Sustainability

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31 pages, 4569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Economy, Green Finance, and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from China

by Weibo Jin, Yiming Wang, Yi Yan, Hongyan Zhou, Longyu Xu, Yi Zhang, Yao Xu and Yuqi Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125625 - 18 Jun 2025

Viewed by 347

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of the digital economy in reducing carbon emissions, with a particular focus on the moderating and threshold effects of green finance. An analysis of data from 30 Chinese provinces shows that the digital economy significantly reduces carbon emission [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the role of the digital economy in reducing carbon emissions, with a particular focus on the moderating and threshold effects of green finance. An analysis of data from 30 Chinese provinces shows that the digital economy significantly reduces carbon emission intensity by restructuring energy consumption and promoting green technological innovation. Green finance plays a crucial moderating role by alleviating financial barriers to digital transformation and supporting the implementation of emission-reducing technologies. The study reveals a nonlinear relationship, with green finance exhibiting a “strong initial, weak subsequent” threshold effect. At the same time, the digital economy’s impact on carbon reduction strengthens over time as technological development progresses. These findings contribute to understanding how digitalisation and green finance can work synergistically to drive sustainable low-carbon development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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21 pages, 2830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying and Assessing Vulnerable Micro-Enterprises in Lithuania

by Viktorija Bobinaite, Eimantas Neniskis, Inga Konstantinaviciute and Dalius Tarvydas

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5405; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125405 - 11 Jun 2025

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Abstract

The aim of this research was to clarify the concept of vulnerable micro-enterprises (MEs) and develop a set of indicators for identifying and analyzing developments in vulnerable MEs in “catching up” economies in the context of the regulation on the Social Climate Fund [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to clarify the concept of vulnerable micro-enterprises (MEs) and develop a set of indicators for identifying and analyzing developments in vulnerable MEs in “catching up” economies in the context of the regulation on the Social Climate Fund (SCF). The case of Lithuania is studied. A retrospective analysis of business structure research indicators during the period from 2010 to 2023 was carried out. The method of the median was applied to determine thresholds of indicators above (below) which a ME is considered vulnerable. Absolute and relative business structure research indicators were calculated to provide estimates of the number of vulnerable MEs and reveal their role in the economy. The results revealed the number and share of vulnerable MEs which experienced high fuel expenditure (above the median (1M), 1.5M, or 2M). Historically, these MEs created a share of added value and provided employment opportunities. The share was found to vary in accordance with economic activity and the Lithuanian municipality, suggesting that the distribution of financing from the SCF should consider aspects of economic activity and regionality. A number of MEs had an essential share of fuel expenditure in their total operating costs. Vulnerable MEs demonstrate low or negative profitability, and may be insolvent; therefore, they cannot invest in building renovation or environmentally friendly transport. Thus, the research results indicate the need for discussions regarding financing vulnerable MEs in Lithuania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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28 pages, 5221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Patterns and Zoning-Based Compensation Mechanisms for Land-Use-Driven Carbon Emissions Towards Sustainable Development: County-Level Evidence from Shaanxi Province, China

by Shuangshuang Qi, Zhenyu Zhang, Abudukeyimu Abulizi and Yongfu Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5395; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125395 - 11 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Under the global climate governance framework, advancing China’s “Dual Carbon” goals within the context of sustainable development requires detailed, micro-level research. While existing studies predominantly focus on national or provincial macro scales, there remains a critical gap in county-level analyses that account for [...] Read more.

Under the global climate governance framework, advancing China’s “Dual Carbon” goals within the context of sustainable development requires detailed, micro-level research. While existing studies predominantly focus on national or provincial macro scales, there remains a critical gap in county-level analyses that account for regional heterogeneity—particularly in geographically and economically transitional provinces like Shaanxi. This study focuses on 107 counties in Shaanxi Province, using land-use data from 2000 to 2022 to construct carbon emission and carbon compensation accounting models. We measure horizontal carbon compensation standards, examine spatiotemporal patterns of carbon emissions, delineate compensation zones, and propose regional low-carbon development strategies to inform sustainable development planning. The results show the following: (1) They reveal a steady increase in CO₂ emissions over the period (from 940 million tons in 2000 to 2.089 billion tons in 2022), highlighting an ongoing challenge for sustainability, with a spatial pattern of “high in the north, low in the south, and outward expansion from the center.” (2) In 2022, carbon payments across the province totaled CNY 1.068 billion, while compensation reached CNY 670 million, with significant spatial heterogeneity: 87 counties identified as payers (66 heavy) and 20 as receivers (17 heavy). (3) By integrating the Economic Contribution Coefficient, Ecological Support Coefficient, and Carbon Offset Rate with Major Function-oriented Zoning, we classify the counties into 12 carbon compensation subregions and recommend gradient-based development strategies. This refined zoning framework provides a clear operational framework for formulating differentiated low-carbon land-use optimization strategies and regional carbon compensation policies tailored to the characteristics of different functional zones. The research findings offer differentiated compensation standards and low-carbon land-use planning guidelines to support Shaanxi Province’s transition towards sustainable development, serving as a reference for carbon governance and sustainable development practices in China’s provinces with transitional geographical features and promoting the realization of China’s “Dual Carbon” targets as integral components of national sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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16 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Market Diversification and International Competitiveness of South American Coffee: A Comparative Analysis for Export Sustainability

by Hugo Daniel García Juárez, Jose Carlos Montes Ninaquispe, Heyner Yuliano Marquez Yauri, Antonio Rafael Rodríguez Abraham, Christian David Corrales Otazú, Sarita Jessica Apaza Miranda, Ericka Julissa Suysuy Chambergo, Sandra Lizzette León Luyo and Marcos Marcelo Flores Castillo

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115091 - 1 Jun 2025

Viewed by 723

Abstract

South American coffee producers face growing challenges due to external trade dependencies and climate-induced disruptions. This study investigates the role of export market diversification as a sustainability strategy for four major regional exporters of roasted non-decaffeinated coffee: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. A [...] Read more.

South American coffee producers face growing challenges due to external trade dependencies and climate-induced disruptions. This study investigates the role of export market diversification as a sustainability strategy for four major regional exporters of roasted non-decaffeinated coffee: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. A quantitative and comparative methodology was applied over a ten-year period using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) to evaluate export market concentration and the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Index—including its normalized variant—to assess international competitiveness by destination. The results reveal substantial disparities: Brazil and Colombia exhibit moderate to high diversification and relative competitiveness in select markets, while Peru and Ecuador remain dependent on a few strategic buyers, with limited or declining comparative advantages. The findings emphasize that sustained export performance in the coffee sector requires not only a broader destination portfolio but also improved positioning through trade agreements, infrastructure development, and climate-resilient innovation. This study concludes with a strategic proposal based on three pillars—commercial, logistical, and technological—to support structural transformation and enhance the long-term sustainability of the coffee trade in South America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

15 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty Analysis of Provincial Carbon Emission Inventories: A Comparative Assessment of Emission Factors Sources

by Xianzhao Liu, Jiaxi Liu and Chenxi Dou

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114787 - 23 May 2025

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Abstract

Enhancing the precision of carbon accounting not only improves climate policy design, but also contributes directly to sustainability goals by enabling more targeted and accountable emission reduction strategies. Therefore, accurate carbon inventories are foundational to evidence-based climate action and sustainable development planning. This [...] Read more.

Enhancing the precision of carbon accounting not only improves climate policy design, but also contributes directly to sustainability goals by enabling more targeted and accountable emission reduction strategies. Therefore, accurate carbon inventories are foundational to evidence-based climate action and sustainable development planning. This study estimates the carbon emissions of Hunan Province from 2016 to 2020 using the sectoral approach and energy activity data across four major sectors—industrial production, thermal power generation, transportation, and residential life. Emission factors (EFs) were drawn from three different sources: direct measurements, IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) default values, and published literature. An improved Monte Carlo simulation method was employed to assess the uncertainty of carbon emission accounting associated with different EF sources. The experimental results indicated that carbon emissions calculated based on the literature and default EFs were systematically higher than those derived from empirical measurements, primarily due to discrepancies in the industrial and power generation sectors. In a representative year (2017), the carbon emission estimated based on measured EFs produced the narrowest confidence intervals, reflecting lower uncertainty (−5.31–8.17%), while the uncertainties of carbon emissions calculated using the literature and default EFs were −6.88–9.03% and −5.77–9.94%, respectively. The industrial carbon emissions were the dominant source of overall uncertainty, while the transportation carbon emission had a comparatively minor impact. Importantly, across all departments, the use of measured EFs significantly reduced the uncertainty of carbon inventories, reinforcing the value of locally calibrated data. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved EF measurement systems and standardized accounting practices to support the reliability of subnational carbon inventories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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20 pages, 1122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valuing Carbon Assets for Sustainability: A Dual-Approach Assessment of China’s Certified Emission Reductions

by Jiawen Liu, Yue Liu, Jiayi Wang, Xinyue Chen and Liyuan Deng

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114777 - 22 May 2025

Viewed by 534

Abstract

As China’s voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction mechanism undergoes institutional revitalization, the accurate valuation of carbon assets such as China Certified Emission Reductions (CCERs) becomes increasingly critical for effective climate finance and sustainability-oriented investment. This study proposes an integrated value assessment model for [...] Read more.

As China’s voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction mechanism undergoes institutional revitalization, the accurate valuation of carbon assets such as China Certified Emission Reductions (CCERs) becomes increasingly critical for effective climate finance and sustainability-oriented investment. This study proposes an integrated value assessment model for CCERs that combines Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network-based carbon price forecasting with both the discounted net cash flow method and the Black–Scholes option pricing framework. Applying this model to a wind power project, the study found that the practical value of CCERs, derived from verified emission reductions, significantly exceeds their market option value, underscoring the economic and environmental viability of such projects. By distinguishing between the realized and potential values of carbon credits, this research offers a comprehensive tool for carbon asset valuation that supports corporate carbon management and policy development. The framework contributes to the growing literature on sustainable finance by aligning carbon asset pricing with long-term climate goals and enhancing transparency in carbon markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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22 pages, 2470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Regional Differences Matter? Spatiotemporal Evolution and Convergence of Household Carbon Emissions in China

by Zihao Xu, Yue Xu and Jingning Shi

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4064; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094064 - 30 Apr 2025

Viewed by 329

Abstract

Understanding how household carbon emissions vary across time and regions is essential for promoting low-carbon lifestyles and advancing sustainability, yet this dimension remains underexplored—especially in large, diverse economies like China. This study addresses that gap by analyzing household carbon emissions across 29 Chinese [...] Read more.

Understanding how household carbon emissions vary across time and regions is essential for promoting low-carbon lifestyles and advancing sustainability, yet this dimension remains underexplored—especially in large, diverse economies like China. This study addresses that gap by analyzing household carbon emissions across 29 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2022, focusing on regional differences and convergence patterns. Using spatial and convergence models, we find persistent clustering—where provinces with high or low emissions group together—though these patterns shift gradually. Emissions have generally risen nationwide, with convergence trends emerging in the east, central, south, and north, while the west and northeast show inconsistent dynamics. Notably, emissions in one province are influenced by those in neighboring provinces, particularly in central China, due to close economic and energy ties. Industrial structure slows convergence at the national level, whereas stronger economic development, better education, and higher industrialization contribute to narrowing regional disparities—especially in southern China. These findings offer new insights for designing region-specific strategies that align household emissions management with China’s broader climate and sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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22 pages, 2215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Shrinking Cities on Carbon Emission Efficiency in China

by Tianshu Yu, Ling Li and Tao Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083664 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 376

Abstract

The issue of urban carbon emission efficiency (CEE) has become a critical problem for global sustainable development, particularly in China, where the phenomenon of shrinking cities has emerged after rapid urbanization. Using panel data from 283 Chinese prefecture-level cities (2000–2016), we examine how [...] Read more.

The issue of urban carbon emission efficiency (CEE) has become a critical problem for global sustainable development, particularly in China, where the phenomenon of shrinking cities has emerged after rapid urbanization. Using panel data from 283 Chinese prefecture-level cities (2000–2016), we examine how urban shrinkage affects CEE through both direct and spatial spillover effects. Our findings show that urban shrinkage significantly improves CEE both directly and indirectly; when a city shrinks, it increases the local CEE by 0.0132%, while the contraction of adjacent cities enhances the local CEE by 0.0312%, leading to a total improvement of 0.0445%. However, the overall CEE in shrinking cities remains lower than the nationwide average, with values consistently below 0.5. The main determinants of CEE are GDP per capita and population size, which show significant direct positive effects but opposing regional spillover effects. These findings offer important insights for urban development policies and sustainable city management in the context of population decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

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