Global Warming Problem Research Articles

Mechanistic study of C5F10O-induced lung toxicity in rats: An eco-friendly insulating gas alternative to SF6

The global warming and other environmental problems caused by SF6 emissions can be reduced due to the widespread use of eco-friendly insulating gas, perfluoropentanone (C5F10O). However, there is an exposure risk to populations in areas near C5F10O equipment, so it is important to clarify its biosafety and pathogenesis before large-scale application. In this paper, histopathology, transcriptomics, 4D-DIA proteomics, and LC-MS metabolomics of rats exposed to 2000 ppm and 6000 ppm C5F10O are analyzed to reveal the mechanisms of toxicity and health risks. Histopathological shows that inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and alveolar atrophy accompanied by alveolar wall thickening are present in both low-dose and high-dose groups. Analysis of transcriptomic and 4D-DIA proteomic show that Cell cycle and DNA replication can be activated by both 2000 ppm and 6000 ppm C5F10O to induce cell proliferation. In addition, it also leads to the activation of pathways such as Antigen processing and presentation, Cell adhesion molecules and Complement and coagulation cascades, T cell receptor signal path, Th1 and T cell receptor signal path, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, complement and coagulation cascades. Finally, LC-MS metabolomics analysis confirms that the metabolic pathways associated with glycerophospholipids, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid are disrupted and become more severe with increasing doses. The mechanism of lung toxicity caused by C5F10O is systematically expounded based on the multi-omics analysis and provided biosafety references for further promotion and application of C5F10O.

Soil Fungi and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in the Profile of a Forest Arenosol

To help solve the actual problem of global climate warming, it is important to comprehensively study soil organic carbon (SOC), soil fungi, and other parameters at different depths in the soil. This study was aimed at investigating the chemical and microbiological parameters and their interactions at various soil depths (0–5 to 195–200 cm) in an Arenosol in a Scots pine stand in southwestern Lithuania, with a focus on the main groups of fungi and their influence on SOC. The highest diversity of soil fungi species was found at a depth of 50–55 cm. Saprotrophs were dominant at all investigated soil depths. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were mostly abundant at depths of up to 50–55 cm. The C:N ratio gradually decreased down to 50–55 cm, then increased in deeper soil layers (from 50–55 to 195–200 cm). This means that the most active mineralization processes occur at depths of between 0 and 55 cm. Carbon stabilization processes occur at depths of 100–105 to 195–200 cm, and most of this carbon does not enter the atmosphere nor contribute to the process of climate change.

Renewable Energy, Global Warming Problem and Impact of Power Electronics (Invited Paper)

Global energy consumption is increasing at a dramatic rate due to the increase in the world’s population and the quest for improvement of living standards. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels which cause the problem of global warming due to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). As a result, there are many harmful effects such as rise in sea level, drought in tropical regions near the equator, an increase in hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, and the spread of disease. Renewable energy is the energy generated from natural resources such as solar heat and light, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat, which are replenished naturally. From Wikipedia, in 2008, about 19% of global final energy consumption came from renewables, with 13% coming from traditional biomass, used mainly for heating, and 3.2% from hydroelectricity. New renewables (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and bio fuels) accounted for another 2.7% and are growing rapidly. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around 18%, with 15% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3% from new renewables. This paper highlights in particular the impact of power electronics in solving or mitigating the global warming problem and supporting the generation of renewable energy [1]-[30].

Simulation and practical investigation of carbonic anhydrase stability in an industrial solvent system of methyl diethanolamine for carbon dioxide capture

Carbonic anhydrase owing to its potential as an industrial biocatalyst for carbon dioxide sequestration from flue gas has attracted considerable attention in solving global warming problems. A large body of research has been conducted to increase the thermal stability of carbonic anhydrase from different sources against the harsh operational conditions of CO2 capture systems. In contrast to cost-intensive protein engineering methods, solvation with aqueous-organic binary mixtures offers a convenient and economical alternative strategy for retention of protein structure and stability. This study aimed to examine the stabilizing effect of methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) as a component of an aqueous-organic solvent mixture on human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) at extreme temperatures. Computational and also spectroscopic examinations were employed for tracking conformational changes and stability evaluation of HCA II in 50:50 (vol %) water: MDEA binary mixture at high temperature. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation studies predicted the high thermal stability of HCA II in the presence of MDEA. UV absorbance spectra confirmed the thermo-stabilizing effect of the binary solvent mixture on HCA II. While the enzymatic activity of HCA II at 25 °C in the presence of 10, 25, and 50 (vol%) of MDEA was substantially increased, no obvious effect on retention of HCA II activity in the water-MDEA binary solvent mixture at 85 °C was seen. It is shown that the solvation of HCA II in the presence of MDEA could result in the prevention of aggregate formation in high temperatures but not functional stability. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Ecological effects of distinct patents on reducing waste-related greenhouse gas emissions in BRIC countries: evidence from novel quantile methods

ABSTRACT Technological development and environmental patents have become one of the policy options to solve the problem of global warming. With the development of technology, waste recycling can be faster and more environmentally friendly, which can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gasses. The question of which patents and technologies should be promoted for waste management is an important decision-making and research topic. Given the increasing importance of ecological patents and waste disposal for environmental sustainability, this study examines the impact of technological progress on reducing waste-related greenhouse gas (WGHG) emissions in BRIC countries. The study considers energy generation and transmission-related patents (EPAT), patents to prevent pollution in the production process of goods (GPAT), and waste management-related patents (WPAT) as technological progress indicators. Methodologically, the study the applies novel quantile-on-quantile regression (QQ), Granger causality-in-quantiles (GQ), and quantile regression (QR) for the period from 1997m5 to 2019m12. The findings demonstrate that at higher quantiles, (i) EPAT have a dampening effect on WGHG in Brazil and India; (ii) GPAT have a diminishing effect on WGHG in Brazil, Russia, and India; (iii) WPAT have a diminishing effect on WGHG in Brazil, Russia, and India. Overall, technological progress contributes to WGHG emissions reduction in Brazil and India, while EPAT is not beneficial for Russia, and China cannot benefit from patents. The results suggest that Brazil, Russia and India should financially support and disseminate distinct patents to reduce WGHG emissions and improve waste management.

The role of financial and trade globalization in enhancing environmental sustainability: Evaluating the effectiveness of carbon taxation and renewable energy in EU member countries

The study addresses the pressing issue of environmental degradation, pinpointing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as its primary driver, posing a threat to global environmental sustainability, including the member countries of the European Union (EU). Global warming problems persist, but previous studies have not adequately explored the factors that contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions in EU countries. The paper fills the gap by assessing the efficacy of carbon tax and eco-innovation in mitigating CO2 levels from 1994 to 2019, considering the influence of renewable energy and various aspects of globalization. The study establishes long-term associations among the indicators examined using advanced methodologies, including the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag approach and the Westerlund cointegration method. Notably, the results highlight that carbon taxes, eco-innovation, renewable energy, and globalization contribute to slowing environmental deterioration, and economic progress plays a role in mitigating environmental sustainability challenges in EU member states. These findings reinforce the importance of robust strategies for reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Legal Regulation of the Implementation of Russian Climate Projects

The climate agenda is gaining momentum both in the international arena and within the country. The challenges posed to humanity in connection with the problem of global warming require the adoption of decisive measures and the transition from declarative statements to special actions. In this regard, public authorities, environmental organizations, and businesses are paying great attention to climate protection projects provided for by the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing or absorbing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, and economic measures that stimulate their implementation. However, climate projects are not a new legal instrument. The Kyoto Protocol, which was in force before the Paris Agreement, also contained mechanisms for implementing projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the analysis of the norms forming the institute of climate projects in our country, as well as the problems of their implementation are presented in this article.

“Зеленые” против бедных: противоречия левого энвайронментализма

The article examines the prospects of an alliance between the ideology of environmentalism and left-wing ideological trends aimed at solving the problems of the poor and socially vulnerable. It is noted that although the “greens” have often been criticized for their focus on the interests of the middle class and ignoring the material problems of the social “grassroots”, modern left-wing theorists increasingly associate the solution to the problem of global warming with the struggle for the material interests of the “exploited and oppressed” (representatives of the working class, precarious workers, poor residents of developing countries, minorities, etc.). It is assumed that the richest, not the poor, should pay for the energy transition; many jobs will be needed for such a transition; serious material climate damage will be prevented; residents of the poorest countries will benefit from the fight against global warming, because they are most vulnerable to droughts, floods and other potential catastrophic events. Today, it is also increasingly noted that “green” energy has already become competitive, and the main problem is in the selfish interests of capitalists. Nevertheless, as the author shows, despite the attempts of the “greens” to get closer to the “reds”, objective realities indicate a fundamental difference between the interests of environmentalists and those who today need basic material goods at present. “Green” energy has not become cheaper than fossil fuels, and attempts to radically accelerate the energy transition can lead to an economic, not a climatic, catastrophe. Moreover, it is impossible to solve all the problems at once: a choice is inevitable between urgent investments in the energy transition and the achievement of other socially significant goals: affordable education, free and high-quality medicine, housing construction for all those in need, and much more.

Reconstructed PbCO3 with abundant oxygen vacancies for efficient CO2-to-formate electrocatalysis

The electrosynthesis of valuable chemical feedstocks and fuels through CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) provides a promising approach to solve the global warming problem and the energy crisis. Numerous researches have...

Thermal Properties of Foam Mortars used Bentonite as Supplementary Cementitious Material

The construction sector has an important role in solving of energy shortage and global warming problems. Therefore, innovative studies focused on building materials are among the priority topics. Foam concrete is one of them. However, foam concrete needs to be improved through the components of the final product in terms of efficieny and sustainability. In this study, it has thought that it could be improve the thermal performaces of foam concretes due to blended cement used bentonite with high thermal performance. On the other hand, thanks to the use of blended cements, reduction in CO2 emissions and more economical cement production would be achieved. The aim of the study is to examining physical, mechanical and thermal properties of foam mortars used bentonite as supplementary cementitious material (SCM). For this aim, it is carried out tests on foam mortars produced with blended cements at replacement ratios determined as 0, 5, 10, 15 wt.% of Portland cement. The results were discussed comparatively among produced series. According to the obtained experimental data, the strength and thermal properties of foam mortars could be developed due to blended cements produced with bentonite additive up to 15% replacement ratio.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PLANNING PROCESS OF CITIES FOR THE RATIONAL USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CRISIS, URBANISATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

In addition to the environmental problems caused by urbanisation, drought, irregularity in precipitation regime, floods, landslides, storms and fires are experienced in the world due to global warming and climate change. This situation is also valid for our country. These events negatively affect the lives of all living things. Necessary arrangements are being made by the relevant authorities for the solution of the problems caused by urbanisation and global climate crisis, and central and local administrations assume duties in accordance with the updated legislation. This process brings new approaches and administrative structures to the agenda for the planning of settlements, especially cities, in order to utilise natural resources effectively and efficiently. In the urban planning process, it is thought that there is a need for a comprehensive, visionary approach with physical, social, economic and cultural content regarding the use of natural resources in the context of urbanisation and environmental problems. In this article, the processes of re-planning urban areas are examined by reviewing the literature on global warming, climate change and environmental problems caused by urbanisation. In order to solve these problems, it is thought that a new administrative structure is needed in order to formulate urbanisation policies and in the process of planning and construction of cities. With this study, it is aimed to evaluate the issue within the framework of an approach based on the protection of water, air and soil components, which are the basic input of planning in the urbanisation process and are of vital importance, and to propose solutions for urbanisation and environmental problems.

Погодно-климатический аспект стратегии устойчивого развития экосистем горных территорий

Introduction. The results of an analysis of information about threats to the development of civilization from the consequences of global warming and the effectiveness of projects presented to society to prevent it are presented. Research methods and materials. The method of inductive-deductive content analysis of scientific publications on the problems of global warming and the effectiveness of known methods for adjusting the heat balance of the planet was used. Research results. The high sensitivity of the thermal balance of the earth’s shell to cloud albedo and the complex dependence of cloud albedo on combinations of different types of clouds and on the frequency of cyclone formation have been established. Discussion of research results. Projects presented by various initiative groups to prevent global warming are assessed as unpromising. Conclusions on the article. An alternative method for adjusting cloud albedo is presented based on the use of thermoacoustic instability of atmospheric moisture. The method uses not a material substrate, but a phase of acoustic vibrations to influence the atmosphere. As a result, the use of the method is not accompanied by an increase in the entropy of the terrestrial ecosystem. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The application of the acoustic method is carried out in the form of remote initiation in the atmosphere of direct and reverse thermoacoustic effects using narrowly directed acoustic radiation from a ground-based installation and is characterized by high scalability, constant readiness for use and the absence of supporting infrastructure.

Seasonal Analysis and Capacity Planning of Solar Energy Demand-to-Supply Management: Case Study of a Logistics Distribution Center

In recent years, global warming and environmental problems have become more serious due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Harvesting solar energy for production and logistic activities in supply chains, including factories and distribution centers, has been promoted as an effective means to reduce GHG emissions. However, it is difficult to balance the supply and demand of solar energy, owing to its intermittent nature, i.e., the output depends on the daylight and season. Moreover, the use of large-capacity solar power generation systems and batteries incurs higher installation costs. In order to maintain low costs, demand-to-supply management of solar energy, based on appropriate seasonal analysis of power generation and consumption and the capacity planning for power generation and the storage battery, is necessary. In this study, the on-demand cumulative control method is applied to actual power consumption data and solar power generation data estimated at a distribution center. Moreover, the monthly, seasonal, and temporal characteristics of power generation and consumption at the distribution center are analyzed. Additionally, the total amount of power purchased is investigated for solar energy demand-to-supply management.

Regulation on the Utilization of Carbon Service as a Forest Protection Effort in Indonesia


 
 
 
 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Through this scheme, Indonesia is vital in implementing ratified commitments through national legislation. The methodology used in the research employed normative juridical techniques characterized by descriptive research parameters and underwent analysis through comprehensive literature exploration. The results found that Indonesia has supported sustainable development by issuing REDD+ arrangements to realize climate change mitigation. Through the REDD+ scheme, Indonesia is expected to provide answers to global warming problems that occur throughout the world by providing protection, preventing degradation, and providing an increase in the quality of forest cover and carbon stocks.
 
 
 

Environmental and Economic Assessment of Batteries for Marine Applications: Case Study of All-Electric Fishing Vessels

The increasing global warming problem has pushed the community to implement emission reduction measures in almost every segment of human life. Since the major source of anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) is fossil fuel combustion, in the shipping sector, these measures are oriented toward a reduction in tailpipe emissions, where the replacement of traditional internal combustion marine engines with zero-carbon technologies offers the ultimate emission reduction results. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG strategy, vessels involved in international shipping must achieve a minimum 50% reduction in their GHG emissions by 2050. However, this requirement does not extend to fishing vessels, which are significant consumers of fossil fuels. This paper deals with the full electrification of two types of fishing vessels (purse seiners and trawlers), wherein different Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs) are considered. To investigate their environmental footprint and profitability, Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Life-Cycle Cost Assessments (LCCAs) are performed. The comparison of all-electric fishing vessels with existing diesel-powered ships highlighted the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery as the most suitable alternative powering option regarding environmental and economic criteria.

OPTIMAL COORDINATED VOLTAGE CONTROL OF ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS IN THE PRESENCE OF DISTRIBUTED RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Recently, distributed generation (DG), as clean and renewable energy, has increased due to the global warming problems and depletion of fossil sources. Several DGs are installed near the end-user, with the feature that this will decrease power losses. However, without optimal control, many problems, such as voltage instability and power losses, may affect the performance and the good operation of the power system. This paper proposes an optimal coordinated voltage control (OCVC) method for the distribution networks with distributed generation sources. The method is based on a genetic algorithm (GA) approach in multi-core simulation with an open-source OpenDSS to obtain the optimal setting of voltage control devices adjusted remotely. This method takes into account time-varying load and generation based on day-ahead scheduling. To validate the performances of the proposed technique, simulations are performed in a distribution network test with DG integration.

(Invited) Dye-Sensitized Molecular Photoelectrodes for CO2 Reduction Using Water as a Reductant

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction using visible light and water as a reductant has been one of the important targets for solving global warming problem and shortage of energy and carbon resources. In this presentation, I talk about two projects, i.e., (1) supramolecular photocatalysts with both functions as photosensitizer and catalysts and (2) photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled to water oxidation.(1) Highly efficient supramolecular photocatalysts for CO2 reduction1-3 Since CO2 is the most oxidized state of carbon, one-electron reduction of CO2 is an extraordinarily high endergonic reaction. From the viewpoints of low-energy light application, the multi-electron reduction of CO2 via chemical reactions promises to be a more valuable process. This is a main reason why both a photosensitizer and a catalyst are required to promote efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction. We have developed so-called supramolecular photocatalyts that have both the photosensitizer and the catalyst units. This bonding in the supramolecular photocatalysts can accelerate electron transfer between the two units, which improves the performance of the photocatalytic system, especially on the surface of photofunctional solid materials as described below.(2) Molecular photoelectrodes for photocatalytic CO2 reduction with water as a reductant 1,4 The molecular photocatalytic systems have a weakness, i.e., weak oxidation power in the excited state. For practical application, water should be used as an electron donor. For overcoming this problem, we have developed a hybrid system consisting of the supramolecular photocatalyst and semiconductor electrodes. The hybrid photoelectrochemical cell consisting of this hybrid photocathode and n-type semiconductor photoanode induced visible-light-driven CO2 reduction with water as a reductant to generate CO and O2. References “Photocatalytic Systems for CO2 Reduction: Metal-Complex Photocatalysts and Their Hybrids with Photofunctional Solid Materials” Kumagai, H.; Tamaki, Y.; Ishitani, O., Acc. Chem. Res. 2022, 55, 978-990.“Mechanistic study of photocatalytic CO2 reduction using a Ru(II)-Re(I) supramolecular photocatalyst” Kamogawa, K.; Shimoda, Y.; Miyata, K.; Onda, K.; Yamazaki, Y.; Tamaki, Y.; Ishitani, O., Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 9682-9693.“Supramolecular Photocatalysts for the Reduction of CO2” Tamaki, Y.; Ishitani, O., ACS Cat. 2017, 7, 3394-3409.“Supramolecular photocatalysts fixed on the inside of the polypyrrole layer in dye sensitized molecular photocathodes: application to photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with water oxidation. Kuttassery, F.; Kumagai, H.; Kamata, R.; Ebato, Y.; Higashi, M.; Suzuki, H.; Abe, R.; Ishitani, O., Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 13216-13232. Figure 1

Density Functional Theory Study of CuAg Bimetal Electrocatalyst for CO2RR to Produce CH3OH

Converting superfluous CO2 into value-added chemicals is regarded as a practical approach for alleviating the global warming problem. Powered by renewable electricity, CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) have attracted intense interest owing to their favorable efficiency. Metal catalysts exhibit high catalytic efficiency for CO2 reduction. However, the reaction mechanisms have yet to be investigated. In this study, CO2RR to CH3OH catalyzed by CuAg bimetal is theoretically investigated. The configurations and stability of the catalysts and the reaction pathway are studied. The results unveil the mechanisms of the catalysis process and prove the feasibility of CuAg clusters as efficient CO2RR catalysts, serving as guidance for further experimental exploration. This study provides guidance and a reference for future work in the design of mixed-metal catalysts with high CO2RR performance.

BIM-Based Building Performance Simulation Analysis: A Multi-Parameter-Driven Approach to Building Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

Global warming and other environmental problems are increasing the demand for high-performance buildings. The development of high-performance computers and building information models has a significant impact on buildings’ energy simulation. High-performance building design needs to comprehensively consider geography, climate, material, cost and other factors which is a highly complex multidisciplinary research problem. Therefore, it is urgent to use advanced modeling and simulation technology to realize it, involving Building Information Modelling (BIM), parametric design and cloud platform. Comprehensive simulation of building performance refers to a multidisciplinary collaborative design, and the correlation between research objects and parameters should be achieved by complex programming design. This study integrates BIM, computer, cloud computing and other technologies to simulate BIM-based building energy consumption performance. Based on project information, geometry information and physical properties exhibited by materials stored in BIM model, the energy analysis model is created. Revit–Dynamo API functions are employed to generate a novel BIM model in Revit after automatically changing and transferring user-defined parameters. BIM energy consumption model is converted into Green Building eXtended Markup Language (GBXML) file and uploaded to Green Building Studio (GBS) cloud server. The optimal project solution is yielded by retrieving the energy consumption simulation results of BIM models with a range of parameters. The case study shows that building volume, glass material, window-wall ratio and window height have significant influence on energy consumption targets of buildings. In hot-summer and cold-winter areas, the total energy consumption of glass materials with high insulation and reflection coefficient is small. The window size slightly impacts the annual lighting energy consumption, but it has significant influence on the annual air conditioning energy consumption, with a maximum increase of about 22%. Finally, the application advantages and limitations of the framework in high-performance building design and its application prospects in energy-saving building design are discussed.

Combined heating and power generation performance of thermal station for electricity self-sufficient characterized by two-stage heat transfer

As the living standard improves, the demand for space heating has been increasing, leading to global warming and environmental problems. The thermal station consumes a large amount of electric power. A novel electricity self-sufficient thermal station based on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is proposed using the primary heating network supply water as the heat source and the secondary heating network return water as the heat sink. The mathematical model is established based on the laws of thermodynamics, and the performance of combine heating and power is numerically analyzed under the design condition. The results show that the power generation performance is directly proportional to the primary heating network supply water temperature. However, the power output of ORC is at the expense of reducing the same amount of heating capacity of secondary heating network. The novel self-sufficient thermal station in electric power lowers the irreversible loss of heat transfer between the primary and secondary heating networks to construct cascade heat transfer, therefore recovering the potential power generation being ignored and realizing the self-sufficient supply of electric power.