Search Results (154)

Globally, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have risen dramatically due to accelerated industrialization, excessive fossil fuel extraction, and agricultural activities, leading to global warming and ecosystem collapse. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions has therefore become a crucial global priority. Despite substantial international efforts, only a small number of countries have achieved carbon neutrality so far, with the majority aiming to do so by 2050 or 2060. Progress remains hindered by fragmented international coordination and inadequate integration of mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. However, agriculture is a major carbon emitter with significant mitigation potential. Attaining local carbon neutrality in agricultural landscapes is highly costly and strongly impacted by the spatial heterogeneity of GHG emissions and the diversity of available mitigation possibilities. This sector remains a major contributor to methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, mainly through enteric fermentation and fertilizer use, and thus must be prioritized in global carbon neutrality strategies. Tactics such as improved livestock management, reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, conservation agriculture, afforestation, and renewable energy adoption can reduce emissions. These technical approaches should be supported by effective policy instruments, like carbon taxes, cap-and-trade schemes, low-carbon practice subsidies, and regulatory frameworks. Together, these measures can enable a transition toward long-term sustainability in agriculture by balancing emissions with removals through enhanced carbon sinks and credible offset mechanisms. Full article

Introduction: The World Health Organisation (WHO) and health advocates have called on governments across the globe to introduce a sugar tax to reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite efforts to introduce a sugar tax, there are limited data on the efficiency and sustainability of the sugar tax in the African continent. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies from Africa and selected countries across the world from 2014 to 2024, to determine the efficiency and sustainability of the sugar tax regarding its impact on beverage intake in the African context. Studies were selected according to their report of the impact of sugar tax on consumption, the decline in beverage products high in sugar content, the reformulation of sugary beverages, and the public acceptability of the tax. Conclusions: There is evidence that the introduction of a sugar tax has resulted in mixed reactions but has generated increased revenue in some African countries: for example, South Africa. The majority of countries in Africa have not introduced the tax. The failure or absence of the tax in Africa has commonalities with some countries elsewhere across the globe. In some developed economies, the tax was introduced but withdrawn one year after its implementation. In addition, limited studies have reported on the sustainability of the tax in Africa. Full article

Two main perspectives exist regarding the interaction between fiscal deficits and expansionary monetary policy. The first perspective argues that fiscal deficits raise interest rates, thereby increasing interest payments and complicating monetary stabilization efforts. The second posits that expansionary monetary policy enhances nominal GDP growth, which in turn reduces the government debt-to-GDP ratio and strengthens the fiscal position. Using panel data from the IMF World Economic Outlook covering advanced economies between 1980 and 2025, this study empirically evaluates which perspective is more consistent with observed data, while accounting for the dynamics of tax revenues, government expenditures, interest rates, and nominal GDP growth. Empirical evidence indicates that moderate monetary expansion—raising nominal GDP—tends to stabilize budget deficits, as government revenues generally outpace expenditures and interest rates do not increase proportionally with nominal growth. These results are further illustrated through case studies of Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Full article

In the context of global climate change and carbon-neutrality goals, carbon taxes and carbon tariffs have become key policy tools for regulating corporate emissions. However, most existing studies examine these policies in isolation and overlook firms’ behavioral responses under their joint implementation, especially with product heterogeneity. This study analyzes production and emission-reduction decisions of two-country manufacturers under carbon taxation and further investigates corporate behavior and social welfare outcomes when both carbon taxes and carbon tariffs are imposed. The results show that carbon taxes enhance emission-reduction efforts, though with diminishing marginal effects. Moderate carbon tariffs further motivate exporting firms to reduce emissions, while overly high tariffs may induce market exit, particularly for high-quality manufacturers. Consumer preferences also interact with policy effects: stronger preferences for high-quality products encourage firms to expand domestic markets and increase green investments, whereas weaker preferences shift focus toward exports. Social welfare responds asymmetrically, moderate tariffs improve environmental performance, while excessive tariffs lead to trade distortions and welfare losses. Overall, this study highlights nonlinear and heterogeneous firm responses under combined carbon policies, offering insights for policy design and corporate strategy. Full article

Fuels constitute one of the most strategically significant categories of goods in the global economy. In many countries, including Poland, fuel prices are determined not only by global market dynamics but also by domestic fiscal instruments such as excise taxes, value-added tax (VAT), and fuel surcharges. The primary objective of this study is therefore to assess the extent to which tax burdens and profit margins shape diesel prices in Poland, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the market’s sensitivity to fiscal interventions and the pricing strategies adopted by fuel companies. The analysis draws on weekly data for the period 2006–2025, encompassing crude oil prices, wholesale and retail diesel prices, and relevant tax components (VAT, excise tax, and fuel surcharges). Methodologically, the study employs the Bai–Perron breakpoint test alongside correlation and comparative methods. The findings indicate that changes in indirect taxation and the fuel surcharge in Poland were predominantly upward and incremental, exerting only limited immediate effects on wholesale and retail fuel prices. This pattern was particularly evident outside of periods of acute geopolitical shocks, such as the 2022 war in Ukraine, when government interventions aimed to mitigate sudden price surges. Moreover, analysis of PKN Orlen’s margin dynamics shows that the company remained consistently profitable, with the highest processing margins observed following the reduction of the VAT rate, highlighting the interplay between fiscal policy and corporate pricing behavior. An exception occurred in 2022, when political involvement led to negative retail margins despite a reduction in VAT, a policy decision intended to mitigate sharp increases in fuel prices. The evidence suggests that petrochemical companies have greater capacity to affect prices through adjustments to wholesale margins than to retail margins. The study also underscores the critical role of fiscal policy in protecting households from fuel price volatility. It also demonstrates that carefully designed adjustments to taxation and other fiscal instruments can meaningfully influence market outcomes and corporate profitability, thereby highlighting their importance in broader economic stabilization efforts. Full article

This research examines the macroeconomic determinants of inflation in Cambodia with an ARDL cointegration analysis. The results demonstrate a long-run negative association between inflation and exchange rates, tax revenue, and broad money. In the short run, growth in tax revenues dampens inflation, while money supply growth boosts it. Looking at the results, we can infer that expansionary fiscal policy (in particular, tax effort) and prudent monetary policy can control Cambodia’s currency and inflation. Policymakers should take into account the system of relationships among these macroeconomic variables to design such policies, which can cause price stability and long-term growth in the economy. Full article

This paper examines the changes in the level of informal and shadow economy, mapping their evolution within the EU and measuring their implications on economic growth. The study also addresses the issue of conceptual differences in the methodology for measuring these phenomena. We used a two-dimensional methodological approach, combining theoretical and empirical analysis. Initially, the bibliometric analysis—conducted exclusively on the Web of Science Core Collection to ensure methodological rigour, international comparability, and high-quality, standardised data—reveals the evolution of the subject and the inconsistencies in the conceptualisation and measurement of phenomena associated with the shadow economy. Subsequently, the normative analysis highlighted the most relevant norms, directives, and projects developed and applied at the European Union level to prevent and combat tax evasion activities. Finally, the empirical dimension of this study was conducted through structural equation modelling and fixed and random effects regressions, using data from the EU 27 member states for the period 2000–2022. Our results reveal a potential relationship between the level of scientific research and the prevalence of the shadow economy within EU countries and indicate a negative effect of the informal economy on economic growth, as undeclared work produces goods and services that are consumed in the informal economy and hinders economic growth. Since the level of the shadow economy has not decreased proportionally with the increase in the GDP per capita, we conclude that the efforts to combat the shadow economy are insufficient, and tax administration needs to be more drastic and efficient. Full article

This study explores the applicability of the Laffer Curve in the context of the European Union (EU) by analyzing the relationship between taxation and fiscal revenue across personal income tax (PIT), corporate income tax (CIT), and value-added tax (VAT). Utilizing a comprehensive panel data set spanning 1995 to 2022 across all 27 EU member states, the research also integrates the Bird Index to assess fiscal effort and employs advanced econometric techniques, including the Hausman Test and log-quadratic regression models, to capture the non-linear dynamics of the Laffer Curve. The findings reveal that excessively high tax rates, particularly in some larger member states, may lead to revenue losses due to reduced economic activity and tax evasion, highlighting the existence of optimal tax rates that maximize revenue while sustaining economic growth. By estimating threshold tax rates and incorporating the Bird Index, the study provides a nuanced perspective on tax efficiency and fiscal sustainability, offering evidence-based policy recommendations for optimizing tax systems in the European Union to balance revenue generation with economic competitiveness. Full article

In a carbon pricing mechanism, the collection of contributions (taxes) and the distribution of carbon revenue are both equally critical, as they constitute the interdependent elements of the same system. While contribution collection serves to economically incentivize stakeholders, carbon revenue distribution fosters participation in decarbonization efforts through mechanisms such as rebates, rewards, and green loans. The economic effects of a carbon pricing mechanism vary significantly depending on how the generated revenues are used. A well-structured organizational framework can assist policymakers in optimizing the allocation of carbon revenues, thereby supporting a robust fiscal policy that promotes efficiency, long-term growth, and equity. Despite the critical role of carbon revenue distribution, there is a notable absence of literature addressing this issue in the maritime context. To address this gap, this study draws on insights from other sectors and global carbon pricing mechanisms to develop a simulatory template for evaluating its applicability to the maritime industry. The simulation yields a comprehensive classification of approaches to carbon revenue recycling, while also examining the associated risks and challenges in implementing future carbon pricing mechanism in the maritime industry. Full article

Chinese adolescents face significant mental health risks from addictive design features embedded in AI-driven digital platforms. Existing regulations inadequately address design-level addiction triggers in these environments, focusing primarily on content moderation and usage restrictions. This study identifies this gap and offers a novel framework that integrates systems theory and legal governance to regulate feedback loops between adolescents and digital platforms. Using the Adaptive Interaction Design Framework and a three-tiered typology of addictive design features, the research highlights how conceptual ambiguity and institutional fragmentation weaken regulatory efforts, resulting in reactive responses instead of proactive protection. To enhance regulatory effectiveness, this study recommends establishing a risk-tiered precautionary oversight system, providing enforceable definitions of addictive design features, mandating anti-addiction design practices and labeling, implementing economic measures like Pigouvian taxes, and fostering multi-stakeholder governance. It also emphasizes the need for cross-border coordination to address regulatory arbitrage. These policy directions aim to enhance regulatory efficacy and protect youth well-being in digital environments, contributing to ongoing international discussions on adolescent digital safety. Full article

In recent years, the European Union has played a key role in global efforts to combat climate change and the energy transition, focusing on creating fiscal, legal and regulatory policies and instruments capable of supporting the decarbonization process and ensuring a sustainable energy future. Environmental taxation has been considered not only as an essential tool to discourage pollution but also to stimulate cleaner energy production, the integration of renewable sources and energy efficiency. Our research analyses the impact of environmental tax revenues on CO₂ across 27 EU member states from 2012 to 2023. A mixed-method research approach is used, combining policy and strategy analysis, bibliometric mapping and econometric data analysis using OLS, as well as fixed and random effects models that are selected based on the Hausman test. The methodological mix approach provides empirical evidence on how fiscal instruments can simultaneously support environmental sustainability and energy resilience. The results show that environmental taxes are associated with greenhouse gas emission reductions and an increase in the share of renewable energy, especially when integrated into a coherent national policy framework. The policy analysis highlights the role of the Climate Action Budgetary Mechanism (CABM) and the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), underlining their importance for the European Union’s energy strategy. The bibliometric results indicate the existence of thematic clusters focused on carbon pricing, renewable energies and international comparisons, particularly with China. Finally, this study suggests that the maximum efficiency of environmental taxes is achieved when the revenues generated are reinvested in green infrastructure, innovation and sustainable jobs. Furthermore, policies should be adapted to the specificities of each Member State to ensure a fair and sustainable energy transition at the EU level. Full article

Sustainable development, which integrates economic progress with environmental stewardship to serve societal needs, seeks a balanced approach to resource utilization and intergenerational equity. Implementing carbon policies to limit emissions in production is an effective measure that also puts pressure on the supply chain’s profitability. Meanwhile, the emergence of the price reference effect affects consumers’ behavior and the decisions of supply chain members. This study constructs a dual-channel supply chain model under three carbon policy scenarios within a manufacturer-led Stackelberg game framework. The model is solved analytically to examine equilibrium outcomes and investigate the influence of channel competition, the price reference effect, and carbon policies on profitability and carbon emissions across different scenarios. The results are as follows. (1) As consumers’ online channel preference increases, manufacturers’ profits turn from falling to rising, especially under a lower carbon tax (higher carbon quota), with profit growing earlier. (2) A stronger price reference effect encourages higher emission reduction efforts, selling prices, and profits in smaller markets. However, this effect can reduce prices and profits due to increased competition and pricing pressure in larger markets. (3) The influence of carbon tax and emission quota on emission reduction and price depends on the initial carbon emission of the product, and their interaction has different impacts on total profits at different initial emission levels. (4) Within the mixed policy, the supply chain can obtain better economic and environmental benefits at a specific range of basic market demand. This study provides valuable references for formulating tactics to cope with low-carbon demand and price reference effects, as well as for developing effective environmental protection policies. Full article

Wayfinding with minimal effort is essential for reducing cognitive load and emotional stress in unfamiliar environments. This exploratory quasi-experimental study investigated wayfinding challenges in a university building housing three spatially dispersed counseling centers and three academic departments that share the building entrances, lobby, and hallways. Using mobile eye tracking with concurrent think-aloud protocols and schematic mapping, we examined visual attention patterns during predefined navigation tasks performed by 24 first-time visitors. Findings revealed frequent fixations on non-informative structural features, while existing wayfinding cues were often overlooked. High rates of null gazes indicated unsuccessful visual searching. Thematic analysis of verbal data identified eight key issues, including spatial confusion, aesthetic monotony, and inadequate signage. Participants frequently described the environment as disorienting and emotionally taxing, comparing it to institutional settings such as hospitals. In response, we developed wayfinding design proposals informed by our research findings, stakeholder needs, and contextual priorities. We used an experiential digital twin that prioritized perceptual fidelity to analyze the current wayfinding challenges, develop experimental protocols, and discuss design options and costs. This study offers a transferable methodological framework for identifying wayfinding challenges through convergent analysis of gaze patterns and verbal protocols, demonstrating how empirical findings can inform targeted wayfinding design interventions. Full article

This study examines green investment and emission reduction strategies in a two-tier supply chain under dual-carbon regulation that combines a carbon tax with a cap-and-trade mechanism. A multi-stage dynamic game model is developed, in which the manufacturer reduces emissions through recycling efforts and investments in green technology. We compare optimal decisions under centralized, decentralized, and coordinated structures, and propose an enhanced bilateral cost-sharing contract to improve collaboration. Numerical experiments validate the theoretical results, and sensitivity analyses provide further insights. The results show that while both carbon tax and permit trading increase emission reduction, the carbon tax may lower manufacturer profit, underscoring the need for coordinated policy design. Benchmarking proves more effective than grandfathering in stimulating green investment, particularly under high carbon prices and strong consumer environmental preferences. The proposed contract alleviates free riding, enhances overall supply chain profitability, and improves emission reduction performance. Policy implications highlight the importance of prioritizing benchmark allocation, promoting consumer environmental awareness, and encouraging firms to integrate carbon asset management with technological innovation. This research provides both theoretical and practical insights for designing effective carbon policies and collaborative mechanisms in green supply chains. Full article

Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is accelerating globally and highlights the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study assesses the economic feasibility of rainbow trout aquaculture by incorporating GHG emissions into its analysis, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts in the fisheries sector. Focusing on two farming systems—recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and flow-through systems (FTS)—we estimated GHG emissions and conducted an economic evaluation using data collected through field surveys. The average GHG emission was 7.14 kg CO₂ eq per kilogram of trout produced, with RAS showing lower emissions than FTS. Electricity and feed were identified as the primary emission sources. The economic analysis revealed an average net present value (NPV) of USD 987,609 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 18%, with RAS outperforming FTS in profitability. A sensitivity analysis under carbon pricing showed that economic feasibility was maintained, but the NPV declined by about 24% under the carbon tax scenario. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of balancing profitability and emission reduction for sustainable aquaculture management. Full article