Environmental Impact Assessment Review最新文献_第2页

Promoting sustainable transition for tea plantations through carbon incentives and offsets: A case study in Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-03-04 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107890

Hao Li , Shuqi Yang , Yinan Xu , Wangsheng Gao , Jixiao Cui , Yuanquan Chen

Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. The transition to sustainable tea production is of paramount importance for the industry. This study assessed the carbon footprint of tea production in the Pu’er region, China, by integrating carbon sequestration and emissions using a “cradle-to-gate” lifecycle concept. Furthermore, a dualtier emission reduction simulations combining six measures and four scenarios was conducted to develop carbon offset and incentive standards for tea plantations based on their emission intensity. The results indicated that organic tea plantations had an average carbon emission of 1.24 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹, while conventionally managed tea plantations had an average of 3.96 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹. The carbon emissions of conventionally managed tea plantations exhibited considerable variability, and through cluster analysis, were categorized into high, medium, and low emission intensities. Compared with conventionally managed tea plantations of high, medium, and low intensities, organic tea exhibited significant reductions in carbon emissions of 76.92 %, 69.48 %, and 57.11 %, respectively, while increasing carbon sequestration by 25.33 %, 11.52 %, and 25.36 %, respectively. An integrated program of improved fertilizer management, optimized agricultural practices, and strengthened policy guidance resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions from conventional tea plantations by 48.02 %, 44.97 %, and 55.92 %, respectively, while the net carbon sink of organic tea plantations increased by 22.36 %. Various carbon incentive and offset standards scenarios were developed based on the emission intensities. The carbon incentives for conventional tea plantations ranged from 0.38 to 6.49 USD ha⁻¹ for single scenarios and 2.26 to 10.11 USD ha⁻¹ for combined scenarios, respectively. Carbon offsets for organic tea plantations ranged from 11.31 to 13.69 USD ha⁻¹ for combined scenarios. This study underscores the necessity for novel carbon management strategies in tea production and the significance of carbon offsets and incentives for low-carbon transformation of tea cultivation. This study is a valuable reference for other agricultural sectors pursuing sustainability and climate resilience.

{"title":"Promoting sustainable transition for tea plantations through carbon incentives and offsets: A case study in Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China","authors":"Hao Li , Shuqi Yang , Yinan Xu , Wangsheng Gao , Jixiao Cui , Yuanquan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. The transition to sustainable tea production is of paramount importance for the industry. This study assessed the carbon footprint of tea production in the Pu’er region, China, by integrating carbon sequestration and emissions using a “cradle-to-gate” lifecycle concept. Furthermore, a dualtier emission reduction simulations combining six measures and four scenarios was conducted to develop carbon offset and incentive standards for tea plantations based on their emission intensity. The results indicated that organic tea plantations had an average carbon emission of 1.24 t CO<sub>2</sub> eq ha<sup>−1</sup>, while conventionally managed tea plantations had an average of 3.96 t CO<sub>2</sub> eq ha<sup>−1</sup>. The carbon emissions of conventionally managed tea plantations exhibited considerable variability, and through cluster analysis, were categorized into high, medium, and low emission intensities. Compared with conventionally managed tea plantations of high, medium, and low intensities, organic tea exhibited significant reductions in carbon emissions of 76.92 %, 69.48 %, and 57.11 %, respectively, while increasing carbon sequestration by 25.33 %, 11.52 %, and 25.36 %, respectively. An integrated program of improved fertilizer management, optimized agricultural practices, and strengthened policy guidance resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions from conventional tea plantations by 48.02 %, 44.97 %, and 55.92 %, respectively, while the net carbon sink of organic tea plantations increased by 22.36 %. Various carbon incentive and offset standards scenarios were developed based on the emission intensities. The carbon incentives for conventional tea plantations ranged from 0.38 to 6.49 USD ha<sup>−1</sup> for single scenarios and 2.26 to 10.11 USD ha<sup>−1</sup> for combined scenarios, respectively. Carbon offsets for organic tea plantations ranged from 11.31 to 13.69 USD ha<sup>−1</sup> for combined scenarios. This study underscores the necessity for novel carbon management strategies in tea production and the significance of carbon offsets and incentives for low-carbon transformation of tea cultivation. This study is a valuable reference for other agricultural sectors pursuing sustainability and climate resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 107890"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143551435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Water stress exacerbated by altered flow pathways in the Tibetan plateau: A critical analysis 青藏高原水流路径的改变加剧了水资源紧张：批判性分析

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-03-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107888

Yuling Ren , Saurabh Mishra , Yanqing Lian , Jianyun Zhang , Junliang Jin , Ke Zhang , Weiguang Wang , Yongliang Gao , Yashuo Guan , Muwu Ling , Xiaonan Sun

Tibetan Plateau (TP), bordering major freshwater reservoirs in Asia, is facing rapid climate warming, which could significantly alter the subsurface hydrological processes that concurrently reduce regional terrestrial water storage (TWS). The present study posits a critical analysis and discussion over the impact of climate change-driven altered water flow pathways that exacerbate water stress conditions in TP. Subsequently, the variability in precipitation patterns, glacier and snow cover expansion, surface and subsurface water dynamics of TP is analyzed and discussed. The changes in TWS components that derive water stress conditions in TP are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, key challenges, perspectives, and future research trends are explored to develop potential mitigation measures. The results reveal that precipitation has apparently decreased in the southeast TP and contrarily increased in the headwater region of Yellow River. The solid water (snow and glaciers) melting and permafrost thawing have irreversibly declined, leading to significant changes in the stream flow of major river basins in time and space since 1998. Currently,the outer area of Yellow, Ganges-Brahmaputra, Indus, and Amu Darya basins are experiencing severe water stress. It is projected that the water stress index value would increase all across Ganges-Brahmaputra (∼0.79 i.e. severe water stress) and Yellow basins (∼0.96) by 2050s and 2080s, respectively if the current rate of climate change remains unchanged. This study will reinforce in–depth understanding of climate change–driven water storage transition, which could be resourceful for developing better management practices targeted to mitigate water stress under the countenance of unstoppable climate change.

{"title":"Water stress exacerbated by altered flow pathways in the Tibetan plateau: A critical analysis","authors":"Yuling Ren , Saurabh Mishra , Yanqing Lian , Jianyun Zhang , Junliang Jin , Ke Zhang , Weiguang Wang , Yongliang Gao , Yashuo Guan , Muwu Ling , Xiaonan Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tibetan Plateau (TP), bordering major freshwater reservoirs in Asia, is facing rapid climate warming, which could significantly alter the subsurface hydrological processes that concurrently reduce regional terrestrial water storage (TWS). The present study posits a critical analysis and discussion over the impact of climate change-driven altered water flow pathways that exacerbate water stress conditions in TP. Subsequently, the variability in precipitation patterns, glacier and snow cover expansion, surface and subsurface water dynamics of TP is analyzed and discussed. The changes in TWS components that derive water stress conditions in TP are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, key challenges, perspectives, and future research trends are explored to develop potential mitigation measures. The results reveal that precipitation has apparently decreased in the southeast TP and contrarily increased in the headwater region of Yellow River. The solid water (snow and glaciers) melting and permafrost thawing have irreversibly declined, leading to significant changes in the stream flow of major river basins in time and space since 1998. Currently,the outer area of Yellow, Ganges-Brahmaputra, Indus, and Amu Darya basins are experiencing severe water stress. It is projected that the water stress index value would increase all across Ganges-Brahmaputra (∼0.79 i.e. severe water stress) and Yellow basins (∼0.96) by 2050s and 2080s, respectively if the current rate of climate change remains unchanged. This study will reinforce in–depth understanding of climate change–driven water storage transition, which could be resourceful for developing better management practices targeted to mitigate water stress under the countenance of unstoppable climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 107888"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Evaluating habitat isolation driven by future urban growth: A landscape connectivity perspective

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107886

Guanqiao Ding , Jie Guo , Dan Yi , Minghao Ou , Guishan Yang

Natural habitats in rapidly urbanizing regions face significant human disturbances due to urban development. However, the extent to which future urban growth will further isolate these habitats remains inadequately explored. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive framework that integrates habitat isolation assessment with future urban growth models, using the Nanjing Metropolitan Area from 2020 to 2050 as a case study. We employed Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) to delineate natural habitat patches and identified urban pixels causing isolation through an ecological network approach. The Isolation Effect Index (IEI) and the Isolation Degree Index (IDI) were used to quantify the isolation impacts of urban areas at the pixel scale and the degree of isolation for individual habitat patches. Utilizing the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, we projected land use changes under five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to analyze the dynamics of IEI and IDI from 2020 to 2050. Our findings reveal that urban pixels in the central area are hotspots for causing isolation, severely impacting surrounding natural habitats. Increases in habitat isolation are primarily driven by newly-added urban pixels, particularly from low expansion intensity, indicating that non-intensified urban expansion exacerbates habitat isolation. This study quantifies the habitat isolation caused by future urban growth, with the isolation mitigation strategies are both essential for understanding human impacts on natural habitats and improving ecological protection policies.

{"title":"Evaluating habitat isolation driven by future urban growth: A landscape connectivity perspective","authors":"Guanqiao Ding , Jie Guo , Dan Yi , Minghao Ou , Guishan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107886","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107886","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural habitats in rapidly urbanizing regions face significant human disturbances due to urban development. However, the extent to which future urban growth will further isolate these habitats remains inadequately explored. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive framework that integrates habitat isolation assessment with future urban growth models, using the Nanjing Metropolitan Area from 2020 to 2050 as a case study. We employed Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) to delineate natural habitat patches and identified urban pixels causing isolation through an ecological network approach. The Isolation Effect Index (IEI) and the Isolation Degree Index (IDI) were used to quantify the isolation impacts of urban areas at the pixel scale and the degree of isolation for individual habitat patches. Utilizing the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, we projected land use changes under five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to analyze the dynamics of IEI and IDI from 2020 to 2050. Our findings reveal that urban pixels in the central area are hotspots for causing isolation, severely impacting surrounding natural habitats. Increases in habitat isolation are primarily driven by newly-added urban pixels, particularly from low expansion intensity, indicating that non-intensified urban expansion exacerbates habitat isolation. This study quantifies the habitat isolation caused by future urban growth, with the isolation mitigation strategies are both essential for understanding human impacts on natural habitats and improving ecological protection policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107886"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Deciphering how digital functions enable circular economy practices in construction: A critical review of recent progress and future outlook

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107889

Wuyan Long , S. Thomas Ng , Weisheng Lu , Luca Mora , Zhikang Bao

The growing interest in leveraging digital technologies to advance circular economy practices in construction reflects the global push for Industry 4.0 and sustainable development. However, a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies can effectively support circular initiatives in the sector remains limited. This study addresses this gap by critically reviewing the role of digitalization in enabling circular strategies through an innovative academic lens, exploring a more refined and sophisticated mechanism in which digital technologies are decomposed into their corresponding digital functions. Through a thorough analysis of 125 papers, 10 digital functions and 15 circular strategies in construction have been unveiled. By correlating these functions with strategies in an organized framework, it was found that different functions are typically supported by specific digital technologies. Among the most frequently emphasized functions are “assess”, “auto-plan”, “collect”, and “estimate”. The reliance on digital functions varies across different circular economy strategies. This study also highlights three key research gaps for future exploration: (1) the application of digital technologies in underexplored lifecycle stages, with a particular focus on strategies for extending building lifespan, (2) reuse and recycling practices at the meso- and macro-scales, and (3) the development of robust data management mechanisms. By offering insights into the state-of-the-art of existing research, and unexplored areas deserving future investigations, this study aids in propelling the conversation on digitalization-enabled circular construction practices.

{"title":"Deciphering how digital functions enable circular economy practices in construction: A critical review of recent progress and future outlook","authors":"Wuyan Long , S. Thomas Ng , Weisheng Lu , Luca Mora , Zhikang Bao","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107889","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing interest in leveraging digital technologies to advance circular economy practices in construction reflects the global push for Industry 4.0 and sustainable development. However, a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies can effectively support circular initiatives in the sector remains limited. This study addresses this gap by critically reviewing the role of digitalization in enabling circular strategies through an innovative academic lens, exploring a more refined and sophisticated mechanism in which digital technologies are decomposed into their corresponding digital functions. Through a thorough analysis of 125 papers, 10 digital functions and 15 circular strategies in construction have been unveiled. By correlating these functions with strategies in an organized framework, it was found that different functions are typically supported by specific digital technologies. Among the most frequently emphasized functions are “assess”, “auto-plan”, “collect”, and “estimate”. The reliance on digital functions varies across different circular economy strategies. This study also highlights three key research gaps for future exploration: (1) the application of digital technologies in underexplored lifecycle stages, with a particular focus on strategies for extending building lifespan, (2) reuse and recycling practices at the meso- and macro-scales, and (3) the development of robust data management mechanisms. By offering insights into the state-of-the-art of existing research, and unexplored areas deserving future investigations, this study aids in propelling the conversation on digitalization-enabled circular construction practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107889"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Environmental impacts of decommissioning a nuclear power plant: A life cycle assessment of a Magnox site

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107880

Joel Kirk , Rachael Clayton , Anthony Banford , Laurence Stamford

With over 400 nuclear power reactors around the world, decommissioning will be an ongoing challenge for some decades. Countries which pioneered nuclear power, such as the UK, USA, Russia and France, are already amassing considerable experience of decommissioning end-of-life reactors. This is a complex undertaking with varied waste streams and has been simplified in previous life cycle assessments of nuclear power, with only one prior study focusing on the detail of decommissioning. The present study applies LCA to the entire decommissioning process of a UK Magnox power plant using Sphera LCA FE (formerly GaBi) with supporting data sourced from ecoinvent v3.9.1. The functional unit is ‘one decommissioned Magnox nuclear site’ and the system boundary is gate to grave, starting once the plant has been defueled and ending with a remediated site. The total climate change impact was found to be 212 kt CO₂ eq., or 3.1 g CO₂ eq./kWh. Across 19 environmental impacts, construction of disposal facilities are key hotspots (35 % ILW disposal facility, 27 % LLW disposal facility), with waste packaging accounting for 30.8 % of the total impact. Sensitivity analysis considered enhanced recycling and waste rerouting, identifying a potential climate change impact reduction of 18.9 % (40 kt CO₂ eq.) if concrete recycling rates were increased to 60 %. Steel recycling saw an overall emission reduction of 10.3 % (21.9 kt CO₂ eq.) when the savings in producing virgin steel were credited to the system via system expansion. Further research is recommended into the environmental impacts (and optimisation) of treatment processes needed to decontaminate and reuse/recycle concrete and steel in order to realise the above gains. Furthermore, greater use of LCA in general within radioactive waste treatment and disposal could lead to substantial improvements in understanding and sustainability.

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引用次数: 0

Assessing the impacts and driving factors of land regulation on urban and rural environmental pollution

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107885

Yating Yang , Youwen Zhang , Ruifang Luo , Xiaoyuan Chen , Ruilian Zhang

Land regulation plays a crucial role in shaping environmental outcomes in both urban and rural areas along with global climate change. This study examines the impacts of land regulation on environmental pollution and identifies key driving factors influencing this relationship. Using a comprehensive dataset and empirical analysis, we assess how land regulations affect environmental pollution levels across diverse regions. The findings reveal that although both urban and rural areas are making progress in reducing environmental pollution, rural areas remain more polluted than urban ones. Compared to 2007, the difference between rural and urban environmental pollution increased by 7.24 % in 2022. Urban and rural environmental pollution have exhibited opposing trends in their evolution. While urban environmental pollution has increased, rural environmental pollution has shown a declining trajectory. In 2010, the gap was the smallest, almost negligible (0.11). In 2021, the difference between rural and urban pollution levels reached its peak (9.78), meaning the gap between the two was at its widest. The research shows that in urban region, factors like land regulation (−0.252), economic development (−0.438), industrialization (−1.734), marketization (−0.700), and environmental regulation (−0.428) are linked to lower pollution levels. On the other hand, urbanization (0.029) and global integration level (0.294) are the key factors that contribute to higher pollution level. While in rural region, economic growth (−0.686) helps reduce rural pollution, but factors like industrialization (1.387), urbanization (0.029), and increased market (2.075) or global integration (0.131) contribute to worsening pollution in rural areas. In the eastern and western region, the land regulation leads to a reduction in urban environmental pollution but results in an increase in rural environmental pollution. In the central region, the land regulation has no impact on urban environmental pollution but leads to an increase in rural environmental pollution. The research aims to make contribution by distinguishing the impacts of land regulation in urban and rural environmental settings and offering region-specific policy recommendations to balance development and environmental sustainability.

{"title":"Assessing the impacts and driving factors of land regulation on urban and rural environmental pollution","authors":"Yating Yang , Youwen Zhang , Ruifang Luo , Xiaoyuan Chen , Ruilian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Land regulation plays a crucial role in shaping environmental outcomes in both urban and rural areas along with global climate change. This study examines the impacts of land regulation on environmental pollution and identifies key driving factors influencing this relationship. Using a comprehensive dataset and empirical analysis, we assess how land regulations affect environmental pollution levels across diverse regions. The findings reveal that although both urban and rural areas are making progress in reducing environmental pollution, rural areas remain more polluted than urban ones. Compared to 2007, the difference between rural and urban environmental pollution increased by 7.24 % in 2022. Urban and rural environmental pollution have exhibited opposing trends in their evolution. While urban environmental pollution has increased, rural environmental pollution has shown a declining trajectory. In 2010, the gap was the smallest, almost negligible (0.11). In 2021, the difference between rural and urban pollution levels reached its peak (9.78), meaning the gap between the two was at its widest. The research shows that in urban region, factors like land regulation (−0.252), economic development (−0.438), industrialization (−1.734), marketization (−0.700), and environmental regulation (−0.428) are linked to lower pollution levels. On the other hand, urbanization (0.029) and global integration level (0.294) are the key factors that contribute to higher pollution level. While in rural region, economic growth (−0.686) helps reduce rural pollution, but factors like industrialization (1.387), urbanization (0.029), and increased market (2.075) or global integration (0.131) contribute to worsening pollution in rural areas. In the eastern and western region, the land regulation leads to a reduction in urban environmental pollution but results in an increase in rural environmental pollution. In the central region, the land regulation has no impact on urban environmental pollution but leads to an increase in rural environmental pollution. The research aims to make contribution by distinguishing the impacts of land regulation in urban and rural environmental settings and offering region-specific policy recommendations to balance development and environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107885"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143508570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Micro-level structural change decomposition of carbon productivity: Application to electricity generation in Finland

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107877

Natalia Kuosmanen , Timo Kuosmanen , Terhi Maczulskij

The transition to renewable energy can lead to major structural changes within the energy sector: climate policies encourage the entry of cleaner producers while at the same time driving polluting firms out of the market. However, previous macro-level structural decompositions of carbon intensity and carbon productivity fail to capture the underlying micro-level dynamics, such as firm entry and exit, industry switching, and the reallocation of emissions between firms. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by presenting a novel micro-level structural change decomposition of carbon productivity. Using comprehensive firm-level register data of the greenhouse gas emissions in the Finnish electricity generation industry in 2000–2019, we find that more efficient allocation of carbon emissions across firms was the main driver of carbon productivity growth in Finnish electricity generation during the study period. We also find that structural change, especially the entry of new firms, played a significant role in the carbon productivity development of this industry.

{"title":"Micro-level structural change decomposition of carbon productivity: Application to electricity generation in Finland","authors":"Natalia Kuosmanen , Timo Kuosmanen , Terhi Maczulskij","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107877","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107877","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transition to renewable energy can lead to major structural changes within the energy sector: climate policies encourage the entry of cleaner producers while at the same time driving polluting firms out of the market. However, previous macro-level structural decompositions of carbon intensity and carbon productivity fail to capture the underlying micro-level dynamics, such as firm entry and exit, industry switching, and the reallocation of emissions between firms. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by presenting a novel micro-level structural change decomposition of carbon productivity. Using comprehensive firm-level register data of the greenhouse gas emissions in the Finnish electricity generation industry in 2000–2019, we find that more efficient allocation of carbon emissions across firms was the main driver of carbon productivity growth in Finnish electricity generation during the study period. We also find that structural change, especially the entry of new firms, played a significant role in the carbon productivity development of this industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107877"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143508565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Accounting and sensitivity analysis of CO2 emissions from typical food cold chain equipment in China

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107881

Qi Cui , Enyuan Gao , Shifang Huang , Meng Chen , Hanfei Yu , Zhongbin Zhang , Zhili Sun , Huaqian Jing , Xiaosong Zhang

The current status of CO₂ emissions from cold chain equipment in China is somewhat unclear due to deficiencies in accounting methods and relevant data. Future emission reduction efforts could not be effectively guided and conducted as a result. Given this situation, the actual running data and holdings of typical cold chain equipment are obtained, as well as the latest authoritative parameters. CO₂ emission characteristics of individual cold chain equipment are examined. Results suggest that for large equipment such as cold stores, the CO₂ emissions due to high GWP refrigerant leakage are remarkably high. For the R507A cold store, refrigerant-related emissions can account for a maximum of 87.2 % of total annual emissions and 92.1 % of total lifetime emissions, respectively. The situation is reversed for small equipment such as refrigerated vehicles and domestic refrigerators. Refrigerant-related emissions are relatively negligible, even with high GWP refrigerant use and high refrigerant leakage rates. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the size of the equipment has a significant impact on CO₂ emissions. This factor is considered for estimating the current total CO₂ emissions. Results show total emissions of 203.1 Mt. for medium refrigerant leakage scenario. Total energy- and refrigerant-related emissions are 164.8 and 38.3 Mt., respectively, making the former a priority for future reductions. Emissions from refrigerated retail and refrigerated end equipment are 90.6 and 74.7 Mt., respectively, which are the two largest emitters. This study may contribute to the sustainable development of cold chain equipment in China.

{"title":"Accounting and sensitivity analysis of CO2 emissions from typical food cold chain equipment in China","authors":"Qi Cui , Enyuan Gao , Shifang Huang , Meng Chen , Hanfei Yu , Zhongbin Zhang , Zhili Sun , Huaqian Jing , Xiaosong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current status of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from cold chain equipment in China is somewhat unclear due to deficiencies in accounting methods and relevant data. Future emission reduction efforts could not be effectively guided and conducted as a result. Given this situation, the actual running data and holdings of typical cold chain equipment are obtained, as well as the latest authoritative parameters. CO<sub>2</sub> emission characteristics of individual cold chain equipment are examined. Results suggest that for large equipment such as cold stores, the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions due to high GWP refrigerant leakage are remarkably high. For the R507A cold store, refrigerant-related emissions can account for a maximum of 87.2 % of total annual emissions and 92.1 % of total lifetime emissions, respectively. The situation is reversed for small equipment such as refrigerated vehicles and domestic refrigerators. Refrigerant-related emissions are relatively negligible, even with high GWP refrigerant use and high refrigerant leakage rates. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the size of the equipment has a significant impact on CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. This factor is considered for estimating the current total CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. Results show total emissions of 203.1 Mt. for medium refrigerant leakage scenario. Total energy- and refrigerant-related emissions are 164.8 and 38.3 Mt., respectively, making the former a priority for future reductions. Emissions from refrigerated retail and refrigerated end equipment are 90.6 and 74.7 Mt., respectively, which are the two largest emitters. This study may contribute to the sustainable development of cold chain equipment in China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107881"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143508569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Environmental efficiency of electricity supply chain systems in China: A dual heterogeneity perspective

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107876

Ruizeng Zhao , Jie Wu , Jiasen Sun

Evaluating the environmental efficiency of electricity systems can provide guidance for green and low-carbon development. However, the current evaluation framework fails to fully account for heterogeneity in power output and technology. This research develops a network data envelopment analysis model incorporating dual heterogeneity to assess the environmental efficiency of a composite electricity supply chain system (ESCS) comprising parallel and series connections. The current study yields several key findings. First, the environmental efficiency of China's ESCS exhibits an M-shaped trend from 2011 to 2021. Second, the low efficiency of a clean energy power subsystem is the primary factor reducing the overall environmental efficiency of ESCS. Third, significant regional disparities exist in the efficiency of ESCS and its subsystems. Fourth, the eastern region has technological advantages, the western and central areas require improved management levels, and the northeastern region has substantial room for technological advancement. Fifth, the environmental efficiency of ESCS exhibits spatial distribution characterized by agglomeration patterns of high–high and low–low. Lastly, targeted recommendations based on empirical findings are provided.

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引用次数: 0

Regulating effects and impact mechanisms of ecosystem regulating services on air quality: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

IF 9.8 1区社会学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Pub Date : 2025-02-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107887

Qiaoling Luo , Xiangyun Zeng , Junfang Zhou , Mingxing Liu , Youcheng Chu

Air quality, increasingly threatened by global climate change and human activities, critically impacts human well-being (HWB). While ecosystem services, benefits humans derive from natural ecosystems, are known to support HWB, the specific regulatory effects of ecosystem regulating services (ERS) on air quality remain unclear. Taking Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as a case, this study addresses this gap by introducing the air quality-ERS coordination index (AECI) to quantify the regulating effects of ERS on air quality. Coupling degree models, random forest regression, Shapley additive explanations, and accumulated local effects models were employed to examine the spatio-temporal heterogeneity and mechanisms influencing ERS regulating effects. The findings indicate that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, ERS in the YREB declined erratically, while air quality initially worsened but improved after 2013, influenced by China's air quality policies. (2) Analysis was divided into natural development (2000−2013) and policy intervention (2013−2020) periods, with ERS closely linked to air quality in both. (3) During policy intervention period, AECI values were 7.9 times higher than in natural development period. Along the urban development gradient, AECI increased in natural development period but decreased in policy intervention period, showing marked core-edge heterogeneity. Core cities exhibited the highest AECI in policy intervention period, indicating stronger policy responsiveness. (4) Population density, temperature, and land surface temperature were dominant factors influencing ERS regulating effects on air quality, with varying impacts across periods. This study enhances the understanding of ERS-air quality interactions and provides a scientific basis for future research and policy formulation.

{"title":"Regulating effects and impact mechanisms of ecosystem regulating services on air quality: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China","authors":"Qiaoling Luo , Xiangyun Zeng , Junfang Zhou , Mingxing Liu , Youcheng Chu","doi":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107887","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107887","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Air quality, increasingly threatened by global climate change and human activities, critically impacts human well-being (HWB). While ecosystem services, benefits humans derive from natural ecosystems, are known to support HWB, the specific regulatory effects of ecosystem regulating services (ERS) on air quality remain unclear. Taking Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as a case, this study addresses this gap by introducing the air quality-ERS coordination index (AECI) to quantify the regulating effects of ERS on air quality. Coupling degree models, random forest regression, Shapley additive explanations, and accumulated local effects models were employed to examine the spatio-temporal heterogeneity and mechanisms influencing ERS regulating effects. The findings indicate that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, ERS in the YREB declined erratically, while air quality initially worsened but improved after 2013, influenced by China's air quality policies. (2) Analysis was divided into natural development (2000−2013) and policy intervention (2013−2020) periods, with ERS closely linked to air quality in both. (3) During policy intervention period, AECI values were 7.9 times higher than in natural development period. Along the urban development gradient, AECI increased in natural development period but decreased in policy intervention period, showing marked core-edge heterogeneity. Core cities exhibited the highest AECI in policy intervention period, indicating stronger policy responsiveness. (4) Population density, temperature, and land surface temperature were dominant factors influencing ERS regulating effects on air quality, with varying impacts across periods. This study enhances the understanding of ERS-air quality interactions and provides a scientific basis for future research and policy formulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":309,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Impact Assessment Review","volume":"113 ","pages":"Article 107887"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143487858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0