Net-zero Emissions Research Articles

STATE REGULATION OF THE EXTRACTION OF CRITICAL MINERALS AS A DOMINANT COMPONENT OF ACHIEVING THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE STATE

The article states that the climate crisis and measures to mitigate it in recent years have significantly changed the energy landscape of the countries of the world and the configuration of the investment portfolio. Long-term investments in fossil fuels have been replaced by investments in environmentally friendly technologies, renewable sources of electricity, and smart systems for its distribution and storage. It is emphasized that even with full support of investments, plans for the decarburization of the electric power industry may remain unattainable, as the global reserves of «critical minerals», which are absolutely necessary for the transition to ecologically clean electric power, are noticeably decreasing and the demand continues to grow relentlessly. The scenarios developed by the International Energy Agency for the further transformation of the electric power sector to a low-carbon economy model were reviewed and briefly characterized: the scenario of declared policy (STEPS), the scenario of declared obligations (APS), and the scenario of net zero emissions by 2050 (NZE). The main aspects of each of the scenarios are outlined: the volume of demand for «critical minerals» their geographical concentration of extraction, and processing. It is emphasized that the world leader in the extraction and processing of «critical minerals» is the PRC, which dictates the «rules of the game» to the majority of the world's countries. Therefore, the issue of supplies of “critical minerals” is quite painful. It was emphasized that critical minerals market participants hope to reduce total dependence through new mining projects in different geographical regions, facilitating cross-investment opportunities between partner countries, and strengthening cooperation through initiatives such as the Mineral Security Partnership and the implementation of financial instruments. The potential of Ukraine's «critical minerals» and its ability to reduce the dependence of EU countries on the People's Republic of China are characterized. The main challenges of the development of the extractive industry in Ukraine are identified, and the main vectors of the Roadmap of the partnership between Ukraine and the EU regarding critical raw materials for 2023-2024 are outlined. It was emphasized that in order for Ukraine not to become only a supplier of raw materials, it is necessary to develop the processing of raw materials and the production of products with added value. It is emphasized that such localization requires much wider efforts of the government than the list of measures in the field of regulating the extraction of «critical minerals» defined by the latest legislative acts. The author emphasizes the need to develop a comprehensive system of incentives and introduce new opportunities for stabilization and sustainable development of Ukraine's economy in order to ensure sustainability and progress towards sustainable resource management and optimization of supply chains for critical raw materials. Proposals have been developed for climate-smart mining of «critical minerals» in Ukraine in the near future.

Optimisation of Integrated Heat Pump and Thermal Energy Storage Systems in Active Buildings for Community Heat Decarbonisation

The electrification of residential heating systems, crucial for achieving net-zero emissions, poses significant challenges for low-voltage distribution networks. This study develops a simulation model to explore the integration of heat pumps within active building systems for community heating decarbonisation. The model optimises heat pump operations in conjunction with thermal energy storage units to reduce peak demand on low-voltage networks by using real-time measured electricity demand data and modelled heat demand data for 76 houses. The study employs an algorithm that adjusts thermal storage charging and discharging cycles to align with off-peak periods. Three scenarios were simulated: a baseline with unoptimised heat pumps, a fixed threshold model, and an active building model with daily optimised thresholds. The results demonstrate that the active building model achieves a 21% reduction in peak demand on the low-voltage substation compared to the baseline scenario; it also reduces the total electrical energy consumption by 12% and carbon emissions by 17%. The fixed threshold scenario shows a 16% improvement in peak demand reduction, but it also shows an increase in energy consumption and emissions. These findings highlight the potential of active buildings to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of residential energy systems, marking a significant step toward decarbonising residential heating while maintaining grid stability.

Critical Success Factors for Building Resilience in Circular Supply Chains of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Evidence from an Emerging Country

Given the global expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), decision makers in developing and emerging countries must address important challenges across EV battery supply chains (EVBSCs) toward circularity. For example, batteries usually make up about 40% of an EVs’ value, and the race to achieve net zero emissions will further underscore the critical need for vital minerals and metals, such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite, necessary to make batteries. Stakeholders routinely question the resilience of circular (C) EVBSCs worldwide, from mining valuable materials to manufacturing the batteries necessary to support the widespread deployment of EVs. Identifying and investigating critical success factors (CSFs) of any system is a necessary step in achieving its targets. Little research, however, has been performed to investigate the CSFs for building resilience in EVBSCs, particularly those focused on building a circular supply chain. The goal of this research is, therefore, to systematically scrutinize the CSFs of resilient C-EVBSCs in Türkiye. To this end, a decision framework applying inter-valued neutrosophic ISM-MICMAC is proposed. Based on expert opinions, an application of the decision framework finds that effective government policies, directives, and incentives and well-established dynamic capabilities, are key driving CSFs to building resilience in a C-EVBSC.

Deutelio approach to fusion energy with the Polomac

Deutelio is a private initiative promoting an alternative path to fusion energy. The Tokamak research line pursued worldwide since 1970 met several difficulties, heavily jeopardising the objective of commercial energy production from fusion before 2050, as a support to the global effort towards Net Zero Emissions. As a result, new plasma magnetic confinement concepts, such as Stellarators or overlooked alternatives like the poloidal confinement are being pursued to achieve more efficiency and better performance. The Polomac is a poloidal magnetic configuration where the outboard magnetic lines are deviated aside together with the plasma, to open some accesses to the dipole coils located inside the plasma. These accesses, called magnetic tunnels, are used to support, feed and cool the dipole coil. They avoid the impact with plasma which led to abandon past poloidal experiments, despite their good stability and confinement efficiency. The poloidal confinement can achieve Deuterium-Tritium reactor conditions with a magnetic field 3 times weaker than the Tokamak, in steady state rather than pulsed. With the same high field as in the Tokamak the poloidal confinement can achieve Deuterium-Deuterium reaction, thus avoiding the development of the breeding blanket to produce the Tritium. This paper presents the Polomac system, explains the development strategy of Deutelio through a small prototype focused to tune and assess the magnetic tunnels, and describes the possibility of deuterium-deuterium reaction.

A Review of the Sustainability of Helium: An Assessment of Its Past, Present and a Zero-Carbon Future

Helium, as a by-product of the natural gas industry, will be impacted by the decline in consumption of fossil fuels as the world moves towards net-zero carbon emissions. In September 2022, all assets relating to the US government’s previous helium industry were sold. In the US, helium is now only available from private suppliers. In June 2022, Russia banned the export of helium to “unfriendly” countries, highlighting the geopolitical issues surrounding the industry. In the past, helium was popularized, and the industry was supported by its military applications (filling dirigible aircraft, welding fighter jets and purging rocket engines). It also plays an important role in supporting present-day technologies (e.g., MRI machines and spectroscopy) and will also be important for a high-tech future (e.g., in quantum computing, fusion power, and space exploration). Shortages of helium will inevitably cause skyrocketing prices and consequently lead to significant challenges for research and development (as has happened in the past) and technological progress, as well as a slowdown in world economic growth and prosperity. Anticipated declines in natural gas production, associated with moves towards net-zero carbon emissions targets, make helium less accessible. While this is problematic for industry in the short term, it perhaps preserves some low entropy helium within the ground, making it more accessible to future generations. Given anticipated limitations to the future supply of helium, technological developments are currently focused on a few areas: the replacement of helium by other gases in industrial applications, changing technological approaches to not require helium, and reducing the cost of obtaining helium from the atmosphere. This paper explores the past, present and future of helium, focusing on the sustainability of the helium industry.

An Analysis of the Global EV Market: Sustainable Pathways to Net Zero Emissions

The rising urgency to address climate change has positioned electric vehicles (EVs) as a critical solution for achieving the United Nations' net-zero carbon emission targets. As human activities increase greenhouse gas emissions, the average global temperature continues to rise, leading to severe natural disasters in many regions. This situation underscores the urgent need to limit pollutant emissions and pursue sustainable resource management. This study analyzes the global EV market's trajectory towards sustainability, focusing on the interplay of policy frameworks and consumer engagement strategies in major EV markets, including the USA, the European Union, and China. The transition to EVs must be considered in conjunction with policy frameworks and the broader social environment. Using mixed methods and statistical models, we assess how different policies influence EV adoption and their alignment with sustainability goals. As the concept of sustainable development becomes more ingrained in society, it is promising that, through sustained policy implementation and resource development, the shift from ICE vehicles to EVs will make a crucial contribution to reducing carbon emissions. The findings provide actionable insights for optimizing policies and refining marketing strategies, offering a comprehensive blueprint for guiding the global EV market towards a sustainable future.

Prioritising Patients and Planet: Advocating for Change in Respiratory Care

The global burden of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continues unabated. Suboptimal management places a significant strain on both patients and urgent or emergency care services. With an ageing population in many countries, the demand for these services is set to increase further. At the same time, healthcare systems are striving to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net zero emissions, as the healthcare sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. Although these two goals may appear contradictory, they need not be in conflict. This article reviews an industry-sponsored symposium held at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2024 in Vienna, Austria, in September 2024. The session addressed the urgent need to change the delivery model for respiratory healthcare in response to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and the challenges posed by climate change. Co-chair John Hurst, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at University College London (UCL), UK, underscored the importance of innovative solutions for managing respiratory diseases and highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare decision-makers. This was further elaborated on by Omar Usmani, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, UK, who emphasised the importance of clinical choice. He stated that inhaled medicines, which form the cornerstone of treatment, should not be considered interchangeable. He also discussed ongoing efforts to maintain access to essential medicines by developing novel next-generation propellants (NGP) for pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) devices, which will reduce their carbon footprint to levels comparable with dry powder inhalers (DPI). Additionally, he described the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposal to restrict a broad range of chemicals classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This precautionary measure would affect both current propellants in pMDIs and the transition to NGPs, with global implications for inhaled medicines. Erika Penz, Associate Professor of Respirology, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, noted that suboptimal management of respiratory disease is associated with a disproportionately high burden on both patients and the environment. The forthcoming availability of pMDI medicines with NGPs alone will not resolve this larger issue. As every healthcare interaction carries a carbon footprint, which increases with the intensity of treatment, the implementation of guidelines into clinical practice would improve patient outcomes and reduce the demand on healthcare services and the associated carbon emissions. Co-chair Helen Reddel, Clinical Professor and Research Leader at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Australia, concluded by re-emphasising the urgent need to implement guidelines immediately for the benefit of both patients and the environment.

An integrated policy approach for sustainable decarbonization pathways of energy system in a city under climate change scenarios

An integrated assessment model has been developed to estimate useful energy demand, followed by an optimization model for planning the energy supply. Four scenarios have been developed. The findings of this study highlight the impact of behavioral, climate change, and socio-economic factors on energy demand and supply. Specifically, these factors can lead to significant variations in demand, such as a more than 3.48-fold difference in cooling demand or a 1.75-fold difference in the transportation demand by cars across various scenarios.The use of a dual-fuel car and electric motorcycle is suggested in all scenarios. Waste processing has been done with a landfill in all scenarios except in the final years of the net-zero emission target scenario, where an incinerator is proposed. The supply model for electricity generation in the early years suggests the combined cycle power plant followed by solar energy at the end. However, in the low-cost electricity scenario, it is always suggested to import electricity. The sensitivity analysis showed that the emission penalty and electricity price are the most important parameters. The results of this study will help policymakers and decision-makers in energy system planning and provide researchers with appropriate information, tools, and methods for future research.

The Role of Low-Carbon Fuels and Carbon Capture in Decarbonizing the U.S. Clinker Manufacturing for Cement Production: CO2 Emissions Reduction Potentials

Low-carbon fuels, feedstocks, and energy sources can play a vital role in the decarbonization of clinker production in cement manufacturing. Fuel switching with renewable natural gas, green hydrogen, and biomass can provide a low-carbon energy source for the high-temperature process heat during the pyroprocessing steps of clinker production. However, up to 60% of CO2 emissions from clinker production are attributable to process-related CO2 emissions, which will need the simultaneous implementation of other decarbonization technologies, such as carbon capture. To evaluate the potential of fuel switching and carbon capture technologies in decarbonizing the cement industry, a study of the facility-level CO2 emissions is necessary. This study evaluates the potential for using a single low-carbon fuel as an energy source in clinker production for cement manufacturing compared to conventional clinker production (which uses a range of fuel mixes). In addition, conventional carbon capture (operated with natural gas-based steam for solvent regeneration) and electrified carbon capture configurations were designed and assessed for net-zero emission targets. Carbon emissions reductions with and without biogenic emissions credits were analyzed to ascertain their impact on the overall carbon accounting. Results show that carbon emissions intensity of cement can vary from 571 to 784 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement without carbon capture and from 166.33 to 438.66 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement with carbon capture. We find that when biogenic carbon credits are considered, cement production with a sustainably grown biomass as fuel source coupled with conventional carbon capture can lead to a net-negative emission cement (−271 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement), outperforming an electrified capture design (35 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement). The carbon accounting for the Scope 1, 2, and biogenic emissions conducted in this study is aimed at helping researchers and industry partners in the cement and concrete sector make an informed decision on the choice of fuel and decarbonization strategy to adopt.

Machine Learning for Optimising Renewable Energy and Grid Efficiency

This research investigates the application of machine learning models to optimise renewable energy systems and contribute to achieving Net Zero emissions targets. The primary objective is to evaluate how machine learning can improve energy forecasting, grid management, and storage optimisation, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy sources. The methodology involved the application of various machine learning models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and ARIMA, to predict energy generation and demand patterns. These models were evaluated using metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Key findings include a 15% improvement in grid efficiency after optimisation and a 10–20% increase in battery storage efficiency. Random Forest achieved the lowest MAE, reducing prediction error by approximately 8.5%. The study quantified CO2 emission reductions by energy source, with wind power accounting for a 15,000-ton annual reduction, followed by hydropower and solar reducing emissions by 10,000 and 7500 tons, respectively. The research concludes that machine learning can significantly enhance renewable energy system performance, with measurable reductions in errors and emissions. These improvements could help close the “ambition gap” by 20%, supporting global efforts to meet the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement targets.

Pathways to a net zero building sector in Colombia: Insights from a circular economy perspective

The rapid urbanization and economic growth in Colombia have made the residential sector one of the largest energy and material consumers in the country. Circular economy (CE) strategies are a promising alternative to decouple the sector from resource depletion and climate change. The analysis shown here is based on the RECC model framework, a dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) model. Our results suggest that by 2050 without CE strategies, residential building stock will reach 2.5 billion m2 and emit between 13 and 25 Mt CO2/yr, depending on whether carbon forest sequestration is included or not. A complete implementation of CE strategies and lower floor space can reduce 2020–2050 cumulative primary material production, waste generation, and GHG emissions by 48, 5, and 49 %, respectively. There is a potential to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 if, in addition to the measures mentioned above, more wood materials and forest sequestration are considered.

Regional Analysis and Evaluation Method for Assessing Potential for Installation of Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles

Many countries are adopting renewable energy (RE) and electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The indicators of RE and EV potentials are different. Decision-makers want to introduce RE and EVs; however, they need a method to find suitable areas. In addition, this is required in the time-series analysis to provide a detailed resolution. In this study, we conducted a time-series analysis in Japan to evaluate suitable areas for the combined use of RE and EVs. The results showed the surplus RE areas and shortage RE urban areas. The time-series analysis has quantitatively shown that it is not enough to charge EV batteries using surplus RE. Moreover, a ranking methodology was developed for the evaluation based on electric demand and vehicle numbers. This enables the government’s prioritization of prefectures and the prefectures’ prioritization of municipalities according to their policies.

Towards a greener future: The impact of financial technology (FinTech) and climate finance on ecological sustainability

Ecological sustainability has become a top priority for worldwide policymakers due to severe consequences. Innovative approaches, like climate finance and financial technology (FinTech), are crucial in combating climate change and its environmental hazards. This study aims to investigate the role of climate finance on ecological sustainability with FinTech and institutional quality as moderators from 2010 to 2022 in 58 advanced countries. Besides that, the COVID-19 spillover shock effect (pre-post), socio-economic conditions, and trade openness are also considered as other variables in this study. The study employed the two-step Sys GMM approach, and the robustness was checked by the D-K regression and bootstrap panel quantile regression for empirical analysis. The results reveal that climate finance improves the trajectory of long-term ecological sustainability by significantly lowering the ecological footprint (EF). FinTech has a strong positive effect on ecological performance by decreasing the EF. Furthermore, the combined influence of CF∗FinTech has significantly boosted ecological sustainability by diminishing the EF. Institutional quality substantially enhances ecological sustainability by reducing the EF. Similarly, the interaction term CF∗IQ improves ecological performance by lowering the EF. The outcomes have significant implications for sustainable development policy, influencing the transition to low-carbon economies and meeting net-zero emissions within this decade, contributing to improved ecological sustainability.

Development of 1 ×1 km gridded emission inventory for air quality assessment and mitigation strategies from open biomass burning in Karnataka, India

In this work, we have developed a high-resolution (1 ×1 km grid) emission inventory of greenhouse gases and air pollutants from open biomass burning (OBB) in Karnataka for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2022. Secondary and field datasets were used to validate the emission inventories. The GIS-based statistical model and activity data were used to estimate greenhouse and air pollutant gas emissions from OBB (Forest, grassland, and crop fires). The uncertainty analysis of the emissions were done using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model and Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool was used for projecting the emissions to 2050 based on the annual average growth rate. According to our results, the total OBB burned areas (%) in Karnataka during the aforementioned years were 24.43, 15.69, 15.95, 11.41, 26.73, and 5.78. The results showed that total annual average OBB emissions in Karnataka for 2000–2022 in Gg were SO2 (6.67), NOx (9.48), NH3(9.80), CO (670.12), OC (59.78), BC (5.09), CO2 (11071 .11), CH4(33.68), PM10(84.29), PM2.5(81.08), NMVOC (74.13), and NO2 (4.80) respectively. The districts of Kalburgi, Raichur, Bagalkot, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga have the highest emissions from OBB in Karnataka from 2000 to 2022. The emission uncertainty results showed ±26.92, ±28.17, and ±30.27 % for the crop, grassland, and forest fires, respectively. Under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios, the CH4 emissions from forest, grassland, and crop fires are projected at 8823, 2.64, and 5262 metric tonnes by 2030 and 58046, 10, and 30700 metric tonnes by 2050, respectively. The developed high-resolution inventories are the most up-to-date surface emission datasets with hotspots in Karnataka from OBB emission. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and India’s Net-Zero Emission target by 2070, our high-resolution emission inventories and mitigation strategies may be helpful for air quality monitoring, health benefits analysis, and policy-making studies in Karnataka, India.

The Role of Technology in Promoting Green Finance: A Systematic Literature Survey and the Development of a Framework

Green finance, defined as channeling money into sustainable development activities, is still far lower than needed to achieve net-zero emissions objectives. In this paper, we discuss the role of technologies in developing green finance. We identify that green finance faces three major challenges, including the risk management of green projects, the scarcity of innovative green financing products, and compliance with the regulations. Then, in the context of the existing literature, we explore recent technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics that are helping to deal with the challenges in green finance. We show that data-driven approaches utilizing AI and ML help in the risk assessment of green projects; FinTech-based crowdfunding platforms provide innovative green financial products and regulatory technologies (RegTech) support in compliance with regulations. We also identify that the environmental footprint of cryptocurrencies is an emerging area in the technologies and green finance domain. Our framework could be helpful to further extend the debate on the role of technology in green finance.

Urban-scale power decarbonization using a modified power purchase agreements framework based on Markowitz mean-variance theory

Urban power decarbonization is essential in the fight against climate change, yet current research often neglects the financial risks faced by investors and the shifting demands of consumers in liberalized electricity markets. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a modified Markowitz Mean-Variance Portfolio (MVP) theory, integrated with the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP), and a deep learning model. On this basis, an urban energy transition framework centered on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) is proposed and developed. The framework is validated considering a case study in Kitakyushu, Japan, highlighting its potential in accelerating power sector decarbonization and achieving net-zero emissions by 2038. Additionally, the internal rate of return (IRR) remains stable between 14.5 % and 19.6 % across seven other cities. While the framework reduces long-term cash flow volatility, its effectiveness hinges on industrial electrification efficiency and regional energy self-sufficiency. The findings indicate that relying solely on renewable energy for low-carbon transitions is unrealistic. Furthermore, green hydrogen could emerge as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, potentially replacing batteries for long-term energy storage. Future research should explore cross-regional energy trade and establish legal frameworks for long-term energy transactions to bolster urban energy transition resilience across diverse geographic and economic contexts.

Impacts of a sustainable aviation fuel mandate on airline competition — Full-service carrier vs. low-cost carrier

The aviation industry has proposed the collective goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition to the existing market-based methods (MBMs), the use of renewable energies, in particular, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), could be one of the most promising means for achieving this long-term target. This paper investigates how an SAF mandate from the government can lead to heterogeneous impacts on two types of airlines, namely, full-service carriers (FSCs) and low-cost carriers (LCCs), that compete in the same markets. A game-theoretic economic model is constructed that accounts for the different service quality levels and cost structures (i.e., fuel efficiency) between FSCs and LCCs. Our analytical results suggest that the SAF mandate favors LCCs over FSCs. The share of SAF blended into fuel raises the airfares of both types of airlines while reducing the traffic and profit of FSCs. The impacts on the LCC traffic and profit depend on its fuel efficiency relative to that of FSC. When LCCs are sufficiently fuel efficient, the SAF mandate can increase their traffic and profit. The government subsidy on airline's SAF use is also analyzed, deriving the optimal subsidy levels for FSC and LCC respectively to achieve pareto-improvement in social welfare and consumer surplus. We also examine how air passengers’ environmental awareness affects the outcomes of SAF mandate implementation. Our economic model also accounts for passengers’ heterogeneous preferences in terms of service quality and price sensitivity.

Sustainable Logistics: Synergizing Passive Design and PV–Battery Systems for Carbon Footprint Reduction

As more companies strive for net-zero emissions, mitigating indirect greenhouse gas emissions embedded in value chains—especially in logistics activities—has become a critical priority. In the European logistics sector, sustainability and energy efficiency are receiving growing attention, given the sector’s intersectional role in both transportation and construction. This transition toward low-carbon logistics design not only reduces carbon emissions but also yields financial benefits, including operational cost savings and new market opportunities. This study examines the impact of passive design strategies and low-carbon technologies in a Swedish logistics center, assessed using the low-carbon design criteria from the BREEAM International standard, version 6. The findings show that passive energy-efficient measures, such as the installation of 47 skylights for natural daylighting, reduced light power density in accordance with AHSHARE 90.1-2019 and the integration of free night flushing, contribute to a 23% reduction in total energy consumption. In addition, the integration of 600 PV panels and 480 batteries with a capacity of 268 ampere-hours and 13.5 kWh storage, operating at 50 volts, delivers a further 56% reduction in carbon emissions. By optimizing the interaction between passive design and active low-carbon technologies, this research presents a comprehensive feasibility analysis that promotes sustainable logistics practices while ensuring a future-proof, low-carbon operational model.

Avoiding siloed approaches: Integrating psychological insights into sustainable farming.

This study enhances our understanding of the psychological factors influencing farmers' adoption of sustainable farming practices, specifically those related to achieving NetZero emissions. It achieves this by integrating various psychological theories with practical farming methods within the context of Behavioral-Adoption and Purpose-Driven contexts. The research consisted of two studies. Study 1 employed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to analyze responses from 438 UK farmers regarding their attitudes toward a series of Net Zero policy commitments, drawing on psychological theories including the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Prototype Willingness Model, Implementation Intentions, Self-Determination Theory, Eudaimonia, and the Integrated Model of Health Literacy. The findings revealed a new Integrated Motivation Model for Sustainable Farming that comprises seven factors: Agricultural Commitment and Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Readiness and Confidence, Sustainable Incentive Engagement and Acceptance, Climate Adaptation Competence and Confidence, Net Zero Accountability and Reporting Commitment, Community Influence and Commitment in Sustainable Farming, and Innovation and Technological Competence. Study 2 validated these factors through the development of a 21-item Integrated Motivation Model for Sustainable Farming scale and use of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to confirm the 7-factor structure using a subsample of 418 UK farmers from Study 1 and an additional 230 US farmers. Furthermore, Study 2 tested the concurrent validity of the new scale by demonstrating significant associations with reported sustainable farming behaviors. These findings underscore the complex interplay of motivational, cognitive, and social processes influencing sustainable farming practices. The integrated psychological model developed through this research provides parsimonious and valuable insights for policymakers to foster sustainable practices in farming effectively. The confirmation of this model across farming populations enhances its generalizability and potential to guide targeted interventions aimed at achieving behavioral change in pursuit of Net Zero targets in agriculture.

Achieving net zero-emission production through hydrogen: Evidence from Scottish whisky industry

ABSTRACT Climate change poses a significant threat to economic development and necessitates immediate action to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of hydrogen systems as a comprehensive solution for decarbonizing the distillery industry, a sector often deemed “hard-to-treat” from service perspective. Through a qualitative case study of a whiskey distillery in Scotland, insights from senior management at both the distillery and the hydrogen system provider reveal the potential of hydrogen to not only serve as an energy source but also to address broader sustainability challenges within the food and agriculture sector. While advantages are evident, the study also identifies challenges related to infrastructure, cost, and the need for shifts in government policy, user attitudes, and investor perspectives. This research serves as a precursor to broader sectoral studies aimed at developing pathways toward net-zero emissions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a transformative solution for achieving a sustainable future.