Introduction Mongolia’s transition to electric mobility presents environmental opportunities to mitigate air pollution and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also generates complex waste streams such as end-of-life (EoL) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB). This study investigates the status of Mongolia’s waste management system and how it can be optimized to enhance the circularity of such waste streams. Methods Original data was collected through field research at collection, repair, storage, and disposal sites, and complemented by stakeholder interviews and an analysis of the country’s waste management legislation. Official vehicle fleet statistics (2010–2023) were used to forecast the quantity of EoL NiMH and LIB until 2050 and conduct a Material Flow Analysis for 10 different scenarios. The dataset comprises both qualitative data, describing the current waste management scenario, and quantitative data on vehicle imports, fleet composition, and battery specifications, with assumptions for missing values based on market trends. Results Results reveal that Mongolia lacks infrastructure and policy for safe and sustainable EoL battery management. EoL battery outflows were estimated using a two-parameter Weibull distribution model; forecast reliability was assessed via out-of-sample backcasting of the vehicle-fleet projection against historical fleet statistics (2019–2023 hold-out: MAPE = 4.71%). The results of the EoL battery quantities are scenario- and parameter-dependent projections for the lifetime and battery-specification assumptions. The results show that cumulatively (from 2023 to 2050), in the Current Scenario, 10,302 tons of EoL NiMH and 38,650 tons of EoL LIB are expected to be generated. In contrast, for the Climate Focus Scenario, 10,455 tons of EoL NiMH and 102,586 tons of EoL LIB are expected. Discussion The lower values of NiMH in 2050 are due to the expected transition from NiMH to LIB in HEV. Recommendations to enhance EoL battery management’s circularity include focusing on improving EoL battery collection, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility, integrating the existing informal sector, enhancing regional and international cooperation, and improving data acquisition and management. In summary, a combined approach involving local and international cooperation and socio- and technological development is essential for improving the circularity of EoL battery management in Mongolia.

Improving feed efficiency with the EcoFeed index reduces greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cattle.

Abstract Climate change is one of the most prominent challenges facing countries and societies in the contemporary world, because of its profound environmental, economic and social effects. This article seeks to shed light on the environmental and climate crisis that Iraq is witnessing, by tracing its historical roots over the past five decades, and analyzing its ongoing repercussions on society and the environment. Iraq is working in cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations and some major countries to make bilateral and multilateral agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing diplomatic cooperation at the regional and international levels to address worsening climate challenges. The article is based on several topics and themes which are: the historical background of the climate crisis and its roots in Iraq, and the most prominent environmental and climate challenges facing the country at the moment; the concept of environmental diplomacy, its development, and its various dimensions, and Iraqi environmental diplomacy efforts, through government policies aimed at addressing the climate crisis, stopping environmental degradation, and promoting the concepts of sustainable development. The conclusions and recommendations are aimed at supporting, and developing the Iraqi path forward in the field of environmental diplomacy, to ensure its effectiveness in facing future challenges.

This study examines the relationship between Digital Transformation (DT) and Clean Energy Integration (CEI) in the agro-industrial sectors of emerging economies, with a focus on Kazakhstan and Russia. As these countries pursue industrial growth while meeting climate commitments, the research evaluates how digital maturity and green financial frameworks drive decarbonization. Using secondary data from 2000 to 2024, the study applies advanced econometric methods, including Cross-Sectionally Augmented IPS (CIPS) unit root tests and the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model, to address cross-sectional dependence and structural breaks. Results show that both Digital Transformation and Environmental Policy (EP) significantly reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGE) in the long term, with coefficients of −1.730 and −2.289, respectively. Green Financial Innovation (GFI) and Circular Capacity (CC) also play key roles in lowering carbon intensity. The Error Correction Term (ECT) of −1.120 suggests a rapid adjustment toward the long-run equilibrium. This research introduces a holistic “Digital-Green Twin” approach, positioning digitalization as the foundation for renewable energy adoption in large-scale agro-industrial processing. The findings offer a scalable roadmap for policymakers to align technological progress with carbon-neutral industrial objectives.

The application of biochar in soil has demonstrated benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil properties, enriching soil microbial communities, and effectively adsorbing pollutants to limit their mobility. This study focuses on the adsorption capacity of biochar for pollutants, specifically targeting Cr(VI) and atrazine. The research investigates the ability of biochar to immobilize Cr(VI) and atrazine within soil environments and explores how acidification of biochar can enhance its adsorption capacity for atrazine. The mechanism behind the enhanced adsorption capacity of acid-modified biochar is also examined. The results indicate that applying just 1% biochar can significantly improve the soil system’s capacity to immobilize Cr(VI). Fine-grained biochar shows a markedly higher adsorption and fixation capacity for Cr(VI), exhibiting up to three times the adsorption amount compared to larger biochar particles under certain conditions, with minimal desorption under acid rain leaching. Acidification was found to enhance the adsorption capacity of biochar for atrazine under certain conditions. Both the pre- and post-acidification biochar adsorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model, and adsorption capacity was notably affected by temperature, increasing with rising temperatures. The adsorption kinetics of pre-acid-modified biochar align with the Elovich model, whereas post-acidification biochar follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The enhanced adsorption capacity of acid-modified biochar for atrazine is attributed to an increase in surface area, pore size, and pore volume, providing more adsorption sites and stronger van der Waals forces. Additionally, acidification alters the surface charge of biochar, leading to strong electrostatic attraction between biochar and atrazine.

In view of increasingly stringent environmental requirements and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is becoming increasingly important to identify the design factors of powertrains that directly affect fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This study analyses the impact of selected technical parameters of passenger vehicles powertrains – in particular, engind isplacement, number of cylinders, type of transmission and type of fuel – on fuel consumption in urban, highway and combined conditions, as well as on CO₂ emissions. The study used a set of operational data covering the design parameters of selected passenger vehicle models on the market. The statistical analysis allowed for the identification of significant relationships between the design of the drive system and its impact on the environment. The results of the study can make a significant contribution to the development of forecasting tools to support the design of new-generation engines, as well as support the decision-making process and improve the formulation of strategies for the sustainable development of low-emission transport technologies

Abstract The mining sector in South America has demonstrated growing interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the sector’s significant economic role, pressing sustainability challenges, and the approaching 2030 deadline, it is urgent to assess its progress toward the SDGs and to realign short-term actions accordingly. This research analyzes how the mining sector in the region is incorporating the SDGs into its practices. To this end, 110 sustainability reports from 2018 to 2022 were examined, covering 41 mining sites operated by 17 companies included in the most recent Responsible Mining Index (RMI). Using content analysis and a semi-quantitative approach, the reported practices and indicators were assessed based on their alignment with the SDGs and the evolution of their impacts over time. Results show a strong emphasis on economic-related SDGs, followed by environmental, and then social goals. SDGs 6, 8, 4, and 13 are the most frequently addressed, whereas SDGs 2, 14, and 16 receive the least attention. After 2020, SDG adoption declined, shifting from comprehensive to more fragmented engagement. Implementing robust indicators and measuring impact remain key challenges. Nonetheless, some positive developments were identified, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased social investment. Modest improvements were also evidenced in female workforce participation and the inclusion of employees with disabilities. Negative trends were observed in waste generation, as well as in water and energy consumption. These findings underscore the need for the South American mining sector to strengthen both its commitment to the SDGs and the robustness of its reporting mechanisms.

Subsurface fertilization geometry synergies enhanced grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions: A global meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Climate change impacts are distributed unevenly worldwide, underscoring the critical role of climate finance in global climate governance. However, existing studies lack clarity regarding the targeted emission reduction pathways of climate finance and have not fully explored its synergistic interactions with national governance. Using a panel dataset of 171 countries (2013–2023) and a double machine learning (DML) approach, this study examines how international public climate finance influences greenhouse gas emissions (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O) and its transmission mechanisms. We find that climate finance significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions in recipient countries, primarily through increasing the share of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing forest carbon sinks. Moreover, the emission reduction effects are heterogeneous; loan‐based instruments outperform grants, and climate mitigation finance demonstrates a more substantial effect than climate adaptation finance. Finally, national governance capacity positively moderates the effectiveness of climate finance, with countries endowed with stronger governance realizing greater emission reductions from received funds. This study emphasizes that climate finance must align with recipient countries' governance capabilities. It recommends that international climate funds prioritize support for loan‐based and mitigation‐oriented projects, supplemented by capacity‐building initiatives, thereby providing scientific guidance for pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement's objectives.

Greenhouse gas emissions from regional food waste circulation schemes utilizing anaerobic digestion for 2030-2050: a case study in Japan.

Advancing carbon-neutral wastewater treatment: Artificial intelligence-driven strategies for emission mitigation and process optimization.

Insight into greenhouse gas emission in freshwater aquaculture ponds in Jiangsu Province: Variation due to species used and ponds management practice.

The study highlighted the key dimensions of social responsibility adopted by SONATRACH as one of the leading companies in the Algerian petroleum industry. It is characterized by economic and environmental responsibility through building a crisis and emergency management system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing gas flaring to less than 19%, and decreasing the number of fuel leaks by 21%. In terms of cooperative social responsibility towards the external environment, SONATRACH has contributed in various areas: in the health sector, by providing donations in the form of financial assistance and medical equipment to health institutions; in the sports sector by sponsoring sports clubs; and in the educational sector, by rehabilitating primary schools and installing solar panels. Additionally, SONATRACH has financed significant projects in remote areas and connected neighborhoods to electricity.

Abstract The development of inert anodes for aluminum electrolysis offers a promising route to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in metal production. In this study, pre-oxidized Fe–Ni alloys with varying Fe/Ni ratios were systematically investigated as inert anodes in NaF–AlF3–CaF2–NaCl–Al2O3 molten salt at 880 °C. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), 8-hour galvanostatic electrolysis, and XRD/SEM-EDS characterizations were used to elucidate how alloy composition regulates anodic polarization, passive film properties, and electrolysis performance. Ni-rich alloys showed multi-stage polarization (active dissolution, passivation, reactivation, over-passivation), while Fe-rich alloys exhibited a single oxidation peak. The near-equimolar 43Fe–57Ni alloy formed a NiFe2O4 spinel-dominated passive layer post-pre-oxidation, yielding the highest apparent passivation-region resistance (20.5 Ω) and lowest passivation current. Galvanostatic electrolysis confirmed the 43Fe–57Ni anode retained structural integrity, with minimal Fe/Ni dissolution (0.08 wt.% and ＜0.01 wt.%) and 99.76 wt.% high-purity aluminum. These results demonstrate that pre-oxidized 43Fe–57Ni alloys are highly promising as durable inert anodes, providing both excellent corrosion resistance and practical electrolysis performance.

To review current trends in the use of low‐grade geothermal energy of the Earth through geothermal heat pump systems (GHPS), summarising their advantages, challenges and implementation prospects in Russia. The article analyses the principles and structural designs of geothermal systems, performance criteria, thermodynamic aspects and environmental risks. It demonstrates that the use of GHPS reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates the urban heat island effect and improves air quality. Particular attention is paid to regulatory issues, technical barriers and strategies for minimising geoecological risks during system design. The technology’s high energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are highlighted, along with key factors constraining its large‐scale adoption in Russia. Geothermal heat pump systems are a cornerstone of sustainable energy transition, promoting decarbonisation, optimisation of heat balance and the creation of environmentally safe urban environments. Developing national standards, incentives and integrating GHPS into hybrid energy systems are considered necessary.

This study addresses the pressing environmental concerns associated with food production by leveraging machine learning techniques to assess the carbon footprints of different food types. While previous research has extensively analyzed food-related emissions using life cycle assessments, there remains a significant gap in integrating predictive analytics for real-time and large-scale carbon footprint estimation. This study fills that gap by employing advanced machine learning models, including Random Forest Regression—to predict carbon footprints with 97.93% accuracy, offering a novel approach to sustainability analysis. Findings confirm that plant-based foods consistently exhibit lower carbon footprints compared to animal-based products due to their lower resource consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the study highlights key strategies for mitigating emissions, including land-efficient agriculture, reducing food waste, and promoting local food systems. By providing a data-driven approach to sustainable food choices, this research informs policymakers, food producers, and consumers about actionable solutions to reduce food-related carbon emissions and foster a sustainable food system.

Abstract Aviation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and thus developing renewable alternatives such as lignin-derived biofuels is critical. Current catalytic routes for hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil model compounds, such as isoeugenol, fail to produce the desired aromatics to cycloalkane ratios required for aviation fuels. We hypothesized that tailoring metal-support interactions in a nickel aluminate spinel catalyst can enable selective formation of hydrocarbon blends meeting fuel specifications. Hydrodeoxygenation of isoeugenol was conducted in a batch reactor using a nickel aluminate spinel catalyst synthesized via a one-pot sol-gel method. Reactions were conducted at 250–300 °C and 20–40 bar hydrogen pressure, and products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine yields of aromatics, cycloalkanes, and intermediates. Catalyst structure and surface properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron microscopy to establish structure–performance relationships. Under optimized conditions of 275 °C at 20 bar H 2 , aromatic and cycloalkane yields reached 16 wt% and 30 wt%, respectively. Reaction trends showed that elevated temperatures favor cycloalkane formation while hydrogen pressure controls intermediate conversion. The moderate Lewis acidity combined with medium-sized Ni 0 crystallites promote selective hydrogenation and deoxygenation while minimizing over-hydrogenation. This catalytic system produces fuel-grade hydrocarbon mixtures in a single step, exceeding previously reported performance. These findings provide a practical route for lignin valorization and the production of renewable aviation fuels with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Utilizing CO2 for the synthesis of value-added chemicals offers an economically viable route while contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, three ligands with N2O2 binding sites were designed and used to synthesize mononuclear three cobalt(III) complexes, 1-3, for catalytic activity in the N-formylation reaction. A comparative study was conducted using DMAB as a greener hydrogen donor compared to triethylsilane in the presence of CO2 as a C1 source. All complexes were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Although complex 2 showed the highest activity, all three homogeneous complexes displayed comparable efficiency and were thus employed to develop magnetically separable nanocatalysts for improved recoverability and reusability. Immobilizing the Schiff base complexes onto graphene oxide, Fe3O4, and APTES yielded three magnetically separable GO@Fe3O4@APTES@CoL1/2/3 nanocatalysts. The heterogeneous catalyst obtained from complex 2, i.e., GO@Fe3O4@APTES@CoL2 (GOFeTESCoL2), was catalytically more efficient than the other two. This new heterogeneous magnetically separable nanocatalyst, GOFeTESCoL2, was then characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, BET analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which confirmed successful surface modification. GOFeTESCoL2 is magnetically separable and can be reused for six cycles without any loss of catalytic activity or product yield. This reusability offers a cost-effective nonprecious metal-based catalytic approach that minimizes potential reaction losses.

Animal-based foods play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, meat consumption exceeds recommended doses. Taxing emission-intensive foods provides an incentive for consumers to shift towards more sustainable diets, as the tax causes a price increase. Our study aims to assess the impact of the carbon tax imposed, using the Almost Ideal Demand System to estimate demand elasticities for meat in Slovakia. Carbon taxation triggers highly elastic consumer responses in beef demand. Pork faces a rising demand due to its strong position in Slovak diets and relatively lower price compared to beef. Furthermore, our results reveal a significant carbon footprint reduction of CO2eq, exceeding 50 % of the beef carbon footprint and 40% of the chicken. This study highlights the importance of determining carbon taxation impacts on food demand in Slovakia and creates incentives to enhance future research.

Rapid advancements in wastewater treatment technologies are essential for achieving sustainability goals related to circular water use, carbon neutrality, and resource efficiency. This review provides an integrative assessment of key advanced treatment systems including membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and anaerobic digestion by examining their environmental performance, geochemical implications, and techno-economic feasibility. Findings from life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprint evaluations, and cost–benefit analyses identify technologies with high eco-efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those enabling energy recovery and enhanced water reuse. The synthesis demonstrates that combining environmental indicators with geochemical insights supports the development of sustainable treatment pathways. Overall, the review highlights the need for integrated evaluation frameworks that link technological function with environmental and economic outcomes, guiding future wastewater treatment under circularity and climate-resilient frameworks.