Sustainability

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19 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financing Climate Change Adaptation: International Initiatives

by Govinda R. Timilsina

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126515 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5242

Climate change adaptation is one of the main strategies to address global climate change. The least developed countries and the small island states that lack financial resources to adapt to climate change are the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Although it would [...] Read more.

Climate change adaptation is one of the main strategies to address global climate change. The least developed countries and the small island states that lack financial resources to adapt to climate change are the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Although it would be more economical to adapt to climate change compared to the anticipated damage of not doing so, the demand for capital is estimated to range to hundreds of billions. The crucial question is how to manage investments to adapt to climate change globally. This study provides an overview of existing international provisions on climate finance for adaptation. It includes provisions through international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, bilateral and multilateral channels, and the private sector. It also explores how private sector finance can be further attracted to invest in climate change adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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23 pages, 3824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forecast of International Trade of Lithium Carbonate Products in Importing Countries and Small-Scale Exporting Countries

by Yichi Zhang, Zhiliang Dong, Sen Liu, Peixiang Jiang, Cuizhi Zhang and Chao Ding

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031251 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2489

Abstract

As the raw material of lithium-ion batteries, lithium carbonate plays an important role in the development of new energy field. Due to the extremely uneven distribution of lithium resources in the world, the security of supply in countries with less say would be [...] Read more.

As the raw material of lithium-ion batteries, lithium carbonate plays an important role in the development of new energy field. Due to the extremely uneven distribution of lithium resources in the world, the security of supply in countries with less say would be greatly threatened if trade restrictions or other accidents occurred in large-scale exporting countries. It is of great significance to help these countries find new partners based on the existing trade topology. This study uses the link prediction method, based on the perspective of the topological structure of trade networks in various countries and trade rules, and eliminates the influence of large-scale lithium carbonate exporting countries on the lithium carbonate trade of other countries, to find potential lithium carbonate trade links among importing and small-scale exporting countries, and summarizes three trade rules: (1) in potential relationships involving two net importers, a relationship involving either China or the Netherlands is more likely to occur; (2) for all potential relationships, a relationship that actually occurred for more than two years in the period in 2009–2018 is more likely to occur in the future; and (3) potential relationships pairing a net exporter with a net importer are more likely to occur than other country combinations. The results show that over the next five to six years, Denmark and Italy, Netherlands and South Africa, Turkey and USA are most likely to have a lithium carbonate trading relationship, while Slovenia and USA, and Belgium and Thailand are the least likely to trade lithium carbonate. Through this study, we can strengthen the supply security of lithium carbonate resources in international trade, and provide international trade policy recommendations for the governments of importing countries and small-scale exporting countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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18 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clean Development, Energy Substitution, and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Project Implementation in China

by Beibei Shi, Lei Wu and Rong Kang

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020860 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

In the face of increasingly severe climate change and its disastrous effects, how to effectively tackle it and reduce carbon dioxide emissions has become an important global issue. Clean development mechanism (CDM) project implementation provides an opportunity for more developing countries to actively [...] Read more.

In the face of increasingly severe climate change and its disastrous effects, how to effectively tackle it and reduce carbon dioxide emissions has become an important global issue. Clean development mechanism (CDM) project implementation provides an opportunity for more developing countries to actively participate in global climate governance. As the largest global emitter of carbon dioxide, have China’s CDM projects slowed down carbon dioxide emissions? In order to answer this question, the study constructs panel data at the provincial level from 2000 to 2017 to investigate the emission-reduction effects of China’s CDM projects. Results showed that China’s CDM projects’ implementation significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) and the growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions. The emission reduction effects of different types of CDM projects have obvious heterogeneity. In addition, this study further found that China’s CDM projects’ implementation can not only effectively substitute traditional fossil energy, but also improve energy-utilization efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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19 pages, 4015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Retrofitting Opportunities Using Renewable Materials—Comparative Analysis of the Current Frameworks in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia

by Darija Gajić, Slobodan Peulić, Tim Mavrič, Anna Sandak, Črtomir Tavzes, Milica Malešević and Mladen Slijepčević

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020603 - 10 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3658

Abstract

Sustainable approaches for retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency are becoming necessary in a time when the building sector is the largest energy consumer. Retrofitting building stock is effective for reducing global energy consumption and decreasing resource exploitation. Less developed EU member states and [...] Read more.

Sustainable approaches for retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency are becoming necessary in a time when the building sector is the largest energy consumer. Retrofitting building stock is effective for reducing global energy consumption and decreasing resource exploitation. Less developed EU member states and neighboring developing countries show reluctance towards healthy and renewable materials. Implementation of sustainable materials for energy retrofitting is slowed down due to gaps in legislation and effective strategic programs, availability of bio-based materials, lack of knowledge regarding use and maintenance of renewable products, and marketing lobbies. Use of bio-based materials in refurbishment is important due to their negative or low global warming potential (GWP), low primary energy (PEI) need for production, cost-effective benefits, and recycling/reuse potential. Role of environmentally friendly solutions and low-carbon economy growth is particularly relevant in developing countries, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, that cannot afford innovative energy recovery systems, yet possess a significant amount of poorly managed building stock. This research aims to analyze frameworks regarding retrofitting of residential buildings in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia. The analysis tackles indirect causes, studies the legal background, and examines strategic frameworks; thus, it indicates potential barriers for implementation of recommended retrofitting solutions based on renewable materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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15 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Development Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors in China’s Iron and Steel Industry

by Junfeng Zhang, Jianxu Liu, Jing Li, Yuyan Gao and Chuansong Zhao

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020510 - 7 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2393

Abstract

Analyzing the potential for green development and its influencing factors is an important part of the energy savings and low-carbon economic growth of China’s iron and steel industry (ISI). Many studies have concentrated on improving the ISI’s energy use and pollution control efficiencies, [...] Read more.

Analyzing the potential for green development and its influencing factors is an important part of the energy savings and low-carbon economic growth of China’s iron and steel industry (ISI). Many studies have concentrated on improving the ISI’s energy use and pollution control efficiencies, analyzing the influencing factors from the perspectives of regions and firms. However, no study has focused on measuring the provincial green development efficiency (GDE) in the ISI. The selected driving forces of the GDE do not consider regional or industrial characteristics. In this study, based on provincial panel data for 2006–2015 in China, the GDE of the Chinese ISI was evaluated using the super-slack-based measure (super-SBM) model. China’s 28 provinces were divided into different groups through cluster analysis. Then, a Tobit model was constructed to explore the factors influencing the GDE. The key results show the following: (1) The GDE values decline, fluctuating from 0.628 in 2006 to 0.571 in 2015, decreasing by 1.1% annually. Among the provinces, wide differences exist in the GDE values for the ISI, with the highest average GDE value being observed in Beijing and the lowest in Shanxi. (2) The provinces with high R&D expenditure inputs and high GDE values are mostly located in the eastern region, while the provinces with low R&D expenditure inputs and low GDE values are located in the central and western regions. (3) The export demand, property structure, and capital investment have significant positive effects on the ISI’s GDE in the eastern and western regions, while the energy consumption structure and industry scale have negative impacts on the improvement of the GDE in the central region. (4) Specific policy recommendations for sustainable development in the ISI mainly include further strengthening investment in R&D, expanding exports, adjusting energy consumption structures, and deepening the reform of stated-own enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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16 pages, 406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy Consumption, Water Crises, and Environmental Degradation with Moderating Role of Governance: Dynamic Panel Analysis under Cross-Sectional Dependence

by Shazia Kousar, Farhan Ahmed, María de las Nieves López García and Nimra Ashraf

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410308 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption, water availability, and environmental degradation with the moderating effect of governance in the South Asian region. This study collected data for renewable energy, water availability, governance, and environmental degradation for the period [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption, water availability, and environmental degradation with the moderating effect of governance in the South Asian region. This study collected data for renewable energy, water availability, governance, and environmental degradation for the period of 1988 to 2018 from the World Development Indicator. In panel data estimation, if cross-sectional dependence exists, it produces biased estimates. Therefore, this study applied a newly developed technique, dynamic common correlated effect, which produces efficient estimates in the presence of cross-sectional dependence. This study found that foreign direct investment positively and significantly increases environment degradation (β = 0.69 *, * indicates the significance level at less than 1%) while renewable energy and water availability cause to reduce environment degradation (β = −0.08 **, β = −0.09 **, **indicates the significance level at less than 5%). Moreover, the study also found that governance significantly strengthens the relationship of renewable energy and water availability with environment degradation (β = 0.37 **, β = 0.24 **) while governance significantly weakens the relationship of foreign direct investment and environmental degradation (β = −0.34 *). The study suggests that South Asian countries should improve political institutions, and promote renewable energy, water availability, and clean production to improve the environment quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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19 pages, 7471 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Private Investment in African Renewable Energy Infrastructure: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach

by Kenny Baumli and Tooraj Jamasb

Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9425; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229425 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

Energy poverty remains prevalent in many African countries, hindering economic development and exacerbating social inequalities. Simultaneously, population growth throughout the continent is expected to perpetuate the already high demand for basic energy services into the coming decades. Private sector finance is increasingly regarded [...] Read more.

Energy poverty remains prevalent in many African countries, hindering economic development and exacerbating social inequalities. Simultaneously, population growth throughout the continent is expected to perpetuate the already high demand for basic energy services into the coming decades. Private sector finance is increasingly regarded as a necessary ingredient to remedy Africa’s energy challenges and to stimulate the adoption of renewable energy. However, investments remain insufficient for the burgeoning infrastructure requirements of the African economies. This paper seeks to delineate the financial and non-financial drivers of investment decisions to understand better the barriers to private participation in African renewable energy projects. Using a fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach, we evaluate country-level characteristics and their influence on investor decisions. Investor confidence in regulatory effectiveness is identified as the primary concern for investors. Local capacity building and policy instruments, designed to overcome institutional rigidities, are among the preferred solutions. The findings indicate that non-financial drivers contribute to understanding Africa’s private energy investment challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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29 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Renewable Energy in China, USA, and Brazil: A Comparative Study on Renewable Energy Policies

by Gaafar Muhammed and Neyre Tekbiyik-Ersoy

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9136; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219136 - 3 Nov 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6673

Abstract

Countries differ in terms of their socio-economic development, population growth, and energy consumption. Many countries still depend on conventional energy to supply enough energy source for their demand, while some have made considerable progress in making the transition to renewable/sustainable energy sources. Owing [...] Read more.

Countries differ in terms of their socio-economic development, population growth, and energy consumption. Many countries still depend on conventional energy to supply enough energy source for their demand, while some have made considerable progress in making the transition to renewable/sustainable energy sources. Owing to the increasing demand and drawbacks of conventional energy sources, policies can play a major role in encouraging and increasing the uptake of renewable energy (RE) technologies. In this paper, a general overview on the RE activities in the three leading countries—China, Brazil, and the United States of America (USA)—is presented. Moreover, a comparative analysis on the implementations of the RE support policies is conducted. The linear regression analysis technique is applied to develop several models for the three countries in order to investigate the effect of different policies on RE. The main contributions of this study are establishing a link between RE support policies and RE development (in terms of the installed capacity) in the three countries under study, and providing models that can be used in estimating RE development using RE policy data. In addition to this, some models are developed to investigate the relationship between RE installed capacity and the patents. The linear regression analyses suggest that RE policies promote the development of RE installed capacity in the three countries in different proportions. For example, it is found that each additional wind policy will increase the RE wind capacity in China, Brazil, and the USA by 1.63, 0.689, and 1.576 GW, respectively. Moreover, the economic instruments turn out to be more effective in promoting the RE installed capacity in the USA and Brazil, while the policy support and regulatory instruments are the most influential policy categories in China. Furthermore, the linear regression analyses indicate the existence of a positive significant relation between the number of patents and the total RE installed capacity in the three countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environmental Policies)

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