Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alfredo Valarezo, Lissete Davila, M. Lorena Bejarano, Ivan Nolivos, Emilio Molina, Samuel B. Schlesinger, Carlos F. Gould, Darby W. Jack
Summary: Decades of government subsidies in Ecuador have ensured near-universal access to clean cooking fuels such as LPG and electricity, making it a leader among low and middle-income countries. The socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 have posed challenges to the resilience of clean cooking systems worldwide. However, Ecuador's clean cooking systems remained resilient during the pandemic with minor disruptions, providing valuable lessons for other countries.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jabir Ali, Waseem Khan
Summary: This study investigates the factors affecting access to clean cooking fuel among rural Indian households during the COVID-19 outbreak. The analysis shows a significant decline in access to clean fuel during the pandemic, highlighting the need for policy interventions to ensure rural households have access to clean fuel during crisis situations.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emily Nix, Emmanuel Betang, Miranda Baame, Michael Abbott, Serena Saligari, Matthew Shupler, Iva Cukic, Elisa Puzzolo, Daniel Pope, Bertrand Mbatchou, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas
Summary: COVID-19 restrictions have negatively impacted household cooking fuel, practices, and dietary behaviors in a community in Central Cameroon, leading to financial impacts and high levels of food insecurity. Households have reduced food intake and cooking frequency and relied on local resources to feed their families. Local systems are crucial in ensuring access to food and fuel, and households have demonstrated resilience by employing various mechanisms to overcome challenges.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Gill-Wiehl, I. Ray, D. Kammen
Summary: This review analyzes the barrier of affordability to the adoption and consistent use of clean cooking stoves and fuels, finding diverse frameworks, definitions, and metrics in use. Recommendations include financing strategies based on how low-income households earn, spend, and save money, and expanding affordability frameworks to account for gender divides, rural/urban divides, and stove stacking behavior. The review aims to reflect the nuances of a low-income household's ability to pay for clean fuels, emphasizing that affordability must align with the lived experiences of the poor for universal access to clean cooking.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dalia Fadly, Francisco Fontes, Miet Maertens
Summary: This paper examines the impact of using biomass fuels on the daily number of meals consumed in India. The study finds that using dirty fuel as primary cooking fuel decreases the number of meals per day by an estimated 1.5%. Additionally, the use of dirty cooking fuel is associated with increased cooking time, higher frequency of fuelwood collection, and lower satisfaction with the cooking arrangement, which partially explains the negative effect on nutrition.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. F. Hollands, H. Daly
Summary: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target 7.1, to provide universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy by 2030, needs to be achieved alongside global greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The continued reliance of 2.6 billion people on solid fuel for cooking and heating has significant environmental impacts. However, current decarbonization models lack a detailed pathway for universal clean cooking access, which restricts the representation of the interconnected transitions of mitigating climate change and achieving universal energy access. This study presents a novel methodology for incorporating residential cooking pathways into the TIMES energy systems optimization model framework, using India as a proof-of-concept case study to explore solutions for clean cooking access in the context of reduced GHG emissions. The model presented in this study is published and publicly available.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhanna Kapsalyamova, Ranjeeta Mishra, Aiymgul Kerimray, Kamalbek Karymshakov, Dina Azhgaliyeva
Summary: The transition to sustainable energy requires assessing the drivers of clean and dirty fuel use. Access to clean fuel is important for switching from dirty fuels, but doesn't guarantee a complete transition. Results show that access to natural gas increases the likelihood of choosing clean fuels.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Kailasnath B. Sutar, Sangeeta Kohli, M. R. Ravi
Summary: Two downdraft gasifier cookstoves have been developed for domestic application, and their thermal performance and emissions were studied by varying the output parameters of the gasifier.
Article
Economics
Dawit Guta, Hisham Zerriffi, Jill Baumgartner, Abhishek Jain, Sunil Mani, Darby Jack, Ellison Carter, Guofeng Shen, Jennifer Orgill-Meyer, Joshua Rosenthal, Katherine Dickinson, Rob Bailis, Yuta Masuda
Summary: Household solid fuel use is detrimental to health and the environment. The Indian government's PMUY subsidy has successfully promoted the adoption of LPG by millions of households. However, there is limited understanding of the decision-making process to reduce solid fuel use after transitioning to cleaner fuels. This study found that factors such as household wealth, social status, education level, and the prevalence of LPG use in the village are positively associated with LPG consumption and the discontinuation of solid fuel use. On the other hand, factors such as distance to LPG refill delivery, household size, and the PMUY subsidy are negatively associated with the share of LPG use.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Anjani R. K. Gollakota, Chi -Min Shu
Summary: The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has spread to 213 countries globally by August 2021. COVID-19 has emerged as a catastrophic event in the health field, triggering an international emergency response. While the pandemic has caused economic disruption and imbalances in the energy sector, it has also created opportunities for environmental protection and renewable energy.
Article
Economics
Muhammad Abubakr Naeem, Michael Appiah, John Taden, Richard Amoasi, Bright Akwasi Gyamfi
Summary: This study examined how efforts to expand clean energy access and develop renewables, increase in biocapacity, and environmental policies impacted carbon emissions in 24 OECD countries from 2000 to 2020. Results showed that increasing clean fuels/technologies and renewable energy can lower emissions, while biocapacity expansion and current policies can increase emissions. Two-way relationships were found between emissions and each factor.
Article
Thermodynamics
Cheng Tung Chong, Yee Van Fan, Chew Tin Lee, Jiri Jaromir Klemes
Summary: This review covers recent advancements in selected emerging energy sectors, focusing on carbon emission neutrality and energy sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bodie Cabiyo, Isha Ray, David Levine
Summary: Research conducted in Mulbagal, Karnataka reveals that respondents perceive the main value of LPG to be saving time rather than improving health. Gender norms and affordability challenges in low-income households contribute to delays in refilling LPG cylinders.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ajayan Thamarakshan Sreeja, Anjali Dhengle, Deepak Kumar, Ashis Kumar Pradhan
Summary: The promotion of clean cooking fuel and technologies contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and empowering women. This study focuses on the impact of clean cooking fuels and technologies on greenhouse gas emissions in BRICS nations. The results show that energy use, trade openness, and urbanization promote greenhouse gas emissions, while the use of clean cooking and foreign capital can help reduce environmental degradation and achieve environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is important to develop clean energy at the macro level and promote the use of clean cooking fuel and technologies at the household level.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew Shupler, Diana Menya, Edna Sang, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, Judith Mang'eni, Federico Lorenzetti, Serena Saligari, Emily Nix, James Mwitari, Arthur Gohole, Daniel Pope, Elisa Puzzolo
Summary: The universal access to cleaner cooking fuels in Kenya has been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions and the reintroduction of value added tax (VAT) on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The impact has been particularly severe for low-income households, leading to increased unemployment and food insecurity. Zero-rating VAT on LPG could help alleviate these inequities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanfang Xiong, Yinglong Zhang, Jing Yan, Xiaoxia Yang, Qiongzhen Wang, Rui Tu, Yi He
Summary: This study compared the concentration, chemical composition, and sources of PM2.5 in Jiaxing before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. It found that the PM2.5 concentration significantly decreased during the outbreak, along with a decrease in the main chemical species. Trajectory clustering analysis revealed that close-range transport was a dominant factor in pollution except during a specific time period. The study provided important insights into the impact of COVID-19 on PM2.5.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Pambianchi, Alessandra Pecorelli, Giuseppe Valacchi
Summary: Airborne pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), has been shown to have adverse effects on human health, not only causing respiratory diseases but also leading to gastrointestinal complications. The relationship between respiratory and GI conditions, known as the lung-gut axis, has become clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
A. Hemanth Kumar, M. Venkat Ratnam, Chaithanya D. Jain
Summary: The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in significant reductions in pollutant levels globally. This study specifically focused on the vertical distribution of trace gases over India during the lockdown period, highlighting substantial differences in different atmospheric layers across the country. The findings suggest that long-range transport of pollutants continued to dominate over India during the lockdown despite the absence of anthropogenic pollution.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria A. Zoran, Roxana S. Savastru, Dan M. Savastru, Marina N. Tautan, Laurentiu A. Baschir, Daniel Tenciu
Summary: This study investigated the transmission pattern of SARS-CoV-2 in Madrid metropolitan region during different COVID-19 waves, finding that meteorological conditions and air quality played a significant role. The research identified favorable stability conditions for COVID-19 spread in Madrid from 2020 to 2021, with a significant negative correlation between air temperature and daily new cases and deaths. Additionally, there was a similarity in seasonality between the first and fourth COVID-19 waves in relation to climate variables.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dong-Ying Lan, Hua Zhang, Ting-Wei Wu, Fan Lu, Li-Ming Shao, Pin-Jing He
Summary: During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in clinical waste generation, leading to the implementation of emergency co-incineration methods. Research findings showed that co-incineration had an impact on the major elements and heavy metal contents in incineration residues, but not on the distribution of elements significantly.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teresa K. Spohn, Damien Martin, Michael Geever, Colin O'Dowd
Summary: This study examines the regional impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on pollution in Ireland by comparing measurements of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter in 2020 to previous years. Results show changes in ozone and NO2 levels in different regions, while PM concentrations remained relatively stable. Meteorological conditions may have influenced the dispersion of PM and NO2.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Malachy Buck, Alexander Nurse
Summary: There is evidence of the benefits of a shift towards cycling in urban areas. This paper uses the city of Liverpool as a case study to understand the challenges and uses practice theory to analyze the factors influencing modal choice. The study finds that the provision of materials for cycling is crucial in supporting a modal shift.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
(2023)
Article
Business
Lianhua Liu, Aili Xie, Shiqi Lyu
Summary: This paper aims to clarify the spatial connection characteristics and organization mode of logistics economy in 21 cities in Guangdong Province under the background of the integrated development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Bay area, and explore the spatial development characteristics and influencing factors of logistics economy in Guangdong Province. The study provides a new perspective to understand the spatial relationship and spatial spillover of logistics economy from relational data rather than attribute data. It enriches and broadens the research topic of spatial correlation of logistics economy and promotes the original methods and empirical contributions.
ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew J. Gidden, Elina Brutschin, Gaurav Ganti, Gamze Unlu, Behnam Zakeri, Oliver Fricko, Benjamin Mitterrutzner, Francesco Lovat, Keywan Riahi
Summary: To comprehensively analyze and achieve climate mitigation goals, factors of justice and fairness as well as new carbon dioxide removal technologies should be considered. Introducing novel carbon dioxide removal technologies, including direct air capture of CO2 and institutional capacity, can enhance the feasibility and fairness of mitigation scenarios. However, relying solely on carbon removal measures in developed countries is not sufficient to achieve the 1.5℃ target of the Paris Agreement, and further technical and financial transfers are needed for equitable achievement.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shonali Pachauri, Setu Pelz, Christoph Bertram, Narasimha D. Rao, Keywan Riahi
Summary: We appreciate Semieniuk et al.’s analysis as a supplementary perspective to highlight the unequal distribution of regional investment capabilities in addressing climate change. Our study is based on the estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) WGIII's sixth assessment report (AR6), which consider regional differences in technology costs and use both purchasing power parity (PPP) and market exchange rates (MERs). We utilize these IPCC estimates to explore the question of how much regional investments should be financed within each region, taking fairness into consideration.
Article
Development Studies
Setu Pelz, Shonali Pachauri, Giacomo Falchetta
Summary: Empirical evaluation of the economic effects of electricity access in rural regions is challenging due to data scarcity and identification issues. Previous studies provide mixed evidence, making it necessary to further understand this linkage for designing effective policies. Our analysis on Ethiopia and Nigeria shows that rural electrification alone may not lead to immediate shifts in non-farm entrepreneurship and employment outcomes, highlighting the limitations of short-term survey datasets.
WORLD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leila Niamir, Shonali Pachauri
Summary: Anthropogenic climate change is having a growing impact on cities worldwide, leading to more extreme weather events and climate risks. Coastal cities are particularly vulnerable, with one billion people projected to be at risk of coastal hazards by 2050. The rise in sea levels poses serious threats to housing, infrastructure, and human health. Current adaptation efforts have mainly focused on incremental changes, neglecting the need for comprehensive transformative actions that incorporate behavioral, cultural, and institutional options. A coordinated multi-level governance mechanism is necessary to bridge the gap between ambitious adaptation and mitigation actions to enhance resilience in coastal cities.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE CITIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Rainard, Christopher J. Smith, Shonali Pachauri
Summary: An orthodox assumption sees gender equality as a solution to the climate crisis, which assumes that empowering women will have significant positive effects on countries' environmental performances. However, the literature on the gender-climate nexus often neglects feminist epistemology and incorporates harmful gendered assumptions into its analyses and policy recommendations. To address this, a mixed-method approach, including feminist theories, was used to investigate the links between gender equality and climate change mitigation actions. The analysis examined the correlations between two metrics of gender equity, the Global Gender Gap Index and the Gender Inequality Index, and a sustainability metric, the Environmental Performance Index. Results showed that the relationship between gender equality and environmental performances is context-specific and multifaceted, highlighting the need for better integration of radical gender theories and interdisciplinary research in climate change science.
FRONTIERS IN CLIMATE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giacomo Falchetta, Francesco Semeria, Marta Tuninetti, Vittorio Giordano, Shonali Pachauri, Edward Byers
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture relies heavily on rainfed irrigation and inadequate rural electricity supply is a major barrier to adopting irrigation. Through the use of a spatially explicit integrated modeling framework, it has been shown that standalone solar photovoltaic irrigation systems can meet over one third of the crop water requirements in smallholder cropland of sub-Saharan Africa. This has the potential to increase incomes, achieve food security, and be paid back by farmers within 20 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sibel Eker, Alessio Mastrucci, Shonali Pachauri, Bas van Ruijven
Summary: Cooling homes with air conditioners is important but can lead to increased hydrofluorocarbon emissions and carbon emissions. The extent and drivers of air-conditioning adoption are unclear, but social media data can provide insights into purchasing trends. Globally, parents of small children and middle-aged, highly educated married or cohabiting males show greater interest in air-conditioning. These findings can improve our understanding of future cooling demand and guide sustainable cooling management.