Search Results (50)

As China’s economy shifts from rapid development to high-quality development, exploring the harmony between human activities and the ecological environment has become the focus of many scholars. As the center of human activities, urbanized areas have complex and diverse impacts on the ecological environment. Previous studies have mainly focused on highly urbanized areas of importance in China, and there are fewer studies covering all prefecture-level cities across the country. Therefore, this study measured the spatial and temporal characteristics of urbanization and eco-environment quality (EEQ) in all prefecture-level cities in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the coupling coordination degree (CCD) relationship between urbanization and EEQ through the CCD model. The results showed that the average EEQ showed a fluctuating upward trend, with the southern and northeastern regions scoring significantly higher than the western and northern regions. In terms of spatial evolution, most prefecture-level cities had small changes in EEQ, with changes ranging from −0.05 to 0.05 per decade. The average urbanization showed a rapid increasing trend, spatially distributed with high values in the east and low values in the west. In the North China Plain and along the southeast coast, urbanization was concentrated in high-value areas, showing a trend of rapid growth. From 2000 to 2020, the average CCD between urbanization and EEQ showed a continuous increasing trend, from 0.32 to 0.37, indicating a medium imbalance. However, the proportion of low-coordination and moderate-coordination prefecture-level cities increased continuously, from 31.5% and 1.0% in 2000 to 35.3% and 1.9% in 2020, respectively. This indicates that Chinese urbanization efforts are constantly being optimized and moving toward the goal of sustainable development. The results of the study provide a scientific reference basis for coordinating the relationship between urbanization development and EEQ, and they support the formulation of policies for urbanization planning and high-quality economic development in China. Full article

This paper aims to provide a reliable basis for formulating, revising, and selecting sustainable marine economic development plans through a scientific and comprehensive evaluation of the eco-innovation level of China’s marine economy. Based on the analysis of the three-stage theoretical model of marine economic eco-innovation, an index system for evaluating the eco-innovation level of China’s marine economy is first constructed. Also, an integration EWM-HDEMATEL method that balances objective and subjective weighting is introduced to determine the index weights. The proposed methods are applied to analyze the temporal and spatial variations in the eco-innovation level of China’s marine economy in 2006–2021, and the following conclusions are drawn. First, between 2006 and 2021, the average level of marine economic ecological innovation across all regions exhibited a steady upward trajectory. Second, regional imbalances in ecological innovation intensified over the study period, with the maximum disparity widening from a 1.6-fold difference in 2006 to a 2.5-fold difference in 2021. Third, although differences among the three principal marine economic zones were not pronounced, significant heterogeneity persisted within each zone, underscoring the need for targeted policies and interventions to achieve coordinated development. Fourth, regions performed better on the support environment and performance dimensions of marine economic ecological innovation than on the capacity and activity dimensions. These findings identify critical leverage points for policy action and carry important implications for promoting the balanced and sustainable development of marine economic ecological innovation efficiency. Full article

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) represent a promising pathway for energy conversion, yet their reliance on platinum-group metal (PGM)-based anode catalysts poses critical sustainability challenges, which stem from finite mineral reserves, environmentally detrimental extraction processes, and prohibitive lifecycle costs. Current anode catalysts for DMFCs are dominated by platinum materials; therefore, this review systematically evaluates the following three emerging eco-efficient design paradigms using platinum materials as a starting point: (1) the atomic-level optimization of low-Pt alloy surfaces to maximize catalytic efficiency per metal atom, (2) Earth-abundant transition metal compounds (e.g., nitrides and sulfides) and coordination-tunable metal–organic frameworks as viable PGM-free alternatives, and (3) mechanically robust carbon architectures with engineered topological defects that enhance catalyst stability through covalent metal–carbon interactions. Through comparative analysis with pure Pt benchmarks, we critically examine how these strategic material innovations collectively mitigate CO intermediate poisoning risks and improve electrochemical durability. Such fundamental advances in catalyst design not only address immediate technical barriers, but also establish essential material foundations for the development of DMFC technologies compatible with circular economy frameworks and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 targets. Full article

The current research work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Mediterranean tourism, advocating for the adoption of a comprehensive framework centered on sustainability in Tunisia. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force is proposed to facilitate collaboration across governmental sectors, thereby enhancing governance and addressing the complexities of waste management within the tourism industry. Results reveal significant waste management inefficiencies and underscore the potential of integrated approaches that can lead to substantial environmental improvements. By fostering inter-ministerial collaboration, a strategic roadmap is provided that promotes effective resource recovery and sustainable waste management practices. Furthermore, the integration of the informal sector, exemplified by local recyclers, into formal waste management systems is anticipated to enhance social equity and bolster environmental stewardship. A comprehensive SWOT analysis identifies Tunisia’s intrinsic strengths, including its rich cultural heritage and significant eco-tourism potential, while simultaneously exposing shortcomings such as fragmented governance structures and insufficient infrastructure. It is posited that the creation of a centralized coordination body, coupled with the enhancement of public–private partnerships, could catalyze innovation in sustainable tourism practices, leading to increased investment opportunities and the successful implementation of circular economy principles. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s successful circular economy model, actionable recommendations for policymakers are offered, including the introduction of eco-certification programs aimed at incentivizing environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector. Ultimately, the proposed framework aspires to position Tunisia as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, delivering long-term benefits to local communities through enhanced environmental protection and economic resilience. Full article

Urbanization, as an important engine of modernization, plays an important role in promoting regional economy and improving living standards. Nevertheless, unchecked urban expansion over recent decades has strained natural resources and the environment, leading to crises, especially in densely populated urban areas that act as ecological barriers within river basins. The investigation of the interactive coercive relationship between the urbanization level (UL) and eco-environmental quality (EEQ) can facilitate the identification of sustainable pathways towards regional sustainability. Therefore, this study employed a set of multidisciplinary approaches, integrating simple linear regression, bivariate spatial autocorrelation, and coupling coordination degree (CCD) models, alongside multi-source remote sensing data to analyze the interactive coercive relationship between UL and EEQ in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins (YYRBs) in China. Key findings included a 6.97% improvement in EEQ in the Yellow River basin (YLRB) from 2001 to 2020, with higher values in the southeastern and southwestern regions and lower values in the central region, while the Yangtze River basin (YTRB) saw only a 1.28% increase, characterized by a lower EEQ in the west and higher levels in the middle and east, although the Yangtze River Delta showed a decline and significant variation among tributaries. UL rose steadily in both basins, especially in the middle reaches of the YLRB. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a positive correlation between UL and EEQ in the YLRB, whereas a negative correlation was found in the YTRB. The CCD between UL and EEQ in the YYRBs improved, particularly in the middle and lower reaches, indicating the need for integrated urban development strategies that consider regional ecological capacities. These findings provided a scientific basis for ecological protection and sustainable urban development at a large river basin scale. Full article

The issue of climate change and global warming is rapidly intensifying due to the extensive emissions of CO₂. In response to this, countries worldwide are implementing policies to enact decarbonization strategies through social and governance investing strategies. The current study examined the effects of environmental, social, and governance investing, eco-innovation, renewable energy production and consumption, and carbon taxes from 2004 to 2023. At the highest, middle, and lowest levels, this paper examines the environmental policies, social and governance economies, and energy of the BRICS nations. We investigate variable relationships through cross-sectional autoregressive distributed latency. The results suggest that Brazil’s focus on sustainability-driven innovation, along with its high renewable energy balance and middle-level status, is indicative of significant environmental initiatives. India’s higher-ups prioritize green finance, and their investments in environmental, social, and governance areas may demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. China has made considerable progress in renewable energy and carbon trading despite its vast population and high emissions. At a lower level, Russia’s sustainability initiatives are undergoing evolution and have the potential to make significant strides. The nation’s difficulties require a coordinated, long-term strategy. The empirical findings imply that BRICS countries can achieve carbon neutrality by modifying their economic growth and globalization strategies and increasing their focus on renewable energy, as well as investment and policy regulations. Full article

Ecological watersheds (eco-watersheds) are of great significance for boosting the construction of ecological civilization and realizing the ecological protection and high-quality development of watersheds. In order to establish a scientific eco-watershed evaluation index system, this paper refers to the river health evaluation index system, the water resources coupling evaluation index system, and the happy river evaluation index system, and reviews the development process of the ecological watershed evaluation index system. According to the eco-watershed theoretical system, combined with the relevant contents of policies and regulations, thousands of evaluation indicators that have been collected are screened using the theoretical analysis method and the frequency analysis method. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation index system of Weihe River eco-watersheds was constructed, including three first-level indicators: watershed water resources, socio-economic, and ecological. These were further subdivided into eight second-level indicators, namely water security, water resources, water economy, water management, water culture, water environment, water ecology, and water landscape. These second-level indicators were then further broken down into 60 third-level indicators. On the basis of determining the evaluation standards of Weihe River eco-watersheds, the evaluation weights were determined using the gray correlation method and the AHP-entropy comprehensive weight method (comprehensive weight), resulting in the establishment of an evaluation model and a coupling model for the eco-watersheds of the Weihe River. The results of the Weihe River eco-watershed evaluation model and the coupled coordination degree evaluation model show that, from 2019 to 2021, both the gray correlation analysis weights and comprehensive weight evaluation show a yearly increasing trend; the evaluation results are in the eligible status and below; and the evaluation grade is in the fourth-level eco-watersheds and below. Based on the evaluation results of each dimension, when comparing the gray correlation analysis weights with the evaluation of the comprehensive weights, the latter align more closely with the actual Weihe River Watershed. When comparing the evaluation results of the Henan Weihe River Watershed with those of the Handan Weihe River Watershed, the latter’s results, influenced by the scheduling of the Yuecheng Reservoir, are relatively better. Furthermore, in the evaluation of coupling coordination, the water resources subsystem is less coupled to other subsystems due to the 2021 flood. Therefore, in order to effectively improve the level of eco-watersheds, scientific and reasonable water resources scheduling programs should be developed. Full article

The digital economy serves as a pivotal catalyst for sustainable and eco-friendly development. This study employs a suite of advanced econometric models, including the fixed effects, mediation, threshold and moderation model, to elucidate the intricate dynamics by which the digital economy influences carbon emissions through the lens of green innovation. Building on the existing research on digital economy, green technology innovation and carbon emissions, this paper takes a dual-innovation perspective and divides green technology innovation into disruptive green technology innovation and incremental green technology innovation. And from the government and the public level, it explores how social concerns affect the effect of digital economy on carbon emissions. The analysis is grounded in a comprehensive dataset encompassing a decade of provincial-level data from 2011 to 2021 across China’s 30 provinces. The benchmark regression outcomes indicate the digital economy’s ability to substantially cut down carbon emissions; the threshold effect and mediating effect models demonstrate that a single-threshold effect exists and that disruptive and progressive green technological innovations mediate such ability. Additional research reveals that the digital economy’s impact on carbon emissions could be positively moderated by public and governmental attention. Eastern and western regions in China, as well as those with high levels of foreign investment and low levels of technological transaction activity, are more affected by the digital economy in terms of carbon emission reduction. Our conclusions offer practical recommendations for digital economy’s coordinated advancement and carbon emissions mitigation, and guide local governments to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Full article

This review examines the essential components of a circular economy (CE) in relation to the agricultural sector. The bioeconomy and circular economy are crucial for sustainable global industrial growth, focusing on closed-loop systems. The sustainability debate centers on intergenerational equity and natural capital. The CE requires new environmental technologies and global coordination in order to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. In addition, efficient food production and waste reduction are essential due to population growth. However, biomass is vital for a bio-based economy, impacting food waste and climate change. Grasslands support sustainable dairy production and carbon sequestration. Thus, effective waste and wastewater management are critical, with biomass energy providing renewable alternatives. Nonetheless, biofuels remain key for sustainability, focusing on pollution control and Green Chemistry. It is well known that sustainable transportation relies on bioenergy, with ongoing research improving processes and discovering new fuels. One notable challenge is managing heavy metals in biofuel production, and this underscores the need for eco-friendly energy solutions. The main purpose for this review paper is to create a connection between circular economy aspects and the agricultural system, with focus on the following: bioeconomy research, biomass utilities, and biofuel production. Extensive research was performed on the specialized literature by putting in common the main problems. Key subjects in this paper include the use of biomass in agriculture, the problems of plastic recycling, and the function of the CE in mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Efficient food production and waste minimization are highlighted due to their relevance in a growing population. The study’s detailed research and discussion aim to give important insights into how these practices might promote economic development and sustainability. Furthermore, the study covers important waste management issues such as food waste, plant composting, and chemical waste neutralization. These topics are critical to understanding the circular economy’s broader implications for minimizing environmental damage and implementing sustainable waste management strategies. Full article

The green transformation of the service sector is crucial for promoting the construction of ecological civilization and boosting high-quality development. The aim of the relationship between environmental regulation and eco-efficiency is to explore the path of the green transformation of the service sector. Based on the provincial data in China from 2001~2019, this study investigated the effect of environmental regulation on the eco-efficiency of the service sector, concentrating on the influencing mechanism and threshold effect of environmental regulation on the eco-efficiency of the largest service sector in the Chinese economy. Applying the panel OLS model, mediating model, and threshold effect model. The main findings are as follows. First, environmental regulation is not beneficial for boosting the eco-efficiency of the service sector because of compliance costs. Second, environmental regulation can reduce the eco-efficiency of the service sector through service agglomeration. However, the effect of innovation compensation can hinder the negative influence of environmental regulation on the eco-efficiency of the service sector. Third, the inhibiting effect of environmental regulation disappears non-linearly with boosting economic development. Conversely, the positive influence of environmental regulation becomes negative, along with improving service agglomeration. At last, this study provided recommendations for the policymakers who hope to accelerate the green transformation of the service sector from the perspectives of strengthening technological innovation, reducing agglomeration, and establishing coordinated development mechanisms. Full article

The continuous and rapid development of global urbanization has brought great pressure to eco-environments. It is particularly serious in mega urban agglomerations, which determine the development process of urbanization in the world and affect the international competitiveness of countries. Taking the mega urban agglomerations with few research cases as the research area to explore the relationship between urbanization and eco-environment is vital to realize global sustainable development and optimize the development direction and trend of world urbanization. It is of great significance to assume the historical task of shifting the center of the world economy and the main position of the “Belt and Road” construction for China, and enhance its international competitiveness, as well as accelerate China’s high-quality development of new urbanization and the realization of ecological civilization. Previous studies mostly used the static coupling coordination degree (SCCD) model, which has limitations in describing complex interactions. This study used the dynamic coupling coordination degree (DCCD) model to analyze relationships in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration (BTH) from 2003 to 2019, which is one of China’s mega urban agglomerations. For the first time, we explain the progressiveness of the DCCD model from the construction concept, theoretically analyze the rising and falling laws of DCCD in break-in development stage, and propose the concepts of “benign transition” and “non-benign transition” when DCCD changes from break-in development to utmost development. Results show that BTH’s urbanization increased in fluctuation, with significant regional differences. The eco-environment was relatively good, but there are potential risks. The DCCD showed an S-shaped curve. Break-in development was the main type of DCCD. Moderate urbanization development and small degree of eco-environment sacrifice were necessary for “benign transition”. After the “benign transition” is realized, the high-level symbiosis of DCCD and the mutual promotion can be achieved through technical improvement. According to the identification results of the main controlling factors, the DCCD can be regulated by subsystems. Full article

The transition to more eco-friendly forms of transport is one of the main challenges for the Polish economy in the coming decades. Poland, as a member of the European Union, must adapt to the requirements regarding, in particular, reducing carbon dioxide emissions related to new vehicles. The implementation of these changes will require significant financial outlays and structural reconstruction of transport (both public and private), as well as remodeling of the functioning and habits of society. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the challenges of the green transformation of transport in Poland. The following research methods were used: desk research, focus interview–expert research, and an original approach to the use of SWOT analysis. Based on the conducted analyses, Poland’s strategic position in the context of the “transport greening” process was determined. The strategy is in line with the concept of “reorganization”, calling for a thorough restructuring of the development strategy. This entails coordinated efforts, such as conducting in-depth evaluations of current strategies, securing increased funding, providing support for research, and implementing public education initiatives. In essence, the study emphasizes the necessity for significant endeavors to effectively manage the green transition of transportation in Poland. Full article

The eco-agricultural park is a new comprehensive agricultural technology system integrating agricultural production, rural economic development, ecological environment protection, and efficient resource utilization. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the ecosystem structure of eco-agricultural parks will help achieve the goal of coordinated symbiosis between human development and environmental protection. This study takes the research area of the Eco-agricultural Park of Jinchuan Town, Huinan County, a typical town in the Changbai Mountains of Northeast China. Based on field surveys, market research, farmer consultation, and related data collection, emergy theory and methods are used to construct an emergy model for the park. The value evaluation index system integrates the unique emergy index of the agricultural ecosystem with the traditional emergy index system to conduct a targeted evaluation of the park’s functional structure and sustainable development capabilities in order to improve the efficiency of material and energy use and provide technical reference for ecological construction and comprehensive development of agricultural industry in mountainous areas in northern China. The research results show that: (1) The annual input total emergy of the eco-agricultural park is 4.04E+24 sej/a, and the emergy of labor input, electricity input, and topsoil loss is relatively high. The park is in a labor-intensive stage. The annual output total emergy is 5.09E+24 sej/a, the park is dominated by planting and forestry industries. (2) The park’s emergy utilization intensity is high—production efficiency is high, economic development is advanced, and the system’s self-control, adjustment, and feedback functions are vital—and plays a significant role in promoting the development of the regional economy. However, the park relies more on investment from external resources, and production in the park puts pressure on the environment. (3) The current sustainable development capability of the study area is weak, and the factors affecting the sustainable development capability are mainly energy loss and uneven distribution of industrial areas in the park. Effective measures to promote the transformation of the park to develop technology-intensive industries and improve the sustainable development performance of the park were proposed. These include: adjusting the proportion of industries in the park; reducing high-energy external input emergy, such as industrial auxiliary emergy; reducing the loss of non-renewable natural resources through ecological engineering measures, such as reducing the depth of slope runoff in the park; and combining modern resource-based production technology and environmentally sound management methods to reduce energy loss and rational use of natural resources. Full article

Urban green development is a way of economic growth and social development aiming at efficiency, harmony and sustainability, and in recent years urban green development has become an important trend for future urban development. In this study, Hefei City is selected as the study area, and a comprehensive green-development model is constructed by applying the system dynamics method, which integrates five important subsystems, namely, economy, environment, people’s livelihood, S and T and resources. Through simulation analysis, this study reveals the dynamic trend of green development in Hefei City. The analysis results show that economic growth provides the foundation for green development, scientific and technological innovation promotes the development of green technology, and that sustained investments in people’s livelihoods and environmental protection improves people’s quality of life and a city’s eco-friendliness. This study aims to promote the coordinated economic, social and environmental development of Hefei to ensure that Hefei is steadily moving towards high-quality and sustainable development goals; it effectively reveals the current situation, forecasts the trend of green development in Hefei, and also provides a reference for the urban green development of other cities. Full article

Karst nature reserve (NR) ecosystems are vulnerable, and the development of regulatory and cultural services industries is still in its infancy. Realization of ecological product value (EPV) is a crucial way to promote the integration of eco-protection and industrial development in nature reserves (NRs). This study calculates EPV using a modified equivalent factor, analyzes the spatial pattern of EPV using the fishnet tool in Arc GIS, and constructs a model for realizing EPV. Finally, the driving factors for the formation of eco-industry are identified using the grey correlation analysis (GCA) method. The results show that (1) the regulatory service products in karst NRs play a decisive role in EPV, and forest ecosystems have significant EPV potential; (2) high-value grids are concentrated in the core and buffer zones of karst NRs and the spatial distribution of EPV in the experimental zone is highly heterogeneous, with high and low-value grids in mixed distribution; (3) the realization model of EPV in karst NRs follows the logic of “preservation, transformation, and appreciation”; (4) human resources (0.813), ecology (0.798), industry (0.693), policy (0.783), the market (0.778), and economy (0.715) are essential drivers for the formation of eco-industry in karst NRs. Overall, karst NRs can promote the realization of EPV through planning and regulation of land use, based on the interaction between internal and external factors, to promote the coordinated development of eco-industry in karst NRs. This study provides a reference for the scientific management of eco-resources and the sustainable development of eco-industry in karst NRs. Full article