Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yisheng Wang, Mingjun Xie, Yazhen Wu, Xi Zhang, Minghao Wang, Yuqiang Zhang, Yang Xie
Summary: China's commitment to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality has positive impacts on air quality, public health, and the economy. The stringent climate mitigation policy in China can significantly reduce premature deaths related to ozone and result in substantial economic savings.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaleem Anwar Mir, Pallav Purohit, Sylvain Cail, Seungdo Kim
Summary: Pakistan's urban air pollution is severe, and current control measures are inadequate. Implementing sustainable development strategies and advanced control measures can significantly improve air quality and human health, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and control costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arun Khatri-Chhetri, Ciniro Costa Junior, Eva Wollenberg
Summary: Global agricultural development programs have been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially through forest management and promotion of improved agroforestry systems. Improved crop management and grassland management also contribute significantly to emissions reduction. However, the impact of soil organic carbon sequestration needs to be carefully interpreted. In order to achieve emission reduction goals and ensure food security, global agriculture development programs should prioritize the development and implementation of agricultural policies.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noah Scovronick, David Anthoff, Francis Dennig, Frank Errickson, Maddalena Ferranna, Wei Peng, Dean Spears, Fabian Wagner, Mark Budolfson
Summary: The co-benefit of air quality motivates reduced emissions and requires global cooperation to prevent runaway temperature rise under different climate policy regimes. Even in the self-interested case, air quality co-benefits may lead to high levels of mitigation in certain regions, expanding the range of possible policy outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Garcia, Jill Johnston, Rob McConnell, Lawrence Palinkas, Sandrah P. Eckel
Summary: This study evaluated the benefits of using low-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on respiratory health and air quality in California, and found a slower adoption rate of ZEVs in areas with lower educational attainment. The results showed that the adoption of ZEVs was associated with improvements in air quality and a decrease in asthma-related emergency department visits, but the adoption gap among low-income populations threatens the equitable distribution of these benefits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haoqi Qian, Shaodan Xu, Jing Cao, Feizhou Ren, Wendong Wei, Jing Meng, Libo Wu
Summary: Correction notice has been published for this paper.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Danielle Boyd, Minal Pathak, Renee van Diemen, Jim Skea
Summary: This research explores the approaches taken by eight cities in planning for mitigation co-benefits of adaptation strategies. The research analyses and compares the approaches set out in city adaptation plans, identifies common barriers faced by cities, and outlines three actions as recommendations for cities. The research highlights the importance of delivering mitigation co-benefits of adaptation actions and identifies certain types of co-benefits that are commonly utilized by cities.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Drew Shindell, Muye Ru, Yuqiang Zhang, Karl Seltzer, Greg Faluvegi, Larissa Nazarenko, Gavin A. Schmidt, Luke Parsons, Ariyani Challapalli, Longyi Yang, Alex Glick
Summary: Societal benefits from climate change mitigation are realized through various pathways, with improvements in air quality and reduced heat exposure leading to significant health and productivity gains. Monetized benefits, which include avoided deaths and increased labor productivity and crop yields, are in the tens of trillions of dollars. The emphasis on localized, near-term impacts of air quality can help align policies with societal benefits and increase acceptance of mitigation measures.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ayyoob Sharifi
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of urban climate change adaptation and mitigation plans in addressing climate change. It highlights the synergistic benefits and interactions between adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as different measures providing co-benefits and synergies. The research calls for more empirical studies to better understand the magnitude of synergistic benefits between different measures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Floess, Andrew Grieshop, Elisa Puzzolo, Dan Pope, Nicholas Leach, Christopher J. Smith, Annelise Gill-Wiehl, Katherine Landesman, Rob Bailis
Summary: Nearly three billion people in LMICs rely on polluting fuels, causing millions of avoidable deaths each year. Transitioning to LPG and/or electricity can significantly reduce emissions and improve climate impacts. Full transitions to LPG or grid electricity in LMICs can also substantially lower health risks from household air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rong Tang, Jing Zhao, Yifan Liu, Xin Huang, Yanxu Zhang, Derong Zhou, Aijun Ding, Chris P. Nielsen, Haikun Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the economic costs and health benefits of an early carbon peak in China and finds that an early peak could lead to significant health benefits, especially under the 1.5 degrees C target.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Business
H. Ron Chan, Yichen Christy Zhou
Summary: This study estimates the carbon co-benefits of the New Source Review regulations on US power plants by analyzing how regulations on SO2 and NOx emissions affect CO2 emissions. The research shows that a 1% increase in the probability of being sued reduces CO2 emissions by 0.3%, which is comparable to a carbon tax of $10 per ton. Analysis suggests that most of these carbon co-benefits come from the shutdown of coal-fired-only power plants and certain power-generating units.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Meng Xu, Zhixiong Weng, Yang Xie, Bin Chen
Summary: Vehicle exhaust is a significant contributor to atmospheric pollution in China. This study comprehensively evaluates the emission of major air pollutants and greenhouse gases from the transportation sector under different vehicle emission control policies in Hubei during 2015-2050, along with health outcomes. It highlights the need for innovation in mechanisms and technologies to mitigate pollution and generate health benefits.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zexuan Zhang, Yingying Yan, Shaofei Kong, Qimin Deng, Si Qin, Liquan Yao, Tianliang Zhao, Shihua Qi
Summary: Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) is a crucial precursor of secondary inorganic aerosols. This study constructed NH3 emission inventories in Central China and used modeling simulations to quantify the benefits of NH3 emission reduction. The results showed that controlling NH3 emissions could effectively reduce PM2.5 pollution, particularly in areas with high NH3 emissions. This research provides scientific support for formulating NH3 emission reduction policies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Da Zhang, Qingyi Wang, Shaojie Song, Simiao Chen, Mingwei Li, Lu Shen, Siqi Zheng, Bofeng Cai, Shenhao Wang, Haotian Zheng
Summary: Estimating health benefits of reducing fossil fuel use from improved air quality is important for carbon emissions abatement. This study develops a machine learning framework to directly estimate fine particle concentration from high-resolution fossil energy use data. Applications in China reveal heterogeneous health benefits of reducing fossil fuel use in different sectors and regions, with the highest co-benefits observed in rural and residential coal reduction.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Lu, Dan Tong, Kebin He
Summary: China, as the largest developing economy and carbon dioxide emitter, has a significant role in shaping the global climate change mitigation pathway through its carbon neutrality goal. The transition to a carbon-neutral society in China is integrated into the construction of ecological civilization and has profound implications for the country's socioeconomic development. This article not only highlights the major challenges in achieving carbon neutrality in China, but also identifies four potential new opportunities: accelerating technological innovations, narrowing regional disparities through reshaping resource values, transforming industrial structures, and reaping co-benefits of pollution and carbon mitigation. Furthermore, the importance of balancing economic growth and carbon mitigation, as well as the collaborative efforts among government, enterprises, and residents, is emphasized through the provision of five policy suggestions.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanyi He, Kun Yang, Martin Wild, Kaicun Wang, Dan Tong, Changkun Shao, Tianjun Zhou
Summary: We reduced the uncertainties in projecting surface downward solar radiation by approximately 56% using emergent constraints. Our findings reveal significant brightening in North and Southeast China, regions with high energy demand. Surface downward solar radiation is crucial for renewable solar energy and climate change mitigation, however, future projections based on climate models are highly uncertain, hindering efficient deployment. By using emergent constraints, we obtained credible and narrowed projections for future solar radiation, emphasizing the need to consider spatial changes in order to optimize solar energy infrastructure placement.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Brett F. Sanders, Jochen E. Schubert, Daniel T. Kahl, Katharine J. Mach, David Brady, Amir AghaKouchak, Fonna Forman, Richard A. Matthew, Nicola Ulibarri, Steven J. Davis
Summary: Flood risks in the United States have historically been underestimated, particularly with respect to human well-being and within low-wealth and marginalized communities. In Los Angeles, flood risks are disproportionately high for historically disadvantaged populations and communities already facing social inequities.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhixiong Weng, Dan Tong, Shaowei Wu, Yang Xie
Summary: Clean air actions in China have led to significant health benefits and cost savings in healthcare expenditure. However, regional disparities in air quality improvements and economic development may affect the equality of healthcare resources. Strengthening pollution control policies and addressing regional healthcare costs are crucial.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tao Xue, Mingkun Tong, Meng Wang, Xinyue Yang, Yanying Wang, Huan Lin, Hengyi Liu, Jiajianghui Li, Conghong Huang, Xia Meng, Yixuan Zheng, Dan Tong, Jicheng Gong, Shiqiu Zhang, Tong Zhu
Summary: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure in China has led to a significant burden of premature deaths, especially in urban areas. This environmental inequality is evident as a small high-risk subgroup bears the majority of the NO2-related health impacts. Although there has been a reduction in the overall health impact of NO2 exposure from 2013 to 2020, inequality has slightly increased.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bo Zheng, Philippe Ciais, Frederic Chevallier, Hui Yang, Josep G. Canadell, Yang Chen, Ivar R. van der Velde, Ilse Aben, Emilio Chuvieco, Steven J. Davis, Merritt Deeter, Chaopeng Hong, Yawen Kong, Haiyan Li, Hui Li, Xin Lin, Kebin He, Qiang Zhang
Summary: Extreme wildfires in boreal forests are increasing and impacting Earth's climate. These fires, which account for typically 10% of global fire carbon dioxide emissions, contributed 23% (0.48 billion metric tons of carbon) in 2021. The synchronized water deficit in North American and Eurasian boreal forests in 2021 led to the rapid expansion of wildfires, challenging climate mitigation efforts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, Benjamin T. Saenz, Christina A. Frieder, Matthew C. C. Long, Julianne DeAngelo, Steven J. Davis, Kristen A. Davis
Summary: It is estimated that more than 4 gigatons of carbon dioxide need to be removed from the atmosphere annually by 2050 to meet international climate goals. One potential solution for carbon dioxide removal is seaweed farming, but its global potential is uncertain. A dynamic seaweed growth model was applied to estimate the global potential yield of four types of seaweed.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Chaopeng Hong, Shijie Gu
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhu Liu, Zhu Deng, Steve Davis, Philippe Ciais
Summary: Global CO2 emissions for 2022 increased by 1.5% relative to 2021 (+7.9% and +2.0% relative to 2020 and 2019, respectively), reaching 36.1 GtCO(2). These 2022 emissions consumed 13%-36% of the remaining carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C, suggesting permissible emissions could be depleted within 2-7 years (67% likelihood).
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Wang, Nicola Ulibarri, Tyler A. Scott, Steven J. Davis
Summary: This paper examines the distribution of infrastructure projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and how environmental impact assessment (EIA) can influence infrastructure distribution and environmental justice. The study finds an unequal distribution of infrastructure, with socio-economically vulnerable communities and areas with more environmental pollution being less likely to have new infrastructure projects. However, proposed projects tend to be beneficial and less-polluting infrastructure that could address past injustices. The study also highlights that vulnerable communities are less likely to receive stringent reviews or have their impacts mitigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixiong Weng, Yuqi Song, Cuiyun Cheng, Dan Tong, Meng Xu, Minghao Wang, Yang Xie
Summary: The Chinese government's strict policies on coal-fired power plants have had considerable environmental benefits, but further testing is needed to determine whether these plants still contribute to air pollution. Using a Difference-In-Differences model, this study compared air quality stations with varying degrees of influence from nearby coal-fired power plants during pandemic lockdowns. The results showed that reduced operation of coal-fired power plants during the lockdowns led to improvements in air quality, but the extent of the impact varied across cities with different economic levels, electricity usage, population sizes, and between capital and non-capital cities. Technological upgrades are crucial for addressing emission control issues and improving air quality.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amir AghaKouchak, Laurie S. Huning, Mojtaba Sadegh, Yue Qin, Yannis Markonis, Farshid Vahedifard, Charlotte A. Love, Ashok Mishra, Ali Mehran, Renee Obringer, Annika Hjelmstad, Shrideep Pallickara, Shakil Jiwa, Martin Hanel, Yunxia Zhao, Angeline G. Pendergrass, Mazdak Arabi, Steven J. Davis, Philip J. Ward, Mark Svoboda, Roger Pulwarty, Heidi Kreibich
Summary: Integrating impacts and cascading hazards into drought monitoring can enhance prediction and mitigation of drought events. Current monitoring efforts mainly focus on hazards and overlook drought-related compound risks such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and debris flows. We advocate for impact-based drought monitoring and its integration with broader drought-related hazards.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qiang Zhang, Zhicong Yin, Xi Lu, Jicheng Gong, Yu Lei, Bofeng Cai, Cilan Cai, Qimin Chai, Huopo Chen, Hancheng Dai, Zhanfeng Dong, Guannan Geng, Dabo Guan, Jianlin Hu, Cunrui Huang, Jianing Kang, Tiantian Li, Wei Li, Yongsheng Lin, Jun Liu, Xin Liu, Zhu Liu, Jinghui Ma, Guofeng Shen, Dan Tong, Xuhui Wang, Xuying Wang, Zhili Wang, Yang Xie, Honglei Xu, Tao Xue, Bing Zhang, Da Zhang, Shaohui Zhang, Shaojun Zhang, Xian Zhang, Bo Zheng, Yixuan Zheng, Tong Zhu, Jinnan Wang, Kebin He
Summary: This study tracks and analyzes the progress of synergetic governance of air pollution and climate change in China by developing and monitoring 18 indicators. It provides policy recommendations for designing a synergetic roadmap of Carbon Neutrality and Clean Air for China.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruochong Xu, Dan Tong, Steven J. Davis, Xinying Qin, Jing Cheng, Qinren Shi, Yang Liu, Cuihong Chen, Liu Yan, Xizhe Yan, Huaxuan Wang, Dongsheng Zheng, Kebin He, Qiang Zhang
Summary: The critical role of the iron and steel industry in decarbonizing global energy systems requires refined strategies for climate mitigation. Using a newly developed database, this study explores the differences in age-to-capacity ratio and emissions intensity of individual steelmaking plants worldwide. By targeting specific proportions of plants, regional cost-effective decarbonization strategies are customized. The findings indicate that emissions intensity is a more effective indicator for targeted decarbonization in developing regions, while age-to-capacity ratio is more relevant in developed countries. Transformation towards secondary steelmaking is generally more cost-effective than efficiency improvement, with some regional priorities. This study emphasizes the importance of region-specific indicators and strategies in mitigating steel-related CO2 emissions.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jing Cheng, Dan Tong, Yang Liu, Guannan Geng, Steven J. Davis, Kebin He, Qiang Zhang
Summary: China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, but it still poses a threat to public health. This study investigates the health effects of implementing air pollution control and carbon-neutrality policies simultaneously in China. The findings suggest that these policies can prevent a substantial number of premature deaths, with different impacts in the short and long term.
