Climate Change Mitigation Technologies Research Articles

The effect of global collaboration on climate mitigation technologies in reducing CO2

The fundamental approaches to industrial growth, government interventions, and market structure have ignored the main consequences of the common idea of “growth first, clean later”. This study investigates the relationship between carbon emissions (CO2) and international collaboration in climate change mitigation technologies (ICCCMT), renewable energy consumption (REC), exports (EXP), imports (IMP), gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), natural resources rents (NRR), and domestic innovation in climate change mitigation technologies (DICCMT) for a panel of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries over the period of 1990-2020. We adopted a series of econometric techniques for the visualization of the available data. We used second-generation econometrics estimations to verify cross-sectional dependence, co-integration, and stationary between the variables.Based on our findings, the study reveals that ICCCMT, REC, and DICCMT have a positive effect and contribute to CO2 mitigation of the 30 OECD economies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ICCCMT can promote renewable energy consumption, thus the increase of REC will significantly mitigate CO2 emissions. The outcomes from the panel dynamic GMM model confirmed a positive relationship between CO2 emissions, FDI, exports, imports, and GDP. The study indicates that these variables can adversely affect climate change mitigation.

Innovating for sustainability in food and beverage companies: the role of governance and environmental factors in climate change mitigation

PurposeFocusing on the food and beverage (F&B) sectors, this study aims to identify combinations of external environmental factors (natural disasters and water stress) and internal corporate governance factors (corporate social responsibility [CSR] sustainability committee, board gender diversity and stakeholder engagement) that lead to the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted on a global sample of 262 listed companies in the F&B sectors. Two additional analyses were performed for European and Asian companies.FindingsIn the three models, the presence of CSR sustainability committees and stakeholder engagement was crucial for achieving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies. The relevance of board gender diversity differs between the European and Asian models, highlighting potential regional influences on corporate climate innovation decisions. The combination of external and internal factors is the key to justifying different approaches to achieving climate innovation.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the factors driving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies into company strategies. Related strategies must combine external and internal factors to enhance the climate resilience and competitiveness of F&B companies while reducing their environmental impact.

Technology Oriented Struggle Against Climate Change in Transportation Sector: An Empirical Investigation

The transportation sector is one of the most important sectors in which greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are the highest, thus causing the global warming problem to rise. One of the most effective and international solutions to this problem is considered to be a technology-oriented struggle, and the development of green technologies is encouraged by global authorities. The study aims to investigate the success of the technology-oriented struggle against global warming in the transport sector. In analyses, data on transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, the number of patents (transport-related climate change mitigation technologies), trade openness, and GDP per capita of 12 OECD countries years between 1999-2017 were used. To identify the long-run and short-run relationship among variables, the Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lags Estimator (CSARDL) and also the Mean Group (MG), Augmented Mean Group (AMG), and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group Estimators (CCE) were applied. According to the estimators' findings, no evidence was found that the number of patents and trade openness affected greenhouse gas emissions, but it was determined that GDP positively affected greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, it can be said that the technology-oriented struggle against climate change in the transportation sector alone isn't sufficient to reduce transportation-related GHG emissions.

Cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis of slow pyrolysis biochar from forest harvest residues in Ontario, Canada

Climate change mitigation technologies have been a focus in reducing atmospheric carbon levels for the past few years. One such mitigation technology is pyrolysis, where biomass feedstocks are combusted at elevated temperatures for varying durations to produce three main products: biochar, bio-oil, and biogas. While bio-oil and biogas are typically used to produce energy via further combustion, biochar can be used in several different applications. Furthermore, using forest harvest residues as a feedstock for biochar production helps use excess biomass from the forestry industry that was previously assumed unmarketable. In our study, we combined forest carbon analysis modelling with cradle-to-gate life cycle emissions to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of biochar produced from forest harvest residues. We examined three collection scenarios, spanning two harvesting methods in one forest management unit in northern Ontario, Canada. From our analysis, we observed immediate reductions (− 0.85 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1 in year 1) in CO2-equivalent emissions (CO2eq) when producing biochar from forest harvest residues that would have undergone controlled burning, without considering the end use of the biochar. For the forest harvest residues that would remain in-forest to decay over time, producing biochar would increase overall emissions by about 6 tCO2eq·tbiochar−1. Throughout the 100-year timeframe examined–in ascending order of cumulative emissions–scenario ranking was: full tree harvesting with slash pile burn < full tree harvesting with slash pile decay < cut-to-length/tree-length harvesting.Graphical

Energetic, Exergetic, and Techno-Economic Analysis of A Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Utilization Process via Integrated Torrefaction–CLC–Methanation

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or utilization (BECCU) allows net zero or negative carbon emissions and can be a breakthrough technology for climate change mitigation. This work consists of an energetic, exergetic, and economic analysis of an integrated process based on chemical looping combustion of solar-torrefied agro-industrial residues, followed by methanation of the concentrated CO2 stream with green H2. Four agro-industrial residues and four Italian site locations are considered. Depending on the considered biomass, the integrated plant processes about 18–93 kg h−1 of raw biomass and produces 55–70 t y−1 of synthetic methane. Global exergetic efficiencies ranged within 45–60% and 67–77% when neglecting and considering, respectively, the valorization of torgas. Sugar beet pulp and grape marc required a non-negligible input exergy flow for the torrefaction, due to the high moisture content of the raw biomasses. However, for these biomasses, the water released during drying/torrefaction and CO2 methanation could be recycled to the electrolyzer to eliminate external water consumption, thus allowing for a more sustainable use of water resources. For olive stones and hemp hurd, this water recycling brings, instead, a reduction of approximately 65% in water needs. A round-trip electric efficiency of 28% was estimated assuming an electric conversion efficiency of 40%. According to the economic analysis, the total plant costs ranged within 3–5 M€ depending on the biomass and site location considered. The levelized cost of methane (LCOM) ranged within 4.3–8.9 € kgCH4−1 but, if implementing strategies to avoid the use of a large temporary H2 storage vessel, can be decreased to 2.6–5.3 € kgCH4−1. Lower values are obtained when considering hemp hurd and grape marc as raw biomasses, and when locating the PV field in the south of Italy. Even in the best scenario, values of LCOM are out of the market if compared to current natural gas prices, but they might become competitive with the introduction of a carbon tax or through government incentives for the purchase of the PV field and/or electrolyzer.

Evolution of technology collaboration networks for climate change mitigation and mechanisms for their impacts

The number of patent ap plications for climate change mitigation technologies (CCMT) in China has shown a rapid development trend over the past decade. This study applies social network analysis (SNA) method and directed time-exponential random graph model(TERGM), while considering endogenous network structure variables, node variables and external network covariates, to analyze the Climate Change Mitigation Technology Innovation Cooperation Network (CCMTICN) formed in Chinese provinces, and analyzes the influencing factors and evolution of the CCMTICN from 2011 to 2021 using CCMT patent data from the Himmpat database. The results show that CCMTICN shows obvious core-edge structural characteristics; endogenous network structural variables have a non-negligible influence on the formation of the network, and other factors such as the information exchange network, industrialization level, knowledge level, and the degree of governmental intervention can promote the formation of CCMTICN; whereas, foreign direct investment, urbanization level, and carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions can inhibit the formation of CCMTICN. When considering the 11-year time effect of CCMTICN, it is found that the CCMT cooperative relationship between provinces remains relatively stable.

Measuring Enterprise–University–Institute collaborative innovation network of climate change mitigation technologies in China: a social network analysis approach

Measuring Enterprise–University–Institute collaborative innovation network of climate change mitigation technologies in China: a social network analysis approach

Climate mitigation technology for holistic resource management in sub-Saharan Africa: Impact on greenhouse gas emissions

This study investigates the impact of climate change mitigation technologies, specifically agricultural land management and renewable energy consumption and production, on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the period of 1991 to 2015. Our analysis was conducted using an ARDL panel data model with data from 26 countries representing four sub-regions. The results demonstrated that an increase in renewable energy consumption is significantly associated with a decrease in GHG emissions, with a long-term coefficient of -0.422 and a short-term coefficient of -0.757. Additionally, natural resource rents, agricultural land use and population density have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, with coefficients of 0.0605, 0.392 and 0.690, respectively. However, renewable energy production does not have a significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions. This suggests that promoting renewable energy consumption can be an effective way to combat greenhouse gas emissions in the region, and policymakers should implement policies and programs that encourage and facilitate the adoption of renewable energy whilst taking into consideration the impact of agricultural land use. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of promoting renewable energy consumption and managing agricultural land use as a viable approach to combating greenhouse gas emissions in sub-Saharan Africa, and highlights the potential of climate mitigation technology as a tool for regulators to optimize policy development and counter climate change.

Fueling a net-zero future: The influence of government-funded research on climate change mitigation inventions

This study examines the pace and content of Climate Change Mitigation Technology (CCMT) inventions, focusing on the influence of government-funded research on patent characteristics. Utilizing data from the USPTO, we analyze the trends in CCMT patenting from 1988 to 2017 and reveal a significant increase in CCMT inventions. However, patents in hydrogen technology and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are comparatively low, suggesting these fields are still in the early development stages. CCMT inventions rely heavily on government-funded research, particularly in CCS and hydrogen technology. CCMT inventions relying on government research are more complex and generate larger and more pervasive knowledge spillovers than their counterparts. However, they are less likely to be novel and tend to consolidate rather than destabilize existing technologies. Interestingly, the effect of government research reducing the likelihood of novelty is only observed in CCMT inventions and does not extend to utility patents. These findings highlight the role of government-funded research in facilitating high-quality CCMT inventions through knowledge spillovers. Our study underscores the importance of sustained and targeted public investment in CCMT R&D.

Specialization in climate technologies at the regional level in Europe: relatedness and the moderating role of policy direction

This study focuses on the influence of related and unrelated variety on specialization in climate change mitigation technologies on a regional level in Europe. We consider two dimensions of specialization: the degree of specialization and being specialized or not. We also investigate the moderating role of public policy direction towards climate change mitigation at regional, national, and EU regime level. Based on a fixed effect specification of patent data relating to climate technologies in 194 regions during the period 2008–2017, we find that related variety positively influences the degree of specialization in climate technologies, but only in regions with a low degree of specialization. We also report a weakening effect of national policy level environmental taxation and of the European Regional Development Fund for related variety. Regarding being specialized as a region in climate technologies, our study reveals a positive role played by unrelated variety and a negative moderating effect exerted by both national policy level environmental taxation and European Regional Development Fund policy support. We discuss implications for policymaking in the field of climate change mitigation technologies.

Global climate change mitigation technology diffusion: A network perspective

There is a rapidly growing number of studies on transnational climate change mitigation technology (CCMT) diffusion. Most of these studies have adopted a bilateral perspective, treating countries as primary agents driving the diffusion process. However, CCMT diffusion typically arises from the interactions between firms and involves strong network effects. In this paper, we explore the global CCMT diffusion from a network perspective, with multinational corporations (MNCs) as network makers. We first propose a methodology to construct the global CCMT diffusion networks, leveraging CCMT-related patent data, intra-firm relationships, and business scales of the selected MNCs. We then calculate the network capital for each country, utilizing it as the input for the econometric analysis to investigate the network effects on CCMT development. The network statistical analysis reveals an uneven geographical distribution of network capital, underscoring the presence of global disparities in CCMT development. Moreover, the econometric analysis identifies significant network effects originating from linkage volumes and structural positionalities within the CCMT diffusion networks.

Global trend of methane abatement inventions and widening mismatch with methane emissions

Substantially reducing methane emissions is the fastest way to repress near-term warming and is an essential prerequisite for reaching the 1.5 °C target. However, knowledge about the global invention trend, sectoral and national distribution and international diffusion of methane-targeted abatement technologies (MTATs) remains limited. On the basis of patent data, we identify more than 175,000 MTAT inventions applied between 1990 and 2019 by 133 countries or dependent territories. Our results revealed that after sustained growth of more than fourfold, the number of global high-quality MTAT inventions declined by 3.5% annually from 2010 to 2019. The sectoral and national-level distributions of MTAT inventions and methane emissions are strongly mismatched. Additionally, the international diffusion of MTATs is 11.1% lower than that of overall climate change mitigation technologies and most transfers occur between developed countries or flow to China, South Korea and Brazil; however, other developing countries and the least developed countries are rarely involved.

Achieving ecological sustainability in European Union: The role of fiscal decentralization and green innovation

European Union member states are dedicated to bring standards and create climate change mitigation strategies at the center stage of public policy, prioritizing energy sector's transition from non-renewable to renewable sources by the means of innovation. Though there are a plethora of studies on determinants of environmental degradation, the nexus between fiscal decentralization and ecological intensity has been lacking of empirical evidence. To bridge this shortcoming, this study aspires to investigate the direct impact of fiscal decentralization, economic abundance, human capital, energy use and green innovation on environmental degradation and how green innovation moderates the impact of fiscal decentralization on environmental degradation. Using the theoretical setting of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) phenomenon, this study analyzes the determinants of environmental degradation measured by ecological intensity and carbon intensity respectively across the nine European Union member states over the time span from 1995 to 2018. This study built upon a panel Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) with fixed effects and the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with Driscoll-Kraay (DK) standard errors to validate the appropriateness of the EKC hypothesis in the observed sample authenticating the inverted U-shaped pattern between economic abundance and environmental degradation. Insofar as the direct impacts are considered, human capital and green innovation are efficient in abating environmental degradation of the countries under examination whereas energy use and fiscal decentralization aid in to environmental degradation. Regarding the indirect impacts, green innovation negatively moderates the association between fiscal decentralization and both indicators of environmental degradation namely, ecological intensity and carbon intensity. In the light of these findings, it is imperative for European Union member states to authorize the local governments to reduce pollution through innovation in climate change mitigation technologies to reinforce the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.

From Data to Action: Exploring Technological Interventions in Climate Change Mitigation

This research paper critically examines innovative approaches to climate change mitigation by integrating big data and technological interventions. Emphasizing the pivotal role of system-of-systems thinking, the study underscores its significance in addressing the complexities of mitigation challenges. By integrating diverse disciplines, data, and tools, system-of-systems thinking promotes a comprehensive understanding and necessitates deeper collaboration between industry initiatives and scientific research. Big data emerges as a powerful tool, contributing to climate change research and decision-making by modeling scenarios, transforming energy practices, and enhancing food and water security. The utilization of initiatives like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Global Ocean Observing System fills crucial gaps in scientific, technical, and socio-economic data, enabling researchers to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies. This study explores the application of big data and technological interventions across three primary domains of climate change mitigation: agriculture, cleaner production, and climate resilience. It categorizes emerging climate change mitigation technologies. In conclusion, the integration of system-of-systems thinking, big data, and emerging technologies offers a holistic and effective approach to addressing climate change mitigation challenges, empowering researchers and policymakers to devise comprehensive strategies for a sustainable future.

A review of the indoor air quality in residential Passive House dwellings

The Passive House (PH) Standard is a voluntary building energy performance standard focused upon reducing space heating demand to a very low level and therefore considered a viable climate change mitigation technology. Besides comfort and energy requirements, the PH standard also defines criteria with respect to ventilation. However, the question remains, how well do PH dwellings perform when they are occupied? Does the PH approach provide good indoor air quality (IAQ) for its occupants and how does IAQ compare to non-PH homes, in particular, naturally ventilated homes? Additionally, can PH certification improve the quality of installed ventilation systems? This paper summarizes indoor air quality relevant aspects of the PH standard and presents results from measurements examining in-use IAQ in more than 600 PH or PH-like, newly built or retrofitted dwellings. The results reveal that pollutant and carbon dioxide concentration are generally lower compared to naturally ventilated homes, presumably due to the requirement to install a balanced Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. Results also suggest that the quality assurance measures of PH certification are capable of improving ventilation and IAQ performance. However, the lack of cooking fume capture requirements in the PH standard, in combination with efforts to avoid energy losses associated with a possible extraction kitchen hood, may lead to elevated particulate matter concentration in PHs. Future research on cooking induced IAQ impairment is encouraged to assess the effectiveness of recently published PH-specific recommendations. Future efforts in empirical IAQ research should also address the lack of high quality IAQ measurement data and the standardisation of IAQ assessment methods and protocols.

Y02 as Climate Praxis

This article introduces the recently adopted Y02 patent classification scheme, covering the broader cross-sectoral technologies that “allow adapting to the adverse effects of climate change,” and explores the relationship of this global innovation initiative to environmental design and planning praxis. The Y02 classification includes specific subcategories Y02A for “Technologies for Adaptation to Climate Change” and Y02B, “Climate Change Mitigation Technologies Related to Buildings,” making it highly relevant to the climate adaptation practices of architecture, landscape architecture, and planning. The YO2A and Y02B classification schemes (a subclass of Y02) were launched in 2018 and are now implemented by patent offices globally to categorize a range of adaptation technologies across sectors such as coastal systems, flood control, building systems, adaptation of existing infrastructure, green infrastructure, human health, and technologies for mapping and sensing the environment. Tagging and organizing patent innovations in this broad sector consolidates information on the subject, allows for the rapid diffusion of innovation, and builds adaptive capacity by creating a knowledge infrastructure and anticipatory framework for future technological trends. The fast pace of innovation in these sectors and the wealth of readily available information present the allied fields of environmental design and planning a distinct opportunity to integrate Y02A and Y02B into climate praxis. This article explores how innovation in these sectors may inform practices of scenario building in planning and design through discourse on probable, plausible, pluralistic, and performative futures. It elucidates the potential of these newly established patent classifications as an anticipatory framework for technological innovation in the built environment.

Assessing the undesired impacts on water sustainability from climate change mitigation technologies in fossil-based power generation

In the absence of water quality and water scarcity data, WICa provides meaningful results between carbon mitigation technologies. It is useful as a technology decision making tool, validated here by 6 technologies in fossil-based power generation.

Transformative Technologies and Innovation in Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Environmental Stewardship. A Systematic Literature Review.

This systematic literature review bears the objective of exploring the transformative potential of transformative technologies and innovations in climate change mitigation and environmental stewardship. The study provides an overview of the current research trends, practical implications, and implementation of transformative technology and innovation between 2018 and 2024. The methodology entailed a comprehensive search of scholarly databases resulting in the selection and analysis of the relevant studies. The findings reveal that transformative technology and innovations in mitigating climate change play a significant role in ensuring environmental stewardship and sustainability as they lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution levels, and ensure a strategic balance between profit, people, and environmental consideration in relation to natural resources exploitation. Additionally, it provides for a discussion on the benefits as well as challenges associated with the adoption of transformative technology and innovation to mitigate climate change such as cost implications. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and practical implications for the regulators and industry players.

How open are African inventors? Open green technologies and patenting activities in Africa

Open green innovation is essential to accelerate decarbonization in Africa. The dearth of empirical evidence on the current trajectory of green innovation in Africa often hinders appropriate green innovation policy design. This study investigates the incidence of collaboration in inventive activities within Africa using the ‘designation of the inventor’ in the online European Patent database. We identify and assess open and closed climate adaptation and mitigation inventions using explorative and network analysis techniques. Our research shows that even though climate change adaptation technologies are more valuable, climate change mitigation technologies are more responsive to open innovation. We also discovered that the number of green inventions is slightly increasing, but there are very few collaborative open green inventions in Africa as many of the inventions are closed. These results accentuate the fragmented national innovation systems in many African countries. The lack of collaboration and the disconnect between universities and firms shows that most African knowledge institutions have not evolved into vibrant sources of firm learning for national economic development.

Indium‐based Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol: Key Aspects for Catalytic Performance

AbstractCO2 hydrogenation utilizing sustainably produced hydrogen and CO2 derived from industrial exhaust gas represents a pivotal technology for chemical energy storage and climate change mitigation. This work aims to identify the best combination of catalyst support, synthesis method and promotor for In2O3/ZrO2 catalysts in a typical fixed‐bed configuration. Intense characterization using ICP‐OES, XRD, XPS, N2‐physisorption, CO2‐TPD, H2‐TPR and SEM‐EDX provide molecular insights into the different effects caused by various synthesis methods and doping elements. Doping the most promising In2O3/ZrO2 (M‐SG) catalyst with 0.7 wt. % NiO by wetness impregnation using an ethanol/water mixture as a solvent, an increased methanol production rate of 0.497 gMeOH ⋅ ⋅ h−1 could already be achieved at 250 °C. Hereby, the low amount of highly dispersed NiO promotes H2 activation via hydrogen spillover, leading to sustained catalytic activity for 100 hours of time‐on‐stream.