice cultivation in Central Thailand

Agriculture activity contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through its utilization of land, water, and energy for food production. Hence, the interactions between land, water, and GHG emissions in agricultural production need to be comprehensively studied. The study aimed to assess the Land-Water-GHG-Food Nexus Index (LWGFNI) of rice cultivation across various land suitability classes in Central Thailand and determining the physical, socio-economic, and policy factors that can influence farmers' decisions to choose for cultivating rice instead of shifting to other crops. The results indicated that the highest LWGFNI score was 0.69 for the rice grown in the moderate suitability land class which revealed a lower use of land and water resources as well as GHG emissions compared to other levels of land suitability. The LWGFNI scores of major rice cultivation were greater compared to the second rice in all four-land suitability. The use of fertilizers had a crucial role in enhancing productivity levels and was a significant factor in the generation of GHG emissions. Hence, improving effective production should consider the appropriate use of fertilizer. The physical, socio-economic, and policy-related aspects that significantly influenced farmers' decisions on cultivation of rice included topography, water resources, inherited professions, price guarantee, and knowledge/training factors. The methodology used and results obtained can help policy makers to plan the use of water and land resources efficiently and appropriately with local resources based on land suitability class. The assessment results revealed the GHG hotspots and the strategies to mitigate GHG emissions associated with rice cultivation.

Permanent magnet motor drive technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions

Global climate change, resulting from the release of greenhouse gases, poses a severe threat to human existence. The detrimental consequences of this phenomenon encompass rising sea levels, modified climate zones, and intensified extreme weather events. To counteract greenhouse gas emissions, the development of permanent magnet motor drive technology has gained prominence, especially in the automotive industry. This comprehensive review examines the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of permanent magnet motor drives in mitigating the adverse effects of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges associated with this technology and outlines future research and development directions in this field. The findings of this review provide valuable insights into the capacity of permanent magnet motor drives to combat climate change and pave the way for future advancements in this critical domain. By adopting and advancing this technology, we can strive towards a more sustainable future and alleviate the threats posed by global climate change.

Energy Yield Database Management System Based on Solar Photovoltaic Cell Using Internet of Things Technology

This study investigates the performance of solar cell electric power generation, focusing on data collected from Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, analyzing the Mean Squared Error (MSE) for each phase consisting of Phase A: 0.00133, Phase B: 0.00137, and Phase C: 0.00216. Through linear regression analysis, we establish the correlation between current and electrical energy in each phase, facilitating the prediction of photovoltaic power generation system performance and timely maintenance alerts. This predictive analysis aids in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, preventing potential damages from short circuits, and ensuring system safety during installation. Our findings, which are accessible through a user-friendly dashboard interface, address a gap in previous studies by providing empirical data specifically from Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, and by integrating IoT technology for real-time monitoring and analysis, underscoring the novelty of our approach.

Straw management adopted by large farms sustains grain yield but mitigates greenhouse gas emissions

ContextStraw incorporation is a globally recommended strategy for enhancing soil fertility. The methods for straw incorporation adopted by large farms usually differ from those used by small households, primarily because of variations in cost affordability. However, the effects of straw management on rice yields and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have not been well explored at different farming scales. ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the grain yield and greenhouse gas emissions under different straw management adopted by large farms than small households. MethodsA three-year field experiment using split-plot design, with straw management as the main plot and preceding tillage as the sub-plot, was conducted in a wheat-rice rotation system. Four treatments were given as rotary tillage with straw removal (RT-S), rotary tillage with straw incorporation (RT+S; small households), ploughing tillage with straw removal (PT-S), and ploughing tillage with straw incorporation (PT+S, large farms) in the preceding wheat season. Soil tillage in the rice season was the same, which was rotary tillage after irrigation. ResultsStraw incorporation significantly increased methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and 60%-62% of CH4 was emitted during the transplanting to jointing stages while 45–73% of N2O was emitted during the jointing to the booting stage. The stimulation of CH4 and N2O emissions by straw incorporation was closely correlated to enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) and denitrification enzyme activity, respectively. In the last year, PT+S significantly reduced the global warming potential (GWP) compared to RT+S in the whole rice season, which can be attributed to the dramatically decline of CH4 emission, even though N2O emission was increased. Additionally, the decreased CH4 emission was mainly due to lower methanogenic activity, and the increased N2O emission was mainly resulted from lower nosZ abundance under PT+S compared to RT+S. Straw incorporation increased rice yield by 15.73% on average in the last two years, and rice yield of PT+S in the last year was significantly enhanced by 27.50%, resulting in a lower greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by 25.54% compared to RT+S. ConclusionStraw management practices adopted by large farms (PT+S) have the potential to synchronize high rice yields with lower GHG emissions compared to small households (RT+S). ImplicationsOur findings provide some evidence that large-scale agricultural organization may be helpful for sustainable rice production in China.

Open energy system modelling for low-emission hydrogen roadmap planning: The case of Colombia

Climate change is driving the need for new approaches to energy production and utilization globally, contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Low-emission hydrogen is recognized as a key energy vector for decarbonization, and numerous countries are currently evaluating strategies and roadmaps for its integration. Colombia, with its abundant renewable resources, is poised as a potential player in hydrogen production. This study presents a techno-economic assessment of hydrogen pathways and their cross-sectoral interactions within the Colombian energy system. By employing an open energy system optimization framework (OSeMOSYS), we modelled a detailed supply-demand hydrogen chain and analysed a series of scenarios from 2021 to 2050, including a sensitivity analysis. Our results show that hydrogen pathways will require 2–6.4 Mt/year in hydrogen production, 8–27 GW in new installed capacity, and US$50–80 billion in investments, with favourable impacts in GHG mitigation, energy imports, and socioeconomic benefits. We use these findings to suggest an update to the targets of the current National Hydrogen Roadmap focused on a higher ambition to deploy a full hydrogen economy. Our open methodology provides a valuable tool for conducting further assessments in developing countries interested in defining low-emission hydrogen roadmaps.

Modified lignin can achieve mitigation of ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously in composting

The constant ammonia gas (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions were considered as a deep-rooted problem in composting which caused air pollution and global climate change. To achieve the mitigation of NH3 and GHG, a novel additive derived from wasted straw, with modified structure and functional groups, has been developed. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of modified lignin (ML) for both ammonium and nitrate was significantly increased by 132.5–360.8 % and 313.7–454.3 % comparing with biochar (BC) and phosphogypsum (PG) after reconstructing porous structure and grafting R-COOH, R-SO3H functional groups. The application of ML could reduce 36.3 % NH3 emission during composting compared with control. Furthermore, the synergetic mitigation NH3 and GHG in ML treatment resulted in a reduction of global warming potential (GWP) by 31.0–64.6 % compared with BC and PG. These findings provide evidence that ML can be a feasible strategy to effectively alleviate NH3 and GHG emissions in composting.

Recent developments of single atom alloy catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogenation reactions

This review discusses the recent developments of single-atom alloy (SAA) catalysts toward CO2, CO, N2, and NO3– hydrogenation reactions in the electrocatalysis context, a natural expansion from the thermal catalysis origin where the concept of SAA was born and validated. Electrocatalytic hydrogenations of CO2, CO, NO3–, and N2 into value-added chemicals offer an attractive general route to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions using renewable energy without H2 feed stream. These reactions typically involve multiple electron-transfer-coupled elementary reaction steps that are of broad relevance to many electrocatalytic applications, making them well-positioned for translational fundamental studies relevant to other emerging electrochemical reactions. While there has been exciting progress in SAA research for various thermal catalytic reactions in the last decade, the design, application, and characterization of SAA catalysts in electrocatalysis remain nascent with intriguing uncertainties and ample opportunities. We highlight the recent research findings in this growing area, where the SAAs, owing to their unique doped metal properties and atomically precise bimetallic synergies, promote selective reaction pathways by tuning binding energies and distributions of adsorbates/intermediates. We also provide our perspective on this growing research area's potential challenges and opportunities.

An experimental study on in-cylinder soot formation and flame oscillation of renewable fuel blends in an optical engine

Methanol has been widely recognized as a promising alternative fuel for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, its application in internal combustion engines often necessitates blending with a high-reactivity fuel to address challenges related to ignitability and combustion stability. In this study, a two-color method was employed in a single-cylinder optical engine to investigate the characteristics of soot formation and flame oscillation of methanol blended with a high-reactivity fuel, hydrogenated catalytic biodiesel (HCB), under partially premixed combustion (PPC) modes. The blended fuels include M15 (15% methanol, 60% HCB, and 25% n-octanol) and M25 (25% methanol, 60% HCB, and 25% n-octanol), with pure hydrogenated catalytic biodiesel M0 (100% HCB) serving as the reference fuel. N-octanol was utilized as the co-solvent to enhance the stability of the mixture. The results indicate that, employing double-injection strategies, as the methanol content increases in the blended composition, leading to a postponed peak cylinder pressure and heat release rate during combustion. Thanks to the high-level premixed combustion and higher oxygen content, the increases of alcohol blending significantly reduced in-cylinder soot formation. Double-injection strategies reduced soot production effectively and resulted in a more uniform soot distribution compared to single-injection strategies. In terms of flame oscillation, its amplitude primarily correlates with the rate of cylinder pressure rise, while the methanol content within the blends exerts a minor impact on flame oscillation. Double-injection strategies contributes to a more uniform fuel distribution, ensuring a smoother heat release process and significantly reducing flame oscillation amplitudes compared to single-injection strategies.

Assessing agricultural greenhouse gas emission mitigation by scaling up farm size: An empirical analysis based on rural household survey data

Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Farm size affects agricultural production inputs and thus has impacts on agricultural GHG emissions. However, the effects and mechanisms behind this are still unclear. In this paper, we identified the effects and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, based on survey data about over 20,000 rural households in China from 2009 to 2016. Firstly, we calculated the agricultural CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions using the life-cycle analysis (LCA). Secondly, the impacts of farm size on GHG emissions intensity were explored with a fixed effect model, based on the long-term rural household survey data. Finally, the mechanisms were tested by the mediation effect model. The results showed that a 1 % increase in farm size, on average, could reduce the GHG emissions intensity of rural households by 0.245 % from 2009 to 2016. The mechanism analysis showed that the larger farm size reduced GHG emissions intensity mainly by reducing the non-fixed input intensity and raising fixed input investment. By identifying the impacts and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, this paper aims to provide insights for policymakers to achieve China's goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.

Game-theoretic modeling in regulating greenhouse gas emissions

This research introduces an innovative framework for addressing the escalating issue of greenhouse gas emissions through the integration of game theory with differential equations, proposing a novel model to simulate the regulatory dynamics between emission sources and legislative actions. By blending advanced mathematical modeling with environmental science, this paper underscores the critical necessity for pioneering, proactive strategies in environmental management and policy formulation. Central to our approach is the simulation of interactions within a game-theoretic context, aiming to delineate optimal strategies for emission sources and regulatory bodies, factoring in legislative constraints and environmental ramifications. The methodology employs a system of ordinary differential equations, capturing the dynamic, non-stationary nature of atmospheric processes and offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the study introduces a fee-based regulatory mechanism designed to encourage emission reductions, highlighting the economic implications of such strategies. Significantly contributing to environmental management, this research presents a detailed model capable of predicting the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions over a decade, considering the potential impact of technological innovations in emission control. The conclusion emphasizes the promising role of artificial intelligence in refining environmental governance, acknowledging the complexities and limitations inherent in predictive modeling. Aimed at policymakers and environmental scientists, this paper serves as a strategic tool for informed decision-making, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to develop sustainable, effective solutions to combat one of the most critical environmental challenges facing the globe today.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Beef Cattle Farming through the Implementation of Animal Welfare Principles, as Part of Sustainable Rural Area Development

The beef cattle farming industry is facing a dual challenge - the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change and the imperative to enhance the daily weight gain of cattle to meet growing global demand for meat. The integration of animal welfare principles stands out as a crucial and multifaceted solution that not only mitigates greenhouse gas emissions but also improves the daily weight gain of beef cattle. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of animal welfare guidelines plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By providing cattle with appropriate nutrition, minimizing stress, and ensuring a healthy and stress-free environment, the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can be significantly lowered. This approach is not just ecologically responsible; it is essential for meeting international climate commitments and preserving the health of the planet's ecosystems. In addition to its environmental benefits, the integration of animal welfare practices has a profound economic impact. Healthy and content cattle are more likely to exhibit efficient digestion and increased feed utilization, leading to higher daily weight gains. This directly improves the productivity and profitability of beef cattle farming operations. Furthermore, the production of higher-quality meat from well-cared-for animals can drive market demand and revenue, strengthening the industry's economic viability.

Deriving a Framework of Science and Technology Cooperation for Responding to Climate Change with Developed Countries: The Case of the ROK-UK Cooperation

Climate technology is one of the most crucial factors of mitigating greenhouse gas emission and attaining carbon neutrality. The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Kingdom (UK) have strengthened science and technology cooperation while climate technology has not been actively discussed so far. This study aimed to suggest a preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology by analyzing national strategies and official cooperation activities. The national strategies and plans in terms of climate technologies were analyzed to derive common technological interest of the ROK and the UK. Technologies in sectors of energy conversion, building, transportation, agriculture·livestock·fishery, hydrogen, carbon sink, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) were identified. Network establishment and joint research and development (R&D) program were defined as main modalities of bilateral cooperation, according to a quantitative analysis on official announcement of the ROK on the cooperations. The methodology of this study is expected to be efficient and relevant as the official and public information·data had been utilized to identify common technological interests and to derive modality of cooperation. We hope this preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology can contribute to facilitating and mainstreaming bilateral climate technology cooperation.

Optimizing Bio-energy Supply Chain to Achieve Alternative Energy Targets

In response to global warming and the dwindling reservoirs of fossil fuels, Thailand has increasingly embraced alternative energy sources. Central to its energy development strategy is the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP), which aims to reduce energy intensity, capitalize on residual resources, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. While significant strides have been made in meeting various consumption targets set forth by the AEDP, notable challenges persist, particularly in the realms of bio-mass-derived electricity generation, bio-gas utilization, and bio-ethanol production from bio-mass. Therefore, this study delves into the factors contributing to the shortfall in achieving AEDP targets and proposes strategies to enhance the efficiency of the bio-energy supply chain. Leveraging mathematical and linear programming techniques, our research optimizes the supply chain dynamics, accounting for monthly supplier profiles spanning 77 provinces, 17 distinct biomasses, and 427 bio-energy plants equipped with diverse energy conversion technologies. Our findings indicate that Thailand currently boasts adequate bio-mass resources to fulfill the electricity and bio-ethanol targets outlined in the AEDP—provided enhancements are made to supply chain efficiency. To fully realize the objectives of the AEDP, we recommend augmenting bio-mass cultivation efforts and implementing new power plant installations. Additionally, we advocate for the consideration of high-methane content fuels, such as solid waste, as a means to alleviate bio-mass demand. This study underscores the paramount importance of strategic planning and optimization in propelling Thailand towards its alternative energy ambitions while surmounting supply chain impediments.

Black soldier fly larvae mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from domestic biodegradable waste by recycling carbon and nitrogen and reconstructing microbial communities.

Black soldier fly larvae have been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the treatment of organic waste. However, the microbial mechanisms involved have not been fully understood. The current study mainly examined the dynamic changes of carbon and nitrogen, greenhouse gas emissions, the succession of microbial community structure, and changes in functional gene abundance in organic waste under larvae treatment and non-aeration composting. Thirty percent carbon and 55% nitrogen in the organic waste supplied were stored in larvae biomass. Compared to the non-aeration composting, the larvae bioreactor reduced the proportion of carbon and nitrogen converted into greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O decreased by 62%, 87%, and 95%, respectively). 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that the larvae bioreactor increased the relative abundance of Methanophaga, Marinobacter, and Campylobacter during the bioprocess, enhancing the consumption of CH4 and N2O. The metagenomic data showed that the intervention of larvae reduced the ratio of (nirK + nirS + nor)/nosZ in the residues, thereby reducing the emission of N2O. Larvae also increased the functional gene abundance of nirA, nirB, nirD, and nrfA in the residues, making nitrite more inclined to be reduced to ammonia instead of N2O. The larvae bioreactor mitigated greenhouse gas emissions by redistributing carbon and nitrogen and remodeling microbiomes during waste bioconversion, giving related enterprises a relative advantage in carbon trading.

Solar driven integrated CO2 capture and CH4 dry reforming via FexMny/Ni/CaAl multi-function materials

Integrated CO2 capture and dry reforming of CH4 (ICCU-DRM) holds great promise in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and producing value-added syngas simultaneously. However, the in-situ conversion is a highly endothermic process, which requires a large amount of energy to drive, making it very difficult for large-scale applications. The combination of solar energy in ICCU-DRM provide a potential solution to tackle the problem, but it needs to construct and evaluate multi-function materials (MFMs) with good features of CO2 adsorption, catalytic conversion and light absorption. Herein, we report a synthesis approach to prepare Fe5Mn5/Ni/CaAl for use in the solar driven ICCU-DRM, which directly utilize the solar energy for syngas production with excellent comprehensive performance. The material prepared demonstrates an average spectral absorbance of 85.81 %, and a CO2 capacity of 8.46 mmol·g−1 with up to 89 % conversion to syngas. We expect the synthesis strategy has good implications on the development of innovative materials for carbon reduction and energy storage applications.

Greenhouse gas emission mitigation from rice through efficient use of industrial and value-added agricultural wastes: a review

Greenhouse gas emission mitigation from rice through efficient use of industrial and value-added agricultural wastes: a review