Search Results (106)

In recent years, growing concerns over environmental degradation and deepening awareness of the necessity of sustainable development have propelled green and low-carbon energy transition into a focal issue for both academia and policymakers. By decomposing energy transition into the transformation of energy structure and the upgrading of energy efficiency, this study investigates the impact and mechanisms of green finance on energy transition across 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China, with the exception of Tibet. In addition, the impact of climate change is incorporated into the analytical framework. Empirical results demonstrate that green finance development significantly accelerates energy transition, a conclusion robust to rigorous validation. Analysis of the mechanism shows that green finance promotes energy transition through the facilitation of technological innovation and the upgrade of industrial structures. Moreover, empirical evidence reveals that climate change undermines the promotional influence of sustainable finance on energy system transformation. The magnitude of this suppression varies nonlinearly across provincial jurisdictions with differing energy transition progress. Regional heterogeneity analyses further uncover marked discrepancies in climate–finance interactions, demonstrating amplified effects in coastal economic hubs, underdeveloped western provinces, and regions with mature eco-financial markets. According to these findings, actionable policy suggestions are put forward to strengthen green finance and accelerate energy transition. Full article

Payments for Watershed services (PWSs) have been emerging as a critical tool for environmental governance in watershed, yet their comparative effectiveness across implementation models has remained poorly understood. Based on a comparative analysis of Eco-Compensation (EC) and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PESs) frameworks, examining both theoretical foundations and implementation practices, this study aims to quantitatively assess and compare the effectiveness of two dominant PWSs models—the EC-like model (Phase I: October 2008–April 2017) and the PESs-like model (Phase II: 2017–December 2021). Using the Liaohe River in China as a case study, utilizing ecosystem service value (ESV) as an indicator and employing the corrected unit-value transfer method, we compare the effectiveness of different PWSs models from October 2008 to December 2021. The results reveal the following: (1) Policy Efficiency: The PESs-like model demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness than the EC-like model, with annual average increases in ESV of 3.23 billion CNY (491 million USD) and 1.79 billion CNY (272 million USD). (2) Functional Drivers: Water regulation (45.1% of total ESV growth) and climate regulation (24.3%) were dominant services, with PESs-like interventions enhancing multifunctionality. (3) Stakeholder Impact: In the PESs-like model, the cities implementing inter-county direct payment showed higher growth efficiency than those without it. The operational efficiency of PWSs increases with the number of participating stakeholders, which explains why the PESs-like model demonstrates higher effectiveness than the EC-like model. Our findings offer empirical evidence and actionable policy implications for designing effective PWSs models across global watershed ecosystems. Full article

The global push for sustainable development has intensified the need for innovative tools to assess and enhance sustainability in the built environment. This study explores the role of materials efficiency (ME) within a nature-inspired sustainability assessment framework, focusing on green building projects in South Africa. Using a nature-based (biomimicry) approach, this study identifies and prioritises key ME criteria such as eco-friendly materials, local sourcing, and responsible processing. The methodology employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), with input from 38 carefully sampled construction experts, to rank ME criteria through pairwise comparisons. The findings revealed that eco-friendly materials (29.5%) and locally sourced materials (25.1%) were the highest-weighted factors, with strong expert consensus (CR = 0.01). The study highlights how nature-inspired principles like closed-loop systems and minimal waste can guide sustainable construction aligned with global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conclusion advocates for integrating ME criteria into green certification systems, industry collaboration, and further research to scale the framework globally. This study bridges biomimicry theory with practical sustainability assessment, offering actionable insights for the built environment. Full article

Recent advancements in space exploration have significantly increased the volume of astronomical data, heightening the demand for efficient analytical methods. Concurrently, the considerable energy consumption of machine learning (ML) has fostered the emergence of Green AI, emphasizing sustainable, energy-efficient computational practices. We introduce the first large-scale Green AI benchmark for galaxy morphology classification, evaluating over 30 machine learning architectures (classical, ensemble, deep, and hybrid) on CPU and GPU platforms using a balanced subset of the Galaxy Zoo dataset. Beyond traditional metrics (precision, recall, and F1-score), we quantify inference latency, energy consumption, and carbon-equivalent emissions to derive an integrated EcoScore that captures the trade-off between predictive performance and environmental impact. Our results reveal that a GPU-optimized multilayer perceptron achieves state-of-the-art accuracy of 98% while emitting 20× less CO₂ than ensemble forests, which—despite comparable accuracy—incur substantially higher energy costs. We demonstrate that hardware–algorithm co-design, model sparsification, and careful hyperparameter tuning can reduce carbon footprints by over 90% with negligible loss in classification quality. These findings provide actionable guidelines for deploying energy-efficient, high-fidelity models in both ground-based data centers and onboard space observatories, paving the way for truly sustainable, large-scale astronomical data analysis. Full article

An increasing number of scholars are raising concerns about the sustainability of digital health, calling for action to prevent its harmful effects on the environment. At this point, however, the comprehensive appraisal of emerging technology in the health sector remains theoretically challenging, and highly difficult to implement in practice and in ecological design. Indeed, background factors such as the rapid evolution of technology or effectiveness–efficiency tradeoffs complicate the task of distinguishing the benefits of digital health from its drawbacks, rendering early Health Technology Sustainability Assessment (HTSA) extremely complex. Within this context, the aim of this article is to draw attention to the pragmatism that should be adopted when anticipating the sustainability of technological innovation in the medical field, while simultaneously proposing an assessment framework grounded in a structural and conceptual dissection of the fundamental purpose of smart technologies and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Building on this, we demonstrate how our framework can be strategically applied through a rapid back-of-the-envelope assessment of the economic and ecological balance when introducing IoMT prototypes for treating a specific condition, based on a preliminary simulation of a defined clinical outcome. In this manner, the article presents evidence that challenges two primary hypotheses, and also encourages reflection on the central role of information and its interpretation when addressing key barriers in the HTSA of digital health. Thereby, it contributes to advancing cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness evaluation tools that support eco design strategies and guide informed decision-making regarding the integration of sustainable IoMT systems into healthcare. 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

Erosion poses significant threats to infrastructures and ecosystems, exacerbated by climate change-driven sea-level rise and intensified wave actions. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for erosion mitigation. This review synthesizes recent advancements in optimizing biomineralization efficiency, multi-scale erosion control, and field-scale MICP implementations in marine dynamic conditions. Key findings include the following: (1) Kinetic analysis of Ca²⁺ conversion confirmed complete ion utilization within 24 h under optimized PA concentration (3%), resulting in a compressive strength of 2.76 MPa after five treatment cycles in ISO-standard sand. (2) Field validations in Ahoskie and Sanya demonstrated the efficacy of MICP in coastal erosion control through tailored delivery systems and environmental adaptations. Sanya’s studies highlighted seawater-compatible MICP solutions, achieving maximum 1743 kPa penetration resistance in the atmospheric zone and layered “M-shaped” CaCO₃ precipitation in tidal regions. (3) Experimental studies revealed that MICP treatments (2–4 cycles) reduced maximum scour depth by 84–100% under unidirectional currents (0.3 m/s) with the maximum surface CaCO₃ content reaching 3.8%. (4) Numerical simulations revealed MICP enhanced seabed stability by increasing vertical effective stress and reducing pore pressure. Comparative analysis demonstrates that while the destabilization depth of untreated seabed exhibits a linear correlation with wave height increments, MICP-treated seabed formations maintain exceptional stability through cohesion-enhancing properties, even when subjected to progressively intensified wave forces. This review supports the use of biomineralization as a sustainable alternative for shoreline protection, seabed stabilization, and offshore foundation integrity. Full article

In this research, we present the development and validation of a compact, resource-efficient (low-cost, low-energy), distributed, real-time traffic and air quality monitoring system. Deployed since November 2023 in a small town that relies on burning various fuels and waste for winter heating, the system comprises three IoT units that integrate image processing and environmental sensing for sustainable urban and environmental management. Each unit uses an embedded camera and sensors to process live data locally, which are then transmitted to a central database. The image processing algorithm counts vehicles by type with over 95% daylight accuracy, while air quality sensors measure pollutants including particulate matter (PM), equivalent carbon dioxide (eCO₂), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Data analysis revealed fluctuations in pollutant concentrations across monitored areas, correlating with traffic variations and enabling the identification of pollution sources and their relative impacts. Recorded PM10 daily average levels even reached eight times above the safe 24 h limits in winter, when traffic values were low, indicating a strong link to household heating. This work provides a scalable, cost-effective approach to traffic and air quality monitoring, offering actionable insights for urban planning and sustainable development. Full article

Tannins are structurally diverse polyphenols prized for their antioxidant and protein-binding properties, making them valuable in leather tanning, adhesives, coatings, and water treatment. This article compares research on conventional versus supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which is recognized as an eco-friendly and efficient technique. While SFE using supercritical CO₂ is already widely studied and commercially implemented for various botanical compounds, its application to tannin extraction remains in an earlier stage of development, with limited industrial solutions currently available. Various solvents (CO₂, water, ethanol, and methanol) and their mechanisms of action under supercritical conditions are discussed, demonstrating how adjusting parameters like pressure and temperature can selectively isolate specific tannin fractions. By reviewing multiple studies on yield, solvent choice, process efficiency, and product purity, the article highlights SFE’s advantages in preserving tannin quality while reducing energy consumption and contamination. The conclusions suggest SFE as a promising method for sustainable tannin production, offering tailored extracts that meet the growing demand for green processes in both industrial and biomedical applications. Full article

Globally, insect pests adversely affect approximately 75% of the most important crops. However, the widespread use of chemical insecticides has significant drawbacks, including non-specific biological activity, toxicity to humans, detrimental effects on beneficial insects, and the rapid development of resistance. In this context, prodigiosin—a tripyrrolic secondary metabolite produced by various microorganisms—emerges as a promising alternative due to its favourable properties, such as being non-toxic, environmentally safe, non-irritant, and non-allergenic, and having non-carcinogenic potential. Prodigiosin has demonstrated insecticidal efficiency against pests at various developmental stages. Studies suggest that prodigiosin inhibits enzymes like acetylcholine esterase, protease, and acid phosphatase and induces oxidative stress. This review explores the potential of prodigiosin as an eco-friendly insecticide, discussing its production, extraction, and purification processes and its advantages, disadvantages, and mechanism of action, and future perspectives. Special emphasis is given to using non-pathogenic strains to mitigate biosafety concerns. Full article

Slope stability analysis requires particular attention to groundwater effects, where seepage–stress coupling fundamentally alters mechanical responses. This investigation develops a field-calibrated numerical model using monitoring data from a water diversion project in Yunnan, using finite element analysis based on seepage–stress coupling theory. Comparative stability assessments through strength reduction methodology evaluate three scenarios: non-seepage conditions, seepage–stress interaction, and cutoff wall implementation. Results demonstrate the cutoff wall’s effectiveness, achieving optimal slope ratios of 1:1.41 compared to 1:2.21 under seepage–stress coupling. Parametric analyses reveal quantitative relationships between wall characteristics and stability metrics. Elastic modulus optimization within practical ranges (9362.63 MPa peak performance) enables steeper 1:1.37 slopes while maintaining safety factors. Strategic width reduction from 0.6 m to 0.4 m decreases concrete usage by 33% without compromising stability thresholds, proving cost-efficiency in large-scale applications. The methodology provides actionable guidelines for deep excavation projects facing similar hydrogeological challenges. Optimized cutoff walls enhance slope stability sustainably through ecological preservation and resource efficiency, providing actionable frameworks for eco-conscious geotechnical design aligned with global sustainability objectives. Full article

The intersection of digitalization and sustainability is reshaping the tourism industry, with digital platforms playing a transformative role in optimizing travel experiences while simultaneously influencing economic inclusivity, labor dynamics, and environmental responsibility. This paper explores how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are integrated into digital tourism platforms, assessing their dual impact on sustainability and market structures. The study develops a conceptual framework around five key dimensions: market power and digital dependency, AI-driven automation and workforce transformation, innovation and digital inclusion, sustainability innovations, and data security and governance. While digital platforms enhance personalization, operational efficiency, and eco-conscious travel, they also reinforce economic disparities, monopolization, and regulatory challenges, raising concerns related to SDGs such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption, and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The study highlights the need for equitable governance frameworks to mitigate risks associated with AI-driven monopolization, algorithmic bias, and data privacy violations while ensuring digital accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on platform economics, digital governance, and sustainable tourism transformation, offering policy and managerial implications for fostering an inclusive and environmentally responsible tourism industry. Full article

The field of bio-nanotechnology has seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the synthesis and application of bio-nanoparticles (BNPs). This review focuses on the green synthesis of BNPs using biological entities such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae. The utilization of these organisms for nanoparticle synthesis offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods, which often involve toxic reagents and high energy consumption. Phytochemicals present in plant extracts, unique metabolic pathways, and biomolecules in bacteria and fungi, and the rich biochemical composition of algae facilitate the production of nanoparticles with diverse shapes and sizes. This review further explores the wide-ranging applications of BNPs in various fields like therapeutics, fuel cells, energy generation, and wastewater treatment. In therapeutics, BNPs have shown efficacy in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In the energy sector, BNPs are being integrated into fuel cells and other energy generation systems like bio-diesel to improve efficiency and sustainability. Their catalytic properties and large surface area enhance the performance of these devices. Wastewater treatment is another critical area where BNPs are employed for the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to water purification. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of bio-nanoparticles synthesized through green methods. It highlights the need for further research to optimize synthesis processes, understand mechanisms of action, and expand the scope of their applications. BNPs can be utilized to address advantages and some of the pressing challenges in medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability, paving the way for innovative and sustainable technological advancements in future prospects. Full article

The rapid expansion of the cosmetic products market, growing consumer eco-consciousness, and stricter packaging regulations, such as the PPWR, present significant challenges for the cosmetic industry. To assess the sustainability of cosmetic packaging, a benchmarking study was conducted across various product categories available in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) using a set of selected indicators. The findings highlight an urgent need for action to ensure compliance with future PPWR requirements. While glass and aluminum packaging demonstrated high recyclability, plastic tubes often failed to meet the 70% recyclability target due to incompatible material combinations. Key barriers to recyclability included material incompatibility, metallization, and excessive colorization. Additionally, the use of recycled content in plastic and paper-based packaging was generally low, with only a few samples containing secondary materials. Other critical issues included packaging efficiency, the widespread use of secondary packaging, and use of uncertified renewable materials. Addressing these challenges will require industry-wide efforts to enhance material compatibility, increase recycled content, and optimize packaging design for greater sustainability. Full article

Using blockchain adoption (BCA) data for 81 leading public companies in 2021, this study examines the impact of blockchain adoption on organizations’ environmental, sustainability, and governance performance. Employing the 2022 ESG scores from LSEG (Refinitiv) Database, which assess corporate sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions, we regress ESG scores against blockchain adoption levels, company size, and various financial performance metrics. The results from the regression analysis reveal that blockchain adoption is significantly and positively associated with two sub-dimensions of environmental sustainability performance: resource usage and emissions. Additionally, firms exhibiting higher profitability and greater financial leverage appear to more effectively control blockchain adoption to enhance their corporate sustainability performance. These findings support the notion that blockchain adoption offers eco-efficient solutions that contribute to improved corporate sustainability performance, particularly through improved resource management and emissions control, while also offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders. Full article