Search Results (433)

Global greenhouse gas reduction targets are applied to many sectors in many countries, as part of the Nationally Determined Contributions mandated within the Paris Agreement (climate). However, industrialized animal farming is typically missed out or deprioritized. This is despite suggestions that excluding this sector would automatically result in global failure to meet 1.5 °C and potentially even 2 °C maximum temperature rise targets, even if fossil fuel use were to immediately cease. To foster further discussion and assessments about the need for such targets in relation to industrialized animal farming, this study collated and analyzed recent studies on the impacts of industrialized animal farming on the environment. Of the 579 items initially retrieved, 47 studies were shortlisted. Over three quarters (n = 37, 79%) of the shortlisted studies were unequivocal concerning the significant negative impact industrialized animal farming has had, and continues to have, on climate change and broader environmental concerns—between 12 and 20% of all annual global greenhouse gases, and 50%, 32%, and 76% of all food-originating eutrophication, soil acidification, and land use, respectively. This all creates immense contributions to biodiversity loss, which itself further aggravates climate change. The remaining studies did not assert that industrialized animal farming had an insignificant impact; however, their findings complicated the picture in one way or another (e.g., suggesting suboptimal measuring methods) or they had flawed methodologies. As a matter of urgency, the present paper recommends that targets for significant reductions in levels of animal production and consumption should be incorporated into discussions and policies for tackling the climate crisis, such as at COP30. Full article

The world is far from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement of limiting the rise of global temperature to below 1.5 °C, with dire consequences for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in particular. If SIDS are to address their climate vulnerabilities through policy-induced resilience building, they need to have a robust governance framework in place that coherently addresses climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. What would such a governance framework look like? To address this question, we carried out a systematic literature review of papers published between 1992 and 2023. Our review reveals that the governance around climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction is relatively weak in SIDS. However, the analysis of barriers and enablers unveils the contours of a proposed three-tiered governance framework, the application of which needs to be contextualised: Tier 1 comprises three key pillars: Policy Planning, Institutional Arrangements, and Laws and Regulations; Tier 2 identifies the principles of transparency, accountability, equity, legitimacy, and subsidiarity; the core pillars and the principles are nested within a broader Tier 3 comprising democratic processes (rule of law), religious and cultural values, and political commitment. In order for SIDS to fight the existential threat of climate change, the proposed framework will allow SIDS to better understand their climate governance framework and deliver low-carbon, climate resilient development within the broader ambit of sustainable development. This framework also addresses the weakness in previous studies, which consider dimensions, principles, and enabling an environment of good governance on equal footing. We illustrate this framework using the analogy of the lotus flower. Full article

Hydrogen plays a central role in ensuring the fulfillment of the climate and energy goals established in the Paris Agreement. To implement sustainable and resilient hydrogen economies, it is essential to analyze the entire hydrogen value chain, following a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. To determine the current methodologies, approaches, and research tendencies adopted when performing LCA of hydrogen energy systems, a systematic literature analysis is carried out in the present study. The choices regarding the “goal and scope definition”, “life cycle inventory analysis”, and “life cycle impact assessment” in 70 scientific papers were assessed. Based on the collected information, it was concluded that there are no similar LCA studies, since specificities introduced in the system boundaries, functional unit, production, storage, transportation, end-use technologies, geographical specifications, and LCA methodological approaches, among others, introduce differences among studies. This lack of harmonization triggers the need to define harmonization protocols that allow for a fair comparison between studies; otherwise, the decision-making process in the hydrogen energy sector may be influenced by methodological choices. Although initial efforts have been made, their adoption remains limited, and greater promotion is needed to encourage wider implementation. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive latitudinal analysis of air particulate matter (PM) across an 1400 km pollution corridor spanning Chile’s central-southern zone. We systematically analyzed PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations across eight major urban centers (2014–2015), providing crucial pre-Paris Agreement baseline data for South America’s most extensive air quality monitoring network. Our analysis reveals significant pollution gradients, with Coyhaique ranking one of the world’s most severely polluted cities (95th percentile globally, WHO database) and demonstrating an extreme 86% fine particulate matter ratio that far exceeds international urban standards. Residential wood combustion (RWC) demonstrates systematic correlations with fine PM concentrations (R² > 0.96), suggesting RWC is the dominant pollution driver across multiple climate zones. The documented pollution patterns represent a concerning continental-scale environmental pattern, with 4900–6500 annual premature deaths directly attributable to PM_2.5 exposure-one of the highest per-capita pollution mortality rates in South America. This work provides a methodological framework applicable to mountain-valley pollution systems globally while addressing critical knowledge gaps in regional air quality science. The evidence indicates the need for urgent implementation of comprehensive wood combustion control strategies and positions this research as essential baseline documentation for both national air quality policy and international climate change assessment frameworks. Full article

Climate risks are one of the major challenges facing sustainable development. This study examines how physical and transition climate risks influence the volatility and correlation of fossil energy futures and clean energy stock indices, using a mixed-frequency modeling framework. Taking the Paris Agreement as the starting point for the global energy transition, we aim to compare the impacts of climate risks on various fossil energy assets and clean energy assets and investigate how the dynamic linkages between clean energy and fossil energy assets have evolved under the influence of climate risks. The results show that climate risks have increased the volatility of fossil energy and clean energy assets to varying degrees. Correlation patterns vary by energy type: crude oil futures and clean energy indices exhibit a decoupling trend under climate risks, while natural gas futures show a more consistent, positive linkage. These findings not only provide useful guidance for investors in formulating more effective strategies under increasing climate risks but also offer policymakers valuable insights into designing optimal approaches to balance decarbonization objectives with energy security. Full article

Amidst the global energy structure transition and intensification of climate warming, the temperature control targets of the Paris Agreement and China’s “dual carbon” goals have driven the rapid development of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). However, solar cells in BIPV systems may produce exhaust gases that affect local urban air quality if exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures during operation. In this study, eight air quality monitoring points were established around the BIPV system at Shenyang Jianzhu University as the experimental group, along with one additional air quality monitoring point serving as a control group. The concentrations of four air pollutant indicators (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO₂) were monitored continuously for 14 days. The weight of each indicator was calculated using the principle of information entropy, and the air quality evaluation grades were determined by combining the homomorphic inverse correlation function. The Entropy-Weighted Set Pair Analysis model was applied to evaluate the air quality of the BIPV system at Shenyang Jianzhu University. The results indicated that due to the high concentrations of SO₂ and NO₂, the Air Quality Index (AQI) grade at Shenyang Jianzhu University was classified as “light pollution.” Corresponding recommendations were proposed to promote the sustainable development of urban BIPV. Simultaneously, the evaluation results of the Entropy-Weighted Set Pair Analysis model were similar to those obtained using other methods, demonstrating the feasibility of this evaluation model for assessing the impact on air quality. Full article

The 2015 Paris Agreement paved the way for the carbon trade economy, which has since evolved but has not attained a substantial magnitude. While carbon credit exchange is a critical mechanism for achieving global climate targets, it faces persistent challenges related to transparency, double-counting, and verification. This paper examines how Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) can address these limitations by providing immutable transaction records, automated verification through digitally encoded smart contracts, and increased market efficiency. To assess DLT’s strategic potential for leveraging the carbon markets and, more explicitly, whether its implementation can reduce transaction costs and enhance market integrity, three alternative approaches that apply DLT for carbon trading were taken as case studies. By comparing key elements in these DLT-based carbon credit platforms, it is elucidated that these proposed frameworks may be developed for a scalable global platform. The integration of existing compliance markets in the EU (case study 1), Australia (case study 2), and China (case study 3) can act as a standard for a global carbon trade establishment. The findings from these case studies suggest that while DLT offers a promising path toward more sustainable carbon markets, regulatory harmonization, standardization, and data transfer across platforms remain significant challenges. Full article

Currently, at least one third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the agricultural sector, with meat production making a particularly significant contribution. Therefore, alongside the ongoing efforts to transform transport and cut its emissions, it is essential to adopt urgent measures that limit GHG emissions from food production, consumption and distribution. Without them, the Paris Agreement goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 cannot be met, and the most severe impacts of climate change will not be avoided. In principle, lowering emissions from the global food system may appear simple, as no new technology (for example, electric cars or carbon-neutral fuels) is required to decarbonize transport. However, since meat consumption accounts for the majority of food related GHG emissions, it must be coupled with a sharp reduction in the large-scale production and consumption of animal foods. Encouragingly, a growing number of consumers already choose diets that are both healthy and environmentally sustainable. As meat reduction gains popularity in these groups, plant-based products are expanding in the marketplace, mainly in the form of snacks, pasta, pizzas and especially vegan or vegetarian burgers. Thus, almost spontaneously, components of the Westernized diet, rich in ultra-processed foods, salt, sugar and animal protein, are gradually being replaced by plant-derived nutrients that are healthier and more environmentally friendly. To accelerate this trend, legal measures could be introduced to improve the nutritional quality of widely consumed, low-nutrient snacks and to promote agricultural reforms that encourage the production of nutrient-dense legumes and pseudocereals. Full article

Meeting global forest restoration targets by 2030 requires a transition from labor-intensive and opaque practices to scalable, intelligent, and verifiable systems. This paper introduces a cyber–physical digital twin architecture for forest restoration, structured across four layers: (i) a Physical Layer with drones and IoT-enabled sensors for in situ environmental monitoring; (ii) a Data Layer for secure and structured transmission of spatiotemporal data; (iii) an Intelligence Layer applying AI-driven modeling, simulation, and predictive analytics to forecast biomass, biodiversity, and risk; and (iv) an Application Layer providing stakeholder dashboards, milestone-based smart contracts, and automated climate finance flows. Evidence from Dronecoria, Flash Forest, and AirSeed Technologies shows that digital twins can reduce per-tree planting costs from USD 2.00–3.75 to USD 0.11–1.08, while enhancing accuracy, scalability, and community participation. The paper further outlines policy directions for integrating digital MRV systems into the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and Article 5 of the Paris Agreement. By embedding simulation, automation, and participatory finance into a unified ecosystem, digital twins offer a resilient, interoperable, and climate-aligned pathway for next-generation forest restoration. Full article

In the context of the global climate transition, managerial climate attention is influencing the risk posture of new energy vehicle firms as a key non-economic cognitive factor. This paper investigates the mechanism of managerial climate attention (MCA) on the systemic risk of firms using panel data from 111 listed NEV firms in China from 2013 to 2022. The results show that first, the systemic risk of NEV firms is significantly reduced as managerial climate attention increases. Second, the negative influence of MCA on the systemic risk of NEV firms is more significant among state-owned enterprises, firms in non-first-tier cities and in the machinery, equipment and computer communication sub-sectors. Third, MCA negatively affects the systemic risk of NEV firms by increasing market competition, environmental performance and investor sentiment. The difference-in-differences analysis based on the Paris Agreement shows that the systemic risk of the treatment group enterprises increased significantly after policy implementation, confirming the link between climate-related policies and risk. The management of NEV firms should be concerned about climate change, thus providing practical implications for financial stability and sustainable economic development. Full article

In the context of mounting climate impacts and growing urgency to meet the Paris Agreement goals, the ocean is now increasingly being recognised not just as a victim of climate change, but as an indispensable part of the solution. Research has demonstrated that readily actionable ocean-based climate solutions can help close the emissions gap (the difference between the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, and projected global emissions considering current national pledges and policies) by providing approximately a third of the mitigation needed to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C goal within reach. This mitigation potential (of fully actioning these solutions) is unequally divided across seven key ocean-based action areas (listed in decreasing order of magnitude): phasing out offshore oil and gas; deploying offshore renewable energy infrastructure; decarbonising maritime transport and associated infrastructure; decarbonising ocean and aquatic food value chains; carbon capture and storage; marine and coastal conservation and restoration; and decarbonising coastal tourism. We argue that achieving the full potential of ocean climate solutions will require smart governance, drastically increased financial investment, and international cooperation. Accomplishing this, however, will bring strong co-benefits for biodiversity, food systems, and coastal resilience. The Third United Nations Ocean Conference and 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 30) present rare opportunities to mainstream the ocean into global climate strategies. Full article

Ten years after the Paris Agreement the escalating global geopolitical turmoil and waning interest in climate change’s effects, posit cities again as critical arenas for addressing the global energy transition. Drawing on the concept of the city as a living entity, the role of energy at the urban scale is considered not only as a technical infrastructure but as a complex system embedded in the spatial, political, and social fabric. The energy transition is situated within the broader context of urban governance and spatial planning, arguing that energy should be considered a foundational urban good essential to everyday life and ensuring equitable development. The study adopts a conceptual and literature-based approach, synthesizing insights from urban studies, energy geography, and climate governance literature. Special attention is given to the Italian context, where a lack of coordination across European, national, and regional political levels hinders energy transition efforts. Key references include theoretical frameworks on urban metabolism, socio-technical systems, and planning innovation, focusing on the intersection of infrastructure, policy, and local agency. The findings highlight the need to reframe energy planning as an integral part of urban and territorial governance. While grounded in Italy, the study’s insights reveal how governance fragmentation and multi-level coordination barriers resonate with European urban energy challenges, offering transferable lessons for territories with complex political and spatial systems. This would help integrate energy concerns into urban design, reduce consumption through spatial organization, and foster civic and institutional cooperation for rapid, often unplanned local energy actions to respond more swiftly to crises than traditional planning mechanisms. As a result, embedding energy within urban policy and spatial design fosters co-evolution between energy production, behavioral change, and infrastructural transformation. Recognizing this is vital for global urban policy and planning to drive resilient, equitable transitions in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of climate risk and financial stability literature through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 174 Scopus-indexed publications from 1988 to 2024. Publications increased by 500% from 1988 to 2019, indicating growing research interest following the 2015 Paris Agreement. It explores how physical and transition climate risks affect financial markets, asset pricing, financial regulation, and long-term sustainability. Common themes include macroprudential policy, climate disclosures, and environmental risk integration in financial management. Influential authors and key journals are identified, with keyword analysis showing strong links between “climate change”, “financial stability”, and “climate risk”. Various methodologies are used, including econometric modeling, panel data analysis, and policy review. The main finding indicates a shift toward integrated, risk-based financial frameworks and rising concern over systemic climate threats. Policy implications include the need for harmonized disclosures, ESG integration, and strengthened adaptation finance mechanisms. Full article

Natural Climate Solutions (NCSs) represent a critical tool for addressing climate change, yet their long-term success is threatened by inadequate consideration of community impacts in current verification standards. While Article 6 of the Paris Agreement establishes rigorous requirements for carbon sequestration and emission avoidance verification, existing standards lack comprehensive frameworks for assessing and ensuring community well-being, undermining project permanence and market confidence. We developed an integrated framework combining community well-being assessment with verification requirements through analysis of Article 6 implementation requirements, existing voluntary carbon offset credit standards, emerging national standards, and community engagement mechanisms. Our analysis yielded a framework establishing five core tenets for community engagement (inclusion, engagement, contribution, ownership, and well-being) and nine essential well-being assessment domains, each with specific measurable indicators. The framework provides clear verification alignment protocols that integrate with existing standards while maintaining rigorous requirements and offering practical implementation guidance. Integration of community well-being assessment into NCS verification standards strengthens project permanence while meeting verification requirements, providing practical tools for standards bodies, project developers, and market participants to ensure both environmental and social benefits. As Article 6 mechanisms mature, this integration becomes increasingly crucial for project success. Full article

This paper examines the intersection of global climate governance, carbon markets, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It critically analyses how Indigenous Peoples have contested the Article 6 market mechanisms of the Paris Agreement at the height of their negotiation during COP25 and COP26 by drawing attention to their role in perpetuating “carbon colonialism,” thereby revealing deeper power dynamics in global climate governance. Utilising a political ecology framework, this study explores these power dynamics at play during the climate negotiations, focusing on the instrumental, structural, and discursive forms of power that enable or limit Indigenous participation. Through a qualitative case study approach, the research reveals that while Indigenous Peoples have successfully used discursive strategies to challenge market-based solutions, their influence remains limited due to entrenched structural and instrumental power imbalances within the UNFCCC process. This study highlights the need for equitable policies that integrate human rights safeguards and prioritise Indigenous-led, non-market-based approaches to ecological restoration. Full article