Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Articles

Household, Sociodemographic, Building and Land Cover Factors Affecting Residential Summer Electricity Consumption: A Systematic Statistical Study in Phoenix, AZ

Understanding determinants of residential electricity consumption is crucial for urban sustainability efforts for planners and policy makers to develop targeted strategies to lower energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to increase community resilience. This study presents a systematic approach to build an interpretable multivariate linear model, addressing challenges like outlier detection, multicollinearity, non-normality, and heteroscedasticity. Using 2019 summer residential electricity data for 426 census tracts in Phoenix and 30 variables, the approach involves (1) addressing multicollinearity and regression outliers through Variance Inflation Factor and studentized residual analysis, (2) comparing an automatic variable selection method with Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net regression, (3) evaluating the final model, and (4) interpreting variable effects. Critical findings reveal multicollinearity in land cover and racial variables, while 21 census tracts on the urban periphery exhibit outliers with unique features. Variable selection demonstrates the significance of household and building information in influencing residential electricity consumption. Household variables alone account for 84% of electricity usage variation. Incorporating building information and land cover variables reduces errors by 35% and 26% respectively, emphasizing the significance of including household characteristics as predictors or control variables when modeling electricity consumption. A final model with 93% explanatory power enables precise predictions.

Dual-loop Segmented Piston Trajectory Control of Free Piston Linear Generator based on sliding mode control

Free piston linear generator (FPLG) can be applied as range extender for electrical vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions attributed to its fuel flexibility and ultimate freedom of piston motion. However, FPLG still faces several challenges in control such as misfire and collision due to the eliminate of mechanical crankshaft. To fully utilize the potential of the ultimate freedom of piston motion, this paper presents a novel piston trajectory control strategy which employs the piston trajectory on the entire operation process of FPLG as the control objective. Considering disturbances and high coupling of FPLG, a sliding mode controller is employed to track reference piston trajectory. Additionally, a segmented control strategy is implemented to decouple the control of combustion pressure force and electromagnetic force. In order to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed controller, a prototype of single-piston FPLG and a corresponding numerical model are constructed. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate the proposed controller shows fast response, precise tracking performance, and good robustness at various reference piston trajectories. Furthermore, the experimental results illustrate that the system can achieve cold start through the seamless transition between operation states and long-term stable operation by the controller.

Evaluating the effectiveness of environmental taxes: A Case study of carbon pricing in the UK as a tool to reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions

This paper evaluated the effectiveness of environmental taxes and adopted a case study approach which used carbon pricing in the UK as a tool to reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions. The objectives of the research are to determine the effect of carbon pricing on greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom, evaluate how fossil energy depletion affect greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom and ascertain the effect of total energy consumption from different energy mix on greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom. The paper used an ex post facto research design and the estimated model was estimated using the ordinary least squares regression technique. The data were sourced from different sources and covered the period between 2010 and 2023. The findings of the study revealed that carbon pricing is an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gases emissions in the UK while renewable energy is also a significant tool for reducing greenhouse gases emissions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government should consider increasing the carbon price incrementally over time to ensure that it continues to effectively discourage high-emission activities.

Large scale utility solar installation in the USA: Environmental impact and job creation

Large-scale utility solar installations in the United States have gained momentum as a key component of the nation's renewable energy transition. This review examines the environmental impact and job creation associated with these projects, focusing on their contribution to decarbonizing the energy sector and stimulating economic growth. Utility-scale solar installations offer significant environmental benefits, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and displacing fossil fuel-based energy sources. They also contribute to improving air quality and mitigating climate change. However, challenges such as land use, habitat disruption, and water usage in arid regions present potential environmental concerns. To address these, mitigation strategies such as dual-use projects and siting solar farms on degraded lands are becoming more common. In addition to environmental advantages, utility-scale solar installations play a pivotal role in job creation and economic development. These projects generate a wide range of employment opportunities, particularly in construction, operations, and maintenance. The solar energy sector has grown rapidly, creating tens of thousands of jobs across various regions, including economically disadvantaged and rural areas. The economic ripple effect of solar job creation extends to local communities and related industries, further boosting economic activity. Workforce training and development initiatives are crucial for preparing workers to meet the demands of this growing sector, ensuring that job creation benefits are widespread and inclusive. Despite the positive impacts, challenges related to regulatory barriers, grid integration, and financing remain. This review underscores the importance of supportive policy frameworks and continued innovation to overcome these obstacles and maximize the potential of large-scale solar installations. Looking ahead, advancements in technology, energy storage, and grid infrastructure will be essential for sustaining the environmental and economic gains from utility-scale solar energy in the U.S.

Climate action and social equity: Mitigation strategies and carbon credits

Carbon taxes are a critical tool in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they often have regressive effects, disproportionately burdening low-income households. This study examines the economic impact of carbon taxes on different income groups, with a focus on the regressive nature of these policies. Low-income households, which typically spend a higher percentage of their income on energy and carbon-intensive goods, are more adversely affected by carbon taxes. This analysis explores potential mitigation strategies, such as rebates, targeted subsidies, and income-based tax adjustments, to offset these regressive effects. Additionally, the study investigates the role of carbon credits in income distribution, analyzing how the allocation and trading of credits can influence social equity. The research also considers the broader implications of carbon taxes and credits on income distribution, highlighting the need for policies that balance environmental objectives with social equity. By examining the intersection of carbon pricing mechanisms and income inequality, this study provides insights into how policymakers can design carbon taxes and credits that minimize regressive impacts while promoting fair and equitable climate action. The findings underscore the importance of integrating social equity considerations into carbon pricing strategies to ensure that climate policies contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Surplus Indonesia: tackling food waste through app

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to evaluate the suitability of Surplus business model from accounting, finance, strategy and cultural perspectives; to identify the factors that contribute to the reluctance of business partners to join Surplus ecosystem and to suggest solutions; to identify the factors that contribute to the reluctance of consumers to join Surplus ecosystem and to suggest solutions; and to address unique funding and financial challenges faced by Surplus. Case overview/synopsis This case study discussed the challenges faced by Surplus Indonesia, a company founded upon the belief that a harmonious balance can be achieved between profitability and environmental stewardship. Stemming from the founder’s encounter with leftover food going to waste after buffets, Surplus embarked on a pioneering initiative using an application technology to address food wastage at the consumer level. Collaborating with various stakeholders such as retail outlets, restaurants, bakeries, cafes and hotels, the goal was to combat food waste while supporting Sustainable Development Goals 2, 12 and 13: Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption & Production and Climate Action, respectively. Each meal saved through the Surplus app not only translated to reduced expenses for businesses but also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Surplus’ overarching mission was to cut food waste and loss in Indonesia by half by 2030, fostering an environment where food waste is virtually nonexistent in the nation. Complexity academic level Undergraduate as well as graduate courses that focus on sustainability, accounting, financing and strategy Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.

Energy Scheduling and Low-carbon and Water Conservation Optimization for Electricity-Heat-Cooling-Gas Multi-Region Integrated Energy System

As global demand for green and clean energy grows, integrated energy systems (IESs) capable of integrating renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind power are considered as a key approach to solve the energy crisis. These systems can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce the use of fossil fuels. This article proposes an energy dispatch and low-carbon optimization method for a multi-region electricity-heat-cooling-gas IES. The method considers traditional energy flows such as electricity and natural gas, while further introducing cooling and heating loads, energy storage technologies (e.g., battery storage and thermal storage), and demand response strategies to more comprehensively simulate the operational characteristics and interactions of energy systems across different regions. Through multi-region collaborative optimal scheduling, the IES achieves energy complementarity and balance between regions, and can flexibly respond to changes in different load demands, thereby enhancing the reliability and resilience of the system. Simulation results show that the proposed method not only improves energy utilization but also significantly reduces operating costs and carbon emissions. Especially with the integration of renewable energy sources, it effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global environmental protection and sustainable development goals. In addition, by incorporating efficient water management strategies into the multi-region IES, the system further supports environmental protection through reduced water consumption, aligning with both energy and water conservation goals.

The Need for Solar Power Energy Utilization in the Northern Part of Nigeria for Sustainability and Economic Growth (A case study of Nigeria)

Northern Nigeria is one of the most recognizable areas, having vast amounts of solar radiation and rapidly growing populations. Thus, there is an opportunistic aspect of the use of solar power in this region. Since this region enjoys all-year sunshine, it is one of the best places for the integration of solar energy. With huge problems of energy she presently faces such as irregular supply of electricity, people's growth and thus demand, solar power presents an immediate usable, reliable, and sustainable solution. The energy demand in northern Nigeria is expected to sharply increase from about 48 billion kWh in 2024 to 64.5 billion kWh by 2034. This escalated energy requirement directly puts a demand for an efficient and sustainable source of energy, and as such, the promise of steady and renewable energy supply through solar power makes it very appealing. The average regional solar radiation exceeds 6 kWh/m2 per day, which points towards a very vast potential for solar energy generation. But to meet the energy requirements that will arise in the future from solar, it would call for a tremendous investment in infrastructure. This is because it is estimated that approximately 246,000 km2 of solar panels might be needed by 2034 in order to be able to cover the energy needs of the country. However, this massive area is required, but the benefits of solar energy do not stop there at solving shortages of energy. Solar power would increase economic activities due to job creation, stimulation of local industries, and the end reliance on fossil fuels. It has implications on environmental sustainability as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes cleaner practices of energy consumption. Northern Nigeria will unlock a stable and reliable source of power through investment in this infrastructure. This is important for economic development, thereby eventually improving the quality of life. Indeed, the integration of solar power addresses the immediate needs of satisfying energy challenges but builds a foundation for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship over the long term. Solar power in northern Nigeria is important for ensuring future demands for energy and significant economic development while emphasizing sustainability within the environment. A lot still has to be tapped into by tapping into the solar resources that are available. Key words: Solar Energy,Sustainability,Economic Growth,Energy Demand,Renewable Resources

Sustainable application of recycled plastics in asphalt pavement: Case study of a trial in Newtonville, Ontario, Canada

Global research on using plastic waste in asphalt roads highlights its benefits: recycling waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an alternative to non-renewable asphalt binders. This study aims to bridge the gap between laboratory results and field performance of recycled plastic-modified asphalt in cold regions, promoting broader adoption. Laboratory analysis of core samples was performed as part of a quality assurance program. High-temperature rutting resistance was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel tracking test, while low-temperature cracking resistance was assessed through semi-circular bending testing. Results show that the impact of recycled plastics and fibers on rutting resistance varies with temperature, with the greatest benefit at the highest temperatures. For low-temperature cracking resistance, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers outperform mixed plastics by delaying crack propagation. Low-temperature conditioning can induce thermal shrinkage in the asphalt mixture, slightly moderating the effects of recycled plastics and fibers.

Genetic improvement in buffaloes for enhancing global food security

The global food crisis is worsening, with around 282 million people experiencing acute food insecurity in 2023, largely due to extreme weather events and inflation. This crisis is particularly severe in the Asia-Pacific region, where the rising cost of healthy food has left 232.8 million people unable to afford a nutritious diet. In India, home to approximately 200 million malnourished people, buffaloes have become essential in the fight against hunger, contributing around 45% to the nation’s milk production and significantly to meat production. Buffalo meat and milk, known for their high nutritional value, are crucial in addressing food insecurity. Additionally, buffalo farming is linked to sustainable practices, such as efficient feed use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past fifty years, India’s efforts to improve buffalo genetics have led to significant increases in productivity. Despite challenges like smallholder farming constraints, there are opportunities to expand buffalo meat exports and value-added dairy products. Adopting precision dairy farming and advanced breeding programs could transform India’s dairy industry, enhancing its global competitiveness and sustainability.

Regenerative agriculture: A paradigm shift for food production in South Africa

Agriculture and other land use practices have severely affected the quality of soils and food production systems in South Africa. In addition, these practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Soil quality is generally associated with soil organic matter (SOM) along with elemental Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N). Approximately 58% of South African soils contain <0.5% organic C, 38% contain 0.5–2% organic C, and 4% contain >2% organic C. The extensive aridity and lack of SOM content in South African soils cause them to lack resilience and have a delicate nature compared to soils in temperate regions. In a country where almost 60% of the land is degraded, and 91% is prone to desertification, farming practices require a revised framework for land management. The challenge of producing food on degraded land that is often water-scarce and particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change is a threat to South Africa's food and nutritional security. Therefore, this review aims to equip farmers with knowledge and principles of innovative and sustainable alternatives such as regenerative agriculture that naturally and progressively improves soil quality/fertility and ecosystem health; and reduces GHG emissions through carbon sequestration. Quantitative studies in South Africa show that during 5–90 years of crop cultivation in the Free State province resulted in a 10–73% reduction in C and N relative to natural grasslands. Similar studies reported a 50% reduction in C after 50 years of cultivation on Hutton soil in Pretoria; and a 50% reduction in C after only 3.5 years of cultivation in the Free State. Considering that the world's food systems are responsible for more than a third of anthropogenic GHG emissions, we are convinced that the shifting trend toward regenerative agriculture is a sustainable climate-smart solution for global food production systems.

Engineering Properties of Marine Soils and Offshore Foundations

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, the role of renewable energy in the global energy structure is becoming increasingly significant [...]

Exploring the Interplay Between Energy Policies and Sustainable Development Goals Within Lithuania’s Energy Sector: A Critical Review

This paper presents a critical review of Lithuania’s climate change mitigation policies within the energy sector, focusing on their alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study highlights the significance of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy security in Lithuania’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable energy system. The review analyzes the selected research literature that studies Lithuania’s efforts to adapt and fulfill EU energy directives and national goals, emphasizing the impacts of these policies on various sectors, including residential, transport, and industry. The methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders regarding their perceptions of the current state and future directions of Lithuania’s energy policies. Findings indicate substantial progress in renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). However, challenges such as high costs, underdeveloped financing mechanisms, and limited public awareness hinder further advancements. This paper suggests that future policies should focus on overcoming these barriers, enhancing public engagement, and integrating technological innovations to achieve more significant energy savings and GHG reductions. Recommendations for policy improvements and further research directions are also discussed.

Organic Farming in India: A Dual Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Recent decades have transformed Indian agriculture from traditional methods to a mechanized system reliant on fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and impacting global climate. Higher greenhouse gas levels, including carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone are likely, causing the observed rise in air temperatures and leading to significant climate shifts. In most subtropical regions, a 4°C rise in global temperatures is anticipated to reduce groundwater and surface water, heightening food demand and threatening global food security. Climate change denotes long-term, significant alterations in climate measurements. A production system that maintains the health of ecosystems, soils, and human populations is known as organic farming (IFOAM 2006). Organic farming is energy-efficient and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing chemical and fossil fuel use, while enhancing soil carbon, biodiversity and fertility. It reuses plant and animal waste to restore soil nutrients, relies on renewable resources and supports sustainable, low-pollution management. Organic farming not only helps to mitigate climate change but also provides lasting benefits as an adaptation strategy. Effective nutrient management and carbon sequestration in soils are crucial for adapting and mitigating climate change across diverse temperature zones and local conditions.

I love it

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through renovation of the existing building stock is high on national and international agendas, but a broader understanding that includes building inventory and the circular economy is not often included. By 2028, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) plans to consolidate university campuses and rehabilitate up to 45 000 m2 of buildings. There are some signs of circular economy at the university in institutionally established practices such as waste sorting, and green procurement, but there exists a greater potential. In 2021, the authors organised a living lab at the university, aiming to investigate whether further measures could be implemented to reduce the consumption of university inventory, such as furniture and computer equipment. We found that reuse, in contrast to the centralised administrative provision of inventory, encouraged practices of care. The experiments in the living lab addressed the dominant homogeneity and standardised character of university fixtures and fittings, provoking enthusiasm for previously discarded and unwanted objects and offering opportunities for new caring relationships. The paper asks, in what ways caring practices are performed in efforts to reduce consumption and achieve sustainability goals in complex organisations such as universities. Data was collected during experiments organised as part of the living lab. The caring practices that we identified are context-aware, empowering, egalitarian, and avoid prioritising some kinds of practices and objects over others.

Policy impact on economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion: Industrial case study Insights.

This paper thoroughly examines how policy incentives impact the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. It uses techno-economic and life cycle analyses, along with real industry data, to explore the entire AD process-from feedstock acceptance to digestate disposal. It evaluates the effects of various U.S. policy crediting programs on the economic viability of different AD pathways for treating sewage sludge and food waste. Tipping fees are identified as the primary driver of profitability, while policy credits play a crucial role in enhancing economic feasibility, particularly for renewable natural gas production. However, future regulatory changes could reshape this economic landscape. All AD pathways are found to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though economic outcomes are highly sensitive to digestate disposal costs and feedstock tipping fees. Co-digestion with food waste is proposed as a strategy to reduce dependence on policy credits and improve long-term economic stability.

Production of Biodiesel from Industrial Sludge: Recent Progress, Challenges, Perspective

This study investigated biodiesel production from industrial sludge, focusing on the feasibility and sustainability of converting waste materials into renewable energy sources. This study combines a comparative analysis of various sludge-based biodiesel production methods, highlighting both their environmental benefits and economic potential. Utilizing physical, chemical, and biological pre-treatments, this study optimizes biodiesel yield while assessing the impact of each method on the overall production efficiency. Key findings revealed that industrial sludge provides a viable feedstock, contributes to waste reduction, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The novel contributions of this study include a detailed economic assessment of biodiesel production from sludge and a comprehensive environmental impact evaluation that quantifies the potential sustainability benefits. Limitations related to scale-up processes are identified, and solutions to overcome these issues are discussed to improve industrial feasibility. Furthermore, the integration of sludge-based biodiesel production with other renewable energy systems has been explored as a future avenue to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. This research contributes to a significant scientific niche by addressing scalability challenges and proposing future perspectives for sustainable biodiesel production from industrial waste.

A comprehensive review on agricultural greenhouse gas emission reductions in China: opportunities and challenges

China is the world’s largest carbon emitter. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, one of the main sources, is a channel for achieving China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets on schedule. To clarify the status and prospects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in Chinese agriculture, this paper focuses on macro-level factors such as policies, economy, society, and technology, meso-level factors such as agricultural digital transformation and carbon trading market construction, and micro-level factors such as individual farmers and household influences on agricultural emissions reduction. Therefore, this article examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in China’s agricultural greenhouse emission reductions by SWOT. It is concluded that optimized industrial structure and technological progress are strengths, while weak low-carbon awareness among farmers and the limitations of traditional small-scale production methods are weaknesses. Aligning with national development direction, absorbing foreign experiences, and integrating with digitization are opportunities. The imbalance between the economy and emission reduction and the significant regional differences are the threats. Overall, China’s efforts are on the right track, but urgent action is needed to improve the quality of farmers and transform the agricultural economy, which requires fundamental changes. Based on this, suggestions are proposed for farmers, businesses, and government from four aspects: promoting and expanding pilot demonstration areas for agricultural carbon sequestration trading, building regionally superior agricultural products and specialty industries, synergistic cooperation for technology development and promotion, improving farmer educational level in the form of agricultural cooperatives, so as to help balance economic and environmental benefits in reducing agricultural GHG emissions.

Physicochemical Analysis of Cu(II)-Driven Electrochemical CO2 Reduction and its Competition with Proton Reduction.

The reduction of CO2 has become a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in efforts to search for long-term responses to climate change. We report a a couple of CO2-reducing molecular catalysts based on earth-abundant copper complexes. These are [Cu(DPA)(PyNAP)] (1) and [Cu(DPA)(PyQl)] (2) (where, DPA = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, PyNAP = 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine, and PyQl = 2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinoline). The copper metal-catalysed 2-electron reduction of CO2 to CO in the presence of 2-protons is challenging. These catalysts exhibit the production of CO gas in DMF/water mixtures, achieving an impressive faradaic efficiency of 84% and 72% for complex 1 and 2 at -1.7 V vs. SCE, respectively, for selective CO2 reduction. The production of H2 due to 2H+ + 2e- was also observed as a byproduct through the competitive proton reduction reaction. This was cross-verified by online gas and mass analysis.Our investigations confirmed the stability of the electrocatalysts under the electrocatalytic conditions. The mechanistic pathways were proposed to work with the EECC and ECEC (E: electrochemical and C: chemical) mechanisms. A CO2 insertion into an in-situ generated hydride from the Cu-center generates CO through the favourable path.

Agroforestry for Carbon Neutrality: An Effective Pathway to Net Zero

Agroforestry is a promising strategy to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero emission, aiming towards the balance between greenhouse gas emissions and equal amount of carbon removal through sequestration Among several methods of carbon sequestration, agroforestry stands out for its unique ability to simultaneously sequester carbon while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions associated with chemical fertilizer use in conventional agriculture. These systems store carbon through multiple pathways like, in above-ground biomass, below-ground root systems, and enhanced soil organic carbon accumulation while maintaining the agricultural productivity. Acknowledged under the afforestation and reforestation programs of the Kyoto Protocol, agroforestry has attracted interest for its several advantages from both industrialized and developing countries for its multifaceted benefits, including its potential to combat desertification and reduce anthropogenic emissions. Beyond carbon sequestration, it enhances soil fertility, supports biodiversity conservation, and provides economic diversification for farmers through multiple income streams. The role of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) negotiations in extending the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period has further strengthened agroforestry's position in global climate action, particularly through the development of REDD offset credits in compliance carbon markets. The World Agroforestry Centre defines agroforestry as a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that integrates trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifying and sustaining production for increased social, economic, and environmental benefits. The Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA) defines it as an intensive land management system that optimizes the benefits from biological interactions created when trees and/or shrubs are deliberately combined with crops and/or other natural resources. This review article critically examines agroforestry's crucial role as an effective pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality and net zero goals, synthesizing current knowledge and future prospects.