Mitigation Technologies Research Articles

Climate Change Mitigation in the Dairy Sector: Uncovering Heterogeneity Through Eco‐Efficiency Clubs

ABSTRACTCombining climate change goals with economic targets is crucial for the dairy sector, which is a significant contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. In this paper, we assess economic and climate change implications of dairy production with panel data of Irish dairy farms from 2013 to 2021. We calculate transient, persistent, and overall eco‐efficiency with respect to GHG emissions by way of stochastic frontier analysis. The innovative component of our analysis is the application of club convergence analysis to explore heterogeneity in transient eco‐efficiency development over time. This offers a nuanced understanding of farm‐level responses to climate challenges. We then explore correlations between convergence clubs and GHG mitigation technology usage. Despite high overall eco‐efficiency, our results uncover significant variability across farms, with some showing improvement and others decline in eco‐efficiency over time. We also find that changes in milk yield and specialization are positively related to better eco‐efficiency development, while GHG mitigation technologies do not play an important role. These insights suggest that the average high eco‐efficiency masks considerable underlying heterogeneity, presenting opportunities for tailored policy interventions. Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting the complex dynamics of eco‐efficiency in the dairy sector and underscoring the need for policy frameworks that account for farm‐level diversity.

Innovating for sustainability in food and beverage companies: the role of governance and environmental factors in climate change mitigation

PurposeFocusing on the food and beverage (F&B) sectors, this study aims to identify combinations of external environmental factors (natural disasters and water stress) and internal corporate governance factors (corporate social responsibility [CSR] sustainability committee, board gender diversity and stakeholder engagement) that lead to the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted on a global sample of 262 listed companies in the F&B sectors. Two additional analyses were performed for European and Asian companies.FindingsIn the three models, the presence of CSR sustainability committees and stakeholder engagement was crucial for achieving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies. The relevance of board gender diversity differs between the European and Asian models, highlighting potential regional influences on corporate climate innovation decisions. The combination of external and internal factors is the key to justifying different approaches to achieving climate innovation.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the factors driving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies into company strategies. Related strategies must combine external and internal factors to enhance the climate resilience and competitiveness of F&B companies while reducing their environmental impact.

The effect of global collaboration on climate mitigation technologies in reducing CO2

The fundamental approaches to industrial growth, government interventions, and market structure have ignored the main consequences of the common idea of “growth first, clean later”. This study investigates the relationship between carbon emissions (CO2) and international collaboration in climate change mitigation technologies (ICCCMT), renewable energy consumption (REC), exports (EXP), imports (IMP), gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), natural resources rents (NRR), and domestic innovation in climate change mitigation technologies (DICCMT) for a panel of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries over the period of 1990-2020. We adopted a series of econometric techniques for the visualization of the available data. We used second-generation econometrics estimations to verify cross-sectional dependence, co-integration, and stationary between the variables.Based on our findings, the study reveals that ICCCMT, REC, and DICCMT have a positive effect and contribute to CO2 mitigation of the 30 OECD economies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ICCCMT can promote renewable energy consumption, thus the increase of REC will significantly mitigate CO2 emissions. The outcomes from the panel dynamic GMM model confirmed a positive relationship between CO2 emissions, FDI, exports, imports, and GDP. The study indicates that these variables can adversely affect climate change mitigation.

Relationship network of safety management elements in the construction industry under the perspective of resilience

PurposeConstruction safety resilience is gradually gaining attention in the field of engineering construction as a new management concept and way to improve safety performance. However, how to cope with the dilemma of the unclear relationship of construction safety resilience elements at the practice level and promote the harmonization of construction safety goals and resilience enhancement paths has become an urgent challenge for safe construction.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the components of construction safety resilience elements. A relationship network model of construction safety resilience elements is developed by using the social network analysis method. The location and influence of each element in the network and the interrelationships among the elements are explored in depth.FindingsThe findings reveal a robust interconnection among the elements of safety resilience in the construction industry. Key components such as safety behavior, risk prevention and control mechanisms, disaster prevention and mitigation technologies as well as information technology, are positioned at the core of the network. Notably, safety behavior exerts the most significant influence over the other elements, serving as the linchpin of safety management in the construction industry. Moreover, the interplay among safety resilience elements in the construction sector can alter the structure of the relationship network.Originality/valueThis study adopts the social network approach to solve the problem that it is difficult to quantitatively analyze the elements of construction safety resilience and their interrelationships and to clarify the interactions among the core elements, which can help to further assist the construction project manager to continuously optimize safety resilience and improve construction safety.

How green strategies and policies influence production‐based emissions, industrial development and sustainable development goals?

AbstractSustainable development is a global imperative; however, it is unattainable without a transformation of the production sector. Therefore, the study examines the impact of green strategies [Industrial innovation, Eco‐tech imports‐IMPT, and Green finances‐GFN] and policy interventions [Environmental policy‐EPY and Environmental taxes‐ETX] on production‐based emissions (PBE), industrial value addition (IVA), and sustainable development goals (SDG). The study covers the years 1990–2022 and focuses on 25 European nations. In addition, the pooled mean grouped (PMG)‐ARDL and mean group (MG) techniques were used to assess the short‐ and long‐term parameters. The country‐specific relationships are evaluated using the Bootstrap Granger Causality test. The results affirm that green strategies and policy interventions mitigated PBE and increased the IVA and SDG in Europe. However, globalization and energy use increase the PBE and IVA while impeding progress toward the SDGs. The mitigation technologies fueled with green energy (MPRE) came out as the ultimate solution, which requires green technologies and sustainable practices across all sectors. Therefore, it is suggested that governments implement eco‐friendly policies that boost GFN, reduce pollution, increase green output, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Canadian perspectives on loneliness; digital communication as meaningful connection.

This perspective piece considers loneliness and its relationship to communication, connection, and technology by reviewing the origins and lessons from the field. It begins with a search for an operational definition, then examines the differences between experiential (situational/isolation-based) and existential (continuous, non-situational) loneliness. Technology is addressed as both a hindrance and a tool for alleviating loneliness with the example of companion robots as an emerging technology for loneliness mitigation. Cultural differences in experiences of loneliness, specifically as a public health issue, are in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Concepts of social and emotional loneliness, individualism and collectivism, socioeconomic status, vulnerability, and lived experience are explored and provide an emphasis on 'meaningful connection' in the study of loneliness.

The role of cost-effectiveness in multisector climate investment programs: The Swedish Climate Leap

To increase the speed of implementation of carbon mitigation technologies, many countries set up publicly funded investment programs, where private and/or public entities can apply for support. These schemes are often criticized for not being cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Swedish Climate Leap Program, which differs from most other programs through the multisector approach. We examine determinants of project approval and evaluate the heterogeneity in implicit carbon pricing across sectors. Several econometric methods are used to assess equality in carbon pricing. Results show that although the cost-effectiveness ratio plays an important role in project approval, carbon pricing differs significantly across project types. Project guidelines favor charging stations and transport measures that aid in adopting new technology and reaching economies of scale. However, the preference for transport measures is not reflected in the carbon pricing while instead energy conversion measures have a higher probability of being funded given the cost-effectiveness of the investment. Funding decisions favor densely populated municipalities, which could be motivated for investments in public goods, but is questionable for transport and housing.

Facile fabrication of 3D-printed cellulosic fiber/polylactic acid composites as low-cost and sustainable acoustic panels

This work presents a green, cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy to reduce noise pollution by developing biopolymer-based 3D-printed acoustic panels. We successfully fabricated two series of composites by varying the weight percentage (wt%) of cellulose fibers of water hyacinth (WH) and pineapple leaf (PAL), with polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix via the heat-press method. All samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physico-mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile, and impact strength, were improved with increasing fiber loading. Filaments of 1 wt% water hyacinth fibers (WHFs) in PLA (1 WHF/PLA) and 1 wt% pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs) in PLA (1 PALF/PLA) were prepared and tested for 3D printability. The sound absorption coefficients (α) of the 3D-printed panels were investigated from 500 to 5000 Hz sound frequency range. The 3D-printed 1 WHF/PLA and 1 PALF/PLA acoustic panels achieve a maximum α (α-max) of 0.55 and 0.83 at 5000 and 4000 Hz, respectively, featuring the first work to report α-max > 0.5 at low fiber loadings in the high-frequency sound range. The tensile strength of the 3D-printed versions is significantly higher than non-3D-printed counterparts and commercial acoustic absorbers. Our data suggest the prepared 3D-printed panels are excellent candidates for acoustic applications at high-frequency noises. This study exhibits a facile, environmentally benign and sustainable approach to construct highly efficient and mechanically robust biopolymer-based 3D-printed sound-proof panels, which have promising potential as green engineering materials. Interestingly, this research also proposes a mitigation technology for the freshwater invader, Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinths).

Analysis of Technology for Mitigation of The Effects of Climate Change on Buildings in Kaloum (Guinea-Conakry)

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) can, in a number of ways, contribute to meeting the requirements of the three main pillars of the Bali Action Plan, which was developed at the thirteenth Conference of the Parties in December 2007. These pillars concern enhanced action on adaptation, concerted action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change mitigation measures. ICTs can support these actions and address the climate change issues that all countries (and particularly developing countries) face. ICTs can also be used to mitigate the influence of other sectors on GHG emissions and to help countries adapt to climate change.

Assessment of the effectiveness of ship machinery noise reduction measures using a test platform in a water basin

Underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping is partly responsible for increased ocean ambient noise levels in the last decades. To preserve marine wildlife, there is a need to reduce it. Machinery noise is the dominant URN source at lower speeds. Mitigation technologies exist to reduce it, but a lack of quantitative data regarding their effectiveness results in limited practical ship applications since the cost-to-benefit ratio is imprecise. A small ship-like structure (test platform) representative of a ship section is designed and constructed to conduct measurements in a controlled environment and at a lower cost than actual on-ship testing. The platform is deployed in a water basin whose acoustic response is first characterized by reverberation measurements. Vibroacoustic sources simulate structure-borne and airborne noise, while hydrophones and sensors measure the response in the water basin and of the platform. Measurements with and without standard mitigation technologies installed in the platform are conducted to quantify the insertion loss. Up to 37 and 20 dB URN reductions are obtained with elastic mounts and mineral wool, respectively. The results obtained with the platform and the developed methodology can support and guide the implementation of mitigation measures in current and future ship constructions.

Application of digital twin technology for Urban Heat Island mitigation: review and conceptual framework

PurposeThis paper aims to elucidate the pivotal role of Digital Twin (DT) technology in addressing the adverse impacts of Urban Heat Island (UHI) and consolidate the fragmented knowledge of DT technology in urban environments by identifying applied actions, proposing an approach and revealing challenges for tackling UHI effects.Design/methodology/approachUsing a systematic literature review, 24 materials were retrieved from scholarly databases to provide a comprehensive understanding of DT technology and propose a conceptual framework for mitigating UHI effects.FindingsThe results revealed three major study categories within the DT and UHI domains: (1) DT-enabled actions for urban greenery optimisation, (2) DT implementation for enhancing resilience in urban planning and (3) increasing the fidelity level of DT for addressing UHI effects. Additionally, this paper introduces REFLECT, a conceptual DT-enabled framework consisting of seven layers: Retrieve, Establish, Facilitate, Lump, Examine, Cognition and Take. The framework proposes developing a systems-based model with identifiable scopes, strategies and factors through a multilayered platform, specifying model input, process and output towards mitigating UHI effects.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development by highlighting the challenges associated with DT technology in mitigating UHI. It introduces a conceptual framework to demonstrate applications and directions for developing innovative solutions to unlock the full potential of DT technology in mitigating UHI effects.

Role of Polyhouse Technology in Mitigating Climate Risks for Floriculture

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly in sectors like floriculture that rely heavily on favorable environmental conditions. In this context, polyhouse technology emerges as a promising solution for mitigating climate risks faced by floriculture farmers. Polyhouses provide a controlled environment that shields crops from extreme weather events, temperature fluctuations, and excessive rainfall, thereby reducing the vulnerability of floriculture production to climate variability. This paper reviews the role of polyhouse technology in climate risk mitigation for floriculture farmers. It examines how polyhouses help in maintaining optimal growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light intensity, throughout the year. By regulating these environmental factors, polyhouses enable year-round cultivation of high-value flower crops, offering farmers a stable income stream despite external climate fluctuations. Furthermore, the study explores the economic and environmental benefits associated with polyhouse-based floriculture systems. It analyses the cost-effectiveness of polyhouse construction and operation, considering factors such as energy consumption, water usage, and crop yield. Additionally, the environmental sustainability of polyhouse technology, including its potential to reduce pesticide and fertilizer usage, is discussed. The paper also highlights the challenges and limitations of adopting polyhouse technology in floriculture farming, including initial investment costs, technical expertise requirements, and market access issues. Strategies for overcoming these barriers, such as government subsidies, capacity building programs, and market linkages, are proposed. The polyhouse technology can play a climate-resilient solution for floriculture farmers, offering opportunities for increased productivity, income stability, and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.

Advancing geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) with emerging technologies for climate change mitigation

Advancing geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) with emerging technologies for climate change mitigation

Overview: Results of Snow and Ice Disaster Mitigation Conducted by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience

More than half of Japan’s land area experiences significant snowfall during winter, and the damage caused by various snow and ice disasters remains a dire issue, which also leads to decreased living standards. Simultaneously, the nature of snow and ice disasters has been transformed due to climate change and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather conditions. The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) has been continuously conducting research to address these problems in relation to snow and ice disasters. This study presents the results of the project “Research on Combining Risk Monitoring and Forecasting Technologies for Mitigation of Increasingly Diverse Snow Disaster” conducted by the NIED over a seven-year period from April 2016 to March 2023. This project developed technology for conducting accurate observations of snowfall and snow cover conditions over wide areas as well as technology for areal prediction of snow and ice disasters through simulations. Based on collaboration with stakeholders, such as local governments, our study investigated how to optimize the use of our information products for snow and ice disaster mitigation. Through these insights, the NIED provides information for prompt and appropriate responses to snow and ice disasters, thus supporting safe and comfortable living in both snowy and non-snowy areas.

Mitigating the impact of accidental ammonia release during bunkering operation

Abstract Ammonia is a carbon free energy carrier that is gaining popularity as the next generation marine fuel. However, the adoption of ammonia by ships will not be feasible without solving the challenges during its bunkering operation, of which the utmost is the harmful effect from ammonia’s toxicity. A potential release of ammonia during bunkering operation will cause harmful impacts of various levels depending on its initial physical states, rate of release, total released inventory, local geometries, terrain and weather conditions. Without any mitigation measures in place, the released ammonia will undergo a complicated dispersion, dilution and uplifting pathway, affecting potential sensitive receptors in the surrounding. The knowledge and experience learnt from chemical, fertilizer and refrigeration use of ammonia provide valuable references for ammonia handling at sea and port. Mitigation for released ammonia can follow a two-pronged strategy: 1) the preventive strategy to reduce the likelihood of accidental release and 2) the protective strategy to reduce the release severity. This translates into mitigation technologies developed for pre-release scenarios and post-release scenarios. The pre-release mitigation considers inherent safer engineering design and good management, while the post-release mitigation focuses on early vapor detection and warning, containment, suppression, counter measures and emergency response. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding and use cases on how to extend the findings to ammonia bunkering operation, where the contact between ammonia and the sea environment, in particular sea water surface and column, is inevitable. The review provides a consolidated view on the applicability of land-based post-release mitigations such as physical containment, use of barriers, foams, dilutions and other chemical approaches to mitigation the consequences of accidental ammonia release from future ammonia bunkering operation.

Pathways for decarbonizing China's iron and steel industry using cost-effective mitigation technologies: An integrated analysis with top-down and bottom-up models

The iron and steel industry (ISI), the second largest carbon emitter, produces 16 % of China's CO2 emissions, and its decarbonization will therefore play an important role in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. This study identifies underlying low-carbon transition pathways of the ISI towards 2050, through investigating macro-level mitigation policies and technological advances. An integrated assessment model that integrates a top-down CGE method and a bottom-up objective planning method was constructed. The results show that the combination of mitigation policies and technological measures would substantially reduce CO2 emissions in the ISI, with the remaining 140 Mt to 520 Mt by 2050. Carbon mitigation in ISI in the short term mainly benefits from the technology retrofitting, the reduction of steel demand, which accounts for 17.8 % and 32.1 %, respectively. Breakthrough technologies of scrap-based electric arc furnace (EAF), hydrogen-based direct reduction (HDR-EAF) and carbon capture and storge (CCS), would play a fundamental role in reducing the CO2 emissions especially after 2030, contributing to 32.1 %, 16.0 % and 13.8 % of emission reduction, respectively. Of the 41-technologies assessed, 8-key technologies jointly mitigate over 55 % of CO2 emissions. The cost-effectiveness and mitigation potential of technologies would provide reference to policymaker for the mitigation in China's ISI.

Assessing Gas Flaring Mitigation Technologies in Nigeria: A Review of Existing Solutions and Future Trends

Gas flaring remains a critical global issue with significant economic and environmental impacts. Despite ongoing efforts, Nigeria remains one of the top ten countries for gas flaring. This research assesses both advanced and existing technologies aimed at mitigating gas flaring in Nigeria, focusing on their viability, effectiveness, and environmental implications. The evaluation begins with gas re-injection techniques, which involve redirecting flared gas back into reservoirs to enhance oil recovery and reduce emissions. It also covers flare gas recovery systems that capture and re-purpose flared gas for energy production or other beneficial uses. Additionally, the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects to minimise flaring and monetise associated gas is explored. Furthermore, the study examines innovative approaches such as gas-to-methanol (GTM) conversion, which transforms flared gas into methanol, a valuable chemical feed-stock. The review also considers advanced methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS), which can absorb carbon emissions from flaring and mitigate its environmental impact. The assessment includes the integration of renewable energy sources as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based energy generation to reduce reliance on flaring. Findings reveal that while progress has been made in reducing flaring volumes, challenges persist, particularly in regulatory enforcement, economic feasibility, and technological adoption. The review highlights the need for improved policy frameworks, increased investment in sustainable technologies, and international cooperation to achieve Zero Routine Flaring by 2030. This study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Robust Model Predictive Control for an Ion Beam Shepherd in a large-debris removal mission

The increasing accumulation of space debris poses significant risks to spacecraft, making the development of effective debris mitigation technologies necessary. This paper explores the Ion Beam Shepherd (IBS) method as a potential contactless solution for deorbiting large debris objects. The IBS system concept involves a spacecraft equipped with an ion thruster to direct a controlled ion beam at the debris, generating a small force that gradually lowers its orbit. A proposed configuration of the chaser’s actuator system integrates radial and out-of-plane cold-gas thrusters along with in-track ion thrusters to enhance control and safety while maintaining low mission costs. A robust Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy is implemented, using the theory of MPC for Tracking to ensure accurate positioning and effective deorbiting. This theoretical approach addresses uncertainties and perturbations to robustly guarantee safe distances between the chaser and the debris. Additionally, a new ray-marching-based algorithm is introduced to estimate the force and torque exerted by the ion beam on the target, considered as a 6 degrees of freedom object, improving simulation accuracy and control performance assessment. A comprehensive simulation of the deorbit of a large debris object is performed, demonstrating the potential of the IBS technology for future large-debris removal missions. This research advances the conceptual framework and control techniques for the IBS technology, advancing towards its future implementation in space debris mitigation.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) rather than warming and eutrophication directly affects partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in mesocosm systems

Environmental warming and eutrophication pose significant challenges to shallow lake systems, where dissolved organic matter (DOM) serves as a diverse and intricate mixture of organic macromolecules, playing a pivotal role in aquatic ecosystems. Despite its complexity, comprehending the interplay between environmental changes and DOM composition alterations and their subsequent impacts on aqueous CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) is essential for a better understanding of carbon cycling. Yet, our current understanding in this realm remains limited. To address this gap, mesocosm systems were established to investigate how elevated water temperature and eutrophication, alongside changes in DOM composition, influence pCO2 dynamics. Results indicate that while temperature and nutrient levels do not directly influence pCO2 fluctuations, they indirectly affect aqueous pCO2 through their modulation of DOM composition. Elevated temperature and nutrient concentrations notably enhance both the production and degradation of indigenous protein-like organic matter and increase the accumulation of humic-like organic compounds, with phosphorus released from sediment playing a particularly significant role. Furthermore, the degradation rate of protein-like organic matter significantly exceeds its accumulation rate. On the other hand, the impact of water eutrophication on DOM composition surpasses that of temporal temperature variations, with a 2∼4 °C temperature rise showing minimal effects on DOM composition. Notably, the degradation of protein-like organic matter markedly increases aqueous pCO2, while the rise in humic-like organic matter in water exerts minimal influence on pCO2 concentrations. A comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling processes under environmental changes will facilitate effective management of lake ecosystems and the advancement of carbon mitigation technologies.

The politics of knowledge in black carbon mitigation: Policy entrepreneurship of Finnish actors and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition

Mitigation of black carbon (BC) is a potent short-term measure for climate and environmental policy due to the short lifetime of BC particles in the atmosphere. Fewer BC emissions would decelerate warming especially in the Arctic and bring significant co-benefits particularly in populous countries owing to BC’s negative public health, food security and socio-economic effects. However, scientific knowledge on BC remains uncertain regarding the measurement, monitoring and precise effects of BC while the respective global policy framework is fragmented. To address this situation, we scrutinize the science/policy nexus in BC mitigation on the regional level where some promising openings exist. For this end, our new analytical framework focuses on policy entrepreneurs, their interests and cognitive frames, and the structural environment. Utilising content analysis of expert interviews and document data, three cases are covered with significant policy entrepreneurship on BC. First, we examine Finland ‘s high-profile BC initiative, finding it to frame BC pollution as an Arctic climate threat. Second, Finland’s research, development and innovation cluster, which has substantial expertise on air pollution, frames BC as a public health hazard, and scopes prospects for policy frameworks helping to open markets for mitigation technologies and solutions. Third, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition approaches BC with a wide multipollutant frame, driven by broad socio-economic and developmental interests. The Finnish initiative’s potential is found to suffer from insufficient coordination with the RDI cluster. Both Finland’s BC specific and the CCAC’s wider multipollutant frame can in different ways contribute to abatement.