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Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals

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Special Issue Information
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Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 November 2023) | Viewed by 5870

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sheng Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 30 Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100084, China
Interests: econometric analysis; economic effect and benefit analysis of environmental pollution; environmental pollution, carbon reduction, and synergy; environmental pollution and sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yunqiao Zhou

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Interests: emerging pollutant; transport fate; spatial anaylsis; risk assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zhongquan Miao

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Guest Editor

Energy Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China
Interests: energy transition and energy security; geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy; global governance of energy; energy intelligence

Dr. Nannan Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Marxism, China National School of Administration, Beijing 100089, China
Interests: culture and environmental protection; eco-environment management and sustainable development management

Dr. Yifu Yang

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Guest Editor

School of Economics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Interests: ecological economics; urban economics; macroeconomics; history of environmental economic research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At present, issues with global energy, resources and the ecological environment are becoming increasingly prominent. China is also undergoing its greatest environmental changes in over a century. With the steady progress of the construction of ecological civilization and the rapid development of green low-carbon technologies, people's expectations of cleanliness, aesthetics and carbon-free environment have become increasingly prevalent. In this regard, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the "dual carbon" targets have clear commitments. There is still much ground to cover in order to transform the current situation to achieve such goals, and the task of collaborative promotion can be described as time-critical and heavy. Therefore, it is important to explore the sustainability of the synergistic promotion of SDGs and "dual carbon" targets in terms of theoretical basis, framework design, indicator system construction and evaluation, and sustainable management program design.

This Special Issue is being proposed to act as a platform for researchers to share their findings on issues related to the sustainability of the UN SDGs in synergy with the "30-60" carbon goals. In this Special Issue, we welcome submissions of original research and review articles focused on, but not limited to, the following topics:

Theoretical basis and practice direction for synergistic promotion of "30-60" carbon goals and SDGs;
China's high-quality economic development and energy policy under the guidance of "30-60" carbon goals and the SDGs;
Challenges of system transformation and sustainable management solutions for the synergistic promotion of pollution and carbon reduction;
International energy geopolitical simulation and "China Scenario" construction technology;
Construction of localized evaluation system and typical case analysis of ESG disclosure standards in China.

Dr. Sheng Zhang
Dr. Yunqiao Zhou
Dr. Zhongquan Miao
Dr. Nannan Zhang
Dr. Yifu Yang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals
UN SDGs
global energy structure
ecological civilization
sustainability assessment
policy analysis
sustainable ecology
coordination of pollution and carbon reduction
management scheme
ESG disclosure standards

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the High-Quality Development Path and Implementation Countermeasures of China’s Construction Industry toward the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutralization Goals

by Yan Li and Gaizhi Ma

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020772 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 856

Abstract

Proving the quality and efficiency of energy conservation and emission reduction in the construction industry and providing high-quality products and services are important forces in achieving the goal of ‘double carbon’. They play a crucial role in the sustainable development of human society and nature and are the typical embodiment of the high-quality development of Chinese modernization. This paper analyzes the proportion and importance of China’s construction industry policy system, spatial characteristics, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions in achieving the ‘double carbon’ goal. The life cycle assessment (LCIA) method identifies that the materialization, operation, and use stages are the key stages of the whole process and the influencing factors of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, this paper explores and creates China’s construction industry’s ‘1 + 5 + N’ high-quality development index system by proposing four stages: top-level design period, deep development period, consolidation achievement period, and summary planning period. These stages aim to facilitate quality improvement, efficiency enhancement, innovation drive, and whole life cycle sustainability. This system’s principles are ‘systematic planning, one type of one policy, collaborative efforts, safety, and economy’. The proposed system aims to enhance the policy and standard system, strengthen the implementation of policy tools, increase the investment and application of energy-saving and efficiency-increasing technologies, improve the development of energy consumption and carbon emission monitoring systems and platforms, reinforce green finance, standardize information disclosure, accelerate the renovation of outdated infrastructure, and intensify efforts to promote and guide green consumption, lifestyles, and production methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals)

12 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of International Relations Patterns on China’s Energy Security Supply, Demand, and Sustainable Development: An Exploration of Oil Demand and Sustainability Goals

by Sheng Zhang, Yifu Yang, Chengdi Ding and Zhongquan Miao

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12801; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712801 - 24 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1039

Abstract

This study explores the impact of international relations on China’s energy security and supply/demand dynamics, specifically focusing on new energy sources and technological advancements. Given China’s status as the world’s largest energy consumer, achieving a balance between energy supply, demand, and sustainable development is crucial. This study quantifies the influence of international relations on the energy market, particularly the uncertainties arising from geopolitical events and international tensions that affect energy supply and prices. The research findings indicate that, in a long-term cointegrated relationship, a 1% change in the geo-political risk (GPR) index leads to a 0.229% change in China’s crude oil imports. Additionally, the impact of China’s GDP growth, carbon emissions, and sustainable energy consumption is −2.176, 0.723, and 0.167, respectively. This study also discusses the reasons behind the differential impact of crude oil prices on the United States and China. Recognizing the interplay between China’s energy security and international relations is vital for effective policy formulation. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals)

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19 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Population Aging Affect Carbon Emission Intensity by Regulating Labor Allocation?

by Ran Yu, Zhangchi Wang, Yan Li, Zuhui Wen and Weijia Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129721 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

Carbon emission is the focus of global climate change concerns. Population aging changes the level of labor structure, which directly affects the industry adjustment and will also have a long-term impact on carbon emissions. Uncovering the complex association among population aging, labor allocation, and CO₂ emission is crucial for developing effective policies for low-carbon and sustainable development in China. Therefore, this study aims to analyze whether population aging contributes to reducing carbon emission intensity by regulating labor allocation. Based on provincial panel data from 2000 to 2019, the Systematic Generalized Method of Moments (Systematic GMM) model and the Bias Corrected Least Squares Estimation with Nonsymmetric Dependence Structure (Bias Corrected LSDV) model are adopted in this study. The results show that nationwide as a whole, population aging objectively inhibits human capital accumulation and, to some extent, weakens its positive carbon emission reduction effect. Meanwhile, population aging helps to mitigate the increase in carbon emissions caused by the capital-labor endowment structure. Due to the dual impact of aging and population migration, the emission reduction effect of human capital accumulation is significant in the East. The brain drain in the central and western regions further inhibits the positive effect of regional human capital accumulation. Promoting the rationalization of population mobility nationwide, reducing the brain drain in less developed regions, and directing capital into technology-intensive industrial sectors are the core keys to achieving optimal labor allocation in an aging society. This will help China meet its carbon neutrality target on schedule. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals)

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15 pages, 3368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Sensing Application in Pure Premium Rate-Making of Winter Wheat Crop Insurance

by Weijia Wang, Wen Wang, Kun Wang, Yanyun Zhao and Ran Yu

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097133 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Crop insurance is a crucial way to avoid disaster losses and to guarantee farmers’ basic production income in China and abroad. Securing agricultural production is a critical way to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty and an essential means to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. How to pay out more quickly and fairly after a disaster has become an urgent issue for agricultural insurance. The standard domestic crop insurance rate is determined based on the statistical data of the entire administrative unit and ignores the spatial risk difference of disasters inside the administrative unit. Therefore, obtaining a pure premium based on crops inside the administrative unit is a key problem. Based on remote sensing data and insurance actuarial models, we studied and determined the fair premium rates to insure winter wheat at the farmer level in Heze, Shandong, China. Our study shows that remote sensing data can provide data security for determining a pure premium rate at the level of individual farms, and provide the primary reference for determining farmer-level crop insurance premium rates. The use of remote sensing for determining those rates can improve the customization of crop insurance and reduce farmers’ lower incomes due to exposure to natural disasters, improve farmers’ resilience to risk, and prevent a return to poverty due to disasters, ultimately reaching the UN Sustainable Development goals of eradicating hunger and reducing poverty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals)

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Review

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25 pages, 1501 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Status Quo, Dilemma, and Transformation Path of the Carbon Neutrality-Related Policy of the ASEAN

by Fang Yang and Chutong Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031348 - 5 Feb 2024

Viewed by 820

Abstract

After joining the globalization initiative, countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have experienced an exponential growth in carbon emissions. The high carbon lock-in of the energy consumption structure and lagged energy infrastructure construction have led to high carbon emissions, which has put great pressure on ASEAN countries to reduce their carbon emissions. To achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by the middle of this century, ASEAN countries have successively formulated strategic guidelines for energy transformation and green development, focusing on the structural transformation of energy development and utilization, a coal decommissioning plan, grid interconnection, the electrification of urban transportation patterns, energy conservation, consumption reduction, and international technological cooperation. ASEAN countries still face many challenges in achieving their carbon neutrality targets, including unstable policies, poor environmental awareness among residents, poor guarantee for energy transformation, disconnection between technology and capital, and difficulties in regional coordination. These are reflected in the obvious carbon lock-in effect and the strong dependence on carbon in traditional industries. ASEAN countries are seeking a balance of interests in the Sino–US infrastructure game. In this context, China, as an advocate of South–South cooperation, is committed to expanding the cooperation with ASEAN countries on carbon neutrality in the following aspects: the development and utilization of renewable energy resources, formulation of a progressive grid interconnection plan, establishment of the green financial system, and research and development of green technologies. The purpose is to help ASEAN countries achieve their goals of carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of the UN SDGs in Synergy with the "30-60" Carbon Goals)

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