Carbon Transfer Research Articles

Innovation and application of inter-provincial carbon emission transfer accounting model in China’s domestic production network

The New Development Paradigm will result in the significant development of domestic production networks and the accelerated growth of carbon transfers among provinces in China. However, the existing value chain or the trade of intermediate goods decomposition method cannot completely account for the carbon content of intermediate goods. So the paper developed a accounting model for inter-regional intermediate goods trade based on input-output model. The most significant advantage of this accounting model is that by further decomposing final output into three components—final consumption within the region, final consumption flowing to other regions, and final output flowing to other regions as intermediate goods that are not returned to the region—it achieves a more comprehensive decomposition of the value chain in comparison to the established models. This approach allows for the tracking of longer value chains and the accounting for intermediate goods inflows and outflows simultaneously. Furthermore, the accounting of trade in intermediate goods can be conducted for any number of countries, regions, and sectors within the input-output system, thereby providing a foundation for the comprehensive accounting of inter-regional carbon transfers within production networks. With the input-output tables and carbon emission inventories from the CEADs (the China Carbon Emissions Accounting Database), the paper has calculated the changes of the carbon transfer among provinces in the China’s domestic production network from 2012 to 2017 and find that the inter-provincial intermediate goods trade and carbon transfer among provinces is increasing significantly. Each province has a strong incentive to overuse the carbon embodied in the intermediate goods from others, but lacks the motivation to reduce their own carbon emission. In the inter-provincial transfer of the carbon content of intermediate goods in China’s domestic production network, the difference between the average value of the ratio of the carbon content of intermediate goods from other provinces used by each province and that supplied for use by other provinces to the ratio of the carbon content of intermediate goods produced by itself increased by 13.6% between 2012 and 2017. Only a few provinces are evolving towards a win-win between economic and environmental benefits, while most are still facing the evolutionary dilemma in choosing between economic and environmental benefits. In the future, we should comprehensively explore the cooperative governance of carbon emission reduction in the domestic production network, including establishing a national standard for calculating the carbon transfer in domestic production network, improving the carbon emission responsibility sharing mechanism and carbon emission reduction compensation systems.

Characterization of Industrial Carbon Emission Dynamics and Network Structure Evolution in China

Given that industry is the major source of carbon emissions, clarifying the carbon transfer regularity triggered by industry production linkage is of great importance in realizing the synergistic development of industry to reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Based on the perspective of responsibility allocation, the study accounted for the industry carbon emissions and constructed a carbon transfer weighted directed network model and applied the social network analysis method to explore the structure of the industry carbon transfer network and its evolution characteristics from 2005 to 2020. The results showed that： ① The overall carbon emissions of industries from 2005 to 2020 presented a rapid growth trend and large differences occurred in emissions between industries. ② The scale of the carbon transfer network was expanding rapidly and the characteristics of the small-world network were significant. ③ The community structure of the carbon transfer network was obvious, including four optimal associations： high carbon emission, carbon transmission, carbon endogenous, and high spillover. ④ The construction industry and the metal smelting and rolling processing industry were the core of the carbon transfer network structure, with strong network control. In view of the above characteristics, we proposed countermeasures and suggestions in terms of implementing the allocation of carbon emission reduction responsibilities and differentiated emission reduction measures for associations as well as focusing on the management of core nodes of the network, with the intent of providing cross-sectoral synergistic emission reduction ideas for the development of sustainable low-carbon transformation in China's industry sector.

Incorporating embodied carbon transfer and sequestration service flows into regional carbon neutrality assessment in China

Reliable and effective carbon neutrality assessments are crucial prerequisites for implementing various low-carbon policies and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Although the impact of embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows on regional carbon neutrality is becoming increasingly significant, these factors are not effectively incorporated into current carbon neutrality assessments. Based on a thorough review of the literature and theoretical analysis, this study attempts to construct a regional carbon neutrality assessment framework that incorporates embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows. This framework is then applied to assess carbon neutrality and its influencing factors in China's provinces. Our findings reveal that carbon emissions and sequestration capacities have increased across Chinese provinces, with the highest emissions in North and East China, and the highest sequestration in Southwest China. Economically developed provinces like Beijing, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu transfer substantial embodied carbon to provinces such as Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei, while Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai are major providers of carbon sequestration services. Carbon neutrality levels in Chinese provinces show a ring-shaped distribution, increasing from the inner to outer rings. Higher levels are found in Southwest and Northwest provinces (e.g., Yunnan, Qinghai, Guangxi), and lower levels in North and East provinces (e.g., Shanxi, Beijing, Zhejiang). Factors like urbanization rate, population density, per capita GDP, and energy consumption structure negatively impact carbon neutrality levels, whereas ecological land area and annual precipitation have positive impacts. In summary, incorporating embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows into the regional carbon neutrality assessment framework facilitates a more comprehensive analysis of regional carbon neutrality levels and their influencing factors. This approach broadens the theoretical and methodological scope of regional carbon neutrality assessments and provides scientific references for the implementation of low-carbon policies and the advancement of carbon neutrality goals.

What determines transfer of carbon from plants to mycorrhizal fungi?

Biological Market Models are common evolutionary frameworks to understand the maintenance of mutualism in mycorrhizas. 'Surplus C' hypotheses provide an alternative framework where stoichiometry and source-sink dynamics govern mycorrhizal function. A critical difference between these frameworks is whether carbon transfer from plants is regulated by nutrient transfer from fungi or through source-sink dynamics. In this review, we: provide a historical perspective; summarize studies that asked whether plants transfer more carbon to fungi that transfer more nutrients; conduct a meta-analysis to assess whether mycorrhizal plant growth suppressions are related to carbon transfer; and review literature on cellular mechanisms for carbon transfer. In sum, current knowledge does not indicate that carbon transfer from plants is directly regulated by nutrient delivery from fungi. Further, mycorrhizal plant growth responses were linked to nutrient uptake rather than carbon transfer. These findings are more consistent with 'Surplus C' hypotheses than Biological Market Models. However, we also identify research gaps, and future research may uncover a mechanism directly linking carbon and nutrient transfer. Until then, we urge caution when applying economic terminology to describe mycorrhizas. We present a synthesis of ideas, consider knowledge gaps, and suggest experiments to advance the field.

Regional carbon inequality and its impact in China: a new perspective from urban agglomerations

The principal urban agglomerations in China function as critical hubs for both economic advancement and the mitigation of carbon emissions. Given the disparate levels of development across various urban agglomerations, trade between these agglomerations may result in inequality between carbon transfers and value added transfers. Assessing carbon inequality among major urban agglomerations in China can help identify the identification of primary trade relationships and industrial sectors of carbon inequality, thereby fostering the coordinated development of urban agglomerations. This study constructs a carbon inequality index based on an environmentally extended input-output model. This study conducts a thorough evaluation of carbon inequality among various urban agglomerations and analyzes the industry characteristics of embodied carbon net transfers and value added net transfers in typical urban agglomerations. The research findings indicate that: The carbon inequality index for underdeveloped urban agglomerations, exemplified by the Central Plains urban agglomeration, is generally greater than 1. The carbon inequality index for developed urban agglomerations, exemplified by the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, is generally less than 1 due to their higher levels of economic development. An analysis of the industry characteristics of carbon emissions net transfer and value added net transfer in typical urban agglomerations reveals that heavy industry is the main contributing sector to the net inflow of embodied carbon and net outflow of value added in the Central Plains urban agglomeration. The main contributing sector to the net outflow of embodied carbon and net inflow of value added in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration is the service industry. This study ultimately proposes more refined recommendations aimed at fostering coordinated development among regions in China, establishing a win-win situation for economic growth and carbon reduction.

A Global Ocean Opal Ballasting–Silicate Relationship

AbstractOpal and calcium carbonate are thought to regulate the biological pump's transfer of organic carbon to the deep ocean. A global sediment trap database exhibits large regional variations in the organic carbon flux associated with opal flux. These variations are well‐explained by upper ocean silicate concentrations, with high opal ‘ballasting’ in the silicate‐deplete tropical Atlantic Ocean, and low ballasting in the silicate‐rich Southern Ocean. A plausible, testable hypothesis is that opal ballasting varies because diatoms grow thicker frustules where silicate concentrations are higher, carrying less organic carbon per unit opal. The observed pattern does not fully emerge in an advanced ocean biogeochemical model when diatom silicification is represented using a single global parameterization as a function of silicate and iron. Our results suggest a need for improving understanding of currently modeled processes and/or considering additional parameterizations to capture the links between elemental cycles and future biological pump changes.

Extreme mismatch between phytoplankton and grazers during Arctic spring blooms and consequences for the pelagic food-web

Food-web structure determines the cycling pathways and fate of new production in marine ecosystems. Herbivorous zooplankton populations are usually seasonally coupled with pelagic primary producers. Synchrony of phytoplankton blooms with reproduction, recruitment and seasonal ascent of their main grazers ensures efficient transfer of organic carbon to higher trophic levels, including commercially harvested species, especially in high-latitude systems. Changes in light, nutrient, and sea-ice dynamics due to accelerating climate change in the Arctic, however, create large uncertainties in how these systems will function in the future. To address such knowledge gaps, we surveyed the pelagic ecosystem of the Barents Sea Polar Front in May of two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) to investigate the pelagic food-web from primary producers to planktivorous fish. In both years we observed unprecedentedly high phytoplankton chlorophyll a values in open as well as ice-covered waters, much of which was invisible to satellite remote sensing. We also measured very low densities of grazing zooplankton across a wide area and extending for at least one month. This extreme mismatch resulted in low feeding by capelin, and further suggests a high potential for vertical export of carbon to the benthos rather than efficient assimilation into the pelagic food web. As the Arctic continues to warm and is characterized by thinner and more mobile sea ice, we may expect higher variability in phytoplankton bloom phenology and more frequent mismatches with grazer life-histories. This could have significant impacts on ecosystem functioning by re-directing the flow of energy through the system towards seafloor rather than to the production of commercially valuable pelagic marine resources.

The green trade benefits and horizontal ecological compensation from the perspective of embodied carbon emissions: A case study of the Yellow River Basin, China

The horizontal ecological compensation plays an important role in balancing the interests of all parties and coordinating regional development in the basin. However, the mechanism of ecological compensation based on embodied carbon emissions is still poorly understood. Here, taking the Yellow River Basin as the research area, we use the multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model to measure the embodied carbon transfers between its seven urban agglomerations in 2012 and 2017 from the viewpoint of value-added trade benefits. Further, for the first time, the green trade benefits and ecological compensation amounts are analyzed. The results indicate that: (1) The transfer of trade-embodied carbon among the urban agglomerations in the basin showed obvious spatial heterogeneity and geographic proximity effects, and trade-embodied carbon outflows (inflows) had a pattern of "highest in the midstream, second in the downstream, and lowest in the upstream". (2) The industry composition of the urban agglomerations in relation to embodied carbon outflows (inflows) was similar, mainly in the service and heavy manufacturing industries. (3) The spatial pattern of green trade benefits in the basin had shifted from "high in the north and low in the surrounding area" to "high in the east-central part and low in the west". (4) The pattern of ecological compensation in the basin had shifted from the upstream surplus, the middle and downstream deficit to the midstream deficit, and the upstream and downstream surplus. Therefore, we recommend improving energy structures in high-demand urban agglomerations by adopting clean energy, focusing on decarbonization and energy efficiency in resource-rich regions. Additionally, promoting low-carbon economies, especially in the service and heavy manufacturing industries, implementing differentiated emission reduction strategies, and optimizing carbon compensation mechanisms considering regional disparities and resource endowments are crucial. It is expected that the study can enrich the scientific basis of horizontal ecological compensation and increase the fairness of regional carbon emission rights allocation.

Reliability of the Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy approach in marginal seas: Insights from the Miocene Paratethys

The robustness of the Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy (SIS) as a chemostratigraphic tool was tested in the Miocene epicontinental Central Paratethys using new 87Sr/86Sr results obtained for 129 foraminiferal tests and various marine invertebrate shells that were converted to numerical ages using the global 87Sr/86Sr curve for Phanerozoic open oceans. These ages were compared with those expected from either magnetostratigraphic, radiometric or biostratigraphic studies applied to selected sections from different Central Paratethys basins. The results from different basins showed variations in 87Sr/86Sr values for specific time intervals; therefore, it is not possible to construct a unique 87Sr/86Sr curve for the Central Paratethys region that can be used for chemostratigraphic purposes. The 87Sr/86Sr signal in semi-enclosed basins tends to reflect the lithology of the source areas. a: For example, marine basins surrounded by areas of Mesozoic carbonate rock cover are associated with a reduced 87Sr/86Sr signal compared to the global 87Sr/86Sr signal primarily due to the drainage of these Mesozoic carbonate rocks and transfer of their specific Sr signal. By contrast, areas affected by continental runoff from crystalline terrains in combination with limited connection to surrounding marine domains were found to show an elevated 87Sr/86Sr signal compared to the global one. Additionally, it was demonstrated that infaunal, eutrophic and hypoxic species (foraminiferal genus Uvigerina and molluscs) show a shift towards a relatively higher 87Sr/86Sr signal. Therefore, our data show that variable 87Sr/86Sr patterns occur in semi-enclosed domains, primarily reflecting local settings and thus hampering reliable SIS ages. In particular, the best SIS results in the studied Paratethys area occur during periods of maximum marine connectivity, when other (biostratigraphic) methods can be applied, and then become unreliable as connectivity diminishes.

How is particulate organic carbon transported through the river-fed submarine Congo Canyon to the deep sea?

Abstract. The transfer of carbon from land to the near-coastal ocean is increasingly being recognized in global carbon budgets. However, a more direct transfer of terrestrial organic carbon to the deep sea is comparatively overlooked. Among systems that connect coastal to deep-sea environments, the submarine Congo Canyon is of particular interest since the canyon head starts 30 km into the Congo River estuary, which delivers ∼7 % of the dissolved and particulate organic carbon from the world's rivers. However, sediment and particulate organic carbon transport mechanisms that operate in the Congo Canyon and submarine canyons more globally are poorly constrained compared to rivers because monitoring of deep-sea canyons remains challenging. Using a novel array of acoustic instruments, sediment traps, and cores, this study seeks to understand the hydrodynamic processes that control delivery of particulate organic carbon via the submarine Congo Canyon to the deep sea. We show that particulate organic carbon transport in the canyon axis is modulated by two processes. First, we observe periods where the canyon dynamics are dominated by tides, which induce a background oscillatory flow (speeds of up to 0.15 m s−1) through the water column, keeping muds in suspension, with a net upslope transport direction. Second, fast-moving (up to 8 m s−1) turbidity currents occur for 35 % of the time during monitoring periods and transport particulate organic carbon with mud and sand at an estimated transit flux that is more than 3 to 6 times the flux induced by tides. Organic carbon transported and deposited in the submarine canyon has a similar isotopic composition to organic carbon in the Congo River and in the deep-sea fan at 5 km of water depth. Episodic turbidity currents thus promote efficient transfer of river-derived particulate organic carbon in the Congo submarine fan, leading to some of the highest terrestrial carbon preservation rates observed in marine sediments globally.

Effect of Substrate Bias on the Structure and Tribological Performance of (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy Coatings Deposited via Graphite Co-Sputtering

In the existing literature, there are few studies on the effect of deposition bias on the tribological properties of carbon-doped high-entropy alloy coatings. In order to further study the effect of the deposition bias on the properties of coatings, (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy coatings were deposited via unbalanced RF magnetron sputtering. The microstructure and tribological properties of carbon-doped high-entropy alloy ceramic coatings under different deposition biases were studied. The composition, morphology, crystal structure, and chemical morphology of each element of the coating were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hardness, elastic modulus, friction, and wear properties of the coating were further characterized using a nanoindentation instrument, reciprocating sliding friction, a wear tester, and a white light interferometer. The coating density reached the optimal level when the deposition bias value was 90 V. The hardness and elastic modulus of the (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy coating increased first and then decreased with an increase in deposition bias, and the maximum hardness was 23.98 GPa. When the deposition bias was 90 V, the coating formed a good-quality carbon transfer film on the surface of the counterbody due to sp2 clusters during the friction and wear process. The average friction coefficient and wear rate of the (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy coating were the lowest, 0.185 and 1.6 × 10−7 mm3/N·m, respectively. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of the (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy coating were greatly affected by the change in deposition bias, and an (AlTiVCrNb)CxNy coating with excellent structure and friction properties could be prepared using graphite co-sputtering.

Research on provincial implied carbon emissions in China under the shared responsibility driven by new quality productivity: A new approach

The allocation of responsibility for carbon emissions among involved parties has garnered significant attention. This study proposes a comprehensive sharing coefficient methodology known as CVAT (direct carbon emissions, value added, and technology level) to enhance the accuracy and equity of responsibility sharing driven by the new productivity standard. This study utilizes the environmental expansion multi-region input-output (EEMRIO) model to assess China's implicit provincial carbon emissions over the previous two decades. The study investigates the characteristics of the implied carbon transfer network using social network analysis (SNA) techniques. Key findings include: (1) The CVAT method's determination of responsibility sharing coefficients aligns with fairness and efficiency principles, resulting in a more equitable distribution of implied carbon emission responsibilities conducive to achieving fair carbon emission reduction. (2) Over the research period, national implied carbon emissions exhibited an upward trajectory, increasing from 3.305 billion tons in 2002 to 9.726 billion tons in 2017, with Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu provinces ranking among the top emitters in China. (3) Eastern coastal and western regions function as net carbon transfer out regions, while the central, northeast, and southwest regions act as net carbon transfer in regions. (4) The implied carbon transfer network demonstrated relative stability throughout the study period, with Shandong, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia emerging as major carbon transfer provinces. The study's outcomes hold significant implications for the impartial and accurate assessment of carbon emission responsibilities and the advancement of global carbon emission reduction efforts.

Enzymatic Characterization of SpPAL Genes in S. polyrhiza and Overexpression of the SpPAL3.

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) catalyzes the deamination of phenylalanine, which is the initial step in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids. It serves as a crucial enzyme that facilitates the transfer of carbon from primary to secondary metabolism in plants. Duckweed is regarded as a promising chassis plant in synthetic biology research and application, due to its being rich in secondary metabolites and other advantages. The genes encoding PAL in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid, the giant duckweed, were investigated in this study. Three SpPAL genes (SpPAL1-SpPAL3) were identified and cloned. All of them were successfully expressed in E. coli, and their recombinant proteins all showed PAL activity. In addition, SpPAL1 and SpPAL2 proteins could also utilize tyrosine as substrate, although the activity was low. A qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of SpPAL3 was most pronounced in young fronds. It was found that the expression of SpPAL1 and SpPAL3 was significantly induced by MeJA treatment. Overexpression of SpPAL3 in Lemna turionifera inhibited the growth of fronds and adventitious roots in the transgenic plants, indicating the importance of SpPAL3 in duckweed besides its involvement in the secondary metabolism.

Metasedimentary “carbon filter” and its implication for subduction zone carbon recycling

The movement of carbon in subduction zones plays a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle, controlling Earth's climate, and maintaining its habitability. Recent work suggests that only a fraction of the carbon released from subducting slabs at sub-arc depths is ultimately released from volcanic arcs, necessitating the existence of hidden carbon reservoirs within the slab-to-arc pathways. However, the precise location of these reservoirs remains enigmatic. Slab fluid serves as the primary medium for carbon transport in subduction zones; thus, a comprehensive understanding of fluid-rock interaction during slab fluid migration is essential for reconciling the carbon flux imbalance between the slab and the arc. In this study, we explore rock carbonation along a fluid conduit in the Southwestern Tianshan HP metamorphic belt in northwest China. Field evidence and petrologic observation reveal significant carbonation of a siliciclastic metasediment at its contact with a high-pressure garnet-bearing calcite (formerly aragonite) vein. We find that rock carbonation (by progressive Fe-bearing magnesite, dolomite, then aragonite precipitation) occurred when slab-derived carbonic fluids migrated through the metasedimentary sequence at approximately 80 km depth. Furthermore, modeling demonstrates that the metasedimentary layer atop the slab has the capacity to sequester 20%–50% of the fluid carbon from the ascending slab devolatilization flux. We propose that the metasedimentary veneer at the plate interface functions as a “carbon filter”, hindering the transfer of carbon from the slab to the arc and helping to reconcile the carbon flux imbalance between the amount released by the slab and that emitted by the arc. This study also provides insights into decarbonation efficiency and mechanisms, carbon-transfer pathways, and temporal aspects of the subduction zone carbon cycle.

Nutritional Quality of Basal Resource in Stream Food Webs Increased with Light Reduction—Implications for Riparian Revegetation

Biofilms are considered a basal resource with high nutritional quality in stream food webs, as periphytic algae are abundant of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are essential for growth and reproduction of consumers who cannot or have very limited capacity to biosynthesize. Yet, how the nutritional quality based on PUFA of basal food sources changes with light intensity remains unclear. We conducted a manipulative experiment in mesocosms to explore the response and mechanisms of nutritional quality to shading, simulating riparian restoration. We found a significant increase in PUFA% (including arachidonic acid, ARA) under shading conditions. The increased PUFA is caused by the algal community succession from Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta to Bacillariophyta which is abundant of PUFA (especially eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA; docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). On the other hand, shading increased PUFA via upregulating enzymes such as Δ12 desaturase (FAD2, EC:1.14.19.6) and 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS, EC:2.3.1.199) in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid elongation pathways. Our findings imply that riparian reforestation by decreasing light intensity increases the nutritional quality of basal resources in streams, which may enhance transfer of good quality carbon to consumers in higher trophic levels through bottom-up effects.

Identification and quantitative estimates of groundwater transfers to formerly charophyte dominated marl lakes with radon-222

Interaction with groundwater determines many processes in marl lakes. Net transfer of inorganic carbon helps define their chemical characteristics and determines their unique benthic flora. Nutrient enrichment weakens the biogeochemical buffering mechanisms which help maintain a clear-water state and many small, shallow marl lakes are prone to siltation. Despite hydrological processes being recognised as important for the complex interactions between plants, nutrient availability and physical sediment properties which shape marl lake ecology, groundwater discharge to many of these lakes has never been quantified. The aim of this study was to locate and quantify groundwater transfers to degraded marl lakes in a Special Area of Conservation on the island of Ireland. A RAD7 radon detector identified and measured elevated concentrations of 222Rn in three lakes for quantifying their groundwater influx with a 222Rn mass-balance equation. Conservative estimates of mean daily groundwater discharge to Kilroosky Lough, Drumacrittin Lough, and Dummy's Lough were 143 m3, 502 m3, and 269 m3 respectively. With extrapolation to the entire hydrological year, annual groundwater recharge contributed approximately 47 %, 155 %, and 50 % of the respective lake volumes. The areas within the lakes which were found to have the highest groundwater influence also closely matched the locations where substantial charophyte communities persist suggesting that the two are linked. These findings underline the importance of groundwater transfers for the water budget in small marl lakes and will inform management efforts to mitigate their eutrophication.

Effects and mechanisms of intelligent electricity system on urban carbon reduction

This paper provides evidence on the effectiveness of China's intelligent electricity system in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the electricity sector at the city and plant levels. The actual application level of intelligence technology in cities was quantified through text analysis of newspaper reports, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing urban carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, this paper explores four potential pathways through which intelligent electricity system measures impact the power industry: the adjustment effect, technological progress effect, and carbon transfer effect of energy supply structure, as well as the electricity substitution effect on the demand side. The findings suggest that combining information technology and intelligent technology in the electricity sector could enhance carbon reduction efforts.

Eco-environmental regret-aware optimization of networked multi-energy microgrids with fully carbon elimination and electric vehicles' promotion

With the escalating concern of global warming propelled by the rise in Earth's temperature, the need for effective CO2 management has become crucial. This paper presents an innovative CO2 elimination approach, wherein a multiple integrated system of energies (MISEs) incorporating sustainable resources, including renewable resources (RENs), plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), and demand response programs, is optimized. The proposed carbon elimination framework begins by modeling the onsite carbon capturing and recycling within each MISE. To effectively utilize the onsite carbon recycling facilities and achieve carbon neutrality, the proposed model also incorporates carbon transfer capability between MISEs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of overall carbon recycling. Furthermore, a stochastic p-robust optimization technique is proposed to effectively manage uncertainties by combining the advantages of stochastic programming and robust optimization. This uncertainty modeling approach promotes greater utilization of sustainable resources like PEVs and RENs due to their lower operational regrets from economic and environmental perspectives. Based on the simulation results, implementing the p-robust-based regret assessment technique led to the total operation cost increasing by only 2.75 %, while achieving a significant 44.5 % reduction in maximum relative regret. These results underscore the effectiveness of the proposed framework in enhancing both the economic and environmental performance of MISEs.

Context‐dependent effects of below‐ground carbon transfer: Limited benefits from sunlit pines to shaded oaks

Abstract Despite gaining significant attention in recent years, it remains unclear whether mycorrhizal fungi distribute meaningful amounts of resources among trees in ways that increase the fitness of the receiving trees. To investigate this, we used pairs of shaded and unshaded Pinus halepensis or Quercus calliprinos saplings, growing in both inter‐ and intra‐specific combinations outdoors in forest soil. We examined the combined effects of indirect and direct below‐ground connections on tree performance and Non‐Structural Carbohydrate (NSC) pools. Although we did not observe any growth benefits, shaded recipient oaks exhibited higher levels of root and branch NSC compared to their control counterparts, which were not connected below‐ground. This finding suggests a potential benefit of establishing below‐ground connections. However, no such benefits were observed among the unshaded pairs or in the other inter‐ and intra‐specific pairs of pines and oaks. We monitored the carbon (C) flow from a 13CO2‐labelled donor pine tree to a below‐ground connected oak tree and demonstrated C transfer from pines to shaded oaks. We also identified the main fungal symbionts interacting with pines and oaks. Our findings indicate that the effects of below‐ground C transfer are context‐dependent, manifesting in nuanced alterations in plant NSC that are not readily apparent through conventional growth metrics. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

A study on the spatial correlation network structure and its influencing factors of coupling coordination between FDI flow network and carbon transfer network in the belt and road initiative countries

Clarifying the spatial correlation characteristics and influencing factors of coupling coordination between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow networks and carbon transfer networks in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative is of utmost importance for the formulation of regional carbon governance strategies and the establishment of a high-quality Green Silk Road. This study used a comprehensive approach combining social network analysis and coupling coordination model to measure the coupling coordination degree of FDI flow networks and carbon transfer networks of 67 Belt and Road countries from 2010 to 2016. In addition, a modified gravity model is used to characterize the spatial correlation network structure of coupling coordination between the two networks, and the QAP regression analysis method is applied to investigate the factors influencing the spatial association network. The results are as follows: 1) The spatial correlation network of coupling coordination between the two networks has good accessibility and relatively high overall network stability. 2) Countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates occupy central positions in the network, while Bahrain and Jordan are positioned on the periphery of the network. 3) The spatial correlation network can be divided into three sectors: net outflow, net inflow, and bidirectional overflow sectors. 4) Spatial adjacency, bilateral investment treaties, economic development, and institutional quality have significant positive effects on the spatial association network, while the industrial structure and the level of infrastructure development have a significant negative impact. This study proposes an indicator system for the coupling coordination between FDI flow networks and carbon transfer networks. The aim is to investigate the coupling coordination relationship between FDI flow networks and carbon emission transfer networks in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, providing important guidance for the formulation of regional cooperative carbon emission reduction strategies in other regions.