Net-zero Emissions Research Articles

Analisis Potensi Daya Listrik PLTS Atap di Gedung K4 Universitas Negeri Surabaya

In order to utilize the potential of solar energy and support the government in its energy transition efforts and achieve Net Zero Emissions, it is necessary to utilize solar power plants more massively. One thing that can be done is the installation of solar panels on the roof of a building called Rooftop PLTS. This rooftop PLTS is designed on the roof of the K4 Unesa building with an ongrid system because lecture activities only exist from morning to evening. Research conducted to analyze the potential of electrical energy on the roof of the K4 building using OpenSolar software. From the simulation results, the roof of the K4 building can be designed to install 70 solar panels with the LR4-72HPH-450M type and 5 Goodwe GW5K-DT type inverters which can produce 35,478 kWh per year with a PLTS capacity of 31,500 Wp. From the shadow simulation results, it is found that the selected location is optimal because there are no shadows of other buildings, trees or shadows from the solar panels themselves. Then from the POA analysis, it is found that between April to September has a relatively large amount of generation while in February the lowest energy is generated.

Uranium Mill Tailings Generation and Management Challenges

Uranium mining has been ongoing for the past 200 years, yet managing uranium waste remains a significant challenge. This difficulty arises due to strict regulations imposed on uranium-related industries, driven by the assumed health risks associated with radiation. As a result, much of the waste generated by nuclear industries is currently stored. In India, uranium mining and milling waste is stored that require large tracts of land and continuous monitoring. Given the high value of land in India and the potential expansion of uranium mining to meet net-zero emission targets, an effective solution for managing uranium mill tailings is urgently needed. Meanwhile, India's construction sector is rapidly growing that require a huge quantity of materials. This paper reviewed the history of uranium mining and mill tailings generation and propose that the construction industry could effectively utilize these tailings. This approach not only addresses resource scarcity but also promotes environmental sustainability by conserving natural resources, reducing ecological imbalances, and advancing a circular economy.

Multi-objective optimal control of a hybrid offshore wind turbine platform integrated with multi-float wave energy converters

Offshore floating wind turbines will play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions. This study explores a hybrid platform combining an offshore floating wind turbine with wave energy converters (WECs) from an active control perspective to mitigate turbine damage risk while maximizing wave energy conversion. Initially, the control-oriented state-space modelling of the hybrid platform and the validation of the time-domain Cummins-type models of different orders are performed by the Eulerian-Lagrangian method with model linearization and downscaling. Then, a multi-objective non-causal optimal controller is introduced, balancing wave energy capture and penalizing the nacelle acceleration. When wave energy capture maximization is set as the control target, the proposed optimal controller can improve energy output by 184% as compared against a well-tuned passive damper across all peak periods tested. However this causes peak hub acceleration to increase marginally beyond the desirable limits of 3–4 m/s2 for wind turbine operation. When hub acceleration is penalized, the multi-objective optimal controller can reduce peak values below limits by between 40% and 61% with trivial loss of wave energy capture.

Role of energy value chain in carbon neutrality: A review

Value chain analysis is an important tool for optimizing operations and decision-making in enterprises. As the concept of sustainable development gains recognition worldwide, research on value chains is increasingly focused on sustainability. Traditionally, energy management and value management have operated in parallel with limited intersections. However, after the 2015 Paris Agreement set the goal of achieving net-zero emissions, carbon management has become integral to national strategies, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional value chains. In this paper, the “energy value chain” is introduced, a novel concept that integrates energy consumption with value creation and carbon emissions, emphasizing the coupling relationships among “energy flow”, “value flow”, and “carbon flow.” From a review of current value chains in the power, steel, petroleum, and transportation industries, the specific energy value chain for each industry is defined and its rationale and effectiveness are discussed. This integrated analytical method provides a strategic tool for industries or enterprises to optimize energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance competitive advantage.

On the chemistry of the global warming potential of hydrogen

Hydrogen (H2) is considered a promising fuel to contribute to net-zero carbon emission goals. While hydrogen itself is not a greenhouse gas, leakage of hydrogen fuels causes indirect warming due to hydrogen’s influence on methane, tropospheric ozone, and stratospheric water vapor, with the methane term dominating the impact. Some studies consider a simple four-equation box model to explore the climate consequences of leakage from hydrogen fuel use relative to methane, while others have employed much more detailed global photochemical models. Here we use a comprehensive photochemical box model including 66 reactions to show and quantify how the analogous four-equation system is missing a critical OH feedback, leading it to overestimate the time-integrated methane response to a pulse of hydrogen by over 100%. We estimate a hydrogen global warming potential (GWP) relative to carbon dioxide of 28−11+18 on the 20-year time horizon and 10−4+7 on the 100-year time horizon based on the 66-reaction model and information from the literature. GWPs provide a measure of the relative global warming impact of emission of one gas compared to a selected reference gas per unit mass emitted. While CO2 is generally chosen for the reference, any gas can be used. We present the GWP of H2 using CH4 as the reference, as this choice cancels out some uncertainties that are common to both H2 and CH4. The GWP for H2 relative to CH4 from fossil fuel sources is 0.35−0.06+0.13 on time horizons beyond 15 years; put differently, we find that relative to an equivalent mass of emission of fossil CH4, hydrogen emission has a climate impact about three times smaller. These global warming potentials underscore that hydrogen leakage does contribute to climate change, emphasizing the importance of limiting both hydrogen and methane leakage if global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions are to be achieved by 2050.

Observed carbon decoupling of subnational production insufficient for net-zero goal by 2050

Historically, economic growth has been closely coupled to carbon emissions responsible for climate change, but to stabilize global mean temperature, net-zero carbon emissions are necessary. Some economies have begun to reduce emissions while continuing to grow, but this decoupling is not fast enough to achieve global climate targets. Subnational climate actions seem to be crucial for the achievement of these targets. Here, we uncover the effectiveness of subnational efforts by estimating decoupling rates and CO2 emission intensities over the last three decades for over 1,500 subnational regions, encompassing 85% of global emissions, using global data on reported economic output and gridded production-based emissions. Thirty percent of regions with available data have fully decoupled, with higher-income and historically carbon-intensive regions exhibiting higher rates of decoupling and declining emission intensity. Countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development with greater spending on subnational climate actions show higher decoupling rates, as do subnational regions in EU countries where climate policies have been implemented, highlighting the effectiveness of subnational policies. Moreover, subnational analysis reveals greater variance of decoupling rates within national boundaries than between them and that countries with weaker governance typically show higher variance of decoupling within their borders. If recent rates of production-based carbon decoupling continue, less than half of subnational regions would reach net-zero before 2050, even when accounting for observed acceleration via socioeconomic development and assuming no interregional carbon leakage.

Distrust and reflexive impotence in the net zero transition: findings from a longitudinal deliberative mini-public

Responding to climate change requires that people engage in different forms of climate citizenship. These span from individual consumption choices, to taking part in forms of collective action to steer the behaviour of governments and in the private sector. Here we analyse data from the Net Zero Diaries project to explore how attitudes to different forms of climate citizenship develop as people become more aware about the scale of societal change required to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Diaries project was a deliberative mini-public, composed of 41 citizens broadly representative of the UK adult population, which convened over five months between 2021 and 2022 to debate the UK policies for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. We show that people identify government as the prime actor needed to drive the transition, but doubt that they will act due to a range of constraints vis-à-vis the public and private sector. This tension provides a novel explanation for why some people prioritise forms of individual and consumption focused climate citizenship, whilst also doubting the efficacy of such actions. We conclude by suggesting that efforts to drive more engaged forms of climate citizenship need to attend to underlying feelings about state efficacy, rather than focus on just how the issue of climate change is framed.

Comparative LCA of thermal power plant with CCS and solar PV system: sustainability assessment in Indian context.

The study's objective is to evaluate and compare the sustainability of power production techniques for India's transition to clean power generation. It specifically focuses on coal-based power generation with emission control technologies, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) with carbon capture and storage (CCS), and compares it with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to determine the environmental impact of electricity generation in each scenario. Inventory data has been collected for each case through plant visits, emission modelling, and literature searches. The study evaluated midpoint and endpoint impact indicators utilizing the ReCiPe (H) assessment methodology. The economic viability of all the cases was determined by calculating the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results showed that retrofitting an existing power plant with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) reduced efficiency by 30%, required 1.2 times more auxiliary power, and increased heat rates. The LCA results showed that the global warming potential (GwP) for FGD and CCS together was 0.614 kg CO2 eq. per kWh of power generation. On the other hand, the GwP for the solar PV system was much lower, at 0.043 kg CO2 eq. per kWh. There were trade-offs in both cases, but solar PV plants are more environmentally friendly than thermal power plants equipped with CCS systems in almost all categories. Furthermore, the LCOE results showed Rs 3.87 per kWh for an on-grid solar PV plant and Rs 5.33 for thermal power, with CCS and FGD showing solar as an economically more feasible option. Retrofitting thermal power facilities with emission control technology is necessary to achieve net zero emissions, but transition torenewable energy sources isinevitable.

Environmental Sustainability in Dermatological Surgery. Part 1: Reducing Carbon Intensity.

This two-part review addresses the pressing need for environmental sustainability in dermatological surgery, driven by the NHS's commitment to net-zero emissions. Part 1 focuses on strategies to reduce the carbon intensity of dermatological procedures by adopting low-carbon alternatives and optimising operational resource usage. Key strategies for a system-wide reduction in environmental impact include using leveraging local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, streamlining care models, promoting efficient waste management, and using mindful prescribing practices. Another aspect is integrating sustainability into dermatological education whilst minimising the carbon footprint of surgical education. Additionally, the review provides a comprehensive overview of optimising resource use in dermatological surgery, focusing on efficient management of consumables, equipment, and energy. This includes recycling, waste segregation, transitioning to reusable personal protective equipment and surgical instruments, and applying energy-saving and sustainable water use practices. By implementing these strategies, dermatological surgery can significantly reduce its environmental impact while upholding high standards of patient care.

Evaluation of the Properties and Compositions of Blended Bio-jet Fuels Derived from Fast Pyrolysis Bio-oil made from Wood According to Aging Test

AbstractThe aviation industry has set ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, with the International Civil Aviation Organization targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Bio-jet fuel is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target, and the demand for bio-jet fuel is projected to rapidly increase. Bio-oil from fast pyrolysis of lignin, such as waste wood, is considered a promising alternative for production of bio-jet fuel through processes such as hydrodeoxygenation. In this study, the physical properties and compositions of bio-jet fuel produced from wood-derived pyrolysis bio-oil blended with petroleum-based jet fuel as well as their changes during 16 weeks storage were investigated. Consistently, 0%, 10%, 50%, and 100% blended bio-jet fuels were prepared. After 16 weeks of aging, the total acid number of the all-blended bio-jet fuel showed a sharp increase from 12 weeks, reaching over 0.1 mg KOH/g. Additionally, kinematic viscosity showed a steady increase over 16 weeks whereas oxidative stability decreased by approximately 20% at 16 weeks for the 100% bio-jet fuel alone. The final boiling point increased by up to 20% in higher blends of bio-jet fuel and the average molecular weight increased. Bio-jet fuel has a high olefin content, which can further increase during storage, leading to a decrease in the combustion characteristics. This study suggests that using up to 10% the bio-jet fuel in aircraft is safe considering storage stability, but further research is required to confirm this finding.

Pathways to Net-Zero—Innovations and Challenges in Achieving Carbon Neutrality

The global pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions has become one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century, as extreme climate events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation force a reckoning with the carbon-intensive practices that define many of our industrial, agricultural, and energy systems [...]

Mixed hydrogen and biofuels cement clinker: Characterisation, microstructure, and performance

Over 35 % of the CO2 associated with cement production comes from operational energy. The cement industry needs alternative fuels to meet its net zero emissions target. This study investigated the influence of hydrogen mixed with biofuels, herein designated net zero fuel as an alternative to coal, on the clinker quality and performance of cement produced in an industrial cement plant. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance were coupled to study the clinker mineralogy and polymorphs. Hydration and microstructure development in plain and slag blended cements based on the clinker were compared to commercial cement equivalent. The results revealed a lower alite/belite ratio, but a significant proportion of the belite was of the α′H-C2S polymorph. These reacted faster and compensated for the alite/belite ratio. Gel and micro-capillary pores were densified, which reduced total porosity and attained comparable strength to the reference plain and blended cement. This study demonstrates that the investigated net zero fuel-produced clinker meets compositional and strength requirements for plain and blended cement, providing a feasible pathway for the cement industry to lower its operational carbon significantly.

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.

Mineralization reaction between CO2 and coal ash produced from underground coal gasification: Implication for in situ carbon sequestration

Underground coal gasification (UCG) represents a promising clean and low-carbon energy technology, which could create a suitable cavity for in situ carbon sequestration by mineralization reaction between CO2 and coal ash produced from UCG. This may assist in achieving a net-zero carbon emission goal for UCG projects. To determine the carbonation efficiency and mineralization potential of CO2 mineral sequestration in abandoned UCG cavity, coal ash produced from the gasification of three different low-rank coal samples was used in this study. A comparative experiment was conducted using a group of high-calcium fly ash from a coal-fired power plant. All mineralization reaction experiments were performed in a high-temperature and high-pressure reactor, with CO2 pressures ranging from 2 to 8 MPa and temperatures ranging from 40 to 80°C. These conditions were selected to simulate the sequestration conditions in the UCG cavity. Real-time monitoring of CO2 pressure in the reactor was used to assess the impact of solid-to-water ratio, temperature, and pressure on the CO2 mineralization. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to identify the presence of newly formed carbonate minerals associated with mineralization reaction. The results indicated that the coal ash produced by gasification pretreatment at 900°C contains a substantial quantity of alkaline-earth oxides, such as calcium oxide (CaO), with a relative mass fraction reaching 25.9%. It provided an adequate supply of alkali metal ions for the mineralization reaction, which exhibited comparable efficacy in mineralizing CO2 to that observed in high-calcium fly ash. Without stirring, at lower solid-to-water ratio, the maximum amount of CO2 consumed through mineralization was increased by up to 74.12%. Carbonation efficiency decreased with rising temperatures below 70°C due to the limited dissolution of CO2 in water, it increased with elevated pressure but decreased in the supercritical state, potentially attributable to the dissolution of carbonate minerals in a supercritical CO2 environment. The process of mineralization reaction between CO2 and coal ash aligned well with the Surface Coverage Model (R2 values ranging from 0.92 to 0.99). A preliminary estimation based on Chinese coal reserves revealed that the potential of CO2 sequestration capacity in UCG cavities by mineralization ranging from 29 to 102 Gt, an additional 517 Gt CO2 may be stored when filled with fly ash. This paper provides theoretical bases for predicting the maximum carbonation efficiency under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in UCG cavities, and research directions for achieving a net-zero carbon emission goal for UCG projects.

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.