Carbon Reduction Research Articles

Knowledge Distillation for Urban Tree Image Classification Based on the Diffusion Model

As urban areas continue to emerge as significant contributors to global carbon emissions, the classification of urban street trees has gained increasing importance in carbon sequestration research. By precisely identifying and categorizing different tree species, the carbon absorption capabilities of urban vegetation can be evaluated more accurately. This understanding is essential for addressing the growing environmental challenges posed by carbon emissions, as urban trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change. In this study, a Feature Distillation Based on Diffusion Model (FDBD) framework was proposed, utilizing state-of-the-art image classification technology to enhance the accuracy of urban tree species identification. The framework utilized knowledge distillation, a process where a smaller, more efficient “student” model is trained to mimic the performance of a larger, more complex “teacher” model, significantly reducing computational demands while maintaining high accuracy. The model’s effectiveness has been validated through combination experiments with a selected backbone model, achieving promising results. This approach not only enhances the understanding of urban trees’ carbon sequestration potential but also provides crucial insights for policymakers. By facilitating precise tree classification, it empowers urban planners to implement more informed and targeted strategies for carbon reduction, ultimately promoting more sustainable urban environments.

Agricultural carbon emissions in China: measurement, spatiotemporal evolution, and influencing factors analysis

IntroductionThe agricultural sector is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 23% of global anthropogenic carbon emissions. Analysis of the basic state of carbon emissions from China's agriculture is helpful to achieve carbon reduction targets.MethodsAgricultural carbon emissions were calculated using the emission factor method, based on data from the China Rural Statistical Yearbook and various provincial statistical yearbooks. To analyze spatial patterns, the standard deviation ellipse method and the center of gravity migration model were employed, uncovering the migration path of agricultural carbon emissions. Regional disparities and the driving factors of agricultural carbon emissions were further examined using the Theil index and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model.ResultsThe analysis indicated that the emissions center has gradually shifted towards the central and western regions, reflecting changes in agricultural production activity areas. Intraregional differences are the primary contributors to the imbalance in agricultural carbon emissions, with pronounced disparities in grain production and consumption balance regions. Key influencing factors include agricultural production efficiency, adjustments in agricultural industrial structure, economic structure and output, and urbanization levels. The economic output effect and urbanization effect are identified as the main drivers of increased carbon emissions, while declining production efficiency has hindered emission reduction efforts.ConclusionThe findings provide valuable insights for regional management and policymaking in China's agricultural sector, highlighting the need to enhance production efficiency and optimize agricultural structure to reduce emissions.

Dynamic impacts of globalization and environmental performance on renewable energy

This study investigates the dynamic relationships between renewable energy consumption, globalization, trade openness, carbon emissions, and arable land in Somalia from 1990 to 2020 using annual time series data from various sources. Employing econometric models such as the ARDL, FMOLS, and DOLS, the analysis reveals significant long-run relationships. A 1% increase in globalization (LnGI) and trade openness (LnTO) boosts renewable energy consumption (LnRE) by 0.123% and 0.020%, respectively, while a 1% rise in carbon emissions (LnCO2) decreases LnRE by 0.088%. Short-run dynamics show similar trends. These findings, validated by FMOLS and DOLS techniques, emphasize the impact of globalization, trade openness, and carbon emissions on renewable energy adoption. Policymakers should promote global integration and trade openness while enforcing strict carbon reduction measures to support renewable energy use and achieve sustainable development goals.

Study on heat storage characteristics and carbon optimisation in the sintering process

In response to the phenomenon of automatic heat storage during the sintering process of iron ore, heat balance analysis concerning the main chemical reactions and physical heat carried by gas and solid materials was conducted. A unit heat storage model for the sintering process was established. Further, a mathematical model to solve the heat transfer characteristics between different sintering layer units was proposed and established based on temperature–time curves of the gas and solid phases. Using these models, the heat storage of each layer unit was calculated under the condition of uniform carbon allocation. Subsequently, the optimisation of carbon allocation at each layer unit for maximising the utilisation of heat storage was investigated. The heat required for sintering by the layer unit was taken as the constraint, and the maximum utilisation of heat stored in each layer unit was taken as the goal to optimise the carbon allocation in the height direction. The calculation results show that as the unit thickness is 100 mm and the total thickness of the layer is 600 mm, the heat transfer ratio of the upper unit to the lower unit is 34.22%, 30.29%, 14.74%, 9.49%, and 1.17%, respectively. The heat storage and available heat storage rate increase with the increase of layer height, with heat storage ranging from 0.69 × 104 to 5.14 × 104 KJ/t and heat storage rate ranging from 11.63% to 49.37%. After optimising carbon allocation, the unit achieved a maximum carbon reduction of 60.04%, resulting in an overall reduction in carbon allocation of 46.20%. This adjustment aligns more closely with the industrial processes.

Aligning the Western Balkans power sectors with the European Green Deal

Abstract Located in Southern Europe, the Drina River Basin is shared between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The power sectors of the three countries have an exceptionally high dependence on coal for power generation. In this paper, we analyse different development pathways for achieving climate neutrality in these countries and explore the potential of variable renewable energy (VRE) and its role in power sector decarbonization. We investigate whether hydro and non-hydro renewables can enable a net-zero transition by 2050 and how VRE might affect the hydropower cascade shared by the three countries. The Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) was used to develop a model representation of the countries' power sectors. Findings show that the renewable potential of the countries is a significant 94.4 GW. This potential is 68% higher than previous assessments have shown. Under an Emission Limit scenario assuming net zero by 2050, 17% of this VRE potential is utilized to support the decarbonization of the power sectors. Additional findings show a limited impact of VRE technologies on total power generation output from the hydropower cascade. However, increased solar deployment shifts the operation of the cascade to increased short-term balancing, moving from baseload to more responsive power generation patterns. Prolonged use of thermal power plants is observed under scenarios assuming high wholesale electricity prices, leading to increased emissions. Results from scenarios with low cost of electricity trade suggest power sector developments that lead to decreased energy security.

Impact of Carbon Tax on Renewable Energy Development and Environmental–Economic Synergies

Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions has become a worldwide environmental problem, posing a great threat to human survival. As the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, China has pledged to reach peak carbon emissions by no later than 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. It is found that a carbon tax is a powerful incentive to reduce carbon emissions and promote an energy revolution, but it may have negative socio-economic impacts. Therefore, based on China’s 2020 input–output table, this paper systematically investigates the impacts of a carbon tax on China’s economy, carbon emissions, and energy by applying a computable general equilibrium model to determine the ideal equilibrium between socio-economic and environmental objectives. Based on energy use characteristics, we subdivided the energy sector into five major sectors: coal, oil, natural gas, thermal power generation, and clean power. The results show that when the carbon emission reduction target is less than 15%, that is, when the equilibrium carbon tax price is less than 54 yuan/ton, the implementation of a carbon tax policy can significantly reduce carbon emission and fossil fuel energy consumption, while only slightly reducing economic growth rate, and can achieve the double dividend of environment and economy. Moreover, because the reduction of coal consumption has the greatest impact on reducing carbon emissions, the ad valorem tax rate on coal after the carbon tax is imposed is the highest because coal has the highest carbon emission coefficient among fossil fuels. In addition, as an emerging clean energy source, hydrogen energy is the ideal energy storage medium for achieving clean power generation in power systems. If hydrogen energy can be vigorously developed, it is expected to greatly accelerate the deep decarbonization of power, industry, transportation, construction, and other fields.

Index System of Low-carbon Driving Factors of Construction Industry in Hebei Province

Under the background of "double carbon" goal, the low-carbon development of construction industry in Hebei Province has become an important part of achieving the carbon peak in 2030 and carbon neutrality in 2060. The construction industry is one of the main sources of carbon emission in Hebei Province, and how to promote its low-carbon development is an urgent issue to be solved. Based on the five aspects of technology, energy, society, economy and industry, this paper constructs the low-carbon driving factor index system of the construction industry. The research shows that technological innovation, energy structure optimization and economic structure adjustment are the key factors to promote the low-carbon construction industry. In addition, by analyzing the current situation and future trend of carbon emissions of the construction industry, this paper puts forward corresponding policy suggestions, which provides theoretical support for the government to formulate countermeasures for the low-carbon development of the construction industry. The conclusion points out that the research and development and application of low-carbon technology, the optimization of energy structure and the green transformation of industrial structure will be the core path to realize the low-carbon development of the construction industry.

Inside Back Cover Image: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

Inside Back Cover Image: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

Front Cover: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

Front Cover: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

Back Cover Image: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

Back Cover Image: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2024

CARBON ACCOUNTING INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND INVESTORS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS INVESTING IN NIGERIAN ECONOMY

Users of financial reports of companies have shifted their interest from only profitability to efforts of enterprises in addressing environmental problems, global climate change, carbon reduction, and their vision for green development. Business stakeholders particularly investors are more interested in investing their funds in enterprises that demonstrate commitment to de-carbonization and reduction of harmful effects of their operation on society and reporting. Reporting/disclosure is an issue in Nigeria where Carbon Accounting Information Disclosure (CAID) is voluntary. The voluntary disclosure has generated doubts about whether it has impacted on investors' attitudes to commit their funds to enterprises in the Nigerian economy. The aim of this study there is to examine the impact of CAID on the attitudes of investors to invest in enterprises in Nigeria. Data for the study were collected primarily through a questionnaire administered to a sample of investors in corporate enterprises in Nigeria. Analysis of the data was done through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicated that the disclosure has a positive and significant impact on investors' attitudes toward investing in enterprises in the Nigerian economy. The study recommended that the government should by legislation make CAID compulsory in Nigeria, especially for those enterprises whose activities have a direct impact on the environment and society.

Research on Whether Artificial Intelligence Affects Industrial Carbon Emission Intensity Based on the Perspective of Industrial Structure and Government Intervention

Artificial intelligence serves as the fundamental catalyst for a new wave of technological innovation and industrial transformation. It holds vital importance in reaching carbon reduction targets and the objectives of “carbon peak and neutrality”. This factor contributes significantly to the reduction in carbon emissions in the industrial domain. This article utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in China, covering the years 2013 to 2021, to develop an evaluation framework for assessing the progress of artificial intelligence development. Through the use of double fixed-effect models, mediation effect models, and threshold effect models, the empirical analysis examines the industrial carbon reduction effects of artificial intelligence and its operating mechanisms. Research indicates that the advancement of AI can significantly reduce carbon emission intensity within the industrial sector. This conclusion remains valid following comprehensive robustness tests. Furthermore, there exists temporal and regional variability in AI’s impact on industrial carbon reduction, particularly more pronounced after 2016 and in central and western regions. AI influences carbon emission reduction in China’s industrial sector through the advancement and optimization of industrial structures. Here, the increase in senior-level operations acts as a partial masking effect, while optimization serves as a partial mediator. The relationship between AI and industrial carbon emission intensity is non-linear, being influenced by the threshold of government intervention; minimal intervention weakens AI’s effect on carbon intensity reduction. These findings enhance our understanding of the factors influencing industrial carbon emissions and contribute to AI-related research. They also lay a solid empirical groundwork for promoting carbon emission reduction in the industrial domain via AI. Additionally, the results offer valuable insights for formulating policies aimed at the green transformation of industry.

Long-term carbon storage in shelf sea sediments reduced by intensive bottom trawling

AbstractBottom trawling represents the most widespread anthropogenic physical disturbance to seafloor sediments on continental shelves. While trawling-induced changes to benthic ecology have been widely recognized, the impacts on long-term organic carbon storage in marine sediments remains uncertain. Here we combined datasets of sediment and bottom trawling for a heavily trawled region, the North Sea, to explore their potential mutual dependency. A pattern emerges when comparing the surface sediment organic carbon-to-mud ratio with the trawling intensity represented by the multi-year averaged swept area ratio. The organic carbon-to-mud ratio exhibits a systematic response to trawling where the swept area ratio is larger than 1 yr−1. Three-dimensional physical–biogeochemical simulation results suggest that the observed pattern is attributed to the correlated dynamics of mud and organic carbon during transport and redeposition in response to trawling. Both gain and loss of sedimentary organic carbon may occur in weakly trawled areas, whereas a net reduction of sedimentary organic carbon is found in intensely trawled grounds. Cessation of trawling allows restoration of sedimentary carbon stock and benthic biomass, but their recovery occurs at different timescales. Our results point out a need for management of intensely trawled grounds to enhance the CO2 sequestration capacity in shelf seas.

Monitoring and maintaining quality in the paediatric haemodialysis unit.

Chronic kidney disease in children is being increasingly recognised and reported worldwide, and the focus of paediatric dialysis planning has changed from acute care alone to encompass chronic care. In many parts of the world, haemodialysis for children is performed in adult units and is based on standards established for adults. This review proposes standards for paediatric haemodialysis, incorporating special requirements for children while simultaneously drawing from the adult experience. We discuss the optimum requirements, including space utilisation, equipment needed, water treatment facilities, disposables, safety standards, staffing needs, monitoring and maintenance, infection prevention, waste disposal and quality indicators. We also review recent advancements in the field that should be incorporated into future dialysis units and the steps required for achieving carbon neutrality and protecting the environment.

Transcriptomic data reveals an auxiliary detoxification mechanism that alleviates formaldehyde stress in Methylobacterium sp. XJLW

Methylobacterium sp. XJLW converts formaldehyde into methanol and formic acid via a Cannizzaro reaction in response to environmental formaldehyde stress. Methanol is further assimilated without formaldehyde or formic acid formation, whereas formic acid accumulates without undergoing further metabolism. Synthetic biology-based biotransformation of methanol to generate additional products can potentially achieve carbon neutrality. However, practical applications are hampered by limitations such as formaldehyde tolerance. In this study, we aimed to explore the specific mechanism of strain XJLW in response to formaldehyde stress. Thus, a transcriptomic analysis of XJLW under formaldehyde treatment was performed, revealing changes in the expression of specific genes related to one-carbon metabolism. Central metabolic genes were downregulated, whereas metabolic bypass genes were upregulated to maintain methanol assimilation in XJLW’s response to formaldehyde treatment. In total, 100 genes potentially related to methyl transfer were identified. The function of only one gene, RS27765, was similar to that of glyA, which encodes a methyltransferase involved in one-carbon metabolism. The double-mutant strain, lacking RS27765 and glyA, lost its ability to grow in methanol, whereas the single-mutant strain, lacking only one of these genes, still grew in methanol. Co-expression of RS27765 and RS31205 (YscQ/HrcQ type III secretion apparatus protein) enabled Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to effectively degrade methanol. Using protein sequence analysis and molecular docking, we proposed a model wherein RS27765 is necessary for cell growth by using methanol generated via formaldehyde cannizzaro reaction. This process enables direct assimilation of methanol without producing formaldehyde and formic acid as intermediate metabolites. The RS27765 gene cluster, in conjunction with metabolic bypass genes, constitutes a novel auxiliary pathway facilitating formaldehyde stress tolerance in the strain.

Analysis of the influence and coupling effect of environmental regulation policy tools on industrial green and low-carbon transformation

Industrial green and low-carbon transformation plays a crucial role in China’s efforts to achieve its Carbon peaking and Carbon neutrality objectives. The implementation of environmental regulation policies is a key institutional framework that facilitates this transformation. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore the impact and interplay of these policies on industrial green and low-carbon transformation to foster high-quality economic development. This study categorizes environmental regulation policy instruments into three types: command-type, investment-type, and expense-type. Using industrial panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the period from 1997 to 2021, both theoretical analysis and empirical testing are conducted to investigate the effects of these different policy instruments on industrial green and low-carbon transformation. The benchmark regression results show that the impact of command-type environmental regulation and investment-type environmental regulation on industrial green and low-carbon transformation shows an inverted U-shaped feature of rising first and then declining. The impact of cost-based environmental regulation on industrial green and low-carbon transformation shows a U-shaped feature of decreasing first and then increasing. The coupling of command-type environmental regulation and investment-type environmental regulation, command-type environmental regulation and expense-type environmental regulation, and the coupling of the three kinds of environmental regulation can promote industrial green and low-carbon transformation. The mechanism test results show that the impact of formal environmental regulation on industrial green and low-carbon transformation has a transmission mode of “formal environmental regulation–green technology innovation path–green and low-carbon transformation.”

Energy Price Distortions and Urban Carbon Emission Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Energy-Intensive Sectors

With a primary focus of achieving carbon neutrality, the energy-intensive industrial sectors (EIIs) contribute to more than half of China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. During the process of China’s rapid economic development, distorted energy prices gradually became the main obstacle to energy conservation and emission reductions in the EIIs. Therefore, this study focused on determining the mechanisms affecting the energy price distortions of carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in China’s EIIs. Based on a stochastic frontier analysis, the changing trend of CEE in China’s EIIs was evaluated. The channels impacting the energy price distortions of CEE were further analyzed by a mediating effect and moderated mediating effect model. The main contributions and findings include the following: energy price distortions have a significant negative impact on CEE by suppressing technological innovations and hindering the restructuring of energy consumption; governmental environmental regulatory policies mitigate their suppressing effect on technological innovations and reduce the preventing effect by improving the energy consumption structure. The results suggest that market-based price reforms and moderate environmental regulation by the government could help to improve CEE in China’s EIIs. These findings are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of the energy-intensive industrial sectors and achieving carbon neutrality.

The Road to Eliminating Energy Poverty: Does Renewable Energy Technology Innovation Work?

Under the constraint of carbon neutrality targets, the issue of energy poverty has garnered increasing concerns. This study aims to measure energy poverty and assess the impact of renewable energy technology innovation in 30 provinces across China. Furthermore, it calculates city-level energy poverty in 274 cities. By examining the influence of renewable energy technology innovation on energy poverty, this study proposes a new approach to accelerate energy transition and promote sustainable development. The regression results, which have undergone rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests, demonstrate that renewable energy technology innovation significantly alleviates energy poverty. Moreover, the treatment effect of policies is determined through the regression control method. Specifically, the cities of Zhangjiakou, Baotou, and Qiqihar are analyzed to provide targeted suggestions for China’s energy development. The treatment effects of both provincial and city-level policies indicate that implementing renewable energy demonstration zones can effectively alleviate energy poverty. JEL Classification: Q48; O31

Michael addition-elimination reaction derived covalent organic polyrotaxane xerogels for ultra-high-efficiency capture of iodine pollutants

Herein, covalent organic polyrotaxane xerogels (COPRs), were developed as comprehensive and recyclable “three birds with one stone” platform effectively handling organic/radioactive iodine pollutants challenges. COPRs were synthesized rapidly from β-ketoenamine and aromatic amines β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion via Michael addition-elimination reaction in water at room temperature and pressure, avoiding the usage of any organic solvents. The formation of β-CD inclusion significantly increases the solubility and reactivity of monomers in water. The threading of β-CD endows multiple absorption sites within the porous skeleton, improving its iodine capture capacity. The integration of β-CD ring throughout the carbon skeleton not only provides a green and ultra-low-cost approach for preparing COPRs with brand-new structure, but also offers direct and effective methods realizing the carbon neutrality from the source of production. This work could be used as a general method for the specifically modifying COPs, providing opportunities to meet the growing needs of society.

Building bridges in Climate Pact activities and Climate Action - example from Serbia

Abstract The European Climate Pact is a movement of citizens united around a common cause, each taking steps in their own worlds to build a more sustainable Europe. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050. This work presents examples of activities of the EU Climate pact ambassador in different directions (international and national/local level), with an unique goal, to increase awareness of importance of action, change of mindset, and exchange positive experiences. Climate Action is presented: • through educational activities in EUGLOH project (European Global Health Universities Alliance) - by organizing Course Climate Action for Health and presenting to students at international level different Climate actions activities. • engagement of citizens through Rotary Climate Action in RD 2483 and wither in Rotary international community - as citizens activities - Rotary Climate Action with the aim to increase awareness of climate change and health consequences. • as mentorship activities with PhD students in the field (climate change and air pollution impact on respiratory diseases) - as a research activities. • as an example of cooperation with media in Serbia - increasing of awareness among journalists. There are a lot of possibilities to work in the long-term in the community, using glocal principles and trying to find a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal. Key messages • Climate Action is citizens action. • Climate action is a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal.